Applejack and Rarity: Scenes from a relationship.

Chapters

i. Morning Breaks (And Roosters Complain)
ii. She Looks Through Empty Windows

i. Morning Breaks (And Roosters Complain)

SCENE ONE.

Applejack woke up by herself - she always did when she got a good night's sleep - otherwise it would be the singing of birds rousing her from her slumber. Either way, she was almost always the first awake on the farm. The early sun beamed in gold through parts in the curtains, and as Applejack's eyes adjusted she could see the dust dancing in the light. She lay there for a moment, watching it. It brought a calm over her, the overexertion of harvest season finally finished. A yawn, a smack of lips. She pushed the blanket aside and hopped out of bed - the canter across to her mirror was a nice opportunity to stretch.

Her reflection wore a weary smile and unkempt mane, part of her still half asleep. As she considered herself in the mirror, her eyes caught - again - on the photo tucked into the corner. Her and Golden Harvest. A simple scene: the cream-yellow pony, with her pouffe-ish mane and carrots adorning her flank, stood by Applejack, waving off to the camera. Truth be told, it wasn't a great photo - Big Mac never had been good at taking them - but it was the only one Applejack had of her and Golden Harvest. Seeing it every morning had sort of numbed her to the photo, so she didn't consider it much. That's just what was there, reason fading to background noise over the years. As she brought her focus back to herself, she attempted to smooth out the more egregious ruffles in her fur. With the end of harvest season, she finally had the chance to care about her appearance again. Not that she cared much, of course, but she felt it her duty to maintain a certain level of decency to her look; especially considering she was going out for lunch today. But before she could consider lunch, she needed to consider breakfast.

Being the first awake, breakfast duty usually fell on her. Not that there really was a 'breakfast duty', it's more something she imposed on herself. Routine, feeding the family. It kept her together in the early morning. She slipped on her hat, shoved her door open with her flank, and began down the stairs. In an old building like this, the wooden steps had a tendency to creak, so Applejack made sure to step lightly. She didn't want to wake anypony else - they deserved their rest. Especially Granny Smith. As she was getting on in age, she spent a lot more time sleeping. She deserved a break. Everything she'd done for the family. As she continued down the stairs, she wondered what to cook for breakfast. It felt like the morning for a sweet treat. Apple fritters. They'd all love that.

By the time Applejack had gotten to the kitchen, the sun's orange glow had brightened up - lost some of its warmth - but perfectly flooded into the kitchen, bathing it in white light. Applejack pranced between the cupboards, getting the ingredients and utensils. Let's see. She wasn't gonna cook for Granny Smith - she rarely woke up before noon anymore - so that just leaves Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Big Apple and her. Two each for her, Mac and Apple Bloom. Big Apple was a growing colt, but he didn't need that much yet. And besides, she knew Big Mac would inevitably end up sharing one of his fritters with Big Apple. So seven fritters in total. She could do that - mixing up the dough, cutting up the apples… Roll, fold, crimp. Roll, fold, crimp.

As she got into the rhythm of baking, she heard thudding - the creaking of stairs. Big MacIntosh must be awake. He never cared to quiet his hoofsteps in the morning, it just never occurred to him. As the heavy steps grew closer, Applejack called out to him - "Mornin'! Fixin' to be a nice day today. Fritters for breakfast - sound good?"

She already knew Big Mac's response. "Eeyup." Big MacIntosh let out a yawn as he cantered into the kitchen. Applejack was done preparing the fritters, so Big Mac gave a helping hoof as she fried them and plated them up.

"Why don't ya go wake up Apple Bloom and Big Apple? I'll set up some water for everypony down here." Big Mac nodded, and sauntered back off upstairs - creaking and thudding along the way.

Soon a hurried scampering rung down the stairs - Big Apple galloped into the kitchen, saying only one thing: "Fritters!" It was his favourite. Despite his name, Big Apple was a little small for his age - certainly the smallest colt in his class. His short red mane hung clumsily over his orangish fur, a messy tail accentuating his blank flank - yet to get his cutie mark. He galloped into the kitchen, ready to wolf down his food. Applejack stopped him.

"Now y'all know we have to wait 'til everypony gets here before we eat. Now sit down, I'm sure Apple Bloom and your dad are on their way." When Applejack spoke, her family listened. Even if she was only Big Apple's aunt, she held power. The Apple family was close.

"Awwright," Big Apple did as asked and sat across the table. Soon, just as expected, Apple Bloom and Big MacIntosh came in and sat down too. The whole family was here, and breakfast was ready to begin.

They started to tuck in - most were eating slow, but Big Apple had already almost finished his. Applejack started conversation with the family - "Everypony all ready for today?"

Big Mac answered - as expected - with a simple "Eeyup."

Apple Bloom offered more of a response. "Yup! Ready to start on the fields again! Get all this done and it'll be next harvest before we know it!" A teenager now, Apple Bloom was more ready for physical work on the farm.

"Now that's the spirit, Apple Bloom! I'm out for lunch with Rarity later, but I'll be sure to drop in 'n' help out when it's done." As the two talked, so did Big Mac and Big Apple, though quieter between the two. Then, Big MacIntosh took one of his fritters and carefully split it with his hoof; giving half to Big Apple. Big Apple wolfed it down.

"Excuse me!" Big Apple had barely finished the fritters when he spoke, got up and readied off to his room. "I'm off!"

Big Mac glared at him. "Nope! You're staying here. You got school today." Big Apple groaned as he slowly trotted over to the table again.

"Aw, come on! Can't I get just one day off to help 'round the farm? Do I really gotta go EVERY day?" His voice boiled up in a southern squeak. "It ain't no fair when Auntie Apple Bloom gets to do what she wants, and she ain't much older'n me!"

Big Apple made a show of sitting back at the table. Apple Bloom awkwardly avoided his gaze. Applejack was the one to eventually respond. "'Course ya have to go to school ev'ryday! That's the way it is! You gotta learn and grow before you're ready to just go off and do what's for you. Now I been there when I was young, just like Apple Bloom and your father. I know for a fact that school ain't THAT bad. You gotta go." Big Apple just furrowed his brow and shot Applejack a frown. He didn't even bother responding.

Big MacIntosh looked over to Big Apple, storming in his little seat. He mulled the situation over for a moment. "I'm sorry, Big Apple. Your Aunt's right. It's the weekend soon anyway, we can see about doing somethin' then." Big MacIntosh brought a hoof round Big Apple, rubbing his back.

Big Apple still wore a foul mood, but gave in. "Awwright then. I'll go in." As soon as he finished the sentence, Big MacIntosh brought him in close for a hug. Big Mac was a strong hugger, holding Apple in close. "Hey! Hey!" Big Apple protested, but his angry face had already melted into a smile. Soon, Big Mac let go and Apple started flailing his hooves across his fur as if dusting himself off.

"Tell ya what, I think Big Mac's busy this mornin' so how about I take ya inta school? I gotta go out later anyway." It'd be nice for Applejack to spend more time with Big Apple. It was nice having a young foal in the family again.

"Okay. Y'think we can stop at the market on the way?"

"Aw, c'mon. Y'already had two fritters!"

"Nuh-uh! Only one'n a half!"

Applejack stopped for a moment. She mustered up the sternest tone she could - "Ah'll think about it. Now it's probably about time for us t'start gettin' ready, alright?" She looped around to Big Apple's side of the table, bringing him back near the door. "Now g'bye, y'all!" She gave a wave to Apple Bloom and Big Mac.

Mac smiled and nodded. Apple Bloom gave a hearty "See y'all later!" Applejack and Big Apple both slipped out the front door as Big Mac started cleaning up the table and Apple Bloom cantered off to ready the farm work for the day.

Applejack and Big Apple trotted in silence at first. Big Apple knew the route, so he led, Applejack following behind in slow steps to make up for Big Apple’s short legs. A cool wind had picked up by this time in the morning, and it’s whistle could be heard between houses as it swept through Ponyville. Applejack decided to break the silence. “Look, Big Apple. I know how ya feel. I was gettin’ tired of life in ‘n’ out like you when I was your age. Feels like the same thing ev’ryday, right?” Big Apple slowed his walking down some - not talking, choosing just to nod. “I was there too. I just wanted to get out, see the world. Do somethin’ different at least. And I did. I went off to Manehattan and I-”

“WOAH! You went to Manehattan? When you were my age?” He stopped suddenly, dirt picking up with his sudden heavy hoofsteps. Just staring at Applejack, he turned around.

“Yeah, I mean I was a little older. Like I was sayin’, I left the farm and w-”

“What was it like?”

“I’m gettin’ to that part.” She paused for a moment, just to rub it in, and the two started walkin’ again. “Now I left the farm for Manehattan all by myself - we had family over there I was gonna visit. Still do have family there, I reckon. Anyway, I got there and it was a lot like what I expected - all the buildin’s are so tall… Tower right above ya. And it was so busy, even at night the streets were fulla ponies and lights on everywhere. It was big, ‘n’ flashy. But it didn’t mean nothin’. The people there weren’t as kind as everypony in Ponyville. None of ‘em knew me, an’ I didn’t have Big MacIntosh or Granny Smith there with me neither. Yeah, it was big ‘n’ flashy but it had no heart. I had to come back home… Everythin’ I thought I hated ‘bout Ponyville… The routine was stability, the small town jus’ meant everypony had more love to give ya. It weren’t flashy but it weren’t overwhelmin’ neither. I jus’ had to come back home, get back to the farm. That’s when I got my cutie mark. I mean, I knew I had to be here. I guess what I’m tryna say is, I know you’re growin’ big ‘n’ it feels like everythin’ here’s too small… Like nothin’ changes. But someday soon you'll grow even bigger and realise it was all changin’ with ya. That you grow with your roots.”

Big Apple stared for a moment, a blank expression on his face. “...is it true that in Manehattan they have shops ‘n’ cafes open ALL NIGHT?”

“Heh. I didn’t think you’d quite get what I was sayin’ there. I jus’ want you to know that it won’t always feel so… frustratin’ or small. Anyhoo, I think we’re about at the market.” As the two cantered closer to the town center, little stalls dotted themselves along the side of the path. Carrots, fruits, herbs… The market was mostly food, cooking ingredients. The occasional stall sold fabrics or trinkets, but people came to the market to sort out what to eat. That’s certainly what was on Big Apple’s mind - darting between each stall eyes laser focused looking out for candy, cakes… Anything with sugar.

A few stalls caught his eye - one especially with its brightly colored lollipops - and he nudged Applejack, getting her attention. “Can I? It’s only a couple bits.” She considered it for a moment, but Applejack just shook her head and kept walking. Big Apple did not keep walking, planting himself in the dirt. “Aww come on! Please!”

“Well if you act like that, your not gettin’ anythin’! Now get up.” Big Apple begrudgingly did as told, picking up his canter again alongside Applejack. On the way he dejectedly - and dramatically - stared back at the candy stalls. Of course Applejack noticed - “Now hold on. I think I got a better idea.” The two kept walking, the market stalls falling further and lesser. Then they found themselves standing in front of Sugarcube Corner.

“APPLEJACK BIG APPLE HI HI HI HI!”, the two didn’t even have to enter for Pinkie Pie to take notice. In fact, she rushed out to greet them, bouncing around the entire time. “It’s so great to see you! What are you both doing here?!” She began circling the two, hopping round and round and round.

“Well, I was just takin’ Big Apple to school here an’ I thought it’d be nice to stop by Sugarcube Corner. Y’know, get a treat maybe.”

Pinkie Pie burst out into excitement - “Treats! Oh I LOVE treats!”

“Oh, I know Pinkie. Big Apple does too. ‘S’why we came.” Applejack started up the steps. Just as Big Apple followed, Pinkie rushed ahead and opened the door for them.

“Hi Pinkie!” Big Apple was close with most of Applejack’s friends - they were pretty much family after all - but Pinkie Pie especially ingratiated herself with Big Apple. Pinkie couldn’t help herself from spoiling him, her heart melted knowing such a cute colt was her own friend’s brother’s son. The world was beautiful in her eyes.

“Oh goodness, it’s just so great seeing you both I mean it’s been so long, well I mean not that long since I’ve seen you, Big Apple, since you come round here every day for school but APPLEJACK IT’S BEEN SO LONG!” Pinkie’s speech had the rhythm and speed of a train, puffing along every thought lodged in her head.

“Well I’ve been so busy with the apple harvest lately, but that’s all finally done. You know how it is.” Applejack didn’t used to hide away so much over harvest season, but after a few years of spreading herself too thin between work, friends and family, everypony decided it was probably best for her to focus on one at a time. It was lonely, of course, but she still had everypony back at the barn. And it only made it all the sweeter when she saw her friends again - and in Pinkie’s case, all the more louder.

“That is FANTASTIC! I’m SO EXCITED!” Pinkie Pie had made her way back behind the counter at this point, but galloped back out to hug Applejack. Then she hugged Big Apple too for good measure. “I LOVE YOU GUYS!”

“We love ya too, Pinkie.” Applejack responded. Big Apple was too embarrassed to say it himself, he just smiled and blushed. “Now let’s see about getting Big Apple somethin’ to eat.”

Sugarcube Corner had a wide selection of cakes and pastries, and Pinkie Pie was more than eager to show them. She began gesturing at the food on display - "Well, we have cupcakes an-"

"Awwright! Let's get that!" Big Apple looked up to Applejack, hope and enthusiasm within him. Pinkie was a little disappointed that she didn't get to show off everything, but more than that she was happy to be with her friends.

"A cupcake. ONE cupcake - y'already had fritters for breakfast. I really shouldn't be doin' this…" She thought for a moment, bringing her hoof to her chin. "One condition!"

Big Apple seemed a bit shocked - but Pinkie Pie even moreso, going so far as to let out a gasp. Big Apple desperately asked, "Aww, what is it?"

"Ya don't tell your father about this." She let out a sly wink to Big Apple, grinning as she spoke. "An' that goes for you too, Pinkie."

"Yes, ma'am!" Pinkie saluted as she spoke. "I mean, I don't really know why my father would care about what Big Apple had to eat today but-"

Applejack's grin faded to a more pointed disposition - "I meant don't go tellin' Big Macintosh."

"Oh. Hehe. That makes more sense. Anyway, ONE CUPCAKE COMING UP!" It was almost acrobatic the way she picked and plated the cake - or maybe a dancer is a better comparison. Swift and graceful in one movement. For show, but not inefficent. Within a blink or two, she had the cake ready to serve.

Applejack started reaching for her bits - "Thanks, Pinkie. Now how much do I owe ya?"

"Oh, don't worry. Take it!" Pinkie held out the cupcake with full force.

"No, no. How much? I can't just take it for nothin'."

"Seriously, it's on the house! I mean, figuratively of course. Right now it's on this plate! But if it's for Big Apple, it's free. That's the rule."

Applejack considered this for a moment. "Well, in that case it ain't for Big Apple. It's for me. I'm just plannin' on givin' it to him."

Pinkie Pie narrowed her eyes, suspicious. "Hmm… Okay. One bit."

"One bit? Now, c'mon, that hardly seems fair. I know how much effort you put in over here. I ain't payin' one bit."

"Ughh, okay. TWO BITS. That's my final answer! I'm NOT going higher!" She was practically tearing herself apart to accept this. Still, Applejack handed over the bits and Big Apple took the cake. He didn't waste a moment before chomping into it.

"Thanks awful, Pinkie. It was great seein' ya!" Applejack and Big Apple waved as they left (Big Apple letting out a muffled 'bye-bye' between chomps of his cake).

"What? No! You can't go! We still have so much to catch up! SO. MUCH." Pinkie seemed genuinely worried about this revelation.

"I'm sorry, Pinkie Pie, but Big Apple's due in school! I'm not lettin' him be late. I'll see ya later on, we can catch up then." Applejack continued out the door.

"UGH. I HATE school." Pinkie splayed herself tired across the counter to accentuate her point. Even hitting her head against it a couple times. Big Apple knew how she felt. He let out another wave to her as he went on his way, the door closing behind him. By the time he'd left, the cupcake was already finished.

The rest of the walk to school wasn't very eventful, though Big Apple was definitely in a better mood. Soon they arrived at the schoolhouse, Big Apple rushing in to talk to his friends. "Oh, well see ya!" Applejack wasn't sure if he heard her before he scampered off. Applejack continued into the building. It was a small-ish class. Everypony hung out near the back, chattering and sorting out anything they'd taken with them. At the front, Miss Cheerilee looked over papers at her desk. "Hi there, Miss Cheerilee!" Applejack thought it kind to stop and chat for bit, at least while Big Apple wore down and settled in.

She looked up from her lesson plans and smiled. "Hi, Applejack! It's great to see you, I can't remember the last time you brought Big Apple in."

"Oh, Big Mac's just got some crops to sort today. Nice chance to walk in Big Apple. He's not too much trouble for ya?"

"Oh, no. He's a smart colt. Sometimes he can get…", Cheerilee whirled her hoof a little. "Distracted. Doesn't always want to do the work. But he's very capable, he's a great student when he's focused."

Applejack chuckled to herself. "Distracted. Heh, sounds about right."

Cheerilee felt worried that Applejack hadn't understood her - "No, he's a good student. He gets along with his work. I don't blame him for being a little distracted sometimes. Everything at home…"

"Everythin' at home?" Applejack was a little offended at this remark, and only tried a little to not show it.

"Well, with his mother…" Her eyes darted back and forth between Applejack’s gaze and the ether.

"Right. We're gettin' through that. We're a strong family. We're gettin' through it." The air had become heavy, awkward. Silence for a bit. Not quite the greeting either two had wanted. Cheerilee continued to avoid eye contact - Applejack decided to speak up again. "It's great seein' ya. I mean, I know he's a good student… Y'all have a good day now." She meant what she said, but the words still came out thick and humid.

Cheerilee snatched up the chance to bring the conversation back around to something normal. "Nice seeing you too! Tell Big Macintosh I said hi!" Applejack gave a nod as she cantered out. Cheerilee went back to her papers. The foals all played around and chatted, waiting for lesson to start. Somewhere in there Big Apple was joking around too. The awkwardness faded, air becoming breathable again. The door shut behind her and Applejack found herself outside. She had a meeting with Rarity for lunch.

Applejack arrived at the cafe early. Rarity had already arranged an early lunch, but Applejack turned up even earlier. It's not a surprise, going straight to the cafe after taking Big Apple to school. She had some time to kill. She thought about going back to Sugarcube Corner, catching up with Pinkie Pie some more. If she did that she'd probably end up late. Heck, if she went to talk to any of her friends she'd probably lose track of time - even if they weren't so… clingy as Pinkie was. So she had time to think. Applejack didn't spend a lot of time thinking. Well, not a lot of time reflecting. Of course she spent time thinking, but never got caught up in it. It's not that she wasn't sentimental, she was just busy with the present. She was almost always doing something. Helping with harvest, planting seeds, meeting friends, helping out around town - whatever. She was busy. The only time she really had to reflect was in bed at night, and by that point she just wanted to sleep. But now she had time.

She didn't want to feel like a freeloader, so she bought a drink and found a table. As she cantered over to it, she thought about what Miss Cheerilee had said, about 'everything at home'. She wasn't trying to say anything, Applejack knows that. It wasn't something she really wanted to consider further, but it lay there in her mind. Everything at home. Home was fine. The family was fine. That's all there really was to say on the matter. Home was fine. Still, the phrase lay there. Applejack chose not to probe further. She sat for a moment, just staring at her coffee. She poured in some sugar and stirred, watching it swirl slowly in the cup. She didn't really need the energy. It was a bad habit.

Well, at least Big Apple was doing well in school. She guessed as much anyway. She'd be lying if she didn't have her doubts, but she had faith in him. He was a smart kid. He could do anything some day, Applejack was sure of that. If he just learnt to put himself into it. To try. Maybe they spoiled him too much. Extra fritters at breakfast, cake on the way to school - and only Celestia knows how much Pinkie Pie has gotten him over time. It was hard not to spoil him. That little smile. It broke right through you. Why would you want him to be anything but happy all the time? That would sure make a nice world if that were possible. Maybe she did need to be more strict. Big Mac probably wouldn't take on that role - bless his heart, but he could be a bit soft sometimes.

Applejack thought back to when she was young. She wasn't always so good either. Calling her a rebel would probably be going too far, but she certainly acted out. She even ran away. Actually, ran away is a strong term for it: Big Mac and Granny Smith let her go, and she had family to stay with. After Manehattan she calmed down a bit. Home is where the heart is and all that. She found peace and comfort. She was ready to fit in, she wanted to after all those days acting up over nothing. She was ready to be good. She acted nice, kept herself honest - she even started looking for a stallion to settle down with. That didn't go anywhere of course. Never really did.

Just before Applejack was ready to consider all the regrets and mistakes in her life, Rarity entered the cafe and made her presence known.

"Oh, HELLO darling!" Her shrill greeting could almost be mistaken for a shriek. "It is just WONDERFUL to see you. Oh, I do hope I didn't keep you waiting!" Despite arranging the lunch as just a casual meeting, she wore a bright and elegant dress, even wearing jewellery in her mane. She looked beautiful, but she always did. That was pretty much her thing. She started an elegant canter towards Applejack, but gave up and galloped the second half to the table.

"Aw, no worries. I was just takin' Big Apple into school an’ thought I'd drop by early for a drink. You ain't kept me for nothin'. In fact, I think ya might be early!" She was early, a bit. She considered it being fashionably early - she couldn't bear being late.

Rarity sat at the table, across from Applejack. "Oh I just have so much to tell you! I've been so busy lately." She placed her front leg across her forehead, looking off dramatically to the distance, as if posing for some Baroque portrait. "But I’ll wait before I bother you with all of that, how have you been?"

"Oh I been busy too. Workin' on the farm an' all that, you know how it goes with harvest season. Nothin' all too interestin'...” Applejack looked off a moment, scanning her memory for any highlights. “Well, Big MacIntosh is tryna grow some carrots again this year. See if it turns out any better than before. Other’n that… Uhh, he tripped in the mud a few times and we had to hose him down t’get him all clean. Hehe, that was a hoot. Big Apple had some fun with that. S’pose that’s all, really. I imagine you’ve had a much more interestin’ time than me."

Rarity shook her head, eyes shut a moment - “I don’t deign to judge like that, darling, but I do suppose my time has been a touch more exciting than yours. I got some dress orders in from Princess Celestia, special designs for the garden opening ceremony, you know?” The words fell from Rarity’s mouth with a casualness, as if nothing out of the ordinary.

Applejack, however, did not take them so casually. “Garden openin’ ceremony? What, in Canterlot?” She was still processing the words that came in as she let these out.

“Oh, darling, you didn’t know? Princess Celestia dedicated one of Canterlot’s new gardens to Twilight, her being Celestia’s most faithful student and all. The Magic and Harmony Gardens. It was a whole ordeal. Anyway, they needed somepony to design dresses for th-”

“Wait, hold on. Twilight’s got her own garden off in canterlot now? And none-a-y’all thought to tell me?” The gears in her head had finished turning, and Applejack was just as lost.

“We discussed telling you, but you were in the middle of the harvest. We all decided it was best not to bother you, Fluttershy didn’t want us to be an imposition.”

“W- I- I mean, I know I said not t’bother me durin’ the harvest… But that’s… I mean, that’s big news! Usually durin’ harvest all that happens is one of y’all does up your livin’ room or somethin’, not like… Special audience with the princess! That’s big news!” She flailed her hooves outwards a bit, drawing emphasis. To show how big the news really was.

Rarity paused for a moment, considering her words. “...granted, looking back it does seem like the sort of thing we should have mentioned. But we wanted, as friends, to stay dedicated to our word. We didn’t want to do anything to affect your harvest. Fluttershy was quite worried about disturbing you, and then Pinkie Pie had us do one of those Pinkie Promises. You know how… obsessive she can be with those. '' She grinned afterwards, awkwardly hoping she could win Applejack over.

Applejack sighed. “Ya wanted to help. Be good friends. That ain’t the sort of thing I’m gonna get mad over. Just, y’know, in the future if that sorta thing comes up, it’d be nice to know.”

“Oh, of COURSE, darling. In the future, I’ll make sure to properly consider the situation at hoof. But as I was saying, Princess Celestia had me make up some dresses for the opening ceremony. It was a wonderful opportunity, I was able to bring in some more floral designs - I think there were really great ideas in there to bring back for my Spring collection next year. Oh, and they came out just MARVELLOUS. You’ll have to see Twilight’s dress when she comes back. I just worked myself to death on-”

“When she comes back? What, she’s still in Canterlot?” In an unwise gesticulation of shock, Applejack accidentally bumped the table. She awkwardly drew back, dusting down the tableside as if it would heal.

Rarity half cringed as she continued to speak: “Did I not mention? She decided to stay with her family back home after the opening ceremony. She comes back next week.”

“Okay, hold on. Twilight get’s her own garden and now she’s stayin’ off in Canterlot. Is there anythin’ else y’haven’t told me? I mean Rainbow Dash didn’t happen to join the Wonderbolts while I was away, did she?” The joking tone she’d picked out could only half mask how serious Applejack was being.

“No, no. Really, Twilight was the only one to have anything that important happen. I mean, of course I made the dresses for the ceremony and Pinkie did the catering too, but other than that it’s been… Ponyville as normal. Speaking of the dresses, though, I really put myself completely into making them. You see, there was only a short amount of time to finish them, and with the completely new designs, I was starting from scratch. I worked myself practically to death! I barely slept. It caused - ahem - some issues with Vinyl Scratch. She said I was putting my own work before her. We had a row. I’m sure you know it wasn’t our first…” Rarity traced circles in the placemat with her hoof. “Anyway. Straw that broke the pony’s back. It’s not like she didn’t have enough things to hate about me already. So we’re through.” The hoof stopped it’s circles with a smack against the table. A small one.

Applejack reached across the table to comfort Rarity. “Oh gosh, Rarity I am SO sorry. I hope you’re all alright.”

“Don’t worry. I think it was for the best. Relationships aren't worth it.” Rarity took in Applejack’s hoof. “You’re really not missing out on anything.”

Applejack hadn’t been in a relationship since she was a teenager. From her friends' eyes, she hadn’t been in a relationship ever. Still, this is the first time anypony seemed to acknowledge this. None of them ever really rushed into relationships - well, except Rarity. Applejack didn’t realise any of them even picked up on her choice. Rarity’s remark caught her quite off guard. “Uh, w-” She paused for a moment. “I getcha. Back when I was a teenager, there was a stallion thought I’d settle down with. I tried it out with them, y’know going on in a relationship ‘n’ all. Anyway, he was the sorta guy wanted to get through it fast. Pushy about it. I weren’t ready for that sorta thing. I couldn’t deal with it, so we split. I think- I think I get what you’re sayin’.” She was sort of speaking without thinking. She definitely didn’t know why she suddenly shared this with Rarity. Applejack probably hadn’t spoken to anypony about it since it happened. But here she was recounting it over lunch. Actually, recounting it over a single coffee. They hadn’t even ordered yet. Rarity looked like she was going to say something before Applejack spoke up again. “How about we sort out getting something to eat?”

“Well now, that’s an idea.” Rarity started waving down anypony close to the table - “Waiter! Oh waiter!” Applejack wanted to stop her, but knew she had no chance so just elected to bury her head in her forelegs. Eventually, a pony who actually worked at the cafe came over to the table to extinguish the commotion. “Waiter! Can we get some menus for the table? We’re going to order soon so some menus would be nice. Thank you, waiter.” The pony nodded, and cantered off to fetch the two some menus. Typically, customers would fetch menus themselves as they entered or readied to order. Rarity had never acquainted herself to the customs of cafes. She treated everywhere she ate as if a high class restaurant. Of course, with her there it was high class. Soon the menus came. “You know, this carrot platter looks exquisite. I’ll have to try it.”

Applejack didn’t even look up. “Carrot platter, huh? Big Mac’d love that.”

Rarity continued to scan the menu, before it occurred to her. “OHH, because of his dead wife, yes.” She then realised immediately what she’d said, plugging her mouth with her hooves as some sort of silencer. Surprisingly, Applejack didn’t seem to react much. Rarity took her hooves from her mouth, preparing to say something less… awful. “That sort of thing does seem to run in your family, doesn’t it?” She didn’t quite succeed.

After Applejack had finished looking over the menu, she finally responded to Rarity. “Her name was Golden Harvest. I jus’ want you to remember that. Anyway, I’ll get the hot corn. Sounds mighty good.” Applejack got ready to go and order at the counter, but before she could stand Rarity was desperately trying to flag down another employee. Eventually somepony came and took the order.

With commotion subsided, Rarity turned her attention back to Applejack. “Oh, now what were we talking about earlier? Before we got distracted.”

“I believe you were talkin’ about overworkin’ yourself.”

Rarity considered this for a moment. “I wouldn’t say it’s overworking myself.” She stared off, ransacking her memory and experience. “I think it's necessary work. If I didn’t put my all in, why, those dresses would be… Abhorrent. They really did come out well this time. You’ll HAVE to see Twilight’s dress when she gets back.” She reached across the table to touch Applejack’s hoof, trying to share the excitement.

“Well, I’m lookin’ forward to it! I don’t doubt that you done somethin’ nice with ‘em. I think I get what you say about puttin’ the work in, too. I mean, just come out of harvest and I was pushin’ myself every day with that. I do it every year but it sure feels like it’s gettin’ more work lately. That’s good, though. More work is more apples is more bits. Least I get some rest now.”

“Rest! What I would give for rest!” Rarity punctuated this with another dramatic pose. “I’m afraid I’ll soon have to start with my planning of the winter season, I simply cannot let myself fall behind.” She sighed. “We do find ways to make ourselves quite busy ponies, don’t we?”

Applejack simply nodded. “That we do.” Soon a waiter came and the food was there in front of them. The fresh, pan-seared corn on the cob for Applejack, with a side of sourdough bread. For Rarity, a simple platter of boiled carrot served whole with a parsley garnish - it didn’t look all too filling, but it had an elegance to it. Applejack began to start on her meal - something about it was just so delicious. Maybe eating out after so long only eating at the farm, maybe the freeing feeling of finally being on break. Or maybe it was just that good. She found herself scarfing it down.

Rarity had begun hers too, but rather than shovel the food in her face she used her magic, bringing the carrots up to her mouth as she took very, very small bites. She spoke between them: “Well, now that you’re finally free, I thought it would be grand for us all to meet up again. When Twilight gets back from Canterlot. Pinkie’s already begun to arrange a party for it. It is lonely without you. Missing one of our elements of harmony.” She took some more bites, then brought a napkin to her mouth as she padded down an imaginary stain.

“Heh, the elements of harmony. I haven’t thought about all that in the longest time. Stoppin' Nightmare Moon was so long ago it almost feels like… Like a dream. Didn’t ya feel like when we got those it was the start of somethin’? Like, that we’d use ‘em more than just once?”

A few more bites of carrot, and Rarity considered this. “I suppose it was odd to be given them and then have them taken away so quickly, but how often does a crisis like that face Equestria? If they’re meant to be used only when something’s gone wrong, I’d say we lucked out only having to deal with them once. Though I do think it would be nice if Celestia would allow me them for some of my ensembles - I have just the gown to go with that tiara.”

“You’re right about that I guess. The lucked out part. Not the thing about the outfits. Savin’ the world once is probably more than enough for me.” She chuckled at the absurdity of everything she was saying. She’s guaranteed to appear in Equestrian history books for the rest of time, she met the princess - hell, she’s friends with the princess now - she even has her own stained glass window in the castle. And there she was wondering about more. It seemed she was starting to understand how Big Apple felt. “Ah well, either way It’s nice enough here now with all-a-y’all.” A brief moment to contemplate friends and family.“Y’know, it’s been just the longest since I’ve seen Sweetie Belle. How’s she doin’?”

“She’s doing wonderful. Her and Scootaloo are still touring with that theatre group, that whole ‘song and dance’. Haha. I believe they’re doing a production of Filly On The Roof. Sweetie Belle - she’s not the main role, but she has her own solo piece. She’s working her way up.”

“Well, with her voice she’d have to! That’s just great. I always knew they had talent in ‘em, and gettin’ Equestria to see it too… Heh. That’s fate, I reckon.”

“I trust Apple Bloom is doing well. Oh, I do hope those three get the chance to meet up again soon, they were such good friends when they were younger. What did they call that club, the Cutie Mark Crusaders? They were so cute together.”

“Cute, when they weren’t goin’ around makin’ a mess. I don’t know how many times I had to clean up that clubhouse for ‘em. Y’know, I don’t think the Cutie Mark Crusaders ever went away. By the time our three had finally gotten their cutie marks, I think some other fillies had joined. Tried to keep it goin’. I’m sure I’ve seen some colt in Big Apple’s class wearin’ one of those darn sashes. Anyway, Apple Bloom’s doin’ dandy. She’s happy here on the farm, but she sure do miss those two sometimes. I think Big Apple’s feelin’ a little cooped up lately too, but we all been through that. He’s young. Can’t be helped, I s’pose. We all got growin’ up to do.”

“Quite, quite.” Rarity didn’t really gather all that Applejack was saying, but she seemed knowledgeable enough, so Rarity just agreed. “That does remind me, I recall you asking about some sort of dress for Apple Bloom, yes? With all my season wear done and the Canterlot clothes out of the way, I’d be free to do it.”

“Oh, yeah. A few weeks ago she was jus’ wonderin’ about gettin’ a nice dress for when she’s goin’ out an’ all. I don’t quite remember the details, you’d be best to ask her.” Despite this recommendation, Rarity continued to ask Applejack questions about the dress. She couldn’t help herself, in all her years of couture none of it brought as much joy as designing something for a friend or loved one. Something about the marriage of the personal and the elegant. The way it brought her own philosophy in with her friends. She tended to get carried away. Most of Rarity’s questions were met with a simple “I dunno, you’d have t’ ask Apple Bloom”, but Rarity continued to question, and soon much more time had passed than either realised.

As the conversation tumbled down to a slow, Rarity checked around at the clock. “Goodness, would you look at the time. Oh, I’m ever so sorry to have bothered you with all that.”

“Ah, it ain’t no bother. Friends and family, right? Worse things to get carried away over.”

“I suppose that’s true - as much as I try, I cannot forget Pinkie Pie's brief infatuation with the trombone." She shook her head somberly.

"Haha, I remember that! I don't think anypony got a good night's sleep at least a week. No worse'n when the Wonderbolts were comin' to Ponyville. Had to cancel last minute, a course. Dash talkin' up nonstop then cries loud enough to register a noise complaint. I mean, at least she had some reason for all that though. Broken dreams an' all. Pinkie's mind is… Impossible. Never know what drives her beyond some instant feelin'. Can't do much to bring her down though, reckon no matter what she's gone end up happy. Simple pleasures."

"Oh, yes. Simple. Now you and me are much more refined." Applejack laughed at this. "No, don't laugh darling. It's true!"

"Refined ain't the word I'd use for myself. And callin' everypony else 'simple' ain't the kindest thing, neither! Now jus' 'cause they're a little lower maintenance than you 'n' I don't mean nothin' against 'em!" Applejack had taken on the tone she used to scold Big Apple, almost forgetting who she was talking to.

"Yes, yes. You know what I meant." Rarity withheld her eye contact, brushing off her fur with a spare hoof. "You can be quite the lecturer sometimes."

"Ah, I'm sorry. Y'can get used to talkin' up right and wrong with young ones. I didn't mean to- Ah well. I’m sorry."

"All I was trying to say was that we keep ourselves moving. Do you really think Pinkie's going to quit working at Sugarcube Corner? Twilight graduate from being a royal student? We keep working, it's like you said. Moving on to bigger harvests."

"Everypony else is keepin' movin' too. I mean, Twilight just got herself a royal garden! I think we all got bigger harvests. And Pinkie ain't gonna quit at Sugarcube Corner but you sure ain't gonna quit at the boutique neither!" Applejack was grinning as she was saying all this, but anypony at another table might assume she was in the middle of a fight. The Apples never really had it figured out either side of talking too loud or too quiet.

Rarity looked at her empty plate for a moment, quieted herself down. "I suppose you're right… It's just this… Spark." She looked back up at Applejack, some shine in her eyes. "I don't know. Maybe it's- No, I don't know." A smile, of sorts, came across her face. Whether or not they were moving onto bigger harvests, right now they were resting. Sitting here, together, in slow motion. Applejack found her first grey hair the other week. She didn't think much of it. Rarity would have found her's by now if she didn't constantly dye her mane - it was part of her weekly routine, keeping that perfect shade of purple. Applejack looked back to the clock on the wall.

“Aw rats," she started shaking her head. "I really oughta be headin’ back to the farm soon. They’ll be wonderin’ where I am.”

Rarity began to shift in her seat, readying to leave now. "Oh I’m sorry for running on so long like that. It’s just we all miss you so. Well, I do suppose we'll see each other at Twilight's party."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Applejack grinned as she stood up.

“Really I did not mean to keep you so long, it was awful of me. But it was nice to see you.” The two went in for a hug. Applejack held tight. She usually did.

“I love ya, Rarity. I want you to know that.” She couldn’t bear any longer to live a life where she didn’t tell the people she loved how she felt. It was awkward at first - saying those words to all her friends - it still could be awkward sometimes, but it was important to her. Awkwardness is nothing compared to regret. So she said it. “I love ya.”

Rarity began to pull from the tight hug - after it had already made its presence known - “Oh, I know darling.” Rarity had not yet become comfortable with the same words. At times, the phrase felt like poison to her. All the times she said it and didn’t mean it. All the times she meant it and wished she hadn’t.

The two stood for a moment, in silence. Applejack was the first to canter off. “Y’know, you’re real beautiful, Rare.” She didn’t think about the words as she was saying them - the facts evident as they were. As she left the cafe, Rarity just stayed behind and looked on. Applejack had the family waiting. Rarity was in much less of a rush.

“Any luck with the carrots this year?” Applejack sat at the table, looking over at Big MacIntosh, bathed in the warm glow of sundown. It was getting earlier and earlier at this time of year, making Big Mac a grand orange as he readied the dinner for the night. It was just him and Applejack in the kitchen. The rest of the family was off doing their own thing - Big Apple had gone straight to his room after school, Apple Bloom was on the front porch talking with Granny Smith. So it left just those two.

Big Mac fiddled with a pan for a bit, frying up some tomato. He let the pan from his mouth, and readied to speak: “Nnope.” He cantered across the kitchen as he went to chop up some lettuce for the meal. Applejack had offered to help, but Big Mac liked to cook alone. He liked to do most things alone. It wasn’t that he enjoyed his own company too much - or detested that of others - it just always felt wrong to be an imposition on anyone, force them to do his work for him. So he worked alone.

“Rats. Just ain’t the same without her, is it?” Applejack chuckled to herself. Two harvests of perfect carrots and even more chasing the high since. She already knew how Big Mac would respond, he didn’t need to speak. He always was a quiet pony, wanting to be sure of his words before he spoke - sure that he never minced them or said something he didn’t mean. He considered every line. Usually, by the time Big Mac had figured out what he wanted to say the conversation had already moved on, so he started over thinking what to say again. Things were different with Applejack - the two were close enough that she was always ready to wait and hear what he had to say. Or just share in the silence with him. At points their communication was almost telepathic. For now, they relished the quiet as Big Mac went to fry in some onion with the tomato. “I love ya. I really do.”

He took in the words, fried up some more veg. The gears in his head turned - and turned once more, now plating the food. He set it out across the table, readied the words to respond. He was sure of them now. “I love you too, Applejack.” After that, the two said nothing more. There was nothing more to say.

Somewhere across town, Rarity sat alone in Carousel Boutique. She sketched out some ideas for Apple Bloom’s dress - vague and messy, still unsure what was really wanted. The floor was glossy and cold. The air was cold. She was cold. Throwing out the paper in front of her, she readied another. Readied more designs. They were not good. She knew this. She had not eaten dinner. She did not plan to. Crumpled paper hit the rim of the trash bin. It fell out. The bin was already full. She was cold. She sketched out more designs. They went in the trash. The sunrise had fallen now, dusk had begun to take hold. It was too early to go to bed, but Rarity did it anyway. At least it would be warm.

ii. She Looks Through Empty Windows

SCENE TWO.
To put it plainly, the rain bothered her. She didn't normally hate the rain - Rarity couldn't count the number of times that gentle pit-pat against the window had inspired her. However, Twilight Sparkle would return from canterlot in just a few hours, and Rarity would have to trudge through the rain to meet her. That was what bothered her today. Having to go out in it. How do you wear both a sensible waterproof outfit and a fashionable party fit? Sure, she could put a coat over one of her evening gowns, but wouldn't that just clash? She dreaded to think about getting a dress all wet and muddy. Weather is always nicer from a distance. Paintings of snow don't require you to layer up.

The gentle pit-pat grew louder, less gentle. Rarity had far too many other outfits to deal with before even thinking of her own. In front of her lay sketches, basic forms of a dress for Apple Bloom. Something slick, simple. The sort of dress a pony can dance in, can draw attention to - that’s what Rarity was going for at least. She stared at the mess of fabric and paper for a moment, and gave up. She just tapped her hoof against the table instead.

The pit-pat had now become some new sound, some hoof smashing against window glass. It didn’t help to think about all the mud she'd have to wade through outside.

Tap tap - hoof against table. That horrible smashing - rain against window. And now, some grumble. Rarity had forgotten to eat breakfast again. It was already past her typical lunchtime. Maybe forgotten isn’t the right word - it just hadn’t occurred to her in the first place. She was hungry now. She really should have something to eat - get out of this chair, stand up, go to the kitchen, look through the fridge, the cabinets, get out the ingredients, spend all that time mixing and making… Maybe it could wait a bit. Staring at these designs, inspiration may prop back up any moment. Rarity shouldn’t have to give that up for a bowl of oats.

No - no, she’s better than this. Nasty habits form awful routines. She needed something to eat - this isn’t up for debate, it wasn't some difficult choice. It’s a basic fact of life. So Rarity stood up, she went to the kitchen, she looked through the fridge, the cabinets. She got out oats to cook on the hob - measured the water to cook them with. She set the bowl on the table. Set everything to be. Played her part.

She stared now, not at half formed designs on a cold table, but fully formed oatmeal on a slightly less cold table. It was warm. It was nice. Nice enough.

She ate a couple spoonfuls of the oatmeal. With this weather, Rarity couldn’t risk the chance of mud. She’d need boots. Boots don’t typically work into party fashion - especially not muddy ones - but she was sure Twilight wouldn’t mind if she left them to dry by the door. An umbrella too - easy to carry, easy to put away. An umbrella wouldn’t clash with fancy attire - especially a grey or black one. Those go with anything.

A few more spoonfuls of oatmeal. Maybe it was over the top for her to worry so much about what to wear - she’s only meeting her friends. Not that that isn’t a big deal, of course, but it’s not like she’s meeting some big fashion pony. Rainbow Dash isnt going to cause a fuss over what anypony wears.

More oatmeal - she needed it. She tells herself she didn’t, but she needed it.

Ponyville looked nice in the rain. Somehow, those grey clouds above did little more than remind you of the warmth - warmth of the cottages, the roaring fires inside, the ponies sitting beside them. The rain calmed down - no longer the clumsy knuckle rapping it once was. Mud pooled up at the sides of cobble paths, grass tufting out from inside, weaving between hoof prints of foals playing in the dirt. Some streets away, a golden ray of sunshine beamed down from a hole in the sky where some ditzy pegasus had pushed a cloud the wrong way. Caught up perfectly in the middle, some bare tree; leaves already stripped by the wind. Rarity would laugh if it wasn’t so beautiful.

She was early, of course. Not as early as Pinkie Pie - SOMEPONY had to prepare for it all. Having fun is serious business. The door was already open, so Rarity trotted inside. She wiped her boots on the welcome mat, shook the umbrella dry outside, and left them perched in a nook just beside the entrance.

“Rarity!YOU’RE HERE!” Pinkie was perched awkwardly on a stack of books, balancing herself so that she could pin up some streamers. She tried to bend over and wave at Rarity, but stuck some hoof out too far, jostled the book tower too much. The whole thing came down in an awkward thud - Pinkie laying wrapped up in streamers, covered in tomes and dictionaries. “Oops.” She grinned.

“Oh, goodness.” Rarity rushed over to help her. The two struggled for a bit - ravelling and unravelling Pinkie as she squirmed in her streamer wrapping. She was eventually able to wriggle free. “Perhaps I should put these up for you…” Rarity’s horn glowed, as the streamers raised their way, pinning themselves above bookshelves. She considered it for a moment - “No, no. This won’t do.” - and went about rearranging all the decorations - placing them here, and there. Complimentary colors and abstract patterns.

“Oooh!” Pinkie was content for now, just watching from the floor.. A private show of shade and light - of objects traipsing around the edges and ceiling, dancing to some unheard waltz. A magnificent wallpaper unfolding to somepony’s private reverie. “I think this might be my best party ever! And it hasn’t even started yet!”

“You say that every time, Pinkie.” She barely looked away from her decorations’ procession.

“Well, I’m always right.” Pinkie was still laying on the floor, despite having been freed. She punctuated her statement, crooking her head towards Rarity and poking her own face with one of her hooves. “Besides, TWILIGHT’S COMING BACK! HOW COULD THAT NOT BE THE BEST PARTY EVER?”

“I’ll admit, you make a persuasive argument.” Rarity quickly rearranged a few ornaments here and there - that flower collection certainly complimented this side of the room much more - and brought her full attention back to Pinkie. “How was work at the bakery this morning?”

“Sugarcube Corner? It was great! I saw Big Apple again this morning, which I guess isn’t that strange since he comes in like every day, but he also came in today and he was soooooooooo sad and I looked at him and I thought he was going to start crying, but then I started crying and it was even more sad! But then, he looked at me and said ‘Aww don’t start cryin’ Aunt Pinkie’ and then I started crying even more but it was because I was so happy instead of so sad, and then I gave him a free cake! It was the most beautiful thing that I think’s ever happened to me… He’s my favorite customer! Except maybe you. Or Applejack. Or Rainbow Dash. Or Fluttershy. Or Twilight. Or Miss Cheerilee. Oh, and remember when Celestia visited? That was great. OH, and Big Macintosh. And who can forget Golden Harvest?” Her smile faded. She began to well up. “Who can forget Golden Harvest…”

“Oh, well…” Rarity considered for a moment. “Maybe I shouldn’t say this. I don't think it's really appropriate." She sought Pinkie's approval. Pinkie didn't say anything. "You know, I did forget about her. The other day, when I was with Applejack. I don't know what came over me. I'd like to be able to say that I didn't forget about her, I forgot about losing her. That would be lying, though, wouldn't it?" Pinkie kept quiet, starting to her hooves. Breaking from the floor. "Pinkie, do you think that makes me a bad friend?"

Rarity stared on, refusing to break eye contact with Pinkie. Pinkie Pie could only manage a single word - "Uhhh…"

"Right. No, that's…" Rarity cleared her throat. "Yes. Well. I-" The air was warm and thick. She cleared her throat again. "When do you suppose everypony else will arrive?" and some half grin to hide behind.

"I told everypony to get here in like an hour, but I think Rainbow Dash is gonna be late. She has to help clear away some of the clouds this afternoon." Another half grin. "It's gonna be so great! Just Imagine it - Twilight Sparkle getting off the train to Ponyville just as every cloud clears away - sun BEAMING in her eyes, rainbows everywhere! Just as she has the BEST PARTY OF HER LIFE!" She waved her hooves about to prove the point.

Rarity paused for a moment and let herself get caught in her thoughts. "Say, has Princess Luna ever visited Sugarcube Corner? I mean, Princess Celestia has come to you for catering and such…I’m curious."

"Nope. One time I thought she did, but it turned out I was just dreaming. Why'd you ask?"

"Oh, just curious. I actually dreamt of her myself. Last night. She visited me at Carousel Boutique. I'm afraid I can't remember much more than that… Sometimes I wonder where we stand with her. Being such an awkward first impression and all." The room drifted into a lull, some brief silence, before conversation picked up and carried on. Carried on until somepony else finally arrived.

"Oh, um… Knock knock?" The door was open but Fluttershy still wanted to be polite.

"FLUTTERSHY!" Pinkie practically screamed. "comeincomeincomein!!!"

"Sorry I'm a little early, but I was just so worried about turning up late…" She cantered on through to join the others.

"Darling, if you think you're too early, why I must be a sinner!" Rarity followed up with a giggle.

"Well if you two think you're early, I've been here since sunrise!" Pinkie now.

"I thought you were working at Sugarcube Corner this morning." Rarity, bemused.

"Oh yeah. I was. Nevermind!" Pinkie again!

"Oh…" Fluttershy smiled. "I'm glad to see you two are already having so much fun. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything."

“Nonsense. I’m glad you’re here - Pinkie was starting to… repeat herself.”

“It’s not my fault it was such a good story! And you have to admit, it was EVEN BETTER the third time.”

“Ooh, I’d love to hear it!” Fluttershy drifting along into the conversation.

“Let’s see… It started with a dream I had last night.” Pinkie was stroking her chin as if it wasn’t the fourth time she was going through this today. “Not the one with Princess Luna. This was a different one. Wait, did I tell you about the one with Princess Luna?

“Basically, I was working at Sugarcube Corner and Princess Luna was there and she ordered a cake and I was all like ‘don’t you want a NIGHT CAKE instead?’ cause it was night time and Princess Luna is like all about night time and she was all ‘I don’t understand. What’s a night cake?’ and I was all ‘I dunno, maybe it’s some kinda cake that can only be made at night.’ and she was all ‘Do you have any of these night cakes?’ and I said ‘Nope!’ and then she just got a regular cake instead. I think she was gonna say something else but the night cake thing was more important. Then I woke up! That’s the story about when I dreamt about Princess Luna.” Pinkie sat back, satisfied.

“Weren’t you going to tell the story about the other dream?” This wasn’t rhetorical - at this point Rarity was genuinely unsure.

“Ohhhh, that one. I dreamt about…” Pinkie beat her hooves against the floor, trying to build up suspense. “TONIGHT! I dreamt about tonight!!! You were there, Fluttershy! And so was Rarity! And Applejack and Rainbow Dash and Twilight! Oh, and I was there too! Even I was there! Twilight came back and she was so happy to see us and she cried a little, and I cried a lot and I think everypony cried at least a little. We all kept talking and crying and talking about how great it was to see each other again and then Rainbow Dash accidentally spilled the punch all over the floor. Yep, it was just about the best party ever.”

Fluttershy considered it for a moment. “That’s… nice.”

“I think it was a vision. All my other visions turned out to be wrong, but my Pinkie Sense hasn’t let me down yet! Anyway, how have you been, Fluttershy?”

"Apart from Angel making a big fuss this morning, my day's been rather uneventful. Just how I like it. Can you believe that Angel wanted to go to the party with me? He knew that it was going to end past his bedtime, but he still made a fuss! Oh, I just don’t know what to do with him sometimes."

The conversation fades out of focus. The room fades back in - hardwood flooring, walls covered in books, little oak statuettes dotting counters and shelves. The streamers, the balloons - all the decorations making themselves seen. Rarity did a good job decorating. She could feel the floor beneath her. Tests it with her hooves. Small talk can be hard, can’t it? Thinking back, what had she done? Those last few days, what had she done? Stayed home? ‘I’ve mostly been staring at a blank page for three days’ doesn’t make for a great conversation topic. The lights now - looking at the lights, the candles around. It’s not dark. They don’t need to be on. They look beautiful when they are, though. She tests the floor with her hooves, different angles. Just tapping slightly, the hoof against the wood. Testing it. Pinkie Pie makes a goofy face and Fluttershy laughs away. Testing the floor with her hooves and then her legs start up and Rarity is walking away. Just up to the door, still open. She looks out to the rain - not so heavy now, but still there - grey clouds. Tests her hooves against the welcome mat. A little wet. And she could hear the rain against the window - just tapping away slightly. Kindly. Lost there - between the windows and the door, lost into the weather and the world. She hadn’t really left the Carousel Boutique in days.

“-rity? Rarity? Are you alright?” The softness of her voice, it’s a wonder Fluttershy ever managed to get anypony’s attention.

“Oh? Yes. Yes, I’m quite fine. I’m just- It’s a bit cold to keep the door open, isn’t it? We wouldn’t want to freeze Twilight when she gets here.” Rarity tacked on a chuckle at the end. “You wouldn’t mind If I went for a quick walk, would you? I should have the time. Before Twilight arrives, at least.”

Hoofstep, hoofstep.

Pebbles and mud. A light wind tickled her face as she shut the door behind her.

Hoofstep, hoofstep.

Take it in: The trees stripped of leaves, the grass, tamped into itself with the rain, the ponies going past. Every house had somepony inside - it seemed that way at least. You could almost hear them. Talking. Laughing away. Little slices of life, scenes from a relationship. Everypony had them - Rarity forgot that sometimes. It was almost unbearable to think about, every step away from her, every house, every print in the mud - another life tangled up so wholly in another, in several others, all working outwards. Playing round robin with each other’s lives 'til it tangled back into Rarity’s. A pendulum swings, a record skips, a boulder rolls down a mountain. Soon enough the pendulum swings back. The record skips again. The boulder gets pushed all the way back up. Rarity stares at her blank page. Rarity stares at the mud.

Hoofstep, hoofstep.

How far away was The Everfree Forest? A place so tangled up in life, in so many lives. It must be. It was tangled up in hers to be sure - her friends too. It tangled them all up together, some web they still haven’t been able to escape since. Why would they ever want to? No matter what, they always end up bound by the same spool of string. That spool of string she could swear she saw if she tried hard enough, swear she saw it wound round every building in Ponyville. Wound through all her triumphs and trophies, wound right round her body. Her hooves. Wound through the trees and paths and apples and carts and stalls and clouds and rainbows and cakes. Just if she looked hard enough, there it would be.

Hoofstep, hoofstep.

She didn’t care where she was going, she followed her own steps after they happened. Just zigzagging here and away through town. See where she would end up. Rain tripped down from the sky, made itself known on her fur, her coat, her mane. Hoofstep, hoofstep. The stripped oaks and stilled pines gave way to apple trees. She found herself caught back up right in that spool.

“Fancy runnin’ into you out here!” Applejack was just on her way to Golden Oak Library. “Matter of fact, fancy you bravin’ the elements in fancy clothes like that.” She laughed.

“Oh, yes. I… Forgot I was wearing this.” She smiled, biting down on her tongue behind it. Biting down hard.

Applejack stares at Rarity for a moment. Furrows her brow. Her maw hangs open for a second or two before it shuts itself. She looks away. “I s’pose we better head on over to Twilight’s library.”

“Y’all ain’t never gonna guess who I ran into on the way over here!” Applejack practically slammed the door open. “Why I was just on the walk over here, mindin’ my business when Rarity bumps right into me!”

“Yes, it was… Rather unexpected.” Rarity sheepishly giggled to herself.

“Rainbow Dash ain’t here yet?” Applejack, a little disappointed.

“Oh, no. She said she was going to be late… because of all the rain today, they need as many pegasi as they can to clear away the clouds. Oh, I wanted to help, but goodness, I’d just get in the way…” Fluttershy started to stare at the floor. “I’m just so glad we all get to be here to welcome Twilight together. It's been so long since I’ve seen everypony all together.”

“It’s been soooooooooooooo loooooooooooong… I can’t take it! It feels like she’s been in Canterlot for fifty moons!!!” At some point, Pinkie had gone back to laying on the floor. She flailed her hooves in the air.

“I’m sure she’ll arrive soon enough. In the meantime, shouldn’t we try to appreciate the ponies that are here?” Rarity.

“Hey, I just turned up and I ain’t seen Fluttershy in forever!” Applejack. “How in the hay are you doin’?”

“I’m fine. I’m doing well. I’ve been ever so busy with so many of my animals getting ready to hibernate… It happens every year, but I never feel ready.” Fluttershy.

“Heh, sounds like harvest season to me.” Applejack.

“Oh no, I wouldn’t say that… You were so busy this year, Applejack. I’m sure you had it a lot more difficult than me.” Fluttershy dug her hoof into the floor.

“Aw come on, now. If you've been busy then you've been busy. Don't matter what I was up to.”

“I suppose that’s true. Oh, but I can’t complain. I just love talking care of all of them, even if they can be a pain sometimes…”

Applejack looked around the room. “Say, while we got the time, Rare, do you mind tellin’ me about that dress you’re makin’ for Apple Bloom?”

“Of course. I was just doing some sketches for it this morning. I’m trying to work on the form, keep it fun but als-”

“Hey now, let’s not bore Fluttershy and Pinkie here. Why don’t we go talk about it elsewhere? Leave ‘em be.” Applejack tapped Rarity's side once or twice.

"Oh- Um, of course." Rarity, with a weak grin.

Applejack just nodded, quickly sauntering up some stairs. She didn't turn to see if Rarity was following, she just carried on ahead. Head straight, hooves in perfect procession. If she looked back, they would die. If she stopped, they would die. Even as she found herself in Twilight's study room, she kept pacing around, examining imperfections in the floor. Hooves not stilling themselves. She only looked up, finally came to a stop, as she heard Rarity's hoofsteps.

Rarity looked around the study. Her mouth hung open - just slightly - for a moment before she spoke. "Like I was saying, I was sketching out the dress this morning and-"

"Will you go to dinner with me?" Applejack's eyes widened before she shut them, she swallowed through an empty throat.

Rarity hung for a moment before starting to laugh. Applejack opened her eyes. Rarity gave a simple response: "If you're worried about making the other's jealous, I'm sure they'd be fine."

"That's not-" Applejack couldn't make eye contact. She just took in a few deep breaths. "I meant, like, goin' together. Y'know…" She tilted her head to the side and back as if it meant something.

Rarity didn't know. She just stared.

"Like a- Like a date!" Applejack brought up some will inside herself and made eye contact again.

Rarity blinked. "Oh." She looked away, then back at Applejack. "I-"

"Nevermind. I don't- I dunno. Nevermind." Applejack looked back towards the floor. Dug her hooves into it.

"Oh." Rarity blinked.

Back downstairs, a letter. Something came up. Twilight was needed in Canterlot, just for another day. She wouldn't make the party.

"THIS IS THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!" Pinkie's wail could be heard even up in Twilight's study. A perfect conclusion to a half formed conversation. An excuse.

"Well now, what in the hay is going on here?" Applejack was down first. She made sure of it.

"TWILIGHT'S NEVER COMING BACK!!!" Pinkie again.

"Oh, well that's… not true… She can't make it to the party." Fluttershy was more level headed, nodding as if to reassure herself of the words she spoke.

"TWILIGHT'S NEVER COMING TO THE PARTY!!!" Pinkie, obviously.

"Aw, for goodness sake. What happened?" Applejack.

"There was this letter that spike sent and we read it, you see. It said that Twilight was too busy dealing with the princesses to come back today… Oh, I just hope it's not anything dangerous…" Fluttershy. Then a pause.

"Well that certainly puts a damper on things." Rarity. "Does Rainbow Dash know?"

"She's still on duty!" Pinkie, between sobs.

"Then I suppose we'll have to wait for her. Let her know." Rarity.

Some nods. More silence.

"I'm gonna go take a breather. Get some fresh air." Applejack already found herself heading towards the door.

The rain had cleared up for the most part. Pegasi, working hard, moving holes in the clouds, holes that let up to the darkening sky - Applejack was still shocked at how early it got dark sometimes. Just the time you get used to it and it starts getting dark late again. Then wait a few moons and begin all over.

She sat on the dirt. On all counts, today was one of the worst days of her life. No - no. No. That's not true. She's had a lot worse. Wounds yet to heal. But today still sucked, that was true. It sucked. If she was at home, she'd put on some record. Just lay down and take in the music. That wasn't an option out here, so just breathe. Breathe in the air.

Little drops of rain still managed to trip down, dripping onto Applejack. So few though. In a way, it was comforting. Dirt. Cold. Rain. She took her hoof and patted down the mud. Back and forth, flattening out, this little section right in front of her. A little square of mud. She should be home right now. After everything - and Twilight's not even turning up now - she should be home.

She looked back to the library - she was just outside after all, just by the windows. She wasn’t one to wander. The lights were on now, the windows glowing orange. Glowing warm. There was talking, but it was quiet.

The door opened. Rarity. She walked up to Applejack. "Are you alright?"

Applejack looked up to Rarity, then back to the mud. "We had a big argument back on the farm this mornin'. Big Apple wants to move to Manehattan, like I did. Big Mac don't want him to." She was still patting down that little square in front of her, already flattened. "Big Mac almost came to tears. He don't do well in arguments. Got back his stutter for a minute there." Patting down even harder now. Messing it up. Bringing mud about. "I should never have told Big Apple. About goin' to Manehattan. It was stupid. Don't know why Granny Smith ever let me." Applejack looked over to Rarity. "You know, I ain't heard Big MacIntosh stutter in forever. It's not right." Slamming some little hole in the ground with her hooves. Then she slowed. Stopped.

Rarity wanted to speak, but she had nothing to say.

"You ain't gonna tell anyone what I said, are ya?"

"Darling, I would never gossip about any arguments you happen to find yourself in." Rarity held her hoof to Applejack, trying to comfort her.

"I meant earlier. 'bout us two." Applejack just stared at Rarity. Powerless.

"Oh. Yes. I've been thinking-"

"No, no. Rarity, please." Applejack shrugged off Rarity's hoof.

"I've been thinking. I never said no."

"Rarity. Come on." Applejack looked away.

"I'll go with you." Rarity tried to place her hoof back.

Applejack pushed the hoof away. "Rarity!" She shouted it, loud enough for anypony inside to hear. "Rarity." And then the two just stood, locked in silence.

Rarity tried to speak again. "I mean it. I'll go out with you, Applejack."

"Oh, well thanks for takin’ pity on me. It's very generous of you, Rare." Applejack chewed on the words as she spoke them.

"Well in that case, I appreciate your honesty. I do.” Rarity considered herself for a moment. “I’m saying yes. And not for your sake. If you’ve changed your mind, that’s fine. But I’m saying yes.”

Applejack just stared down at the floor. “I don’t know. It don’t matter now. I dunno.” Looked back to Rarity - “Will ya just promise not to tell anyone that I asked?”

“Of course. If that’s what you want.”

Applejack sighed. “You’re a nice pony, Rarity.” She stood up and began walking back to the library. “Don’t let me get in the way.”

“Oh, Celestia!” Rarity managed to stop Applejack in her tracks. “Come on now, Applejack. Don’t be so… pathetic. And I’m sorry for saying this, but pathetic really is the right word here. ‘Don’t let me get in the way.’ You’re not getting in the way. I can barely think of anypony who manages to get in the way less than you! Frankly, it’s annoying sometimes. Let me take you out. Let yourself get in the way. Please.”

Applejack just stared. “I don’t know why ya think callin’ me ‘pathetic’ is gonna sweeten me up.”

“I’m not trying to sweeten you up. I just thought you might appreciate some honesty. If you don’t want to go to dinner, that’s fine, but for the love of Celestia, please stop trying to be some lonesome… thing. You can’t just disappear into yourself! You can’t wipe away your hoofprints every time you leave the farm.” Rarity dug her hoof into the mud, trying to prove something. “No mare is an island. Ruin my life if you must. At least I’d enjoy it.”

Applejack didn’t bother responding. She just walked back inside.

SCENE THREE.
It felt weird, going to the Ponyville train station without her family to wave her goodbye. Every time she could remember, Applejack had at least somepony from home to send her off. Now she didn't. She didn’t want them to see her. For the love of Celestia, how did she get convinced into doing this?

“One return to Canterlot, please.” She handed the bits over and got her tickets.

Only Rarity would schedule a whole trip to Canterlot for a first date - after all, ‘none of the restaurants here in Ponyville quite capture that… je ne sais quoi’. Funny, right? She doesn’t visit Canterlot the entire time Twilight stays there, then Applejack finally rushes to visit almost as soon as Twilight gets back. Ha ha. That wasn’t funny. Applejack laughed to herself about it, but it wasn’t funny.

She started towards the platform. As she walked, she thought. She thought about turning around. It rang through her head - TURN AROUND, TURN AROUND, TURN AROUND. It made its way through her body, her veins - GO HOME, GO HOME, GO HOME. But just as her legs started to catch up to this, she was already on the platform.

Applejack looked around. The train wasn’t here yet. There were a few ponies waiting with her. Goodness. She looked to the ground and began to breathe in, breathe out. Let herself settle. This was a bad idea, right? Being here? She heard some hoofsteps and looked up. It was Rarity. Breathe carefully. In, out. Get the words ready and let them go. “You ain’t wearin’ nothin’ fancy?”

“I thought I would… Try to be modest. For you.” Rarity wasn’t wearing any dress, any fancy outfit. Not even some nice accessory. “I see that you’ve dressed up, though.”

Applejack had found - and put on - one of Big MacIntosh’s old bowties. “Heh. This was the only thing we really had. Other’n that, it was… Granny Smith’s old weddin’ dress, but she don’t want me to wear that til I get married.” Applejack chuckled awkwardly.

“I think it suits you. Though it could do with a little… adjustment.” Rarity began fiddling with the bowtie. She tried to adjust it with her hooves, but when that seemed bleak she resorted to magic, taking it off and redoing it entirely. “There. Perfect!” She clapped her front hooves together to celebrate. “Canterlot, here we come!”

“Heh. Here we come.” It wasn’t long before Applejack started fiddling with the bowtie herself. It was too tight.

The train came soon enough. The two found seats after a short ordeal trying to decide who would get the window one - ‘No, you take it. I insist.’ Eventually, Applejack gave in and sat down - ‘But you're gettin’ it on the way back’ - and the train found itself working, falling into motion.

Ponyville, in the windows, falling behind them. Slipping into some smudge, a well-meaning blur. It was strange. A sight she'd seen maybe a hundred times, the mixing and melting of little trees and houses and pathways and ponies into one rush, but it managed to feel so… different today. Applejack stared a while, just out the window. Everything rushing by til it was just plain countryside. Ponyville, now just some forgotten memory. She reached for the blind, covered up the window. It wasn't anything she needed to see. It wasn't anything she wanted to see.

“So… Canterlot, huh?” Applejack needed to say something.

“Oh, this is just so wonderful! You know, I really am glad you agreed.” Rarity was grinning.

“Well, you can be convincin’ when you mean to be.”

“I'm just surprised that after our fight-”

“That weren't a fight. Trust me. You'd know if we was fightin’.” Applejack was blunt.

Rarity quieted a bit before she spoke -“In any case… I'm glad you changed your mind.”

Applejack looked to the blind, as if the window was still open. Staring right through it. “You were talkin’ more sense than me, simple as that.” She looked back towards Rarity. “Really don't need much more thought. I mean, I ain't too familiar with the datin’ scene but I don't s'pose it's normal to start up with an airin’ of grievances.” She chuckled to herself.

“No, no. You're right on that front. I'm sorry.”

“Aw, don't be sorry now. We just gotta… Uh, we gotta get… romantic.” Applejack struggled with the words. “Like, um… You're lookin’ finer than a sweet tea in the Appleloosa sun.”

Rarity just laughed.

“Oh, come on. Don't laugh! I'm new to all this…” Applejack stared at Rarity for a moment, before she started laughing too. “Okay maybe you can laugh a little. I s'pose it was a little funny.”

“A little, yes.” Rarity shoved her hoof to her mouth, trying to stop herself from giggling even more. “You can work on it. You’ll be a pro in no time, I’m sure.”

“So, where're we goin’ exactly? I mean, I know we're goin’ to Canterlot. But like, uh, a restaurant, right?”

“The Silver Platter. Only the BEST restaurant in Canterlot. Probably all of Equestria!”

“Well that's… A mighty high expectation to give.” Applejack thought about it. “The Silver Platter. Some reason I'm guessin’ they ain't do cornbread there.”

“Cornbread. No.” Rarity shook her head. “Maybe next time you can choose where we go. Cornbread…” She grimaced.

“Next time? Hoowee, I must be doin’ alright.” Applejack poked Rarity's side. “We barely even started yet!”

“If there is a next time, darling. I'll have you know my standards are quite high.”

Applejack knew this wasn’t true. She resisted her urges to comment on it. If she did, she would have said something along the lines of ‘What, four legs and a mane?’ but as it stands, Applejack did not comment. Instead she simply said “My… Qualities. Are quite high. So that shouldn't… be a problem.”

“I think you need to work on your flow. You're putting in a lot of awkward stops here.”

“Hey, I already said I was new to all this!”

“Yes, and I am simply helping you get better. How can you improve if you don't know what to change?” Rarity tapped Applejack's snout with her hoof. “Oh, isn't this wonderful? It’ll be just like when Sweetie Belle did that Pygneighlion musical.”

“Pig what now?” Applejack was shocked. “Now I know you just didn't call me a pig.”

“No, Pygneighlion. I did say it was a musical.”

“Right. So, you're gonna teach me to sing?” Applejack's shock gave way to confusion.

Rarity shook her head. “You know what, it really doesn't matter, Applejack -” she waved her hoof about in the air “- forget I said anything.”

“Oh, uh. Okey-doke.” Applejack drummed her hooves against her legs, trying to drum out some thoughts. Some sort of speech. “Ain't it kinda funny how as soon as Twilight gets back, we're off to Canterlot ourselves?” The one thought rattling back and forth, and the only one she could summon into speech. “I mean, we don't visit her and then… She must think we're avoidin’ her!” No awkward laugh could paint over her guilt. She tried anyway.

“Some of us did manage to visit her in Canterlot. The garden opening itself was… booked. I did end up meeting her afterwards though.” Rarity looked at Applejack, and saw that she wasn't helping. “Oh, but we all managed to meet her after she came back! Even if the party fell through, we did manage to meet up. Remember?”

“‘Course I remember. I may be gettin’ on, Rare, but I really ain't that old yet. Got my head on straight at least.” Applejack grinned, for a moment.

“No, of course.” Rarity chuckled. “Twilight was very happy to see you.”

“She would’a been happier to see me more.”

“Yes, and I would be very happy with a million bits.” Rarity leant in as she spoke, punctuating some point she was making. “She was happy, Applejack. She is happy! And what about you?”

Applejack thought for a moment. “What about me?”

“When we went to see Twilight. How did you feel?”

“It was… nice.”

“Right! It was nice! Everpony had a good time. It was good.”

“Lotta things are good. Don’t mean they can’t be better.”

“Not everything has to be- Not everything has to be better. Can’t you… Enjoy seeing your friends? You can’t do everything.”

“Well, I can try! Ain’t that what you said a week or two ago? We keep ourselves goin’, or what have you? We’re the ones that try! That keep pushin’!”

“Well, I-” Rarity sighed.

“Anyway, this ain’t even about that. I’m talkin’ about friends here. Family! You tellin’ me you’re okay just… Wastin’ time? Every second I spend ignorin’ my friends is a second I don’t get back. You know I ain’t got the time, but if I do, why would I… And what if she didn’t get back? She was delayed the first time! Goodness knows Canterlot ain’t never gonna run out of problems. Am I just gonna sit around here, doin’ nothin’? What about- What about- Wh…” Applejack shook her head.

“Well you’re out with a friend. You’re out with me. If you don’t want to waste it… don’t. Enjoy it.”

Applejack stared at Rarity for some time. “Right.” She looked back to the covered window. “Right.”

Rarity frowned.

Sleek - The Silver Platter was sleek. Cold. Angular. Applejack tapped her hooves against the smooth surface of the table. Rarity stared at Applejack as she did it, but Rarity wasn’t going to make a fuss. Maybe she should have - The Silver Platter was an important establishment. It deserved respect. Still, Applejack continued to tap away.

“You won't believe the trouble I had to go through to get this reservation. It's very exclusive here - they're really quite popular.”

Applejack looked around. “Looks pretty empty to me.”

“Yes, well would you want a whole crowd watching you eat?”

“Why'd they be watchin’ me? They ain't got more important things to pay attention to?”

“More importantthan the diners of The Silver Platter? It's very exclusive here.”

“...right.”

“You know, that day the party fell through… As soon as I got home, I tried to make a reservation and today was the earliest I could get.”

“You knew I'd change my mind?”

“I hoped you would change your mind. And if you didn't, I could always take…” Rarity trailed off. “Well, I could take somepony, that's for sure.”

“I’m glad ya took me.”

“I’m glad you came.”

Applejack laughed to herself. “I’m glad you’re glad.”

“Okay, we don’t need to do this all evening.” Rarity pressed her hoof into the table.

“If ya say so… I coulda kept it up.”

“I’m sure you could.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re sure!” Applejack slapped down on the table and grinned.

Rarity did not laugh. She did not smile. “Have you looked over the menu?”

“I think I got a headache readin’ all that. Looks like a buncha hokum to me. Do they do hayburgers here?”

“Oh, do they do hayburgers, darling you just…” Suddenly Rarity stopped laughing. “Oh. You’re serious.”

“Y’know, maybe you should just order for me. You probably got a better idea of what's good here than me.”

“That is just a delightful idea! I think you’d love the tempeh and couscous.”

“I don’t even know what that means.”

“It means you’re in for a delicious meal!”

“Well, now you’re makin’ me hungry. Should probably order soon.”

“Good idea…” Rarity started to wildly wave her hoof about. “Waiter! Oh, waiter!”

Applejack hid behind her hooves as Rarity continued to wave and wail. Soon, as instructed, a waiter arrived.

Rarity began to order - “We’ll have the tempeh with couscous and the stuffed peppers. Oh, what do you want to drink, darling?”

Applejack thought for a moment. “It’s a special occasion, what the hay… How about a Prancesecco for the table?”

“Oh, no… I don’t drink. We could get water.”

“Uh, if water does you that’s fine but, uh… I’m gettin’ some Prancesecco.” Applejack grinned at the waiter. The waiter took his notes, nodded, and left. Applejack leant into the table, narrowed her eyes. “Hey, I didn’t know that ya don’t drink.”

Rarity smiled. Tapped her front hooves on the table twice before answering. “I’m straight edge, as they say.”

Applejack was left more confused. “...as who say?”

“It’s a popular expression in… Certain circles.” Rarity awkwardly chuckled - perhaps she showed too much of her hand.

“Like some kinda fancy Canterlot speak?”

“Not quite. Haha.” Rarity found herself kneading the cushion of the seat beside her. “Uh, there was this pony. Named Straight Edge - singer for an old band, you know. Anyway, he made a point of not drinking, not using, even avoiding caffeine! I don’t go that far, though. Haha. Oh, but his fans, a lot of them followed his lifestyle so they all said they were doing the ‘Straight Edge lifestyle’. Right? So it sort of… Became a phrase. In these circles.”

“Now I ain’t heard of this ‘Straight Edge’ so I’m just gonna go out on a limb and guess this pony weren’t singin’ country music.”

“No… He was in a, uh…” Rarity began to whisper. “He was in a punk band.”

“In a what-now? You’re gonna have to speak up.”

Rarity raised her voice. “He was in a punk band.” It was just barely audible.

Applejack burst out laughing. “Punk band? Hoowee, I did not expect that from you, Rare.” She shook her head. “Punk band…”

“Yes, I was a fairly rebellious teenager. I don’t listen anymore. All that ‘down with Celestia’ stuff loses a bit of its lustre when you actually make friends with her.” Rarity chuckled. “Trust me, the genre is in a bad state anyway. I mean, The Equibats are more punk nowadays than any of the poseurs in Blank Flank.”

“Ya know, ya seem pretty opinionated for somepony who don’t listen anymore.”

Rarity looked away for a moment, embarrassed. “Well, I listen a little. You know. Nostalgia and all.” She smiled at Applejack. “Anyway, we don’t need to talk about this nonsense.”

“Nah, this ain’t nonsense. I’m curious now. Tell me about your teenage rebellion.” Applejack was grinning. “Hey, it’ll be a trade. You tell me about your punk days and I’ll tell you somethin’ dumb from when I was a filly.”

“Hmm… I wasn't really that rebellious. I mainly just listened to music too loud and… wore ugly clothes.” Rarity winced at her own words.

“Ah, c’mon. I know you got a better story than that.”

“I suppose I did try and sneak out to a concert once. It was just after dark. I was up in my room and thought I could… Climb down from my window. I got about halfway through when I just fell out - screamed and hit the ground. I didn’t actually get hurt, luckily. Anyway, my parents rushed out to make sure I was okay. They made a big fuss, I just tried to ignore them but eventually they figured out what was going on and they actually offered to take me themselves. The whole thing was so embarrassing, I just stayed home and threw away some of my punk records…”

“Threw away ya records? Why?”

“I was just so embarrassed. I wanted to forget the whole ordeal, and those Lunatics records weren’t helping.” Rarity shook her head. “It’s a shame, those go for a fair few bits these days. A vintage copy of Lunacy could probably finance an entire season’s worth of supplies!”

“That much? Yeesh, I shoulda been listenin’ to punk too!” Applejack laughed to herself. “I doubt any’a my old records are worth diddly-squat. Even still, don’t think I’d be able to get rid of ‘em. I can be a sentimental fool sometimes. Oh, whoop - looks like our food’s on the way.”

Sure enough, it was. A waiter pony trotted over, floated the dishes down to the table. The water and wine soon followed, a glass placed and poured for each pony. Rarity was ready to tuck in. Applejack just stared at her food.

“Are you alright, Applejack?”

“Yeah, this is just, uh…” Applejack pushed the tempeh and couscous around a little. “I dunno what I was expectin’ but it weren’t this.” She tried on some weak smile. “Those peppers sure look nice, though.”

“Do you… Do you want my meal? We can swap.”

“No, no. I’m fine. You have the peppers.”

“Really, I am not bothered. You can have the stuffed peppers if you want.”

“Aw, it’s what ya ordered, Rare. I don’t mean to take what ya want! ‘Sides, I haven’t tried… this. It’s prob’ly fine.”

“Fine or a delicious meal? If I’m taking you to The Silver Platter, I want nothing but the best for you. I’m sure you didn’t come all the way here for just fine.”

“Well, Rarity, I came all the way here for you.”

“Oh, you charmer.” Rarity blushed. “Didn’t I say you’d be a pro in no time?” She followed this up with a giggle. “Wait, hold on. Don’t distract me with your charm. We’re switching meals. That’s final.” Rarity swapped the plates.

“I'm fine. I swear.” Applejack tried to swap them back, but was no match for Rarity's magic.

“No, no, no! Tonight is about you!” Rarity firmly resisted.

Applejack stopped her struggling for a moment. “Ain't it meant to be about both of us? Like, ain't that the entire point?”

“You're right. Yes. No, you're right.” Rarity shook her head. “Us.” She put the plates back as they were.

Applejack started to eat. “Y'know, maybe the peppers would be better…” She immediately clarified: “I'm jokin’! I'm jokin’, don't- I'm just messin’ with ya.”

Rarity sighed. “I believe you owe me an embarrassing story of your own.”

“Did I say embarrassin’?” - Applejack scratched at her chin - “I don’t think I did…”

“Oh come on. It was implied.”

“Alright, alright. It was on the farm, back when I was a filly. I was new to doin’ all the chores; it was my first time feedin’ the pigs by myself. Y’know, Big Mac or Granny Smith used to be there helpin’ me, but that time I was all alone. I had to go get the food, but I didn’t have a clue where it was. I looked all around for that pig feed and I just couldn’t find it. Didn’t wanna let the pigs starve so I did the only thing I could think and went into the pantry. I got out some of the corn we were meant to be havin’ for supper and… went an’ fed it to the pigs.”

“...And? Then what?” Rarity gestured towards Applejack, flinging her hoof about in the air.

“No and.” - Applejack just stared at Rarity - “That’s it.”

“That doesn’t seem all that embarrassing to me.”

“Well, everypony called me Cornjack for like a month afterwards.”

“I do suppose that’s embarrassing.” Rarity nodded. “It’s not as good as my story.”

“I didn’t know it was meant to be a contest!”

“Oh no, it’s not a contest. But mine was better.”

“I guess.” Applejack sipped from her Prancesecco. “I weren’t all that into music when I was young. Or carin’ how I looked. You certainly got me beat on that.”

“I try…” Rarity grinned. “Not to suggest that you don't, of course. I do love that little bowtie.”

“Ah, thank Big MacIntosh for that. S'pose I should get him a dress or somethin’ to make it even!”

“I don't think dresses would… suit his form.”

“Never know ‘til you try. Might end up lookin’ quite the belle. ‘Course, he still keeps around a few of Golden Harvest's dresses but I get the impression they ain't fit…”

Silence came over the table. Held it for some moments. Applejack pushed food around her plate, and took another few sips from her Prancesecco. She couldn’t quite make eye contact. “Are you alright, Darling?” Rarity was worried.

“I’m- I’m alright. Just slipped away for a moment there. Heh.” Applejack looked up now. Looked into Rarity’s eyes - right there in front of her. Just like they’d always been. And she couldn’t help it now - Applejack, that warmth right across from her, she couldn’t help it. “What d’ya think happens? Y’know, when we’re… Gone.” - she whispered this bit - “Dead.”

Rarity took one breath in - sharp, deep. She was interrupted before she could speak.

“I mean, I spoke to Twilight… Not about this. About science an’ all. She was tellin’ me about energy. How it never goes away. Did y’know that? No matter what, it never disappears. Just moves around, thing to thing.” She quickly finished off her glass of wine. “And- and ponies. There’s so much energy inside us, right? All that work, that love… It’s gotta go somewhere. It can’t just disappear. I mean, that’s science. It can’t just disappear. Ponies can’t just disappear. We gotta go somewhere. Gotta, like… like- like- Like seeds in the wind. I mean, right? I- I dunno.” Applejack stared back at her plate. “Sorry.”

A frown came across Rarity as she tried to respond - she couldn't quite form the words. “I… never really think about that sort of thing.” She looked down to her plate. It was empty. She was still hungry. “You know, the desserts here are to DIE for.” Rarity looked back up to Applejack and smiled, best she could. “Well not like- I mean… That isn't really what I meant to say.”

Rarity strengthened her smile against Applejack’s agog expression.

Applejack just snorted a little, then grinned right back.