Equestria Girls: Bonds Forged of Friendship I (Love)

Well...that was an adventure and a half...

By the time that Applejack finally got Rarity back to her own house, it was already nearing midnight.
Needless to say, but the ordeal over at Crystal Prep had clearly run a bit long. All throughout the school, Indigo Zap was sprinting around and competing in whatever contests she could magically arrange on the fly. From hundred-meter relays to extreme rock-paper-scissors; it was definitely one of the most eclectic decathlons ever conceived. It was also one of the most inclusive, considering how every other after-school club became unwitting and unwilling participants in the ensuing smack-down—at least until the Rainbooms joined in.

Thankfully, like many good sporting events, it all came down to effective teamwork in the end. Whereas Indigo only had herself and some performance-enhancing magic to rely upon, her competition supported each other in going for the gold and consistently one-upping her. Eventually, after one too many unexpected losses, she finally let her guard down, challenged her adversaries to one final showdown, and promptly suffered a crushing defeat against the magic of friendship.

And, in the end, everything worked out for the best—in more ways than one, it seemed.
Indigo Zap certainly looked to be more relieved afterward. She even made amends with the rest of her old crew from the Friendship Games.
Meanwhile, Twilight and Sunset were pretty ecstatic over...well, whatever they had apparently managed to snag from Crystal Prep's science lab. The two of them bolted almost immediately following the battle, all the while riffing off one another with technical jargon and Equestrian Magic details and whatnot. Of course, most of that went completely over the heads of everyone else, but surely they'd fill the rest of their team in once the time was right. Hopefully, this would be as good as they were making it out to seem...
And as for Applejack and Rarity...well, there really wasn't much to say. Granted, eating along the way proved to be a little awkward, especially since the fashionista made good on her vow of force-feeding her friend as she drove. However, the following hours passed by like nothing at all. Turns out, when you're busy chasing down a magical maniac through a dozen or so impromptu contests, there wasn't really much downtime to dwell on or overanalyze anything.

Oh, there were little moments here and there. When Applejack and Pinkie Pie creamed Indigo at making cream puffs, for example, Rarity couldn't resist ecstatically hugging her best friend for a little too long. And when it came down to one last round between Sunset and Indigo in a game of Them's Fightin' Herds, both the fashionista and the farmer caught themselves gripping each other's hand in anticipation of it all.
However, beyond those occasional bouts of slight bashfulness, they tackled being super-heroes together just as they did harvesting—just as they did with almost any situation, really. That had always been one of the best parts of their friendship, after all. Even against the added pressure of things like saving the world, they still found a way to just enjoy being in each other's company. That was proving especially true today.

Perhaps that was why, despite how late it was obviously getting out, Rarity still suggested a quick stopover at Sugarcube Corner afterward for some takeout...and why Applejack merely moseyed along the freeway as they ate together...and why their conversation ultimately veered into the realms that it did...

Now, usually Applejack could pull off a parallel parking blindfolded and backward, but there were complications this time around. For one, doing so in the pitch blackness of night wasn't quite as easy, especially when thick curtains of murky cloud continued dulling even the brightest moonlight. Combine that with how she was almost doubling over from laughter then, and the whole thing was left looking a little bit crooked.
Still, it's not like Rarity could've offered much comment. She was far too busy wiping away her own tears between fits of giggling.

“Oh! And can you believe that dance-off!? What was Rainbow Dash even doing with that head-spin!?”

“Haha—I know, right!? She was like a dang top! Almost knocked me an' Twilight right over! An' how 'bout when Pinkie Pie—”

“When she tossed Fluttershy into the air for that finish!? And the poor dear's face was frozen in shock like—pfffttt, hahaha!”

With how much they were carrying on then, the two actually managed to make the truck sway back and forth a little. Laughter was always just so cathartic after these kinds of adventures. It was like a pressure release for the soul—a means to make peace with all the built-up stress—and getting to share in that only made it easier to look back and laugh even harder.
Eventually, however, after a few more raucous romps down memory lane, things settled down enough for Rarity to finally finish the last of her meal—or, rather, the last of Applejack's.

“Y'know,” the cowgirl said, smirking as her friend partook in yet another single fry, “I still ain't sure why ya don't just grab a whole handful. How can ya even taste a lil' tot like that?”

“Firstly, and as I've explained before, smaller portions allow one to savor each bite for far longer, darling. And, secondly, I only wanted a few of your fries, anyway.”

“Uh-huh... That why ya ate most a' this box yerself?”

“Wha—that's... That is absolutely not true! And, even if it were, it's only because you always order the large and then leave half of it to go woefully uneaten!”

“But that's the best value! A medium's only ninety cents less...”

“It isn't a value if part of it inevitably goes to waste!”

“Well...so long as yer 'round, it don't!”

“Hmph! Perhaps next time I'll simply leave you to waste your money! Especially after that absolutely gargantuan lunch from earlier... I swear you're just intent on making me gain weight now...”

“Hey, I ain't the one who scarfed down all them apple chips like a lil' piggy.”

At that, the young tailor turned away in a huff, giving her snickering friend time to grab a few fries for herself. Of course, Applejack left some remaining in the box; and, of course, Rarity resumed her selective snacking without even batting an eye. Funny how some routines are born out of the most mundane of situations.

“Hmm,” she eventually mumbled, “...these are good, but...I do have to admit, those chips were positively divine. It never ceases to amaze me just how talented your grandmother is.”

“Well, thank ya kindly!” the farmer beamed. There was never such thing as being too proud of her kin, and that was especially true when it came to matters of food.
“But, ya know...y'all should really join us for dinner some time 'round there. That's when ya get a taste a' some real down-home Apple cookin'!”

“Oh, I can only imagine! And what might be on the menu for such an occasion?”

“Well, you've already tried some a' Granny's cookin', but Big Macintosh ain't no slouch, either! He can serve up a pretty mean brisket when he means business! An' Apple Bloom'll always jump at a chance to make her Anything-Goes Dumplin's! Heck, I'll even whip up my own specialty just for ya!”

“Ooh, apple pie!?”

“Carrot cake.”

…...
Rarely in life does anything inspire one to do a genuine double-take, but that was about all that Rarity could manage in response to that particular answer. Afterward, she once again succumbed to a slight case of the giggles, which Applejack was more than happy to share in. Truth be told, she never could understand why her signature dessert always ended up surprising people, but at least it usually made for some pretty entertaining responses.
Of course, she wasn't the only one capable of some surprising responses.

“Hmhm...I'd rather like that, I think,” the fashionista replied, once the giggling had subsided. “Perhaps I'll simply have to help out again with your work quite soon.”

That time, it was the cowgirl's turn to be a bit stunned. She never would've expected her prissy friend to willingly return to a day down on the farm, least of which after something as messy and intense as harvesting. Perhaps her family's cooking was even more tantalizing than she had realized?

“Aw, shucks, Rare. Ya ain't gotta go through all that again for some grub. Like I said, I 'ppreciate ya just stickin' it out with me this afternoon.”

“Well... Dare I say, I didn't find things all that objectionable today. In fact, I...really wouldn't mind joining you again...so long as I'm not imposing, of course.”

“Heh, you kiddin'? I'd love yer company any day, sugarcube...”

For a moment, both friends simply sat there smiling at each other, lost in the thoughts of what another day and even a dinner together might be like. Soon, however, that nebulous reverie began to dissipate, leaving them to realize that they'd just been staring into each other's eyes...and for way too long!

“Y-Yeah,” Applejack stuttered, swiftly looking back to spot any details she could on the dashboard. “...That, uh...that'd sure be a hoot...”

“...Yes...quite,” Rarity responded, before returning to quietly chewing on her last fry.

Strange...
That was the first time since this afternoon that things had gotten so awkward, but...it also felt...just kind of nice. Actually, something about the atmosphere in general right now. It was all so comfortable...so inviting...so warm.
Of course, things had certainly cooled down a lot more outside. You could even spot some ice starting to form along the edges of the truck's windows. Thankfully, the one thing this old clunker still excelled at was insulation, and even having the defroster on low and humming then kept the interior pleasantly toasty. Meanwhile, despite the radio being turned down, Billy Ray Cypress was still filling in some of the silence with a bit of quiet country crooning in the background.

In a sense, it was almost funny how unremarkable this all may have seemed, especially compared to the hustle and bustle that dominated pretty much everything else today. But maybe that was the point. Maybe it was these duller moments that allowed some thoughts and sentiments a chance to finally breathe...a chance to finally be let out.
If nothing else, they at least gave Applejack a chance to question something she'd been noticing almost all day.

“Say...what you keep gazin' at over there, anyway?” she teased, just as her friend once again sneaked in a lengthy glance her way. That had actually been the fourth or fifth time now since this afternoon, and curiosity finally got the better of the farmhand.

“Ah!” Rarity gasped. “I was not gazing! I was merely...contemplating something!”

The fashionista tried her hardest to put up an indignant front against such a sudden and obviously outrageous accusation, but that only made her friend all the more curious.

“Okay... Well, what you contemplatin' at over there?”

In that moment, Rarity simply...actually, she managed to contemplate a lot for that being just a moment. She considered lying, creating a diversion, and even turning the question around, among other things. In the end, however, when faced against Applejack's imposingly nonchalant smile then, she found herself unable to confess to anything other than the truth...however embarrassing it might've been...

“Well...I was... I-I was just... It's just..........your hair...”

“My hair? Ohhh...still got some leaves back there, huh?”

“No, it—well, yes, maybe......but...I was just wondering...”

There was a pause as Rarity's admission got caught in her throat...but she was absolutely dying to know something right now. It had been bothering her since this afternoon! Surely it wasn't a crime to at least ask, right?

“...Have you ever...considered wearing it...all the way down?”

“...Wait...huh!?”
Once again, Applejack was genuinely surprised then. Not insulted or anything; just...surprised. And here she thought all this gazing or contemplating or whatever was on account of a big lump of dirt somewhere on her. Somehow, that thought made her feel a lot less self-conscious than her own hair did right then...

“I, uh... Can't really say that I have... W-Why do ya ask?”

“No reason, really! I just...well... Y-Your—Your ensemble! I just wondered if maybe it would be better complemented that way! Hairstyle is an important accessory to clothing, you know...ha ha...”

“Oh, um... Well, if yer that curious...reckon I could...”

With that, Applejack reached back and pulled off her hair tie. It was a simple enough motion—always had been—though it certainly felt a lot more weighty in that instant. She didn't even think to remove her hat or shake her hair loose afterward. Just a simple little pluck of the tie.

“So......w-whaddya think?”

Admittedly, Rarity had been rather nervous then. And yet, watching as her friend just sat there expectantly...with her hair just sort of hanging as though literally nothing had changed...she couldn't help but giggle at the adorable bumpkin.

“Hmhmhm... You look like you're not used to this at all,” she joked, plucking off her friend's stetson and setting it atop the dear's lap. Then, following a little light fluffing.

“There...much, much better...”

“Heh...t-thank ya kindly... Though, uh...I'll prolly just stick with my ponytail, if'n it's all the same. Better for farm work an' all that, ya know?”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“Well...part a' why I tie my hair up is to keep it all together an' outta the way. Ya definitely never want some loose ends gettin' caught up in them tools or something. I remember Apple Bloom almost went with a bald spot once cuz a' that.”

“Oh, I see. I suppose that would make—wait! Is... Is that why you suggested that I wear my hair like this?”

“Well, sure. I reckoned dealin' with the dirt n' all woulda been hard enough. Didn't want ya frettin' over losin' some a' yer hair as well.”

“I... Oh...... Of course...”
Suddenly, as that realization fully sank in, Rarity found herself feeling a bit dejected, though that quickly took a backseat to being utterly mortified as her friend inquired further.

“Wait... Why'd ya think I mentioned that?”

“Er...well... Oh, pfft, it was nothing, really! I-I just thought that I... Well, I thought perhaps that you...believed I would look better...sporting something a bit different... But that was rather ridiculous on my part, wasn't it!? Haha...”

The young tailor tried her hardest to pass the whole thing off as a joke...and, in hindsight, it really was! Getting carried away over something like that, especially considering how little her best friend paid attention to those sorts of details. Really, it was absolutely...absolutely comical...
Why, Applejack herself even gave a little chuckle then, though not quite for the same reason, as it turned out.

“Yeah, guess that is a lil' silly, ain't it?”

“Yes! Silly, indeed! That's—”

“'Specially when I already said yer beautiful no matter what.”

“Exactly! And since I......”

Whatever Rarity was about to say then—with whatever dazzling assurance or disarming wittiness she might've been able to muster—it completely vanished in that instant. Instead, all she could do now was just stare at her friend, who returned her stunned gaze with naught but that same humble smile. And, soon enough, between that and such touching words, it all once again became too much to take in.

“...I... Thank you,” she replied, turning away just as her face grew almost unbearably hot. Honestly, how was Applejack not absolutely roasting right now!?

“...Although...I believe that you said 'pretty' back then...”

“Heh... Yeah, well...they're kinda the same, right?”

Truth be told, the farmer could feel her own cheeks burning then. She could also hear her heart pounding past every quavering breath. She could even sense that her body was ready to shift and fidget at the slightest provocation.
It's not like that was meant to sound so forward then. She'd literally made that same claim about her friend not a week ago, after all, and nothing awful had become of that little slip-up. Now, it wasn't so much telling the truth as it was just stating the obvious.
And yet, the very second that Applejack let those words casually slip from out of her mouth, she knew something had changed. She'd crossed a line that she never had any intention of even approaching today...
But...

Without even realizing it, she motioned to tie her hair back up again. Anything to let some of this building energy out. Wouldn't it figure, however, that that was the moment when Rarity could finally manage a glance back over at her?

“Oh! H-Here...allow me to—”

“Oh, uh—Nah, t-that's fine. I'm sure ya don't wanna touch—”

“No, I insist. It's the least I can do after asking.”

Before she could object any further, Applejack had already turned away for Rarity, who slowly but surely gathered her locks back. Then, once it was but a single golden stream flowing down her hands, the fashionista proceeded to gently run her fingers through her friend's hair. Call it a nervous habit, a humanitarian act of beautification, or what have you, but she simply couldn't resist the chance to brush out some of those tangles then—as well as the aforementioned bits of leaf and twig that might possibly be stowing away.
Of course, Applejack didn't mind in the slightest. She actually almost expected this kind of gussying—what with her friend's particular compulsions—and, for once, she welcomed it entirely. At least it was a chance to try and wrangle in her thoughts...
But...did she really...

“...Applejack?” Rarity said, her soft tone barely rising above a whisper as it broke the silence. “...I truly cannot thank you enough for today.”

“Me? Uh...ain't I the one who should be sayin' that to y'all? Ya really went outta yer way to help me an' all today, right?”

“Yes, dear...but all of that wouldn't have been even remotely possible without you. Honestly...I was hoping that today would make up for how terrible of a friend I've been, but...I'm afraid I may never be able to reciprocate everything you've done for me...”

At that moment, Applejack could hear Rarity's own voice quivering a bit. And, when those slender fingers occasionally brushed against her skin, she could swear that the clothier's own heartbeat was reverberating along her neck.
It was such a charged atmosphere at the moment—almost intoxicating—and the farm girl had no clue how to break free of it.

But...did she really want to?
For the last minute or so, her heart and mind had been racing, but it almost didn't seem to matter. It was like a part of her was just on autopilot then, completely indifferent to whatever the rest was trying to frighten her with. And why should she be scared? After all...what was wrong with just trusting her feelings?

“...You ain't ever gotta worry 'bout that,” she replied gently, her gaze shifting down at the silver twine running along her hat. “...An' ya ain't a bad friend. Y'all do plenty fer me almost every day...an' ya have since we met.”

“...Do you truly believe that?...”

The fashionista was just about finished tying up her hair.
Whatever happened next—whatever was about to be said—Applejack had no earthly clue how things might go from here on out. But she also didn't care. Right now, all that mattered was assuring her best friend of something...and she intended to do so then and there.

“...Course I do... Honey, yer an amazin' friend... Yer an amazin' person! An', like I told ya when we was just tykes, I'll always be there to support ya anyway I can. That's a promise to ya that I aim to keep...cuz...I—”

And, right then...just as Applejack was about to turn around...and as Rarity loosened her grip...
A huge bolt of lightning went off in the distance, and the vicious roar of thunder quickly tore throughout the sky. It was actually loud enough to make the truck vibrate a little...and it completely shattered whatever was happening with the passengers inside then.

Not a second into that colossal boom, Rarity let out a frightened yelp, all the while reflexively tugging at her friend's hair like it was bell pull.

“YEOUCH!” Applejack shouted, almost falling backward from the sudden force. At least, this time around, something other than being startled nearly knocked her off balance. Then again, none of those other instances hurt quite as much as this...

“Oh!” the fashionista gasped, releasing what was assuredly a nicely tightened ponytail by now. “I am so sorry! Are you alright!?”

“Oof... Yeah...no big deal. Y'all okay?”

The bellowing of even more thunder interrupted the two and drew their attention upward. Even within those Stygian skies, large surges of light were beginning to course vividly throughout. Each flash briefly betrayed the deformed silhouettes of yet even more clouds, and soon it grew apparent just how ugly and discordant things were starting to look overhead. Furthermore, it wasn't going to stay overhead for much longer—not if the drop of rain that just slapped against the windshield then was any indication.
Talk about one heck of a warning shot...

“Splendid... Another rainy night... And I'm sure tomorrow will be more of the same...”

“Yeah...I like a good downpour much as the next gal, but this is getting' a lil' old. Sure the livestock's plenty spooked by now...”

Following a brief glance between the pair, both Applejack and Rarity broke into some light laughter. Ironically, for how terrifying that thunder was, it sure managed to cut the tension that had been building up.

“Haha—Y'all sure got some muscle hidin' under that skinny frame! An' here I am thinkin' tools is the worst my hair's gotta worry about!”

“I'm sorry!” the clothier pleaded between chuckles. “It was rather startling, though—don't you think!?”

Thankfully, the skies stayed pretty calm while they got those giggles out of their systems, though the constant rumblings urged them to wrap things up shortly afterward. It was a little disappointing having to say good night like this—being rushed along by a stupid storm and whatnot—but what else could you do?

“Hmhm... Well...I suppose I'd better hurry inside, then.”

“Right. Don't want ya breakin' that dry streak after all this time, huh?”

“Indeed. Do be careful on your way back home, darling. I know that it's not too far, but...”

“Sure thing... See ya later...”

With not another word spoken, Applejack watched as Rarity set foot outside, all the while conjuring up her usual diamond umbrella to stave off any stray droplets. She looked so different compared to this morning— adorned in those dirt-stained duds and all—and yet still so enchanting. Though she also seemed a tad...saddened? Maybe disappointed? Or was that simply the cowgirl's own projections? After how much fun today turned out to be...saying goodbye like this just felt kinda...
She could've just pulled away then. Probably should've...before the rain and...before......oh, heck with it!

“Hey,” she said, rolling the window down just in time to catch the fashionista's attention. “Did, uh... Did y'all have any plans...tomorrow?”

“Me? Well, no, I don't believe so.”

“Then...ya want some company!? Prolly gonna be too nasty to do much out, but...I'd be happy to help with yer outfits.”

“...Are... Are you sure?”

“Shoot, sure as sugar! That is...if ya want.”

“Why...I'd be absolutely delighted, darling! I have been falling rather behind on the girls' wardrobes, and it'd certainly be better than sewing alone in this drab weather! Ooh, I'll even prepare some tea and cakes for the occasion!”

Amazing. Even in the middle of the night, Rarity still found a way to beam as nobody else could. And, seeing her smiling friend's sapphire eyes light up with excitement then, Applejack suddenly found herself without a single regret or worry.

“Heh heh, sounds like a plan! So...I'll call ya tomorrow?”

“Yes! Er, um—yes, that, um...that would be fine...... Well...until then!”

And, like that, the young tailor made her way back inside, waving one final time before disappearing behind those double doors. Abrupt farewells aside, she certainly seemed happier then. Perhaps even excited? Or was that simply Applejack's own projections yet again?
Actually, watching as it steadily began to downpour, the cowgirl suddenly felt so much beginning to wash over her. Triumphs and missteps; exhaustion and elation. Who even knew a single gal could shoulder so many thoughts at once? Who knew a single gal could be the cause of so many, as well?

And yet, she didn't regret a single bit of it. Not any longer. And why would she?
She finally got exactly what she had needed.
She finally got to be with Rarity and be herself—feelings and all.
She finally understood what their relationship really was...and what it could actually be.

Before taking off and heading home, Applejack leaned back, closed her eyes, and took one last deep breath. The faint scent of Rarity's lotion still lingered in the air, and she could even envision those soft fingertips brushing against her neck. She could hear Rarity's breathing...see Rarity's smile...
Her heart was calmly racing. Her chest was so tight and so warm.
In that instant, and only for an instant, she was right back in that same state of mind minutes ago...ready to admit something not only to Rarity...but also to herself...

"...Cuz... Cuz I love you..."

And, boy oh boy......did that feel great to finally admit!

Even though midnight was quickly creeping up on Canterlot then, Rarity found little reason to rush turning in from her big day of harvesting.
Usually, she would've been in bed by around ten o'clock—quarter-till, at the latest—but the fashionista simply couldn't stop herself from dawdling a little before retiring for the night. There were just so many pleasant little moments that kept popping up in her mind—from greeting her best friend all the way to wishing her a good night—and they each only added to her growing reverie. Funnily enough, for what was supposed to be her big chance to finally make up for everything, almost nothing had gone perfectly today.

...And yet, so much of it was better than perfect...

Actually, in keeping with that, it was almost funny how many of Rarity's nightly rituals seemed to be contradicting themselves even then.
Despite partaking in a soothing cup of chamomile to settle her mind like always...she still felt so brimming and giddy afterward.

Just look at ya now, already pluckin' an' peelin' like a pro...

Despite her feet and muscles aching from all of that labor...her every step and motion to tidy up felt as though she were as light as a feather.

'Specially when I already said yer beautiful no matter what...

And, despite the autumn chill biting sharply as she stepped from out of the shower...there was still such a deep warmth radiating from within her.

Honey, yer an amazin' friend. Yer an amazin' person! An', like I told ya when we was just tykes, I'll always be there to support ya anyway I can. That's a promise to ya that I aim to keep...

These and a hundred other little moments made her bedtime preparations take so much longer, to the point that, by the time she finally slid underneath those covers, her weary body was already giving way to a gentle and welcoming slumber.
Thankfully, it seemed as though her darling Opalescence had found a way to relax as well. The sweet thing was comfortably curled up atop the gamboge linens then, and seeing that only made the seamstress all the more content.

In the morning, she would have to tell her feline friend all about her big day down on the farm...but for now, as her heavy eyes slowly shut tight...she was just fine with letting it all swirl about in her mind...a dreamlike haze of delights and surprises that she never could've anticipated.

Indeed...as it turned out, Rarity had been prepared for absolutely everything that could've happened today...
Everything...except what actually happened...

...She had a wonderful time...with Applejack...
…...Such a...wonderful...time......

Next Time: Counters, Downloads, Tag-Teams and Pressure