August 8
Applejack entered Carousel Boutique with the week’s groceries.

“I’m home Rarity! Got the mail, too.”

Rarity met her marefriend in the doorway.

“Thank you, Applejack. I’ll take it and help you put everything away in a moment.”

Rarity shuffled through the mail and slowly walked towards the kitchen.

“Anything excitin’ in the mail?” Applejack asked.

Rarity was about to say no, but then she noticed a letter addressed to her. Applejack noticed her marefriend’s serious expression as she read it.

“What is it?”

“It’s that designer friend of mine in Manehattan,” Rarity started. “The one I was meant to work for, but gave the job to Coco Pamel instead.”

“I remember,” Applejack said.

“He’s looking for a partner for another show and he says he’d still love to work with me,” Rarity explained.

Applejack closed the refrigerator and bit her lip.

“How long would you be gone?” she asked.

“It’s an estimate, but he said to plan for a year.”

Applejack paused knowing she’d have to choose her words carefully.

“Look. Selfishly, I obviously don’t want you to go. But it’s a great opportunity, Rares. If you want to take it, then don’t say no on my or anypony else’s account.”

Rarity stared at the letter.

“I’ve never been away from Ponyville or Carousel Boutique for that long before. And I feel like you just moved in because you were abandoned. How could I abandon you, too?”

“I’ve got my siblings and our other friends,” Applejack assured. “It’s not your fault that Granny didn’t accept us. Again, don’t worry about me.”

Rarity placed the letter down on the nearest counter.

“He said he knew it was a big commitment, so I didn’t need to respond right away.”

Applejack gave a nod of approval.

“I think sleeping on it is a good idea.”

The next month was hard as Rarity said goodbye to her friends, clients, and family. But despite everything, the couple was grateful for the 24 hours together in Manehattan as they got Rarity settled. Even though the moving process was a quiet one, neither wanting to address the elephant in the room, they made a dinner reservation at a nice restaurant that they enjoyed immensely.

But the time finally came where the two had to part ways.

“Well, that’s the last of it,” Rarity said as she broke down the last box.

Applejack took in the scenery of the apartment they just filled.

“It's a nice place!” she said. “That designer friend of yours must really like you.”

The pair then stood in silence dreading the moments that were to come.

“I want to write to you already,” Applejack continued.

“Me too,” Rarity said.

Applejack stroked her marefriend’s cheek.

“You're gonna do great out here. Trust me.”

Rarity pulled Applejack in a hug and they held each other for a few moments.

“I suppose you should catch your train,” Rarity said as they let each other go.

“Yeah. Bye Rares. Hearth's Warming will be here before we know it.”

September 10
Dear Rarity,

Well, we survived the first day apart. Living alone for the first time is going to be interesting. I never realized how much ambient sound there could be when you live with other ponies. I miss the whirring of your sewing machine and the chatter from you and your clients downstairs. Heck, I even miss the commotion of Apple Bloom and her friends. Who would’ve thought I of all ponies would be living in Carousel Boutique all by myself? But I suppose everything about our relationship has been unexpected so far, huh? Anyway.

With September upon us, I’m looking forward to applebuck season. After all that’s happened the past few months, I’m happy at least this is still familiar to me. And it’ll keep me from missing you as much. I’m surprised Granny Smith is still letting me participate, but I guess she cares more that we have a successful harvest than that I’m dating a mare. I thought my world was over after losing Granny, but honestly, having you is worth it. And I still have you, even if you’re in Manehattan. Love you lots, Sugarcube.

Your marefriend,
Applejack

September 16
My dear Applejack,

It’s funny you mention the quiet when I’m getting used to the opposite. Even Opal is intrigued by all the activity outside our apartment window. But that spell Twilight taught me works well so at least I can sleep in peace. And you know I love the city. My friend and I have met a couple times already and I think we’re going to be a good team. We’re meeting with the director, playwright, and the composers of the musical in a couple days. They’re certainly throwing me in the deep end here. But I guess I don’t mind. We both love a good challenge, don’t we? And if fighting imposter syndrome is part of that, then so be it.

I’m also glad you can be a part of applebuck season. I know it’s something you love and I’m sure your siblings will be thrilled to spend some time with you. Say hello to them for me. And Sugar Belle, of course. I miss you the most, but I definitely miss them, too. Speaking of siblings, I should write to Sweetie Belle next. Missing her a lot also.

Your city dwelling marefriend,
Rarity

September 20
Dear Rares,

It was chilly this morning. Something about it made me miss our breakfast chats more than I have the past 10 days. It was good weather for working on the farm, though. Didn’t make me any less tired, sadly. You’d think that I’d be used to it, but applebuck season always takes a lot out of all of us.

Everything’s going well so far, though. Sugar Belle is an excellent addition to the team and not just because she’s got magic. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I can’t believe how the Apple family tree has been full of Earth ponies and Big Mac and I go off and date unicorns.
I’m anxious to know how your meeting went. Look at you, talking to all the big shots!

Your super proud marefriend,
Applejack

September 24
Dearest Applejack,

The meeting went well! It was quite something to work with such talented ponies. Not only talented, but genuinely lovely individuals. We all went out for drinks last night and we had a wonderful time. This is their first big project, which is super exciting. This experience is new for all of us.

The subject of significant others came up, which gave me some anxiety. I didn’t want to fear the worst, but you can only hear “you don’t look gay” so much before you put a guard up. But my friend already knew about us, and thank Celestia, everypony else was also supportive. Not to put any pressure on you, but I wonder if you’ll be able to meet them before I come home. I think they’d like that!

I can’t tell you much about the show yet, but funnily enough, the first costume visions that came to me first were for the foal characters. I don’t make clothes for foals often. Maybe that’s a market I should get into more.
Fall in Manehattan is gorgeous already, but I agree, this time of year does give a melancholic ambiance when you’re away from your partner. These two weeks have been the fastest yet slowest of my life.

Your big shot marefriend,
Rarity

October 18
Hi Rares,

Sorry for the late response. I was busy with applebuck season and then I got hit with the worst cold that wouldn’t leave. I am just now well enough to put my thoughts together and write to you. As much as I wish I had you as my nurse, I’ve had some kind visitors–Fluttershy being the main one. She got me that soup you told me about. It wasn’t bad as far as canned soup goes! I can see why you had it often at the boutique–sick or otherwise.

Great to hear you’re making some friends. I know how much it hurt when your mom said the whole “you don’t look gay” thing to you, so I don’t blame you for being nervous. She meant no harm and apologized, but I don’t think I’ll ever forgive her for that. Especially when you’re not even gay. Ridiculous.

On a lighter note, I also can’t wait to hear about the project when you are able to say more. It’s probably gonna be a while, but I’m looking forward to it!

Your still sniffly marefriend,
Applejack

October 27
Dear Applejack,

I’m so glad you’re well again, darling. And even more glad that you had some support while you were ill. That's important when you're by yourself. I'm fortunate I found my support system here pretty quickly. But seriously, you have such an amazing bedside manner that I'm glad somepony was able to return the favor.

I also apologize for taking a bit longer than usual to respond. I had some preliminary drafts due yesterday so I thought I should get those done before I sent letters home. Here’s hoping everypony likes them. The letters and the drafts.
Sweetie Belle says she and the crusaders are excited for Nightmare Night, though they’re still working out the details of their costumes. It's so hard to believe that they're not the fillies they were when Twilight moved to Ponyville, isn't it? I wonder how long they’ll want to trick-or-treat. I suppose you're never too old for free candy.

Your marefriend who’s now craving chocolate,
Rarity

October 31
Spooky greetings Rares!

Happy Nightmare Night! Rainbow Dash and I just came back from taking the crusaders trick-or-treating. Good kids. Though you’re right, they’re growing up so fast. As you can see in the picture I’m sending, Apple Bloom was able to fit in my lion costume I wore a couple years ago. Sweetie Belle wants to send you some of her candy. We’ll see if that works out. But if not, I hope you got some treats elsewhere since as you said, you’re never too old for that kind of thing.

Oh, Dash says hi. It’s getting late, so she’s staying with me tonight. Now that we’re crusader free, I think we’re gonna have some apple cider and go to bed.

Your tired marefriend,
Applejack

November 4
Dear Applejack,

To my surprise, no pony around was doing much for Nightmare Night. But I decided to take this opportunity to bake as I still haven’t fully broken in my kitchen yet. So I did have some treats. It was just some simple sugar cookies cut into fun fall and Nightmare Night themed shapes, but I brought them to meetings and everypony was very appreciative.
The crusaders looked amazing! Thanks for the picture. Though I admit, it made me quite homesick. Hug your sister because I can’t hug mine, okay?

Your marefriend who’s impatiently awaiting Hearth’s Warming,
Rarity

November 8
Dear Rarity,

Actually, now that you mention it… I was wondering if we could celebrate my birthday together. I know we weren’t originally planning on it since Hearth’s Warming is only a month later, but do you think we could?

Your marefriend who’s 28 in 12 days,
Applejack

November 12
My dear 27 year old Applejack,

I also secretly hoped we could celebrate your birthday together, but sadly, I don’t think it’ll be possible. They’re keeping me so busy here and I want to focus 100% on you when we see each other again. I’m so, so sorry. But don’t fret, my darling. We’ll be reunited soon. And I will make sure you feel cherished by everypony in my absence.

Love and miss you lots,
Your Rares

November 20
Applejack looked out her window. The short days of the fall and winter could be rough, but Applejack enjoyed the late sunrises now that applebuck season was mostly over. It was as if the sky knew Rarity couldn’t be there to celebrate, so it was saying happy birthday.

Trying to keep in good spirits, Applejack made herself some cheesy scrambled eggs for breakfast and her favorite tea. After she finished her eggs, Applejack was about to get more tea when she heard a knock on the door. To her surprise, it was Twilight.

“Don’t look so shocked,” Twilight teased. “Do you really think we’d forget your birthday? Rarity would kill us.”

Twilight then took a card and a box out of her saddle bag.

“Happy birthday, Applejack!”

Applejack took her gifts with a big grin.

“Thanks Twilight. I was about to have more tea. Care to join me?”

Inside the boutique, Applejack opened a card signed by her friends and siblings. And the box contained six cupcakes–each friend and sibling making one each.

“Thanks again, Twi. And all of ya,” Applejack said. “This was sweet. Literally.”

“Well, we figured this was probably a weird birthday for you. Pinkie Pie wanted to go all out and throw a big surprise party, but everypony else told her that probably wasn’t your style.”

“Good call,” Applejack agreed.

Twilight noticed the vase with a gorgeous array of flowers inside.

“Those are nice flowers,” Twilight complimented. “They’re from Rarity, I take it?”

Applejack nodded.

“They arrived yesterday.”

Twilight looked at Applejack sympathetically.

“We haven’t talked much since she left. How are you holding up?”

Applejack never truly knew how to answer this question. At least not in the simple way some might expect.

“She’s doing such cool things out there,” Applejack said with a bit of hesitation. “She’s made such a great group of friends. When she says she misses me, I almost don’t believe her. Stupid, I know…”

“No, I can understand that,” Twilight said. “It’s natural for couples to experience insecurity and jealousy every now and then. Especially long distance ones. I imagine she feels the same when she hears about the things you’re doing here without her.”

Applejack did realize that while she was missing one pony, everything else was the same for her. For Rarity, everything was new.

“And yet, do you think she’s also nervous about coming back?” Applejack wondered. “Just as we get used to being apart, we’re gonna have to get used to being together again. I was worried if our relationship would survive long distance, but now I’m worried if it’s gonna survive after she gets back.”

“That’s valid, too,” Twilight assured.

“What do we do?” Applejack asked. “I mean, there’s nothing we can do but roll with the punches, right?”

Twilight could think of one thing.

“Have you and Rarity talked about this?”

“Kinda,” Applejack remembered. “I mean, we’re not the first long distance couple to ever exist. We acknowledged these things were bound to happen. And I’ve talked to other ponies before you, too.”

Even though Twilight hoped for more than that, it was much better than nothing.

“Then you probably know that while the anxiety you’re feeling is from the hard parts of long distance, it’s also because you love Rarity and you’re truly happy for her.”

Applejack gave her princess friend a soft smile.

“And I suppose that’s all that matters right now, huh?”

November 25
Rarity walked into her apartment after celebrating the director of the musical’s birthday. She only found out recently that her birthday was close to Applejack’s and it was nice to still have an excuse to go out and celebrate.

The mail arrived shortly before Rarity left for the party, so she decided to go through it before getting ready for bed. She was excited to see there was a note from Applejack–the first since her birthday.

My generous Rarity,

Thank you for the beautiful flowers! I wish I could have spent my birthday with you, obviously. And Granny. But I had a nice day. Our friends and my siblings signed a card. And made me a cupcake each! On my birthday, Twilight delivered them and we had a good chat. And then Rainbow Dash came and offered to take me on a hike as the sun set. And for the rest of the day, I kinda did my own thing. It was just my kind of birthday, really. And the next big special occasion, you’ll be here. Wild, huh? I can’t wait!

Your grateful marefriend,

Applejack

Rarity’s blue magic aura threw the letter to the ground. She should have been happy to hear her marefriend had a good birthday despite her absence. After all, that’s what she encouraged. But all this letter did was remind Rarity that she of all ponies should have been with Applejack on her birthday. And she wasn’t.

It was such a strange thing. On the one hoof, of course Rarity missed Applejack and everypony at home. And situations like this reminded her how much she hated that life was going on there without her. But then she thought about the party she just attended. She knew she would miss her time in Manehattan when the year was over, too.

Then to Rarity’s surprise, she found herself laughing a bit. Because in the end, this meant that she had such a full and wonderful life that she’d need to work hard to manage it all. And there were certainly much worse things than that.

Author's Note

Happy birthday Applejack, haha! I don’t know, Applejack just gives Scorpio/November vibes to me. Thanks as always for reading.