//------------------------------//
// Year One 
// Story: Snowed Out 
// by Rune Soldier Dan 
//------------------------------//

Christmas was one giant in-joke between the couple, but a practical one. Rarity had given Applejack a high-tech thermal blanket that condensed neatly into the trunk of her new-used car. Applejack gave Rarity her very own emergency kit, complete with matches, first-aid kit, flares, and a good knife.

Christmas, though, wasn’t the highlight of the season this year. “Roughing it,” Rarity had said, though it was anything but. A cozy wooden cabin for rent outside the Everfree, with all the amenities and power outlets a modern girl could ask for. A long weekend alongside forest paths and frozen lakes, just for the two of them.

Honestly, Applejack was surprised Rarity would even go this far after their adventure last year. Maybe Applejack’s influence was rubbing off on her girlfriend... 

Well, a little bit. Rarity certainly hadn’t packed for a camp-out, bringing a hairdryer, three different shampoos, and a purse full of beauty products. There was more than enough room in the cabin.

They wore comfy sweaters and wool socks. Applejack wore sweatpants, Rarity… well, it was plenty warm in here. She began downloading a movie on her laptop while Applejack made the hot chocolate with a healthy spiral of whipped cream for each. Then she cooked popcorn with oil and pan, and brought the offerings to the couch. Thick wood crackled in the fireplace.

Applejack shivered as she walked by the window, leaking cold from the snowfall outside. But it passed with her steps. She set the snacks on a hardwood coffee table and reclined lengthwise on the couch. Rarity settled into her lap with the computer on her own.

They munched, drank, and chatted idly over the movie. The snacks were good, but the show wasn’t. Rarity closed the laptop halfway through, set it to the side, and rolled to lie belly-down atop Applejack.

Their arms wrapped around, slipping under sweaters. Rarity kissed gently like a kitten, barely brushing her lips to Applejack’s collarbone. Applejack returned one atop her head. They cuddled and snuggled, slowly going more passionate as hands began to roam, but with a calm and comfortable slowness. 

And the snow outside mattered nothing at all.