Night and Day

The old farmhouse made many subtle noises that had not been apparent during the day. There was the settling cooling creak of timbers, the meandering whistle of the breeze through a crack somewhere. There was the gurgle of water in leaky pipes, the light tapping of tree branches against the window panes.

All in all the house seemed a surprisingly busy place, especially with the contributions of its equine inhabitants. Granny Smith gave a sharp, percussive cough in the bedroom across the hall. A slow, heavy tread advanced up the hallway which could only belong to Big Mac. From Apple Bloom's room there was only silence.

Applejack sat before the old dresser, gazing into the mirror. She had one of those earth-pony style brushes, with a strap to fit over the hoof, clutched in her grasp. Slowly, methodically, she combed the stiff bristly thing the length of her mane.

Rarity had watched her go through the curl at the end of her mane at least three times. Whatever was going on here it had little to do with brushing.

'Here. Let me.' Applejack, seated at the dresser, gave the tiniest of starts. Her eyes, reflected in the old dark mirror, flashed greenly as they glanced back at Rarity.

The unicorn trotted over and settled herself down at Applejack's rear. Again, the green eyes glanced at her. 'Rares, you don't need to...'

'I daresay, but I want to. Hush.' Rarity grasped the old Stetson in her magic, lifted off its perch, and began turning it round and round, smoothing the rim. 'Really, Applejack darling. You need to take more care of this.'

There was a low chuckle from in front of her. 'You ain't never paid much attention to mah hat before.'

'That was before. Everything about you should now warrant my attention.' Rarity replaced the hat, then studied the tense, leaning-forward attitude of Applejack's back. Still so unsure, afraid even, unwilling to take the final step, even after everything they'd said and done. Well, then. She took the brush and began running it through the pale gold of the mane. 'Have I ever told you what beautiful hair you have?'

'You may of mentioned it, yeah.'

May HAVE mentioned it, thought Rarity in exasperation, before pushing the thought to one side. Indeed it was easy to lose herself in the tidying, untangling and general beautification of Applejack's hair. Humming a tune she revelled in the silky-tough texture of the blonde waterfall running through her hooves. 'You don't appreciate how lucky you are, Applejack.'

The earth pony gave a faint huh which could have been a sigh. Well then, Rarity judged. Time to make the first move. She relinquished the brush – it landed on the dresser with a click. Then she leaned forward and planted a kiss of the nape of Applejack's neck.

Applejack gave a tiny gasp, the faintest flinch of surprise.

Rarity slid her hooves around Applejack's middle and eased into a close and sensual hug. She felt the muscle tone all along Applejack's back tense up. There was a sharp intake of air and a held breath. It was just like that day back in the apple orchard, when this all kicked off. That sexual tension, overwhelming in its suddeness and strength. Applejack's resistance, a stubbornness which masked fear, almost panic.

'Darling,' murmured Rarity warmly into Applejack's ear. 'Please just relax.'

The ear flicked. 'Ah am relaxed.' The weak and shaky sound of Applejack's reply suggested quite the opposite. Take her, insisted a dark voice in the back of Rarity's mind. Take her now, buck her and make her scream. You know she wants you to. But no, that was not the way to treat a sexually inexperienced pony.

She remembered back to when she had first cornered Applejack in the orchard and the kiss had been so sweet – the attraction vibrating between them at the very start. But Applejack's reaction! The earth pony had been angrier and more upset than Rarity had ever seen her. How dare you. How dare you! Ah thought we was supposed to be friends. And you want me to be another notch on your bedpost? Rarity Ah never expected you would stoop so low. Ah think you should just shift yerself outta here.

Let me court you! She had yelled.

Applejack had shut her mouth in shock, just like Rarity had hit her with a big wet fish.

Let me court you, Rarity had continued, perfectly calm. It doesn't even have to be anything like a date. We can just... hang out, together. I could help you around the farm. I am not entirely averse to manual labour, you know.

All right then, Applejack had agreed, still grumpy. See yer tomorrow.

All right then. And that was how it had started. With no pressure, no designs of seduction, she had helped Applejack with the harvest. It had been fun. Then Applejack had come over to the boutique to be a model for the new dress designs. Once more, not a date as such. And then they had gone to Appleoosa on business. Manehatten, Canterlot. It had all been so relaxed. They complemented each other, perfectly. Level-headedness and inspiration. Hard work and charisma. They could spend hours just talking about nothing in particular. They made each other laugh. And all the time, the unresolved sexual tension.

Was it possible? Was Applejack going to refuse the fence? Rarity sighed and released the earth pony. 'Darling, turn around and look at me.' Applejack did so, coming face-to-face with her, eyes downcast in shame.

'Dang it, Rarity, Ah am sorry. Ah never appreciated how hard this was gonna be.'

'Would you like to tell me about it?

Applejack shame-facedly scuffed one hoof against the floor. 'Ah am giving of myself something I ain't never given before. Revealing somethin' which Ah always kept hid. Suddenly it all seems mighty scary-like... when all's said and done Ah would never want to disappoint you...'

Rarity smiled her warmest and most comforting smile. 'Pish-posh and nonsense. You could never do that. We do not have to do anything you don't want. If you like, we could just cuddle up, like we did that time in the...

'No!' Applejack's refusal was emphatic and total. 'No. Ah want this, truly I do. Tonight, you are goin' to... goin' to...' her voice trailed off into inaudibility.

Rarity flicked an ear. 'Going to what, darling?' Though she had a pretty good idea what AJ was going to say.

'Make a grown mare of me.' The words were delivered in a barely audible whisper.

Don't laugh don't laugh don't laugh...

Applejack gave her an anguished look. 'Now Ah plum made a grand ole fool o'myself, didn't I?'

'Absolutely not,' cried Rarity. 'And don't you ever think that.'

'Ah dang it. Everything is awkward now. I’m feelin' like some virgin fumblin' fillyfooler with no idea which way is up. And you are just so...'

Rarity raised an eyebrow. 'So what, darling?'

'Experienced.' The declaration was bold and unashamed.

'Hmm.' Rarity nodded in acceptance. 'You are quite right. I am, as you put it, experienced. But tonight is not about anything or anypony in the past. Tonight is just you and me. And I declare you to be the smartest, kindest, strongest, most beautiful mare... no, pony... I have ever or could ever know.'

No deprecation or demurral came from Applejack's mouth. She just gazed at Rarity, pinwheels of love revolving in her eyes. The unicorn leaned forward and gave her a brief but full kiss on the lips. 'Now, I declare I am quite tired after the events of today. Let us go to bed.'

'A... alright, Rarity.' Applejack gave a brave nod, looked around for the brush and realised her mane had already received all the attention it needed and more. There was nothing to do but follow Rarity to the bed. The bed which, as far as Rarity knew, and she had no reason to believe otherwise, had never had another living pony in it.

And yet, she thought, it shouldn't be this straightforward – this was to be the finest night of Applejack's life so far, she deserved the best that Rarity could give. Struck by a sudden inspiration the unicorn halted and held up a hoof. 'Just a moment, if you will.'

Applejack cocked an uncertain eyebrow. 'Somethin' wrong?'

'Nothing whatsoever.' Rarity gave her an indulgent smile. 'I would just like to look at you.'

Now Applejack was even more confused. 'That don't make no sense. You look at me all the time.'

'Not like this I don't.' Rarity waved a hoof. 'Indulge me.' And just like that Applejack stood stock still in the centre of the bedroom, her four hooves planted on the old rug. Rarity walked around and around her, caressing with her eyes, drinking in the sight with her glance. A pony who combined, in the finest way possible, strength and femininity. The face, a little masculine maybe, square-jawed and regular of feature. The eyes, wide and guileless with that indefinable light that had inspired her so many times in the work room. How had she not known sooner? When it was Applejack, so often, who she'd had in mind when she was working her magic. Applejack's dimensions she sewed the dresses to. Rarity, who had thought herself so sophisticated, so used to the vicissitudes of love, and failed for so long to see what was right before her muzzle.

And now she saw something else. Her scrutiny was having an effect – and what an effect it was! The flush was rising in Applejack's cheeks. Her nostrils were flaring. There was the faintest gleam of sweat on her flanks. Her tail twitched back and forth in restless motion.

Applejack was getting off on this. Was really, really turned on by being ogled, watched as a snake might watch a bird.

A wicked impulse rose inside Rarity. Doing nothing to suppress it she leaned up, placed a hoof on Applejack's dock and pressed down firmly.

Applejack gave a low gasp. Her eyelids fluttered shut. Her tail rose like a golden fountain suddenly turn full on. Between those glorious buttocks Rarity glimpsed the prize, the longed-for mare's treasure. Beneath the dusky donut of the ass, Applejack's sex resembled a plump fruit ripe to bursting, split down the seam and gleaming with nectar.

Oh my goodness me, thought Rarity in shock. The poor girl is half insane with lust.

And she could not deny the need that rose inside herself. Kindled that day in the orchard, denied for so long. She was trembling all over but she knew she had to be careful now, as careful as she could be, to nurture and guide Applejack to the sweet warm place, to not upset or hurt or turn her off.

Rarity got a hold of herself. She leaned forward, set her muzzle at Applejack's entrance and inhaled. The scent, like fresh sweat but with a indefinable sweetness and the barest hint of acridity, flooded her senses. She knew that Applejack felt the hot breath caress her labia – knew it by the sudden flex of those gleaming lips, Applejack's intake of breath through clenched teeth. And here, peeping forth from its fleshy hiding place, came the first brief thrust of Applejack's clitoris.

And then, just like it was nothing at all, Rarity trotted forwards and nuzzled the earth-pony's cheek. 'Come to bed, darling.'

Applejack followed her, wide-eyed, on legs which trembled. Now came the business of settling into bed. Who was sleeping on what side? Rarity loved these little negotiations – these quotidian things you discovered about your new sexual partner. It turned out that Applejack had no strong preferences. Was in fact intending that Rarity take charge. Very well. She arranged Applejack and slid into place beside her. With a flare of her horn she levitated the comforter over them both. It seemed a little thin – fall was well advanced and there was a distinct chill in the air. Rarity liked warmth and wasn't really happy unless she had at least two quilts and a duvet to hand. Applejack, she figured, probably shrugged at cold temperatures in the same way she shrugged at the prospect of hard physical labour.

And yet, as they settled together, Applejack was so warm! Like a furry radiator or hot water bottle. Delightedly she squirmed up close, buried her nose in the golden mane. Quickly they assumed the 'little spoon' – Rarity close against Applejack's back, her forelegs clasped around the orange torso.

With a sigh Rarity relaxed. 'Comfortable, darling?'

'Ah am most comfortable, thank you Rarity.'

'Applejack, we are in bed together, it is hardly the place for formality.'

There was silence for a moment. Then: 'Darn it, Ah'm sorry...'

'Hush, darling. Just relax. Relax for me. Yes, that's right.'

And Applejack did. They lay together in perfect quiescence which nevertheless had the quality of tense waiting. For this, of course, was all part of the plan. Was yet another means of easing Applejack into the sweet kingdom of love.

Rarity gave it five minutes. Right on cue, Applejack shifted against her. Apparently trying to get comfortable. Yet the getting comfortable entailed her thrusting her rump, pretty emphatically, against Rarity's close-cuddling hips.

Also pretending to get comfortable, Rarity slid her hooves down Applejack's body.

Another thrust of the hips. Another slide. Close as she was, Rarity was tuned into the messages from Applejack's body with an acuity that Twilight Sparkle would raise an eyebrow at. She could detect the heavy breathing, the increased heartrate. The silky squirming. Her own excitement peaked. She covered Applejack's breasts with her hooves, commenced a gentle massage.

AJ gave a low moan. Rarity licked, then kissed her ear. She felt the nipples harden under her caresses. Applejack began to make sounds; low murmured gasps and groans.

'Applejack,' murmured Rarity in soft tones of command. 'Turn around and face me.'

The earth pony twisted round like an eel and they were face-to-face, nose-to-nose. Applejack's face was guileless, open, alight with love and desire. A gleam of tears beaded her eyelashes.

All right, time for the final step. To confirm what she had guessed, all along. To give Applejack what she truly wanted. 'You're mine, now.'

'Yessssss....' the drawn out gasp of assent told Rarity she had been absolutely right with her guess.

Rarity felt her eyes narrow, the blaze of lust, of sexual dominance, shine forth. 'I can do whatever I like to you.'

'Ah want that... so bad...'

'And what I want is to fuck you. Do you hear me?'

Beyond speech, Applejack gave a moan of ecstasy. Rarity kissed her, deep and full. What a kisser her earth pony was! What intense passion, what head-spinning joy. Rarity moved down the strong body, licking the silky hide. Further she went, to suck and bite the nipples, bring them to a state of aching hardness, feel Applejack writhe and gasp in response to her skill.

Further still, to the warm scented darkness, where Applejack's sex nestled, swollen and dripping, between the taut swells of her buttocks. Her first taste of those puffy lips, the drag of her tongue over the exquisite dark pink of the labia, drew a wail from Applejack's throat, a sound almost pained.

And here again came the thrust of the clitoris, the pea emerging from its pod, the flower from its bud. Rarity clamped her lips around the nub of flesh and sucked hard, felt it twitch, Applejack's answering gasp.

Rarity set to work now, licking in a steady rhythm. This part of it was like climbing a hill, step by step. Each lick got you a little higher, a little further along the path. Certainly the trail might dip here and there and meander, but as long as the trend was generally upwards you could not go wrong. And whatever you did, falling off was not an option!

Whether it was because she had never been loved like this before, or because she had such a vast stock of passion, Applejack's hill was more like a mountain. Her flanks heaved, her forelegs pawed at the air, she she made adorable little exclamations like oh Celestia yes and jus' keep doin' it like that and Ah'm yours... yours fer ever... and, great as Rarity's answering passion was, she was getting a crick in her neck and her tongue was tired.

And then they reached Applejack's summit. Her gasps increased into a full throated wail, her body bucked like a beached fish. Rarity was nearly thrown right off the bed and had to cling on. Indeed Applejack's wildly thrusting pelvis connected with her face, bruising her lip.

Rarity thought it was absolutely bucking marvellous.

At last Applejack came down off the mountain. She lay there, taking great shuddering breaths while Rarity stooped over her. It had been the most powerful and prolonged orgasm Rarity had ever been involved with – and that was quite an achievement. She had always suspected Applejack would prove to be a screamer, but that... well, half of Ponyville probably knew exactly what had just gone down.

Rarity flopped down beside Applejack and licked her sweat-soaked neck.

At length Applejack's breathing slowed and she relaxed. She mumbled something inaudible.

'Hmm? What was that darling?' Rarity cuddled closer and licked one orange ear.

'Ah said... Ah can't move.' Applejack's voice was hoarse with passion.

'Then don't try.'

'Rares – I ain't never let mahself go like that before.'

There was nothing Rarity could say to that so she just kept up with her slow caresses.

'Rarity.' Applejack turned over to face her. Her expression was serious, intent. 'Ah love you.'

'I know and I love you too, darling.'

'No, Rares, you ain't getting it.' Applejack shook her head emphatically. 'What Ah mean is, I will be yours fer ever an' ever. I will never stop lovin' you, and needin' you, and wantin' to please you any way Ah can. Ah reckon you jus' proved you can do whatever you want to me and Ah will beg for more. But you gotta understand what you mean to me.'

This girl, thought Rarity, does not do half measures. Before Applejack's wavering yet resolute gaze, she gave the only response she could. 'I made a promise – did I not?

Applejack wept then, and Rarity held her while she cried herself out. They lay together, the earth pony's head resting comfortably against her flank. After a while, Applejack raised her head.

'Rarity, Ah wanna please you.'

The unicorn smiled lazily. 'You already have, darling.'

'No. Ah wanna do for you like you jus' did for me. Please let me.' Applejack leaned low over her and began to kiss and nuzzle her. And just like that Rarity's passion reawakened. She sighed as the exquisite tongue licked delightfully at her neck. 'Ah know you think I’m a charmin'ly naïve innocent,' murmured Applejack in her ear. 'But Ah think yer gonna find I'm a quick study. And Ah reckon I can do most anything Ah set mah mind to.'

Rarity had always prided herself on being a decorous pony, a mare of decorum. Thus it was she was forced to stuff a hoof into her mouth and bite down to stop herself screaming out loud in ecstacy.

After that there were no more words. There was just the two of them, together. All of Equestria, the entire world of fate and magic and matter faded away into nothingness. So intimate and close were they it seemed their two bodies, their two souls melted together into one. Was this not what everypony wanted, secretly searched and yearned for? An intimacy so close that two became one.

Rarity dreamed. She and Applejack were lying together in some enchanted bower, green and leafy and fragrant. Luna's moon was full and bright and the warm dark air was redolent with the scents of night flowers. Applejack was gazing up at her with that lambent green gaze and murmuring something.

Rarity leaned closer to hear.

'Ya don't really love me.'

Rarity's voice trembled in scandalized denial. 'How could you say anything so hurtful, so untrue? I do love you, I’m devoted to you!'

'No, Rares, ya don't.' Applejack gave her a sad smile. 'But yer doin' a mighty fine job of pretendin'. Ah reckon I’m gonna hafta be content with that.'

Rarity opened her mouth to protest but came suddenly awake; almost as if she'd been ejected from the dream world. But apparently it was no more than a dream within a dream for the next thing she knew she was drifting slowly towards wakefulness.

There was a warm and delightful weight pressed close against her. She yawned and blinked at the orange flank about three inches from her muzzle.

Applejack. Last night. Intense sex. Something about love.

Applejack stirred. She rolled over slowly, in stages; head followed by forelegs, then torso and finally hind quarters. They lay face-to-face to face in their mutual warmth, covered over by the fluffy old comforter.

Applejack gave her a warm and languid smile. 'Mornin.'

'Good morning to you, darling.'

Applejack kissed her briefly, then they both turned onto their backs to gaze up at the ceiling.

'You hungry?'

Rarity gave a soft chuckle. 'Ever the practical one.'

Applejack shrugged. 'It is what Ah am known for.'

'As it happens, I am.' Rarity nuzzled the earth pony's neck. 'Make me pancakes.'

'Nope,' replied Applejack with a smile.

'How about if I ask you very nicely.' Rarity licked her way along the strong orange jaw and kissed the side of the mouth.

'Uh, OK.' Applejack turned again to face her. They shared a kiss, morning smiles and giggles.

Five minutes went by. Rarity's stomach rumbled. She nudged Applejack with a hoof. 'Well, darling?'

'Ah have put it on mah list of things to do,' returned Applejack with dignity.

Content with that, Rarity relaxed again into the warmth of the bed. Hunger would only sharpen her enjoyment when the fragrant golden disks finally landed on her plate.

Applejack frowned at the ceiling. 'Rares, where are we going to live?'

Rarity blinked in surprise. 'Good heavens. Do we have to decide such a thing right now?'

'No, but...' Applejack scratched the side of her head with a hoof. 'Ah am, as you so rightfully observed, the practical one. And I like to get these things all straightened out in mah head.'

Rarity sighed. 'Let's not talk about it right now.'

'Fine by me. Just thought Ah'd flag it up for consideration.' Finally Applejack stirred. She slid out of the bed to stand four-square on the rug then gave herself an all-over shake, a bit like a wet dog.

Rarity's eyes were drawn, as if by magnetic forces, to those magnificent taut buttocks. And between them, the caramel swell of Applejack's sex, revealed by a flick of her tail. Rarity licked her lips. Yes, the taste was still there. How filthy yet also exciting.
Applejack trotted out of the door and Rarity was left to her own thoughts.

Where were they going to live? Why did it have to be decided? What was so bad about things continuing as they had been?

Because Applejack wouldn't like it. This was the first time it had even been mentioned but Rarity just knew that she wouldn't.

That dream last night. That thing about love. It floated into her consciousness with sudden clarity; like a cork bobbing to the surface of the ocean. Rarity groaned and covered her face. Why did she feel like such a bad pony?