Cutie Mark Crusader sleepover at Rarity's! But when three little fillies demand a bedtime story, the fashionista desides to weave a tale of an unlikely romance.

Inspired by Great Big Sea's rendition of Captain Wedderburn

(Decided to try my hand at a RariJack story, even if most of it is told by proxy. Enjoy!)

Rarity's search for gemstones leads her to Sweet Apple Acres, and Applejack has no problem guiding her around the orchard. But when a freak storm strikes, the two ponies must race against the tempest to find shelter.

As the storm rages overhead, Applejack wrestles with the growing unrest within her heart regarding Rarity. And as events unfold, Rarity is forced to examine her own opinions and feelings towards her best friend.

(This is a RariJack shipfic, written per request/challenge for a friend.)

This story is a sequel to The Fires of Friendship

Applejack is bitter about her lineage among the wealthy and sophisticated Oranges of Manehattan, who apparently abandoned her simple country family. Rarity is desperate to fit in with the urbane elites of the fashion world, even if it means disparaging and rejecting the Ponyville home she loves. On a trip to the big city for Equestria's famous Fashion Week, Applejack will teach Rarity to be honest and true to herself, and Rarity will show Applejack that a little generosity and forgiveness go a long way. Together, they will learn that each has exactly what the other needs to be complete.

This story is in the same continuity as "The Fires of Friendship," and I suppose it is a sequel of sorts, though there is no need to read that story first. More than anything, this story is birthday present for a dear friend, and a fun celebration of her favorite ship.

The cover art (also a birthday present for our mutual chum) is provided courtesy of superstar art sorcerer WizardWannabe.