Applejack’s belly was full of butterflies as she walked into Carousel Boutique. Rarity called out from the back saying she’d be right out, but Applejack didn’t respond. Instead, she took the time to really look around the little shop and take it in. The platform in the center surrounded by mirrors. The mane and makeup tables to make sure a pony looked just so. There were ponnequins, some bare and some done up all fancy. The decor was pretty spot on as well, now that she was looking at it. It was obnoxious and fun just like a carousel, but it didn’t draw any attention away from the dresses. It was perfect.
“So sorry to keep you waiting. What can--” Applejack turned to face her friend. “Applejack! Hello! Oh you should have said something. I wouldn’t have taken quite as long had I known it was you.”
Tingling hooves and a racing heart gave some pause to Applejack’s words, but she pushed through. “Hey, Rarity. I just wanted to talk about somethin’.” She glanced around the empty store. “I guess here’s as good a place as any.” She sat down and opened her mouth to speak.
“Hold that thought, Applejack.” Applejack froze as Rarity spun around and cantered to the front door. She turned the sign around to “CLOSED” and locked the door. She then cantered back with a smile. “There. Now we won’t have any interruptions.”
“I don’t want you losin’ business over me, Rarity.”
“Oh nonsense, darling. You’re my best friend. Besides, it’s nearly closing time anyway. Now, let’s talk. What’s on your mind, Applejack?”
“Well,” Applejack rubbed a tingling hoof on the back of her neck. “It’s about Nightmare Night.”
Rarity’s smile vanished. “Oh." She took a breath. "You wanted to talk about...that?”
Applejack nodded. “Yeah. I know it was a little weird, but I figure if we just talk it out, there won’t be any more awkwardness between us. I mean, we can’t even talk at the spa like we used to.”
Rarity lowered her eyes and nodded. “I’ve...felt the same. I wish we could just go back to how things were.” She brought her eyes back up to meet Applejack’s. “Come with me to the kitchen. I need some tea.” As she started walking away, Applejack could hear her mutter, “Or perhaps something stronger.”
Applejack followed her into the kitchen and couldn’t help but chuckle to herself as Rarity went straight to her wine rack and chose out a bottle. She looked over to Applejack. “Do you like Pino Noir, Applejack?”
“Uh...is that the sweet one?” Rarity’s deadpan stare made Applejack shrug. “I ain’t had much wine, Rarity. I just remember there was a red one at the Grand Galloping Gala. It was sweet and really hit the spot for me.”
“Hm. Very well.” She turned back to her rack, mumbling to herself. After another minute, she pulled out another bottle and smiled to herself. “Here we are. A lovely Lambrusco Dolce. I’m sure this will work for your sweet tooth.”
She brought the bottle and two glasses to the table where Applejack found her seat. Rarity poured and served the wine then sat across from Applejack. She took a sip of her wine, holding it and swishing it in her mouth before swallowing with a satisfied smile. Applejack picked up her own glass and took a sip of her own. It was certainly sweet. Not as sweet as the one she remembered, but it was definitely a wine she’d be able to enjoy. She noticed Rarity staring at her and swallowed her wine.
“That’s mighty good wine, Rarity.” She smiled but quickly lost it when Rarity didn’t join in. “Yeah I guess I’ll start.” She sighed and took her hat off. “I had a good time on Nightmare Night. I just want you to know that. And I wouldn’t trade that night for nothin’.” She took another sip of her wine along with Rarity. “I don’t know how you feel about it, but just know that it took me weeks to get the courage to come talk to you.” She looked out the window. “I can’t tell you how many times I tried talkin’ myself up in the mirror to have this conversation.”
Applejack looked into Rarity’s eyes and felt her stomach fall into a pit, threatening to take the rest of her with it. “I like you, Rarity. Like...Like like. Guh!” She ruffled her mane with her hooves. “I have romantic feelings for you. And I just wanted to get that out before it ate me alive.” She stood and started pacing the kitchen. “Now I know that you probably don’t feel the same, what with you goin’ all googly eyed at every good lookin’ stallion that walks by, but I’ve made peace with that.” Applejack stopped next to Rarity and put a hoof on her shoulder. “I just needed this off my heart so that I could just be your friend again.” She smiled and hoped to see a smile in return.
Rarity stared at Applejack a moment before emptying her glass and pouring another. Applejack couldn’t quite read her expression. She wasn’t angry. Or happy. Confused, maybe? Rarity turned to look out the window and sipped her wine. The empty field outside was dimming as the sun lowered in the sky. Orange hues began to wash out the cooler colors and brighten the reds and browns of the fall leaves. Applejack returned to her seat and drained her own glass. It was good wine.
Applejack spoke up once more. “I know this is kind of sudden but I--” She was cut off by a raised hoof. Rarity turned to Applejack, a smile finally on her face. She noticed Applejack’s empty glass and raised the bottle to fill it. Applejack held her glass up with a “Thanks” as Rarity filled it up.
Rarity placed the bottle and her own glass both down on the table. Her smile was sweet. Sweet in a way that Applejack had been expecting. Sweet in that way she has when she has to tell Sweetie Bell that she can’t do something. Applejack’s ears drooped as Rarity began to speak. “I’m flattered, Applejack. I really am. But you’re right, I have my eye out for a stallion. I’m so sorry if that hurts you.”
“Oh. I’ll be fine.” She leaned back and took a large gulp of the wine. “Like I said, I made my peace with you not feelin’ the same. I’m just glad that it’s finally out and I can move on, you know?” She drained her glass once more and stood from the table. She picked up her hat and placed it on her head. “Well, I better get goin’. Applebuck Season’s still in full swing. It’s takin’ a lotta work this year, what with that new grove finally producing fruit.”
“Oh, of course.” Rarity stood with her friend and walked her to the door. “Do let us know if you need any help this year. The girls and I are more than willing to give a helping hoof to our friend.”
“Thank you kindly, Rarity. But Mac is doin’ fine this year and Applebloom’s been helping out a lot more. She even roped your sister and Scootaloo into helpin’.” Applejack chuckled and Rarity joined in. “I’ll see you around, Rarity. You have a good nightPop With a final wave, Applejack headed home.
Applejack got home just as the moon peeked over the trees. She rousted Granny Smith from her rocker and guided her up the stairs to her bed. Big Mac was already snoring away in his room and a peek in her sister’s room revealed little Applebloom sleeping contentedly. A smile spread on Applejack’s face with the knowledge that she was home with her family and everything was as it should be.
The feeling vanished when she got to her own room. With a heavy sigh, she closed her door and walked to her vanity. She pulled the ribbons out of her mane and tail, setting them right next to the picture of her parents. She looked at it as she began brushing her mane.
“Well I did it, Daddy.” There was a crackle in her voice. “I hope you and Momma are proud of me. I faced my greatest fear and survived. It helped that I knew what was gonna happen.” She sniffed. “And we’re still friends. I still have my best friend.” She put her brush down on her hutch and leaned down to kiss the picture. “I love you guys. I miss you so much.”
Applejack crawled into bed and under her blankets. She found her comfortable spot and settled in for some good rest. She would wake up tomorrow and have a whole lotta work to do. Then she’d probably go into town and hang with her friends for a little bit. Everything would be just like it always was, and nothing had changed. So why did she feel so alone?