Sunset Shimmer looked around in awe at the backstage corridor of the club as she adjusted the bag with her guitar on her back. She could tell immediately that they planned to have many live bands and DJs play at this new club. She looked behind her as her friends entered, their faces alight with amazement as well.
"This. Looks. AMAZING!" Pinkie Pie yelled as she threw her hands up in the air. The others looked at her expectantly as they waited for streamers, confetti or anything decorative to fall.
After having nothing happen for a moment, Applejack broke the small silence. "Uh, that was…something." She watched as Pinkie lowered her hands and shrugged.
"Yeeeaaaahhhh…my streamers and stuff are on backorder." The party girl looked at Applejack for a second before bounding past Sunset, and further down the corridor. She stopped in front of a door in the middle of the hall. "Ooooh, this door says 'Rainbooms' on it!" By the time the others had made their way to her, Pinkie tried the door and found it locked. She frowned for a second as she looked at the door, then perked up as she reached for the backstage pass around her neck. Pulling out her card, she inserted it into the card reader. Hearing a click, she tried the handle again and smiled widely as the door opened. "Our passes are also keys!" she yelled before disappearing into the room.
"She takes 'happy-go-lucky' to a whole new level." Twilight remarked as she watched the scene unfold. She adjusted her grip on the back of Rarity's rolling clothes rack as she and the others made their way towards their temporary band room. She smiled as they all laughed in agreement.
"She has her moments, darling." Rarity looked back at Twilight from the front of her clothes rack with a smile. "But you have to admit...that energy usually helps us find or figure out things in a fraction of the time; like just now." With her free hand, she pointed to the door that Pinkie Pie just went through and watched as Sunset opened the door with ease.
"She could have at least held the door open for us." Rainbow remarked as she entered the room. She gave an overly exaggerated bow of thanks to Sunset, who smirked in response as she held the door.
A few minutes after everyone was settled inside, there was a quick knock before the door opened, revealing a young man in dark blue jeans and a buttoned-up blue and white shirt that was tucked in, revealing a belt adorned with a cross and circle pattern. "Hello girls," He gave a small wave as he introduced himself. "I'm Alan Coda. It's so nice to finally meet the Rainbooms! My niece, Octavia, talks about you girls all the time."
Being the closest to the door, Applejack nodded as she stood up from her spot on a beanbag to shake Alan's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Applejack turned slightly, motioning to her friends as she introduced them. "This is Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer and I'm Applejack." She stepped back as Alan took a second to process their names.
"I'm so glad to have you girls here. I know you're going to love it." After a second, Alan continued "So here is the plan: it's about eight now and we open the doors at eight-thirty, but we won't have you guys start until 9:15, just so we can get a crowd going. Until then, you guys can take your time setting up." After everyone nodded in understanding, Alan smiled one last time before leaving, closing the door behind him.
"Okay," Rainbow Dash, who was sitting on another beanbag, spoke up excitedly. "Let me be the first to say; this is so cool! I still can't believe we're about to perform at a club!"
Twilight nodded from her spot on the couch in the centre of the room. She had the setlist in her hand and was looking over it. "You know, I was thinking we set up first, and then we take a look around. I mean, just so we have time to fix anything if we need to."
The girls agreed, and after a moment they began to grab their instruments to take on stage. Grabbing her bass, Applejack moved to stand beside Rarity, watching as she moved her clothes rack near the change rooms at the back. "Ya know, if you think about it, it's almost like a fashion show for ya." Applejack kept a light-hearted tone as she spoke. She was hoping that Rarity wouldn't notice that she had been up most of the night replaying what had almost happened between them. She still felt bad for being careless, but she didn't want to spend today worrying about it. Instead, she gave a nervous one-sided smile as she waited for Rarity to face her.
Without looking at Applejack, Rarity responded. "No, it's not. Tonight's about the band, I would never take attention away from the others like that."
Applejack frowned. Rarity usually picked up and played along with her teasing. "Rare, it was a jo-"
"I know it was." Rarity cut her off sharply. "It just wasn't that funny." Without waiting for a response, she moved past Applejack, and went to grab her keytar from the front of the room before exiting.
Applejack couldn't keep the look of hurt off of her face as she watched Rarity walk off. She didn't think Rarity would be this mad. Lately, it's like we take two steps forward and three steps back. Following after her friends, she left the room, heading for the door that said stage.
Applejack walked out of one of the change rooms in the band room; having just changed into her outfit for the night. Seeing the room empty, she assumed that the others had already made their way to the stage. She couldn't deny the fact that she was excited for tonight, but her mind refused to move too far from Rarity. After they had setup the stage, the girls had begun to wander around the club. As they explored, Applejack became more and more aware that Rarity was acting especially distant towards her, so much so that Applejack would notice the looks from the rest of her friends when Rarity would walk away from her or ignore her in favour of talking to the others.
Reckon she's mad about what I almost did to her last night. She sighed as she grabbed her Stetson from the beanbag closest to the change-room and put it on. I really need to apologize, but now she won't even give me the time of day! She sat in the beanbag and looked up at the ceiling. Its just getting all messed up now. I still wanna tell her how I'm feelin', but I don't wanna sound like I'm tryna force myself on her or somethin'. She ran a hand down her face as she groaned slightly, "Damn, Rarity. What're ya doin' to me?"
Not two seconds later, she heard the doorknob to the other change room rattle as it turned. Startled, Applejack sat up straight, turning towards the source of the noise. Her jaw dropped immediately as she took in the sight in front of her.
Rarity didn't notice Applejack was still in the room until she heard her speak, calling her name as she did. She had assumed everyone was already near the stage and had taken the time to get ready in order to think. Trying to keep her distance from Applejack was taking a toll on her. She hated the look of hurt she had been seeing all evening. It didn't help that the others were catching on to the awkwardness, and she had to try even harder to seem like she was okay. Her heart gave a squeeze after hearing Applejack's question; she didn't like how things were going, but her head was doing its best to tell her heart that it was the best thing to do. She knew the question wasn't really directed at her, but she gave a halfhearted laugh as she looked in the change room mirror. "Haaa…I could as you the same question." She whispered quietly. Taking a breath to calm herself, she stepped out of the change room, immediately catching the attention of her still favourite pair of green eyes.
Having changed into her stage outfit as well, Rarity now had on a fitted black skirt that was several inches above the knee. It was adorned with purple and silver studs along the hemline at her sides. She wore a purple, low v-neck, fitted blouse with the design she had created over the left breast. The cut cropped just above the waistband of her skirt, showing her navel as she moved. On her left hand, she wore a small silver chain watch, and on the right hand were several thin silver and purple bracelets. Her purple stud earrings and necklace completed the ensemble.
Applejack felt like she had the wind knocked out of her. she stood up from the beanbag, and took her Stetson back off, holding it tightly as she stared. Her mouth opened and closed wordlessly as she tried to process her thoughts. "W-wow, Rare. You look…y-you're just…so beautiful."
Rarity began to smile, then it dropped. Immediately, she was brought back to the day after the sleepover, when Applejack had first called her beautiful. She had left as soon as she said it, a look of regret on her face. Rarity couldn't deny that she was happy Applejack didn't run off this time, but she knew better, and reminded herself that she didn't mean it.
"…You don't have to do that, Applejack."
It took a second, and Applejack had to blink before her mind restarted and her eyes looked up to meet with Rarity's.
"Don't have ta what? What did I do?"
"Pretend with me. You don't have to say…or do...things if you don't mean them."
Applejack's brow furrowed in confusion. Pretend? She responded cautiously. "Are you talkin' 'bout last night? Listen Rarity, I—" she was cut off as Rarity put a hand up to stop her.
"Please, don't."
Rarity didn't want to hear it. It was one thing to know that Applejack knew about her feelings and was trying to appease her with compliments and sudden advances, but it was another thing entirely to actually hear her bring it out into the open; she didn't think she could handle that.
"Don't what?" Applejack questioned. What Rarity was saying wasn't making any sense. "I just really think I should—"
"Jacquline. It's fine. You don't need to explain yourself. Actually, it's…best if we just leave it alone." Rarity looked at Applejack with pleading eyes. She didn't want to call attention to the feelings she was trying so hard to let go of. RIght now her only conclusion was If they didn't talk about it, it would be easier to get rid of them.
Applejack was about to question her again, but Rarity's pleading look made her stop. Applejack swallowed slightly. I guess she really doesn't want to talk about me like-liking her. She won't even let me apologize for bein' so pushy.She nodded slightly and saw a sad, but grateful smile before the smaller girl walked around Applejack and headed for the door.
Applejack followed her with her eyes, fighting back tears as she did. I really don't like watching her walk away from me. How did this become such a mess? How do I even begin to fix this?…Can I even fix this? She took a couple of seconds to herself before following after Rarity.
The energy was high as the girls made their way back to their dressing room.
"Someone pinch me. I seriously can't believe we just did that!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she entered the room. Placing her guitar along the wall next to the door, she watched the similar adrenaline-filled faces of her friends as they filed in after her. Fluttershy was the last to walk in, and as soon as she did, Rainbow Dash grabbed her in her arms and began to spin her around, moving around the room as she did.
"Woah," Sunset Shimmer looked over at Rainbow Dash after putting her guitar away. "I know you're excited but save your energy for the dance floor."
Rainbow Dash responded by sticking her tongue out at Sunset Shimmer. Placing Fluttershy back down on her feet, she gave her a quick peck on the cheek before moving her eyes over to Applejack and Rarity. She frowned slightly as she watched them stand beside each other in a tense silence. Rainbow had been watching them and saw as they had gone from awkward conversation to complete silence since they entered the club. She remembered the moments before they went on stage, when the others had once again confronted her.
~~
"Rainbow, can we ask you something?"
Rainbow Dash looked up from her guitar, her fingers still moving across the fretboard with practiced ease. Her playing slowed as she looked over at her girlfriend. Her playing stopped when she realized the other three were behind her, and they all had the same look on their faces.
"Uh…" Rainbow gave a confused look as she looked at them. "Did I do something wrong?"
"No, you didn't do anything." Twilight interjected.
Sunset gave a sympathetic look before speaking. "We were just thinking you might know what's been going on with Rarity and Applejack. It's almost as if they're fighting or something."
Rainbow looked at the concerned faces of her friends. She thought she knew the reason behind what was going on, but seeing them today had surprised her as well. She too had wondered what had happened after rehearsal last night.
"Why do you guys think I know? I'm just as confused as all of you."
Pinkie Pie eyed her suspiciously. "You say that, but I still think your hiding something."
Pinkie began to close in on Rainbow Dash but stopped when Fluttershy stepped between them. "Pinkie, stop it. If Rainbow wants to tell us something, she'll tell us." She turned to look at Rainbow Dash before continuing. "Right Dashie?"
Rainbow Dash knew that she couldn't say anything; It wasn't her secret to tell. "Guys, seriously. I don't know what you want me to say. I honestly don't know why they're acting like this." It wasn't a complete lie, she told herself as she tried her best to hold eye contact with her friends. Averting her eyes was usually her giveaway. Despite her efforts, the moment their eyes connected, she could tell Fluttershy wasn't convinced.
Applejack and Rarity appeared a few seconds later, before anyone had the chance to press Rainbow Dash further on the subject, but the looks on both their faces all but confirmed their suspicions.
~~
Rainbow Dash was brought back to the present when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist. A quick look around told her that it was just her and Fluttershy left in the room. Seeing the look on her face, Rainbow guessed at what she was about to say.
"Shy, I really don't know why-"
She was cut off as Fluttershy kissed her. The kiss was slow, and Rainbow Dash could feel that she was comforting her. When they pulled back, Fluttershy had a soft smile on her face as she spoke.
"If you really don't want to say, that's okay; but I can see that it is bothering you a lot."
Rainbow Dash let out a loud sigh, wrapping her arms around Fluttershy as she rested her chin on top of her head. Fluttershy wasn't wrong; aside from keeping what she knew from the others, the biggest problem was seeing two of her friends looking like they were in pain. "I guess it is bothering me a bit. I…I can't say why, but-" She was cut off once again. This time by another voice as someone entered the room.
"It's okay Rainbow. I'm sorry ya had to keep all this inside ya."
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash broke apart to see Applejack standing by the door. They watched as she let out a sigh, removing her Stetson, and walking past them to the couch. Running a hand through her hair as she sat down, she waited a second before looking up at the two girls who were standing in front of her. Her voice cracked as she fought back the urge to cry.
"It's…I think it's over. I mean, nothin' started, but it's clear that she doesn't want anything to."
Fluttershy gave a confused look as she processed Applejack's words. It took a second to click, and when it did, her expression changed to one of slight surprise. Taking a second to compose herself, she walked over, taking a seat next to Applejack.
"Oh, Applejack, I'm so sorry to hear that."
Rainbow Dash stepped closer to Applejack. "So, she said no?" she watched as Applejack shook her head, and Rainbow furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Huh? I don't get it. Didn't you talk to her?"
Applejack groaned as she leaned back in the couch. "That's the thing; she won't let me. I'm sure y'all've seen what's been goin' on today." She stared at the ceiling before continuing. "I've let my feelings get in the way and I reckon Rarity's doesn't like when that happens. I think she's had enough. She thinks its best that we just leave it."
It was silent as Fluttershy placed a comforting hand on Applejack's shoulder. Rainbow Dash looked at Applejack for a second before turning her attention to Fluttershy. She thought back to when they began dating, and the events that had led up to it.
"No…no, you shouldn't leave it." Both girls looked at Rainbow Dash when she spoke, but her eyes were still focused on Fluttershy. "You need to tell her how you feel." Fluttershy smiled slightly as she looked at Rainbow Dash and understood where she was coming from.
"Dash is right, Applejack." Fluttershy began. "She needs to hear it, and it has to come from you. That's the only way to move forward from this."
Applejack looked between them as they kept their eyes on each other. But…what's left to say? Sitting up once more, her eyes moved to her hands as she thought back to all the times she had talked to Rarity. After a second, her brother's words began to echo in her head.
"I don't think you really did tell her how ya feel… You never told her properly."
Applejack began to speak slowly as her thoughts came together "…properly…I…never told her how I feel…I never told her I like her." She looked back up at Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, the answer seeming so clear. "All this back an' forth…I've never told her that I liked her. I just assumed she knew 'cuz of how I've been actin'. But I never told her! "
A sudden mix of panic and hope found her, and Applejack almost sprinted, placing her hat back on her head as she got up and ran out the door, once again leaving Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy by themselves. Rainbow Dash blinked as she watched Applejack leave, then chuckled, taking a seat beside Fluttershy. "Damn, she really does got it bad."
Fluttershy gave a quiet snort in response. "Says the girl who gets turned on every time I touch her."
"I do not… I mean, not every time. I don't thi-"
In one fluid motion, Fluttershy swung a leg over so she was straddling Rainbow Dash and brought her head down, kissing the athlete deeply. It didn't take long for Rainbow Dash to respond, a low moan escaping as she felt Fluttershy bite down softly on her lower lip. Just as quickly as she had started, the usually quiet girl pulled back, her eyes lit with mischief as she gave her flustered girlfriend an amused look.
"Oh yeah, definitely not every time." She smirked as she placed a finger over Rainbow Dash's lips as the taller girl tried for another kiss. "So…Applejack and Rarity, huh?"
Rarity stared absently at the drink in her hand. It was just fruit punch, but the glass had such presentation, that on any other day, Rarity would have gushed over it, admiring is beauty. Instead, she was trying to keep herself from thinking about anything. She was fairly certain Applejack had finally decided to leave her be when she didn't follow her and the others out onto the dance floor. She tried to ignore the fact that her best friend wasn't there, but left the dance floor after a few songs, claiming she was thirsty.
Rarity was at a complete loss. She had told herself that she was going to give up on her feelings, but it was starting to seem like she was giving up on their friendship altogether. She was so into her thoughts, that she didn't hear the presence beside her until they spoke up.
"Hey, I've been trying to talk to you all night."
Rushing into the main hall, Applejack looked around the club for any sign of Rarity or the rest of her friends. From up on stage, she hadn't realized how many people had actually shown up until she stood in front of the sea of bodies covering the dance floor. It took a second, but she caught a familiar pink head of hair, that seemed to be bouncing higher than everyone else, at the other end of the dance floor. She sighed a quick breath of relief as she made her way over, deciding to walk around the mass of teenagers. As she came close, she noticed Rarity was nowhere to be seen.
Seeing Applejack, Sunset Shimmer smiled, waving her over. "Hey! There you are Applejack!" she yelled over the music "We thought you guys weren't going to join us." She looked behind Applejack, quickly, before looking back at her. "Where's Rainbow and Fluttershy?"
"They're still backstage." Applejack quickly replied. "But where's Ra—"
"Guys, LOOK!"
Applejack had to take a step back as Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared between her and Sunset Shimmer. She was pointing towards the middle of the dance floor. Looking over, Applejack saw Twilight dancing with a guy who had on a pair of black jeans, a red tux patterned shirt, and a grey beanie on his head. Applejack had to turn her attention back to the energetic girl beside her when she began squealing.
"Damn, I never knew Twilight had moves like that!" Pinkie cried. "Dash and Fluttershy NEED to see this!" Just as suddenly as she appeared, Pinkie left, making a beeline for backstage.
Sunset and Applejack just looked at each other for a second, before Applejack tried her question a second time. "Sunset, where'd Rarity go?"
Despite the loud music, Sunset Shimmer heard the urgency in Applejack's voice. "She was with us, but she went to get a drink from the bar over there."
Applejack followed Sunset's finger with her eyes and saw the bar towards the back of the building. Giving Sunset Shimmer a quick nod of thanks, she quickly began to make her way over to the bar.