> The Sleepover > by Inkwell Prose > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Convincing > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack had just finished loading up the last box full of apples into the wagon. Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom were heading off to Manehattan for a business opportunity they couldn't turn down, and Applejack was going to stay behind and keep watch over the farm. It would've been Apple Bloom if it wasn't for her constant whining about wanting to see the big city, and Granny Smith was tired of hearing it, so she gave in. They have been preparing for the trip for weeks, and now the time has arrived for them to head. Big Mac saddled up, ready to go, and Granny and Apple Bloom sat on top of the wagon. The wagon creaked and groaned under the weight, but it should hold up. "Now y'all be careful, an' have some fun," Applejack said. "And you keep a good eye on the farm," Granny Smith said with a wink. "Eeyup," added Big Mac. "Ah can't believe Ah'm goin' to Manehattan!" exclaimed Apple Bloom. Applejack laughs. "Ah'm sure you're gonna have a fun time lil' sis. Now roll on out Big Mac!" Applejack clacked the side of the wagon with her hoof, signaling Big Mac to reel up with a whinny and move out. Applejack watched as the rest of her family rode out over the path and out of existence. She sighed and made her way back into the farmhouse. When Applejack enters, she heads straight to the living room and flops onto the couch, getting some relaxation time. "Boy, it's sure gonna be easy takin' care of this place. Gonna have so much downtime though. Ah'm sure Ah'll think of something." She laid there for a bit, eventually falling asleep. She was tired as it was still early in the morning when they left. She woke up again near mid-afternoon, stretching and yawning as she got up went to the kitchen for something to drink. She still had the morning taste in her mouth. Applejack grabbed a cup from the cupboard and turned on the tap, filling the glass. She drank it down quickly and put it in the sink. She sat down at the table and picked up the latest issue of "Ponyville News" and began to read some of the articles. Bug Bear Attack! While facing almost certain doom, the heroes of our town, and the rest of Equestria, has defeated yet another villain! The dreaded Bug Bear! The six were able to take it down, but not before it caused massive damage to Ponyville. Re-construction plans have been set in place and should be in effect by the end of the week. Page 4 for more details. Applejack laughed and smiled as she saw the picture of her and her friends fighting the Bug Bear. Tough battle it was, but they prevailed. She continued to read another article on the front page. Delegates Arriving Soon? According to our sources, delegates from a land beyond Equestria is supposed to make a visit here in Ponyville. At the time, we are not sure where exactly they are coming from, but Princess Twilight Sparkle is supposed to establish friendship with these delegates so Equestria has connections outside its borders. There is still no word if Princess Celestia is supposed to visit these delegates as well. A New Sleeping Agent? Scientist Drevil Dewey may have just discovered a new sleeping tonic that can help ponies with their nighttime struggles in a flash! It's currently undergoing testing to make sure it is safe for consumption. If this hits shelves, ponies should no longer have trouble sleeping at night. Page 6 for more details. The last one particularly caught her eye. It brought back memories to when she was a filly, always staying up late and not getting the amount of sleep she needed. It's not like she couldn't sleep, just chose not to. Especially when she had sleepovers with her friends. Sleepovers... Applejack jumped up; she had just thought of a great idea! Since she had nothing else to do, why not relive old memories and have a sleepover tonight. She just hoped her friends would be up for it. *~*~*~*~* As Applejack made her way into town, she thought of who to ask first. She decided whoever was closest, and that was Pinkie Pie, who had just exited Sugarcube Corner, humming and trotting happily. "Hey Pinkie!" Applejack shouted to her, getting her attention. "Oh hey AJ!" She trotted over to her, "How are you doing?" "Pretty good. Was planning on having a sleepover tonight with the family outta town. Would ya like to join?" "I would love to! But, I can't," said Pinkie, frowning, "I'm busy today with work. A lot of work. The Cakes' are having a special and when it goes live, ponies will be lining up for miles to get some of these new cupcakes which I helped create the recipe for and they taste amazing! Right now it's my break and when I get back, I'm sure there will already be a line of ponies ready to buy some of our cupcakes, but who would blame them at the price were putting on them!" "Aw, shucks, Pinkie. Do ya know if the others would?" asked Applejack. "Weeeeeelllll, Twilight is in Canterlot, Rarity is busy with dresses for her client, Fluttershy is taking care of Angel who is ill, and Rainbow is... sleeping." "Hm. Ah guess Ah could try Rainbow, since she's just sleepin'. Thanks Pinkie." "Anytime AJ!" *~*~*~*~* "Where the hay is this filly?" Applejack thought aloud. She has been searching for a good hour now for Rainbow Dash, trying to find where she's sleeping. With her, you never know where she's laying her head. Applejack has searched every tree she found, and looked up at every cloud for any sign of her, and nothing. Applejack was upset, not being able to find her friend. She decided just to head home and watch the farm and have a sleepover, alone. She made her way back to the farm, passing along her orchards of apple trees and the one with rainbow leaves even. Wait, rainbow leaves? Applejack did a double take, and sure enough, a tuft of rainbow was sticking out of one of her apple trees like a sore thumb. She walked over to it and pulled on it, sending the tree bustling and whining. "Ow! What the hay?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, poking her head out of the tree, only to see her friend. "Oh, hey AJ." "Uh, howdy. Ah've been looking for you. I wanted to ask ya something." "Sure, whatchya got?" "Mind hanging with me tonight for a little sleepover?" she asked. Rainbow stared, then laughed hysterically. "Wait wait, a sleepover? Rainbow falls out of the tree, laughing hard, to hard to even feel pain as she falls. "C'mon Rainbow. It'll be fun! And no other pony will. Gonna eat good food, watch some movies. Just hang out as friends." "You know I'm not the one for sappy stuff and childish things." "Sappy? You mean like those Rom/Com movies you like so much?" Rainbow blushes. "T-That's totally different!" "Ah think Granny has some of her own on the stand. Sure ya don' wanna join?" Applejack smirked, knowing this would convince her. "I... Fine! Can't believe I'm doing this. A sleepover, I think you've lost your mind." Rainbow muttered. "Just bring ya jammies and meet me here at eight tonight." "Yeah yeah, I'll be there I guess." > The Sleepover > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainbow still couldn't believe she agreed to this sleepover, even as she was walking up to Applejack's barn. It was so unexpected and random that Applejack would even ask this of her, and it got Rainbow suspicious to say the least. At least they would get to watch some Rom/Com movies, Rainbow's favorite genre of movie. That's a secret, so don't tell. Rainbow approached the barn door. She barely got a hoof on it before Applejack swung it open. Rainbow flinched in surprise, and shock at what Applejack was wearing. She had on a blue pajama suit with lighter blue apples all over it, and it buttoned up down the front. "Howdy, Rainbow! Excited for this sleepover?" Applejack asked, ushering Rainbow inside with a hoof. "Um.... I guess? I mean, I'm sure it will be fun. Didn't think you'd already be in your PJ's though." Rainbow replied, pointing to AJ's attire. Applejack snorted a laugh. "Well why wouldn't I? It's a sleepover, right?" She leaped onto the couch in the living room. "So what do you wanna do first?" Rainbow didn't have to think long before she blurted out, "Can we watch a movie?" Applejack smirked, knowing she would ask almost immediately. "Of course, Rainbow. Which one? I've got Someone Like You or Maid in Manehattan." Both of these were, of course, Rom/Com movies. Applejack held them up so Rainbow could see the covers of each. While Maid in Manehattan sounded like a much more interesting story, Someone Like You is one Rainbow has seen before, so she pointed to that one, to play it safe, of course. "Not a bad choice. I like this one, too." She got up and placed it in the movie player and jumped back onto the couch. Rainbow awkwardly stood there, waiting for the movie to start. She didn't know where to sit. She felt it was rude to sit on the floor in front of the couch, and you can't sit in Granny's chair. So, Rainbow stood there, shuffling her hooves. Luckily, Applejack offered her a seat on the couch next to her, which she previously took all of. Rainbow sat next to her, getting comfortable for the movie. Applejack continued to lay, but more curled up to give Rainbow some room. The movie starts and Rainbow grows more anticipated for it. Even though she already knew what the movie was about, she felt as if it was the first time she's ever watched it; a fresh new start feeling, and it coursed through her veins. She didn't really understand why, but she passed it off. Rainbow laid back against the couch, slightly leaning against Applejack's hind legs, but AJ didn't seem to mind. The two were fairly quiet during the movie, laughing at the funny parts, slightly cringing but secretly enjoying the romantic parts, and overall just enjoying the movie. About halfway into it, Rainbow began to yawn more often than not, and finally Applejack spoke up. "You ain't gonna fall sleep on me, are ya?" "Psh, no. I got this," Rainbow replied, holding back yet another yawn. "Ah think you should go get your jammies on before you fall asleep." Rainbow didn't object; she was getting more and more tired, and it was only nine thirty. But, Rainbow is usually always tired anyways, so it wasn't that shocking. Rainbow went into the next room to change, leaving AJ alone with the movie. It had just gotten to the main romance scene of the movie, and the ponies on screen were... well... really getting into it. It reminded Applejack why she had invited Rainbow over in the first place. Yes, she wanted a sleepover with her friend, but now Applejack had a great opportunity to admit her feelings for Rainbow. She had been wanting to tell her for a long time, but now she was having a bit of trouble finding the right words though, and every time she was about to, a scene in the movie would interrupt and would throw Applejack off and had to start all over again. It was starting to really eat away at her. After about three minutes, Rainbow returned in her pajamas. They were the same design as a Wonderbolt outfit; the symbol designs even matched in positioning. The only real difference between these and a real uniform was that they looked a lot softer. AJ couldn't help but stare at Rainbow; she was really cute in them. "Um, AJ? Do you have a staring problem or...?" Rainbow asked, eyeing Applejack on the couch. It was obvious she was lost in some sort of trance. Applejack shook her head and looked away, hiding her blush. "A-Ah ain't got no problem. Ah was just waiting on ya to return is all." She quickly turned back to the movie and focused on that, and Rainbow sat next to her again, not leaning on her though. They continued to watch the movie- even all the sappy and really romantic parts. Through it though, Applejack couldn't really focus on anything but her own thoughts. 'Gosh darn it, Applejack, why'd ya have to go 'n stare at her like that?' she thought, feeling her face grow hot again. 'C'mon now, ya gotta tell her. Ya gotta tell her before it's too late.' Before they knew it, the movie was over. Rainbow was starting to get tired again; Applejack staring at her woke her up earlier. She stood up and stretched, as did AJ. "Hey Applejack, think it's time to head to bed yet?" Rainbow asked, "I think even you're getting tired by now." It was true. Applejack had been growing more and more tired for the past hour now, but she still hasn't told Rainbow... "Don't ya think you can stay up a bit longer, Rainbow?" Applejack asked, hoping she would get lucky. Rainbow let out a large, and rather loud, yawn, which gave AJ her answer. "Applejack, c'mon, why do you want to stay up still? It's near midnight. The movie was long and I'm tired. So are you. Let's go to bed. We still have the morning, right?" Applejack looked down, sighed, and nodded. "Now, where am I sleeping?" Applejack hadn't even thought about sleeping arrangements! Where would Rainbow sleep? Surely not out her on the couch like some castaway. Not Granny Smith's room, or Big Mac's. Applebloom's? No, she wouldn't be happy, even if it was just Rainbow. "Ah... guess my room with me. Unless you want me to sleep out here while you sleep in my room?" "Please AJ, I'm not that stingy." This made Applejack smile; this could work out after all. "Well c'mon then, Rainbow, Ah guess it's time to hit the hay." She led Rainbow up to her room. Applejack had a good size bed, so surely they would both fit and have ample room to sleep- even though AJ would rather have it much closer. "Which side ya want?" Applejack asked, jumping on to her bed. "I don't care. I just want to sleep." Rainbow said, jumping next to Applejack on the bed. She crawled up and laid face down in the pillow, her back to Applejack. Applejack laid on the pillow next to her, laying her back against Rainbow's, thinking about how she's gonna say this before Rainbow passes out. What if it was too late? Applejack spoke quietly, "Rainbow?" "H-huh?" said Rainbow, a bit groggily, "Need something AJ?" "Can I uh.. Can I.... Talk to you for a minute?" "Um... Sure. What about?" She turned over, facing Applejack and she did the same. They were face to face. "W-Well... I've been meaning to uh... Say something for awhile now." "Like?" Rainbow grew curious. "Y-you see... I..." Applejack sighs, not knowing how to say this. This wasn't a strong suit of hers, talking about feelings and such. She had the most beautiful mare in the world and her full attention right in front of her, yet she couldn't say hat she needed to. "Applejack," Rainbow says, putting a hoof on hers, "You know you can tell me anything. I'm your friend, right? It's what I'm here for." Applejack felt Rainbow's hoof on hers, and it lifted her a little bit, enough to get something out. "I-I like you...." Rainbow was silent; maybe she didn't understand? She tried again. "I really like you, Rainbow..." Applejack squeezed Rainbow's hoof to keep herself from stammering. "W-What exactly do you mean, AJ? Like... Fillyfriend like..?" Applejack looked down and nodded, showing how embarrassed she was with a deep red blush on her face now. Rainbow just smiled. "I totally knew it." Applejack's head shot back up to Rainbow's eyes. "H-Huh?" "AJ, I've known you liked me for a while now. I was just waiting on you to tell me." Applejack's heartbeat started to slow down and she started to relax a bit more. She knew; Rainbow already knew. "Why didn't ya tell me though? Would've made it a lot easier for me," asked Applejack. "True, but I know that the element on honesty couldn't keep a secret from anypony, even something like that. It was only a matter of time. I do appreciate you telling me though. You've got guts." Rainbow smiled at her, and she smiled back. "Now, how about we get some sleep?" Applejack yawned. "Sounds like a good plan to me, Rainbow." Applejack shut her eyes, about to go to sleep. All of a sudden, she felt hooves fall around her and a muzzle in her chest. Applejack opened up one eye to see Rainbow cuddled up to her, already asleep. She looked adorable. Applejack gently pulled her closer and held her, resting her head against Rainbow's. She soon fell asleep, smiling happily. > The Morning After > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The two mares slept well into the day. It was nearing noon before Applejack woke up. She opened up her eyes and, just like the night before, saw Rainbow still cuddled up to her, sleeping soundly. Applejack smiled lightly, then gave Rainbow's nose a small nuzzle. She didn't want to wake her up, so she didn't move until Rainbow woke up about ten minutes later. She woke up to Applejack's smiling face, and it made her smile. "Morning, Rainbow. Sleep well?" asked Applejack, still not drawing away. "I slept good; probably the best in a while. You?" "Better 'n usual." They didn't really want to, but they got up and stretched before heading down to the kitchen for food. "Sit and wait," Applejack said to Rainbow as she trotted into the kitchen, "Ah'm gonna whip up some pancakes for us. Least I could do since you're mah guest, right?" Rainbow went and sat at the dining table, watching Applejack cook their food. It didn't take long before a plate of pancakes were piled before Rainbow. "Wow, these look good!" Rainbow exclaimed. She took a bite, "They taste really good, too. Almost as good as Pinkie's. Who taught you how to cook?" she asked. "Believe it or not, Big Mac. Growing up, he used to have a passion for it, but has grown off of it in his later years." This made Rainbow laugh a little; the thought of Big Mac wearing a frilly apron, cooking food for his family. But, he taught Applejack well. Applejack made her own plate and the two ate all of the pancakes that were made. After they were done, Applejack rinsed off the dishes and went into the living room and sat down on the couch. Rainbow did the same, sitting and leaning against her. Applejack put a hoof around Rainbow and hugged her closer. "So what now? Are we..?" asked Applejack. "Do you wanna be?" Rainbow replied, turning to face Applejack. "Well... yeah. I think it'd be fun. I really do like you Rainbow." With this, Rainbow rested her head on Applejack's chest, sighing happily. "Then I guess it's official, huh? We're fillyfriends." Rainbow never thought she'd say that, at least with Applejack. Applejack never thought she'd hear that, either. What were they going to say to their friends? Will they accept it? Should they hide it? The two mares weren't really worrying about that right now though; all they wanted was to enjoy each others company. It was late afternoon before Rainbow and Applejack left Sweet Apple Acres. They were going to Twilight's castle for a meeting, and they were nervous about what they were going to say. Applejack was more nervous than Rainbow though, and it was up to her to calm her down. "Applejack, calm yourself, you're shaking the ground beneath you!" Rainbow said, putting a hoof on Applejack's back. The feeling of Rainbow's hoof calmed her down and she looked at her, sighing, "Ah'm sorry, just so nervous. I mean, they're our friends 'n all but..." "It's going to be alright, AJ. I promise. Do you trust me?" Rainbow tilted Applejack's face back up to hers, smiling, and it made Applejack smile too. "I trust ya, Rainbow." Rainbow gave her a kiss on the cheek and they continued to make their way to the castle. When they got there, all of their friends were already there, waiting on them. They had been waiting for close to an hour, wondering where the two were. When they finally entered the throne room, Twilight was the very first to speak. "Oh, finally you two are here. We've been waiting a while for you guys. Where were you?" Twilight asked as Rainbow and Applejack took to their thrones. The two looked at each other, then at their friends. "Are you gonna tell them, or am I?" asked Rainbow. "Tell us what, darlings?" Rarity asked. "Ooh! Is there a party?!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, jumping up in her seat. "Now calm down, y'all. Let me get to it." Applejack took a deep breath then said, "Me 'n Rainbow are fillyfriends." The room was silent; even Pinkie, the most flamboyant of the six, was at a small loss for words. Suddenly, she belted out, "Ha! You owe me twenty bits, Twilight!" "Wait what?" Rainbow asked. "I can't believe this," said Twilight as she levitated twenty bits to Pinkie from the other room. "Pinkie said that you two were gonna get together, and I didn't really think so. But, I guess I was wrong, huh?" "I think that's wonderful, dear! You two are definitely fit for each other," piped Rarity. "So adorable. You two will definitely be happy together," added Fluttershy. "I think a party's in order for the happy couple!" exclaimed Pinkie. "Woah now, let's not be blowing this up bigger than it has to be." Applejack said. "I'm down for a party, Pinkie." said Rainbow. That slightly irritated Applejack, but she reluctantly agreed to the party after that. At least her friends were accepting of the two, right? It's so common anymore that if two close friends start dating, or even two mares or colts for that matter, that it's frowned upon. Luckily, Applejack and Rainbow had really good friends that support them. Not everypony is lucky enough to have that. After the commotion died down, it was time to get to business. The six had a meeting about the supposed delegates visiting from Yakyakistan. After that, they dismissed themselves back to home, as it was late by the time it was over. Rainbow and Applejack, as expected, left together. They decided to take a walk before parting ways. The two eventually found a clear patch by a lake to rest at. They went and laid down next to each other, looking over the water. It was peaceful, quiet, a happy time. "Isn't it beautiful?" asked Applejack, looking over at her fillyfriend. "I can think of something more beautiful," replied Rainbow with a smirk. "Oh?" challenged Applejack, "Like what?" Rainbow gave a lustful smile. "Maybe you?" "Oh hush, Dashie," Applejack replied with a blush. She nuzzled up to Rainbow, continuing to look out over the lake. "Dashie? That's a new nickname." "Do you not like it?" Applejack asked. "Of course I do, Applejack," Rainbow replied. The two continued to rest against each other; the beginning of a beautiful relationship. "I'm so glad you finally told me you liked me, Applejack. I thought I'd have to eventually." "Well it wasn't easy. It wasn't my original intention of the sleepover, either. The opportunity was there and Ah took it. And Ah'm glad Ah did." Applejack met Rainbow's gaze, and Rainbow met hers. Applejack looked down. Butterflies were swarming in her stomach. How badly she just wanted to- Rainbow leaned in and kissed Applejack. She was shocked, yet relieved, as she accepted the kiss generously and closed her eyes. The two were locked together for a minute until Rainbow pulled away. "That was... amazing," Applejack said. "Get used to it, AJ. There's plenty more whenever you want," Rainbow replied, nuzzling back up to Applejack. The two looked back over the lake, just in time to see the sun set over the horizon. It was beautiful; the two mares agreed on that. They both knew they had to go soon, but they couldn't pry themselves away from each other. It was definitely love holding them together, and plenty of that was present this night.