It was another ordinary day in the vibrant town of Ponyville, with the local ponies going to and fro on their day to day business. Mrs Cake was serving customers at Sugarcube Corner, Derpy Hooves greeted ponies with her warm smiles in the Post Office and Minuette was visiting her friend Lyra Heartstrings for the millionth time. Laughter however, was the only thing on focus in Princess Twilight’s castle, the piercing shrieks of the purple alicorn resonating within the castle walls.
“Hahahaha…oh AJ, I….ahahaha,” Twilight bawled, struggling to take breaths in-between laughs. Applejack, on the other hand, had a rather displeased yet embarrassed expression on her face as she patiently waited for her best friend to cease her outburst.
“Haha…oh AJ, ahaha…I’m so sorry…ah-ahahaha…” Applejack rolled her eyes and finally smiled, the effect of Twilight’s amusement fading slightly. Eventually, the princess of friendship composed herself and cleared her throat.
“Ahem…haha…I’m really sorry, AJ, but I find that story incredibly cute.”
Applejack blushed. “Well ah spose it’s an entertain’ tale even if ah don’ quite like rememberin’ it.”
Twilight giggled. “I like it. It taught you something about honesty. We shouldn’t be ashamed of things in our experiences so long as it was beneficial in some way. It certainly made you into the truthful farmer you are today, right?”
Applejack nodded. “Ah reckon that’s true.”
“And who knew Big Macintosh used to be such a blabbermouth? I wouldn’t have thought that in a million moons.”
“Yeah, it’s easy ta forget how much talkin’ he did. Ah-”
Both Applejack and Twilight blinked at the distant sound and re-focused their attention away from the conversation. Drifting their pupils over to the other side of the room, the two of them watched as a figure materialised itself into the room by way of the CHS portal. It resembled a unicorn with a sunset-streaked mane, who Applejack recognised as Twilight’s interdimensional friend, Sunset Shimmer.
Applejack suddenly got a little bashful in the presence of the attractive visitor. Luckily for her, Twilight spoke first.
“Oh Sunset! This is a surprise; I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Hey, Twilight. Excuse me if I’m interrupting anything. I just wanted to check in on things here and see what’s new.” Sunset stated gently.
“Oh, of course. Don’t worry, Applejack and I were just discussing a rather hilarious anecdote she experienced.”
Sunset stifled a chuckle. “It’s not the one where she lied so much that Big Macintosh was almost cut up in hospital, is it?”
Twilight attempted to hide her own amusement. It was a futile attempt and soon both mares were laughing like hyenas. Applejack scowled and again waited for the laughter to die. Luckily, she didn’t have to wait long as a young dragon bearing a message approached Twilight.
“Twilight, you have a message from Princess Celestia. She wants to meet with you in Canterlot.” Spike noticed Sunset standing next to Twilight.
“Oh hi, Sunset! It’s great seeing you again.”
“The feeling is mutual, Spike. A talking dragon is one thing better than a talking dog back home.”
Spike smiled and outstretched the letter with Celestia’s broken seal. He then scampered off back down the hallway. After reading it over, Twilight addressed the visiting unicorn.
“It seems the princess is summoning me to Canterlot. I don’t want to disappoint her; I’m sorry that I couldn’t be around for some catch-up, Sunset. If you’re willing to wait however, this matter doesn’t seem urgent. I can be back here in an hour. Hey!” Twilight extended her wings out fully at her brainstorm idea. “You should come with me and say hello to Celestia!”
Sunset toyed with the idea, her tone became anxious. “I’m not sure I want to meet Celestia just yet. Coming back to Equestria is one thing, I’ll meet the princess when I’m ready.”
Twilight recoiled having got a little ahead of herself. She sighed. “Of course, take as long as you need. I’m sorry if I overwhelmed you there.”
“Not a problem, Twilight.”
Twilight smiled and hovered into the air. “I should only be gone an hour. Bye girls!”
The two ponies waved a small goodbye to the alicorn princess before the room was theirs alone.
“How did you know that?” Applejack asked in a very serious tone.
The question took Sunset a little by surprise. “Come again?”
“How’d ya know what me an’ Twilight were discussin’?”
“Oh! Haha…that! AJ told us all at lunch the other day! None of us could stop laughing; it drew the eyes of everyone else around the cafeteria!”
“The what now?”
Sunset hesitated. “It’s a place where humans eat.”
Applejack pondered before nodding in understanding. “Ah still need ta learn a thang or two 'bout that other world it seems.” Suddenly, the orange earth pony became shy and began to toy with the castle floor using a front hoof. “Perhaps y’all can teach me over lunch some time?”
Sunset was left flabbergasted by Applejack’s question. Is she being for real? Is Applejack really hitting on me? It’s not surprising consider she’s my girlfriend back home but I can’t really be attractive to both Applejacks…can I? Sunset’s imagination was eager to find out.
“Are you…asking me out? Like on a date?”
Applejack nodded. “Y’all can call it that if ya want to.”
Sunset had to smile at that flirty answer. She had to admit that even pony Applejack was breathtakingly hot and-
No, no, no…don’t go barking up that tree. That would be cheating on Appleja…
The unicorn eyed the pony version of her human girlfriend. Would it be cheating on her?
Applejack sighed sadly. “Ah...take that’s a no, right?”
“No! Uh…that is um…yes I would. Ahem…yes I certainly would like to.”
The farm pony perked her ears up in delight. “Hoowee, that’s great! Ah mean, fillyfoolin’ is not unheard o’ in Equestria, but most ponies ah know do without it. It’s nice ta meet somepony who’s barn door swings both ways.”
Looking into the humble eyes of the alien yet too familiar apple farmer, that same loving sensation come over Sunset.
Sunset smiled. “I understand what you mean. Though, it’s a lot more tolerated here in Equestria. Anyway, we’d better get going.”
“Huh?” Applejack’s face exuded puzzlement.
“Well, Twilight will be back in an hour. That leaves me with some time to kill.” The unicorn walked past the confused apple farmer slowly; her flank meeting Applejack’s with a gentle kiss. “What say we grab some lunch now, cutie?”
Applejack’s cheeks flushed red. “Golly!” she blurted. “Are ya really that keen on me too?”
Sunset grinned and moved to be face to face with the earth pony. She pressed her muzzle to Applejack’s for a brief time before pulling back. She giggled at the utter surprise on the farmer’s face.
“You bet I am, AJ.” And with that, Sunset walked towards the entryway. Applejack took a moment to gather herself before hastily following her interest with a sense of bewilderment at how easy their romantic exchange had been.
By now, the sun was on its way down towards the horizon and Applejack was eager to sate her hunger with some late lunch.
“So, umm…you’re going to have to show me a good restaurant here. I never visited Ponyville when I lived in Canterlot. And I’m still getting lost from time to time.”
Applejack grunted happily. “Don’t y’all sweat. Ah know ah a great place ta chow down.”
The earth pony led Sunset through the bulk of Ponyville market. As usual, it was alive with different ponies all selling various produce. The Apple family stall was there too; with Apple Bloom taking over for Applejack. Sunset’s eyes guarded the earth filly with suspicion.
“Something eatin’ ya?”
“Hmm?” Sunset noticed the questioning look Applejack was now giving her. “Oh, it’s nothing.” She glanced back at the filly selling apples.
“Nothing at all.”
Pretty soon, the farmer had led them to an old-fashioned themed restaurant, featuring a wooden engraved sign saying “Chez Foins”.
Conveniently, a unicorn waiter was already there to greet them.
“Ah madams, table for two is it?”
“Yep!” Applejack answered.
The waiter nodded and gestured to an available table basking in the heat of the afternoon sun. It was dressed with a traditional red and white tablecloth and a pair of menus ready for viewing. The two of them took their seats at either side. Sunset proved to have difficulty getting her rump to fit on the seat after so long. Applejack gave her an enquiring look.
“Sorry, my posterior isn’t usually this bulky.”
Applejack hesitated before nodding. After a few moments, the waiter returned with a pen a paper at the ready in his telekinetic grip.
“Have you had enough time to look through the menus?” he asked gently.
Applejack nodded. “Sure have. Sunset? How ‘bout you?”
Sunset on the other hand was giving unsure expressions while looking at the menu; resorting to checking the front and back leafs with the help of her magical grasp.
“Hmm, I can’t find the meat section…do you have a special menu for that?”
The waiter’s face took a shade of horror and Sunset immediately recognised her mistake. She cursed under her breath and made to apologise.
“No! Sorry, I don’t want that actually. I think I’ll…I’ll have some hayfries…thank you.”
The waiter eyed Sunset curiously before scribbling something quickly and taking Applejack’s order. The apple farmer’s mood had also taken affect from Sunset’s question.
“Ah…ah guess…ah’ll take the daisy sandwich…” She gulped momentarily before continuing. “Thank ya kindly.”
“Uh…of course, madams.” The waiter turned to leave; his hoofsteps becoming strides in no time.
Sunset grinned nervously at Applejack who was ultimately shocked.
“Y’all…y’all actually like that stuff? Ah don’ know anypony save fer some exotic folk who would ever consider eatin’ that!”
Sunset’s smile faded and her ears drooped. She spoke almost as if in a gentle whisper.
“I’m sorry, AJ. I’m so used to the human world, I forgot that this was an Equestrian restaurant.” She could see Applejack’s face slowly realise her hidden meaning. “Yes. We eat meat in the human world. It’s so common there though. There are few people who don’t.”
“Ya mean y’all actually eat animals?”
“Yes. Cows, pigs, birds-”
“Ponies?”
“Well, I don’t but I know there are those who do.” Her attempt at euphemism didn’t help Applejack feel any better. Sunset didn’t like seeing her this way.
“But hey, please don’t make this a big thing. I got confused and I can’t help meat being a part of human culture. Can we please move past this and try to enjoy our date?”
Applejack regarded Sunset once more with curious eyes. Eventually, her mouth settled into a smile.
“Ah reckon that’s a good idea. Ya know, ah wanted to ask. Why were ya so eager ta go out with me in the first place?”
Sunset sighed; she had anticipated this question. “I can’t lie to you, AJ. In the other world, you’re my girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend?”
“Oh, it’s the same as a marefriend.”
Applejack was gobsmacked. “So, in your world, we’re already datin’?”
“Yes. And I can’t deny that I love you. Whether you’re a human or not. It’s just…”
“Just what, Sunset? Y’all can tell me anythang if yar putting on the fact we’re lovers.”
“I can’t help but think this is almost like cheating on her. I mean, this whole world divide thing is still difficult to manage sometimes and I completely understand that you’re everything that my Applejack is. Honest, so down to earth and outrageously attractive.”
“W-w-what?” Applejack stuttered, her cheeks blushing harder than ever before. Sunset giggled at the farmer’s embarrassment.
“When you asked me out, I was so surprised. I thought that the connection that Applejack and I shared couldn’t possibly carry over into this world too. But it seems I was wrong. And looking at you now, I can’t help but feel completely at home with you.”
“I love you, Applejack.” Sunset’s muzzle scrunched up and she looked away briefly. “But saying that to a face I wouldn’t say that to, it nags at me that this is a bad thing; that I’m betraying the girl that I hold close and adore. Yet I am in the company of that same girl. I don’t even need to know who you are to see that you’re my apple farmer.”
Sunset eyes started to well up with some tears. “Sorry, I can be quite emotional.”
Applejack got out of her seat and walked up to the tearful unicorn. “Don’t fret, sugarcube,” she began gently. “Ah can imagine what it must feel like. Y’all really love yar Applejack, don’ ya?”
Sunset nodded while taking a great big sniff. Applejack observed Sunset laying her emotions out for a while and then proceeded to take off her iconic Stetson; revealing a sack of bits above her head. Taking a couple out, she laid them on the table and beckoned Sunset off her seat.
“Come on, y’all need to come with me.”
“There y’are…”
Sunset looked at the outstretched tankard being offered to her. The aroma coming from it was familiar but it didn’t take a genius to add Applejack’s affiliation with apples to know it was cider. Grasping it gently using her magic, the unicorn smiled in appreciation.
“Thanks, AJ. I wouldn’t have guessed you knew that it was my favourite. But then…”
“Ah have a way o’ knowin’ these things is all…” Applejack replied, putting her right hoof back down beside her side. She felt the bed covers slip at her touch. The two of them were sitting on the comfort of Applejack’s bed. Though Applejack couldn’t be sure whether her bedroom was the best place to take the depressed unicorn, she knew they would have the best privacy.
She observed as Sunset levitated the tankard to her mouth and drank a mouthful of the liquid. The farmer relaxed at the hum of approval the unicorn emitted.
“Mhmm, that’s just like how she makes it back home.” She turned to Applejack. “Oh AJ…I’m sorry for ruining our date…”
“Don’ sweat it, Sunset. Ah’m just glad yar feelin’ better. Would hate ta see ya still cryin’ as we ate r lunch.”
Sunset laughed softly. “I suppose it wouldn’t be the first time.” Applejack gave her a concerned look.
The unicorn sighed. “I used to cry a lot after Twilight and her friends defeated me. I felt broken and lost like no-one was there for me. Even though Applejack and the rest included me in the group, I never really felt like one of the team. It made me believe that the likelihood I would ever have a chance at making real friends again was impossible.”
“There were times where I was almost considering tying a noose around my neck. Ending the nightmare I had doomed myself in.” Sunset’s voice continued to remain cool despite the desolate empathy Applejack was demonstrating.
“The one thing which made me reconsider was how much effort a certain apple farmer went to trying to include me and accepting me as a friend. I don’t know if it was because she did more for me than the others or she just got through to me better but Applejack was the spark of hope in the darkness. I began to develop some true feelings for her; feelings which I had to question were unrealistic for a girl like me. Still, they became stronger but luckily as time went on, I soon rose to become accepted by everyone again. And that helped my confidence immensely.”
Sunset paused and wore a neutral expression for a moment or two. Applejack then watched the unicorn’s body slide smoothly down towards the bed. Before long, Sunset was no longer sitting but lying on the bed with her hooves behind her head and eyes fixed at the ceiling.
“But I still debated whether I should tell her or not. I had already won the affection over everyone else; I felt that true love was being greedy. I feared greed would turn me back into my old self again and then I would be back to square one. I didn’t want that to happen so I decided not to go looking for it.”
“But it found me instead.” Her head moved so that her eyes fell upon the apple famer once more. Applejack noticed they looked inviting; and so cautiously lowered her own self down to lie side to side with Sunset.
“Applejack caught on to my feelings and confronted me about them. I was frightened of how she would react. I…”
In that moment, Sunset rolled over towards the earth pony. Applejack only had to blink for a second to find herself overwhelmed by Sunset appearing on top of her equine body; pupils staring lovingly down at the astonished mare.
“I couldn’t believe what she said to me.”
The farm pony felt Sunset’s soft hooves come into contact and lock at the back of her head. Applejack had nowhere to look but simply ogle the encroaching lips of her love interest. But where else would she be looking? Mimicking the unicorn, Applejack wrapped and her own hooves around Sunset’s back and met her lips halfway.
She could sense straight away the amount of love Sunset felt for her as their tongues waltzed in an amorous way that she was only experiencing for the first time. Her hooves worked their way up and down Sunset’s feathery fur; feeling tickles from time to time. She felt so warm; and all Applejack wished to do was hug her even tighter. It was almost as if they were meant to be. Just like Sunset said.
As they parted, Applejack couldn’t help it but to voice what she was feeling. “Ah love ya, Sunset.”
Sunset smirked. “Actually, she didn’t say that until a few kisses after.”
Applejack took a while to catch on. The mare then chuckled in her home-grown way.
“You’re so adorable when you laugh like that. I love you, Applejack.”
Sunset attacked Applejack head on this time. The two shared in another moist and lust-filled kiss until the earth pony decided to end it a little early. Pushing the unicorn off her, she cleared her now wet throat.
“Sunset…ah know y’all were worried ‘bout cheatin’ on yar Applejack. Do ya love me enough ta trust what ah think?”
“Of course, AJ,” Sunset answered affectionately.
Applejack twisted onto her side to look directly at Sunset’s beautiful eyes again. “Ah’m yar Applejack ta the core. Ah realised that the moment ya kissed me there. Ah know ah may not look like her but if ah was her…which ah am…ah would trust nothin’ more than the truth. Ah am the element o’ honesty after all; an’ nothing means more ta me than pure honesty. Ah reckon if ya tell this tale ta AJ, y’all won’t have anything ta worry ‘bout.”
Sunset smiled. “You’re right, AJ. Thanks for being there for me.”
Applejack shimmied across the bedding to embrace the unicorn mare from the side this time. “That’s what a…girlfriend’s fer…”
Sunset grunted happily and hugged the earth pony tighter; nuzzling her head against Applejack face in undying affection for her dear apple farmer.
Nah, this ain’t cheating…right?
Right. Right? Light…Twilight! We forgot about Twilight!