Applejack (the friend, not the drink) had spent most of her day circling the fields on the outskirts of Sweet Apple Acres staring at the weeds. Accompanying her, recently returned, paroled and remanded to Harmonic custody, Sunset Shimmer was bored.
“Are we done yet?” She whined.
Applejack looked up. “Almost Sugercube, we've only got to finish up with the northern fields. Thanks for all yer help with this, by the way. Takin' out knapweed is much easier with a unicorn along to help.”
Sunset sighed. “I guess, I just don't understand why you see one weed and suddenly you're all, 'Burn it, burn it with fire, make the heavens rain with all the heat of the sun and bring down the blistering inferno of hell!’ isn't that a bit much for just a weed?”
With a grin, Applejack started to explain. “We're burnin' it 'cause it's noxious. Fire’s the only way to guarantee we got it all. Ya see, it don't belong here, but somehow, we got some. We're not gonna get rid of all of it, but we'll keep it from spreadin' with our crops when we harvest 'em. Trust me, you don't want to see what happens when a weed gets outta control. Ask Twilight sometime about South Marelina and Kudzu.”
“Speaking of Twilight...”
“Were we?”
Sunset scowled, “Well, we are now. Where has she gone? I was under the assumption that I would be under her parole, yet here I am working as a glorified flamethrower.”
Applejack put up a hoof in surrender, “Ok, ok... She and Celestia have headed up to that cabin they bought in the mountains. They told me they were due some alone time and the only reason I was bein’ told where they were goin’ is that someone in Ponyville needed to know just in case we needed them. When she was talkin’ about this trip, she had a big ole grin on her face. I’m under the impression that she or Celestia has somethin' special planned for the weekend.”
“Oh? I guess they'll be studying something incredibly fascinating,” Sunset looked a little jealous, “I wish I could be there.”
Applejack guffawed. “Sugar, I didn't know you were into that type of thing.”
“Huh?” Sunset asked eloquently.
“Don't cha know? Twi and Tia are an 'item.'”
“They're what?” Sunset blushed.
“Yep, they got together about a year ago. I don't rightly know what happened, but one night Celestia came to town three sheets into the wind, locked herself up with Twi, and next thing I know, they're datin’ and Twi's referrin' to me as 'The friend, not the drink.'”
As Sunset tried to process this new information, a voice called out through the field. “Applejack, oh Applejack, do you have a moment Darling?”
“What's up Rarity?” Applejack asked as Rarity and Fluttershy walked over to them.
“Darling, have you seen Twilight anywhere? She's not at home and I simply must speak with her.”
“Didja ask Spike?”
“Apparently my Spikey-Wikey has gone to the Crystal Empire for the week. He told Sweetie that Twilight was leaving and he was going to have a,” Rarity made air-quotes with her hooves. “‘Bro-Week’ with Shining Armor.”
“What did you need her for? Mebbe I can help instead?”
“Oh I wanted to discuss with her the upcoming ball season in Canterlot. She simply must let me design her wardrobe for it. I know she doesn’t think much on her look, but she is a princess and must look absolutely ravishing. So is she around anywhere?” Rarity looked hopeful.
Applejack tapped her chin. “I'm sorry Rares, but I have no idea where Twi went. As far as I knew, she was in town, doin' some learnin' or some such.”
Rarity sighed. “I see, well thank you anyways. May I ask what you are doing out here with Sunset?”
Applejack grinned. “She's my help for the day. I've got a weed problem and she's helpin' me out with it. She’s amazing with fire spells.”
“Are you sure that is all, dear?” Rarity asked, with a subtle smile. “You wouldn't have any untoward intentions to our newest friend, would you? You are out here all alone on such a beautiful day.”
“Just what are you implyin' Rares?” Applejack asked flatly.
Rarity chuckled. “Oh nothing, I would never insinuate that it is a perfect day for a picnic with someone you might... shall we say, 'fancy?'”
Applejack's face scrunched up and her eyes darted right and left. “I don't know what you're talking about. I don't fancy Sunset Shimmer. I would never want to take her out alone on a lovely little picnic and get to know her better.”
Rarity raised her eyebrow. “Well well, I see how it is. I shan't disturb you any longer Dear. Have fun!”
Rarity turned and left with Fluttershy, the butter yellow mare having said nothing the entire conversation.
Sunset Shimmer stared. “Applejack, you lied to them. You know perfectly well where the princesses are, but you looked your friends in the face and lied to them.”
“Well, Twi told me before they left that this was a critical time in their relationship, that she thought Celestia might ask her somethin' important and that if anyone interrupted them for anything less then a Discord level event then, and I quote, 'So help me Starswirl, I will place your next batch of cider in a state of thaumaturgical superposition such that it will remain untasted by all and none.' Now, I have no idea what that means, but her eyes...” Applejack shuddered.
“Oh I get that, I've been on the wrong end of the friendship laser. That mare is scary. No, what I mean is that You, Applejack, lied. You can do that?”
“Heh, yep. I don't rightly know where it came from, but ponies just seem to be under the mistaken idea that the Element of Honesty can't lie.” Applejack winked. “Down right useful when I want them thinkin' somethin' is just so. Mebbe now Twi and Tia can have that privacy they wanted.”
Sunset's face openly displayed her shock. “You're not a terrible liar? But what was that bit with the shifty eyes? That was the face of a liar if ever I saw one.”
Applejack smirked at her. “That, Sugarcube, was what I call droppin' hints.”
“Wait, is that a lie? Is that truth? I just don’t know anymore… What is truth? What is a lie? How can we see mirrors when our eyes aren’t even re...mmmmpphhhh.” Sunset’s mouth was suddenly filled with the taste of apples.
Applejack drew back, “Are my intentions clear now?”
“Crystal.” And Sunset Shimmer went back for seconds.