Author's Note

Applejack/Coloratura. Rated T for alcohol and implications.

Hard Apple Cider

It had been a long day getting apples down from the trees before winter, but Applejack was pleased with today’s work. She thanked Big Mac for his help, setting the last basket in his cart. He headed for the barn, and she started to follow, only for Applebloom to run up with an envelope in her mouth.

“Sis!” she called, muffled. “You gof a le’er!”

“A letter? For me?” Applejack turned and accepted it, reading the return address. She immediately brightened at the sight of colorful musical notes around a familiar name. “It’s from Rara!”

“Coloratura?” Applebloom asked excitedly. “What’s she been up to?”

“I don’t know, she hasn’t written in a while. But I’ll read this once we get back inside.” Applejack carried the envelope carefully in her mouth as they returned home.

Once inside, Applejack sat on the couch, near where Granny Smith was quietly rocking on her chair as she flipped through a photo album.

“Whatcha got there, sugarcube?” she asked.

“I got a letter from my friend Rara,” Applejack replied, opening the envelope.

“Ooh, I always like hearing from her. What’s it say?”

Applejack waited until Applebloom was sitting next to her and Big Mac was stretching out on the rug, then unfolded the letter and read it out loud.

“Dear AJ, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’m afraid I’ve fallen on hard times and haven’t gotten a chance to write.”

“Hard times?” Applebloom interrupted. “Oh no, is she okay?”

“I’m tryin’ to find out,” Applejack replied with a smile. She resumed reading, “Many of my more recent songs have been flops. I’ve been doing my best to go on without Svengallop’s guidance, but despite his horrible behavior, he was an excellent manager and I’m having trouble managing myself. I’m afraid my music career may be coming to an end.”

“Oh no!” Applebloom exclaimed. “Her songs aren’t flops, I mean…” She thought about the most recent ones, and said, “Sure, Who I Am was kinda weak, and I didn’t care for Crystalline though the lyrics were good, and… oh no, her songs really haven’t been that great lately… but I love her older work!”

Applejack continued, “I don’t want to become one of those washed up singers who keep trying even though I’ve clearly lost the spark. I enjoy singing, and I always will, but I believe my time writing new songs is coming to an end. I’m just not as popular as I once was. I’ll leave the industry gracefully, and I’ll always be grateful to my fans for everything they’ve done for me. But enough of the sad news! I’ve been helping out at different camps as a counselor, I love helping the young fillies and colts and coming up with fun activities for them. It reminds me of when we were young and going to Camp Friendship together. I might do the job full time after this, it’s very rewarding. I hope things have been going well for you in Ponyville. How’s the harvest? It’s getting chilly out here, it’ll be winter in no time. Maybe I’ll come by to visit, I’ll probably need to buy a smaller house anyway. Hope to hear back soon! Sincerely, Rara.” Applejack turned the letter, but that was it.

“She’s quitting singing?” Applebloom asked.

“I guess so,” Applejack replied. “That’s sad to hear, but at least she seems happy as a camp counselor.”

“That sounds like a very rewardin’ job,” Granny commented. “Takin’ the youngins out on hikes, goin’ swimmin’... bein’ out in the fresh air!”

“That’s right, Granny,” Applejack replied. She looked at her siblings. “It sounds lovely.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed.

“I’m gonna write back before supper,” Applejack said, getting up.

“Alright,” Granny replied, getting up too. “Applebloom, could you be a dear and help me dice some potatos for soup?”

“Sure, Granny.” Applebloom went into the kitchen with her.

Applejack went to her room, laying out a piece of paper and picking up a pencil. She thought over her response, and then began to write.

Dear Rara,

It’s good hearing from you again. I’m sorry to hear you’ve fallen on hard times. I’m always here if you need to talk.

You should come to Ponyville if you’re looking for a new place to live. We have lovely houses for sale, heck I’d be more than happy to let you stay with me while you’re figuring things out. As long as you’re willing to learn to apple buck, haha.

Work as a camp counselor sounds fun and I’m glad it makes you happy. I wish Ponyville had a good camp, but Camp Friendship closed down a few years ago. Now we have to send our fillies and colts further away for that. Maybe somepony will step up and bring Camp Friendship back. Though Applebloom and her friends made their own camp, Cutie Mark Day Camp, in the same location so it’s nice visiting there.

The harvest has been going well, but winter will be starting soon so there’s plenty more to do. We’re going to grow onions and garlic this winter, just a little something to keep the bits coming while our trees hibernate. We’ve been plowing the fields to get ready.

I hope things get better. Write again soon.

Sincerely, AJ

She signed the letter and drew a few apples, then folded it and set it aside. She could hear Granny calling for her to come to supper, so she’d have to wait until later to mail it. She hurried downstairs.

The next day, Applejack went to the post office to send off the letter to Rara. She wanted to make sure it got sent quickly, as the mail ponies sometimes forgot to come all the way out to the farm. Then she returned to her work, but all throughout the next few days, she thought about her friend and hoped she was doing okay.

Slowly winter set in, snow beginning to fall. All the apple trees were barren, their produce carefully picked and taken in. Applejack was able to sell many of the fresh apples, and made others into apple butter. Yet more were used to make juice and various treats, which the citizens of Ponyville were happy to buy.

With that taken care of, her family moved along to farming crops that could survive the winter and taking care of their animals. It was a few weeks before she heard back from Coloratura.

This time, she had gone to the mailbox, and was glad to see the familiarly-decorated envelope along with the rest of the mail. She went inside, passing everything out to the recipients before sitting and opening the letter.

Dear AJ,

It’s good to hear from you too. I’m glad the harvest has gone well. It’s really cool to hear that Applebloom and her friends have their own camp, they’re really growing up aren’t they?

I think I’m officially done producing music. I’ve already said my goodbyes to the friends I’ve made in the industry, and no doubt the news will take it and run with it, but that’s fine. I enjoyed it while it lasted. If it’s not too much trouble, could I take you up on that offer to move in with you? I promise to help out anywhere I can and I’m totally up for learning to apple buck. After so long touring big cities, I’d like a little town like Ponyville to settle down in. Especially since my best friend is there.

Things have been pretty hectic with me getting ready to move out of my apartment, so I gotta end here, sorry for such a short letter. But I hope we can catch up again soon!

Sincerely, Rara

The letter was stamped with a pink hoofprint.

“What’s it say?” Applebloom asked.

“Here.” Applejack gave her the letter, and summed it up for Granny Smith and Big Mac.

“She wants to move in and work, eh?” Granny asked, squinting suspiciously.

“She’s a hard worker, Granny,” Applejack replied. “I think she could really help us out around here. Plus, I just want to make sure she’s taken care of. She’s one of my best friends after all.”

After a few moments, Granny smiled. “Well any friend of yours is family to me! She’s welcome to stay here as long as she needs. As long as she helps out.”

“Of course.”

Applejack sent a letter officially inviting Rara into the Apple family, and Rara’s reply came within days, happily agreeing. She said she should be there soon and couldn’t wait to see them.

Applebloom was beside herself with excitement.

“Countess Coloratura, THE Countess Coloratura, is gonna live with us!” she shouted as she bounced around the room.

“That she is,” Applejack chuckled as she made the bed in the guest room. “But I think she might be tired of being Countess Coloratura. You can just call her Rara, alright?”

“Heh, right. I’m just so excited! I wonder if she’ll want to come help at Cutie Mark Day Camp? She could help ponies find a talent for singing!” Applebloom twirled around and sang a high note that made Applejack wince, before saying, “I love musical cutie marks!”

“They look nice, don’t they?” Applejack finished fixing the bed and cleaned off one of the nightstands, making sure the lamp had a working bulb in it. “I’m sure she’d love to help. You can ask her when she gets here.”

“When’s she gonna get here?” Applebloom asked, running over to look out the window. “Is she gonna be here today? Tomorrow? When?”

“Calm down, sugarcube. She’s moving all the way from Manehattan. She might be here today, or it could take longer. She still has to sell some of her old household goods that we don’t have room for here.”

“Aw, that’s so sad, couldn’t she put them in storage?”

“She said she doesn’t mind, it wasn’t anything she was that attached to. Mostly furniture that we already have here.”

“Ohh, okay.” Applebloom kept staring out the window. “Oh, is that her? Wait, no, that’s a rabbit. OH I THINK I SEE HER- wait nevermind, another rabbit.”

“Well, if you do see her, feel free to give me a holler.” Applejack finished cleaning and headed for the door. She was almost out when she heard Applebloom suddenly call for her.

“Wait, she’s here!”

Thinking her little sister was joking, Applejack just rolled her eyes and took another few steps.

“No, seriously, it’s her!” Applebloom pushed the window open. “RARA!”

That was enough to make Applejack turn around, trotting back over to the window. “Wait, seriously?”

Sure enough, there was the mare with the beautiful indigo mane and soft aquamarine coat, pulling a fairly large cart behind her as she approached the farm.

“Rara!” Applejack yelled too, waving. Rara paused, then recognized her and waved back, before walking faster. Applejack turned around. “Come on, let’s help her with her things.”

Applebloom nodded, and the two hurried outside.

They met Rara as she was just passing through the gate.

“AJ, it’s so good to see you!” Rara exclaimed, throwing her forelegs around Applejack’s neck in a hug.

Applejack hugged her tightly. “Good to see you too! Wow, look at you, your mane’s longer.”

“Heh, yeah, I’m thinking of getting it cut,” Rara laughed, giving the curls a few bounces.

“I think it looks great as it is. Oh here, that must be heavy.” Applejack gestured to the cart, and Rara nodded, letting her undo the harness and pull it off. Applejack pulled it onto herself, and started pulling the cart. “Applebloom, get her saddlebags.”

“Got it!” Applebloom carefully took them off Rara’s back and draped them over her own, then led the way back to the house.

“So, how was the trip?” Applejack asked.

“Exhausting,” Rara replied. “I was able to take a train most of the way, though of course had to get one with storage space for my cart. But you know, the train made a lot of stops, so I spent lots of time on it with barely anything to do. Then I got to Ponyville and had to walk from the station all the way over here. But it’s no big deal. I liked the exercise.”

“Well I’m glad ya made it. And if you like exercise, you’ll be getting plenty here,” Applejack replied.

“Heh, I’m sure I will.”

“It had to stink pulling that big ol’ cart through the snow,” Applebloom commented.

“It wasn’t so bad, the roads are mostly clear,” Rara replied. “But the cold didn’t help much.”

“You aren’t wearing anythin’ warm,” Applejack noticed. “Did you pack any coats? It gets mighty chilly around here.”

“I have warm clothes, don’t worry,” Rara assured her. “I just didn’t want them to get wrinkled under the harness.”

“Heh, wrinkled under the harness, you sound like Rarity.”

Rara blushed. “Yeah, I guess it is kinda silly.”

“Maybe a little, but I like that about you. Come on, let’s hurry on in out of this cold. Granny Smith is baking pie today!” Applejack started trotting, and Rara and Applebloom sped up to follow her. They dropped off the cart near the door, as it was covered and would be okay in the weather for now. They went ahead and grabbed a few things out of it, then went inside.

Rara sighed with relief at the warmth, and greeted Granny Smith and Big Mac. They welcomed her to their home, telling her to make herself comfortable.

“I will, thank you so much,” she said.

“No problem, dearie,” Granny replied, giving her a gentle pat. “Now go ahead and take yer stuff upstairs. Applejack will show you where you’ll be staying.”

“Alright, thanks.” Rara followed her friend upstairs. She was very impressed by the guest room, and complimented Applejack on how good it looked.

“Ah shucks, I’m sure this is nothing compared to your apartment in Manehattan,” Applejack replied, helping her unpack.

“The apartment was nice, but it had a rather boring view, and the inside was decorated like most other apartments in the area. But this is beautiful and unique.” Rara gestured around. “I love the paintings of the countryside, I love the quilted bedspread, I love how it smells like apples in here! Oh, and most of all…” She went to look out the window. “I love the view of the orchard.”

Applejack walked up next to her, smiling at her happiness. She gently bumped her shoulder against her. “You think it looks nice now, wait until spring. The apples will start blooming again and the entire field will smell like this. It’s the most beautiful sight you ever seen.”

“I can’t wait to see it. But first, we gotta get through the winter, huh?”

“Sugarcube, I’m sure it’ll pass in no time! Now come on, I wanna treat you to some delicious Apple home cooking!”

Rara eagerly followed her out.

Rara quickly got settled in at Sweet Apple Acres. She moved all her stuff into the guest room and got it decorated, and spent an enjoyable evening going through photos from her time as a pop singer, as well as showing off various posters for her concerts. Applebloom went through her CD collection, finding that she owned several copies of every album she’s released. Better than that, Rara even let her have a copy of each album she didn’t already own.

“Wow, thanks!” Applebloom hugged her, then gathered up the albums and rushed back to her room with them.

“I just love seeing fillies smile,” Rara sighed. “Kinda makes me wish I had one of my own.”

“Well, maybe you will one day,” Applejack replied, looking with amusement at a photo of Rara volunteering at a camp. She was covered in mud and grinning. “You’ll be a great mother.”

“Aw, thank you. But of course, that’s one day. First I need to meet somepony I like enough to have foals with.”

“How many would you want?”

“Mm… I think I’d want one, but if after a few years I’m financially secure, I wouldn’t mind having another. I might adopt too. Who knows.” Rara gathered her CDs back up and put them away.

“Well, take your time. Having foals is a big responsibility. Definitely not something to rush into.”

“How about you?” Rara asked. “Are you looking to settle down and have a foal or two?”

“Me? Heh, heck no. Not any time soon. It’s trouble enough looking after Applebloom. Maybe once she’s older and can take care of herself, I’ll think about getting with a special somepony. Until then, it’s not really on my mind.”

“That’s totally understandable.”

“Come on, I wanna show you how to check the crops for disease.” Applejack gestured for her to follow her out. As they walked downstairs, she said, “I wouldn’t mind having a foal though. I’d really like to have a daughter. But again, won’t be for a while.”

“Oh, definitely.”

“Big Mac’s already talkin’ bout kids with his girlfriend Sugar Belle… but heh, I told him he needs to get hitched before he talks like that.”

Rara giggled. “Big Mac will be a wonderful father.”

“Yeah, he will be. Honestly, I can’t wait to see our family grow. I just want him to be responsible about it.”

Once they were outside, Applejack took Rara over to the field where they were growing onions. She coached her through examining the plants, picking out the ones that were struggling, showing her how she could help them. A few had to be pulled out and disposed of, but most of them were thriving. Rara learned fast, and soon was being led over to the garlic and shown the intricacies of raising it. The crops were mostly self-sufficient, but they definitely benefited from a little Earth pony magic.

There were several fields for them to go through, and once they were done with that, Applejack led her through feeding the pigs and cleaning their pen.

“And one of these mornings I’m gonna get you up real early and show you how to collect eggs,” Applejack said, gesturing to the chicken coop.

Rara wiped some dirt off her leg, and gave the coop a quizzical look. “Oh, that should be easy.”

“Heh. You’d be surprised. The hens will get up in the morning and come outside to eat. And while they’re distracted by the feed, you gotta get in there and snatch up their eggs before they notice. They’re not fertilized or anythin’, but the hens can get broody sometimes. And trust me, you don’t want a broody hen attacking ya.”

Rara thought about those talons and beaks and shuddered. “Definitely not.”

As the days passed it grew colder, the pegasi brought in snow clouds more and more often, and Ponyville was blanketed in snow. Rara worked diligently on the farm nonetheless, and though it was hard work, she was often alongside Applejack and was content with it. It was satisfying seeing plants grow under her care, and nothing quite beat the satisfaction of cleaning the barn or cooking a delicious meal with her own hooves. It made the time pass quickly, and before she knew it, Hearth’s Warming Eve had arrived.

Applejack invited her to a huge celebration Pinkie Pie was throwing, and they spent hours telling stories of Wendigos, treaties between different pony races, and of course the tale of Snowfall Frost. They also exchanged presents, some of which were opened early at the insistence of the givers, while others were to be opened the next morning. Rara was pleasantly surprised by how many gifts she got, and thanked everypony profusely for making her feel so welcome.

Ponyville was glad to have her, and she spent some time getting to know the musicians of the town, sharing stories with them, and they sympathized with her struggles.

“Yes, it can be so hard keeping your fanbase engaged,” Octavia said as she rested by the fireplace, a glass of wine in hoof. “My quartet is invited to a number of functions, but we don’t release very many original pieces.”

“As if you need to,” Vinyl Scratch said, walking up next to her. “Everypony just wants to hear your swanky old classical music.”

“Yes, well, as popular as we are in that regard, we serve a niche audience. I’d like to branch out a bit.”

“I’m telling you, we gotta make more dubstep cello pieces!”

“I do like dubstep,” Rara mused.

“See?” Vinyl said triumphantly. She offered Octavia a bottle. “Hey, want some vodka in that?”

“Absolutely not,” Octavia replied immediately, covering her glass.

“You’re no fun.”

“I have a nice little following,” Lyra commented. “But I mostly just do small shows here and there. I play the lyre for fun, not for profit.”

“That’s very admirable,” Rara said.

“How are y’all doing over here?” Applejack asked, joining them by the fire.

“Great,” Rara replied. “There’s so many great musicians here.”

“Yep, Ponyville is home to some very talented ponies. Don’t mind me, I just need to warm up a bit.” Applejack scooted closer to the fireplace and sat down, holding her front hooves out to it.

Feeling a little emboldened by the wine she’s been sipping, Rara moved to sit next to Applejack, leaning against her. She felt her hide twitch, and quickly explained, “I’m just helping you warm up.”

Applejack relaxed, and leaned back against her. “Well ain’t you a dear.”

Rara hid her smile in her glass as she took another drink. She gazed into the fire, glad to be spending winter with such an amazing pony.

The rest of winter passed fairly quickly. Rara spent a good bit of it getting to know the other residents of Ponyville, and talked to the mayor about starting Camp Friendship back up. Mayor Mare was more than happy to let her, saying that she has missed having the camp around. After that, Rara talked with the Cutie Mark Crusaders about taking over the campground from them, and they gave it up, but with the stipulation that they be allowed to work there too and lead cutie mark-finding activities. Rara agreed to it, which made them very happy.

Winter Wrap-Up came and went, and Rara was a huge help in getting crops planted. Though ever since Twilight first started organizing it, the event has gone off without a hitch. With the arrival of spring, Rara began her camp. It was a big hit, with most of Ponyville’s young fillies and colts eager to attend. They went hiking, rowboating, did arts and crafts, and held various competitions. With the help of the CMC, a few blank flanks even earned their cutie marks, and Rara always congratulated them.

Between working at Sweet Apple Acres and running Camp Friendship, Rara was quite busy. She was regularly coming to dinner exhausted, but she assured Applejack that she’s never been happier.

“I’m looking into getting a house in town,” she said one night. “I’ve been living here a bit too long, haha.”

“We don’t mind having you here,” Applejack replied. “I’ve enjoyed your company. It’s nice having another mare my age to talk to. Applebloom is great but she’s my lil sister, ya know? And Big Mac, well… he’s not much for talkin’. I’m glad you’re here and you don’t need to move out if you don’t want to.”

“Well…” Rara hesitated, then said, “I really like being around you too. If it’s no trouble, I’d like to stay here a bit longer then.”

“Of course! You’re absolutely welcome to! Besides…” Applejack bumped their hips together. “Apple cider season is about to begin and you absolutely do not want to miss that. Makin’ cider is barrels of fun!”

“Oh wow, I definitely can’t miss that. I love apple cider.”

“You and the rest of Ponyville. It’s one of our most profitable seasons. Along with zap apple season of course. You’ll love that too.”

“Heh, I’m sure I will.”

“Well, I’m gonna hit the hay. See you in the morning.”

“Alright. Goodnight.” Rara watched her leave, then went to climb into bed, sighing as she stretched. Then she reached over to the nightstand to pick up the framed photo of herself and Applejack as fillies, performing at the old Camp Friendship many years ago. She smiled, gently tracing a hoof against the picture, before setting it aside and snuggling under the covers.

Sure enough, apple cider season soon arrived and Rara was drawn into helping prepare barrels and barrels of the delicious drink. It was hard work, but greatly rewarding, as she helped sell it to the many ponies of Ponyville and beyond who queued for hours just to get at one mug of the stuff. She chuckled as Rainbow Dash approached the counter with a clear bounce in her step, eagerly buying two mugs and stepping aside to drain them.

“I take it she’s a big fan,” Rara said, with a nod at the pegasus.

Applejack laughed. “Oh, absolutely.”

But eventually they ran out for the day, and had to turn away those still waiting. But they promised they’d have more for them tomorrow. They were disappointed, but left anyway.

The Apple family returned to the farm and got to work making more batches. They stored the barrels in the barn, and once they were done, most of the family went back inside. But Applejack invited Rara to stay at the barn with her, saying she had a surprise for her.

“Everypony loves our apple cider, but there’s a particular variant we like to save for the family,” Applejack said, leading Rara further back. She pulled out a barrel that looked older than the others. “This has been fermenting since last season. What do ya say we have a couple mugs of hard apple cider?”

“Hard apple cider?” Rara’s ears perked. She didn’t drink much alcohol, but it was fun to indulge in every once in a while. Especially when you had a friend to get buzzed right alongside you. “Sure!”

Applejack filled a couple mugs and passed one to Rara. Rara took a curious sip. It had all the delicious, fresh tang of apple cider… along with the distinct taste of alcohol. She took a bigger gulp.

“Wow, this is delicious.”

“Thank ya. I’m considering selling this too but Granny doesn’t think it’d be appropriate. Ah well, more for us.” Applejack lifted her mug. “To a great cider season!”

Rara bumped her mug against the other, and they both drank together. They hung out in the barn, talking about ideas for the camp and telling stories. When their mugs ran dry, they would refill them and keep on hanging out. After a few rounds, they were growing tipsy, and Rara found herself much more interested in just leaning against her friend and playing with her mane.

“Have I ever told you how much I love your mane?” Rara asked, giggling slightly. “It’s all soft and poofy…” She stroked it. “Like the softest straw in the world… Ahahaha....” She rolled slightly onto her back, holding the mug with one hoof while the other kept batting at Applejack. Applejack snorted and laid down with her, blushing.

“Rara, yer drunk,” Applejack said.

“I’m not drunk, I’m just a little tipsy!” Rara attempted to drink more and spilled it on her face. “Oh, oops.”

“Heh, here sugarcube.” Applejack used her wrist to wipe the cider off, and refilled the mug for her.

“Thanks darling.” Rara moved onto her stomach and snuggled against her. “You’re such a good friend.”

“I do my best.” Applejack finished off her mug, and considered whether or not she wanted more. Then she just set it aside for now and decided to make sure her friend was alright.

“Like how many other ponies would let me live with them for months? Share their meals with me, and let me… let me do all that totally rent free!” Rara took a swig and swung a foreleg around Applejack’s neck, leaning more heavily on her.

“Well it’s not entirely rent free, you pay us back by helping out on the farm,” Applejack replied. “But I could never turn away a friend in need. Even if something were to happen and you couldn’t work, you could still live with us.”

“You’re so sweet. As sweet as apples.” Rara paused to shake her head, finally noticing how dizzy she was. Everything felt light and peaceful. She gazed at Applejack, focusing on her eyes. Her beautiful, caring green eyes.

“Are you always this affectionate when you drink?” Applejack asked, leaning in to gaze back at her. Rara finally noticed she was blushing.

“I think so. I don’t know, I don’t drink like this often. But it does get me really relaxed. And giggly. Everything is funny, haha. Like your… like your hat. A pony that always wears a hat. I love it!”

Applejack smirked, taking her hat off and placing it on Rara’s head. “And now you’re a pony wearing a hat.”

“Oh!” Rara went cross-eyed trying to look up at it. She sat up, putting her mug down and adjusting the hat. Then she looked back at Applejack and posed. “How do I look?”

Applejack stared at her silently for a moment. Then she smiled and said, “Like a million bits. As usual.”

Rara blinked. Then her face heated up. “O-oh. Thanks.”

Applejack went to refill her mug, taking a drink before saying, “You’re beautiful no matter what you wear.”

Rara looked down into her own mug, giving it a small stir. Then she looked back up. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

“I’m sure you hear it all the time.”

“I do, but… you’re the element of honesty. I know you truly mean it, and that means so much more to me. Especially since you’re my friend, and not some stranger yelling at me from a crowd.”

“Oh, makes sense.” Applejack returned to Rara, sitting in front of her and gently lifting her chin. “You’re more than beautiful though. You’re kind, and talented, and so, so committed to making other ponies happy. You have a strong work ethic and I’m glad to have met you. Never stop thinking of yourself as amazing.”

Rara’s face flushed darker. “AJ, you… you really mean it?”

“I do. And on top of all that, you are so strong and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

Rara’s eyes widened. Next thing Applejack knew, the other was kissing her mouth and pretty much jumping onto her, and she fell onto her back under her weight, staring at her in surprise. Rara pulled her muzzle back, panting and looking just as surprised. “S-sorry, I don’t know what came over me…”

Applejack swallowed. “You don’t need to apologize.” She reached up to stroke the back of Rara’s head, running her hoof through her mane. Then she drew her down and kissed her. Rara was startled, but quickly gave in and kissed back.

The tingles that filled their bodies were far more than could be blamed on the alcohol. They leaned apart to catch their breath, smiling at each other and nuzzling.

“You’re so pretty,” Rara whispered, thoughts in a daze.

“And yer as pretty as an apple blossom,” Applejack replied, snickering at how bemused the other looked. She could tell the other was glancing at her lips, and said, “Do ya wanna kiss me again?”

Rara stifled a giggle. “Y-yeah.”

“Then come get some.”

Rara pounced back onto her, and as their lips joined again, Applejack found herself completely content with this.

Big Mac was the one who found them in the morning, asleep in a pile of hay and snoozing comfortable against each other, their empty mugs of cider scattered next to them.

He woke them up with a few gentle nudges, and when they saw him, they immediately blushed and scrambled to their hooves.

“Well now, that’s what I call a roll in the hay,” Mac commented.

“Mac!” Applejack thumped his shoulder, and he chuckled.

Rara hastily brushed straw out of her mane, giving an awkward smile as she gathered the mugs up. “W-we didn’t do anything, we just… just had some hard apple cider and uh…”

“Fell asleep!” Applejack said quickly. “That’s it, we just. We just uh, slept.”

“I’m not one to judge.” Mac winked at them. “Come on you two, we’ve got apple cider to sell.”

“Is uh, Applebloom and Granny Smith already awake?” Applejack asked.

“Eyup.”

“Oh dear Celestia. Okay, quickly Rara, help me load up this cart.” They rushed to get the barrels loaded, and Big Mac began pulling them out toward the road. Rara and Applejack trotted behind him.

“Here’s your hat back,” Rara said quietly, putting the hat back on Applejack’s head.

“Oh, thanks.” Applejack blushed lightly and looked away.

After a few moments, Rara whispered, “I really enjoyed last night. You think, um…” Applejack glanced back at her, looking almost bashful, which gave Rara a little more confidence. “Maybe we could… go out?”

They walked in silence for a few moments. Then Applejack replied, “I’d like that.”

Rara smiled and moved to walk closer to her, leaning ever so slightly against her. And when Applejack leaned back, she knew everything was going to be okay.