A few hours later, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash stood at the door as everyone said goodbye, congratulating them one last time. Applejack stood outside as she waited for Rarity to leave. After their group hug, Pinkie Pie had put on some music as Fluttershy brought out some more cookies along with some other snacks, and a small party was underway. Throughout the night, Applejack made numerous attempts to pull Rarity aside. However, each attempt was made futile as Rarity made every effort to avoid the topic before slipping away when Applejack tried to speak up. After a while, Applejack gave up. She figured she could use the walk back to Rarity's house so she could pick up her sister. Hopefully she won't run away.
Looking back at the door, she saw as Rarity stepped out, giving Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash one last hug before turning around. As soon as she did, her eyes met with Applejack's. Applejack swallowed nervously. She forced herself to stand still, once again placing her hands in her pockets to steel herself as Rarity made her way towards her. Applejack felt a small wave of relief wash over as Rarity stopped in front of her instead of walking ahead. She spoke slowly, as Rarity came to a stop. "Uh, ready to go?" Rarity gave a small nod in response, and they began down the road.
Rarity kept her eyes on her sandals, not saying anything. As she thought back to earlier that evening, she couldn't help but feel stupid. She had convinced herself that Rainbow Dash and Applejack were the ones who had the secret to share. She remembered the numb feeling she felt as soon as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy made their announcement. Once the news sank in, she was relieved, but then guilt crashed down on her instantly. She had been mean to Applejack for no reason at all. Realizing she was wrong, she once again began to wonder what it was they had talked about that Applejack couldn't share with her. She had to stop her train of thought as she recalled the last time she let them roam and had let her emotions easily get the best of her. She wanted to apologize, but found she was so embarrassed, she had avoided being alone with Applejack all night. Now, as they walked home, she knew that she should say something, but didn't know what to say or how to begin.
Rarity was abruptly dragged out of her thoughts as she felt herself suddenly being pulled to the left. The move was so sudden, that she lost her balance. She closed her eyes as she waited for the impact as she anticipated the fall to the concrete. Instead, she felt a body behind her, and a pair of arms wrap around her waist, steadying her. Shocked over the sudden turn of events, Rarity stayed like that as she processed what had just happened. Looking to her right, she saw a telephone pole that she had unknowingly veered toward. It took another second to realize that Applejack had moved her out of the way, then caught her as she realized Rarity was about to fall.
"Are you okay, Sugar?" Applejack spoke softly, her lips near Rarity's ear. Rarity felt a pleasant shiver run down her spine as she became increasingly aware of Applejack's presence. She closed her eyes, relaxing slightly, feeling Applejack's arms around her. After a moment she swallowed, calming herself before nodding slowly. It was another second before Applejack reluctantly let go, stepping back as Rarity turned to face her. Applejack looked at her face, trying to read it. "Rare…is…are ya still upset about before? You seem so outta it right now. Been callin' your name, but you wouldn't answer." Applejack watched as Rarity thought for a moment, before shaking her head.
Rarity sighed. She knew that it would be best if she just opened up and explained everything. "Actually, Applejack. I want to apologize about my behaviour earlier. I was upset and took it out on you. You didn't deserve that. To be honest-" she was cut off as Applejack shook her head.
"Ya don't have to." Applejack began. "Actually, I wanted to apologize to you. I'm sorry for not coming to talk to you directly and that you found out about it the way ya did." Rarity was about to respond again, but Applejack shook her head again. "No, I think I should say this. I know that it's not right that I'm not being honest. I guess… Rare, I understand how you feel about me. I know it's not the same way I feel about ya, and I should've talked to you instead of ignoring you. I'm sorry things got so bad, so I promise ta leave it alone. I just..don't want to lose my friend." By the time Applejack was finished, her voice was almost pleading as she looked at Rarity.
Rarity blinked as she took in what Applejack was trying to say. She spoke slowly, her voice unsteady. "Y-you know how I feel?" she watched as Applejack rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly as she nodded.
"After you ran off, I kind of put it together."
Rarity blinked again. Applejack must have realized that Rarity held feelings for her. Rarity felt her stomach tighten as she concluded that Applejack didn't share the same feelings. She wanted to remain friends. Rarity felt her eyes begin to sting and looked down as she tried to keep her eyes from watering. Waiting until she could trust her voice again, she inhaled before speaking. "I understand, Applejack. Still, I am sorry for how I behaved earlier. I should have talked to you instead of storming off."
Applejack nodded as she looked at Rarity. After a moment, she gave a timid one-sided smile as she stepped back closer to Rarity. "So, we're okay?"
Rarity took a second but looked up and found herself smiling as she looked at Applejack. "Yes, Applejack. We're okay." She watched as Applejack opened her arms, and Rarity stepped into the hug, wrapping her arms around Applejack's waist. She placed her head on Applejack's chest and listened to her heart. She had the familiar urge to pull Applejack closer, but stopped herself. Instead, she loosened her grip, and felt cold as they broke apart.
Applejack motioned in the direction of Rarity's house and they continued on down the street. Well, it wasn't what I was hoping for, Applejack thought, but at least we're back to how things were. As they walked, she stole a side glance at the smaller girl beside her. I just gotta work on letting go of these feelings now…
The next three weeks went by quickly. One Monday at the studio, the others were waiting for Applejack and Rarity to arrive so they could begin practice. Sunset Shimmer put her phone in her pocket after reading her messages. "Alright, Applejack and Rarity are on their way, so we should start setting up." Sunset Shimmer stood up and began to take out her guitar, then stopped as she began to think. "Hey, have you guys noticed anything strange going on between those two?" Sunset looked around as everyone thought back.
"To tell you the truth," Twilight began, "they do seem kind of…distant, I guess?" She thought back to the sleepover when she saw them holding hands on the floor. "I mean, they talk to each other, but something just seems off." Although Applejack and Rarity talked and spent time with their friends like before, there seemed to be enough of a physical distance between them that it had become noticeable to the other girls.
Fluttershy was tuning one of the cymbals on her tambourine. "Oh dear, I hope they're not fighting or anything. That would be just awful."
Beside her, Rainbow Dash, who was tuning her guitar, stopped and looked up. She recalled that Applejack had messaged and told her what happened after walking home from Fluttershy's. "I'm sure they're fine. If it was really bad, they would come and talk to us. All we can do for now is be there for them if they need us."
Pinkie Pie looked up from over the bass drum she was placing on the floor. "Hold on, Rainbow; you say that like something is wrong. Is there something you're not telling us?"
Rainbow watched as all eyes turned to her. Shrugging, she looked down at her guitar, trying to seem disinterested, before speaking. "I'm not saying anything is wrong. I'm just saying that we shouldn't jump to any conclusions." She looked up again and saw that Sunset Shimmer was about to challenge her, but before she could speak, the door opened, revealing Applejack and Rarity.
"Hey y'all. Sorry we're late. Rarity couldn't find a belt." Applejack gave a smirk in Rarity's direction, who responded by sticking out her tongue.
"Mock me if you will," Rarity began. "But even you can't say that this outfit isn't absolutely perfect with this belt." To emphasize her point, Rarity did a quick spin as she entered the studio room.
Following behind, Applejack let out a laugh before responding. "True, but I'm sure Sweetie Belle and I would've said the same thing with the other three belts…or five outfits. You're just lucky my brother didn't leave us 'cuz you kept him waiting so long." Placing her case in the corner she began to take her bass out as she turned her attention to Pinkie Pie. "Hey Pinkie, yesterday you messaged us about some exciting news?"
Pinkie looked over from her spot behind the studio kit and smiled as she remembered the news she had to share with her friends. "Oh yeah! I have the most amazing news ever! It is totally gonna freak. Your. Frizz!"
Rainbow Dash couldn't help but be curious. "Well, spill it, Pinkie!"
"You guys won't believe this! I found this new club in the city, and this Friday, is teen night. I know a friend, who knows a friend who knows their uncle, and they said that we could be the opening band before the headlining band."
The girls looked at Pinkie Pie, excitement and disbelief in their faces. After a moment, Rainbow Dash spoke up. "A-are you serious Pinkie?" Rainbow's eyes widened as Pinkie nodded. "Holy crap, no way! That's awesome! This would be our first time playing outside of school events!"
Rarity spoke up excitedly. "Fabulous! Oh, and what a perfect opportunity for us to try the new outfits I've been working on!"
Giving a small laugh, Applejack shook her head, then stopped, with a thoughtful look on her face. "If you think about it," She began, "This is also a great chance for Twilight. I mean, what better time to join us than now, right?" Applejack watched as the others nodded in agreement before turning their attention to Twilight, who was sitting by the door.
Seeing everyone's eyes on her, Twilight raised her hands defensively and began to shake her head. "Guys, seriously. I'm flattered, but, I don't even know if I can sing, let alone if I am good enough to join you guys. I'm okay just watching."
Placing her guitar around her shoulder, Sunset stepped closer to Twilight. "You know, this band started because of a talent show that became a literal battle of the bands. I wasn't a part of it at first. Like you, I just watched them practice, and in the beginning, I was okay with that. It wasn't until the finals when I sang with them for the first time that I realised that this wasn't just any band." Sunset stopped for a moment when she realized that the others had moved to stand beside her, creating a semi-circle around Twilight. "The battle of the bands is over, but the reason we still continue to play, is because it's something we can do together. Together, we are able to see each of our unique talents and abilities come together, and it works. We express our friendship and can create music as a result. Twilight, you are our friend too, and that alone means you're more than good enough to be a part of this band." Sunset looked at the others, then back at Twilight one last time. She gave a small smirk before finishing. "Besides, you definitely look the part."
It wasn't until Sunset finished speaking when Twilight noticed that everyone's ponytails had grown out, and their ears change shape and move higher on their heads. Rainbow began to hover slightly as she allowed her wings to lift her off the ground, and Fluttershy just let her wings move continually behind her. It took another second before Twilight processed the last thing Sunset had said. Slowly, she reached up to feel the tip of her ears as her wings twitched behind her. She blushed slightly as she looked at everyone. "O-okay. You guys make a good point. I guess I could try singing with you guys today, maybe see how it goes." She smiled when everyone cheered and stood up as everyone moved in for a hug.
As they pulled apart, Fluttershy began to hover as well, her excitement becoming obvious. "Omigosh, I'm so excited! Twilight's joining and we get to perform this summer! Oh, I could just scream!" In her excitement, her wings began to beat faster, carrying her higher in the air. "I wonder which songs we are going to play? Maybe we will even get to stay and hear the band after! Oh, and what about—" She stopped suddenly, feeling a familiar pair of arms wrap around her. All at once, she realized how far off the ground she had gone and the fact that Rainbow Dash had flown up to stop her, while the others were trying hard not to laugh.
"Woah, girl! Take it easy!" Rainbow began, "I know that it's exciting, but you are literally getting carried away." She laughed as they descended, watching the blush form on Fluttershy's face. Once they were on the ground Rainbow took a step back, keeping her hands around Fluttershy. "Aww, you don't need to blush like that, I'm sure everyone is just as excited as you are." Rainbow moved one hand up from Fluttershy's waist and began caressing her cheek. "Besides, I thought it was kinda cute." Rainbow smiled as she looked at Fluttershy before leaning in to kiss her. Fluttershy responded immediately, wrapping her arms around Rainbow's neck, pulling her closer. A second later, they pulled apart as they heard Rarity clear her throat.
Rarity looked at them with an amused expression on her face. "Well, I would tell you two to get a room, but we need you guys here for practice. So, if you could kindly wrap this up, that would be great." Everyone laughed as Rainbow and Fluttershy stepped apart, a blush now on both of their faces.
Applejack looked at the set-list of songs that they had put together as she waited for the rest of her friends to finish packing up. "You know, seeing our song list makes this feel so real. I can't believe we have a gig!"
"It is pretty cool," Sunset began, "though I wonder how many people have heard about this club." Zipping up her guitar in its bag, she stood beside Applejack and looked at the set-list. "Will there really be a lot of people?"
"I mean, I would think so." Pinkie replied. She placed the last drum from the kit into the storage room and closed the door before continuing. "On the one hand, it's only ages 15-18, but on the other hand, it's located in a central place downtown, so we'll definitely be seeing students from Canterlot High, Crystal Prep, and Winsome Academy."
Everyone shared looks around the room as they imagined the possible turnout for the new club. Rarity smiled as a thought crossed her mind. "Well, whether we play for ten or one hundred people, I say we should definitely look the part. Expect a call later in the week so I can fit you guys for your outfits."
Applejack watched Rarity's eyes glisten as she spoke and caught herself smiling as she watched her. So much for letting go. Why is this so hard? She sighed to herself as she thought back over the last few weeks.
Things were definitely different between her and Rarity. It was one thing to talk to Rarity, as long as they had their friends, siblings or their phones as a buffer between them. The problem came about whenever they were alone together. Applejack found that there was a distance forming between them that was almost tangible. She had realised as the days went by that it was harder to be near Rarity; any time they brushed fingers or bumped shoulders, Applejack all but sat on her hands as the urge to pull Rarity into an embrace became stronger each time. She soon concluded that if she kept some space between them, her feelings would eventually go away. So much for that plan, I guess. Applejack stood up as the others headed towards her, and they all left the studio.
As they walked down the sidewalk, Rarity began to hang back a bit, watching Applejack, who was talking to Pinkie about the night club. She couldn't explain why she couldn't get Applejack out of her mind. Whenever they were alone together, she found that there were countless times where she just wanted to be near her, and she noticed that it was becoming more diffcult to control herself with Applejack so close. Rarity kept thinking back to the conversation they had when Applejack told her that she didn't feel the same way. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that something was off. In her head, she knew everything was out on the table, but she just couldn't shake the feelings she had as she thought about it.
Rarity was brought out of her thoughts when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked beside her to see Sunset Shimmer with a concerned look on her face. "Hey, you alright, Rarity? You've been pretty quiet since we left the studio." Before Rarity responded, she looked up and noticed that Pinkie pie and Applejack had stopped talking and were now listening to her and Sunset Shimmer.
Rarity knew that Applejack could hear her. She didn't want to let her think that she was unhappy with how things were between them. She remembered the last time her emotions got the best of her and didn't want that to happen again. Instead, she gave Sunset Shimmer a small smile before responding. "I guess I am a little nervous about Friday."
Rarity watched as a comforting smile formed on Sunset Shimmer's face before she responded. "I get it. This is totally going to be a new experience for us. I guess we're all pretty nervous, but I'm also excited. I feel like Friday is going to be one night we'll never forget."
By the time Sunset had finished speaking, they had all stopped at an intersection. Twilight smiled at the others before speaking. "If anyone is nervous it's me, it'll be my first time singing outside of my bathroom. But I'm really looking forward to it as well. I think it'll be fun."
Rarity smiled as she looked at the excited faces of all her friends. She wasn't really nervous; she would take any chance to be on stage with her friends, but she couldn't help but feel grateful for the girls in front of her. "Thanks girls. That really helped." After talking for a couple minutes, they said their goodbyes as they headed their separate ways.