Rainbow crawled into her bed and stared up at the ceiling. The events of the last few hours ran through her mind. While in deep thought she slowly drifted off into a light sleep, but then a chirp from her phone pulled her out of the realm of dreams. Lazily she pulled the phone into view while a large smile tugged at her lips.
“ Hey Rainbow, I’m feeling a lot less loopy now. Some of the drugs are starting to wear off. Now I can type complete sentences again!”
“That’s awesome! Although, that one text you sent me was hilarious! I will treasure it forever!”
“Nooooo!!! If you love me, you will delete that text!”
“Never!”
“Don’t make me come over there! Missy!”
“In that case, come and get me!”
“Grrrr, you are horrible! Taking advantage of a sick man!...You're fired!”
“You can’t fire me! Xp”
“Just watch me!”
“Fine go ahead, I’m waiting.”
“Your fired….”
“After some soul searching I realized that I was a little hasty and I want to retract my earlier statement.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, I’ve seen the error of my ways and I want you back!”
“Was it after you realized that I am your only source of kisses?”
“Maybe? XP”
“You are such a dork nugget!”
“That makes me your dork nugget, sweetie!”
“ lol you got me, so how are you feeling?”
“A little sore...everywhere. But with a few pain killers I feel okay.”
“If you are in pain then you should take some more.”
“Nope! If I took any more, then I won’t be able to talk to you anymore.”
“If you say so...I miss you.”
“I miss you too!”
“ I wish you were here…”
“Same...I’m sorry Rainbow but I’m about to fall asleep. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“You better! ^///^ Sweet dreams!”
“Night! *yawn* Love you.”
“Love you too.” whispered Rainbow. With a yawn she set her phone on her night stand before dozing off.
When morning came Applejack felt Sunset’s arms wrapped around her waist. Applejack paused for a moment before carefully removing herself from Sunset’s grasp. She sighed in relief when she heard Sunset’s soft snores. Feeling sleepy Applejack made her way down the hall and towards the kitchen. On her way down her eye caught Sunset’s room; the door was wide open. Feeling impulsive Applejack went in, the morning rays softly lit up the room. Sighing deeply Applejack turned to leave, only for her eye to catch an obscured picture frame poking out from Sunset’s mirror on the vanity. When she pulled the picture free she froze. It was the picture of Sunset driving Ed home. Seeing Sunset on a motorcycle was quite the sight a small smiled tugged at her lips. Quietly Applejack set the frame down on the vanity before leaving.
When Applejack arrived at school she caught a glimpse of Rainbow. Applejack felt a pit in her stomach as she watched Rainbow enter the school. The bitterness gnawed at her gut, knowing Rainbow was with a liar. How could Rainbow be so foolish? After Rainbow had faded from view Applejack gave herself a pinch to break up this line of thinking. This was not Rainbow’s fault and it was her duty to bring out the truth. The thought of helping her friend rather than laying blame almost made her feel like her old self again, and that comforting thought allowed her to lift her head up high.
At lunchtime Sunset and her agreed to meet up in the math lab so they could eat in peace. Sunset didn’t say a word about Applejack moving her photo and in a way Applejack was glad that she didn’t. The tension was still high in their group of six, and right now Applejack just wanted to be with Sunset, her closest companion.
The pitter patter of rain filled the empty math lab while Applejack quietly ate her lunch in the abandoned classroom. Applejack was feeling famished and so she had started eating her lunch before Sunset had arrived. Sunset was going to join her a little later in the lunch period. Alone in the room Applejack was feeling lost in her thoughts and the sound of the rain was all that she could hear.
“How’s it going?”
Alarmed, Applejack began to choke on her sandwich. She was met with a sly grin from Pixel Pizzaz. Deep down Applejack knew that Pixel would be back, but Applejack was never prepared whenever Pixel reared her smug mug.
“Hhhmmmm, I see that you are busy maybe I should come back later?” Mocked Pixel as Applejack slowly recovered from her coughing fit.
Applejack managed to give Pixel the iciest glare that she could muster. “What-” Do you-” *cough* “Want?” wheezed Applejack.
Taking a seat in front of Applejack, Pixel leaned in close. “As you know, I’m always watching.” Pixel stated, with a crazed grin. “I just wanted to say that I’m impressed. I mean spying on your Ex and her new boyfriend day and night is quite the accomplishment.”
Applejack’s face turned red with rage. “Rainbow is not my girlfriend!”
Pixel placed her finger on her chin for a moment. “That’s right, Sunset is your new bae now!” Snickered Pixel.
Applejack just hissed through her teeth which made Pixel’s smile widened. “What do you want Pixel!”
“Well, that’s just it, isn’t it! I have been thinking about that very thing for weeks now, and after a lot of thinking I want you to wear this.”
Pixel pulled out the biggest ugliest bedazzled hair bow Applejack had ever seen. Applejack recoiled at the very notion of wearing such a monstrosity!
“I’m not going to wear that thing!” Growled Applejack
Pixel frowned. “Yes you are, and if you don’t then I will leak that photo of you and Sunset! You wouldn’t want your little secret to get out do you?”
Applejack’s fists were clenched as her hands began to shake. An angry snort burst from her nose, and with a steely glare Applejack snatched the bow from Pixel’s hand. Pixel flinched when Applejack’s fingernail scratched her hand and Applejack was not sure she cared. She was furious that Pixel had her cornered. She didn’t care what people think of her, but she did care about Sunset and she felt obligated to protect her. Sunset was now part of her family and Apples looked out for each other no matter what.
“Fine I’ll wear it!” Applejack said as she gritted her teeth. “Tomorrow morning!” She added.
With a cat like grin, Pixel was now only inches away from Applejack’s face. “Now that’s what I want to hear!” Pixel flicked the tip of Applejack’s nose as she turned on her heel to leave as she rubbed her hand. Before Applejack could react Pixel was out of arm's reach.
Moments later Sunset popped into the room she had an uneasy look on her face. “Is everything okay?” Asked Sunset.
Applejack tossed the rhinestone bow onto her lap to keep it out of sight and swallowed hard. “Yeah, everythin’ is great...”
The following morning filled Applejack with dread as she approached the school. In just a few minutes she would be humiliated. Sighing heavily, Applejack gingerly placed her favorite stetson hat into her locker. Only to pull out the bow Pixel gave her.
“Are you feeling alright Applejack?” Asked Sunset.
Applejack nearly jumped out of skin, she was so distraught that she didn’t even see Sunset.
“What do ya mean?”
Sunset’s aqua eyes never left the hideous neon green bow on top of Applejack’s head. The sporadic placement of the acrylic jewels of every color didn’t hide the obnoxious green. “Your not wearing your hat?”
“So what!” Snapped Applejack, letting her temper get the better of her. Before Sunset could say anything Applejack stormed down the hall. As the day dragged on Applejack was fuming mad. Her pride was seriously wounded and she had even started to snap at Sunset. After finishing her latest Math assignment Applejack quietly glared down at her desk. All she could think about was Pixel and how to get out of this mess without hurting Sunset. And like lighting she was struck by the perfect idea for revenge. A dark smile made her lip curl to one side.
*I’m comin’ for ya Pixel!*
Later that night Applejack sheepishly apologized to Sunset. Applejack told Sunset that she lost a bet, and she assured Sunset that everything was going to be alright. She refused to tell Sunset everything that happened. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Sunset it was just that Applejack’s main goal was to keep Sunset as far away from Pixel as possible.
When Applejack arrived at school she was filled with a rush of adrenaline. The excitement to put her plan into action was invigorating! She also didn’t have to wait long either as Pixel marched right up to her with a cat like grin on her face.
Applejack made sure she looked like she was sulking as she went off to school forcing a sour look on to her features. It didn’t take long for Pixel to find her. With Applejack isolated Pixel gleefully dug into her bag. “Today will be a little different-” Pixel pulled out the frilliest pink dress that she had ever laid her eyes on. “I thought this would be perfect for you!”
Applejack’s eyes bulged in horror. “There is no way I will wear that!” exclaimed Applejack.
Pixel laughed. “If you don’t want me to post the photo of you and Sunset then this is a funny way of showing it.”
“I REFUSE!” Yelled Applejack.
“Are you stupid? If you refuse then I will post the picture of you and your lesbian lover.”
“How many times do Ah have to tell you that I’m not gay!”
“Who cares! After today no one will believe you!”
With a smug grin Applejack put her hand in her pocket. “Got ya!”
Pixel stopped in her tracks when she saw the pocket size voice recorder in Applejack’s hand. With dawning horror Pixel knew that with this evidence she could be expelled for blackmail.
“How does it feel ta be outsmarted by a dumb country bumpkin?” sneered Applejack.
Pixel felt hot tears of humiliation sting her eyes. She glared down at her shoes in defeat. “What do you want?”
Applejack tilted up Pixel’s chin making the former bully look her in the eye. “I want you to-” Applejack hesitated for a moment before continuing. “ Dig up some dirt on someone.”
Pixel quirked an eyebrow, “Moose Pie right?”
Applejack nodded. “Yes…”
Pixel sniffled quietly, she always thought of Applejack as a righteous person. It was one of the main reasons she loved to push Applejack’s buttons. But in that moment she saw Applejack as her equal. Pixel had never had someone pull the rug out from under her. Not on this level at least. Applejack slightly tightened her grip on Pixel’s chin.
“I also want every single copy you have of the picture you stole from my brother’s phone.”
Pixel huffed. “Anything else?”
“At the moment no. I’ll let ya know if Ah, have anymore conditions.”
Pixel yanked herself free before leaving Applejack’s presence. Applejack couldn’t help but smile at Pixel’s defeat.
“Now the boot is on the other foot.” Mused Applejack.
Now that Rainbow’s head was a in a more stable state. All she could do was think about how horrible she had treated Rarity. Of course Rarity wasn’t trying to steal her boyfriend from her as Rarity was one of the most loving people she had ever met. She racked her brain for ways to apologize. The whole school day Rainbow brained stormed for the perfect apology.
On her way home from school it hit her like a ton of bricks. In her excitement she ran all the way to Rarity’s house without even realizing it. Her hand froze for a moment before knocking before Rainbow decided to commit to her course of action. After knocking It felt like her heart dropped into her stomach as she waited for Rarity to open the door. Time seemed to slow down as seconds felt like hours as Rainbow worried about whether Rarity would answer and if she did what would Rainbow even say to her? The door finally opened slightly and Rainbow’s breath caught in her throat.
“Yes, can I help you?....” Rarity’s brow furrowed when she saw her unwanted guest. “I thought I told you not to come back and to give me some space!” she snapped. “And another thing you are forbidden to see Moose until he has recovered a bit more!” Rarity exclaimed as she reared back to close her door.
As Rarity was about to slam the door in Rainbow’s face Rainbow put out her hand to stop the door from closing.
“I didn’t come to see Moose.” Rainbow’s voice cracked slightly, her throat felt dry. “I came to see you.”
Rarity raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me...But I still want to apologize! I was a horrible friend. I took out my fears and anger out on you and that wasn’t cool…”
Rarity crossed her arms. “Rainbow, I appreciate the apology but what you did…” Tears welled in Rarity’s sapphire eyes. “It really hurt me, what you said cut me down to the quick. I don’t know if I’m ready to forgive you…”
“I understand...” Whispered Rainbow, she sunk down to her knees. Making herself smaller in Rarity’s presence. Rarity was a little taken aback by Rainbow’s display of vulnerability. “Rarity, if you are up to it….I’ll let you give me a makeover…”
“WHAT?!” Rarity shrieked in utter shock.
“I said that you can give me a makeover.” Repeated Rainbow.
Rarity’s head was now spinning, she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Rainbow Dash was letting her dress her up in anyway she saw fit. This was so unexpected, Rarity was at a loss for words. After a minute Rarity finally cleared her throat and wiped away her tears. “I’m still very hurt and not ready to forgive you, but I accept your apology.”
A small smiled tugged at Rainbow’s lips. Her apology didn’t go exactly how she had hoped but it was still a small victory.
“Your offer for a makeover however, is a step in the right direction!”
Before Rainbow could respond Rarity grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the house. With a giddy grin Rarity plopped Rainbow on the couch. In her excitement Rarity had forgotten that Pinkie was sleeping on the couch.
Wrapped up in a thick blanket Pinkie was just hidden from view. All the commotion outside had roused Pinkie from her slumber and so she opened her eyes to see what had disturbed her rest. At that moment she saw Rarity dragging Rainbow behind her directly toward her couch. For a moment there was chill in her bones that even the thick blanket could not warm as the thought about being discovered came to her. In a near panic Pinkie quickly felt around for something, anything, that she could use to help her keep her secret from the quickly approaching Rainbow Dash. Luckily, her hand found the soft fabric of Rarity’s purple scarf that had been left on the floor. Before Rainbow had time to notice her, Pinkie quickly wrapped the scarf around her face, obscuring most of her features. Pinkie was grateful for the chilly weather, it was the perfect cover. Feeling a bit more confident, Moose gently kicked Rainbow to get her attention.
“What the heck?...Oh hey.” Rainbow blushed after seeing Moose staring at her. “Hey how are you feeling?” Asked Rainbow.
Moose just smiled at her in silence, until Rainbow heard her phone chirp.
“I’m feeling better, but it hurts when I talk. I have been using my phone to talk to Rarity and you.”
“I wish you were all healed, I don’t like seeing you in pain…”
“ Awww, I know. You are so sweet, I love you Rainbow.”
“I love you too!” With a lot of care Rainbow hugged her man with all of the tenderness she could muster. Leaning in she kissed him on the forehead before pulling away.
”Thanks for the snuggles it felt really nice!”
“I’m just so happy that you are okay.”
Moments later Rarity came running down the stairs with a large basket of outfits piled up on top. Her giddy-ness almost died instantly when she saw Rainbow sitting next to Pinkie. It only took a moment for her to realize that Pinkie had come up with a solution on her own to hide her secret.
“Well shall we get started!” Exclaimed Rarity. Moose’s eyes sparkled with a mischievous grin. While Rainbow just groaned, she would rather get her teeth pulled out than play dress up, but she was a woman of her word. If it made Rarity happy then it was worth it!
With an evil smirk, Rarity pulled out two bags from the pile of clothes. Rainbow started to sweat slightly. “Um, what is that?”
Rarity’s smirk twisted into a manic grin. “What? Did you think that you would just put on a few dresses and call it a day? Oh, no, no! My dear Rainbow! We aren’t playing dress up! We are doing full blown makeovers today!”
“NOOOO!!!!!!!!” Shouted Rainbow as she dramatically dropped to the floor.
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Don’t be such a drama queen. Moose over there lets me dress him up all the time, and he doesn’t make such a fuss!”
“Really? You like to dress up?” Rainbow heard a chirp.
“Yeah dressing up is fun!”
“Ugh, fine do your worst!” Groaned Rainbow
Rarity unleashed all of her creative energy onto Rainbow. She wanted to make full use of the gamut of options for a makeover including hair, makeup, and dresses before Rainbow’s patience wore out . When Rarity finished Rainbow’s first look she had curled Rainbow’s hair into tight curls, while Rainbow’s eye makeup was a sharp cat eye with a subtle fade on her eyelids. Rarity had also picked out a little black dress with a few silver trinkets to complete the look. Moose couldn’t stop staring at the dark red lipstick that Rarity put on Rainbows lips. He had never noticed how full they were.
“There, are you happy now? I did it! Now can I take this junk off now?” Huffed Rainbow.
Rarity scoffed. “Oh, heavens no! Not yet, now we have to take a photo!”
“WHAT! That wasn’t part of the deal!” Shouted Rainbow.
“Oh please, I’m not going to let all of my hard work go to waste. Besides it will just be for my portfolio and nothing more. I’m not going to show this to anyone you know. Only to future employers, it is basically only for people that you will never meet.”
“So you won’t show this to Fluttershy, Pinkie or...Applejack.”
Rarity put her hand over her heart. “I swear I won’t show these to anyone you know that isn’t in this room. Besides, Moose is over there! And it seems he likes what he sees.”
“You do look breathtaking!”
“Alright, you have a deal.” Grumbled Rainbow.
Deep down she was happy that Moose was enjoying himself, and she would be lying if she didn’t admit to herself that while she did not like being made up like this she did like the feeling of drawing Moose’s eye and compliments.
Rarity pulled out her heavy duty camera, which led to Rainbow feeling a little bit intimidated as Rarity's professional camera could take very detailed photographs. Rarity dragged Rainbow to many locations around the house to get the perfect lighting and setting. Rarity would even go as far as adding props and carefully positioning Rainbow’s hands and face to get the perfect shot. After a few set changes Rarity was satisfied with her work.
“Alright now for the next look!” Squealed Rarity.
“Why me?” Moaned Rainbow.
Now that Rarity was on a roll, she worked as fast and smoothly as possible. Once she was finished with one look she would rush Rainbow to another location around the house to get the best photo she could take before moving on to her next moment of artistic genius. The sun was starting to set and Rarity was losing precious light in the process. After the last photo was shot Rarity was officially out of sunlight. Begrudgingly Rarity had to call it a day. While she had thought about keeping Rainbow longer and playing dress up all night she had decided against it as she was an artist first, and for good art you need perfect lighting.
“Alright Rainbow you can go home now.” Rarity had her back to Rainbow, while she started to clean up her mess.
“You mean it is FINALLY over!”
Rarity stiffened her shoulders. “Yes, your torture is over. You can leave now.”
Rainbow was a little taken aback by Rarity's cold behavior. “Are you still mad at me?”
“Yes, I am still mad at you.”
“What, but I thought-”
Rarity stormed up to Rainbow. “Just because you did something selfless; it still doesn’t erase all of the hurtful things you said to me!”
“Look, I said I was sorry, and I meant it! When I think of all the awful things I said to you it makes me want to cry okay! THERE I SAID IT! I’m just a big crybaby!”
Hot tears poured down Rainbow’s freshly contoured cheeks. “I know you think I don’t care. But I really do, I love you Rarity! I know I never say it but that doesn’t mean that I don’t.”
Rarity was stunned, she had never seen Rainbow in such a state. Without thinking Rarity wrapped her arms around her teary friend. Rarity felt Rainbow lean deep into the hug. Time felt like it stopped as the two comforted one another. A large tear fell from Moose’s left eye as he watched Rainbow and Rarity. No one dared to say a word in fear that it would break them. After a few minutes Rarity shifted slightly causing Rainbow to loosen her grip.
“I love you too Rainbow. I accept your apology but I will still need more time to fully forgive you.”
“That’s fair, I’m sorry that I tried to force you to forgive me. I just didn’t want-”
Rarity placed her finger on Rainbow’s lips. “I know, you just wanted to make things right. But as you know I’m a bit sensitive and need a little more time.”
Rainbow smiled. “I guess I will see you later then...Same time next week?”
Rarity’s lit up. “You mean you’ll let me dress you up some more?”
Rainbow blushed. “Yeah.”
Rainbow felt the air being squeezed out of her lungs as Rarity latched onto her. She feared that she would pass out if Rarity held her much longer. When they parted ways Rainbow couldn’t help but smile when Rarity walked her outside. They exchanged a small hug before Rainbow departed.
Rarity shut the door behind her. “Well that was a bit close don’t you think?”
Rarity heard her phone chime from the couch, she sat down beside Pinkie.
“Your love of scarves really came in handy!”
“Yes, but how long can we keep this lie going?”
Pinkie shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know…”
Rarity placed her hand on Pinkie’s shoulder. “I’m not trying to tell you what to do. But you can’t keep this up forever...The truth will come out eventually…”
Feeling a pang of guilt Pinkie nodded her head in agreement. Rarity brushed a small piece of Pinkie’s hair out her face. “I know you will do the right thing in the end.” Rarity gave Pinkie a peck on the cheek. “You always do, goodnight sweetheart.”
Before Pinkie could respond Rarity got up and headed towards her bedroom. Leaving Pinkie all alone with her swirling thoughts.
*I should just tell Rainbow the truth! She has the right to know who I really am...Would she accept me? Would she still love me? No, that doesn’t matter she has the right to make that decision...Even if that means she rejects me. I did lie to her….*
Pinkie bit her lip. *I’ve made up my mind I’m going to tell her the truth...Eventually...!*