Mid-May 1005 A.D.
The sun shown down on the land of Equestria merrily. Not a cloud was in sight, even as a light breeze tempered the spring warmth. The large orchards to the west of the small town shifted together in the wind, covered in green leaves and apple blossoms, promising a large harvest for the year.
An orange mare whistled happily as she trotted through the rows of trees. She pulled along a cart of tight mesh fencing, along with a large canister of homemade organic bug spray. There was a large red apple branded on the side of the can. The mare didn’t seem to feel the heavy weight she pulled, moving quickly along the lines and dropping off the supplies along with a light squirt of the spray to each trunk. She felt light as a feather as her heart sang.
What felt like seconds later, Applejack passed her brother who was still placing the wire netting around his set of trees. She flicked her tail with a large smile, pulling to a stop. “Well howdy Big Mac! Did ya want me to get them off yer hooves?”
The stallion frowned bemused at his sister. He looked up over the mare’s shoulder, noting the large swath of trees covered already. He looked back to the smaller pony, right eyebrow raised.
“Don’t ya worry none, Ah made sure it was done all proper like.” Applejack stuck out her tongue, the smile crinkle never leaving her face. “Did ya want mah help or not?”
“Eeenope.” Big Mac shook his head. He nudged the younger pony with his nose before continuing into the orchard.
“Thanks Big Mac, Ah’ll make sure to enjoy mah afternoon.” The orange earth pony answered with laughter in her voice. Content with the world around her, she put away the supplies and went to the kitchen of the farmhouse.
Inside was the oldest and youngest members of the Apple family. They were hovering over the oven, working together to make supper for the evening. Both had glanced up when they heard the door open. Apple Bloom brightened up and waved excitedly, while Granny Smith frowned in confusion.
“Now wha’ are ya doin’ ya whippersnapper?” The pale-green mare moved to stand on all four hooves, taking a step closer to her oldest granddaughter. “Ya can’t have gotten all dem trees covered befor’ them caterpillars come through.”
Applejack trotted up, giving her grandmother a loving nuzzle and a friendly noogie to her younger sister, meeting the stern orange gaze firmly. “You can betcha Granny. Got all mine done, an’ asked Big Mac if he needed help.” She shrugged, the smile never faltering. “He said he had it all under control.”
The older mare nodded, allowing her sights to grow warm. “Well then, yer gonna go enjoyin’ yerself in town?”
“If’in that’s alright with y’all…” The orange pony dipped her hat. When the matriarch agreed, Applejack’s smile grew larger with a blush that spread across her muzzle. “Well alrighty then. Ah’ll see y’all this evenin’.”
“Well ya don’t have tah feel like ya have tah come on home as soon as ya gotta,” the oldest winked. “Yer a grown mare now, if yer havin’ so much fun that yer’ll be late, then we’d want ya to be as happy as a hog in a mud pool.”
“Graaaaannnnnyyyy…” Applejack teasingly whined as the blush grew even stronger on her checks. She didn’t wait any longer for her family to try and embarrass her about wanting the afternoon to herself. She grabbed a wicker basket she had prepared ahead of time, along with special set of food and checkered blanket.
Soon, even as her ears burned, the orange pony packed the basket expertly, mind filling with the thought of a pair of sapphires that held hidden depths to them. She couldn’t help chuckling, already imagining the pleasant surprise she would find on the fashion designer. Setting out, the earth pony made a beeline for where the holder of her heart worked.
The whir of sewing machines thrummed through the shop. Sitting in the front section of the store was a young unicorn, drawing mindlessly while avoiding the large amount of motion coming from the upstairs workroom.
Inside the design room, cloths, ribbons and pins flew in the air, held there by a light blue hue. Lining the walls and scattered along the floor were piles of designs for every season, each having a specific theme. Magic created the fashion as fast as it was being drawn by the unicorn who sat at her desk, head resting on her hoof while she gazed out of the window towards the apple farm.
A series of knocks came from the front door. It opened from the other side, showing an older couple of unicorns holding one another’s hooves lovingly. The light gray stallion smiled under his brown mustache, eyes gazing adoringly to the light pink mare with purple and light purple beehive mane style who grinned back. Once inside, they looked about the room and zeroed in on the filly in the center.
Sweetie Belle saw the new arrivals and sat up, shouting over her shoulder. “RARITY! Mom and Dad are here!”
All noise from the second story came to a halt. “Oh! I’m upstairs! I’ll be just a minute!” A refined voice shouted in a controlled manner back down.
The parents chuckled and continued forward, pausing briefly by their youngest daughter.
“Well howdy do Sweetie!” Hondo Flanks pat his daughter’s head, glancing to the side where a large stack of suitcases waited. “Let’s go on up and see your sister huh?”
Cookie Crumbles tittered warmly. “Did you have a fun time hun?”
Sweetie Belle stood up and followed the two adults, smiling as she gazed at them. “Sure thing! Well, except that for the last week Rarity has been super busy and just worked…”
The couple laughed, scuffing their daughter’s mane and fur as they all traveled upstairs. They didn’t wait and entered the designer’s lair, with the youngest following anxiously behind them peering around their legs. Ponnequins lined the walls and made rows in the center of the room, draped with clothing, half-finished and finished, while some still had just pieces of fabric layered over top of them. Three sets of eyes took in the forests of papers then moved on to the light-gray mare herself who stood up, hoof going to her mane to curl it out of habit.
“Why hello mother! Father! And yes, hello to you too Sweetie Belle. It is simply marvelous to see you today!” Rarity moved forward, magically lifting and stacking the hundreds of designs as she waded through the mess. She gave each family member a peck on the cheek once she was within range. “I do hope your vacation was relaxing. You may have noticed, but I’ve simply been overwhelmed with motivation and inspiration!” The tailor waved a hoof to the rest of the room, earning another chuckle from her parents.
“Sure did hun!” Hondo grabbed the oldest daughter and pulled her into a tight one limbed hug. “It was swell of you to watch your sister while we were gone. Especially with so much work!”
Rarity giggled lightly, waving a hoof dismissively. As each second passed, the married ponies focused more and more of their attention on their oldest daughter who willingly remained in her father’s grasp. Sweetie Belle had edged around the grownups and began inspecting each piece of work with Rarity watching bemused.
“Rarity, you doing ok there hun?” Cookie edged into the sapphire orbs line of sight, concern frown obvious on her face.
“Whatever do you mean mother?” The fashion mare gently pulled out of the stallion’s hug and started to cast little tidying spells to clean the rest of the room. “Aside from being a touch peckish, I feel marvelous!”
The couple shared a silent conversation that ended up stalemate with no other information to go on. Giving up, they waved for their youngest girl to come back to their side.
“Well alrighty then Rarity. We’ll be getting out of your mane.” Hondo smiled, wrapping his hoof around Sweetie Belle instead. “You have a great day, you hear?”
The oldest mare trotted up and gave the fashionista a loving kiss on the cheek. “Feel free to drop by anytime!”
Rarity beamed at her family, escorting them to the front door. “Of course! You as well! Ta ta!” She waved a handkerchief to the three ponies as they moved along, humming peacefully under her breath. She slowly leaned into the wooden frame, mind flashing to another time, another evening, where a different pony was saying goodbye. She felt a ghostly sensation of a kiss on her forehead and chuckled.
“My darlin’ better not think of getting away with that kind of goodbye each time.” The unicorn shook her head amusedly. Standing up, forcing limp legs to function, she was about to turn around and go back inside when a special voice sent a jolt of warmth to her center.
“Well howdy sugarcube. Fancy meeting ya here.”
The light gray mare turned in place, smile stretching across her muzzle. Her heart sang as it raced, limbs losing what strength they had. An orange earth pony, wearing a brown stetson and a picnic basket on her back, strode up confidently.
“D-darlin’! I wasn’t expecting to see you today!” Rarity waved a hoof to the inside of her home, blush staining her cheeks.
Applejack laughed, throwing her head back. “As if ya don’t see me near about every day since we went campin’!”
The unicorn’s eyes traced along the muscles that stretched with the motion. She gulped silently, walking backwards as she couldn’t tear her eyes from the vision in front of her.
The farm mare continued chuckling as she followed her marefriend inside. She reached behind her with her back leg, shutting the door once they were both in. The sound caused the fashion designer to blink in surprise, giving the orange pony the opportunity to rush forward, sneaking a chaste kiss on the unicorn’s cheek.
“Sure hope yer hungry.” Applejack backed up, face flushing. Her pulse was in overdrive, even though she had already visited several times since their date at the restaurant. “Ah thought we might like to… go for a nice little picnic in the park?”
The fashionista blinked in surprised, brows twitching for a second. When she registered the suggestion, she fluttered her eyelashes, leaning towards the solidly built pony. “Why darlin’, that sounds lovely. I was just beginning to grow peckish myself.”
Orange cheeks burned even darker. “W-well, Ah came at jus’ the right time then.”
“That you did, sweet, that you did.” Rarity turned, flicking her tail teasingly along the freckled cheek. “Would you mind following me upstairs? I believe I left my latest sunhat in my workroom.”
The unicorn trotted up the staircase, allowing her tail to swing freely along with her flanks, peeking around her shoulder with teasing eyes. The dumbfounded, open-mouth stare on the orange mare pleased the designer. Rarity felt another rush of heat surge through her, and she made sure to slow her steps even further. “Coming along darlin’...?”
“S-sure thin’ sugarcube…!” Applejack had a false start as her gaze was focused on the sight before her, but managed to follow at a distance, keeping a steady pace even with the unicorn’s efforts to distract her.
Rarity’s brows twitched at this but she calmed herself, assured her charm worked and merely needed to give it time. Together, the two stepped up into the workroom, the designer’s gaze sweeping over everything in search of her hat while the farmer’s switched from watching the unicorn to staring amazed at the amount of work done.
“Golly Rare, if ya have a bunch of work to do, Ah’d understand.” Applejack glanced to the other mare and found a warm smile waiting for her.
The light-gray mare, floating her hat over from where it sat on the shelf, smiled, lashes fluttering once more. “Tish-tosh, I merely have been inspired to create by a lovely new development in my life darlin’...” She moved towards her marefriend, sashaying her hips. “I don’t suppose you’ve had a similar occurrence happen to you…?”
The apple farmer tilted her head with a grin. “Why, Ah do believe Ah have. And wouldn’t ya know it, she’s the prettiest mare in the country…”
The unicorn blushed and stretched her neck forward with a soft aw. The other mare also reached forward, eyes half-closed. Rarity closed her eyes as the two came closer, her fur giving a tiny shiver at what she hoped would take place. More trembles erupted when she felt the other’s muzzle stop just as the two noses touched. She went still as the orange pony nuzzled her. Sapphire orbs snapped open to find the other mare still smiling.
“Do ya got yer hat now?” Applejack pulled back, center full of heat while her mind shouted at her for being so public with her affections. “Ya ready to go?”
The fashion mare blinked rapidly, snorting out the heat she felt that wasn’t satisfied by the nose nuzzle. Shaking her head, mane flinging about, she put her hat on, beaming to her mare. “Uhm, yes, of course darlin’.”
The couple shared a blushing grin and trotted out. Applejack paused by the doors, allowing the more delicate mare to exit first. Each time she did so, she received an extra wide smile. The orange mare adjusted her hat, feeling her cheeks stretch from the amount of smiles she wore that day.
Together, they walked side by side to the park, greeting the other citizens as they passed them. It wasn’t hard to find the ‘perfect’ spot to set up, even as Rarity played difficult by finding ‘faults’ with each location. The farmer merely chuckled and continued suggesting places, taking no offense to each comment.
“Oh, no, darlin’, that spot has simply too many rocks…!”
“Right, right.”
“Dear, that one is too cold, simply too much shade!”
“Right ya are sugarcube, right ya are…”
“Oooh, no no not here! Why, there are simply too many blades of grass to be comfortable!” Rarity flung her head back, hoof to her temple. She peeked out of the corner of her eye with a glint of teasing in the depths.
Applejack bent her foreleg while sweeping her other leg to the proposed site. “But what if Ah laid out this very handy blanket that will prevent that there grass count from disruptin’ yer meal today?”
In seconds, the earth pony flung out the blanket, using her strength and skill to snap it in place expertly. The spot was in a far corner of the park, well down the path and away from the busy playgrounds and favored benches.
Rarity held a hoof to her mouth, covering over her laughter at the act. She waved to the pony daintily, gaze twinkling. “So gallant, darlin’.”
The two mares sat facing one another with the wicker basket set between them. The purple tail swished when the unicorn took note of the distance. The motion went unnoticed by the earth mare who was digging into the basket to pull out various apple themed treats. While they started to enjoy the meal, both using their hooves to eat, Rarity coughed lightly, drawing the other mare’s attention.
“Darlin’, I do appreciate this gesture, but I have to wonder, did you have more planned?”
“Well, Ah-Ah didn’t have much planned aside from our last big ol’ date…” Applejack scratched the back of her head bashfully. “Ah’m… Ah’m just so happy ya said yes, Ah didn’t think o’ much more than that.”
The fashion mare leaned closer, brushing her cheek against her marefriend’s with a large smirk. “You’re so sweet darlin’.” Moving back, she locked eyes with the other pony. “How about what most would consider a ‘normal’ date? We are both rather busy mares after all. Even just spending time together can be just as satisfying.”
Applejack sat frozen as the other pony shifted to press up against her. Heat blazed from where they touched. The light-gray mare rolled onto her side until her back was against the orange side, and placed her head on the muscled forelegs that were stretched out before her. Tilting her head, Rarity looked at the stiff neck and muzzle that looked back down to her.
“Ya… Ya think so…? Whelp, we… we could uh, spend more time together in… in a couple of days.” The green orbs moved along the lithe form even as the farm mare kept her head in one place, tilted straight down to look at the unicorn. “That way we have all our chores all done in time..”
“Oh…? Any ideas darlin’ of what we would do...?” Rarity moved her right hoof along the right side of the orange pony, smirk widening at the chills she caused on the way. “Perhaps something in town?”
The farmer slowly nodded, gulping noiselessly. Her mind scrambled to think of potential dates. It came up blank as sapphire orbs stared up at her. “Ah… Ah’ll think of some later… We could… just enjoy our food here… Meet up… uh, here…? In a couple of days…”
“That sounds rather nice indeed…” The unicorn magically levitated over an apple tart, floating to the orange muzzle that had turned almost completely red. “Would you like a bite?”
The orange farm mare nodded again, mouth opening enough to grab a bite. The tart levitated up, with a magical force field to prevent crumbs from falling onto the mare just below. As the earth pony ate, the treat turned about, giving the unicorn a chance to eat some of it as well.
The couple shared every piece of the picnic. The evening was just starting when they finally finished the impromptu meal. Rarity continued to lay against the other mare, staring upwards expectantly. Applejack reached out a hoof and encircled the mare, pulling her tightly against her side and nuzzling the thin neck. She managed to hide her soft whine of desire in the pale-gray fur.
“That was… a nice meal sugarcube. Sure was a different way to eat.” Applejack cleared her throat. “But we can’t be spendin’ the whole day runnin’ from our chores.”
“Aww, must we part ways darlin’?” Rarity completely turned in place, burying her face into the strong orange chest and wrapping both hooves around her mare. “I don’t want toooo!”
The farmer laughed, starting to stand up while holding her marefriend. The unicorn squeaked at being held entirely off the ground and watched amused as the farm mare packed away the basket. Once that was done, the earth pony loosened her grip, signalling for the mare to take to her own hooves. With a sigh, the tailor complied.
“Sorry Rares, ‘fraid we can’t. No matter how much… either of us wants to stay like this.” Applejack held out her hoof for the other to grab. Once they were ready, the couple set out back to town, not caring who noticed.
Rarity felt another pang of disappointment when her boutique came into sight. Soon I won’t even want to go home! She laughed in her mind at the thought. She leaned lovingly against the earth pony when they came to a stop in front of the purple door. Stepping back, she tried again to flutter her lashes at the other mare.
“Thank you for walking me back dear. So kind of you…”
The apple farmer tipped her hat. “Ain’t no problem sugar, it’s all mah pleasure.” She gave the waiting unicorn a peck on her cheek. “Ah’ll be seein’ ya in three days then.”
The fashionista’s eyes blinked rapidly once more. Her mouth dropped open as she watched the orange pony turnabout and leave. I can’t believe it! She-she did it again! What does a mare have to do to get one of those lovely kisses?! She frowned determinedly. I will get it next time!
Applejack’s muzzle felt like it was on fire. She pushed her hat down on her head as she speedily trotted out of town. Can’t believe…! Can’t be right, giving those kinds of kisses so-so early when yer dating! The farmer didn’t acknowledge the rest of the population as she was lost in her own little world. Ah shouldn’t have k-kissed her like that before! What do Ah do, what do Ah do…!?
The farmhouse soon came into view, sending a spark of hope through the orange chest. “Maybe Granny knows…?” Nah. She was already teasin’ me somethin’ fierce jus’ about goin’ out. Ah’ll wait and try to figure it out myself. She stepped inside the house, silently greeting the other members who were gathered in the living room.
“Hey there sugar pie, how was yer afternoon?” Granny Smith watched the mare closely, teasing glint obvious in her gaze.
Green orbs circled in place. “Ah had a nice time. Did y’all need any extra help with supper time?”
“Ah dun tol’ ya to enjoy th’ whole day! Ya gotta spend as much time with yer special pony as ya can befor’ it’s too late!” The elder sat up, tone and face growing serious for a second before going back to playful. “When we gonna met th’ apple of yer eye anyhow?”
Applejack reared back with a heavy blush while her siblings coughed in surprise. “Now hold on there Gran! Ah-Ah never said Ah had-”
“Ya don’t have tah say! Plain as ah a pear on a apple tree ya had someone come intah yer life.”
The orange pony glanced between her family members who eyed her curiously. Without a word, she took the picnic basket off her back and plopped down, shoving the stetson down her face. “We… We only just got together Granny, Ah wanted to make sure it grew strong before tellin’ y’all…”
Big Mac shook his head bemused and trotted up to his sister, nudging her with his nose. He waited until the unsure green orbs met his own and smiled gently.
“Yer… yer right Big Mac. We’re all family, and if’in sh-they want to be a part of mah life, they’ll have to meet y’all sooner before later.” Applejack nodded, brushing her hat and bangs back with a timid smile.
“Tha’s right. We’ll make sure to have some o’ them apple turnovers Rarity seems tah like.” Granny Smith stepped off her armchair and headed for the kitchen, smirk wide.
Applejack stood stock still eyes wide and mouth dropped open. Her fur stood on end as her ears tingled painfully. Big Mac chuckled as he passed his sister, nudging the youngest to the dining table. The mare took the time to take a few deep breath and calm her nerves, even as fire and ice seemed to pump through her body. What do Ah do, what do Ah do… Ah’ll wait to ask. Get Rare over here, visitin’ then Ah’ll ask. Yeah… After we’ve got a few dates under our belt, Ah’ll ask fer advice...
Rarity felt her hooves practically float along the ground as she finished the last of her latest designs. It took a constant stream of work, but at last, she had caught up and even a little ahead as her inspiration ran it’s course. She gazed at each piece lovingly, reaching out to adjust a bow here and a line there, but found very little to complain about.
And now I get to spend the rest of the day with my MAREFRIEND! Eeeee! The dainty unicorn squeed, prancing in place. Why, she should be here any- a chime over the front door cut off her thought, while a southern drawl sent shivers down her back.
“Rarity? Ya here?”
“Upstairs darlin’!” She called back, floating a cover over her designs. She waited with bated breath as the heavy footsteps echoed up her staircase. “Come into my workroom darling, I simply must show you something.”
The sight of a brown stetson surprisingly reassured the fashion mare instead of the once-usual cringe. Once the farmer was fully inside the room, she rushed up, nose outstretched as she greeted her marefriend.
“Afternoon darlin’...”
Applejack moved her own muzzle closer, stopping just before they would kiss and instead brushed her face alongside the other’s in a loving caresse. “You seem mighty pleased sugarcube.”
“That would be because I am pleased. I get to spend my afternoon with a very lovely mare, indulging in every couple’s favorite activity-” Rarity inched closer, mouth right beside the orange ear as she spoke the last word in a whisper. “-‘cuddling’.” She watched satisfied as a tremor raced across the muscular back. “But first! I must show you what three hard, laboring, harrowing days of work has brought forth!”
The apple farmer shook her head to clear it from the whisper only to stare bemused when she began to describe the last few days. With a flair of blue magic, the unicorn lifted off the covers in a flourish. The less fashionable pony whistled, impressed.
“Golly Rares, ya sure outdid yerself.”
Every set of clothing followed a seasonal pattern, though it was from a more country perspective than what the tailor normally did. A line of three spring-like clothes sat, with short sleeves and light fabric pants. Their colors based mostly on emerald green, yellows and oranges, they were just what the average country mare needed for the start of the growing season. They even had fashionable cowpony hats, their main colors and encircling ribbon matching the clothes. The summer designs focused on bright orange, apple red and cool blue. The hats that went with them had a wider brim though they remained still serviceable for worker ponies. For the fall, pale-grays were mixed expertly with shades of orange, red and green.
“Thank you darlin’, thank you. Your praise is very appreciated…” The fashionista leaned into the other mare, eyes closed as her core warmed at the words. “Especially as I know fashion isn’t ‘your thing’.”
“Guess it kinda is now, since we’re datin’ and all.” Applejack nuzzled the top of the purple mane before straightening with a cough. “So, uh, did ya want to head out now for that there cuddlin’?”
Rarity smiled with a shake of her head at the action. “I do believe I would. After you darlin’.”
Applejack held out her hoof once more and waited until a light gray one held on softly before moving for the door. Together, they trotted through town, though as the crowds grew heavier they had to release their grip to have room to walk unhindered. Curious, they followed the other citizens and found Twilight standing on a bridge support.
“Now what in tarnations?” Adjusting her hat briefly, the apple seller glanced to her marefriend, gaze questioning.
“Yes, I suppose we must find what all the hullabaloo is about…” Rarity studiously ignored the chuckles her word choice received and followed a few paces behind the orange pony as they came closer to the commotion.
“... no laughing matter! We have a crisis on our hooves!” Twilight brushed off the mask and continued on. “I’ve just been visited by myself from the future.”
The farmer sighed. “Shucks, guess we ain’t getting our day together… Sorry Rare.”
“It’s quite alright Applejack darlin’... It can’t be helped. We better offer our services…” The tailor nuzzled under the orange chin before focusing on the purple unicorn standing above the crowd.
The duo waited in the crowd as their ‘leader’ gave various directions. Within seconds a young drake had jogged up, quill and parchment in claw. Spotting the lad, both mares internally flinched, for almost the same reason. But they made no comment to the boy, instead stepping up to the incredibly magical unicorn with playful salutes.
“What did ya want us to do Twilight?”
“Applejack! Rarity! Oooh, I hope you both can help!” The studious pony glanced over her list as she held a hoof to her chin in thought. “I was afraid your various jobs would keep you busy.”
“Eenope! Got the whole afternoon cleared.” The farmer held back a whimper at losing time with her new marefriend and smiled reassuringly.
“Great!” Twilight’s eyes lit up upon finding a certain item on the still being created list. “Applejack, I know you have a steady hoof and strong constitution; could you repair the Ponyville dam to the south? A pegasus just found several cracks along the outer wall.”
The apple farmer dipped her hat, about to respond when the pale-gray unicorn cut in with a wave of her hoof.
“Hold it! Repairing the dam?”
“Yes, that’s right.” Twilight nodded, unaware of the fashion pony’s plan.
“Working with cement? And other, disgusting things?”
“Uhmm, yes…?”
Two green orbs scrunched suspicious. They were met with a playful pair of sapphires as the unicorn continued.
“Well I cannot allow it! Not without my desperately needed help!”
“What?” Both Applejack and Twilight exclaimed, equally shocked.
“Why, it could solidify in Applejack’s mane! Absolutely cake her hooves! She would become frozen in place after such a messy and time consuming task!” The crowd had grown quiet at the commentary, curious to what would happen next.
“Rare, what are ya…?”
“Shush, darlin’, shush…” Rarity returning to standing upright after hushing the earth pony to smile widely at the other unicorn. “Well darling? Do you agree this is a task that only one such as myself can accomplish?”
“Uhh, sure Rarity. You can help make sure nothing gets stuck in Applejack’s fur or mane while she works on the more difficult tasks.” Twilight made a note on her list of ponies helping and continued to the next citizen, asking what they could in turn do.
“Rare, why did ya do that…?” Applejack asked once more as they trotted over to where a pink party pony was ladling out supplies.
“Isn’t it obvious darlin’? So I could spend more time with you today! I won’t let some measly disaster come between our moments together.” Rarity stuck her nose in the air, earning a soft laugh from her mare, as she queued up.
“She’s totally right! If you want to be together, you have to MAKE the time!” Pinkie’s higher pitched voice broke through the couple’s bubble, bringing them back to the task at hoof.
“Oh, uh, right, thank ya kindly Pinkie Pie.” The orange pony grabbed her stack, labeled neatly with her name, as she fought the blush spreading across her face.
The other, wilder, earth pony waved goodbye as the duo left. The rest of the day, no matter what task was given to the strong apple farmer, the fashionista found some excuse for why she had to accompany the mare. Their friends were bemused at how closely glued they were to one another’s side. This only came to a head after Cerberus was returned to Tartarus.
-NSSSL-
“I’m telling you, I saw them!” The husky voice cracked while blue hooves pushed back the rainbow strands of fur.
The purple and yellow mares tilted their heads while frowning in confusion. The last mare bounced rapidly in place, her pink mane poofing crazily. The cobalt pegasus floated in the air, scuffing her mane into more of a mess.
“I’m not sure Rainbow Dash…” Twilight glanced to her own marefriend.
Pinkie shook her head as she bounced up and down. “Nooooope, nopie noopie nope nope nope! They’re sooooo totally in love!”
“Oh, uhm, I-I-I don’t know…” The timid pegasus hid behind her mane, an action that froze the brasher pegasus.
The couple tried to share a silent conversation only to have it break down in giggles on the pink earth pony’s part. The librarian slumped forward with a half-grin. She reached out, nosing the pink chest. “I can’t understand what you were trying to say sweetheart… But I’ll trust you.”
Rainbow Dash nodded happily, jabbing a hoof to the other believer. “I’m telling you! It was them in the park, uh, cuddling.”
Twilight held up a hoof. “Ok. So what if they were?”
The group went silent as they looked at the rainbow maned pony. She in turn shrugged.
“Well, then they should finally just tell us instead of all this sneaky stuff! None of us mind that kind of thing, why aren’t they telling us?” Rainbow crossed her hooves sullenly. The others slowly nodded, setting the blue pegasus at ease. “So I say we go and ask them directly. Right now!”
Twilight and Fluttershy sighed with a small slump. They resignedly stood up to follow the speedster. Pinkie Pie hopped up with a flare of her hooves, her smile growing extremely wide.
-NSSSL-
The earth pony sighed pleasantly as she held her mare with her front hooves. The duo laid on the checkered blanket, their muscles sore from working so hard that day. The unicorn cast another heat spell on specific locations on both of their bodies, making both exhale in relief as it helped them. She then snuggled closer in the embrace, eyes shut, as her nose found the underside of the apple seller’s chin.
“Ah sure am glad ya found a way tah be with me all day.” The low rumble made the pale-gray mare shiver pleasantly; an action that was taken for being cold as the farmer tightened her hold, resting her chin on top of the perfectly coiffed mane.
“Believe me darlin’... It was all my pleasure.”
The two drifted off, the wind providing a soothing lullaby. Suddenly it picked up into a gust, ruining the purple mane style and blowing the brown stetson away.
“What in the hay…?” Applejack muttered, her gaze half-opened to protect against the rush of wind, as she clung to the unicorn who wailed in despair.
“That’s what we want to know!” Rainbow Dash’s voice came from above the relaxing mares. “You got something to say about this-this uh -this!” She waved to the two laying down as she remained in the air.
The couple glanced between each other, barely noting the arrival of the rest of their friends. Rarity booped her mare’s nose with a smile. Applejack tilted her own head with a smirk.
“We’re laying here, tryin’ to relax after a hard day o’ work.” The apple seller joked loud enough for the whole group to hear.
The unicorn laughed lightly as she breathed in her marefriend’s scent. Turning her head, she spoke loud enough for everyone to hear without issue while keeping her fancy tone.
“Something that we are doing to make up for spending the whole day working instead of going on a date like we had originally planned.” Rarity looked at the lavender pony with a small smile. “Though considering why, we aren’t complaining darling. Merely catching up on lost time.”
The group stayed silent, gazes wide as they took in the scene and what the new couple just stated. The brash pegasus especially seemed surprised, floundering briefly before shrugging non-committedly.
“Alright. Thanks for clearing that up.” Everypony stared with a brow raised at the blue mare. “What? I just wanted to know. Though it would have been nice if you told us sooner.”
The newer couple laughed, beginning to stand up once more.
“Gosh Dash, if’in we knew that we needed tah update ya with every little bit of news, we’d have told ya sooner.” Applejack swatted at the blue limb, earning a half-hearted grumble from the pegasus.
Rarity tittered lightly. “We’ve only recently started dating darling; we would have told everyone in time.” The unicorn kept a firm grip on the orange hoof that helped her into a standing position. “Was there anything else in particular you girls wanted to talk about?”
The rest of the friends glanced between one another, unsure. They took turns shrugging. Rainbow in particular smirked to the farmer, winking suggestively. Applejack laughed at the action.
“Well, if y’all are done, then it sure would be nice tah spend the rest of our evenin’ relaxin’ together.” The farmer beamed at her special somepony who cooed in return.
“I’m good.” Dash floated upside down, hooves loosely crossed as she became dispassionate about the situation. Fluttershy smiled bemused at the other pegasus before looking back to her friends, shaking her head no.
“We’re good! Just got to plan the ‘congratulations on getting together’ party!” Pinkie flung a hoof around her marefriend’s neck, pulling her close. “Ready to go my little star?”
Twilight murmured her agreement while the others groaned playfully at the party reasoning. They waved farewell, not delaying their departure any longer. Once the two mares were alone, the apple farmer leaned close to the other mare, whispering into the light-gray ear.
“Well, that went pretty well. Ah don’t suppose… Ya’d want to visit the farm an’... officially meet mah family?”
Rarity held her free hoof to her mouth, eyes twinkling. She levitated the brown hat from where it had blown away with half a thought, plopping it onto the blonde strands. “Awww, darlin’, that’s so sweet! Of course I’d love to officially meet them. Why, I must find the perfect time for you to come and visit mine!”
The orange pony chuckled, moving to hug the other pony as they both stood on their back legs. Rarity blushed, eyes shuttering to half mask as they focused on the mouth that opened to laughingly respond.
“Oh, that easy huh? An’ what, it’ll be in a couple o’ months then?” The farmer inched down, face turning red. “We ain’t even set up our next date yet.”
“And have you decided on anything yet… darlin’?” The fashion designer murmured, inching ever closer to her target. Almost there… Almost, just a little closer darlin’...
“Well, how about we go for a movie?” Applejack spoke softly, leaning the rest of the way to land a peck on the pale-gray forehead. “Maybe a meal after?”
So close! “Of… of course darlin’! That sounds just lovely.” Rarity’s grin wavered as her heart plummeted at the missed opportunity. The continued nuzzling she received helped assuage her hurt feelings as the orange mare half-combed the purple bangs with her nose. “Hmm, just lovely…”
The earth mare laughed at the pleasure she heard in the statement, even as she had to support more of the unicorn’s weight. “A-Alrighty… If yer ready to go, we can have supper at my-... my place.” She ducked her head, settling it under the limp light-gray chin. “Except that yer’ll need tah walk there…”
Rarity raised a brow at this statement, and flung a hoof to her temple. “Oh? But I simply can’t hold myself up any longer!” The dramatic mare went entirely limp, letting gravity take full hold and trusting the other pony to hold her.
The surprised farmer exclaimed at the sudden weight and scrambled to keep her marefriend from hitting the ground. Sighing at the action, she shifted the mare in her hooves so that she was draped across her back, checking that the unicorn was secure by touching Rarity’s right hoof with her left one. Applejack smirked to the mare on her back, meeting shocked sapphires with confident emeralds.
“Betcha didn’t think Ah was gonna do it, did ya?” The orange mare chuckled, shifting in place to make sure her cargo was all settled. “Let’s get goin’ for a good ol’ Apple Family meal!”
As soon as the pair began to move, the fashionista squeaked in concern. She moved further to rest more aligned with her carrier, wrapping both forelegs around the strong orange neck and squeezing. Applejack laughed at the feeling.
“What? Think Ah’m gonna drop ya?” She leaned back, touching the pale cheek with her muzzle briefly before focusing on the path in front of them. “Ain’t never letting you down, ya bet mah life on it.”
“Darlin’, I would never bet your life. I would much rather have you to myself for the duration…”
The couple shared soft laughter as they traveled around the edge of the town to the farmland to the west. The closer they got to the red building, the more embarrassed the unicorn got. She wiggled on the solid back, releasing her grip around the neck.
“Rares…?”
“Applejack, darlin’, I appreciate the measure you are willing to go on my behalf, but I really feel that,” the mare slid down the orange side, causing both to shiver at the feeling, “if I’m to meet them as your special somepony, I should do it on my own four hooves.”
The apple seller gazed approvingly to the other pony as she watched her passenger get down. She waited until the unicorn was steady on her hooves before starting forward once more. Rarity silently thanked her marefriend and followed along, sticking close to the muscular side.
When they reached the doorway, Applejack didn’t pause, striding forward with a call to the rest of her family. “H-Howdy Apple Family!” The two mares stopped just inside the door. The blonde mare continued, holding up a hoof that was soon covered by a pale-gray one. “Ah would like you to meet my-my special somepony, Rarity.”
Granny Smith was in front of the couple in a flash, moving fast for a mare her age. Hooves out, she squashed the light-gray’s cheeks. “Why, ain’t you the prettiest apple in the orchard! Ah bet ya jus’ snatched up my little granddaughter quick as a whip!”
Big Mac and Apple Bloom were a little slower, but stepped beside the elder nonetheless. Rarity tried to smile around the hooves.
“Oh, well, yes, I suppose you could say it like that… Eh heh heh…” Wide blue eyes sought out a savior in embarrased green. Luckily, the message was received.
“G-granny Smith! Please-”
“Don’t ya worry none sugarpie! Ah wouldn’t want tah hurt ya little sweetheart none.” The elder released the unicorn, patting her solidly on the head. “Yer gonna need tah toughen up sweetpea!” She rubbed the purple mane while the target tried to keep smiling. She leaned into the tailor, nudging her with her much thinner forelimb. “Mah little sugarpie can be tough when she needs tah, betcha already found that out eehh?”
Both mares froze in place while Applejack’s siblings tried to keep in their laughter. The couple both turned almost as red as the stallion. The pale-green mare didn’t seem to notice, continuing on happily as she towed the unicorn to the kitchen.
“Ya can bet yer best ten gallon fancy sun hat that we Apples have ah way wit’ our relationships.”
The blonde earth mare felt her stomach hollow out.
“Why, Ah remember when mah sweet little Johny Appleseed first asked me to ah night on th’ town! Boy howdy did we take it by storm! We were as ornery as two dogs first meetin’!”
Now the entire rest of the family shared the same flush of red. Both older siblings were whining for their grandmother to stop while Rarity and the youngest Apple wore stiff uncomfortable grins. The oldest mare plopped the unicorn by the right seat next to the head of the table. She then grabbed the orange earth pony and sat her down on Rarity’s right.
“Ah ain’t askin’ wha’ y’all done so far, Ah jus’ need tah know when y’all plannin’ the weddin’. We got a lot o’ Apples tah invite fer it!”
Applejack choked on her pleads. Her brother also went silent, eyes bulging out. She leaned over the table, smacking her chest to clear her throat while her mind screamed out. Rarity’s smile was blown away, turned into a frown of fear as she patted her marefriend, ears burning.
“D-darlin’...?”
“Ah’m-Ah’m ok sugarcube, Ah’m fine…!” Applejack sat up, glaring to the matriarch. “Granny Smith, tha’ ain’t any way to-to talk to a-any guest! An’-an’-an’ Ah’m gonna ask tha-that ya don’t talk to my-my special somepony like that!”
The pale-gray mare held both hooves under her chin, eyelashes fluttering. “Awww, darlin’!”
Granny Smith was similarly impressed, sitting back with both hooves crossed in front of her. “An’ that’s mah granddaughter! Alrighty young’un, since ya asked so nicely even when yer brother, sister an’ ya don’t usually ask me tah stop anythin’.” She challenged the siblings, a single brow raised. None of the others would meet her eyes, save for the blonde mare who continued to stare down the grandparent. Granny Smith smugly turned to the fashion designer, pointing to her with hoof. “An’ tha’s how ya know she really cares about ya lil’ missy.”
Applejack ducked her head, wondering how she could possibly feel her face burn for so long. She held both hooves over her eyes and muzzle, unable to look at the tailor after that sort of praise and embarrassment. Her frightened pulse slowed when she felt a gentle hoof rest on her elbow. Peeking out from heavy hooves, she found a pair of sympathetic eyes.
“Darlin’, don’t worry about a thing. I believe this is a common thing among family,” Rarity leaned closer, whispering, “I’m sure you will find a similar situation when you visit my family.”
The orange pony removed the hooves from her face, wrapping one of them around the reassuring gray one. Before she could reply however, the oldest mare cut in once more.
“Right about tha’ too, ain’t ya a smart cookie! Why Ah bet ya were expectin’ this next bit too!” The friendly tone lost all of its warmth with the next few statements as she leaned closer to the tailor. “If’in we ever hear ‘bout you hurtin’ our little Applejack, yer gonna find out jus’ how big an’ bad us Apples can be.”
Big Mac also moved closer, brows coming down over his now threatening gaze. “Eeeeyup.”
The two younger mares of the family stared in open mouthed shock at the display. Apple Bloom gulped nervously while leaning away from the large hulking mass of her brother. Applejack remained in place, dumbfounded. Until she felt a slight tremble from the purple maned mare beside her. Stiffening her resolve, the blonde sat up steadily, both hooves coming to rest on the table itself as she moved to be in between the dark glares and her special somepony.
“Granny Smith, y’all ain’t gonna go threaten MY special somepony, especially if Ah’m right here.” Applejack could feel the appreciation radiating from the mare beside her. “Ah thank ya for lookin’ out for me, but ya don’t need to do that.”
“Sugarpie, sweetie, yer can be sure as sugar Ah do need tah do this.” Granny Smith stared down the strong willed pony. “Ah need tah hear tha’ kind o’ strong wordin’ from Miss Rarity. When ya look a pony in th’ eye, when yer talkin’ ‘bout love, ya can see it in their pupils.”
The light-green mare refocused on the unicorn who swallowed at the steel hidden in the tangerine depths. Taking a deep breath, Rarity sat up, crossing her hooves politely on the table as she returned the stare.
“Ms. Smith-”
“Sweetie, call me Granny.”
“Granny Smith, I care very deeply for your granddaughter. There is NOTHING I wouldn’t do for her.” The fashion designer frowned sternly. “I appreciate the display of force, but even the threat of having the vast family of Apples against me couldn’t keep me from Applejack’s side.”
The room was silent after the bold declaration. Everypony stayed still, waiting to see who would move first. The oven timer rang out, startling the two Apple sisters while the three others merely twitched their ears at the noise. Suddenly Granny sat back, pleased smirk wide on her face while Big Mac relaxed back into his seat.
“Well ain’t that a mighty nice thin’ tah say. Applejack, why don’t ya go git supper? Should be all ready now, even them apple turnovers yer mare likes.” The elder waved towards the kitchen, waiting until the orange mare complied before turning back to the unicorn. “An’ while Ah could see ya meant every word ya said, ya gotta remember tha’ our little Applejack ain’t never dated a’fore. Yer’ll remember that when yer goin’ on dates, won’t ya?”
Rarity blushed, gaze turning to the table, as she nodded solemnly. Her eyes trailed after her marefriend, reflecting on everything the evening has displayed. The rest of the evening went much smoother for the couple. The fashionista almost thought it was water under the bridge until she noticed the slight tremble under the earth pony’s muscles. She refrained from commenting on it, waiting for when the duo walked back into town, away from the prying eyes of the Apple family.
The evening was warm but that didn’t prevent either mare from walking close to their special somepony. The tremor was gone from the apple seller, but she seemed more distant, lost in thought. Something the designer was going to rectify.
“Something on your mind darlin’?”
“Hmm? What ya say sugar? Didn’t catch that.” Green orbs slowly swirled over to meet bemused blues.
“Is there something on your mind? Some particular thought you would like share with the world, or at least, with your special somepony?” Rarity leaned into the muscled form.
Applejack slowed down, biting her lip thoughtfully. “Ah… Ah’m… sorry ya had to sit through all that this evenin’. Ah wasn’t expecting them to go all protective of me…”
“Oh darlin’... That’s what family do for one another.” The unicorn nuzzled the bright red cheek. “Quite normal. Especially for a family with a bond as strong as yours.”
“Well, maybe… ‘Cept Ah’m usually the one protectin’...” The earth pony scratched the back of her head.
“Yes you are…” Rarity stopped the mare with a gentle hoof to her shoulder. “But you needn’t protect everyone by yourself. That’s what family… and special someponies… are for.” She drew her mare closer, rubbing her cheek along the orange muzzle. She felt the other shake her head slowly, leaning into the slimmer tailor.
“Ah… Ah don’t know Rares. Ah just get this feelin’ like… Ah ain’t doing right by ya by lettin’ mah family grill ya. Or uh, somethin’...” Applejack couldn’t look the other in the eye, instead focusing on the buildings on their right.
The pale-gray mare felt her heartbeat stop at the uncertainty in the usually confident mare. Using as much strength as she could, Rarity pulled the blonde mare to face her straight on, staring deep into the emerald orbs.
“Applejack, you are not always the one responsible for everything! It takes both parties to make something happen.” The fashion designer pulled her mare closer, gaze growing sterner. “That’s why some of the best things comes from ponies in love.”
The farmer couldn’t speak as the care and affection she found in the bright blue eyes shone stronger than ever. And the two hooves that were now on either side of her face prevented a lot of movement. It also became difficult as they came closer, the undertone in sapphire blues turning triumphant as they closed. Both mares felt heat sear from their centers, broiling up their necks to where they touched, muzzle to muzzle.
Rarity sighed, relieved and pleased, as she tasted apple and sugar from their meal in the mouth of her mare. She adjusted her head for better room as she prolonged the kiss, shifting her hooves down to enwrap the strong neck. For a brief nanosecond, she wondered if she lost her touch, as the earth pony hadn’t moved aside from tilting her head the opposite way. This was dispelled when she felt the orange barrel expand while Applejack snorted out of her nose warmly.
Accepting the heat that burned away her doubts and even normal conscious thought, the blonde earth mare inched her way forward, making the duo stand more on their hind legs as she allowed her forehooves to roam down the unicorn’s back. When her lungs demanded proper amounts of air, she pulled back, sucking in a lungfull, before diving forward once more, almost crushing the unicorn against her. Rarity appreciated the gesture, allowing her hooves to dangle off the broad shoulders as she enjoyed the embrace.
Finally, after their bodies had accumulated to the fire coursing through them, they pulled apart, breath uneven. While Applejack felt every iota of her energy return and then some, the unicorn felt sleepy as the warmth lulled her into a more relaxed state. She leaned into the proud, solid chest, eyes half closed as she traced little circles on the orange fur.
“Hmm, I suppose your grandmother was correct, you Apples certainly do move fast…” Rarity teased, still reeling from the kiss she finally received. Some of her relaxed state dissipated when she felt her marefriend’s breathing hitch nervously.
“Rare! Ah-Ah’m sorr- Ah didn’t mean to- to go that fast with ya! Ah won’t-”
“Don’t you dare say you won’t do it again!” The fashion mare straightened in place while the hoof that had been idly doodling turned into a sharp jab. “If it was not clear before, allow me to clarify! You have full permission to do whatever you wish, whenever you wish!” She moved in, nose touching the other’s, as her gaze sharpened. “Do you understand me?”
Applejack shortened the distance, closing her eyes as she initiated another kiss. She held it only for a few seconds but it was long enough for the majority of the unicorn’s anger to float away. “Yer… Yer real cute when ya get all flustered like that sugarcube…”
Rarity exhaled in a rush, eyes scrunching as she leaned back in. “You are very fortunate you are so cute darlin’...”
They shared another kiss, forgetting the outside world until the hoot of a night owl reminded them of where they stood. Breaking apart, they laughed at their own foolish antics and continued into town, trotting much closer to one another this time.
When they reached the boutique, the duo shared another kiss, relishing in the freedom of the embrace. Rarity brushed a hoof along the orange cheek, beaming.
“Darlin’, why don’t I arrange for you to meet my own parents tomorrow? If you could come by after your day?”
Applejack tilted her head, never moving so far as to remove the warm hoof touching her. “Really? Ya sure? Ah mean... Sure, Ah’ve got a bit ahead of mah work, but uh, if yer not busy…” She reached out her own hoof, pulling the pale-gray mare close by the waist. “Sure would be nice tah have an excuse to visit without somethin’ breakin’ in yer house.”
Rarity threw her head back in laughter, her hooves going to circle the orange mare. “Awww, but the door on the top floor has been making this dreadful noise as if I broke it off the hinges!” The two mares booped noses as they giggled, grins wide. “But honestly darlin’, I do mean it. Meet me back here after six thirty and we’ll go to my parent’s house.”
“Yeah? What if Ah came earlier? What’d we do then?” Applejack’s smirk turned almost sultry.
“I’m sure we can find something to do… Wouldn’t you say…?” Rarity smiled just as seductively, dipping closer, but stopping just shy of connecting.
The earth mare raised a challenging brow. Smiling, she inched closer, drawing out the time before they would embrace once more. Once the unicorn pouted, about to whine a complaint, she closed the distance, catching the mare with her mouth half open. Rarity paused in surprise, eyes flaring open at the deeper kiss, to instead lean into it, eyes shuttering close.
Once they stepped back, both had bright red muzzles with equally wide grins. “Ah’m sure we can find somethin’.”
The unicorn pecked her marefriend’s mouth and stepped back, hoof going to her mane and fussing with it. “Thank you for this evening darlin’. I had a lovely time. Especially after our last little talk about how close,” with the word, the mare inched closer and stole another kiss, “we can get.”
Applejack tipped her hat, blushing lightly. “Yer mighty welcome. Ah’ll… Ah’ll see ya tomorrow.”
“You will indeed darling. Have a nice night.” Rarity fluttered her lashes once more, staring with her head tilted. The earth pony blinked, her face especially neutral. As the fashion designer was about to drop her act with a sullen pout, Applejack broke out in a wide grin and complied with the silent request.
Parting at last, each mare couldn’t stop grinning widely. Rarity went to her room to ruminate on the occurrences of the day, with much rolling in bed and flinging of her hooves. The apple farmer however was on a mission. She had a few family members to talk to after all.
“Granny Smith! What in the hay was all that about?!” The orange pony stomped her hoof, glaring at the older pony. The target of the iron green stare was nonchalant.
“Ya ain’t never dated before sugarpie, EVERY new couple gets this kind o’ treatment.” Sharp orange orbs checked on the younger mare. “Ya ain’t been to Rarity’s family, have ya? Yer’ll find the same thin’ waitin’ for ya there.”
Big Mac nodded from where he sat on the couch beside the now very sleepy filly. Apple Bloom raised her head, eyes barely open.
“Does tha’ mean you or mom and dad had tah do that…?” The young girl’s words were slightly slurred by sleep, her eyes unable to stay open.
Applejack and Big Mac froze, gaze glued to the floor, the jovial atmosphere dispersing sharply.The elder earth pony smiled sadly, stepping over to the dozing girl and laid a hoof on her back.
“Ya can bet yer bottom bit they did. Yer grandda had to sit through ah speech a mile longer than wha’ yer sis’ special pony got.” Granny Smith lifted up the youngest girl and carried her upstairs, smiling away the lad’s silent offer of help.
Big Mac was the first to move of the two left in the living room. He stood up and went to where his sister stood stock still. Leaning over, he nudged her with the brim of his nose, smiling silently. He reached out and tapped the smaller barrel.
“Honest here, happy here.” He slowly turned to go upstairs, watching from over his shoulder. “Happy for ya little sis’.”
The blonde blushingly waved back to him. She waited until the others would have plenty of time to settle down before going up herself. The next few moments before sleep claimed another’s mind was spent reliving the past half hour, even if most of it was about walking.
Giggling filled up the closed boutique. Away from the main window, beyond the store front in the middle of the living room section, sat the two mares on the single purple couch. There wasn’t technically room for both of them, but they didn’t mind. Applejack rested on the bottom, half-holding the mare who sat on her stomach and a tiny portion on the couch itself. Rarity was bent almost completely over, hooves on either side of the blonde head as she nuzzled the underside of her marefriend’s chin.
“Darlin’! Honestly, so forward.” The unicorn tsked teasingly.
Noticing the orange brow raised, she raised her own brows. She found uncertainty bubbling up from the depths of blazing green orbs and frowned briefly, nipping the mare’s right ear sharply. The fashion mare felt a thrill of pleasure at the response she got.
Applejack stiffened at the foreign sensation. Her breath hitched as she remained completely still.
“Dear, do NOT think you are going ‘too fast’.” Rarity continued speaking around the ear tip before letting go and looking at her mare straight on. “You are simply far too modest. I almost have to beg for a couple of kisses…” To demonstrate, the mare pouted, lips puckered.
The farmer rolled her eyes and went to peck the waiting lips. “Alright, alright… But it don’t feel right, goin’ so fast. If we’re gonna make this work, Ah… Ah want tah do right by ya. Even if most of my family did go fast when it came to their own special someponies…” She tugged the slim light-gray waist closer, causing the mare to lay more on top of the farm pony.
“Mmm, if you say so darlin’.” Rarity mused thoughtfully, gaze lazily going to the clock on the far wall. “Hmm, seems our time is almost up if we want to make our appointment with my parents.”
The orange mare nodded slowly, loosening her grip even as the mare being held whined lightly at the lack of touch. Applejack stared bemused at the trembling lip. Leaning up, she softly kissed the light-gray muzzle before tapping on the barrel, pushing the mare up further. Rarity sighed longingly but stood up, stepping down off the stronger pony.
“Darlin’, I simply must make sure everything is still in place.” The designer patted on her mane. “I shan’t be but a moment. You can stay right here if you’d like.”
The designer trotted up her staircase, mind scrambling to be sure she had all the needed supplies to recover from several hours worth of cuddling. She had the situation under control within seconds and with every second felt like hours away from her mare, she returned quickly to the farm mare’s side. Applejack didn’t seem to notice the distress, having stood up from the furniture and readjusted her trusty stetson.
“Ya ready to go sugarcube?” The farmer waited for the nod before reaching out her hoof, grasping her marefriend’s in a gentlepony manner.
The streets were half empty as the evening wore on. The weather was still warm with a light breeze drifting through the town. Rarity kept her shawl however, knowing that the corners drew the green orbs to her form. She guided the other mare to the lakeside home. The two storied building was neatly kept, the bottom level lights on while the top floor remained dark. Applejack tipped her hat back with a whistle.
“That’s a neat place yer folks got.”
“Hm, yes.” Rarity mused, keeping tight lipped. She kept the duo moving forward and knocked on the doorframe. “Let us see how this evening works out, hm?” She smiled briefly to her mare before opening the door at the call from inside.
Inside, both unicorns were sitting on the green three seater couch, hoof around one another lovingly. They smiled in welcome as the younger couple entered.
“Well howdy there! Real nice to meet you officially.” The pale-gray stallion stood up, hoof out stretched. The other mare was a second behind her husband, waiting to greet the earth pony.
The blonde pony bowed her head in return, shaking the grip firmly. Once that was done, she stood still as the light-pink mare kissed each of her cheeks. “Thank ya for havin’ me on such a short notice.”
“Don’t you worry about that dear!” Cookie waved her left hoof freely. “We should be thanking you! Way we heard it, you’ve been making our little girl here rather happy!”
Rarity blushed at her mother’s words. It didn’t prevent her from standing beside her marefriend, leaning into the solid muscle. “Yes, yes she has mother, though I strive to let her know that myself and don’t really need you to ‘help’.” She smiled when she felt the laughter bubbling up in the orange earth mare. She leaned over to whisper not so subtly into the farmer’s ear. “Told you this is a common reaction from family darlin’.”
“You betcha!” Hondo became the focus once more by putting a hoof on Applejack’s other shoulder, smile growing wider. “It won’t come to any surprise when I say how, if you hurt our little Rare-bear, you’re going to find yourself in a whole heap of trouble!”
The apple seller raised both brows at the friendly tone riddled with iron under the surface. She met the blue gaze squarely. Confident smirk in place, she straightened to her max height. “Ya won’t have to. If somethin’ happens to Rarity on my watch, Ah’ll already be dead an’ gone, ‘cause otherwise she’d never have gotten hurt in th’ first place.”
The mare in question gasped as her chest constricted painfully. “Applejack!”
“What?” The earth pony glanced to the mare on her right. “Ah ain’t lettin’ nopony or nothin’ hurt ya, ever.”
Rarity groaned at the bland tone, leaning her head into the warm orange side. She barely registered the damage to her mane style. “Do NOT think like that. If you weren’t there, I do not think I would remain so happy with you gone…”
Applejack exhaled slowly, mouth tightening in pain, as she bent her neck to rest her head against the purple strands. She didn’t care about the extra eyes that watched the duo. “Sorry Rares… Ya gonna be ok…?” She waited for the tiny nod against her fur before looking up to the older couple once more. “Sorry ‘bout that. Uh, did y’all wanna have a seat or…?”
“Of course!” The stallion beamed at the couple, gesturing to the second large furniture that was open. Together, Cookie and Hondo sat back down on the largest couch, watching the newer pair with large grins.
The fashion designer checked the room, frown growing as she noticed a lack of the youngest member of the family. “Where is Sweetie Belle?”
“Oh, she went to have one of those sleepovers with her friends!” Hondo cheerfully explained as he slapped his knee with a wink.
“On a school night?” Rarity questioned. When she felt a comforting hoof against her own, she smiled briefly toward her special somepony.
“It’ll be fine, we trust her to behave.” The pink mare waved a few times, ignoring the disbelieving glance from her oldest daughter. “When did you two decide to get together? You’ve been friends for a while, right?”
The couple nodded in sync. The unicorn of the pair leaned into the earth pony’s shoulder. “It was, ironically enough, a mutual feeling that came to fruition at the same time.”
“Heh heh, ya can say that again! We went an’ asked each other fer a date for the same day, an’ almost the same time.” Applejack rubbed her head with her left hoof as her right was pinned by the pale-gray mare.
“Well ain’t that the sweetest thing!” Cookie laughed as she encircled her husband’s hoof, leaning into the stallion on her right. “Maybe not really like our first date, but then again, it was a different time.” The married couple shared a loving nuzzle while the earth pony laughed and fashion designer groaned in embarrassment.
“You betcha! I had to beg your father -your grandpa-” the stallion pointed to Rarity who now burned bright red, “-to let me even visit your mom after school! Why I had to join some of your mom’s clubs just to spend more time with her away from most adults.”
The apple farmer nodded thoughtfully, hoof to her chin. “Ah don’t have tah go beggin’ to borrow Rarity’s time now, do Ah?” She glanced to the unicorn on her side, gaze teasing.
Rarity sat up indignantly. “You better not have to!” She glared to her parents who became even more bemused at the half-shout. “And if I hear that you had to darlin’-!”
“Ooh, don’t worry hun!” The older mare laughed with a hoof to her mouth. “Your father and I wouldn’t make you do that! Why, you two just seem like the cutest couple!”
“Ya… Ya don’t mind that I’m a simple earth pony farmer?” Applejack softly asked. Her ears were tipped back even as she wore a assured grin. “Or that Ah’m… a mare?”
The orange furred pony ignored the highly furious mare on her side. She continued watching the other adults, eyes sharp, noting how they seemed surprised at the questions, though not angry. Before anypony moved, Rarity leaped off the chair, standing directly before the apple seller.
“It doesn’t matter WHAT they think! It doesn’t matter what ANYPONY thinks!” The usually well kept mare’s mane flung out of shape. Her gaze never wavered, fire burning in every inch. “I want YOU. Nopony but you. It doesn’t matter that you are a mare, are a farmer, or even that you are an earth pony!”
Everypony’s attention focused on the mare in the middle of the room. The tailor was looking only to the orange mare who stared back with a half-surprised, half-happy grin that grew larger with each passing word.
“You are MINE!” Rarity whirled around to face her parents, glower well in place. “And if you DARE to say or somehow convince this lovely, honest, only slightly foolish mare otherwise, there will be tartarus to pay!”
The passionate unicorn turned back to her special somepony and gave her a heavy kiss, reaching her hooves around the blonde’s head. She kept the touch going an extra few seconds to ensure the sincerity of the embrace. Pulling back, she glared into the shocked green orbs.
“NEVER ask or think that again!” Upset beyond thinking clearly, the fashionista rushed out of the cozy home, not bothering to say farewell.
Applejack would have remained in place a few moments longer, shocked, but the sight of watery sapphires made her sit up in place. She looked to the other ponies in the room, face apologetic, as she raced after her marefriend. “Thanks fer the evenin’!” was the only words they could make out from the orange pony as she left.
The two mares ran through the now silent town, neither caring about how they appeared to the rest of the world. The unicorn, running on passion and adrenaline, went without paying attention to her hoofsteps, trusting her muscle memory to guide her home. She didn’t hear her pursuer until the southern accent shouted out from behind her.
“Rarity! Hold yer horses girl!”
Shivers went up and down the designer, tripping her hooves while her mind cried out joyfully. APPLEJACK! Her body went loose as the few remaining iotas of adrenaline left her body. She came enough to her senses that she braced for impact with the ground.
It never happened. Strong hooves held fast against the slim gray barrel while a soothing voice whispered into the flustered mare’s ear.
“Sshh, sshh, Ah got ya sugar, Ah got ya…” Applejack pulled her mare against her own chest, keeping her limbs taut to prevent another escape. “What got a bee in yer bonnet…? What can Ah do tah help?”
Rarity whimpered as her mind scrambled for what caused the flight. With each second, she clung tighter to the farmer. “Don’t ever think that again… Never ever ever ever again…!”
“Never ever ever ever huh…?” The orange pony repeated, laughter in her voice. She dropped the jolly tone when she felt the other growl into her fur. “Alright… Alright… Ah won’t…”
“Good.” The fashion mare moved back to stare at her special pony with a deeply furrowed brow. The glare lightened when the farm pony pecked her muzzle, morphing slowly into a more peaceful grace as the kiss continued. “Hmmmm, you seem to have found a wonderful way to cheer me up rather quickly…” She commented once they had finished.
Applejack half-smirked, gaze still serious. “Seems Ah have… An’ that we Apples ain’t the only ones with fire in their blood.” She nuzzled the light-gray fur, angling along the temple and hair lines. “Look, why don’t Ah take ya home, ya get some sleep, and we’ll talk more tomorrow about that date Ah figured out. Meet at six thirty fer that movie?”
“Awww, not sooner…?” Rarity settled back onto her own hooves pouting.
“Ah never win, do Ah?” The blonde farmer playfully rolled her eyes. “As if ya don’t need mah help with that… What was it again? Some door givin’ ya extra lip?”
The unicorn’s face scrunched in thought before clearing with a wide smile. “Ahh! Yes. That dreadful thing. I simply can’t keep living with that causing all sorts of noise and disrupting my peace!”
Giggling like schoolfillies, the two mares nuzzled noses the entire trip to the tailor’s home, even if it was a shortened distance from the frantic run the owner had just completed. Another embrace was shared at the doorstep, another promise of visiting the preceding day. Another dream of the keeper of their hearts, filling the long gap between their next time together.