Applejack knows that Rarity had a rough foalhood, and an especially rough love life. That's why she strives to give Rarity everything she desires, because that's what a marefriend does, right?

Then why was Rarity acting so strange?

Cover art by me, acting as a holder until I make a better one.
Proofread by Krickis

Rarity explains to Sweetie Belle what the Cutie Mark Crusaders saw when they walked in on her and Applejack.

It was totally innocent. Really!

There is now a Spanish translation of this story, courtesy of Spaniard Kiwi

After a surprising blizzard, Applejack awakes to a certain white unicorn calling her out the door. It's all for fun, right? So why can't Applejack stop blushing?

There is an invisible red thread that connects those who are destined to meet from the moment they are born. It does not matter of the time, the place, or their circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break...

The Red String was known to all of ponykind. When two ponies tied to each other by the red string finally met, they were inseperable. They lived long, fulfilling lives together, grew old, and hopefully, fell into eternal slumber soon after one another. Applejack and her lover were no different. At least...that was how it was supposed to be.

So what happens when soulmates are torn from one another far too soon?

This story is a sequel to The Fires of Friendship

Applejack is bitter about her lineage among the wealthy and sophisticated Oranges of Manehattan, who apparently abandoned her simple country family. Rarity is desperate to fit in with the urbane elites of the fashion world, even if it means disparaging and rejecting the Ponyville home she loves. On a trip to the big city for Equestria's famous Fashion Week, Applejack will teach Rarity to be honest and true to herself, and Rarity will show Applejack that a little generosity and forgiveness go a long way. Together, they will learn that each has exactly what the other needs to be complete.

This story is in the same continuity as "The Fires of Friendship," and I suppose it is a sequel of sorts, though there is no need to read that story first. More than anything, this story is birthday present for a dear friend, and a fun celebration of her favorite ship.

The cover art (also a birthday present for our mutual chum) is provided courtesy of superstar art sorcerer WizardWannabe.

Rarity and Applejack share a secret history: as fillies, they were the best of friends, until one terrible day soured their relationship for years to come. Forced back together by recent events and mutual friendships, they nevertheless cannot ignore the painful memories of all that went wrong. The past cannot be changed, but when Rarity and Applejack must work together to save their sisters from terrible danger, it just may be the case that a friendship once broken can be reforged in fire, and emerge from the flames stronger than ever before.

This story is a birthday gift from me and the illustrator, Harwick, to a very dear friend with a singular affection for Rarity and Applejack.

Applejack was happy for Rarity, she really was. Moving to Canterlot to pursue a rather unique oppurtunity made sense... but it didn't help her feel any less homesick. As Rarity works on special dresses for the biggest fashion show of the season, Applejack dreams of where the fields are, where the summers are wet and the winters clear.

Happy is she who knows the causes of things--and as Rarity begins to understand the underlying problems with Applejack's discontent, perhaps she can find the right words to say.

This story is a sequel to Little Gem

After months of waiting and anticipation, finally, the new beginning had struck. Rarity and Applejack were parents. Before, the very thought of such a thing was terrifying, but now... everything seems to fall into place.

Right from the start, their daughter was a miracle.

Little Gem was so darn popular, I figured I might as well publish this.

Rarity and Applejack never thought that they would ever pursue a romantic relationship together - they just seemed too different. Funny how they managed to click and last for this long.

Now happily married and expecting their first child, one night - Applejack catches her wife talking to their unborn filly. Somehow, both of their emotions are exposed and they might just learn that sometimes, going with the flow is easier than worrying.

This is for twilight-the-pony, 'cause he's cool and really likes my family drabbles and has been too nice for his own good. Also, feel free to check out the fanfic reading!

Twilight asks Celestia for romantic advice.

You know, for a friend.

There is now a Spanish translation of this story, courtesy of Spaniard Kiwi