Not The Obvious Answer

Chapters

The Other Fashionista (May 10th, Friday afternoon.)
Well, That Was Sudden (May 10th, Friday afternoon.)
Advice Received, Advice Given (”Time For Fashion” crossover.) (May 10th, Friday evening.)
First Date Double Date (”Time For Fashion” crossover.) (May 11th, Saturday afternoon.)
A Meeting On The Street. It Was Quite Neat. (May 11th, Saturday afternoon.)
The Dinner (May 11th, Saturday evening.)
The Night (May 11th, Saturday night.)
Not I, Darling (May 8th, Wednesday afternoon.)

The Other Fashionista (May 10th, Friday afternoon.)

Rarity sat back on her chaise longue sipping her tea peacefully, slowly eating one of her most delectable finger sandwiches. Why were they called finger sandwichs was a question she'd asked herself many times, what were fingers? But then again there are many other things with nonsense names like saddles, why was a saddle a saddle, a dress a dress? Just odd names for things she supposed. She mused on these things quietly as she watched her friend Coco Pommel run around her boutique in a frantic panic.

"What will I do when she shows up? I can't talk to her! I-I was so creepy! Sending her all those letters."

"Coco, darling."

"What if she hates me!? Oh, she won't even remember me from Manehatten I bet."

"Coco."

"She probably is more interested in strong stallions who can help her on the farm! I should just go home now!"

"Coco!"

"Yes, yes, I'll just go home and send her an apology letter! Then I will stop being creepy and sending her unsigned letters and just get some cats..."

"MISS POMMEL!"

Coco jumped nearly a foot in the air as the raised voice finally cut through her panic and she blushed brightly, her ears going down as she looked guiltily over at Rarity. "Oh, I'm sorry Rarity..."

"It will be fine darling, Applejack is one of the nicest ponies around, and like I said in my letter, I am fairly certain she is more open to the idea than she'd publicly let on. Now come over here and have some tea, it will help you calm down." She patted the couch next to her and smiled as Coco sheepishly walked over and climbed up next to her friend, taking the teacup that had been set out for her and drinking a small amount, nodding to Rarity. "There, you see? Isn't that helping?"

"Yes, thank you Rarity." Coco still almost hummed with nervous energy but at least she wasn't running around the boutique to Rarity's relief. "Do you think she's coming?"

Rarity let out a loud, exasperated sigh that caused Coco to flinch back slightly. "Coco, darling, she isn't due for another ten minutes, you are going to kill yourself with worry at this rate you know." Coco nodded and nervously looked out the window. "Coco, why are you so nervous?"

Coco meeped at Rarity finally asking her the direct question she'd been dreading. "W-Well you see... I've never actually... Been on a date."

Rarity blinked, now that was a surprise. "Really darling? But you are the absolute definition of adorable, I'm surprised no mare or stallion has tried to snap you up over the years."

Coco nodded. "Well they did, but I always turned them down." She blushed a little brighter. "I-I was just too nervous to go through with it you know!"

Rarity shook her head before pausing mid shake and smiling at Coco. "Well, that means that Applejack must be really special to you if you've turned down all the others but then went after her yourself!... In... An admittedly very round-about and subtle way but still! You were the one who started this! Good for you darling."

Coco smiled widely. "Oh yes! Applejack is just the prettiest pony I've ever seen! And she's so nice! And she helped out on the play! And she has such a unique style! And she is so strong! And she..."

"Breathe darling, breathe."

Coco blushed a bit brighter but slowed down, pausing for a breathe. "Well... You get the point."

Rarity nodded, smiling at her friend. "I do indeed. Now you should take a moment to collect yourself." She motioned over to the clock. "You have two minutes, and Applejack is nothing if not punctual." The squee that Coco produced would have punctured Rarity's eardrums if she were not used to similar sounds from Sweetie Belle. Coco looked around for a moment before getting up and dashing towards the bathroom.

A moment of great concern passed over Rarity before she heard Coco call out. "Do you have any makeup! I forgot mine!"

"You didn't forget darling, I told you not to wear it, Applejack likes to be able to see ponies without their makeup, she says it's more honest."

"Oh right..." Coco walked back out looking a bit chagrinned and smiling at Rarity as she looked at the clock, one minute to go, bouncing nervously on her hooves as she looked between the door and the clock repeatedly. Rarity just shook her head at the other pony.

"I will remind you she doesn't even know you'll be here or you're the one that sent her the letters, I just invited her over to get some of Appleblooms things she left here on her last visit, if you don't want to talk about it you don't have to." Coco nodded but meeped loudly as the door received a firm, but far less loud knock than it did a few days ago. After giving a reassuring smile to Coco, Rarity opened the door for her friend. "Hello Applejack."

Applejack smiled and walked into the boutique. "Oh hey Rares, where's the stuff that Applebloom left?" She looked around for it and spied another pony in the room. "Oh, hey Coco, how's it going in Manehattan?"

Rarity pointed to a nearby box full of Appleblooms things, which there was no real reason for Rarity to send back but she had needed an excuse to get Applejack there. Coco blushed a little as Rarity gave a look behind Applejacks back, as she turned to pick up the box. "O-Oh! It's been good Applejack! How's the farm?"

Applejack smiled and nodded. "Well, that's good Coco. The farm's been busier than usual. I'm more tired than a one-legged pony in a butt-kickin' contest." Coco blinked and frowned as she tried to imagine... "It's an expression sugar cube, just means I'm plum tuckered out from work." Coco smiled and nodded. "Well, I'll see you two later." Applejack waved as she started to turn towards the door.

Rarity didn't let it show on her face but she was internally grimacing, she had meant to let Coco ease into talking to Applejack but she had been meaning to take a few steps down those stairs not inch towards the landing. Well, she'd just have to... "Applejack?" Rarity's mind snapped back to the present as Coco spoke up again.

"Yeah?"

"I was the one who sent you those letters! I-I'm in love with you!" Rarity's eyes bulged as she opened them a bit too widely. Ok then, instead of inching her way forwards, or taking a few steps at a time, apparently Coco had decided it was time to hurl herself down the entire flight of stairs.

Well, That Was Sudden (May 10th, Friday afternoon.)

Applejack froze where she was standing as Coco made her declaration and Rarity just stood there slack-jawed, not sure what was going to happen next, but it could very well explode in their faces depending on how Applejack reacted, oh the doom of not only their friendships but also Coco's budding romance!... Rarity's practical side had to admit that was unlikely but she didn't often let her practicality override her love of some good drama!

Applejack took her time, slowly putting the box down of Applebloom's things down, and slowly turning to a brightly blushing Coco Pommel. Applejack took a moment to assess the other pony, seeing her squirm nervously under the gaze, shifting from foot to foot as she was assessed by the farm pony. "Coco." Coco straightened up slightly at her name from Applejack's lips, nervously looking about as if she might be talking to some other Coco. "Yer the one who sent me all of them fancy frou-frou items?" Coco nodded hesitantly, not sure where this was going. "And them pretty letters?" Another nod and a bit of a nervous step back as Applejack walked towards her, only to let out a surprised but happy meep as Applejack leaned out and gave her a gentle nuzzle on the neck. "It's mighty flatterin' that you'd have such strong feelin's for me sugar cube. But we do need to talk about a fair number of things before you get any ideas in your head ok?" Coco nodded, nervously shifting from hoof to hoof and Applejack couldn't help but chuckle. "Now don't look like I just killed yer dog there Coco, I'm not sayin' no, I'm sayin' yes, if yer going in with your eyes open."

Coco let out a small gasp of breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and absolutely beamed at Applejack. "Oh! Oh! Good! I'll agree to any..."

"No!" Applejack held up a hoof. "Listen first, then you'll need to agree or not, can't have a relationship built off nuthin' but honesty, got it?" Coco deflated just a little, nodding vigorously again. "Good." Applejack smiled as she turned on Rarity, the smile a bit more forced this time. "You knew." Applejack said flatly.

Rarity cleared her throat slightly. "Now darling I didn't know until you came to me with the letters..."

"And then you wanted to ambush me?" Applejack was clearly unamused by her friend's actions.

Rarity inched towards the door. "Oh, no, not at all darling, this wasn't an ambush. I just wanted to put you two in the same vicinity and... Well... Oh! Is that the time!? I agreed to help Cheerilee with something! Excuse me!" She turned and galloped out of her boutique. Applejack grinned, turning back to a worried looking Coco, who then frowned at Applejack.

"Hey, that wasn't very nice, if you weren't really upset with her!"

Applejack shook her head and patted Coco on the back of her neck. "Oh don't worry about it sugar cube, she gave me a bit of a hard time about that cute little heart you sent me, I was just returnin' the favor." Coco tried to fight off a grin while she tried her best to still look stern at the farm pony, just causing Applejack to giggled more. "Well you're just the most adorable little thing ain'tcha?" Causing Coco to blush brightly again. "So, you wanna settle in, this will be a bit of a chat."

Coco nodded and jumped up on the chaise lounge, pouting a little when Applejack chose a chair across from her. "So, what are these stipulations we need to talk about?" Coco nervously clapped her hooves together a little.

"Well sugar cube, if we do say get very serious and want to move in together, I can't leave my family and the farm like that. Unless something changes I'm not gonna be able to move to Manehattan with ya. And to be frank I'd probably go crazy if I had ta live in a city."

Coco nodded in understanding. "Oh, so I'd have to move out here to Ponyville if we wanted to get serious?"

Applejack nodded. "I'm 'fraid so, I wouldn't want to make a demand like that but I can't just leave mah family short handed like that."

Coco nodded, smiling at Applejack. "Oh, I understand, to be frank, I'd rather have someone so concerned about me and her family that she'd end a relationship before it got serious than try to put off the decision. If it comes down to it I can move out here. I mean, Rarity works from out of Ponyville... It'll be a little harder since I don't also have a store here, but I can make it work."

Applejack smiled widely back, well, this was actually going quite well. She had been a bit more enamored with the idea of having a relationship than she'd let on to Rarity, and this was going well. "Also ya know we'd be living with mah family, at least for the foreseeable future. Maybe Big Mac'll end up getting married but at his rate, we'll probably beat him there if we wanna go that direction." Coco giggled a bit uncontrollably while blushing crimson at the thought. "That good with you sugar cube? Big Mac keeps to himself mostly but you'll need ta at least get along with Bloom and Granny Smith."

Coco nodded and smiled. "I'm sure they're lovely."

Applejack nodded. "They are, but we can put off you meeting them for a bit at least, I'm sure Applebloom will shower you with questions with how involved she was trying to get Big Mac set up with someone."

"Uh..."

"Don' worry, I'll head her off and give her a proper talking to this time." Coco nodded in relief as Applejack straightened up a little. "Now, last issue, foals. I want 'em."

Coco blushed brightly and then frowned, seeming to deflate and nodded, looking down as her ears drooped. "Oh... Ok I get it... Sorry..."

Applejack clicked her tongue at Coco, causing her to look up to Applejack shaking her head. "No sugar cube, I'm not saying no because we're both mares, there's always adoption, I just need to know if you're interested, because I've always seen foals in my future, I'm not about to give that up, for anyone." Applejack added in a mumble. "And there're those spells that Twilight mentioned last week..."

Having not heard the mumble Coco smiled brightly, blushing slightly. "O-Oh!" She nodded. "I've always wanted foals too! Though... I will admit that since I never had a romantic line I wasn't really expecting them, I'd like them a lot!"

Applejack smiled and got up, walking over and planting a gentle kiss on Coco's cheek. "Good, then we can give it a try, how does that sound Sugar Cube?" Coco jumped slightly at the unexpected kiss but smiled wider than she had all day and nodded. "I wasn't kidding when I said the farm was busy though, how long are ya here for?"

Coco hesitated. "Well it's the offseason, I was going to stay for a week, but I don't have anything to do for the entire month, I can change my train ticket!"

"Well that's up to you sugar cube, but I'll see about making some time for ya tomorrow, ok?" Coco nodded, getting up and walking with Applejack to the door. "Heh, I think I'll just leave this stuff here." She pushed the box of Applebloom's stuff to the side. "In case Rarity needs to lure me over again, this one turned out pretty well for me."

Coco giggled and hesitated before leaning in and giving Applejack a kiss on the cheek, backing up quickly afterward and blushing, looking off to the side. "S-See you tomorrow."

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "Yer as shy as Fluttershy aren'tcha? See you tomorrow sugar cube." Coco closed and locked the door after her new marefriend, sighing happily as she walked back up to the guest room Rarity was letting her use.

*------*

A loud banging came on the locked door of the boutique and calling through it came Rarity's voice. "Coco! Coco! I didn't bring my key with me! Open the doooooooooor!"

Advice Received, Advice Given (”Time For Fashion” crossover.) (May 10th, Friday evening.)

Applejack looked up as Rarity knocked on the door jam of the open kitchen door before walking in and sitting at the table, quietly watching her friend pace until Applejack couldn't take it anymore. "Did I make a mistake Rares?"

"Well I can't speak for you darling but Coco's absolutely beside herself getting ready for your date..."

"It ain't a date."

"For your -date- later. And I thought you chatted with her about everything? Foals, family and staying in Ponyville wasn't it?"

Applejack frowned at her friend but let that issue drop. "Well Yeah but... those were just the things about havin' any relationship ya know? But Coco specifically... She's just..."

Rarity frowned as her friend stopped talking. What could be bothering her? Coco was the sweetest girl, very pretty, a promising and lucrative career ahead of her, young, an... Oh. "You're not that much older than her Applejack."

"Yeah, I know! And in four years this wouldn't be an issue but right now..."

Rarity shook her head slightly and smiled at her friend. "Do you think Coco's dumb dear?"

"What? No!"

"Do you think she's emotionally unstable?"

"No! Rares what are ya goin' on abo... Oh, I see where ya goin'. Fine, she can make her own choices. But what will other ponies say about it?"

Rarity clicked her tongue at Applejack, causing her to flick an ear in annoyance, she hated when Rarity did that. Some self-satisfied lecture was coming. "You really shouldn't care what others say about you so much Applejack."

Applejack rolled her eyes with a sigh. "Ya one to talk there Rares. Your entire job is about what other people think about ya!"

Rarity scoffed at the rebuttal. "Perhaps but it's not like I am planning on changing my love life based on their opinions!"

"Yeah but you'd change your main color to impress them! Or your entire person! Like for that Trenderhoof!"

"I knew you'd throw that back in my face you...!" Rarity huffed, but then took a deep breathe. "I'm sorry darling I shouldn't have gone off ok you like that."

Applejack took a few deep breathes herself. "Yeah me either. Sorry Rares I'm just nervous is all."

Rarity snickered and looked around like someone might have been eavesdropping. "You think you're a mess? You should see Coco like I said she's excited, but she's also a bit of a wreck of nerves. I didn't dare tell her I was coming here today."

Applejack smiled at the thought. "I can imagine her going through her entire wardrobe she brought like three times trying to find the cutest outfit. Not that she'd need to try."

Rarity grinned at the other mare. "So what are your plans for the date?"

"Well, I'm plannin' on bringing her down to the farm to meet the family."

Rarity just groaned and shook her head. "Darling! You can't just bring her to the farm on the first date!"

Applejack frowned. "But it's important that she meets and gets along with mah family Rares."

"Fine, do that next time. But your first date should be super special not just meeting the family!"

"Family is special!"

"Ugh!" Rarity let her head slam into the table before looking up at Applejack's stubborn frown. "Applejack I'm begging you! Just take my advice for once in your life and do something more special for Coco!"

"Once in my life!? I take you advice regularly Rares! Why ya being such a... Mule right now!?"

Rarity let her head hit the table again, groaning slightly. "I'm sorry Applejack I'm just... Going through something right now."

Applejack nodded and walked over, patting her friend on the back. "Still havin' trouble with yer' spring line?"

Rarity shook her head. ”No that's fine darling. It's something else.”

”Well you know can tell me sugar cube.”

Rarity puffed out her cheeks and shook her head. ”I'm not sure darling it's a bit... Awkward.”

”Rares, we just went over me dating a younger mare and had a rather dramatic argument, is it bigger than that?”

Rarity sighed and nodded. ”Well kind of darling. I... I think I have a crush on Pinkie’s friend Minuette.”

”Oh.”

”Oh indeed darling. I mean it's nothing like Coco having a crush on you for a whole and sending you all those letters but... Arg I can't stop thinking about wanting to brush her mane!” Rarity let out an exasperated sigh and looked up to scowl at Applejack upon seeing her grinning from ear to ear. ”I’m glad you find this so amusing Applejack.”

”I'm sorry sugar cube it’s just that you were givin’ me such a hard time about mah letters and now you're obsessing over some blue mare’s mane!”

Rarity stood up quickly. ”Well if you're not going to help and are just going to mock I’ll...!”

Applejack pushed gently against Rarity pushing her back into the chair. ”Sorry Rares. Why not just tell her? She's Twilight’s and Pinkie’s friend so she's gotta be good company.”

Rarity nodded. ”While you're right darling I think it would be better if I just let it be.”

”Really? After manufacturing feelings for that prince, then for Trendymcbigpants just because you thought it was what you should do now you hesitate?”

”That’s why I'm hesitating darling!”

”Ahh, well let me ask ye this Rares. Is Minuette some famous big wig fashionista that'll help yer career?”

”No.”

”Is she some fancy princess you've imagined marrying to get into a noble family?”

”Ah! I see what you're doing darling, very clever.” Rarity smiled as she stood up and gave her friend a hug. ”Thanks for the advice darling. Though I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it."

”I was only returnin’ the favor there Rares, you helped me settle my mind something awful too.” Applejack walked Rarity to the door and both parted company with a smile and a lightened step. Though they both now had things to think on, one the best first date, and one if she should tell the adorable blue mare her feelings.

First Date Double Date (”Time For Fashion” crossover.) (May 11th, Saturday afternoon.)

Applejack knocked heavily on the door to Carousel Boutique only to hear a loud crash and a shriek. She barged through the door whirling around to see what trouble might be lurking but she was greeted by a very unexpected sight.

”Stay away from me you beast!” Rarity was galloping pell-mell away from Minuette, followed close on her fetlocks by a giggling Coco. Minuette had a long thin plastic tube couched at her side with her magic. Applejack was simply standing there grinning like an idiot. Not only was this highly amusing she was very happy to see that Coco seemed a bit, less high maintenance than her fashionista friend.

She took a few steps into the room and cleared her throat, causing the three mares to come to a halt. ”I hate to interrupt the fun but we have reservations.” The reactions were all positive, Coco smiled shyly at her and Rarity absolutely beamed at the words. Minuette’s smile, however, was more on the mischievous side.

In a leap over a nearby mannequin, a rather impressive feat, Minuette was at Applejack’s side in a flash. She'd never have pegged Minuette as so athletic. ”Ooh! Where are we going then?”

Applejack shot a worried look at Coco, concerned she’d take the joke poorly. But she’d evidently been around Minuette long enough to know she cracked as many jokes as Pinkie Pie. ”Well Coco an’ me are havin’ dinner at... Uh... That prench place down the way.”

Rarity’s face was stuck somewhere between a disapproving scowl and an approving smile. The venue was perfect for a first date. However, forgetting the name... ”Pâturage De Fleurs darling. It will be an excellent place for you two.”

A further explanation floated out of the kitchen. ”Pasture Of Flowers.” They all looked around and found that at some point in the last five seconds Minuette had made her way into the kitchen.

”How does she do that?” Coco hissed to Rarity.

”I don’t know darling, I think she's distantly related to Pinkie Pie!”

Applejack grinned widely at Rarity who gave a suspicious glare in return. Applejack raised her voice to be more easily heard in the kitchen. ”You speak prench Minuette?”

Rarity narrowed her eyes in annoyance at the other mare. ”Oh yeah, I learned it so I could talk to the head of our order more easily.”

”Uh... Your Order?” Applejack was as confused as Coco looked.

Rarity didn't look so confused, giving an unconcerned shrug. ”Probably some game she and Pinkie play.”

”Oh yeah, the Most Serene Order Of The Knights Of The Invisible Moon.” Minuette trotted out of the kitchen munching on Celestia knew what, only to stop as three pairs of eyes stared at her causing her to slowly come to a halt saying through a mouthful of apparently daisies. ”What?”

”A knight!?” Coco and Applejack exclaimed together.

”You're Luna’s knight!?” Rarity exclaimed.

Minuette took the time to swallow and nodded. ”Yes I am A knight but I'm not Luna’s knight, it was more ceremonial though.” Rarity let a sigh of relief until Minuette added. ”I’m Twilight’s knight now.”

”YOU’RE WHAT!?” Rarity shrieked, staring at Minuette. Applejack’s own question overruled by Rarity’s.

”Well yeah, all the princesses have knights you know.”

Rarity just spluttered and Applejack stepped forward. ”I think what had Rarity so baffled sugar cube is that Twilight never mentioned it.”

”Oh because she’s not a fan. You know the princesses purposed making an order for the elements of harmony but Twilight managed to convince them not to.”

”I... I would have had my own knights?” Rarity asked breathlessly and fell back onto a conveniently placed chaise lounge. ”How could Twilight do this to me!?

Applejack scowled at her overdramatic friend. ”Well I for one appreciate not havin’ no knights.”

Coco simply sat there at a complete loss at what was going on at the moment, but she was curious. ”What do you do Minuette?”

Minuette giggled. ”I lay down my life to defend the princess, her honor, and Equestria! In that order! At least in theory, since Twilight doesn't let me follow her around I've never been in the right position when you all are in danger, so practically nothing.”

Applejack nodded. ”So it’s more ceremonial?”

Minuette nodded. ”Pretty much. Though I can use my position as the head of a knightly order to get access to the princess's whenever I want!”

Luckily Rarity was already laying down so she couldn't collapse backward again. ”Whenever you want!”

Minuette snickered. ”Now don't you two have reservations?”

Applejack sat up straight having forgotten in all the hubbub. ”Oh right! You ready Coco?”

Coco smiled widely and nodded vigorously. ”Oh yes!”

Applejack grinned watching Coco squirm with nervous energy, leaning in Applejack gave her a gentle nuzzle. ”Calm down sugar cube it'll be fine.” Coco nodded, giving her a slightly more confident smiled. ”Good girl.” Applejack stood up and waved a hoof to the other two. ”See you two later.”

Minuette grinned at Applejack. ”Bye! Too bad you didn't tell us earlier, we could have booked two more seats! First date double date! Red date blue date!” Minuette snickered at her own joke. Referencing obscure things like children’s books.

Applejack’s eyes went wide and her smile widened a little. ”Oh!”

It took a moment too long for Rarity to register Applejack’s tone and her, ”Applejack!” was too late to stop Applejack’s next statement.

”Rares told ya about her crush?” Rarity’s cry unfortunately immediately told Applejack of her mistake. ”Oh horseapples!”

Minuette slowly turned her head to look at the now retreating tail of Rarity up the stairs to her private living quarters in the boutique. ”She sure can move when she wants to.”

Applejack had failed in the time it took Minuette to look back at her. ”I-I should go talk ta her...” She tried to take a step forward only to find herself stuck in place with magic.

”I have a feeling she might be less than keen on seeing you right now Applejack.” Applejack couldn't think of a time she’d seen Minuette look or sound so serious. But then her tone lightened and smiled returned. ”And besides, you two have reservations.”

”But I...”

”I'm sure that Rarity would be even more cross if you cheated her friend out of a nice first date anyhow.”

Applejack looked over at Coco who was trying to look as small as possible. ”Uhh, no that's ok...”

”AND...” Minuette interrupted, drawing a glare from Applejack that Minuette ignored. Though the glare faltered at the grin on Minuette’s face, it was almost... Predatory. ”I think I’d like some alone time with Rarity.”

This statement caused Coco to blush crimson, even Applejack blushed faintly. ”Uh... Coco we should go.” Applejack nudged the younger mare with her nose getting her to move hesitantly.

Coco whispered. ”Is Rarity going to be okay?”

Applejack nodded confidently. ”Yeah, she's a grown mare she can take care of herself. And Minuette would never do anything bad.” Coco nodded and trotted ahead a little more confidently. Applejack trotted after, shaking her head to herself. Now that she had a moment to think she was fairly confident that Rarity had run off on purpose, she did like to be pursued, like a proper lady.

A Meeting On The Street. It Was Quite Neat. (May 11th, Saturday afternoon.)

Applejack smiled as she and Coco walked down the street, trying not to worry about Rarity and her issues for the time being at least. She was casting a bit of a wary eye around to see if anyone was giving them the stink eye but no one was, then again most ponies didn't know that this was actually a date so no one would know to judge her harshly for robbing the cradle. She sighed mentally at herself, she knew Rarity was right, they really weren't that far apart in age and in a few years the age gap would mean quite literally nothing, but at this point, she did feel a little guilty for going out with Coco who was still only a few years an adult.

Applejack realized that she was spending time with her thoughts and not her date. She turned to look at Coco, she had her trademark adorable little pin in her hair and that little collar thing she often wore. Applejack was more confused by the strange little collar but Coco seemed to like it. Applejack wasn't sure if it was a fashion thing or an affectation but the flower was cute. "Hey sugar cube, I need yer help."

Coco blinked but nodded, smiling, slightly nervously at her marefriend. "O-Of course Applejack! What do you need?"

"I've never been to a prench restaurant, what should I get?"

Coco giggled happily, giving a full genuine smile to Applejack. "I think you'd like the ratatouille, lots of vegetables."

Applejack grimaced slightly. "Uh, perhaps something without rat in it." Coco's eyes widened for a moment before she burst out giggling more that she had to stop walking so she could focus on giggling. Applejack frowned at the city pony. "Now what the hay there Coco. We don't eat rats on the farm if that's what yer thinking." At that Coco couldn't help but giggle more, sinking down on her knees as she continued to chortle, trying to stop herself but unable to. "Now really sugar cube, you're making me a might upset here..."

Coco couldn't answer for another few moments as she gasped for breath. "N... No... Applejack." She giggled slightly but managed to keep her voice at least mostly under control. "Ra-ratatouille is a vegetable dish."

Applejack's ears instantly went down and she blushed a bit. "Oh, oh. I'm sorry sugar cube." She smiled a little awkwardly as she leaned in and gave Coco a kiss on the cheek, causing the girl to blush. "I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions like that. Forgive me?" Coco nodded vigorously as she stood up. Applejack smiled, apparently, she'd found Coco's forgiveness button, she shouldn't exploit that, but it would be very useful. As the two started walking Applejack frowned a little. "I need ta make you a promise sugar cube."

Coco stared for a few moments tilting her head, trying to think what could have brought this one but came up with a blank and nodded. "Okay Applejack, what's the promise?"

Applejack gave her a bit of a chagrined look. "I promise to ask for clarification before getting upset with ya."

Coco giggled again, nodding at her marefriend. "Mhmm! I will make the same promise! Communication will make everything better!"

Applejack didn't quite share the optimistic 'everything' there but she agreed with the spirit of the statement. "Honesty is the best policy." She grinned, overly proud of her less than clever reference to herself but Coco gave Applejack the giggle she was after. Applejack was really becoming a bit enamored with that giggle, luckily Coco used it a lot. She was about to open her mouth to say something else when she heard a familiar voice greet her.

"Why hello there Applejack. With a new companion at her back." Applejack looked up to see Zecora trotting towards them.

"Why how do Zecora. This companion of mine is my fri... My marefriend Coco." Applejack was worried that Coco would take offense at the slip-up, but she simply beamed at being called Applejack's marefriend. Applejack let out a sigh of relief though a little non-plussed by how easy it seemed to please Coco.

"Ahh, I had not heard. My congratulations are conferred." She smiled and gave the two a small bow. "Have you seen the princess here? I refer to the one who is near."

Applejack shook her head. "No, I'm afraid I ain't seen Twilight."

"She visited Rarity yesterday." They both looked at Coco. "She said she was going to visit a friend in the hospital."

"Well, that is too bad. There were new potions to be had. We will have to meet another day. I leave you two, and away." Zecora smiled and bowed again to the ponies and started to trot off.

"Zecora." Applejack raised a hoof to waylay the zebra who regarded her curiously. "You and Twilight get that... Uh..." Applejack blushed a bit, maybe she was getting a bit ahead of herself but... She glanced over at Coco smiling at her marefriend before looking back at Zecora. "You and Twilight get that potion you two were trying to make last week to work?"

"We made many potions last week. Perhaps be more specific with what you seek."

Applejack took in a deep breath through her nose, she couldn't just say it, not in front of Coco. "The one for Starlight."

Zecora grinned a bit as she looked between Coco and Applejack. Thankfully since Coco didn't know the context of Starlight's potion request she was none the wiser, and Zecora wasn't going to go blabbing all around ponyville as to what exactly Starlight wanted from a potion. "Ahh, it is that potion after which you inquire. Yes, we did make the potion which she did desire."

Applejack smiled and nodded. "Thanks Zecora."

"Would you like us to brew you one now? It is not so hard since we know how."

Applejack blushed a bit and shook her head. "Ahh, no thank you Zecora." She opened her mouth to continue but she couldn't without lying or intensifying Coco's now curious look and so she closed her mouth and just smiled.

Zecora simply nodded and started her way off again while Coco looked at Applejack curiously. "What potion did Starlight need?"

Applejack frowned, trying to hide her blush, thankfully her orange fur was decent at that. "Now it ain't polite to pry sugar cube."

"Wait... But you just... Huh...?" Coco frowned then grinned. "Oh! You're just trying to change the subject!" She giggled again.

"Why would I do that sugar cube? I have a far better change of subject!"

"Oh?"

"We're here." Applejack pointed up at the sign that said 'Pâturage De Fleurs,' walking over and opening the door. "After you, milady."

Coco giggled as she walked through the door. "So gallant, thank you."

The Dinner (May 11th, Saturday evening.)

Applejack looked around the restaurant. ”My goodness. Sure is busy in here ain’t it?”

Coco nodded. ”Mhmm, but I would assume they're used to it?”

Applejack smiled and raised a hoof, rubbing Coco’s cheek. ”You sure are a worrier aren’t you sugar cube? I think it'll be fine, let's get our seats eh?” Coco nodded and followed Applejack to the maitre d. ”How do. I have a reservation for two under Apples.”

The maitre d was an older piny who was wearing a finely tailored suit, and a monocle. ”Very good madam, but I must point out that we have a dress code here. I'm afraid I must ask you to remove your hat.”

”Aww shucks.” Applejack already didn't like this place now, the food had better be good. Applejack started to reconsider the issue when she heard the small squeal from Coco when they entered the proper dining area, also properly hatless. Applejack had to agree it was darn pretty. The main attraction for the eyes was the large chandelier made of precious gems and light up with many candles. The rest of the area was swathed in fine silks and bright little organizations of more precious gems. The booths were nicely private, and the one that Coco and Applejack were sat on, though surrounded due to the packed restaurant only a faint background hum could be heard through the thin curtains hung around, Applejack realized they were as much to enhance the privacy of the diners as for the aesthetic appeal. As the waiter left them with menu's Applejack perused it just through pure curiosity, she was intending to order that ratitilla that Coco suggestion. Raritulla? Ratillia? Ratmongous? Applejack shook her head and looked up at Coco. "What was that dish you suggested me to sugar cube?"

Coco giggled as she looked over her own menu at Applejack. "Ratatouille Applejack." Coco looked through the menu, smiling as she considered her own options. "Could I get the cassoulet Applejack?"

Applejack nodded, though she did flip through the menu to see the prices of the items that they were ordering. They weren't the worst overpriced things in the world, especially not on the menu. It did bother her spending this much on a meal, but the reason she was so busy was the farm was doing quite well, so she had some bits to spare, and if this was a one time thing, or, very rare thing, once every few months, she could justify it, Coco did seem to love it here. "Sure thing sugar cube."

Coco beamed and like magic, which Applejack wouldn't put past the waiter as he was a unicorn, the waiter appeared. "Are the madams ready to order?"

Applejack nodded. "Sure are, I'll have the ratatouille." The waiter nodded and paused, noting down the order on his note pad, and then paused for a longer time, the waiter and Coco were both watching Applejack causing her to squirm a bit in her seat. "Uh... That's... All for me thanks."

The waiter looked a little non-plussed. "And for the lady?"

Applejack nodded, wondering what took him so long to ask but then noticed that both the other ponies were still looking at her until Coco's eyes widened slightly and she giggled, causing the waiter to look over to her. "Oh, hehe. I'll have the cassoulet."

"Very good madam." He magicked their menus over and smiled, "I do apologize but I must warn you to expect a slightly longer wait than unusual, we are very busy tonight. We will, of course, be as quick as possible."

Applejack waved a hoof, smiling. "Oh, don't fret it, I know about bein' busy." The waiter nodded, not having expected anything more than a cursory 'understood' answer if even that. But it did make him smiled a bit as he walked away, she may not be overly proper, but the orange pony sure was friendly. "Coco, do I have something on my face?" Coco blinked, surprised and shook her head. "Then why were you both staring at me?"

Coco giggled again. "Applejack, it is traditional for the stallion to order for the mare. Or more recently just whoever orders first just orders for both of the couple."

Applejack blinked. "Well, that's odd... Er... I mean... Sorry for messin' that up for you Coco."

Coco giggled and shook her head. "It was way funnier this way."

Applejack grinned. "Well, I'm glad I could amuse ya sugar cube." She opened her mouth to say something else before looking over and seeing a veritable stream of waiters coming out of the kitchen with plates and trays. "What the hay..." Their waiter returned to their table only a few minutes after they'd placed their order, setting down in front of them each a tray of food, that were indeed their orders. "Uh... That was quick."

The waiter smiled. "Yes madam, we received some unexpected help in the kitchen. We will have chocolate souffle's for your each in twenty minutes." As Applejack opened her mouth again the waiter floated her over a small note. "This should explain it, madam, enjoy your meals." As the waiter walked off Applejack read the note.

Heya Applejack!
Things went well between me and Rarity, so I have a request. Could you take Coco home with you? I assume you have a spare bedroom in that farm house of yours. Or have her share yours, your choice. I'd appreciate it if me and Rarity had the boutique to ourself tonight. I got your meals comped because I helped them out in the kitchen, also got you some nice desserts. I mean, if Coco and/or you wanted to come back to the boutique I'd be ok with that, you're both cute as buttons, but ya know, you Earth Ponies tend more towards the conservative side than we Unicorns do.
Thanks!
Minuette

Coco tilted her head as Applejack's face was stuck between embarrassment, annoyance, and some emotion Coco couldn't read. "What is it Applejack." Applejack just handed the note over to Coco who blushed brightly as she read it. "Oh my..."

The Night (May 11th, Saturday night.)

Applejack bit her lip nervously outside the restaurant, it was a delicious dinner but now... "You sure about this sugar cube? I mean I can go yell at Minuette to stop bein' weird..."

Coco shook her head, she didn't want to mess up Rarity's date, and after all, this was kind of Applejack's fault. "So long as it's no trouble for you..."

It was Applejack's turn to shake her head. "Nah, we have a spare room for when family visits, you can use that one." She turned and started to head out of Ponyville, smiling at Coco. "Besides, now you can meet my family."

Coco smiled back. "They sound nice."

Applejack chuckled. "Yes, family, oh they sound nice."

"Well they're related to you, so they have to be nice."

Applejack couldn't hold back a harsh guffaw and she threw a foreleg over the other mares back. "Hah! That was terribly corny Coco."

Coco grinned and raised an eyebrow. "This coming from the pony who said "This chocolate "soofle" is sweet, but not as sweet as you"?"

Applejack blushed brightly and looked to the side, grumbling. "Well, I thought you'd like to hear it..."

Coco giggled and leaned up, kissing Applejack on the cheek. "I did, so long as you meant it."

"Element of honesty here Coco, you can take whatever I say as 200 proof truth!"

Coco blinked and tilted her head. "200 proof?"

"Er... It means %100." Applejack blushed gently, she'd forgotten that Coco one, couldn't drink yet, and two, likely wouldn't be well versed in the harder alcohols where proofs really came into mention. Coco smiled and nodded, walking in companionable mostly silence except for the odd question about the farm as they approached the farmhouse. "And that, sugar cube, is why you -never- sneak up on Big Mac."

Coco giggled and nodded, smiling as Applejack opened the screen door the kitchen for Coco. "Thank you." She beamed at Applejack, only to turn her head and see a small fireball running straight at her.

Applebloom skidded to a halt in front of the new person. "Hi! Who're you? I'm Apple Bloom!" She beamed at the new pony she hadn't met.

Applejack chuckled as she walked in after Coco. "Coco, this is my little sister Apple Bloom."

Apple Bloom's grin doubled in size, somehow. "OOOOHH! You're the one who was sending big sis all those letters and presents!"

Coco blushed gently and nodded. "I did."

"Now Apple Bloom... Maybe don't..." Applejack was too late to head off her sister.

"Great! She was wondering who that was for a long time! She was so happy when they kept coming! Then she got sad because she thought it might be Rarity, but it wasn't! It was you! And she couldn't date Rarity! That'd be like me dating Scootaloo! And that'd be weird!"

Applejack sighed in exasperation. "Apple Bloom! You are dating Sweetie Belle!"

Apple Bloom scoffed like the answer was so obvious even her big sister should have seen it. "Well yeah! That's because I love Sweetie Belle! I don't love Scootaloo so it'd be weird! You don't love Rarity! You love Coco! So it'd be weird if you dated Rarity!"

Applejack groaned, Apple Bloom was older than she used to be but with her only ever having had a relationship with her longtime friend Sweetie Belle the finer points of romance still seemed to escape her. "It's too late for yer to be up anyhow! Get up ta bed little missy!"

Applebloom giggled and grinned at Coco, but was already turning. "She just wants to get rid of me! We'll talk more later when she's not around! I have -tons- of secrets I can tell you about her!"

"Bed!" Apple Bloom giggled as she galloped up the stairs and Applejack groaned a little. "Sorry about that sugar cu... Uh... You all right Coco?"

Coco was beet red and looked to the side then back to Applejack's worried face, before managing. "Uh... You... You told her you loved me?"

Applejack's eyes widened, she'd missed that finer point in Apple Bloom's little speech. Applejack cleared her throat a little and pawed at the floor a bit. "Well... I... Might have mentioned something about lovin' you." Coco blushed brightly but Applejack just decided that she was in this far, might as well go the rest of the way and bet the farm. "You're one of the nicest ponies I've met, you took on all of Rarity's work even after you risked your own neck helpin' her with that fussy designer you were workin' for when we first met ya. You put all that work into helping your neighborhood reconnect and all. You have the cutest giggle ever. And..." Applejack cleared her throat. "Sorry sugar cube I'm startin' ta embarrass myself... Yes... I do think I love you."

Coco smiled, though still blushing to no end. "Oh Applejack... I-I... I love you too... But you probably got that from all the letters and gifts. I-I just didn't think you'd feel the same about me, I'm just a silly pony from the city and I'm not nearly as successful as Rarity. I'm not surprised you thought they were from her but I promise I'll make more things for you if you want, I can ma..." Her eyes widened as she was interrupted with a pair of warm lips on her own, kissing back hesitantly.

Applejack looked down at the kitchen floor, pawing at it more. "Sorry for being forward sugar cube, I really shouldn't have done that."

Coco shook her head, squirming a little. "N-No... That's ok... It was... Wonderful."

Applejack smiled and motioned up the stairs. "Let's get you set up in the guest room then? Eh? Don't want me making no more slip-ups do we?" Coco blushed a little brighter as she thought of that. "Ya should be agreeing that we don't want no more slip-ups Coco..." Though Applejacks words were a bit harsh her smile and tone took any bite out of them.

"Oh! Oh yes, we don't want to make any mistakes before we get to know each other better."

Applejack smiled as she led the other mare upstairs. "Ya can meet Granny Smith and Big Mac in the morning. If ya need anything I'm two doors down." She motioned to said door. "That one." Pointing to the door between the two. "Is Apple Bloom's room. If ya don't wanna be woken up in the morning with a million questions sleep with your door closed."

Coco giggled and after a moment's hesitation leaned in and kissed Applejack on the cheek. "Thank you Applejack."

This caused Applejack to blush slightly, smiling. "Sleep well sugar cube."

"You too Applejack."

Coco walked into the room and firmly shut the door behind her, causing Applejack to chuckle. Heading to her own room she heard Apple Bloom call out to her. "Applejack?"

Applejack smiled and pushed the door to her little sister's room open, walking over to her. "Yes, sugar cube?"

Apple Bloom smiled up at her from her bed, as Applejack adjusted the blanked a little. "Is Coco going to be my new big sister?"

Applejack was a bit caught off guard by the question, staring at her little sister for a moment before looking up at the wall, beyond which Coco was no doubt getting ready for bed before leaning down and kissing Applejack on the forehead. "I sure hope so sugar cube."

Author's Note

Yay! This was fun writing folks! I've decided to change up my plan a little! I'm going to do sequels to these three, and then probably add in the rest of the main six, I mean it doesn't make sense that -everyone- would find new relationships at the same time (to be frank three is a bit of a stretch.) So I'm doing these three as short "get together" stories. Then more will come in sequels. Maybe some breakups, maybe some marriages, maybe some polygamy or even foals! Who knows what the future may hold!

Not I, Darling (May 8th, Wednesday afternoon.)

Rarity looked up at the loud banging on the boutique door. Frowning she got up and walked over to the door. She was closed, and her customers (usually) respected her hours, this must be an emergency. She was quite surprised when she saw Applejack waiting for her on the other side of the door. "Well hello darling, what can I do for you?"

"How do Rarity, can I come in? We need to talk." Rarity raised an eyebrow but nodded, backing up so that Applejack could come in, and after closing the door, escorting her good friend over to the couch she had been sitting at, luckily for Rarity she had already been having tea and snacks, so it was easy for her to magic over another teacup and pour one out for Applejack, who seemed to know that there'd be no point in trying to start this conversation until Rarity had satisfied herself with attending to her guest. Finally, when Rarity sat down Applejack leveled a stare at Rarity. "Before I go, do you wanna admit it?"

"Admit what darling?"

"Fine, we'll do this the hard way Rares." She pulled up her saddle bag and dumped out a pile of letters onto the table, along with a few small swatches of nicely designed and knitted things, decorative to functional little doilies, accents for dresses and even a cloth flower. "Well?"

Rarity twitched slightly at Applejack having made such a mess of her table, but that was less important at the moment than the fact that Applejack was obviously upset about something, although what exactly she wasn't sure, picking up one of the doilies she was impressed by the skill it was made with. "I'm not sure what this all is darling but I must say it is excellent work." And it did look quite familiar now that she looked at it closer.

Applejack scoffed and shook her head. "Ya know Rares, it's really annoying when you fish for compliments."

Rarity gasped. "I would never do such a thing and you well know it Applejack!" Ok, that wasn't strictly true... But this next part was. "And I don't know what you're talking about, these aren't mine!"

Applejack shook her head. "Drop the act rares, I'm flattered but I can't have you sending me more love letters!"

Rarity snickered to herself, she would have been shocked under any other circumstances that Applejack had been getting, aparently unsigned, love letters, and in such quanities, but with the accusation she was simply amused, not her style at all. "Applejack, darling, think about me." Applejack narrowed her eyes but nodded. "Am I Fluttershy?"

Applejack just stared at her friend. "What? N... Oh..." She looked down at the mountain of love letters. "This... Ain't so much yer style is it?" Before Applejack gasped. "It's Fluttershy!?"

Rarity chortled and shook her head. "Oh no dear, not her style either." After a moment of Applejack looking a little puzzled Rarity clarified. "Oh, this." She motioned to the letters. "Probably is her style but I meant this." She held up the doily. "I've seen quite a bit of her work, and this isn't hers." Applejack let out a long relieved sigh which caused Rarity to giggle slightly. "Not into mares then I take it?"

Applejack let out a small laugh. "Aww shucks Rares, I never really gave it much thought. I'm just glad it ain't one of my close friends, I mean, if we screwed it up and broke up, what'd happen to our friendship? Let alone how everyone else would react."

Rarity smiled as she picked up one of the letters and gave it a quick once over, moving the letter up just in time to hide her eyes as they widened in recognition of the hoofwriting. "Well we certainly have a little mystery on our hands don't we? What would you do if you found out darling?"

Applejack gave a small shrug. "Well I'd like ta sit down and have a talk with 'em. Then we could figure out if they really want to have a relationship." At Rarity's raised eyebrow Applejack chuckled. "Well I have my responsibilities Rares. Applebloom is still growin' up and Big Mac can't do all the chores by himself. Granny Smith is gettin' on in years an'..." Applejack stopped at a raised hoof from Rarity.

"All right, all right, I get your point darling, though you might wanna be a bit gentler when you talk to whoever sent you these. She obviously has great affection for you and you don't want to scare off what could be a beautiful relationship by dumping a bunch of naysaying." Rarity flushed a little at her own mistake of saying 'she' luckily it didn't seem that Applejack had noticed the slip-up.

"Yeah, yer right Rares. I mean granny says that it was finding momma that made dad so happy. I shouldn't dismiss the situations out of hoof so easily..." She smiled as she started to pile all the letters and gifts back into her saddlebags. "Sorry for being so melodramatic."

Rarity smiled wryly. "Oh that's fine darling, it allowed me to play the voice of reason, it was quite a nice change." They both cracked up after a few moments as Applejack finished putting her things away. "Thanks for the snacks too Rares, they were good."

Rarity rolled her eyes at the idea of her expensive little finger sandwiches just being 'good' or referred to as 'snacks' but she knew that was just Applejacks vocabulary. "Not at all darling you're always welcome to visit." She smiled but tilted her head as Applejack turned around and started towards the door. "And what is this?" She used her magic to pluck a small sewn together brown heart off the back of Applejack's hat, it had been simply sitting there, mostly obscured by the brim, not one without an eye for clothes like Rarity would have noticed the slight color change.

Applejack looked back then blushed brightly, quickly snatching the heart out of the air with her hoof. "Th-That's nothin'! Don't you mind that."

Rarity giggled as she looked at her blushing friend who quickly turned away. "I think you're a bit more interested in this mysterious love letter writer than you let on aren't you?"

Applejack broke into a slow trot towards the door of the boutique. "I wouldn't say that Rares, it's just..." She dashed out the door before she had to finish that sentence and Rarity chuckled, closing it behind her friend.

"Well, let's help you get somewhere since you don't seem able to put two and two together yourself." She magicked over a piece of paper and a pen, starting a letter. "Dear Coco..."