August 29th

The train station at Palomino Beach was lined on one side with palm trees, as an advertisement to the well dressed ponies climbing off the train that their tropical vacation had begun. Applejack had never really considered palm trees to be actual trees, and they weren’t changing her mind as she stood in the thin line of shade from one, scanning the crowds for the royals and their entourage.

As the disembarking crowd thinned out, the last train car’s door opened and Princess Celestia exited the train. Many ponies milling about the station paused to stare at her as she was followed down the ramp by Luna, Cadence, Twilight, Shining Armor, and a small group of attendants. Halfway down the ramp, Twilight locked eyes with Applejack across the distance.

Twilight’s wings opened and she took off like a shot, sailing over the dumbstruck crowd and tackling Applejack to the ground. She grinned down at her captive and kissed Applejack roughly.

Chuckling a little before relaxing into the kiss, Applejack wrapped her forelegs around Twilight and returned the kiss. She drew away, smiling. “Even better than I was hopin’.”

“If you’re not senseless, I’m not done.” She grinned and winked, before stepping off of Applejack and offering a hoof.

Applejack took the hoof gladly, rising to her own hooves, her eyes glued to Twilight to the point where she only barely noticed the flowing pastel colors out of the corner of her eye. It took a second for the meaning of that to sink in, but when it did she almost jumped in surprise as she turned to the rest of Twilight’s group.

“‘Scuse me, Princess Celestia!” Applejack said, giving a small bow. “I was just—uh—distracted by Twilight here and… how’re y’all doin?”

Celestia smiled warmly. “I’m doing quite well, Applejack. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

A murmur of assent ran through the others, though Shining Armor’s expression was strained.

“It’s good to see y’all too.” Applejack said. She took a deep breath before looking Shining Armor right in the eye with a smile, holding out her hoof. “Real good to see ya’.”

Shining cleared his throat and stepped forward, grasping Applejack’s hoof and shaking. On the second pump, a small smirk crossed his face and he nodded. “It’s good to see you again, too.” He stepped back and everypony else shook hooves with her.

Twilight shuffled side to side while waiting for everyone to finish, bouncing with nervous energy. When Luna stepped back last, she turned to Applejack and beamed. “It’s so good to see you! You’ll have to show me around!”

“Sure thing! Wanna tour the town first, hit the beach, or head out and see the farm?” Applejack said to Twilight, glancing at Shining Armor nervously.

Both Twilight and Shining Armor opened their mouths to respond, but were cut off by Princess Luna. “Perhaps our dear Applejack could escort us to the nearest public house.”

Twilight’s eyes widened and she fell back a step. “Er—why don’t we tour the town first?”

“I reckon that’s a real good idea,” Applejack said, visibly relaxing. It had occurred to her that the only bar she knew of was one where ponies had last seen her being carried out on Pulp’s back, ranting about how she could lick everyone there at horseshoes. She wasn’t about to let these folks anywhere near there, if she could help it. “Let’s start down the main drag, there’s a whole row of fancy shops, and fancy cafes, and, well, a whole row of fancy before you get to the beach.”

Applejack smiled and motioned for Twilight to walk next to her. Twilight cantered to her side as they made their way from the train station and out into Palomino Beach. As they walked, Twilight drifted closer until her wing was brushing against Applejack’s withers.

With the other princesses and Shining Armor left behind to find their way to their accommodations, Applejack sighed happily at the feeling of Twilight so close and gently
nuzzled her cheek as they walked. “I sure have missed you, sugarcube.”

Twilight closed her eyes and returned the affection. “I missed you, too, Applejack. I know it hasn’t been very long, but…” She sighed and gave Applejack a wry smile. “It’s been a crazy summer.”

Applejack chuckled. “Don’t I know it. But I guess crazy don’t mean bad, when you got dreams like this comin’ true.” She leaned over and planted a quick kiss on Twilight cheek.

Twilight giggled and pressed into Applejack’s side, opening a wing and spreading it across her back. “No, not bad at all. Wonderful, really.”

“Twilight, I never did get back to your last letter. There’s a couple things I gotta say, but some had better wait ‘til later. The real important one, though…” Applejack stopped, causing Twilight to pause as well and look at her expectantly. Applejack looked her in the eye, and went on, “I love ya’, sugarcube. I couldn’t wait to say that. I love you, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight closed her eyes and grinned. She hugged Applejack around the neck and buried her face in her marefriend’s mane. “I love you, too. It took me a little while to figure it out, but I do, and…” She tightened her hug. “I’m so happy, Applejack.”

“Me too.” Applejack hugged Twilight close, smiling. “And I’m gonna keep you happy. You never gotta worry ‘bout a thing.”

Twilight inhaled deeply, smelling Applejack’s mane. “...I’m still a little scared. I’m done worrying about this as much as I can be, but…” She stepped back from the hug and studied Applejack’s face. “...I have no idea what I’m doing.”

“Twi, I dunno what we’re doin’, either. But I’m workin’ it out for us. That’s the rest of what I gotta talk to you about…” Applejack bit her lip nervously, thinking for a moment, then went on. “See, I been figurin’ things out, and I want you to know it all, so you can rest easy.”

Twilight looked at her questioningly, before glancing around where they stood in the middle of the street. Random passersby were giving them a wide berth, shooting odd looks at Twilight’s royal regalia before continuing on their way. Twilight cleared her throat. “Should we find somewhere to sit down and talk?”

Applejack nodded. “That might be a good idea, sugarcube. Come on, there’s some benches by the beach where folks should leave us alone.”

Twilight nodded and followed Applejack as she led the way, crossing the street and weaving around shops, out towards the beach. They found a bench and Applejack sat down, patting for Twilight to join her. Twilight sat and smiled. “So...’figuring things out’?”

Applejack gave Twilight a nervous smile. “Yeah, well… the first thing it’s real important for you to know is, I ain’t gettin’ ahead of myself here. I know we just started datin’, and I ain’t askin’ ya’ anythin’, or tellin’ ya’ how it’s gonna be. It’s just, well, I like to know where I stand and this whole situation kinda turned everythin’ upside-down.”

Smiling, Twilight nodded. “When I was going through exams, I think I had twenty different plans laid out for what courses I’d take the next semester, depending on how I scored. I understand.”

“I hoped ya’ would. Well, to start with, I asked Rarity how things might work if we wanted to get married, the three of us. She said that you’re allowed to have as many official consorts as ya’ want, but we’d need to ask Princess Celestia if we wanted to do it right. I’d be just as happy either way, but I reckon I’d like to be really married, if it should come to that.”

Twilight blinked in surprise, color rushing to her cheeks. “C-consorts?” She cleared her throat. “You’re talking about the old ‘harem’ laws?” Twilight shook her head. “That—that was like slavery! No, no I couldn’t do that!”

“That’s fine, sugarcube. Like I said, I’d rather be married, though I’d never turn down a way to be with you. I also hear ya’ get a fancy title with that consortin’ thing, so ya’ might have to talk Princess Rainbow Dash outta that one.” Applejack chuckled.

Twilight smiled despite herself. “I know it’d just be on paper, but I couldn’t. If that’s where things go…” She took Applejack’s hoof in her own. “I’d want everypony on equal ground.”

Applejack smiled and nodded. “Then that’s what we’ll do. Now, speakin’ of ground… I don’t suppose you’d be surprised to hear that I always figured on bringin’ the pony I loved to live with me on the farm. I’d still love that, one day. We got the west orchard we barely use, and we could clear it and build a house for the three of us… and any other ponies we might wanna add.”

Twilight’s jaw dropped as her mind immediately went in the gutter. After a moment she shook her head. “Oh. You’re talking about foals, aren’t you? I think I’ve been spending too much time around Rainbow.”

“Of course I’m talkin’ about foals! Twilight, y’all are more than enough mares for me.” Applejack laughed. “Nah, sugarcube, just I always wanted some foals. I been keepin’ an eye out ‘round town for a stallion who might not mind lendin’ me a hoof, then backin’ off. If it’s important to you gals I can look out for a unicorn, or a pegasus, but right now it’s all just figurin’ it out in my head.”

Twilight nodded. “I always wanted foals, too. Even as a filly. Funny how I never pictured a husband, just foals.”

Applejack smiled at Twilight. “You don’t mind thinkin’ ‘bout a wife or two in that picture now, do ya’? I’d love havin’ foals with you girls, whoever wants to have ‘em. I’ll help raise ‘em up right.”

“You’d make a great mom, I think. I’ve seen how you are with Apple Bloom.”

“There’s still time for learnin’ more. Like I said, this is all just in case we end up there someday.” Applejack’s smile wavered a little, then fell from her face. She looked down, before looking back to Twilight with a serious expression. “Twi? There’s one more thing…”

Twilight raised her eyebrows and turned on the bench, facing Applejack directly. “I’m listening.”

Applejack took a deep breath, then let it out before speaking. “I know you’re a princess. And I know that means if somethin’ like the Crystal Empire showed back up, you’d have to be there. It’d be your duty, and I know you’d wanna help everypony as much as you could. So, I want you to know… I’d go with you. I’d start my own farm, wherever you end up. If my great-grandfolks could build Sweet Apple Acres with their own hooves, I reckon I’m up to the job. And I won’t hear a word against it, if that comes to pass.”

For several moments, all Twilight could do was look at Applejack. She leaned forward suddenly and kissed Applejack on the lips, wrapping her hooves around her marefriend. “That’s...I-I know what that means to you, I…” She closed her eyes and hugged tighter. “I’d say no, but you wouldn’t listen, would you?”

“I been told I’m a stubborn pony.” Applejack smiled proudly in Twilight’s legs, nuzzling into her mane. “I just wanted you to know, I’ll always be there for you, and I’ll work everythin’ out, no matter what comes up.”

Twilight sat back and grinned at her. “Thank you. I feel...well, I still don’t know what I’m doing now, but…” her smile widened. “The future isn’t so confusing.” She let out a heavy breath and slumped her shoulders. “I do so much better with plans.”

“Me too.” Applejack grinned. “As to what we’re doin’ now…” She leaned in close to Twilight’s ear. “Maybe I oughta take you back to the farm, and I’ll show ya’ round? I got a right fancy room there, I think you oughta see it. I bet it’s got architecture or somethin’.”

Twilight’s cheeks warmed. “I bet it does.” She smirked. “Too bad I’ll probably be too distracted to notice.”

Applejack smirked and nibbled Twilight’s ear. “Why Princess, I don’t know what ya’ mean by that.” She rose to her hooves and motioned down the street. “Let’s get goin’ before I start gettin’ ya’ too distracted to walk straight.”

Twilight hopped off the bench and fell into step at Applejack’s side. “Sounds like a plan.”

A few hours later, fresh and showered, Applejack and Twilight walked through the orange groves on Sunny Grove Farm while they waited for the other princesses and Shining Armor to arrive for supper. The afternoon sun was beating down, but in the shade of the trees the heat wasn’t much worse than a Ponyville summer. Applejack happily pointed out differences between the orange trees in front of them and her apple trees back home, while Twilight listened, enjoying both the enthusiastic lecture and the sound of Applejack’s voice.

“See here how this one’s bent from that storm we had a few weeks back? Woulda blown an apple tree right over. Orange trees ain’t as thick, but that makes ‘em bend like straw in a strong wind, and pop back just as good,” Applejack said, pointing to a tree as they neared the lake towards the middle of the grove.

Twilight stepped up to the trunk and pushed against it with a hoof, feeling it minutely sway at her touch. “That’s fascinating. It must be as a result of the storms that get sent to this part of the country so often; if they were always knocked over by storms like apple trees, they just wouldn’t make it.”

“Well, some of ‘em still don’t, but I’ll tell ya’ I’d hate to see our trees back home go through a storm like that.” Applejack caught a movement by the lake, and smiled. “Well look at that, Ol’ Toothy musta heard me talkin’.”

Twilight glanced away from the tree without really looking for a moment, before returning her attention to the springy trunk. A splash redrew her focus and she looked back at the lake. Her eyes widened as the very large alligator waddled out of the water. “Um…”

“Heya, fella!” Applejack called to the gator cheerfully. “Nice day for a swim, huh?” The alligator crawled toward the ponies at a leisurely pace, drawn by the sound of Applejack’s voice.

On his approach, Twilight’s gaze wandered over the thick, rough scales lining Toothy’s back, the impossibly long and razor-filled smile, and claws that looked like they could crush a foal. She skittered backwards and fell against the tree. “That thing’s enormous!”

“Yup, he’s a big ‘un… ain’t ya’ boy?” Applejack approached the gator and rubbed the top of his head affectionately. Toothy wagged his heavy tail and blinked up at her. “He’s a bit bigger than Gummy, and of course he’s got all his teeth, that’s why they call him—” She noticed that Twilight seemed frozen in place. “Sugarcube? You okay?”

Twilight’s eyes were glued to Toothy’s. The alligator was smiling at her. She didn’t know how she knew, but she knew. “He’s a giant snake with legs!”

Applejack gave Twilight a sympathetic smile and glanced at Toothy. “Wait there, boy. Don’t you follow me.” She walked over to Twilight and wrapped a foreleg around her, giving her a squeeze. “You remember, I thought just the same way when I first wrote about him. He don’t look like nothing to play with. And there was Dash, sayin’ I oughta try wrestlin’ him!”

“...Why can I see her wrestling it anyway?” she muttered to herself. Shaking her head, she hugged Applejack back. “I...don’t know what I was expecting. Not that.” She tore her eyes away and looked at Applejack. “It’s...he’s safe, though?”

“Yup. Turns out he just loves music, and when Pinkie sent me that song, I made myself a new friend.” Applejack smiled at Twilight. “You know you can trust me, sugarcube. I got as much reason as anypony to not wanna lose a hoof or two to a big bunch of scales, but Toothy here’s no meaner than Winona. If you wanna stay back, I know he’ll understand, but I promise it’s safe to give ‘im a pat or two.”

For a moment, Twilight didn’t move, but a flash of interest passed over her eyes. “...He did respond to Pinkie’s song.” She stood up with some hesitation and stepped closer to the alligator. “...I wonder if there’s any magic left from when you sang to him.”

Applejack stayed right next to Twilight, shoulder to shoulder. “I dunno, Twilight. Magic’s your game. I just know he’s been gentle as can be since then, and he always comes right up to me.”

As they neared, Twilight extended a hoof towards Toothy’s scaly head. An inch away, he lifted up and rubbed against Twilight affectionately. A smirk crossed her face as she closed her eyes and looked him over with her magic. “Wow. I don’t know much about crocodilian brains, but there is a lot of latent energy in his. Oh, if only I had an anatomy book with me…”

Applejack chuckled. “I’m surprised you ain’t figured a magic way to take the whole library everywhere. But then, I reckon you could try somethin’ like this all experimental-like at home with a different critter. While you’re here, I’m just glad you got to say hello.”

Smiling fondly at Toothy, Twilight said, “I’m glad I did, too. Now then...I think I need to lay down after touching an alligator this big before I faint.”

Applejack smiled and gave Twilight a nuzzle. “Think you can make it back to the patio? Or do ya’ need me to carry ya?”

“I think I can manage—” Twilight looked down and saw several very long teeth mere inches from her belly. She swayed and stepped away quickly. “T-to make it back walking.” She cleared her throat and edged back in the direction of the farmhouse.

“Seeya, Toothy!” Applejack said with a cheerful wave, then guided Twilight in turning around towards the house and fell into step beside her. “I’m proud of you, sugarcube.”

Twilight took a steadying breath and shook her head. “I can’t believe I actually touched him.” She giggled nervously and pressed into Applejack’s side.

“That ain’t no little thing.” Applejack said, glancing at Twilight every few seconds, unable to wipe the warm smile from her face. “You’re a brave pony, but you got sense enough to be wary of somethin’ with a mouth that big full of teeth. It takes somepony special to trust a critter like that enough to make friends.”

“Let’s...work our way up to ‘friends.’” Twilight shivered, despite the heat. “I’m glad you were there. If you weren’t I might have flown all the way back to Ponyville before I calmed down.”

“I’m always there for ya, Twilight.” Applejack leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Whenever you need me.”

As they approached the house, they could see that the patio wasn’t empty; Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance had arrived for dinner and were waiting among the potted plants and lounge chairs for Twilight and Applejack to finish their tour. The servant who let them in seemed to have offered them refreshments, though Luna’s wine glass appeared to contain water, and she wore a pout that was the perfect compliment to Celestia’s watchful smirk.

Twilight collapsed into a lounge chair and let out a long breath, staring at her hoof. “I touched an alligator.”

Snorting, Shining Armor stepped forward and ruffled his sister’s mane. He grinned at Applejack. “You got her to touch a reptile without screaming? I’m impressed.”

“Aw, she’s a smart pony. She could see he wasn’t that bad, and there were some things with magic and songs she wanted to check out.” Applejack smiled proudly at Twilight. “It still took some guts, but Twilight’s got it in her.”

Twilight gave Applejack a faint smile and rubbed her face. “I’ll be okay in a minute.”

Stepping around her chair, Shining grinned at Twilight. “I still remember you as a filly when we were at that carnival, and the snake charmer put a snake on your head when you weren’t looking. ‘It’s in my mane! It’s in my mane!’ Priceless.” She punched his shoulder as he chuckled.

Applejack stifled a laugh. “I’m sure that was real scary for a little filly. But Twilight’s a strong mare now, it ain’t right to bring that up.” With a deep breath, Applejack managed to calm herself, though she couldn’t do anything about the amusement in her eyes.

Shining winked at Twilight. “She knows I’m teasing; big brother’s rights.” He ruffled her mane again and she rolled her eyes at him. Standing up, he turned to Applejack. “I don’t suppose you’d mind giving me the tour?”

“‘Course not.” Applejack looked to the various princesses. “Anypony else wanna see the place?”

“Thank you, but I think we’ll stay here.” Celestia said with a smile. “Luna has to raise the moon soon, and I need to make sure her wine glass remains appropriately filled until then.”

“Pray, dear sister, do I tell you how much you can imbibe before sunrise? No, I do not.” Luna grumbled.

“I do not wake up in the fountain of a hotel lobby with a stallion’s tie around my horn,” Celestia said calmly to Luna, then turned back to Applejack. “As I said, we’ll wait here.”

Cadence looked at Shining Armor expectantly and he gave her a tiny shake of his head. She nodded and smiled. “I think I’ll stay here and make sure Twilight doesn’t have an alligator-related aneurysm.”

“Oh, ha-ha,” Twilight groaned, batting a hoof at her.

“Alright then.” Shining turned to Applejack and smiled. “Lead the way.”

Applejack brushed Twilight’s mane as she walked by. “I’ll be back soon, sugarcube.” Turning, she lead Shining Armor out towards the orange groves.

With each step, Applejack grew more nervous. Alone with Twilight’s brother, he could easily say that he didn’t like her dating Twilight after all. She pulled herself up straight and proud as she neared the tree line and cleared her throat. “Well, this is the close grove, planted by my uncle’s folks when the place was founded…”

Shining smirked at her. “Listen, Applejack…” He cleared his throat and looked back toward the porch. “I meant what I said in that letter, and I was right about the hoofshake. Just...tell me about yourself.” He turned back and gave her a hopeful smile. “I want to know about the ponies my little sis has in her life.”

Offering a nervous but heartfelt smile, Applejack shook her head. “There ain’t much to say ‘bout me, I reckon. I’m a simple pony, I got a farm where I live with my granny, and my brother and sister. Our family founded the town, so I know everypony there, and I help ‘em as much as I can. I been in a few rodeos, and earned a few ribbons… just a simple life, I know, but it suits me.”

Shining nodded and turned towards the trees, walking further from the farmhouse. “I respect that; seems to me a good day’s labor is more worthwhile than sitting around drinking tea.” He shot her a wink. “Don’t tell my wife I said that, though.”

Applejack chuckled, actually relaxing at last. “It takes all kinds of ponies, but I’m glad I’m one of the ones that gets to really do somethin’ with her hooves. I like to keep busy, and I love takin’ care of my folks. I’m real lucky those things line right up.”

“I’ll tell you, I’m a little jealous. Twilight might be going stir-crazy from this trip, but she’s not the only one. If she hadn’t asked for fighting lessons, I might have commandeered the airship to go fight something by now.” He chuckled. “I joined the guard to do things.” He shook his head ruefully. “My whole family’s that way, Twilight included, even if her idea of ‘doing things’ is reading for twelve hours straight.”

“Oh, I know it. Nopony joins the royal guards, and especially gets to be a captain, to sit on their tail. And for Twilight, well, she’s helped us out on the farm a time or two.” Applejack smiled fondly towards the house. “My whole family loves her, ya’ know. When she decides she’s gonna do somethin’, there’s no stoppin’ her.”

Shining chuckled. “I know that all too well. One time when we were kids she got it in her head that she wanted to be a doctor. I caught her with a stuffed animal ready to go for open heart surgery. She was so excited, too.” His grin turned wistful. “Really, I’m just thankful it was a teddy bear and not a cat.”

Applejack laughed. “That sounds like somethin’ my sister and her friends would get up to. Foals get some crazy ideas… but they grow up right, if they got folks to love ‘em and help ‘em. I know you and your folks raised Twilight right, and I’m just happy I get to know her now.” She smiled at Shining Armor. “Thanks, for raisin’ her so good.”

Shining returned the smile. “Well...I think I’ll probably have to try again with Rainbow Dash, but as for you…” He extended his hoof. “I think Twilight’s in good hooves.”

Grinning, Applejack took his hoof and shook it vigorously. “I’m real glad to hear ya’ say it. I know how important family is, and I’d never want Twilight’s family to be ashamed of me. I won’t let ya’ down, and I’ll never let Twilight down.”

“No, I don’t think you will.” They shared a grin. Shining cleared his throat and looked around the grove. “Alright, better tell me something about these trees in case Twilight grills me.”

“Uh, first, one more thing.” Applejack looked serious and took a deep breath. “It’s about Rainbow Dash. She comes off as real rough, I could see ya’ bein’ worried ‘bout her, and I know I had some words with her from time to time. But nopony in Equestria means better than her, she’s one of the most special ponies I know. So… even if ya’ sometimes wonder if she deserves Twilight, ya’ got my word, for all it’s worth, that she really does.”

Shining nodded reluctantly. “I...wasn’t in the best mood to really give her a chance last time, but I can see she means the world to Twilight, and to you, too. All I really saw was a loudmouth, but to be entirely honest, I’m a bit of a loudmouth myself.”

Applejack smirked. “Nah, that wasn’t your mood. She’s always a loudmouth. But she’s an amazin’ pony... almost as amazin’ as she says she is.” Applejack chuckled. “Now, ya’ wanna hear about some fruit? Cause I can tell ya’ a thing or two about fruit.”

Chuckling, Shining turned back to the trees. “Go easy on me; just enough so if Twilight asks, she won’t know I wasn’t paying any attention.”

“Uh, she is your sister. I reckon she knows that if I was tellin’ you ‘bout oranges, you probably weren’t payin’ attention,” Applejack said with a raised eyebrow. She shook her head. “But anyhow, these trees here are valencia oranges. They got a late season…”

Applejack offered a few facts on oranges, and when they were sure that Shining Armor could repeat one or two of them they made their way back to the house. Luna’s moon was coming up, and the lights in the house were on. The party seemed to have moved inside, but as they approached the house they could see Twilight’s silhouette in the doorway, watching for them both.

Each smiling at Twilight, they came to the door. Twilight smiled back. “I was starting to get worried.”

Applejack just chuckled and shook her head. “Twilight Sparkle, I work this farm every day, and your brother is a royal guard. There was no chance we were gettin’ eaten by a gator.”

Twilight giggled and nuzzled Applejack’s cheek, whispering, “It wasn’t Toothy I was worried about. Did he behave?”

Planting a kiss just below Twilight’s ear, Applejack whispered, “He acted just like a big brother oughta. Everythin’ is just fine, sugarcube.”

Twilight pecked her back and said, “Good.” She leaned back and grinned at her brother with amusement. “Let me guess; you memorized three facts about oranges for me, didn’t you?”

Shining bit his lip and averted his gaze.

Giggling, Twilight turned to go inside. “I think dinner’s waiting for us.”

Applejack couldn’t resist a long look at Twilight’s rear as the princess walked inside. She was interrupted by the sound of a throat clearing, and glanced over at Shining Armor, blushing. “Uh, dinner, right!”

With that, Applejack hurried inside. Chuckling and shaking his head, Shining joined her.

August 30th

The waves crashed on the beach the next morning as Applejack stepped out of the ocean, surf board balanced on her back, and made her way across the sand to the blanket where Twilight sat. She bumped the board off her back and shook her loose, wet mane before sitting down beside her marefriend.

“Not bad, huh?” Applejack asked with a grin.

Twilight smiled and leaned into Applejack’s ocean-dampened side. “You were great out there! You’re a natural on that board.”

Blushing a little, Applejack looked away, though the grin remained on her face. “I guess I’m pretty good for not havin’ much practice. But it is a lotta fun. I sure am glad Dash suggested it…” Applejack’s smile turned wistful. “I just wish she could be here with us.”

“Yeah,” Twilight agreed with a nod, hugging Applejack around the middle. “I’m so glad to be here with you, but it’s not the same without Rainbow around. It’s just so...I don’t know.” She let out a sigh. “It’s different when it’s the three of us.”

Applejack nuzzled Twilight’s mane, inhaling the salty beach smell clinging to it. “It’s special, what we got. I’ll admit, I do love havin’ some time with you and me. But that don’t mean I don’t miss havin’ Dash here, too. I guess it’s just different things, and it’s silly to be wishin’ for one good thing when I got another right here in my hooves.” She wrapped a foreleg around Twilight and kissed her cheek.

Grinning, Twilight touched a hoof to Applejack’s chin and drew her into a deeper kiss. Leaning back, she murmured, “I don’t think it’s silly.” She looked out across the gently rippling waves and her smile widened. “...I think I know a way to have a little bit of Rainbow here right now.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow as Twilight stood and trotted towards the water. She watched Twilight wade out until the ocean came up to her neck. Turning to face the beach, Twilight called out brightly, “Oh no! I can’t swim! Oh, if only some strong, blonde, beautiful mare was here to save me! I just know I’d throw myself at her for such a brave and daring act!”

It was all Applejack could do not to fall over laughing. She didn’t bother trying to cover it up as she ran towards the surf, splashing through the waves. “Don’t you worry, miss, help is on the way!”

Upon reaching Twilight, Applejack scooped her onto her back, and turned to look at her. “You all ready to be saved properly?”

Twilight leaned forward and kissed the tip of Applejack’s snout. She couldn’t keep the mirth out of her tone. “Ready.”

Applejack grinned and galloped back towards the shore, doing everything she could to create the biggest splashes possible. When she reached the sandy beach, she carefully slid Twilight off her back and turned to stand over her. Leaning down, she planted a deep kiss on Twilight’s lips.

Twilight’s wings spread from her sides and she hugged Applejack close. When they broke away, she stroked Applejack’s cheek with a hoof and said, “My hero.”

Applejack chuckled and kissed Twilight again, quickly. “You are the sweetest, silliest little thing.” She kissed her again, on the side of her neck. “Not to mention darn sexy, all drippin’ wet and layin’ in the sand. There might be somethin’ to this rescuin’ hot mares after all.”

Grinning, Twilight swept a damp lock of mane away from Applejack’s brow. “There might be something to getting rescued by hot mares, too. Or maybe it’s just you.” She leaned up and kissed Applejack again.

Applejack leaned into the kiss, pressing Twilight’s head back into the sand. She laid her body gently on top of Twilight’s, and stroked her marefriend’s sides tenderly. After a long time, Applejack broke the kiss, but didn’t move from on top of Twilight. “You’re welcome to make a habit of it, if ya’ like. I don’t mind a bit.”

Twilight nuzzled Applejack’s cheek and closed her eyes, relishing the comforting weight from the solid mare on top of her. She inhaled deeply and let out a contented sigh. “You really do make me feel safe, Applejack, silly drowning games or not.”

Applejack just smiled, and said softly, “You make me feel strong, sugarcube. I love bein’ strong for you. It makes me feel like the most special pony in Equestria when I can take care of you.”

Grinning and nestling into Applejack’s chest, Twilight whispered, “I love feeling like this.”

“Me, too.” Applejack closed her eyes, feeling the sun on her back, her hooves brushing the warm sand, and Twilight’s soft body beneath her. She could hear the ocean, and the sound of Twilight’s heartbeat, and couldn’t think of a thing to say to express how this moment felt, though she’d never meant two words more in her life. “I love you,” she added, the only words she could possibly mean more.

Twilight kissed her chest and whispered back, “I love you, too.”

After laying there for several minutes, enjoying their blissful piece of the world, Applejack reluctantly shifted off of Twilight. “I reckon your wings are gettin’ all sandy there. I don’t imagine that’s gonna be comfy later, maybe we ought get them rinsed off.”

Giggling, Twilight rolled off her back and stood up. She waded back into the surf and shot Applejack a smoky look over her shoulder. “You coming in, too?”

Applejack grinned and got to her hooves, following Twilight into the ocean. “I’d better. Ya’ never know when you might need savin’ again.”

“With you doing the saving, I’ll make sure it happens a lot.”

Author's Note

The Mailbox story, yadda yadda yadda, this one written with bookplayer.