> Out of Style > by Vv_-Carnelian-_vV > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Intro > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity, I regret to inform you that I want to cancel that order, you see, I had to cancel the photo shoot due to the models all refusing to wear vintage fashion like I had wanted and my bosses frowned upon this... So I now have to move on with the current fashion that is 'in'... I know that we are very close contacts and I was really hoping of getting us both out of this mess, but sadly I have to try another approach... I hope you are able to find work soon, again I truly am sorry about canceling the order... -Your Companion in fashion, Glittershot Great, her last chance was just thrown out of the window... Now she would have to find yet ANOTHER way to earn the bits to keep the bills paid. This was the WORST. POSSIBLE. THING. She had a pile of bills that needed to be paid and that wasn't counting the ones that she already paid... At that moment Sweetie Belle had came into her office. "Sis? Is everything alright?" She asked. Rarity sighed, remembering that Sweetie Belle had been helping her organizing what little money they had in order to try to keep the place they called home, she almost wanted to lie to her... but no, she had to know the truth. "No dear... The client I had was forced to cancel her order and photo shoot... so now I have no work..." replied the seamstress. Sweetie Belle had understood that if they didn't get the money soon, they would have to sell all that they had in order to pay all of their debts and file bankruptcy; then they would live out on they streets. Seeing her sister like this was saddening, Rarity wanted to have every pony admire all of her passion-filled work and hard-earn fame... But now she was too "out-of-date" for any modeling mare to want to even be seen in anything that she made. All the bills had to be paid in two days to make it worst... Sweetie Belle knew that they would be packing the few things they couldn't live without and sell the rest and find either new work or live on the streets... which would mean that Sweetie Belle would go to a foster home if the latter came to be since their parents had passed away due to a illness earlier in past few years. "Should I start packing our bags?" Asked the little crusader. Rarity looked at Sweetie Bell with some regret. "That... would be best dearie..." Answered Rarity. She didn't want to give up... but there was no possible way for them to come up with the money to save their home in time... so she had to face the music and try to look for a place that would take them in while she found a new job... She figured that her friends might know of some things that could work... But she had to find work so that she and Sweetie Belle could stay together... After all... they were the only family either of them had... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack had gotten a letter from Rarity and was very excited. She had developed a crush for the unicorn over the years and was starting to have daydreams about her while working on the fields... which sure enough, led to a very annoyed Big Mac and Applebloom... but they secertly knew that AJ had a cruch on Rarity so they tolerated her daydreaming as much as they could. Applejack opened the letter quicker than a scootaloo on her scooter and started reading. After she read the letter her heart stopped and she started to cry while the letter drifted to the ground. Applebloom walked up onto the porch with her older sister and saw the letter and read it... Applebloom was shocked then looked at her sister and tried to comfort her... This wasn't going to be a easy time for either Rarity or Applejack at all... To my most honest companion Applejack, I am indeed very sorrowful to inform you that tomarrow I am filing bankruptcy and moving out... I am selling all of my and Sweetie Belle's posscessions to pay off our bills as well as sell our home... we have no other option... I write to you hoping that you may have some idea of a place that i can stay at or find work... But I must find something soon for fear that I may lose my darling little sister and move to Manehattan or somewhere else to find more work...... Please let me know at your earlist convience... -Your Friend, Rarity Then Applebloom came up with a idea... "Wait... Sis! I got it! Why don't you offer Rarity and Sweetie belle to live with us and help with the farm?" she offered. When Applejack heard this, she jolted up and turned to her sister. "That's a heck of a idea Applebloom! Y'a right! I'd best get over to Rarity's to ask her!" The mare dashed off to get over to Carousel Boutique as fast as she could. If Rarity said yes then Applejack might finally get to admit her feelings for the beautiful mare... She just hoped that she wasn't too late... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The last of their things went onto the loading stuck. It was all going to different ponies who bought various items for themselves... Rarity was sad that it had to come to this. She and Sweetie Belle had each one sack of belongings that they couldn't be without... various trinkets and pictures as well as some snacks in case they weren't able to purchase food with what few funds they had... Then Rarity saw a Orange mare running towards them... wearing a leather hat and her blonde mane flowing behind her. Applejack... she must've received her letter... how come she always got her letters and read them so quickly? She sent it only hours ago... Applejack stopped in front of Rarity and was catching her breath. "Rarity... I... got... your... letter... whew... and I t'was wonderin' if you... would like to stay with me and my folks... we could use any kind of assitance... with yer' magic and such: housework, sewing, levitating the apples off dem' trees... What do ya say? We would love do have ya'll both stay... Sweetie Belle could room with Applebloom and you and me could share a room if you'd like... I mean we could clean up the guest room if you'd want but-" At that moment she was cut off by a tight hug by the unicorn sisters. "OOH, Applejack! Yes! We would love that very much! You don't know how much this means to us! Thank you! But please don't worry about cleaning! We won't be a bother! Again THANK YOU!" Rarity shouted with glee. Applejack, her savior! There couldn't be a nicer mare in all of Equestria! > Chapter One > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hey Rarity, if ah' may ask, if you and Sweets there were gonna have to sell your house and live on dem' streets... How come Sweetie Belle would have to go to a foster home? Don't you fillies got parents to take care of ya'll?" Asked Applejack. The question had been burning in her mind since the three of them had begun their walk back to Sweet Apple Acres. She then wanted to take back her question as soon as she saw the looks on the sister's faces. She had obviously put salt in a open wound... She felt a feeling of guilt come over her for making the mare of her dreams feel so bad... even worse for doing the same to her little sister. "They... passed on... It was during the Manehattan epidemic a few years back... They died a week after they contracted the illness and left a letter saying goodbye to us... We were told by the doctor that they had died in peace and didn't feel any pain..." Rarity sniffed a little as she told Applejack. "Dear Celestia, I'm sorry girls... Ah' never knew... I-" Applejack tried to apologized but Rarity just waved her hoof. "It's fine darling, like you said you never knew... I actually was gonna tell you when it happened but we were both so busy at the time... What with you having to fulfill all those ponies with cider and me trying to find work so we could save our home. But... still... thank you again for taking us in..." Rarity said as she hugged Applejack. The apple farmer's face became redder than any apple that had ever grown on the farm in all the years her family had been there. Sweetie Belle gave Applejack a knowing look, causing the earth pony to avert her eyes and blush even redder. "W-well, I-I suppose we should... continue to the farm?" She asked nervously almost not wanting the hug to end. Sadly, Rarity released Applejack from her amazing grip and picked up her bag again with magic. "Yes, we should..." Said Rarity, completely oblivious to the stutter in Applejack's voice. As they made their way towards the farm, Applejack found entertainment in kicking a decent sized pebble across the road with her hoof. Every now and again, she would take a quick glance at the beautiful white-coated mare. She wondered how long Rarity was planning to stay. She supposed that would depend if she admitted her feelings towards the former-seamstress, but she wouldn't do that now... having just brought up Rarity's dead parents... not so much of a good idea to bring up the deep emotions she refused to share with anypony, even with her family, but she supposed that it must've been obvious if Sweetie Belle and her siblings kept on giving her odd looks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Soon enough they had arrived at the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack noticed her sister on the porch working on her schoolwork while supposedly waiting for Applejack and the unicorn sisters to return. About halfway to the porch Applebloom closed a textbook and put it in her saddlebag along with whatever she was working on then, noticing the group walking up to the house, walked over to Applejack. "Hey sis! I finished my homework like you told me to this morning at breakfast, but why are Rarity and Sweetie Belle here?" asked Applebloom as if she hadn't came up with the idea for them to stay here and help out on the farm. "Well dearie... the fashion industry has been changing and my work isn't appraised anymore which meant we had to file bankruptcy and try to sell our possessions and home, but your older sister here came up with the idea to go ahead to let Sweetie Belle and I stay here on the apple farm and help around the house and farm..." answered Rarity, "Oh, yes! Applejack you must be staving, would you like me to make you something? Oh, who am I kidding of course you are! Allow me to make everypony some splendid supper! I'll be in the kitchen!" giving her no time to reply, Rarity dashed into the house while being greeted by Big Mac and Granny Smith. Applebloom looked at both Applejack and Sweetie Belle with a innocent smile on her face. "Be sure to take good care of my older sister Applejack..." stated Sweetie Belle. In response Applejack blushed wildly. "Ah- ah' not a clue what ya'll talkin' 'bout," then after she was sure Rarity couldn't hear them, she glared at them roughly, "... How ya'll lil' varmits guess?" The two crusaders just glared at Applejack. "Really?" they said in unison. Sweetie Belle just rolled her eyes. "Sis, your more obvious than a dragon in the middle of Ponyville," remarked Applebloom while clapping her hoof over her face in shame of her oblivious sister. Applejack smiled nervously at the reactions of the two crusaders... She had guessed that a few ponies had suspicions but never had she guessed that it had been so obvious. She assumed that if these two knew, it was more than likely the rest of her family and friends knew... The very idea scared her half to death. Inside, the three girls heard Rarity, Mac, and Granny Smith having a polite conversation while the smell of sautéed vegetables filled the air. Going inside, they saw a the apple family's grandmother talking to Rarity as she cooked carrots, potatoes, onions, and various spices in a pan as she poured in a tad bit of a oily liquid from a Ivory bottle, making the vegetables sizzle in the skillet. "Geez, Rarity... Wha' cha have in that there bottle? Smells delightful if ah' do say so myself," said Applejack. Rarity looked up and smiled. "Why, it's a specially mixed cooking oil... family secret... my grandmother showed me it before she passed on... old age... it gets passed on to the next in line of the family, normally the eldest. Each bottle is different and meant for different kinds of cooking... It brings a nice memory of her..." replied Rarity in a dreamy voice. "Oh, Applejack, I know this is rude... but could you set the table for me please? I don't want this to burn while I try to navigate through your kitchen..." "Sure thing, Rarity!" Applejack responded in a excited tone. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After eating dinner, which consisted of the vegetables and a shared loaf of bread and apple slices, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were doing the dishes while Applejack and Big Mac went to the stores to get some things for Rarity for her work on the farm. In the meantime, Rarity and Granny Smith were in the living room telling stories and sharing gossip. "... So then, we ended up giving poor Opal to Fluttershy so she could take care of her and the kittens... I wasn't excited about the idea, but Sweetie Belle said it would be best since they would all need a enormous amount of attention and we were both so busy with me finding work and Sweetie Belle crusading for her cutie mark... Fluttershy assured me they would all be fine but I still visit them from time to time," Rarity said in a exhausted tone. She was happy that Granny Smith was willing to listen to her... She had a way of tolerating anypony and even enjoying the company of others. It was... nice to have somepony to appreciated for their character. "Aww, poor dear Rarity... That must've been hard for you..." Granny Smith was impress of how generous and strong the young mare was... for years since Twilight became an Alicorn, Rarity and the others had become more skilled and closer than they had the first day Twilight arrived in Ponyville. Although... one thing kept burning through her mind about the youthful mare... "Rarity, If you wouldn't mind me askin'... but how did you end up out of bussiness?" She asked the former fashionmatist, who in response frowned at the elderly mare. "Oh... I suppose it would be healthy to tell another soul... well... okay... you see... It all started a few years back..." > Chapter Two > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Five years ago, Canterlot, five days till Hearths Warming Eve It was a beautiful day in Canterlot, a setting perfect filled with white frost everywhere. Rarity was taking a stroll down a street in her new winter attire she designed for herself: a hat, scarf, and boots of different shades of dark and light purple. She was on her way to the post office to drop off a few packages for her family. She had even gotten Applejack a gift, a old pocket watch of bronze with a rustic silver apple on the cap. Sure, Applejack had no use for it, but it was the thought that counted. She arrived at the one story building and entered inside. Luckily the heating was on for a while, filling Rarity with a warm greeting upon her entrance. She noticed the post office was still the same even though the employees went on and on about redecoration from the old white walls, blue carpet, and office plants. She did however find that there was a muffin basket on a small table near the entrance with a little post-it note on it that read, 'Eat me, I'm free!'. Doing what the muffins desired (they wanted to be eaten, so what if she was on a diet), she picked one up with her telekinesis and took a bite of a banana-nut muffin. Then she saw a pink blur outside a window as if someone was following her and glaring through her soul... "Yay! Someone ate a muffin!" Yelled a gray unicorn filly that was skipping towards the entrance along with a brown stallion with a hourglass cutie mark. Rarity then smiled as she recognized the two ponies as Time Turner and his Daughter Dinky. She then waved a hoof towards them and went over to meet them halfway of their path towards her. "Ah, Doctor! How are you and Ditzy? I see that your daughter is doing excellent." Rarity cheerfully stated. "Oh, Hello Rarity! We're doing great! Only five days till Hearths Warming Eve, isn't that right Dinky?" asked Time Turner. As Rarity shifted her gaze from the stallion to Dinky, she noticed that the filly was shaking with wide eyed excitement. "I'M SO EXCITED!!!!" a enthusiastic Dinky Hooves cheered loudly. "Huh; Well darling, I wish you good luck in the five days to come..." stated the seamstress with mocked pity. In response Turner glared at Rarity with envy. The only children she had to put up with were her sister and her two crusading friends, whom were at Ponyville. Rarity was staying at Canterlot for a period of a estimate of eight months, much to her friends dismay. She assured them she would visit them whenever she had the time, which was always the weekends and holidays, and also promised to write often. She always got letters the day after she sent them, curse spike and his emerald fire. Still, she was glad for the instantaneous letters. They helped her remember all of the fun times she shared with her friends. Two friends of hers that she made while in her time in Canterlot were a gray coated earth pony mare named Octavia who had a beautiful black mane. While the other, Glittershot, a unicorn who styled a red mane with a white streak in it and had a pale olive coat. They were a cellist and a photographer respectively and they were near the top in their lines of work. Rarity had taken the two of them to Ponyville many times to meet her friends, which also happened to be the place where Octavia meet a Unicorn of the name Vinyl Scratch. The two of them had been dating for six months now and from the last time she heard from Vinyl, she planned to propose to Octavia tonight at their favorite restaurant. She was happy for the two of them, but she was worried for herself and Glittershot's work. A new line of fashion had started emerging called 'Steampunk'. It was mainly based off of a grim color scheme with gears and old machinery. It was extremely popular with young mares of noble status, at least that's where Rarity and Glittershot hoped it stayed. Unfortunately, fate had other ideas and thought that having every mare in Canterlot be in love with the fashion. Heck even some stallions were getting a little bit into it. But she didn't want to think about it. she was still getting her same clients and agents to get her work and payment, so she didn't mind the fashion for now. She didn't know that her opinion was about to change very soon. "Rarity! Rarity, I thought that was you!" shouted a scared voice rushing into the post office. Rarity turned to she it was her friend Glittershot, wide-eyed and what seemed to be in a panic. The photographer was catching her breath and was desperately trying to say words but they came out as a mumbling rant of confusion. "Glittershot! Take in a deep breath and focus!" shouted Rarity in concern for what had Glittershot so worried. She was always a level headed mare who never lost her cool even when she was taken to court for quote/ unquote, "Careless-and-unmoderate-behavior-of-over-excessive-habits-of-the-beverage-nature," and was forced to pay a five-hundred bit fine. Glitter shot began to breath easily and took a drink of water from Time Turner when he offered her one. She began to ramble about the problem at hoof. "Raritywehavetohurrymybrothersareincaterlotandtheyare-". "Glittershot! SLOW. DOWN. I can't hear you if your talking too fast darling!" scolded Rarity. "For Celestia's sake, MY BROTHERS ARE IN CANTERLOT PROMOTING STEAMPUNK FASHION AND THEY HAVE NEARLY HALF THE CITY INTO IT BY NOW!" Screamed Glittershot. Rarity stood there in shock at what she said. "What!? Where are those ruffians!? We have to stop them!" Rarity was scared. If they succeeded then the two of them would be out of work for a long time, if not forever. "Doctor? Could you be a dear and check these in for me please? Also, say hello to your wife for me!" Rarity asked as polite as possible while placing her presents to her family and Applejack around Time Turner. After placing the last package, the two older unicorns galloped to Glittershot's bothers with Glittershot leading the way. They had to stop them from ruining the fashion world that respected them! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I can't believe they actually did it..." Glittershot morned as she was packing her suitcase. Unlike Rarity, Glittershot always carried only one suitcase at all times. She didn't like packing very much, due to the fact that it reminded her of the days when she traveled with her brothers Flim and Flam. They always had to ruin everything, from Applejacks cider seasons to Glittershots photoshoots, and always ran off before getting what they deserved. Rarity was feeling bad for her companion. Her own brothers were supporting the thing that was ruining her carreer and when they had talked to them after their show was over (they had gotten there after the show had ended for a while and the brothers were packing up and could see what was going on,) Flim and Flam were overjoyed, 'You mean little Glittershot will be out of work!? That's brilliant! She can help us on our traveling shows again!' It was depressing, seeing the look on the face of the sister of the twins when she heard them say that. Glittershot may be a bit blunt at times, as well as picky; but she was a honest, kind, hard-working mare who took a great passion in what she did. Rarity stood at the door to Glittershot's room in their apartment, with her things already packed. Then they both heard the front door click and opened, and a voice sounded throughout the apartment. "Glittershot? Rarity? You two still here?" It was Octavia, she must've heard about the Flim Flam brothers show and about how they got nearly everypony in Canterlot into the new fashion. "In here Octavia dear, in Glittershot's room finishing packing." called back Rarity. "Packing!? You guys are leaving Canterlot? Bummer..." complained a soon saddened Vinyl who had apparently tagged along with Octavia. "Yes, I'm moving back to Ponyville, while Glittershot here is... I'm sorry but where are you going again darling?" "Actually... I was hoping to crash with you till I find a company or agent looking for a photographer..." Responded Glittershot with a nervous grin while she was packing up her only other baggage that she normally left at home unless she was moving, a camera case with a varieties of lens and films along with the actual camera itself. She took great pride in that camera. She had received it from her father who had passed on and encouraged her always take pictures of it so she could share her memories with all whom she cared about. Flim and Flam had almost broke it once on accident without realizing it belonged to their sister. Which of course, led her to run off from their scamming life style. Rarity sighed in response, Glittershot started to make huge sad eyes and pouted her lip. The seamstress remembered her little sister Sweetie Belle and Ponyville's party animal, Pinkie Pie, always making this face towards her whenever they wanted something from her. She tried many times to resist but to no avail she would never win. The same had been true for Glittershot, for Rarity tried everything from avoiding her to even wearing a blindfold but none the less the yellow unicorn never lost. "Okay, but please don't make Applejack mad... she is still sore about the last time your brothers visited Ponyville." Rarity conceded. Then came a awkward silence as the four of them shivered from what happened when the twins decided to return to Ponyville for a second time. Rarity knew Applejack very well; but she never knew that the cowpony, or anypony for that matter, could fit two stallions of their size into such a small barrel... "Even if I hate my brothers with a passion... That was a little bit too mean..." Glittershot quietly stated. The others nodded their heads in silence. After a half-hour of packing their eleven suitcases, most of them Rarity's, they sat in the living room talking for one last night. They chatted about Vinyl and Octavia's engagement, Rarity's presents, and all of the memories they shared since they all moved to Canterlot. "Ha-ha! Yea... I'm so going to miss this place..." laughed Vinyl. Glittershot and Rarity looked at each other in confusion. "What do you mean? You're not moving are you?" asked Glittershot. Vinyl and her Fiancé looked at each other and nodded. "After we heard about Glittershot's brothers getting everyone into Steampunk, me and Vinyl agreed to move to another town because we were sure that the two of you would move away from Canterlot and we didn't want our friendship to fall apart for some reason... We were thinking about moving to Ponyville but it will take us a few years due to having to tie things down here. Vinyl has a four year contract with this one Radio station that sends her to random clubs around the city that she needs to find a way out of. While myself on the other hoof, have to wait till I can make the arrangements for moving and getting a house built in Ponyville." Octavia explained in a reassuring tone. Rarity didn't know it but she had a blank look on her face. Her friends were willing to move with her in order to preserve their friendship? She smiled, of course... that's the point of a true friend... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Present "...And after that, I've had a dramatic decrease in sells. In my last year I pretty much was just doing Nightmare Night costumes and decorations... I've been trying to find other jobs but no one in Ponyville needs someone of my talents... I really didn't want to move unless it was the last option I had to find work... Vinyl and Octavia moved to Ponyville as they had planned and are raising a filly that Octavia carried thanks to a 'donor' and are expecting another, only this time it's Vinyl. Glittershot, I believe she told me she got a short-term contract with a Canterlot fashion line for Steampunk. She tells me she hates it, but it is a source of income so I encouraged her to stay with them as long as possible..." Sighed Rarity. She took a look at the clock and noticed that it was very late into the night and looked around the room, only to see that Granny Smith wasn't the only one listening to her story. Applejack, Big Mac, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle were gathered around the room listening to her story. When the former seamstress realized this she started to blush. "Geez Rar'... Ah didn't think ya had such a rough an' tough time up in Canterlot... When ah asked, ya just said that it went great..." Applejack stated with a tad bit of guilt... How come she never noticed? She had to find a way to make her feel better... Rarity attempted to cheer up Applejack, "I didn't want to worry anypony now... It was... not that easy to tell anypony that I would most likely end up jobless..." "Still... oh, ah still got that fancy' pocket watch thingy ya' gave me." Applejack was sure that would cheer up the white mare. Rarity gave a light blush, "You still have it? You took care of it and everything?" She truly didn't expect her to keep the thing after all of these years, honestly she though it must've broke by now... "Yeah, you should've seen Applejack when it stopped working," snickered Applebloom, "she was in such a panic that she was in tears! 'Ah broke it! Ah broke it! What am ah gonna do once Rar'- ' Ow! That hurt!" "Varmint" grumbled the blushing cowpony. Rarity then noticed something on Applebloom's flank, "Applebloom dear, excuse me for not noticing earlier but did you get your cutie mark?" she inquired. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked and they both gave a nervous grin at a apple-shaped gear with smaller circle shaped ones around it. "Oh, that... ah got it after fixin' that pocket watch," she said with a nervous grin. This got Rarity thinking about something. "Did Scootaloo get hers?" When the two crusaders shook their heads, she was kind of disappointed. Well at least the Cutie mark Crusaders were off to a good start. They continued the night and talked about all the things Rarity had missed while working hard to keep her home. From Twilight dating Rainbow dash; to Vinyl and Octavia's two children (Rarity attended their wedding thank Celestia,) Ballad and Remix, a unicorn sister and earth pony brother respectively. They gossiped that Lyra and Bon-Bon were also married and had a new born filly of their own, born from Bon-Bon, that they named Sweet Note. Rarity also learned that Spike and Silver Spoon started dating, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon both started being nicer after a accident that Applebloom and the crusaders saved them from. Rarity realized that she missed out on so much, and all from trying to keep the home for herself and her sister... The irony. She tried to save her home so she wouldn't have to move so she could experience these moments, but in doing so... wow... it was like there was somepony looking at all of this in wide perspective and lining up events exactly as they were happening... and also had a very odd sense of humor... As the night went on, one-by-one they went off to bed. Soon it was just Applejack and Rarity, staring into each others eyes. Rarity noticed her mane was relaxed and not styled as it normally was, she was thinking about putting her hair into a bun real quick when Applejack said something that made her blush. "Ah' like your mane Rar'... It looks... err, p-pretty..." stuttered the country mare in a light blush. Hold on did Applejack...? "You think I'm... pretty? Applejack darling... do you have a crush on me?" she asked with a knowing smile. It wasn't suggestive. It wasn't menacing. It was... kind... Applejack responded by looking away and biting her cheek, "W-what a-ah don't know what ya' talkin' bout'!" "Applejack, it's okay if you do... I... kind of had one on you too..." She blushed... she never thought that she would've ever admitted it to Applejack but she had done exactly that! She was nervous that the cowpony wouldn't take her seriously, but her doubts went away when she felt a pair of warm lips come into contact with hers. The two of them were in a passionate kiss. It lasted for ten minutes with breaks in between for breathing. But sadly, they couldn't kiss all night. So Rarity started to walk towards Applejack's room with the concerned party following her closely. When they entered, it was a plain wooden room with a simple pink-sheeted double bed. Applejack and her were talking one last time for the night about what was planned tomorrow. "So what is it I will be doing here?" asked Rarity. "Well, on our way to town, me and Big Mac were talkin' and sayin' that ya could watch over the girls, run errands, and such... kinda like one em... nanniemaids... you always kept a clean house, and Sweetie and Applebloom shouldn't be hard to handle now that they are in there teen years. Plus it will allow me and Mac to get to work sooner and get done earlier." explained the orange mare. Rarity smiled warmly and gave Applejack one last kiss on the cheek, "That sounds as good as sugar, Darling..." after that, Rarity went to sleep. Excited to start her new life at Sweet Apple Acres.... > Chapter Three > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity woke up to the glowing rays of the rising sun and chirping birds that filled the air of the crisp morning of the brand new day. She smiled knowing that today was the start of a new life for her and she wanted to make it the best that she could. She looked to the other side of the bed that she slept in the previous night and found that her Applejack was missing and in her place was a piece of neatly-folded paper. Rarity took it in her hooves and opened it to read its contents. Dear Rarity, I apologize for not being there for you when you wake up, but I wanted you to get some much needed rest after Sweetie Belle told me that you haven't been sleeping for the last few nights. When you wake up, come down into the kitchen and grab some grub with the rest of us. Also, Granny will show you what you will need to do around the farm after you drop off the girls at school. Love, With all the care, Your Marefriend, Your confused bearer of the Element of Honesty, AppleJack P.S.- We need to talk about that tonight... Rarity smiled at the small piece of paper. It was nice knowing that Applejack had feelings for her in return for her own after all these years, not to mention that she technically shared a room with her new marefriend. Applejack did have a point though, they needed to talk to make sure that last night wasn't a spur of the moment thing. Deciding that she should probably get out of bed and start her first day on Sweet Apple Acres, Rarity got out of bed after folding the note from Applejack and placing in on the nightstand. She trotted down the stairs while using her magic to get rid of any grogginess that may of been on her body. On the way down she debated on if she should style her mane or keep it flat, in the end she decided that she would just have it all on one side flat and simple since Applejack thought that Rarity looked pretty with it simple. After reaching the bottom of the stairs she made a right turn into the kitchen and dining area. She saw on the table not only a buffet of apple-related breakfast foods, but the apple family and her little sister enjoying it while deep in a conversation about the love lives of the two crusader's at the table. "Applebloom! Why did you have to tell them I have a crush on Scootaloo!?" yelled a white filly with a face as red as any apple on Applejack's orchard, it became even redder and her eyes widened when she noticed that her older sister Rarity was standing right behind the others and heard what she just said. Although Rarity was surprised, she didn't had any negative feelings against Sweetie Belle. Would she not be a hypocrite if she scolded her sister for the same thing that related between her and Applejack? Instead, in order to encourage the young unicorn, Rarity gave a supporting smile and said the one thing that the young filly wasn't expecting, "Really? My little sister has found somepony she likes? Oh, marvelous! When do you plan on telling her?" inquired the former seamstress, or was it housekeeper now? Oh details, but still, it was a matter she would discuss with her cowpony later. "W-wait, you mean your okay with me..." Sweetie Belle started. "Liking mares? Yes, I am. Why do you ask?" Sweetie Belle stared in disbelief at her sister's words. She had expected some kind of tantrum or lecture about mares liking stallions and vice-versa; but here they were at the dinner table, Talking about Sweetie Belles crush, and Rarity was perfectly happy about it. She noticed Rarity taking her seat at the table and giving Applejack a wink, which in turn made Applejack blush wildly. Sweetie Belle wasn't sure yet but... "Wait, sis, do you like other mares?" asked the crusader. In response, Rarity looked back towards Applejack with a raised eyebrow as if asking a question. She noticed that the apple farmer closed her eyes and nodded, after which Rarity pulled her in closer and went in for a passionate kiss quite to Applejack's and the others surprise. Pulling away from the kiss, Rarity turned back to her little sister who was gawking in a not-so-naïve blush as the young fillies mind was making her see unwanted images. "I do believe that answers your question, does it not dear sister? Now hurry up, if memory serves me correctly it's Tuesday and you and Applebloom have school today," Rarity spoke in a casual tone while Applejack fainted unto the ground with a dopey look a on her face. "Applejack? Are you okay darling?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle had just pasted the main gate to Sweet Apple Arces and began heading to the schoolhouse that was around a half a mile away. Meanwhile, Rarity was being asked questions by the two fillies about her relationship with Applejack. "So how long have you two been going out?" asked Applebloom. "Technically we've never went on a date yet, we kind of became a... uh... 'item' last night," responded Rarity. "How long have the two of you had feelings for each other?" asked Sweetie Belle. "Well, I'm not too sure about Applejack, but I think about around five years for me." replied the unicorn once again. "Have you two done anything-" Started Applebloom before she was cut off by Rarity, who was more than aware of what she was going to ask. "Look! Here we are! You two better hurry I'm sure the two of you don't want to be late," said the lightly-blushing unicorn. Ignoring the fact that Rarity had evaded their question, the crusaders waved to the new 'housekeeper' as Applejack and Rarity had agreed on after breakfast as the two fillies got ready for school. Rarity took pride in the new title, it gave her a renewed sense of purpose. On her way back to the farm, she heard several hoof steps approaching her. She turned towards the sound and realized it was coming from her and Applejack's friends, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash who at the time was wearing a suit of purple armor with Twilight's cutie mark on her chest. Which caused several looks towards her in confusion. Rainbow Dash groaned when she realized what they were staring at and explained in a annoyed tone. "Ugh... I'm Twiley's- err... Twilight's captain of the guard... But that's not the point! Twilight and I got your letter! You're bankrupted!? We could've helped you know!" She was trying to be taken seriously but Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle a little bit, before catching herself and meekly apologizing. Rarity tried to carefully explain the situation to her friends, "Yes I know, but I couldn't take any money. If I did, it wouldn't be enough to cover all of the bills and payments that I needed to cover, so I had to file bankruptcy and sell my home-" she was then interrupted by Pinkie who came up to her face. Fluttershy was taken aback due to the speed of the pink blur that was Pinkie. "YOU'RE HOMELESS!?" Rarity sighed, she was going to have to explain to the three of them on her way back to Sweet Apple Arces... "Rainbow, did Twilight come with you?" she asked. "No, she's busy with a Princess Tribunal... Why do you ask?" "I just wanted to be able to explain to everypony I sent a letter to in one go while I head back to Sweet Apple Acres. Do you mind if we do that?" She asked the others, which they shook their heads meaning that they didn't mind at all. She motioned for them to follow her and preceded to explain to them everything behind her backstory for the last five years. > Chapter Four > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Really? You and Applejack are dating now?" Rainbow Dash asked on the way back to Sweet Apple Acres. "Honestly dear, that's the first thing you ask?" Rarity replied with a hint of a groan, "Yes, we are indeed an... item now, and I must say she is quite the mare." For the last twenty minutes, Rarity had explained her life story of the last five years up to the present moment. Throughout the story, her three friends all reacted with either tears, awes, or looks of pity. Rarity informed them that she was fine, but Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash wouldn't hear of it and would try (and succeeded) in giving her comforting hugs. Which a bit of a surprise on Rarity's part, not because of the hugs but because Rainbow Dash had decided to join in the hug comforting. "Don't give me that look, friends hug, especially when one of them needs it." Rainbow told her. Rarity smirked at the pegasus with appreciation. They continued trotting towards Sweet Apple Acres for another half hour or so before arriving at the porch of the Apple Families' Home, which had Granny Smith to greet them. "Why, Howdy girls! Been a while since we last seen each other, ain't it?" She greeted. They group greeted the old mate in return, then began to catch up with her. It was nice for Rarity to see her friends again after recent events. She watched them speak with the Apple family patron for a moment before noticing a small trinket in Granny Smiths' lap. "Excuse me, Granny Smith, but what's that in your lap?" Inquired Rarity. Granny looked down towards the objected and her eyes widened with realization, as if remembering something. "Oh! Umm... It's... Just a little nuthin' little one." She responded with hesitation, trying to hide it with her blanket. Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash saw what it was. "Granny, why do you have one of those steampunk medallions?" Raritys' mind went blank. Unsure of what to do, she just let her memories knock her into unconsciousness. Which later she would admit, was a bit of a overreaction. ---------------------------------- Ponyville, a nice little town away from the worries and fashions of the city of Canterlot. A young mare, of unicorn descent, was happy to have finally arrive to the town once more as she stepped off the train to the platform. Her letter should have arrived eariler this week based off when she sent it, but it was old information. Sadly, it was worse than what she had wrote. She shook her head, discarding such sad thoughts. Now wasn't the time for that, she came to find a friend. Luckily she knew where to find her, and hoped it wasn't too late. She asked a pony if they knew where a particular shop was, but was informed of news that it closed down and it's owner moved to a nearby farm owned by the Apple family. Well, she knew where to look at least. ---------------------------------- "Is she awake?" "Ah think she's comin' to actually." "Oh thank goodness, I was worried there." "Don't any of you think it was a 'bit' of an over reaction, even for her?" Rarity woke up on the Apple's couch, hearing the voices around her. Although she resented the last comment, she did admit to herself it was somewhat true. She looked around to find her friends, joined by Applejack, surrounded her in the living room. She blushed at the realization that she fainted for such a silly reason in such a dramatic fashion. "Hehe... Um... We can... Forget about that, yes?" She asked nervously. The others gave each other a knowing look has they nodded. Later, they shared stories about their lives with Rarity so she could get caught up with what she missed while worrying about her debts. No one mentioned her reaction to Granny's medallion, which she explained was received in the mail by a member of the Apple Family in Dodge Junction. She had given it to Ditzy Do, the mail mare, as a gift. No one was sure wether or not to bring up the new fashion to Rarity, and why it was effecting her so, but they knew it would need to discussed soon. As the group discussed old times, there was a simple knock on the door. Applejack stood up and trotted to the door and answered it. "Why howdy there! Ah haven't seen ya in a long time there! Come on in!" She greeted the mare. As the guest entered, Rarity gasped in surprised. Before her stood her long time friend and partner in fashion. "Hello again, Rarity!" Greeted Glittershot.