Author's Note
Story idea is from JBlazer so go to them for the idea and thank them for it.
The Lost Bet
A Full Makeover: Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s Girls' Day Out
Applejack and Rainbow Dash had always been the type to stick to their routines. Applejack was all about hard work on the farm, and Rainbow Dash lived for speed, adventure, and the thrill of competition. So when they lost a bet to Rarity, the fashionista of Ponyville, they never imagined they’d be subjected to her idea of a “fun” day out. But here they were, standing awkwardly in Rarity’s boutique, about to undergo a full makeover.
The situation had started innocently enough. They’d been hanging out in the park when a conversation about fashion came up. Applejack had made a remark about how much she preferred practicality over style, while Rainbow Dash had jokingly claimed she could pull off any outfit, no matter how ridiculous. Rarity, who had been in the vicinity, had overheard them and immediately challenged them to a bet. If they could do her latest fashion challenge—creating a new outfit by combining only their own clothes—she’d let them off the hook. If they lost, they had to let her style them for the entire day.
Neither of them thought they could lose. After all, Applejack was a savvy seamstress in her own right, and Rainbow Dash was quick on her hooves. But to their surprise, they both failed miserably, unable to match Rarity’s impeccable taste and design skills. Now, they were about to pay the price.
Applejack crossed her hooves and glared at Rarity, who was already buzzing with excitement. “I still don’t know why I agreed to this,” she muttered, her southern drawl thick with reluctance.
“Oh, Applejack, darling, trust me, this will be so much fun!” Rarity beamed. “I’ll give you a makeover that’s both practical and fabulous!”
Rainbow Dash, who had been tapping her hoof impatiently, rolled her eyes. “I’d rather be doing something more... exciting. Like racing. Or, you know, anything that isn’t sitting around being pampered.”
“Now, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity tutted, “this is part of being a well-rounded mare. You don’t know what you’re missing!”
“Yeah, well, I’m about to find out,” Rainbow Dash said dryly. “Let’s get this over with.”
The makeover began with Rarity carefully scrutinizing her two friends. She pulled out all sorts of beauty products: brushes, glitter, hair curlers, makeup palettes, and an assortment of clothes that screamed “glamour.” Applejack winced as Rarity brushed her mane with delicate care, pulling it into a style far fancier than she was used to. It was a far cry from the simple, straight mane she usually wore while working on Sweet Apple Acres.
“Ugh, I can’t believe this,” Applejack muttered under her breath, squirming in the chair. “What’s the point of all this? I’m just gonna get all dirty on the farm later today anyway.”
“Nonsense, darling!” Rarity replied. “You must allow yourself to embrace your inner beauty, Applejack! It’s all about confidence. You can look fabulous *and* be practical! Trust me, I’ve mastered the art of combining both.”
Rainbow Dash smirked. “Yeah, right. I can’t even imagine you being practical, Rarity.”
“Ah, there’s so much you two have to learn,” Rarity said with a dramatic sigh, pulling out a set of accessories to complement Applejack’s new style.
For Applejack, Rarity had opted for a polished yet rustic look: a bright red bandana that matched her usual color palette, paired with a smart denim vest and a pair of boots that added just the right amount of shine. Applejack couldn’t help but admit, the outfit was still true to her roots, but the extra touches made it feel... fancier.
Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, was having a harder time adjusting. Rarity was going all out with her mane, curling it into soft, bouncy waves, and even applying a layer of light makeup to give her a more “glamorous” look. Rainbow Dash had always prided herself on her no-nonsense style—she liked to fly fast and free, not worry about looking like she belonged in a fashion magazine.
“This is so not me,” Rainbow Dash complained, trying to push her hair out of her face. “I look like a total softie.”
“Oh, Rainbow Dash, darling, trust me. You look stunning,” Rarity said, stepping back to admire her work. “Now, let’s see what we can do with your outfit.” She rifled through her vast wardrobe and selected an ensemble that was a complete departure from anything Rainbow Dash had ever worn before. A lavender skirt with a matching top that had subtle sparkles, designed to give her a sleek, stylish look.
Rainbow Dash stared at the outfit in horror. “Are you serious? A skirt? I don’t wear skirts!”
“Trust me, it’ll look amazing,” Rarity said with a knowing smile. “You’ll be the epitome of chic while still being able to move around with ease!”
“Chic? Really?” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.
Rarity’s excitement only grew as she finished accessorizing Rainbow Dash with a delicate necklace and a pair of sparkling shoes. “Perfect! You look like a star, darling!”
Applejack gave her a once-over and laughed dryly. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“We look ridiculous,” Rainbow Dash muttered under her breath.
“Now, now, don’t be such a spoilsport!” Rarity chirped. “We’re going to have such a fabulous day! You’re going to love it.”
Applejack and Rainbow Dash exchanged a glance, both wondering just how they were going to survive the day ahead.
The first stop was the Ponyville Spa. Applejack’s face immediately scrunched up as they walked through the doors, greeted by the soft scent of lavender and the gentle sound of relaxing music.
“Seriously?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “A spa? We don’t even *need* a spa.”
“Oh, Applejack,” Rarity said, practically bouncing with excitement. “You’ll feel so much better after a nice relaxing massage. Trust me, you’ve earned it. You work so hard every day; this is just a little bit of luxury!”
Applejack crossed her hooves, looking around the room. “I work hard every day, but this? Feels like I’m sitting’ in a fancy room just to sit still.”
Despite her protests, the spa treatment turned out to be surprisingly relaxing—though Applejack would never admit it. The soothing massage worked out the tension in her shoulders, and the facials made her skin feel refreshed. She couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of relief when it was over. “Well, I guess it wasn’t so bad... but don’t expect me to be *thanking’* you, Rarity.”
Rainbow Dash, however, was barely able to stay still long enough to enjoy the treatments. She fidgeted the entire time, rolling her eyes at every suggestion and comment from the spa ponies. “This is so boring. How do you *do* this, Applejack?”
Applejack just gave her a small, knowing smile. “I’m not a fan of sitting’ around, either, but sometimes you just gotta go with it.”
Next, Rarity dragged them to a boutique where she insisted on buying them a few accessories to match their new looks. Applejack found herself in a store filled with all sorts of shiny hairpins, necklaces, and scarves. To her surprise, she found a few things she actually liked—simple, understated items that felt more like her. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, was miserable, trying on sparkly hats and frilly scarves, all while grumbling about how she couldn’t wait to get back to her normal life.
“We are *so* not doing this again,” Rainbow Dash muttered, trying on yet another ridiculous hat that Rarity had picked out for her.
Rarity laughed, unbothered by their resistance. “Oh, but this is the *best* part! We’re making memories!”
Applejack rolled her eyes, but at least she was starting to warm up to the idea of doing something a little different. “Well, I guess we *could* make this fun,” she admitted, “but I still don’t get why y’all are so into this.”
As the day wore on, Rarity led her two reluctant friends through a whirlwind of girl’s activities: shopping, tea at a fancy café, and even trying out a new dance class. Despite their initial grumbling, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were slowly starting to see the appeal of taking a break from their usual busy lives. They spent time laughing together, getting into a rhythm with Rarity’s boundless energy, and even found themselves enjoying the luxury of a slower pace.
By the time the day was over, Applejack had a small smile on her face, and Rainbow Dash had finally stopped complaining.
“Alright, Rarity,” Rainbow Dash said, grinning despite herself. “You were right. It wasn’t all bad. But don’t expect me to do this again any time soon.”
Applejack gave a short laugh. “I’ll admit, I had a little fun, but I’ll still take a good day’s work on the farm over all this any time.”
“Well, I’m so glad you both had fun!” Rarity said with a flourish. “There’s more where that came from, of course!”
“Maybe next time,” Applejack said, shaking her head with a chuckle. “Maybe next time.”
And with that, the trio walked back to Ponyville, a little bit closer after a day they’d never forget.