Candy Applesauce

The smoggy Manehatten skyline was illuminated with the lights of the buildings and lamp posts. The multitude of streets were organized very symmetrically. Far more symmetrical than Ponyville or Appeloosa. Even Canterlot streets weren't nearly as industrial and lifeless.

Some streets glowed brilliantly with electric light from the bulbs of theater buildings and restaurants while many more were dim with shadow and grime and the long years of ponies living in neglect. On one of these dimmer, less glamorous streets stood a orange pony. One could easily tell her profession was an illicit one.

She was covered sparsely with a trench coat that was only long enough to just cover her flank. Her makeup was cheap and gaudy and smudged but what really gave her away was not only that tendrils of her blonde mane poked out from beneath her short black wig but also the obviously scanty fishnet stockings.

If one looked closely he could make out the bright freckles she had tried so hard to hide with layers of cheap blush. If one listened carefully he could hear the subtle twang of a country farmer that she had tried so hard to fake out of her voice.

If one asked for her name, she'd tell him Candy Applesauce. If one asked what her rate was, she'd tell him 80 bits an hour. If it was an escort or call-in job, she - or rather, her boss - would charge the client upwards of 100 bits. No one ever did, but if somepony inquired further, asking her for her real name, and they were really persistent about it, she'd tell them her name was Applejack. Was.

Clover Avenue was a common street for Candy and her sisters. The next street over was occupied by a different group, and they didn't like competition. Clover got plenty of traffic though. Usually. Sometimes Candy would have to venture a bit further to find some interested clients.

She didn't feel too much like wandering that particular night, though. Business was slow but the night was young and as she lit a cigarette in hopes of attracting a client Candy looked up at the sky. She could see no stars, only the glow of the city and passing clouds. She thought for a moment about the sun and what it looked like these days. It had been ages since she had been awake during the daytime.

The image of a familiar orchard appeared in her mind. The rolling hills, the strong trees, the glistening red apples on every branch, three familiar ponies working under a bright yellow sun.

Then she remembered a pair of tall yellow twins and unintentionally bit her cigarette in half.

Candy spit out the raw, ashy, nicotine scrap and shook her head. She knew dwelling would do nothing to help her. To pass the time she began to pace the length of the street, making offers to mares and stallions passing by. No takers. It was looking like she was going home short on her quota for the night.

On her seventh pass down the street, she noticed a mare walking the opposite direction. But instead of trying to get her business, Candy cast her eyes downward to avoid the pony's azure eyes. She didn't want to be seen. Not by her. Never by her.

As they passed, Candy could smell a soft perfume coming off the alabaster form and she couldn't help but glance up at the triple diamond cutie mark on her flank. Candy was ready to sigh in relief when the mare was a few strides behind her, but instead she was forced to stop when the hoofsteps behind her ceased and she heard the mare say,

"Excuse me, dear."

Candy let her eyelids droop suggestively and her mouth crack into a smile as she turned and answered in her best escort voice, "What'll it be, sugar? You wanna part-y?"

"No, sorry I just... I've seen so many pretty young mares out here like you and I just don't understand it."

"If you're na-ot interest-ed butter-cakes I have other clients I need to get to-"

"Wait, please. I just...This profession doesn't suit anypony, especially such a pretty thing as you. Why do you do this to yourself?"

"Tha-ere 'aint no rest for the wicked, sugar. A girl's got to eat 'an sum-sometimes...." Clients never had her talk this long. Candy had never realized how hard it was to get rid of that darn country bumpkin accent.

"What's your name?"

"Candy Applesauce."

"Is it? Is it really?"

"It's whutever you wa'ant sweetheart." Candy had gotten used to plastering that calm, cool, sensual expression on her face, but it was so hard to stay in character around that mare.

"Well. Candy. I hope you find what you're looking for."

For a moment Candy didn't have anything to say back. Finally she said, "Bring your bits next time, sugar cheeks."

"Good night, Candy."

"Good night."

Neither pony moved. They simply stared at each other. The white mare peered closer and closer at Candy's orange face as the moments ticked by. Finally, Candy tore herself away and began to walk away.

"I can't believe you!"

Candy whipped around in surprise only to have her wig snatched off by the mare.

"You didn't think I'd recognize my own friend?!" Candy was suddenly wrapped up in the mare's porcelain grasp. "Applejack," she said quietly.

Applejack immediately threw her own hug around the pony.

"Rarity."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHzJzcgx5WA