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Some secrets need to be kept, and others need to be set free; but sometimes, not even the Element of Honesty can tell the difference. How do you tell your family the truth about something that you can't even admit to yourself? When Applejack begins to realize that she may have feelings for a friend, she needs to find the courage to accept who she really is before she can truly be happy.
RARIJACK?!
Cheers
~iraqlobstah
This is absolutely beautiful. It's a simple idea, and at its core it's a simple story - but you portray it as exactly what it is. One of the most complex and difficult to deal with things in the world. And the writing is amazing too, but that's kind of a given by now - your writing is always amazing. I love the way you portray Applejack here. I think her dedication to what she feels people expect of her fits her perfectly, and the way you captured the emotions involved is absolutely spot on.
Also, the way you made Rarity's feelings perfectly clear without having the story switch to her perspective even once is truly remarkable. Not many people can pull it off, but you do it and you do it perfectly.
I know people will want to stab me for this, but before today I wasn't really sure that I liked Applejack. I didn't hate her, I was just impartial - and now with this you've tipped the scales, and I think she's an awesome character. All without her feeling out of character once.
And despite it all Dash still stole the show. She wins the award for being most awesome pony in this story, and I loved seeing her in mentor pony mode for a change. Plus, she made me laugh hysterically with all her awesome.
Be proud - this is incredible.
I didn't use to care for RariJack....
But now...
I don't know what's going on! You!
Grah!
Anyways, I'm glad you didn't do that cliche when AJ walked into Rarity's boutique- I was really worried when they were *this* close to kissing, but then you were like 'lolnope' and such. And even though I want to see where this goes, it's marked as "complete" so I won't trouble you. Unless, in doing so, I get this story featured.....
Ignore that bit! I'll track it for the good of the cause!
You got Applejack down, don't worry AA! c':
This was simply exquisite: The story-telling and writing was fluid and flowing,
never stopping to be awkward. The repeated phrases may have been a tad awkward
at first but I got used to them and found that it made the impact all the more, well ... emotional~?
Also - Dash being 20% cooler YAY! 
Loved this, it's nice to see you deviating from Pinkiedash every now and then ^w^
AJ's voice is difficult unless you have that same accent, everypony struggles with accented voices at times. I, for one, enjoyed this story, a deep introspection and character piece, short enough to read without taking up too much time but long enough to explore the characters and their relationships.
I love that gif.
I'm sorry, but I simply couldn't resist throwing Dashie in. She's my very favorite character, you know, and I'm always looking for an excuse to give her cameos in my fics.
I was severely tempted to make them kiss, but thought better of it. I'm glad you guys think that was the right choice.
TOO SHORT?! This is the single longest one-shot I've ever written!
Oh, wait. You want a TGWP length fic? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. That'll never happen.
Never again.
Yet again, you have blown me away, AbsoluteAnonymous!
I especially like the way you've captured the complexities and self-doubt that people face when they come to terms with their true selves. Speaking as a bisexual person myself, I can totally identify with the insecurity and fear that Applejack was feeling about her sexuality. I am glad that she had the support of her family and friends in the end. Perhaps this fic may one day help someone get over their own fear of "coming out".
I was really loving the apple metaphors, they really went along with the whole Applejack theme, allowing readers to immerse themselves in AJ's world. All of the characters were well written, and Rainbow Dash was a total Bro. Her scene seemed so much like her.
Also, I think it was a good idea that didn't end the fic with a stereotypical "yeah, they kissed and now they're happy, the end". Instead, I think your decision to leave it a little open ended was a good one. That allows readers to come to their own conclusions, and it also helped me to imagine this as a real occurance behind the scenes of the show.
That being said, I first thought of RariJack as being an odd ship, but you've pulled it off with aplomb. Providing good reasons for her attraction to Rarity, and the little hints that Rarity was returning those feelings, I was smiling the whole time. While I still wouldn't consider myself a RariJack shipper (I'm more partial to AppleDash myself), I must say that this fic would probably have to power to open people up to the concept.
Again, a brilliant job, and I look forward to reading more of your stories!
Mr.Freakins
I know (but one can always hope!)
Let me rephrase my original post, It's not to short, it just cuts off before the relationship can really get going, and all the problems and joys that come with them establishing a relation in this manner in the first place, THAT is was I would like to see.
I think you got the voice of Applejack down well. And I like how the thought of family is what's sticking in her head - preconceptions can be tough, especially when you supposedly "know" what everyone else will think. That includes one's own preconceptions of what a family is. I also agree that the open ending is excellent.
Is 'fillyfooler' a fanon thing that everyone's just using now? Like Celly or Tia? 
Also, now I want a Fluttermac fic called Like a Hurricane. 
Congrats on the feature!
I know I'm going to repeat at least some of what others have said, so apologies in advance on that. First, I loved the Red Delicious metaphor. LOVED. Especially as it developed as the story went on, as Applejack developed--first it was about how no one actually likes Red Delicious apples, though they think they do, then how some people actually do. It's probably the most brilliant metaphor you've used in your stories, to date. I could feel it in my chest, as I read along, all of Applejack's strain at hiding parts of who she is, her determination to do what's right by her family, her confusion, her longing, her grief.
I especially liked the reasons you gave for Applejack's reluctance to openly admit her feelings, even to herself--that it's up to her to keep the farm going, and that means she needs kids to give the farm to. Sometimes these "do I come out or don't I?" stories can seem a bit contrived and overly reliant on pre-manufactured angst (mind, I'm speaking as a queer man, myself, so I'm not ignorant of the strains and agonies of coming out ... I just think some stories capture the experience more realistically than do others) ... but it felt absolutely believable here. And also, absolutely unique to Applejack as a character--trying to keep that connection to her parents alive--which is not just some generic concern that any character would have, but a concern that only Applejack would. Well done.
I also liked Granny Smith's reaction. I think it could be believable for her to react otherwise, even done sympathetically ... but it hurts my heart a bit, I must confess, when Granny Smith is written as reacting badly.
LOVED Rainbow Dash. Rainbow was just perfect. I'm not sure anyone does Rainbow/Applejack friendship as well as you do. They feel like best friends whenever you write them, and I enjoy it. I could totally understand why AJ would go to Rainbow with her confession, as Rainbow reacts just about perfectly--takes it in stride, makes a few jokes to lighten the mood, provides reassurances. I do adore your Rainbow.
Also love your Rarity. Her generosity, her basic goodness, always comes through when you write her.
Last but not least, I too really liked the ending and how Applejack didn't kiss Rarity. I think that was a good choice for this story. The entire story is so hesitant, tentative ... it just felt right to end things on a similarly tentative note. Plus, though I'd love to read more RariJack from you, I think the ending establishes what's really important for this story--that Applejack has learned that she doesn't NEED to shoulder all of the burdens she's been shouldering, that an important shift has occurred in the relationship between Rarity and Applejack, and that no matter where the relationship goes from here, things will turn out okay.
As always, thank you for writing and for sharing this.
Really well done. As others have said, Applejack's voice was spot-on, and her anxieties were perfectly in-character. Glad you ended it as you did, as well - ambiguous, but hopeful. AJ coming to terms with herself was the climax, rather than a big sappy declaration of love. Good stuff.
Well done. The best fics (I find) are the ones with the lesser-known or lesser-recognized fanships (TwiDash, TwiPie, Rarijack, etc.). They offer so much more to work with, and there's much more of a foundation to be built to bring the two characters together.
I agree with Professor Piggy's observations, and with everypony else that it is a well-written work. Pat yourself on the back. You deserve it. 
/)
YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH RARIJACK?! ...because if so, that's perfectly fine and understandable, and I tolerate and appreciate the differences between us.
I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!
(pleasedon'teaskifI'vefinishedEternalpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohplease I'LL FINISH IT SOON I SWEAR)
Like a Hurricane? I'm...afraid I don't get it.
Ewwww. 
You always leave the nicest comments, Donny...I feel as though I don't deserve them. 
OHMYGOSH SLEEPLESSBRONY COMMENTED ON ONE OF MY STORIES! OHMYGOSH SLEEPLESSBRONY'S WATCHING ME! *is starstruck and faints*
I have to say this was very well written but I just couldn't get into it, probably because I don't imagine homosexuality being a big deal in the world of MLP. Culturally Equestria has always seemed to me like a matriarchal society, or at least an egalitarian society were women (or mares, I suppose) hold many positions of power and influence. After all the rulers of the entire nation and the two most powerful ponies in Equestria are female.
Mass homophobia is more a byproduct of our patriarchal world, and since Equestria is clearly unmarred by such a repressive hyper-masculine perspective, I've always felt they would be, as a cultural whole, more open to the concept of homo or bisexuality, as women tend to be more open about their sexuality than men. (Then again I'm form California so my perspective may be a bit skewed. We're all a little looser out here on the west coast.)
Not that this is in anyway a knock on your story, just something I feel personally. This is very well written and I understand the appeal it must have for others, but I just couldn't get into it.
Great story, AA! Rarijack is a nice ship, definitely one of my favourite (together with Appledash, Twixie, TwiLuna, Twilestia, Lunashy, Appleshy, FlutterMac, Rainbow Pie, Flutterdash... So, somewhere in the top 10 I guess).
But most of all I like how it played out rather than the ship itself. Applejack is the pony in my headcanon who'd worry the most about this sort of thing, other than Twilight (that little worry wart), and put into the fanon of this world (as the "sole" inheritor of the Apple Family) it makes so much more sense for her to be hesitant to the whole concept. Again, great story!
That apple metaphor/motif was absolutely amazing. I understood where it was going after the first time, but then you threw me a curveball about the context. For once, I'm generally surprised by a twist. (not this 
though)
Applejack's anxiety was really well done, and pretty much the same way I felt when I realized I might also like people of the same gender. Her worries actually made sense, and to me, that's a great accomplishment. Dash was also amazing. Even though I prefer her being straight, you actually made me like her more than usual.
Granny Smith's reaction was perfect as well; especially the moment when you think she's going to be mad, but then isn't. It just made so much sense I can't even express it in words.
Ultimately, the best shipfic I've read to date. I'm not even joking.
Star rating: 5/5
Thumb rating: Up
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(To reward you, I shall present you with five mustache spikes: 
, two internets, and a chocolate chip muffin.)
-Randomosity19
I read every comment and came to the conclusion that everything I could have said has been said before, and phrased more eloquently than I would have done, but still, you should know that this was great, and you made me tear up when Applejack "Came out" to Granny Smith; Reminded me of when I came out to a family member that I thought would hate me, but didn't, and how it can be such a confusing but relieving experience. I can imagine how she would feel like she could take on the world, go rushing to Rarity's house thinking that everything she ever needed to do needed to be done RIGHT THEN, and then get in the presence of that pretty, finicky mare and get all flustered and shy when it came down to it. I like that she didn't back down completely, she still invited her "out" (More or less) but the air was still thick with unsaid things and feelings, and how they sorta went "...Well, uh, seeya," and left it at that for the moment. So much more relatable and sweet than "Oh hey, found out I'm a fillyfooler and I'm hot for your juicy flank," "Oh really? I didn't know until just now but I'm a fillyfooler too, let's mount until the sun comes up!" And of course, Rainbow is as simultaneously proud and defensive as usual.
TL;DR COOL STORY BRONY
This is one of the best Applejack portrayals I've read, the Red Delicious Apple metaphor was great, and as Inkarus said before me, it was nice to see for once that they didn't just straight up admit to loving each other and then suddenly jump to the lover stage... oh, and also, as someone said before me; self-assured fillyfooler dash totally stole the show. You also made Dash and Applejack intelligent- I've seen far too many fics that kinda make them seem like derps.
Yeah, I liked this. A lot. :)
You have great talent capturing and portraiting insecurities that plague some many of us. The ending was great, totally not what I'd expect from a story like this. No declarations of love or even a kiss, just some development towards something. I love orginal ideas like that!
Is this set in the same continuity as "The Games we Play"? We got a glimpse of Rarijack there, too, but RD seems different here. I don't mind either way, I'm just curious 
I think what I enjoy about all of your stories the most is the life lesson that is being learned in the story and how it isn't all sunshine and cupcakes during the whole thing, not everypony takes everything in stride and some ponies think a little too much about some things than others, whether it be denial or just plain ignorance. I enjoyed this, although it is different than your usual RainbowPie antics, I enjoyed it just as much :)
Well, this was really sweet, and I liked it a lot. My only quibble is with a trope that you used; I am emphatically not fond of stigmatized homosexuality in Equestria. Equestria is very much a Lighter and Softer version of our own world. For Celestia's sake, we saw ethnic conflict being fought out with apple pies! To me, to have levels of heteronormativity in Equestria even approaching those in our own is really at odds with the established tone of the show's universe. I think that Applejack's internal conflict over maintaining family continuity is much more interesting than "oh noes, what if I like mares," and it could have easily carried the plot of the story.
But, again, that's a matter of taste. Have you submitted this to EqD?
>>312675 "Hurricane Fluttershy", and week after next.
And I'm gonna share the sentiment of the first commenter. The HOLY SHIT NO PINKIE one. Though I see Rainbow couldn't completely dodge the bullet... But you went out of your way, out of your comfort zone, to write one hell of an Applejack story. Really, I'm shocked with myself for not watching you before now; The Games We Play was beyond phenomenal, and I've read A Million Things to Do as well. I've watched people with flimsier reasoning than that, but I was putting it off here.
RECTIFIED, my good man. Watching you like a griffon.
No, really. 
+ 
is my favorite shipping. 
I appreciate the fact that it wasn't your average kiss-and-live-happily-ever-after story, but everypony knows Equestria is a paradise of tolerance. And let's face it - with approximately 80% of Ponyville being mares, it's hard to imagine most of them would at least be bicurious. Though I like the way you portrayed AJ's commitment to Sweet Apple Acres. It seems so like her.
Congrats on a very well-written story. 
This was awesome! 
I flipping love RariJack! And then you throw AppleDash in there, which is another of my all time favorites AND you had a badass Granny Smith moment..... 
Only complaint; my ultimate favorite pony was missing! But still, the very fact that you wrote Applejack this awesome is just...... And that apple metaphor! I'm craving some apples now... Or apple cider....
I don't think I can say anything else that hasn't been repeated a million times All that's left is that I love this story, and you write RariJack extremely awesomely!
I'm coming to this late and so, obviously, most of my thoughts have been pre-empted by other commentators. However, I simply must commend both your ideas and your expression of them in this piece; the underlying metaphor of the apple varieties in particular was quite lovely.
And then it all made sense at the end... Man, this is a great story! I really liked the twist of NOT having everything completely resolved and lovey at the end, but still resolving all the actual conflict. That was truly awesome
You continue laying down the path as my favourite fanfic author - keep it up!
Hello, new to FimFiction but wanted to say that I really enjoyed this.
I think you've captured AJ just as she would be in that situation. It's a lovely piece and whilst I'm a sucker for the "kiss & happily ever after ending" I think it wouldn't have met the tone in this and you made the right call. :)
Great work!
This fic has what is, undoubtedly, the most provocative, inspiring portrayal of Granny Smith I've had the pleasure to witness. Just that one scene between her and Applejack was done so well, especially the way in which Smith's response to Applejack's confession was so wonderfully suspended. It was a great moment of utter despair transformed into divine tender-heartedness. Shock and awe. Emotion porn. I love it.
This is the kind of stuff I look for in shipping fics, even when it's not exactly *shipping*. I lurve the art of subtlety in approaching romance on a personal and philosophical level. I appreciate the emotional and mental states that the characters go through when romantic fics position them into pairs that, from the outside, appear unorthodox or challenging, at least in the conceptual sense. It shows maturity, seriousness, and true commitment to the development of the characters.
I wish more stories took this sort of angle. It's delightfully cathartic and makes a reader think. Thank you very much for sharing it with us. You have my envy.
This story was....brilliant. I have just recently discovered my love for RariJack shipping. Your portrayal of every character was spot-on! There were so many heartwarming moments, that if you don't finish this fic with a warm feeling in your heart, and a smile on your face....something is wrong with you..go see a doctor!
But yeah AA.....beautiful stuff.
5 AJ's out of 5 ....in other words... YOU ROCK!
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