//------------------------------// // Chapter 23 - Trying to find common ground // Story: A 'Not So Simple' Simple Life // by Wolfie 03 //------------------------------// Start of June, 1005 A.D. The gentle trickle of rain drops on the roof set the two mares at ease. They sat on the purple cushioned couch once more, in a similar position to the last time they were there. The earth pony served as majority of the seating for the unicorn above her. They were both stretched out longways, hooves around each other waists. Neither moved as they enjoyed the warmth they created laying against one another. It was still early afternoon. The day’s weather had been a light drizzle, designed to help the local fauna. The tailor was more than happy to dry her marefriend off from working in the rain. Hoof rubbing the orange fur was enjoyable for both parties, though the farmer moved away before it got too far. The response was respected, and the couple moved on to the next favorite activity. “Ah can see why so many like this here cuddlin’...” Applejack murmured into the light-gray ear, causing it to flicker. “Hmm, so pleased you like it darlin’...” The farm mare nodded, nosing dipping along the ear. “Yessiree Bob. Except we have tah get ready for our movie hun.” She shifted her hooves, tightening briefly, before moving her head to the underside of the unicorn’s head. “Ah just got this here feelin’ that yer’ll be wantin’ a proper date before long.” Rarity hummed her enjoyment of the touches, neck and head extending up beyond the blonde mane. Eyes closed, she smirked at the light tease. “Hmm… I suppose so. It would be a shame to have set up something for us to do and it all fall through merely because we couldn’t get up.” The tailor couldn’t prevent her head from dropping lower as her muscles loosened at the nuzzle. A smattering of kisses startled the unicorn into a more awake state. Lifting her head, she glanced at the mare beneath her and found green orbs watching, hundreds of thoughts running through them. As she stared suspiciously to the other, Rarity let out an eep of shock when she felt herself being rolled to her left, into open air. “D-Darling!” The call didn’t prevent the earth pony from holding the unicorn in the air, off the couch. She put a strong orange back hoof on the ground, trapping her marefriend between the couch and her, while her other back hoof stayed on the furniture. She leaned with the dangling mare, grip sure, as she kept her muzzle close to the other’s. “We ain’t lazy. Ya gotta enjoy the time ya got off when ya can.” Applejack spoke softly, her lips brushing the puckered others as she talked. “Besides, while we could miss that there movie, we went an’ made reservations for the dinner, right…? Can’t go passin’ that up, we’d get a bad reputation fer skippin’ town.” Rarity stuttered, caught off guard by the tease. Her hooves, loose from shock, tightened around the blonde’s waist, attempting to pull her just as off guard. It failed against the extreme raw strength of the earth pony. “Nice try, but yer gonna have tah do more than that to get me moving.” The apple seller gloated. She didn’t move, keeping her face a tantalizing short distance away. Seconds later, her eyes shot open at the touch of the purple tail along her flank while the two pale-gray hooves moved lower from their spot, caressing the apple cutie mark. Her limbs lost some of their strength as heat loosened the muscles. The unicorn dropped to the ground with a soft ‘oof’ of pain. Opening her eyes, she found the other close once more, face pale. “Rarity! Are ya ok?! Ah’m sorry- Ah wasn’t-Ah didn’t-!” “It’s quite alright my dear, it’s alright…” The fashionista reached up, consoling her marefriend with a gentle hoof through the blonde strands. “I believe I win our little ‘battle’ of … wits… however.” The two stayed in place, contemplating the wording, before breaking out in laughter. Giggling, Applejack offered a hoof to the other mare, helping her stand once more and hopping down from the couch at the same time. The light gray pony grinned, reaching out to boop their noses together. Turning together, they went to the front room where the unicorn levitated her raincoat and saddle umbrella. Hearing a small chuckle from her right, she found the earth mare smirking at the addition. Smiling confidently, she magically pulled over another umbrella and set it on the orange back. “There you go darlin’, so we won’t have another repeat of earlier today.” Rarity cast her sights over the muscular form, gaze hungry. The blonde blushed at the inspection. She shifted her own sights to the umbrellas on their backs and frowned as her thoughts continued down the logical train. Reaching out, she pulled off the unicorn’s umbrella and set it aside. The farmer then moved as close as she could to her marefriend, smile growing. “Didn’t like not bein’ able to stand next to ya. Now yer gonna have to stay next to me if ya want to stay dry.” Applejack searched the sapphire gaze for approval and found it. “You seem to have found a very wise solution darlin’.” Rarity brushed her muzzle along the orange side with a large grin. “I believe we are ready to head out now.” The couple trotted out of the clothing shop, standing close together under the protective accessory. There were a few others outside, sporting similar accessories to keep from getting too wet as they worked the day like normal. Most of the usual market stalls were empty, while the stores themselves had more than the usual number of visitors to keep dry and warm. The two mares avoided large puddles and streams, though the fashion mare made sure they both wore boots to protect their hooves. It wasn’t long before they reached the sole movie theater in town. Cinemare Theater had a large projector wheel on the front of the two storied building; in place of one of the spokes was the entrance to the theater. The duo didn’t wait, continuing inside. Before them, the grand lobby spread out, with carpeted flooring and large ceilings which were painted black to hide its actual height. The walls were covered by a soothing dark blue fuzz. In front of the room by the entrance was a concession stand while the ticket booth was at the far end, right next to the doors that led to the two theater screens. Rarity lifted off the umbrella from the other pony and shook it away from the duo. Within seconds it was sleeved and held by a dainty hoof. A staff pony came up to the couple, pointing to the side where other boots and water prevention accessories were stacked. “If you would please leave your things here ma’ams, and tag them with a number from our machine?” The mare wearing a red vest gave the two a plastic smile as she then pointed to a small circular dispenser that held tickets that could be attached to the items and used to recover them. “You can pick them up at the end as you are about to leave.” Both ponies nodded, complying with the suggestions. Applejack took charge of the number slice, sticking it into the rim of her stetson. Once that was taken care of, they went for the ticket stand first, wanting to check their options. “Alright, we got that there movie about video games comin’ to life an’ fightin’ us…” Green orbs twirled to where the other sign rested above the second doorway, trying to sum up the film from the name. “Aaannndd…. One about two friends? Already missin’ ya?” “Ooooh! I’ve heard of that one, it’s supposed to be this really touching tale of two friends who are friends to the very end.” Rarity smiled as she leaned against her marefriend, hoof holding the other’s. The farmer peeked at the mare, thoughtful. “So, yer’ll be wantin’ to see huh?” “We needn’t have to darlin’, though I don’t truly know much about this one with video games.” The tailor frowned confused. “Ponyville still hasn’t caught up entirely with that particular technology after all. And we are busy mares, neither one of us get a lot of time to devote to ‘games’.” Applejack nodded, tapping lovingly on the gray hoof. “Yer right about that. Don’t ya worry about me, we’ll watch that there ‘missin’ ya’ movie.” She focused on the stallion who sat behind the dark brown podium. “Two fer ‘Already Missin’ Ya’.” The pegasus raised a brow at the accent’s attempt of the title but said nothing, stiff smile in place. He quickly sorted them out, trying not to stare at the couple as they trotted past. They took the door to the right, slipping through the darkness into the large seating space beyond. While in the near absolute darkness, Rarity snuck a thankful kiss from the orange mare, lingering daringly. Once they were looking at the seating, they found that there were many other couples already inside, as well as groups of mares sitting excitedly together. The couple found most of the high up seats were already taken by couples who seemed rather close. Rarity pouted, upset at her missed chance, and went for some slightly secluded spot. There wasn’t much open aside from in the very front. Applejack noticed this at the same time, and tugged on the hoof in her grip. They took their places, only for the apple farmer to realize they forgot a few things. “Shoot. Rarity, Ah forgot the drinks an’ snacks. Ya want anythin’?” “No thank you darlin’...” Rarity was about to comment further, but stopped, biting her lip uncertainly. It was dark enough that the farmer couldn’t see the warning sign. So she loaded up on soda and a large tub of popcorn from the snack bar. When she went back to her seat, Applejack did notice the tight lip face of her marefriend. Frowning, she leaned closer, offering the drink and snack with outstretched hooves. “Did ya want…?” “No dalrin’.. That is… quite alright.” Rarity’s stiff smile didn’t help settle the earth pony’s mind but she had no time to respond as the film began moments later. The farmer found the room was extra quiet and had to try and eat softly. A gusty sigh from her right stopped this entirely, with a corresponding sigh. Green eyes peeked over and found the unicorn sat back with both sets of hooves crossed. Applejack sighed again, setting her supplies down and reaching slowly for the pale-gray hooves. Knowing the movie barely started, she tried to speak silently, asking with her eyes if everything is alright. Rarity glanced towards the snacks with disdain. Looking towards the earth pony, she raised a questioning brow. Her answer was another sigh and rueful smile. The strong orange hoof reached up to encircle the unicorn’s shoulders instead, while a back hoof pushed the drink and food away, out of easy reach. The fashion designer in turn smiled much more warmly, leaning into the touch. Applejack smiled at the touch and turned back to the screen, her smile diminishing while the film continued. She tilted her head, curious about what a solid friendship the two leads had, knowing that in the movies, it never lasted. When it started to crumble as life inevitably moved on, the farmer groaned softly, turning more of her attention to the mare at her side instead but found Rarity was glued to the screen, hooves under her chin while the sapphire orbs filled with water. The unicorn pulled away unknowingly, watching intently. The earth pony breathed out of her nose, settling into her seat and watching the movie. Several minutes in, a mare shuffled down the line, asking for everypony to let her pass. On her way, the mare knocked over the earth pony’s snacks and drink, spilling it all along the floor. Applejack moaned at the loss but now had the distinct feeling that her marefriend would not be pleased if she got more. When the plot got to the central conflict, the honest farmer could feel the frustration build in her chest. About to comment on the foolishness of lying, especially for ‘best friends’, she found the tailor enthralled into the story. She sighed again, leaning back into her seat as the movie dragged on. Orange ears, flipped back at first due to the film, noticed the sound of many other mares crying or cooing over the story, much like her own marefriend. Annoyed, the apple seller pushed down her stetson, grumbling under her breath. Rarity’s ear twitched as she heard a southern mutter. She felt a moment of annoyance at being taken out of the moment, and mindlessly shushed the pony. Once it stopped, she trained both ears back on the screen in front of them. At the end, the two friends finally making up, the majority of the crowd d’awwwed, the fashionista included. She excitedly patted the orange hoof that was on the hoofrest. Applejack was a little bemused at the reaction, even as she grew further tired of the liar reveal cliché. She tried to hold the gray hoof but found the fashion mare was too excited to focus on the earth pony who’s brows twitched at the motion. The farm pony huffed, crossing her hooves as she stared at the ground, thoughts scrambling. Hearing a tiny sniffle from the tailor, Applejack smirked, head tilted to the left with a sigh. She’s jus’ bein’ Rarity… She was like this before too… At least she enjoyed the film… She shook her head and looked back at the screen. The movie was just finishing up, and now the sound of crying filled the whole theater. As the credits rolled, Applejack stood up, hoof held out for her marefriend to take. Rarity wiped at her eyes with her magically levitated tissue as she held onto the solid limb. She leaned on the earth pony, happy smile in place. It was only as they grabbed their rain gear that she recovered enough to speak normally. “Darlin’! That was a marvelous film!” The unicorn beamed at her mare. “Thank you so much for taking me!” “Shucks Rare, ain’t no problem.” Applejack murmured, smile stiff. Some deep sense told her this particular moment wasn’t the right one to state her own opinion about the film. “Wasn’t it just lovely?!” The earth mare sighed, dropping her head with eyes closed for a second. She gritted her teeth beneath her grin. “Rare, let’s… let’s jus’ go ahead an’ get that food.” The unicorn slowed to a halt, tugging on the hoof in her grip to prevent the other mare from escaping. “Darlin’...” Her voice and eyes held a stern warning about lying. Applejack blew out a puff of air, pushing her bangs back with the hoof that once held a light gray one. “Fine. Ya asked about it… That movie didn’t make a lick of sense.” The earth mare stomped her hoof. “If they were really best friends, they shoulda told one another the truth from the get go. That would have saved ‘em both a heap of trouble an’ time.” Rarity stared shocked at the farmer. “But, that was the point! It creates drama! Tension! Climactic build up!” “And it was a dumb idea on their parts!” Applejack shook her head, frown well in place. “Ya don’t need them things if yer in a real friendship. There could have been some other way tah get yer drama in that movie. And then there’s that part, with that one mare secretly goin’ out with that other stallion.” The mare flung a hoof out, frown growing angry. “She had a nice relationship, why’d she have to go an’ do that?” “Because she was in a fragile state when they came together! She had just found that treatment wasn’t going to save her darlin’! She wanted to live in the moment. What would you do then?” The fashion designer huffed, happiness draining away at the argument. Seconds after asking the question, she froze, realizing just what she had asked. The farm pony slowly turned to face her marefriend head on, brows raised high. “Ah’d do the right thin’, staying with the pony Ah said Ah loved an’ tellin’ the truth! Wouldn’t you?” “Yes, of course! I didn’t mean- I hadn’t meant to imply-” “Then why did ya like it so much in the movie?” “Because, while I myself would never do it, I could understand feeling so adrift, so bereft of hope, as to find comfort with somepony else. And because it wasn’t real!” Rarity reached out, grabbing onto the orange hoof with a worried glint to her gaze. “I enjoyed it for the same reason I prefer those ‘cheesy’ romance novels as you’ve called them in the past. It is merely fiction, inspired to create drama and intense feelings. Please, I didn’t mean…” Applejack sighed, her anger floating away at the saddened mare holding her leg. She sat down, using both forehooves to hold the pale-gray pony close to her. “It’ll be alright, everythin’s fine. Ah ain’t mad. Ah know ya like them kinds of movies, it ain’t my ‘cup of tea’.” She chuckled at her use of the fashion mare’s kind of wording. The unicorn laughed as well, tears already in her voice. The duo didn’t delay any further and suited up for the rain that still hadn’t finished falling. They quickly made their way to the relaxed cafe De L'Été. The building was two stories tall, with a balcony on the second floor. Extended out from the balcony was a retractable roof, covering the normally outdoor tables from the rain while the balcony itself had a similar one encasing it. The front actual wall of the cafe was entirely made from glass. Every table, on the porch, balcony and inside the cafe, were covered by white tablecloths with pink highlights. The rest of the colors in the restaurant were of pastel orange, yellow and greens, bringing to mind the summer time. In special pots strategically placed about were sunflowers in various states of blooming. Rarity cooed at the sight as they walked in while Applejack closed up the umbrella. They were greeted by an earth pony with two toned orange mane and pale peach fur. She had an apron on, in the center was a large sunflower bloom. Spotting the two mares, she lit up with a large smile. “Hello Applejack, Rarity! It was a surprise to see that you two requested an outdoor seating on our balcony.” Junebug glanced between them, pulling out two menus as she spoke. “Would you like to change the location?” Applejack nudged the unicorn with a grin as she held the closed accessory. “Ah’m good either way. What’d you like Rare?” She glanced around, trying to spot a place to set the wet things, when she noticed a special welcome mat that already have a few things on it. She nodded to it, catching the other earth pony’s attention. Junebug nodded, smiling before focusing on the unicorn. “Hmm, yes. I do believe that the view will still be as lovely, even in the rain.” Rarity mused, daintily stepping out of her boots. Her marefriend immediately picked up the shoes and set them on the mat along with the umbrella. “We’ll go ahead and use the original seating plan, if that’s ok Junebug.” “No problem at all!” The pale-peach mare lead the way to the stairs along the left side of the wall. “Are you two on a date or…?” The mares turned red, with wide smiles. They both mostly answered at the same time. “Well, shucks, got it in one!” “Hm, yes darling, we are.” Junebug smiled, gaze lighting up. “That’s wonderful to hear! I hope you enjoy your evening with us.” She waved to the table that was in the middle of the upper level balcony, well enough away from the edge that it wasn’t able to get wet but still enough to enjoy the view presented. Applejack once more acted like a gentlepony, helping her marefriend into her seat before sitting down herself. They shared a smile before looking to the menus set in front of them. The earth pony breathed easy with a menu she could actually read in plain Equestrian. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t had much to eat since an early lunch that day. A young waitress walked up, notepad in her apron. She smiled at the duo. “Welcome! How can I help you today?” “Yes, I would like the garden salad and the strawberry crepe please.” Rarity beamed at the waitress before looking to the earth mare across the table. “Have you decided darlin’?” “You betcha!” Applejack smirked back before focusing on the earth mare taking the orders. “Ah’d like an order o’ hay fries, a pair of them grilled cheese sandwiches, one of those large salads, an’ two orders of yer toasted apples.” She smiled teasingly to the unicorn who stared at her in shock. “Somethin’ for us to have fer dessert.” The mare nodded as she wrote the order on her pale yellow pad. Glancing up, she questioned them once more. “And what would you like to drink this evening?” Applejack put her hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Ah’ll have barley water.” Rarity shook her head, eyes closing briefly as she snapped her mouth shut from the bewildered gaze she had seconds before. “Ah, yes, hem-hem… I’ll have the fizzy water. Thank you.” She floated over her menu, eyelid twitching at the long list her marefriend had rattled off. Once they were alone on the wooden outcrop, the unicorn leaned on her hooves tucked under her chin. “... Darlin’... Are we hungry today?” The orange mare shifted her gaze from the rain painted town to the beauty that truly captured her eyes. She rubbed the back of her head, feeling another rumble course through her. “Ya can say that again. Somepony went an’ knocked over mah food at the theater, didn’t have nothin’ to eat since someone went an’ spilled it all.” Finding the other mare unimpressed, the earth mare scowled lightly. “What? Ah can’t help it! Went and did a lot of work today, an’ the other day.” “Hmm… I don’t know darlin’... We did spend a lot of time today just cuddling. If that is ‘a lot of work’... then we may need to discuss what we do during this time.” Rarity mused, eyes shuttering to half closed. The farm pony’s scowl turned serious. “Rarity, it ain’t just today. Ya know we have to put a lot of work in the fields. We Apples have tah eat to keep our strength up.” She rubbed her eyes, exhaling slowly. “Alright, look, let’s jus’ not worry about that right now, alright?” An unladylike snort escaped the fashionista before she corralled her facial features into a neutral one. She looked away, mind swirling as she thought to previous cooked and shared meals. The carefully constructed facade dissolved. Fire slowly kindled in the clear blue orbs. Greens noticed this detail and just as slowly shrank in fear. “Wh-wha are ya thinkin’ there…? Rarity…?” Applejack leaned back, hooves set against the table, body stiffening with dread. “What am I thinking…?” The fashion designer grin gradually grew, becoming more uncomfortable for the other pony to see as it stretched without humor or any other positive emotion. “Yes, indeed, what was I thinking… Thinking that my simple, small, homemade food was enough for an Apple’s appetite.” The words were heavily emphasized, her lips pulling back to reveal her teeth with each before going back into the uncomfortable smile. Applejack stared wide eyed, her own mouth dropping down as her mind went blank. “W-wh-buh what?! What are ya talkin’ about!?” “Obviously nothing darlin’, obviously nothing worth mentioning.” Rarity curled a lock of her mane. “Because OBVIOUSLY it doesn’t matter whether my marefriend is actually satisfied, here or at my own personal home where I strive to be sure everyone is happy with whatever we had set out to achieve!” By this point, she stomped her hoof on the table, half-standing angrily. The earth pony raised both brows, beginning to stand as well. “Actually satisfied? Actually satisfied. Ah ain’t never said otherwise! Ah liked the grub ya made, jus’ like Ah liked cookin’ for ya!” The cowpony shook her head. “If’in ya want the full honest truth, half the time Ah’m worried about yer eatin’ habits. Ya eat less than one of Fluttershy’s critters! Thin as a twig, an’ still thinkin’ ya need to eat less.” Rarity gasped dramatically, her face morphing drastically with each one. “Excuse you! It just so happens that an up and coming designer simply cannot look anything but her best! Including not having any sort of unsightly muscle tone that is unusual for our line of work.” “Oh, so ya don’t like it when a pony has a decent amount o’ muscle on their bones?!” “Darlin’, I do not mean it like that!” “Sure don’t sound like it!” “APPLEJACK!” Rarity reached the few inches between the two mares who were now standing over the table in the heat of their argument and cupping the orange cheeks. “I DO NOT DISLIKE YOUR PHYSIQUE! In fact, I crave it! Your form, the trim but firm limbs, the way you move, the way the earth practically shakes under your every step!” Hungry sapphires scoured the apple seller’s form, taking note of the heavy blush that was steadily growing on the orange muzzle. “But that is for YOU to have, not me! My work does not require it! We work in different fields, have different tastes, and look different!” “Yeah?! Yeah!?! Well, Ah think ya look mighty fine as it is too!” Applejack stammered slightly, fighting the blush raging across her face as she felt her blood pump rapidly. “Ah bet everywhere ya go for yer fancy shows, ya got stallions fallin’ all over ya! Ah worry half to death about ya goin’, because ya always seem to fit right in! The belle o’ the ball, the brightest flower among that there garden, an’ ya STILL don’t think yer good enough!” She grabbed the hooves on either side of her face, holding on tight. “An’ if you, the prettiest mare Ah know, the apple o’ my heart, don’t think she looks good enough, then what kind of chance do Ah have of keepin’ ya?” The fashion mare gasped once more, tears in her eyes as she pulled her marefriend closer, touching their foreheads together. Reaching upwards, she laid a chastising kiss to the orange forehead, pushing the hat up as she did so. “We are both very foolish, very obtuse, ponies.” The pale-gray mare murmured softly. “Why don’t we give this… another try…? Let’s… Calm down, and… and have our food…?” She felt the eye roll of the mare below her. “Not a word.” She threatened teasingly. “Of course not sugarcube.” Applejack touched the underside of the gray chin with her lips, letting her smile be obvious in the affection. “Whatever ya say.” She slowly moved back, keeping a hold of the hooves while taking her seat once more. Once they were both back in place, a light cough came from the side wall. They looked to the sound, faces flushed. There, their gleeful smiles held back under a cover of anxiety, were Junebug and their waitress, holding various dishes on their backs. “O-oh my!” Rarity covered her muzzle with both hooves. Applejack used her hat to hide her bright red face. “Please! Don’t mind us!” Junebug waved, expression still amused. “We didn’t want to interrupt or anything!” The waitress on her right nodded, just as amazed and amused. “Ah… Ah wish y’all didn’t see us fightin’.”The farmer timidly lifted her hat, peeking at the two workers. “Uhm, we’re… we’re probably done now.” Sharp green eyes zeroed in on the bemused blue orbs. The staff cooed teasingly before stepping up and placing the trays on the table. The couple’s argument apparently had taken long enough that most of the courses were finished, waiting to be eaten. The two mares focused on the food, deciding not to comment about the different proportions. It seemed the story of the couple half-arguing half-complimenting each other spread through the small business, as each staff member peeked at the couple with wide grins. Feeling drained, the couple didn’t spend much more time at the cafe or even out and about. They felt a bit more watched, as though the whole town had heard about what had happened. The rain had moved on, the scheduled time over. It made it easier to stand close together, silently admiring the different styles they had. Applejack could feel the fashionista’s words from earlier rattle in her mind, keeping a constant blush on her face. When they reached the tailor’s home, Rarity held on to the orange hoof, encouraging the mare to go inside. The earth pony smirked, allowing the motion. She stopped just on the inside however, a particular line rushing through her mind. ‘... I crave it…!’ The boots were returned, and umbrella put away, while warm emeralds watched bemused. “Darlin’... I’m sorry that this evening hasn’t quite worked out like we hoped.” Rarity blushed along the orange mare’s side, smiling when she came full circle in front of the mare. “Is there some way I can make it up to you…? Perhaps, I could set up the next date?” “What… what could we do? Ya were right, we like real different things.” Applejack shrugged her shoulders. “What can we do that we’d both like... “ -NSSSL- “Why o’ course y’all gotta do somethin’ new together!” A pale-green hoof smacked upside the blonde hair. “Y’all gotta find somethin’ tah do together! Sure, ya take turns doin’ things the other likes so ya can spend time together. But y’all have tah have somethin’, anythin’, that ya both can learn and work together with.” Applejack rubbed the spot, even as she looked to the elder. “That’s what Rarity said too.. Ah jus’ wanted to check with ya, ask ya fer… fer some advice.” The orange furred mare shifted on her feet. “Rarity suggested Ah think of somethings an’-an’ she’ll think of some an’ we’ll… we’ll go through ‘em all.” Granny Smith nodded, smile growing. She reached out to hug her granddaughter as they sat on the large couch in the middle of their living room. “Ah sure am mighty proud o’ that marefriend o’ yers. Seems like the sharpest tack in ah box of buttons. She gots the right idear. Jus’ make sure yer comfortable with what yer doin’.” The younger mare blushed and ducked her head. “Ah… Ah like her a lot too Granny…” “Ah noticed. Matter o’ fact, way Ah heard it, y’all were jus’ a hootin’ an’ hollerin’ in poor little Junebug’s restaurant.” Applejack sat up, out of her grandmother’s embrace, ears upright and stiff. “No…!” “You betcha, why, way she was tellin’ it, y’all were professin’ yer undyin’ love for each other loud enough fer half the neighborhood tah hear ya.” “Graaaannnnnnyyyyyyyy!” The earth mare whined. The sound echoed through the house, gaining laughter from those in the upper levels. “Y’all are gonna get it if ya don’t stop!” Now there was laughter from the elder Apple as well as from upstairs. The orange pony moaned again, ducking her head and following the motion to roll off the couch. She continued to moan up the stairs, all the way into her room. She continued to play moan even as her mind pushed forward the words that had captured her full attention. It helped fill her with extra warmth, lulling her into peaceful sleep. -NSSSL- Rarity hopped in place, smile wide and feeling light-headed. This time, she finally got the goodnight kiss she had always wanted. No on the cheek peck, no brush against her forehead, no nose boop; a proper, loving kiss. She floated along her living room, tidying up the place after having ignored it for most of the day while she cuddled her marefriend. A stack of letters drifted into view. “Oh yes!” The unicorn hummed as she opened each one, sorting them mid-air into different stacks. Spotting one from Ponyville, she slowed down, opening it right away as it was from her parents. What in the world could have happened to cause them to write to me…? Not another vacation so soon? [Howdy do Rarity? It was just lovely to meet your new marefriend and seeing you so happy! We want to be as supportive as possible for your new relationship, and know that we love you no matter what you choose. But we don’t want Sweetie Belle to grow up too fast by learning about relationships before she’s ready. If you don’t mind, we’d be grateful if she didn’t learn about every sort of relationship before she’s grown up enough to handle these kinds of things. Lovingly, Your mom and pop] The fashion designer gaped at the paper in her magical grip. Her emotions were torn between outrage and bewilderment at the request. It settled on being hurt. They… They don’t trust me! They don’t trust us to be mature about relationships! They don’t believe we can grow up properly. I can’t believe it! I am sooooo mad! She stomped her hoof in place, frustrated growl growing in her throat. Unable to hold still, she began pacing the room, setting the other letters down as she focused on the one from her parents. She fumed. Fighting the urge to start throwing objects around, she instead huffed, staring at the pictures on the wall. It took a moment, but soon she realized she was staring deeply into a calming set of greens. Even in picture form, the earth pony helped her relax. Deep breath, deep breath! Ok. So if that’s what they want, fine! They will owe me for this… The fashionista crumpled the mail, tossing it carelessly into a drawer and moving the rest into the proper folder for upcoming orders. She picked up the picture in her magic, carrying it up to her bedroom. She held it in view as she laid down in bed, letting the warmth that was in the image even taken before they dated bleed out, calming her emotions and relaxing her mind to finally get to sleep. The next three days were bright, sunny and almost tinged with extra heat, showing the arrival of summertime. School had let out only days before, and the town was full with everypony moving about during the day. It grew even more busy as the evening came, bringing slight relief from the warmth that had prevailed. But this was still too much for the fashionista who stood outside the local bowling alley. A beat of sweat moved down the side of her face, sending the mare into silent panic. She tried to pick up the pace of her magic powered fan, trying to cool herself down while she waited. Sending another glance up and down the street, another droplet traveled downwards, added by the heat and worry. “Where are you darlin’...” Orange hooves pounded against the ground. Each strike sent little bits of dust into the air. The apple farmer panted, mind in a flurry of anxiety. “Come on… Come on…!” Ah  couldn’t hardly get time tah show off my list of ideas, an’ now Ah’m runnin’ late for one of my own ideas! “She’s gonna kill me…!” Turning a corner, she found a spot of light-gray by the tall building. The mare had a wide brimmed sun hat along with a paper fan, finalizing any idea of who it could be. Skidding to a halt before the mare, Applejack timidly looked her in the eye. “Ah’m real sorry sugarcube. We had a last minute order an’ we had to pull out all the stops. Even lil’ Bloom had tah help.” “That’s fine darlin’, you’ve already said so in the short time we were able to get a few days ago.” Rarity leaned forward, booping her marefriend’s nose, ignoring the knowledge that the earth pony had just came from work without washing. The scrunch around her eyes gave her away. “Rare, we’re goin’ bowlin’. We’re gonna get dirty some, and work up a little steam.” Applejack smirked, staying close to the unicorn. “We could always take a nice bath after, if yer still anxious ‘bout us bein’ messy.” The fashion designer flushed red, steam almost coming from her flattened ears. She fought against the image presented to stare incredulously to the blonde, mouth opened in shock. The farmer noticed the odd gaze and frowned in puzzlement. “Wha…?” “You-you can’t possibly mean a- sh-sharing a-!” Rarity shook as she tried to swallow with a dried mouth. “WHAT!?” Applejack jerked back her own, red covering up the few freckles on her face. “No that ain’t what I meant!” The fashionista coughed into her hoof, the red slowly leaving her face. She turned to face the building instead, fan going at hyper speeds. “Of course…! Naturally... “ “Riiight…” Applejack continued leaning back with a teasing smile. “Well, yer’ll  cool off inside. They got them AC runnin’ since it’s so warm an’ near about everypony is out today.” The other mare didn’t respond and went inside. Both ponies sighed in relief as the cool air ruffled their coats. Inside the single floor building were twenty lanes for bowling while the right wall had the concession and retail counters. The height was set high up, giving plenty of room for the large screens that kept track of the scores. The couple stood in line, waiting their turn to order a lane to play in. Once they had that, the apple farmer asked with a raise of her brows if the fashion designer wanted some food. Sapphire orbs rolled bemused, though she waved for the sturdy mare to enjoy herself. After getting everything set up, the two went to their lane, sizing up the bowling ball available for them to use. As they searched, the unicorn levitated her hat and fan to a seat next to a mechanical podium that had buttons for ponies to enter information. While the farm pony started to pick one up, the tailor typed in both of their names, smiling when it appeared on the overhead screen. “Ya gonna be able tah hold it Rares?” Applejack teased as she found one that matched her strength. She glanced at the number and frowned in curiosity at the eighteen on the top of the swirly green and purple ball. Shrugging, she hefted it easily, smiling at the weight. Rarity huffed, sticking her nose in the air. “And who says I must hold the ball with my hooves?” She smirked, peeking to her horn and using it to levitate a very light bowling ball. “Ya sure that’s the right kind of bowlin’ ball? Seems kind of light.” The earth pony tilted her head with a teasing shake. “Don’t worry about me darlin’, I’m pretty sure I will still beat you at this game.” “We’ll see about that!” Applejack squinted playfully, hefting the equipment. Stepping up to the line, the earth pony threw the bowling ball with her entire might. It flew straight down the lane, right over top of pins, and straight into the back, causing a dent in the back wall. Rarity giggled at the bashful mare and stepped up for her turn. She used a bit of magic to fling her own ball down the corridor, eyes narrowing to watch the move. The much lighter bowling ball continued down before coming to a halt against a pin, barely nudging it. The pale-white pin tittered for a second before falling forward. “Huh. Well, how do we fix this kind of mess?” Applejack scratched her head bemused. A voice behind the couple sent them jumping into the air, eyes wide. “Well, there is a button for such situations here on the dashboard of your station.” A stallion, wearing blue and white pin stripe shirt with a name tag on the front, stood beside their station. “However, as a rule in this bowling establishment, I have to remind you that use of magic is limited here.” He droned on, not caring about the embarrassed blush the pale-gray mare now wore. “You cannot use levitation further from the starting line, no enchantments are to be placed on the bowling ball, and you have to use the number fourteen ball to play.” “O-oh, yes, of course…” Rarity, her cheeks flushed red, floated the ball back to the racks and sought out the correct one. “It’ll be ok sugarcube, we’re both still learnin’.” Applejack smiled warmly at the fashion mare, only to frown when the pegasus worker coughed lightly. “We also don’t want to have to deal with damages, and ask that you use very little of your strength. We don’t mind if the Apple family wants to come play, but we can’t keep paying for property damages.” The stallion made sure the earth mare understood before turning away. It was the fashion designer’s turn to laugh at the shocked face of her marefriend. She trotted up, the much heavier bowling ball in her magical hold, and nuzzled along the orange side. “Hmm, seems like word of the Apple strength is getting around. I better step up my game before somepony else tries to get that much power for themselves…” Applejack closed her eyes at the touch, enjoying the warmth it caused. She leaned down, nose going into the pale-gray neck. She pecked the location. “Mah turn.” She whispered against the trim body, sending a shiver racing over the whole body. The apple seller picked up her bowling ball and, restraining more of her natural strength, threw it down the lane. The ball managed to actually roll down the special flooring, but without any sort of aim. It bounced back and forth between the two small walls that separated the various lanes, borderline breaking the edges before falling entirely into the rut. Rarity laughed, nosing the orange cheek. “Oh darlin’, so close! I’m sure you will figure it out soon.” The dainty mare used all of her concentration to pick up the heavier ball and threw it, imagining it like another sowing task for work. The orange and pale-yellow bowling ball continued straight with only slight wobble. It struck down half the pins, the others trembling in place before settling back upright. “Way tah go Rares!” Applejack cheered, looping a hoof around the gray shoulders and giving it a shake. “Seems Ah got some catchin’ up to do!” The unicorn mused thoughtfully, eyes shuttering to only barely closed. She watched with a heated grin as her marefriend tried again. She grew bemused as the green and purple orb knocked over three of the ten pins as it shot by too fast to allow for the others to feel the tremble. “Shoot! Shoot shoot shoot…!” The earth pony stomped her way back to the plastic seats, glaring at the ground. The anger washed away at a loving touch. “Darlin’, try a little less strength.” Rarity traced the forelimb while the orange mare was midway to her seat. “While I adore that about you, perhaps try as though you were holding something precious…?” Applejack curled the hoof around the light-gray one, smile flickering as she tried to work past the words tying her tongue in knots. She finally swallowed, trying for a seductive grin. “So… Ya sayin’ yer not ever gonna want things tah get r-rough…?” The paper fan dropped down on the beat red muzzle, distracting the earth pony from her attempt at teasing. “I did not say anything one way or another. Merely that you should treat the bowling ball as though it was something extremely fragile…” The fashion designer smirked, leaning towards the muzzle, whispering softly. “Like a baby or some imported vase…” The unicorn chuckled at the shivers she caused and went to take her own turn. She was even more accurate than before, expanding her lead. The apple farmer took her own turn, blushing heavily the entire time. She did indeed try the ‘advice’, and found that it did work better to finally earn her some more points. The two mares slowly learned the tricks of the game together, though Rarity kept her lead. Applejack didn’t mind, especially as they had both worked up a fine sheen and hunger, balancing out Rarity’s disgust from earlier as they both were just as sweaty and messy. They held hooves as they went back through town, enjoying the quiet and cooler atmosphere. The town was still bustling with couples and friends having fun, but the night was over for the two mares. Breaking their gaze apart only when they arrived, the two shared one last grin, already missing the other. “That was pretty fun, huh Rares?” Applejack tilted her head backwards playfully. “Even if ya did cheat.” “Oh-ho, magic is not cheating darlin’, you merely need more practice.” Rarity smirked as she leaned closer, eyes half shut. “What shall be our next date together?” “Ah think it was from yer list. ‘Cept Ah have tah work a little extra next three days before we can.” Applejack pushed her hat back as she looked skyward thoughtfully. “Ain’t easy bein’ two business mares…” “No… No it is not.” Rarity opened the door with magic and floated her hat inside. She then closed the distance, kissing under orange muzzle and moving her way up to the now blushing nose. “But very worth it.” The blonde smiled and gave the mare a full touch, angling her head for ease of reaching and to press forward. The two breathed through their noses as heat surged. Feeling it move to an edge, Applejack moved back, gasping lightly. “Ya bet it is. Ah’ll see ya later sugarcube?” The unicorn smugly processed the embrace, exhaling once more and slowly opening her gaze. “You better believe it darlin’.”