//------------------------------//
// Chapter - 19 - A New Job 
// Story: Let's Rock 'n' Roll 
// by Hawker Hurricane 
//------------------------------//

Forte grumbled furiously as he switched off the alarm on his phone that, somehow, did not wake Sunset, who was still sleeping peacefully beside him.

"Stupid alarm," Forte grumbled, "It's far too loud."

An alarm like that is more suited to a navy warship.

Reluctantly dragging himself out of bed, he turned back to make sure Sunset was still covered with the quilt, which she was, before lumbering down to the bathroom for a quick wash before breakfast.

After a few minutes, a freshly refreshed Forte, now dressed in a smart casual manner, entered the kitchen and prepared himself a breakfast of three Shredded Wheat with a sprinkling of sugar, and a cup of strong black coffee to give him the energy he'd need to stay awake. Rather than go into the lounge and have his breakfast there, he stayed at the kitchen unit, where he was soon joined by Sunset.

"Morning."

Forte turned around to see her stood in the doorway, complete with bedhead hair and droopy eyes, "Morning Sunny. Coffee?"

Sunset replied with something incomprehensible that Forte assumed was a yes as she slumped over to one of the stools at the table beside the window and sat down, head resting on her hands. Within seconds, a steaming mug of hot coffee was placed in front of her.





*ONE MINUTE LATER*

"That's much better," Sunset said, smiling happily and letting the coffee aroma fill her nose, "I feel properly awake now. Great coffee by the way."

"Thanks. Hungry?"

"Starving. What's in?"

"There's plenty of cereal. There's some bread that needs using if you want toast."

"I'll have that. Do we have any peanut butter?"

"Top cupboard next to the fridge."

Sunset walked over and opened the cupboard, quickly finding what she was after, and almost squeed in delight, "Oh hey, it's the crunchy stuff! In a jumbo sized jar!"

"I didn't know you liked peanut butter on toast."

"I love it!" Sunset replied happily, closing the cupboard door and putting the jar on the counter, "I always put huge dollops on."

"I prefer modest amounts," Forte replied, stuffing some more Shredded Wheat into his mouth.

Sunset grabbed the bread loaf and took out two slices, and popped them into the toaster.

"Looking forward to your first day?" asked Sunset.

"A little. Mostly nervous."

"You'll be fine. Just enjoy yourself and ask your boss if you're not sure on anything."

"What about you? I know it's not technically your first day, but still..."

"I'm a little nervous too. That head chef was a little intimidating, but I'll be OK."

"Well let me know how it goes."

"Sure. I might come and see you working. I get discount, right?"

"Nah, for you I'll charge double."

Sunset frowned at Forte, "Oh really? If that's the case then I'll just forget about baking you a chocolate cake."

"Chocolate cake?" Forte asked nervously.

"With vanilla cream and chocolate toppings, drizzled in chocolate sauce."

Sunset relished in watching Forte contemplate the horror of losing out on such a heavenly delight. 

"You know on second thought," Forte replied, "I suppose I could offer you discount."

"That's so sweet of you," Sunset replied happily, wrapping her arms around him and giving him a hug.

"Only if it's permitted though."





A short while later, Forte, now inside the shopping centre, approached the ice cream parlour and headed for the back room to find Soft Scoop in her office, noting immediately her bizarre uniform which caused a small feeling of worry to go through him. As well as a blueberry coloured shirt, she also wore a bizarre headband that consisted of plastic versions ice cream cones, waffles, an ice cream scoop and ice cream itself, as well as a very brightly coloured pvc apron covered in various pictures of ice cream.

"Miss Scoop?" he said nervously, a dreading, foreboding feeling overcoming him that he may have to wear a similar outfit.

Soft Scoop looked up and smiled cheerfully, "Hello there Forte, you're early. You must be eager to get started."

"It wouldn't do well to turn up late on the first day ma'am," he said, his voice quavering a little.

"Indeed not, but please call me Soft Scoop. 'Ma'am' makes me sound old."

"OK...Soft Scoop."

Soft Scoop smiled, "Wonderful. Now, before I set you on your first task, I'll just get your uniform out. Don't worry though, I provide it free of charge. What size shirt are you?"

"Medium."

Forte watched as Soft Scoop went into a locker and took out two shirts, as well as some more items that confirmed his worst of worst fears.

"This is your locker by the way," Soft Scoop said as she handed Forte the items, "If you could put these on then we can get straight to work. Do you need help tying your apron?"

Forte shook his head, "No thanks."

"OK, but if you do, please ask. I'll leave you alone for a moment to get changed, when you're ready come and join me out front."

"Sure thing, Soft Scoop."

Forte watched as Soft Scoop left and shut the door, allowing him some privacy to get changed. With great reluctance, he took off his coat and hung it up on the hooks, followed by his shirt which he folded and put in his locker. He put on the blueberry coloured shirt and buttoned it up before turning to the rest of his uniform with all the enthusiasm of visit to the dentist.

"Well there's no backing out now," he said quietly to himself.

He picked up the apron, identical to Soft Scoop's, and put it on, tying it firmly in place and with as much reluctance, put the headband on also. With a deep sigh, he made his way to the store front to meet Soft Scoop and happened to pass a full length mirror as he did so. Stopping in front of it, he could help but blush in embarrassment at the sight of himself.

"Rainbow will never let me forget this."

But Pinkie however....she'd love it. 

Come to think of it, so will Rainbow, but for different reasons.

"Are you OK in there Forte?" 

"Coming Soft Scoop," he called back, "I-I was j-just making sure I looked presentable."

Forte slowly walked through the small corridor to the store front where Soft Scoop was busy putting the different ice creams in the freezer cabinet with the glass panel, showing customers the different flavours available.

"Soft Scoop?" he said nervously, a rather large lump forming in his throat.

Soft Scoop turned around and couldn't help but smile delightfully at the sight before her, "Forte dear, you look wonderful."

"Thanks, I guess."

"Excellent," Soft Scoop replied, not noticing Forte's apprehension, "Now, how about your first task?"

"Sure."

"The first task is simple, just put these metal tubs with the different flavours into their places in the counter," she stated gently, "Use this layout plan so you know where what goes where."

Forte took the layout plan Soft Scoop had handed it and looked it over.

"I have some paperwork to do in the office, so if you need me, you'll find me in there," Soft Scoop continued, "After you've put the tubs in, put the various cones out too in the holders and the drinks on the fridge. When you've done that, come to me and I'll show you how to use the till."

Soft Scoop must have noticed Forte's nervousness as she immediately offered reassuring support, "Hey come on now, it's not as difficult as it seems and I'll show you what to do, it's a high tech piece of kit with touch screen and very straightforward interface."

"I just don't want to make a mistake or take too long and get customers angry."

"You won't do, but I'll tell you what, I'll stay with you for the morning, guiding you through things and if you need my help, I'll help. How's that?"

"That's great," Forte replied with a smile.

"Super! In that case I'll leave you to it. Don't feel you need to rush though, we've still half an hour to opening."

"Do people really have ice cream at this time in the morning?"

"You'd be surprised, but I don't mind at all. If people want ice cream at nine in the morning, I'm more than happy to provide it."

Half and hour later, the store was ready for opening. Forte and Soft Scoop stood behind the counter waiting for the first customer of the day. They continued to watch for several minutes as the number of people slowly began to increase down below, a view only just visible from their place in the food court. 

"How long before the first customer?" asked Forte.

"It shouldn't be too long. Don't worry Forte, there'll be plenty of customers to serve."

"I apologise in advance if I screw up."

Soft Scoop couldn't help but let out a small giggle and wrapped an arm consolingly around Forte, "You won't. Now chin up and smile, our first customer is approaching."

Forte looked up to see a factor he never entered into the equation.

"Oh no..."

"Forte?" Soft Scoop queried.

"Hiya Forte!"

"H-hi Pinkie."

"You know each other?" asked Soft Scoop.

"We're besties!" Pinkie answered excitedly, "I love your outfits by the way!"

"Thank you," Soft Scoop replied, "Now how can I help you today?"

"A five scoop ice cream in the chocolate covered wafer cone, sprinkled with sprinkles and chocolate sauce please."

"Sure thing, what flavours would you like?" asked Soft Scoop.

"Blueberry, strawberry, cookie dough, raspberry and bubble gum."

"Of course," she replied, before turning to Forte, "Would you like to do the honours?"

"S-sure," Forte replied, looking between the supportive looks of Soft Scoop, and the creepy crazy smile of Pinkie.

Forte grabbed the required wafer cone and an ice cream scoop and began putting the requested ice cream, in Pinkie's requested order and placement, and followed with the sprinkles and chocolate sauce; all the while being watched on by the observant eye of Soft Scoop and the excited Pinkie Pie.

"Here you are, Pinkie," Forte said, handing her the ice cream and serviette, "One five-scoop deluxe, that'll be $2 please, as it's the first day there's a fifty percent discount on all purchases."

"Wow! That's a super deal!" Pinkie replied happily, taking the ice cream, "I'll let the others know."

Forte felt nerves overcome him once again. He knew exactly how the likes of Rainbow and Rarity would react, and wasn't looking forward to either. Sunset too would see the funny side and no doubt poke fun every now and again. Accepting the inevitable with great reluctance, he took the $5 note Pinkie handed him and, under the guidance of Soft Scoop, processed the transaction and gave Pinkie her change.

"Thanks Forte," she said happily, "I'll see you later!"

Pinkie bounced away, eating her ice cream, leaving a Forte and slightly amused Soft Scoop watching on.

"She's a nice girl," Soft Scoop said.

"Crazy though," Forte replied, "I dare not think what goes on inside her head."

"I get the feeling she may be a regular."

"Definitely."





Lunch was drawing ever so closer as Forte served more customers, a green haired girl with music blasting into her headphones and a sporty like girl with indigo hair, and the nervous pit in his stomach seemed to grow larger as he waited for the inevitable arrival of his friends.

The girls paid and went on their way, leaving Forte alone once more. Looking up at the clock he saw it was only 12.15pm.

"Fifteen minutes until lunch break," he muttered to himself, "I just need to get to lunch."





Ten minutes to lunch

"Thank you ma'am," Forte said, handing some change over to a woman, "Have a nice day."





Eight minutes to lunch

Forte looked rapidly between the clock and the food court, now busy with people, but no sign of his friends.





The moment the second hand struck at 12.30pm, Forte began making his way to the back room to remove his uniform before the girls saw him. He almost made through the door but instead bumped, quite literally, into Soft Scoop who fortunately wasn't carrying anything. 

"Oof," Soft Scoop grunted.

"Sorry, I didn't see you there."

"Don't worry about it sweetie. Going for lunch?"

"Yeah, I was thinking of having a cheeseburger and fries here on the food court."

"Sounds great. Are you going with your friends?"

"No, they're not here."

"Oh? That pink haired girl is back with a group of other girls."

"What?" Forte replied, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread consume him.

Soft Scoop pointed behind him.

Turning around, he saw the delighted grins of Rainbow, Rarity and Aria.

"Hey girls," he said nervously, "What brings you here?"

"We've just been with Sunset as she went in to that sushi place," Rarity replied, holding back her snickering.

"Nice outfit Forte," Rainbow blurted out in laughter, no longer able to hold it in.

"Thanks," he dead panned.

"I must say," Rarity added, "It's certainly colourful and eye catching. Sunset would certainly like it."

"I love it!"

"We know yer do, Pinkie," Applejack replied, "Anyway, are yer joinin' us fer lunch, Forte?"

"Sure," Forte replied, still feeling a bit silly, "Just let me get ready."

"Why bother?!" Pinkie asked jubilantly, "Sunset is in her uniform too, look!"

Forte looked to where Pinkie was pointing and sure enough Sunset was walking over wearing a sleeveless jinbei like outfit in navy blue, complete with a white apron with a green octopus embroided onto it, white socks and wooden sandals. Tying her hair in place was a fish shaped hair tie, matching the style of the rest of her uniform.

Sunset sheepishly approached the rest of the girls, a slight blush appearing on her face; though not quite as red as Forte's.

"Hey Sunny. Looking good."

"Thanks," she replied, looking at her boyfriend's uniform, "You're not looking bad yourself."

"Uh-huh," he groaned, not able to bring himself to believe that.

"Cheer up Forte," Soft Scoop said, putting an arm around his shoulder, "How boring would it be to wear just boring old polo shirt?"

"Exactly!" Pinkie yelled excitedly, "Now come on! Let's get some lunch!"

Before he could react, Pinkie grabbed his arm and dragged him away to the other food outlets, watched on by a bemused Sunset and Soft Scoop, whilst the other girls went along with the Forte and Pinkie.

"You must be Sunset," Soft Scoop said, approaching her.

"Uh yeah, pleasure to meet you," Sunset replied, extending a hand.

"And I'm Soft Scoop," she replied, shaking Sunset's hand, "Forte mentioned you."

"Oh," Sunset replied, blushing again, "Well, I'm his girlfriend you see."

"I thought as much, he clearly likes you quite a bit."

Sunset let out a small chuckle, "Yeah, he certainly does. I'm surprised with how well he's coping, not so much with the job but with what he's wearing. Forte's not really one for dressing in such a manner."

"I know," Soft Scoop replied sympathetically, "And if it bothered him that much then I wouldn't force him, the headband at least anyway."

"He'll be fine, trust me," Sunset replied with confidence, "He's just a little shy at times."

"How long have you been dating?"

"About a couple of months, I was his chaperone on his first day at CHS and apparently fell for me not long after."

Soft Scoop giggled, "Boys eh?"

"Yeah, anyway I should get going or they'll be wondering where I got to."

"Sure thing, goodbye now."

"Bye."





Forte was sandwiched between Aria and Pinkie, with a still gleeful Rainbow sat directly opposite as he and the other ate their lunches at a nearby burger joint. Being sat at a table with a bench, there was no easy getaway for him and as such was at the mercy of his lady friends.

"If you like my uniform so much Rainbow," Forte began saying with a sprinkling of seriousness, "Why not ask Soft Scoop if there's another position available? You'd be able to wear your own."

"Nah," she replied lazily, taking a large bite out of her bacon double cheeseburger, "Not my style. Besides, I already have a job."

"Where at?"

"The sports store on the ground floor."

"So we all have jobs now?"

"We sure do," Applejack replied.

"I start later," Sunset said, "From two until five when it's less busy. When chef thinks I'm ready he'll let me work during peak hours, so long as I'm not at school during that time."

"What time do you finish Forte?" asked Rarity.

"Five thirty."

"Are you stopping at Sunset's again tonight?"

"Not tonight. If I stay there too often then council might think I'm living there. I'll stop again at the weekend and the day before school starts again, if that's OK with Sunny?"

"Of course it is, you don't have to ask you doofus," Sunset replied, eating her tune salad.

"Great. Anyway, what are the rest of you doing?" Forte asked.

"Just shopping for new materials," Rarity replied, "I have some new...unique...commissions."

"Unique?"

"Now now Mr Heldentenor, that would be breaching client confidentiality."

"It's probably just another dress."

"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity huffed, "My commissions are not 'just another dress', they are works of art, beautifully crafted to a very high standard for clientèle prepared to pay some considerable money for their dream dress or whatever it is they wish me to make."

"But you usually do make dresses."

"That may be, but I do do other clothing items, Forte is an example of that. You yourself have worn leggings I have made and also, don't pretend that I didn't seeing you cast several glances to the dresses in my boutique yesterday."

"I-I-I was just admiring your skills," she said, her cheeks going red.

"Sure you were Rainbow," Applejack teased, "Why don't you jus' admit yer more girly than yer let on."

"Because I'm not," Rainbow repudiated firmly.

"Denyin' it only makes it more true."

"You're one to talk Applejack," Rainbow grumpily replied, "You much prefer getting covered in mud than covered with Rarity's dresses."

"True, but that don't mean ah don't like not gettin' dolled up now and again," Applejack replied, aiming at Rarity, who just giggled in response.

"I really don't see what the fuss is," Forte said aloud, "All I need is a suit and tie and a polished pair of shoes and I'm done, fit for most if not all occasions. The advantages of being a bloke."

"Fashion, like a joke," Rarity said sternly, "Is a serious thing, Forte."

"But like I said to Sunset last night, I don't understand why girls get over excited over dresses."

"Like I said last night, Forte," Sunset replied, "I couldn't explain it to you in any way you'd understand."

"I don't think I ever will."





After finishing his lunch and listening to more about fashion and other boringly uninteresting girl stuff, Forte returned to his place of work where Soft Scoop was serving another customer.

Oh for fuck's sake.

"Hey Forte," Soft Scoop said.

"Hey," he replied, before turning to the customer, "Hey Flash."

"Hey Forte," he replied, suppressing a small laugh, "Nice apron."

"Thanks. Enjoying the winter break?"

"Well enough."

"Do you two know each other?" asked Soft Scoop.

"We go to school together," replied Forte matter of factly.

"Wonderful, if you want to you can serve your friend."

"OK," replied Forte, knowing he couldn't exactly refuse.

"I'll be in the back room if you need me," Soft Scoop replied, leaving Forte with Flash.

"So," Forte began, "What can I get for you?"

"Just a Banana Split please."

"OK, coming right up."

Forte got out the necessary dish and began making the order, watch on by Flash.

"I didn't know you worked here."

"My first day."

"Ah. How's things going with Sunset?"

"Good. I've just been with them, Sunset's got a new job too. At the sushi place."

"Sounds good."

"What about you? Where do you work?"

"I'm...out of work now," he replied rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding eye contact with Forte, "I did work in a music shop but the owner retired before Christmas, so I'm on the lookout again."

"Why not ask Soft Scoop if she has anything?"

"Err..."

"A job's a job."

"Well.....I suppose I could.....would she though? I mean if you've just started then-"

"Stop by tomorrow morning, 8.30."

Both Forte and Flash looked to the doorway and saw Soft Scoop standing there, looking on pleasantly at Flash.

"Sorry?" replied Flash.

"If you'd like a job, then stop by tomorrow morning."

"You're offering me a job?" Flash asked, startled by the approach.

Soft Scoop giggled and nodded, "Yes. I overheard you just now, and you seem to get along with Forte. Besides, another worker will allow for more flexibility and reduce each other's workload."

"Well," Flash began to reply before smiling, "In that case, I'll see you tomorrow morning."

"Excellent. Now, enjoy your ice cream."

Soft Scoop promptly left, returning to the back room, leaving the two lads alone once more. Within a couple more minutes, Forte had finished the Banana Split and handed it over to Flash.

"$2.50 please."

Flash held his contactless card over the reader and within a couple of seconds, it beeped signalling a successful transaction.

"Thank you," Forte said, "Enjoy."

"Thanks. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

Flash left with his Banana Split, going to sit down at a table with a good view of what was going on on the levels below; but most notably, sitting on his own.

I wonder where his friends are.





The rest of the afternoon flew by and 5.30pm was rapidly approaching. Forte was busy putting away the various ice creams back into the freezers and the wafer cones into the cupboards. The food court was still busy however, with most people having takeaways from the other outlets on the food court. 

"You OK Forte?"

"I'm fine Soft Scoop, just putting the last of the wafers back in the cupboard."

"OK, I'll be through in a minute to show you how to cash up and shut down the till."

"OK."

Sure enough. Soft Scoop came through and took Forte through step by step on how to cash up, and shut down the till, but assured him there;s nothing to worry about but nonetheless would write it down on paper for future reference.

"So, we've made fairly good takings for the first day. Around $550, but that's bearing in mind the first day 50% discount. For the next six days it's a 25% discount. But, if today is anything to go by, it's a promising start."

"Great. I did give my bank details didn't I?"

"Yes, don't worry about that. Are you still OK with being paid monthly?"

"Yes."

"Splendid. I know I said you'd finish at 6.30 but I tell you what though, you've had a good first day so why don't you get yourself off now? Go and see that lovely girlfriend of yours."

"Really?" Forte asked, not hiding his delight.

Soft Scoop giggled and nodded, "Really."

Without missing a beat, Forte rushed into the back room and removed his apron and headband, putting them in his locker, and put in his coat. Within seconds, he was back out and on his way, passing Soft Scoop.

"Bye Soft Scoop, see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow, Forte."

As he was leaving, Forte saw Sunset approaching, this time back in her usual clothes, but had no time to speak before Forte kissed her on the cheek and took her by the arm, leading her away.

"Come on Pony Girl, we're going to Pizza Hut."

A bewildered Sunset could only catch a glimpse of an amused Soft Scoop as her knight in shining armour swept her away.

"What gotten you in such a good mood?"

"Pizza!"





"So," Sunset started, taking a bite out of her large meat feast pizza, "How was your first day?"

"It was really good. Not too few customers that I was just standing around, but not so many that I was over burdened."

"How is Soft Scoop? She seems nice."

"She is. Really supportive. I served Flash just after getting back from lunch break."

Sunset's eyes widened in surprise, "Flash? Really?"

Forte nodded, "He starts tomorrow morning."

"Starts......you mean he's going to be a co-worker?"

"Yep. Apparently the music shop he worked at shut down after the owner retired just before Christmas."

"Some time to lose your job."

"Yeah, he seems OK though. What about you? Are you in again tomorrow?"

Sunset nodded, "Yeah, the same shift, so I get to lie in."

Forte groaned and rolled his eyes, "While I have to be up in the early hours."

"Aww," Sunset cooed, "Don't worry. I'll be thinking of you while I'm in my nice, warm, comfy bed."

"Yeah yeah, and I'll think the same when it's you who's getting up early and it's my day off."

"Unlikely since chef said I'll only be doing afternoon shifts for now."

"Speaking of early starts, school starts again soon. It'll be interesting in the Dazzlings being our classmates now."

Sunset couldn't help but smirk delightfully at Forte, "Looking forward to spending more time with Aria?"

"What?!" Forte spluttered, "No-I mean yes, no I mean...damn it."

"Don't worry Forte," Sunset laughed, "I know what you mean to say. Besides, Aria's a nice girl, I'm sure you'll be the best of friends."

"Maybe. Though Pinkie and Sonata seem to have hit off very well."

"Yeah, I dread to think of what will happen if they plan any antics together."

"Even more so if Pony Pinkie popped over."

"I'm pretty sure the universe wouldn't be able to cope."

"Maybe that should be a rule, no more than one Pinkie per universe."

"Agreed. How's the pizza?"

"A good as ever."

After another half hour of chatting, pizzas and dessert, Forte and Sunset were leaving the restaurant, heading  back to Forte's car, parked nearby. Snow was once again falling much to the delight of children, not so much anyone else like Forte who had to drive home.

"So," Forte said, "Want a lift back to your place?"

"Sure. Mind if we stop by Cookie House first? I feel like treating myself."

"I don't mind, where is it?"

"Just a couple of streets over."

Soon enough, the pair where outside the store and even before entering, the smell of fresh cookie dough could be smelt. If that wasn't appetising enough, then the sight of rows upon rows of freshly baked cookies of many different flavours would entice even the most strictest of health fanatics.

"Smells wonderful," Sunset said, "Come on Forte, let's see what they have."

"I'm pretty sure they sell cookies."

Sunset turned around and faced Forte with a serious, deadpan expression. Forte nervously grinned and rubbed the back of his neck. Quickly looking for a way to get out of his sticky situation, he pointed out something in the store.

"Oh look," he said, "They even do Super sharing size cookies."

"Uh huh," Sunset replied.

"I could...treat you to one?"

A small smile found its way to Sunset face, "That's wonderful Forte."

"Were....were you having me on again?" Forte asked, feeling a sense of deja vu.

"Maybe. Now come on," she replied, taking him by his hand, "Let's get inside."

Sunset took Forte inside the store, which was already quite busy with other customers despite the relatively late time, and immediately began looking around. Sunset, still holding Forte's hand, took him over to a counter over which people could see cookies being made as the baker commentated throughout, explaining each step.

After that was over, the pair began looking through the store at all the different varieties on offer.

"You're certainly not spoilt for choice," Forte said, "Decided on what you're getting yet?"

"Definitely a triple chocolate, and a honeycomb. What about you?"

"A white chocolate and a Smartie one. Wanna get a large cookie to share?"

"I'd love to, we better get a warm one though. I love the smell of freshly baked cookies."

"Who doesn't?"

Sunset and Forte soon picked out a small collection of cookies each before deciding on a simple chocolate chunk cookie to share, hot straight from the oven. After paying and leaving the store, they headed to his car for the short journey home.





*MEANWHILE, IN ANOTHER AREA OF CANTERLOT*

A lone figure stood outside the door of a detached suburban home complete with double garage, waiting eagerly for the door to open. Especially during the day, she had been waiting eagerly for the evening to come for this moment. Soon enough, the door opened and a familiar friendly face appeared.

"Applejack."

"Hi Rarity," she replied, giving her a hug, which Rarity returned.

"Do come on in darling, it's ever so cold out."

Applejack followed Rarity inside and took her coat and shoes off, which Rarity put away. 

"So Rarity," Applejack began nervously, but with slight excitement, "Is it ready?"

"It most certainly is. Come darling, let me show you."

Rarity took Applejack by the hand and lead her upstairs to her bedroom, almost tripping up on the stairs on the way.

"Careful Rarity," Applejack said, "Don't go breakin' yer leg now."

"Sorry darling, but I'm just too excited."

"Where's the rest of yer folk?"

"They've all gone out for the night, it's just you and I darling."

Soon, they were in Rarity's bedroom. Rarity switched on the light and straight away Applejack saw a screen wrapped around a mannequin, clearly intending to hide what was behind from view. Or more precisely, from Applejack's eyes.

"Close your eyes darling."

Reluctantly, Applejack did so and felt Rarity take her by the hand and walk her forwards a few steps.

"Wait here a moment darling, no peeking now."

"Ah won't."

For the next few seconds, Applejack heard noises of things being moved around and out away and the sound of feet rushing around the soft carpet.

"OK, ready now darling, open up your eyes."

Applejack slowly opened her eyes and went slack jawed almost straight away at the sight of the dress before her.

"What do you think, darling?" Rarity asked with barely contained glee, "Do you like it?"

Applejack looked over the dark orange dress, sleeveless and strapless, taking in every detail. The train of the dress, while shirt, still dragged behind slightly and the skirt of the dress, while not billowing out in ridiculous proportions, still added volume to its lower half. The dress all over seemed to shimmer and shine with sparkles under the lights and Applejack couldn't help but smile .

"Ah love it."

"Thank you darling," Rarity replied, throwing herself at Applejack and giving her a hug, "Do you want to try it on now?"

"Ah'd love ta."