~Seven~
The door handle jostled open letting in the cool night breeze as Rainbow walked into her house for the night. It was, of course, empty. She didn’t know where her father had disappeared to, but she hoped he wouldn’t come home anytime soon. She placed her house keys on the kitchen counter, her eyes glued to the wall she was left injured and crying against. A sense of fear tickled her spine, harder than before. She didn’t like this house, and being in it allowed thoughts of her father’s return to be at the forefront of her mind. Stop it Dash, this isn’t dad’s house. It’s mum’s. You should like it here.
She forced herself to think about tonight, how she had told Applejack her money issues and why she had joined with Mikey in the first place. She didn’t like the way Applejack looked at her, with almost a sort of distaste. She huffed in defiance. So what if Applejack doesn’t like how she’s making money? She was going out with Applejack tomorrow night to the Groovy Buggers, seeing if they could find anything there that could help them and it irked Dash that she was feeling somewhat nervous to go. Ever since the group met again at Sugarcube Corner, Applejack has been distant and standoffish to her. She never understood why, and tonight was another example of Applejack harbouring a type of ill-feeling towards the athlete.
She traced her finger absently across the rim of an empty glass, thinking back to the summer of her mother’s funeral, and how close the two girls were.
“Did you see Big Mac? He was so confused!” Rainbow whispered, trying to contain her laughs as she and Applejack ran into the barn to hide from Applejack’s angry brother.
“Y-yeah,” Applejack chuckled, covering her hand with her mouth. “He was all like, ‘Ee-yup? Ee-nope?’”
“Gotta say AJ, switching out the alcoholic cider for apple juice is an a-tier prank! I didn’t know you had it in you,” She teased, walking towards some crates hidden behind the piles of hay for the animals. There, three hidden boxes were ready to be opened and consumed by two rebellious teens who were not allowed to be anywhere near any sort of alcohol.
As they settled behind the hay, hidden from anyone who would walk past the barn, Applejack fiddled with her hat, nervous suddenly. “Have you ever drunk cider?”
Rainbow scoffed, surprised. “Don’t tell me you haven’t?!”
“‘Course I have!” She responded quickly. Then after a moment. “Just not with alcohol.”
“So just apple juice then?” Rainbow smirked, looking at her sideways and causing her to blush in embarrassment. “My dad always has a bottle hidden somewhere, and Curly Winds throws some crazy parties- oh you never went to those did you?” She popped open a bottle and chugged it down.
“Granny never let me.”
“You’re too good AJ, live a little. I used to always sneak out for crap, one time- holy shit AJ, this cider is amazing!” She cut herself off, looking at the bottle. “What do you put in this?”
Applejack still seemed in awe of Rainbow’s earlier statements, her cider still untouched in her hand. “So what happened?” She asked, ignoring her compliments.
“Oh yeah! So Curly Winds actually got his hands on some really crazy stuff. I’m talking like… powder.” She said excitedly.
Applejack’s eyes widened in alarm. “Don’t tell me you tried it Dash?” On seeing her face, Applejack put her bottle down seriously, “You’re only seventeen Rainbow, that’s really dangerous!”
Rainbow rolled her eyes, leaning back against the hay and swishing her hand in the air, “Don’t act like you’re so much older than me, Apples, and it’s not like I'm addicted or anything.”
“I know. But shucks, Dash. I thought you were smarter than that. What would your ma think?”
At that, Rainbow looked down, a far away look in her eyes. She hadn’t thought about it. These past few months-hell the past year- she had been reckless, and her mother didn’t know anything about what she had done behind their backs. If she looked at her now, would she be disappointed?
Applejack had always made her come down from a high, talked sense into her, guided her through any reckless behaviour, and consoled her when times got hard. She was probably the only reason she didn’t self-destruct whilst mourning.
“Jeez AJ, I…I mean, you’re right. I never thought about it like that.” She struggled to find the right words as she looked into Applejack’s eyes.
“I don’t want to see you harm yourself, sugarcube.” She smiled, before holding up her cider bottle to tap against Rainbow’s. She took a gulp of the cider and Rainbow watched as her face soured completely and she inhaled through her teeth. “So that’s what alcoholic beverages taste like.”
“It’s an acquired taste,” Rainbow winked.
The rest of the night was lit by drunken giggles and over the top story telling of Dash’s rebellious endeavours, her first-times, and Applejack’s dramatic reactions to raunchy and cinematic details.
Rainbow smiled at the memory, forever amused at how shocked Applejack was to know Rainbow wasn’t as innocent as the farmer. She knew her…worldview was pretty different to AJ’s. She had told her before she wanted to save herself for someone special and wasn’t interested in the party life like Dash was. Rainbow could respect it, it just wasn’t her cup of tea.
But if Applejack was okay with their different lifestyles before, why wasn’t she now? Rainbow guessed that being regarded as a criminal was different to just being a party animal, but it wasn’t like she was going around murdering people. The drugs, if not returned to the Ratmakers, would just go elsewhere and be used for the same thing.
It might not be the most morally acceptable thing, but Applejack was framing it like Rainbow just killed puppies.
---
“A MASQUERADE BALL DARLINGS!” Rarity shouted, mouth wide open in a huge smile and crazed eyes that frankly, scared the rest of the group.
“We heard you the first time, sugar.” Applejack chuckled, an eyebrow raised at the over the top performance.
“Yeah, the whole CCAS heard you.” Rainbow groaned, rubbing her ear as Rarity yelled it from right beside her.
The girls with the exception of Pinkie Pie were seated at their usual spot in the quad, a picnic table under a jacaranda tree when Rarity had been handed a flyer for a college ball.
“Darlings! This is the first time we would have an event together since our prom! You should be more excited!” From the mellow reactions of her friends, Rarity grumbled. “Ooh where is Pinkie Pie? She would be grateful!”
“You just missed her. She went off running saying she’s helping- I think the drama society with something.” Twilight said, biting into her apple.
Rarity gasped, looking at the flyer again. “The drama society! They are the brains behind the Ball. Pinkie knew and didn’t tell me?!”
The girls looked at eachother, “That explains it.” Sunset said.
Rarity was an intelligent girl. She was unimpressed by the way her friends were acting and she knew it was to do with whatever caused Sunset to drag Rainbow away yesterday, because none of the girls seemed very cheerful now. Even Applejack who was fine yesterday. If it wasn’t for the fact that she knew her friends wouldn’t purposely exclude her, she would be offended. That’s why she took the chance that when the other four had up and left for their respective classes, she grabbed Fluttershy’s hand to keep her from leaving.
“So what do you think?” Rarity asked her.
“Oh I think it’s a lovely idea, Rarity.” Fluttershy agreed, sitting still.
“Noo, about what they’re hiding!” Rarity grumbled, pointing behind her.
Fluttershy sat rigid, eyes small and smile non-existent. “Oh. Um, it’s not my place to speculate.”
Rarity raised an eyebrow. “So you have no idea what’s going on?” Fluttershy shook her head. “Then what was all that with the eyes yesterday? With Rainbow Dash?!” At that, Fluttershy froze, unable to respond.
“Two separate things.” Fluttershy squeaked, almost inaudibly.
Rarity’s eyes widened in understanding. “Oh I see. Apologies darling, I may have overstepped.” She took out her pocket-mirror to reapply her lip gloss. “Just what are those silly girls hiding?” She thought to herself, before catching Fluttershy’s eye from behind her mirror. “My sweet, you’re turning the most delightful shade of pink.”
---
The sun was set low in the sky as Pinkie Pie skipped home after helping the Drama society with some preparations. It wasn’t that the town was small, it took just over forty minutes to walk home, but Pinkie loved it. She always met new friends on the way and got to witness fun little interactions from strangers. She might even say it was her favourite part of the day. As Pinkie passed August Moon’s house, she always made sure to look through one of the windows, in case August was waiting to wave a goodnight to her. Tonight she wasn’t by any of the windows, but Pinkie stopped anyway as the front door opened to a yellow man with curly brown hair.
“Hello stranger!” Pinkie waved cheerfully from the house gates.
The stranger lifted his head, shocked to see anyone speak to him. “Hey! What brings you here?”
“Oh I’m just heading home, I babysit sometimes for the kid in there!” She responded pointing at the house as he walked towards her. He punched in a number at the gate to allow himself out. “I’ve never seen you before.”
“Winter Moon hired me as their personal chef. And an entertainer of some sorts. August loves my pet chicken ‘boneless’.” He chuckled, pulling out a rubber chicken toy to show the pink girl.
Pinkie hesitated for a second, worried for the young boy. “That’s so amazing!” She all but shouted, “I have a pet too! His name is gummy and he’s an alligator. But don’t worry, he’s not real.” Pinkie whispered the last part, covering the side of her mouth as though it was a secret.
The boy laughed, packing away his chicken and extending a hand, “I’m Cheese Sandwich, what’s your name?”
“Pinkie Pie!”
“Well Pinkie, which way’s your house, I’d love to walk you there.” He announced extravagantly, doing a low bow for her.
Pinkie smiled widely. “It’s not too far. Just enough time for us to get to know each other.”
As the two made their way down the footpath, Pinkie was brimming with happiness. It was rare to meet someone who shared the same interests and could match her own energy and for once it felt like she wasn’t the one trying to keep a conversation afloat. Turns out, Cheese Sandwich works as Winter’s personal chef as a job on the side, like Pinkie, and he really is aiming to open his own party planning business. Shame he’ll be spending most of his time with Winter Moon. Crazy how someone could have such similar dreams to her. She almost asked if she could join him. Then she remembered that it might sound too crazy for the first time meeting him. Afterall, she had all the time in the world to get to know this boy.
---
It was dark outside their college library, yet Fluttershy and Rarity were unaware, fooled by the sturdy walls of bookshelves and dim lighting that always felt like a warm winter night by the fireplace. They were seated on a small table in the corner of the library side by side, their laptops low in charge and their books scattered in a messy state Rarity called ‘organised chaos’. Rarity loved tutoring Fluttershy, and she was glad she was in a more receptive mood today compared to a couple days ago.
Fluttershy adjusted in her seat, pen in her hand jotting notes down as Rarity explained key principles. Her hand jittered once, and she stopped writing to take a breath and calm herself down. After Rainbow Dash came over the other night, her symptoms calmed down significantly. But they weren’t gone. It was just much easier to mask them now. Rainbow slept over one night ago, and she was able to sleep again then. But Rainbow didn’t come over again and last night she felt the same as before. That urge to reach out for the bottle, just something to make her drowsy enough for a few minutes shut eye. She couldn’t blame Rainbow for not being with her every night. She had her own life, and it would be unfair to ask her to stay all the time. Fluttershy sighed in frustration, she had to find a way to buy something for the sleepless nights. No, that's a horrible thing to think. I need to go to rehab.
“Darling?” Rarity asked, putting down her highlighter and facing the yellow girl.
Fluttershy squeaked in alarm. “I’m sorry Rarity, I wasn’t dozing off, I promise.” She worried that Rarity would get upset like their last meet up at the coffee shop.
“Oh darling, It’s quite alright. I’m so sorry if I gave off irritated vibes at the coffee shop the other day. It was never my intention.” She grabbed Fluttershy’s hands in hers. “I was simply worried for you. Like I am now. You know you can tell me anything, right.”
Fluttershy seemed to freeze up, her ears heating at the contact and intimacy of her words. “Yes.” She whispered. Rarity seemed to snap out of something, letting go, and clearing her throat.
“Would you look at the time? We really were ‘in the zone’, as Twilight would say. Do you have a ride?” Fluttershy shook her head. “Oh that won’t do. It’s simply not safe to get to your house at this time of night. I’ll drop you home.”
“Oh Rarity, you don’t have to.”
“Nonsense.”
The drive was quiet. Fluttershy was never much of a talker, and Rarity seemed too lost in thought to make idle chat. Again, Fluttershy’s thoughts drifted to solutions, none of them really long-term and more of a way to get through the night. She knew it was wrong, but in the moment, her mind wasn’t thinking rationally. And mixed with being alone in the car with Rarity, Fluttershy’s mind seemed clouded and dizzy. There was something about the girl next to her that scared her. Scared or excited her she didn’t know. All she knew was that her eyes couldn’t rip away from part of her skin. Whether it was her face or her hand on the steering wheel or her bare thigh. And that after she’s with her, her mind doesn’t slow down, a rapid, frequent signal constantly firing through her head that drives her just crazy.
The car illuminated and Rarity’s phone in the cup holder displayed a message from someone.
Krystal~: I know you ran off in a hurry the other night, but I enjoyed your company. Let me know when you’re free.
Fluttershy stole a glance at Rarity just in time to catch her own wandering eye before she turned to the road. Fluttershy tried to ignore it, but she was bothered by the man in her phone. That’s not fair Fluttershy, he must be so nice. You have become such a meanie.
She wanted to ask who he was and where she met him, but alas she was Fluttershy. She was too shy to speak up. So she pretended that Rarity seeing a man didn’t hurt her as much as it did. After all, Fluttershy would be lucky to have Rarity look at her with even a semblance of desire.
Rarity gripped the steering wheel tighter as Krystal sent her a message. She knew Fluttershy saw it, and she wished she didn’t. A tension filled the car then between the two. Rarity didn’t quite know why she didn’t want Fluttershy to have seen the message. Sure, she would rather keep her sex life to herself, but it wasn’t that reason. It was something else- Rarity didn’t want to see Fluttershy disappointed. The fashionista’s eyes widened as a revelation ran through her mind.
Again, Rarity prided herself in reading social cues, and as she took a glance towards Fluttershy’s pout, her face reddened at the understanding that Fluttershy may have taken a small liking to her. She didn’t know when it started, or if even Fluttershy herself knew about her infatuation with Rarity, but the white girl had read far too many romance novels and seen far too many men swoon for her to remain oblivious to her friend’s crush. It made sense now the shy girl’s extra shyness and nervousness around her. Sure her quiet friend was a nervous girl, but not towards her friends, she had improved a lot since the time Princess Twilight had come to Canterlot High. Now it seems with Rarity, she has gone back to her old self.
Oh, but Rarity might be misreading it. Alas, she knew Fluttershy had some personal problems she was dealing with, and that could be a reason she acted how she did. Of course I think it’s about me. Ever the delusion whore. She cursed herself. They were at a red light now, getting closer to Fluttershy’s home, and Rarity noticed the way her leg bounced in anxiousness. It was almost like she didn’t want to go home for the night.
Rarity’s house was this right turn, so she could either drive straight and ignore her friend’s silent pleas for help once again brushing it away as Fluttershy’s own reluctance to say anything, or she could take the right turn to her house, and try and get her friend’s mind off whatever was bothering her. Usually, Rarity would go for the former.
She made that right turn, hearing Fluttershy make a confused sound. “Um Rarity, we were meant to go straight.”
“Yes! I just remembered I needed some help with a dress at home. I hope you don’t mind being of assistance?” She lied. She rather talk to Fluttershy at her house than in the car driving.
“Oh of course.” Unbeknownst to Rarity, Fluttershy was thrilled to be able to extend the hours of the night and Rarity wasn't an unpleasant company. If she wanted help with her dress it was the least Fluttershy could do in return for helping with her project.
The downstairs of Rarity’s house was dark since her parents were out of town- as usual. She clicked on the lights and smiled upon hearing Sweetie Belle’s muffled laughs and conversation with her friends in her room. She was most likely video calling them as they played silly computer games.
“I’ll grab some ice cream from the fridge.” She started, “What are your thoughts on chick-flicks?”
The shy girl scrunched her eyebrows in confusion, “I thought I was helping you with a dress.”
“Yes well, tomato tom-ah-to.” She flicked her hand before stopping to look at Fluttershy seriously and grabbing her hands. “Look darling I…” She bit her lip, trying to find the right words. “I saw you in the car. I know you don’t want to go home, and you don’t need to tell me why. I just thought we could have a good old fashioned ‘girl’s night’” She suggested, confused on why she was feeling nervous all of a sudden. “I actually also need to get my mind off of some stuff. It would be a nice change.” Her hands pressed Fluttershy’s softly in anticipation.
Fluttershy felt warm inside. On one hand, that meant she wasn’t doing a good job at concealing her feelings, on the other, she had someone who had noticed- and cared enough to go out of her way to make her feel better. It felt good to be noticed. She stared at the girl in front of her, illuminated by the warm glow of the stair lights. Her eyes looked tired and her skin was dry but she had such a glow coming from her that Fluttershy wished the chick-flick was her.
“I would love to, Rarity.”
---
Applejack drummed her fingers against the steering wheel of her old pickup truck as she got stuck behind a red light. She wiped her palms on her jeans, trying to stop them sweating from nervousness. She was on her way to pick Rainbow Dash up and head on over to the Groovy Buggers, although the crime bar was the last thing on her mind. This will be the first time Rainbow and AJ would hang out together one on one since their ‘fallout’. Was it a fallout? Applejack wasn’t really sure what happened between them, they just drifted apart. Well, that wasn’t true. Applejack had pulled herself away from Rainbow and as much as she wished she didn’t have to distance herself, she felt it was for the best. She couldn’t take advantage of Rainbow like that. Not anymore. And she won’t again. But for tonight, maybe she could just pretend that their friendship never broke, and whatever got between them died at the end of the summer. Because as much as Applejack tried to convince herself that their friendship died because of herself, she knew that Rainbow had also started to become colder, quieter. And that thought brought an ache to her chest. Sometimes too much to swallow.
As she pulled into the driveway, she wondered if Dash’s dad would be home, she wouldn’t mind saying hello to him. Applejack’s heart skipped a beat as she saw Rainbow pacing back and forth in front of her house. Her hair was tied high in a ponytail reminding AJ of how much she loved the girl’s hair up and away from her face so that she could see her bright eyes and giant smile every time she reeled over a lame joke or pun. What in the hay has gotten into me? Sure, Applejack had developed a sort of infatuation with the girl throughout their time over the summer, but the farmer was sure it was long gone now. She felt slightly uncomfortable at the idea she was developing those same feelings again.
Applejack noticed a look of despair on the athlete’s face for a split second, but just as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared. The girl jumped into the car confidently, giving Applejack one of those grins the farmer hated to admit she was excited to see. “Sup Apples? Ready to knock out some bad guys, steal a truck, and get paid?” She asked, jabbing the air a few times.
Applejack rolled her eyes, not able to hold back a smile at the younger girl’s enthusiasm. “Almost sounds too easy.” The sarcasm was served on a platter.
Rainbow smirked pridefully as Applejack reversed out of the driveway, “So what’s up with you lately?” She asked, trying to make conversation.
The question caught Applejack off guard. “Nothin much, watching over the farm, studying.” Her answer was short, the farmer too nervous to say anything else.
Rainbow noticed the way she didn’t ask about her in return. The athlete exhaled a puff of air in the passenger seat. So her fears might have come true- for whatever reason, Applejack wasn’t happy with her and it got under Rainbow’s skin more than she wanted to admit. She didn’t let her disappointment show though. She reached for the aux and began playing some music. Music that Rainbow loved, and Applejack definitely hated. Rainbow mentally smirked as she saw the way Applejack’s hands tightened their grip on the steering wheel. She didn’t say anything though.
Much to Rainbow’s disappointment the rest of the ride was quiet. To Rainbow, Applejack bore with the rock music. Though the farmer herself didn't want to admit that it had grown on her over time. As they got out of the car and began walking towards the bar, Applejack stopped Rainbow. “You have your fake ID?” She asked seriously.
“Relax Grandma, it’s right here,” She smirked, pulling out a vertical identification that had a poorly lit photo of Rainbow with the age as twenty-five. Applejack blinked a couple times in disbelief at how poor quality it was.
“What the hay, Dash? That ain’t fooling no one. You don’t look a day over twenty!”
“Aww, I'm blushing.” She joked, fluttering her eyelashes at the angry farmer. “Don’t worry, this bad boy has gotten me into almost every club in Canterlot. It’ll pull through.” Applejack deadpanned, pulling out her own legitimate ID and pointing at it. It had a few minor differences, including it being in a horizontal format, having a well-lit photo of Applejack, her age as twenty-one, and her date of birth, as well as her address and signature on it. When you place the two side-by-side Rainbow could see why hers looked a little shady. She shrugged. “Trust me AJ, I've been in this business much longer than you.
“If by business you mean criminal activity.” Applejack muttered under her breath. Rainbow heard it, and it made her shoulders tighten, but she didn’t acknowledge it. As the two approached the security guard by the door, Applejack tipped her hat. “Howdy partner,” She greeted.
The guard didn’t say anything, merely reaching out a hand for the identification. Applejack gave him her one first, to which she was let inside. Applejack waited nervously behind the guard as Rainbow gave him her card. The man looked at her, then the card. And her again. It didn’t help that Rainbow was eighteen now and the photo in the card was taken when she was sixteen. “I know, I look great for my age,” Rainbow boasted. The guard rolled his eyes, letting her through much to Applejack’s relief as she let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Rainbow nudged the farmer, “See, told you. All that stress is starting to show, AJ.”
Applejack didn’t know how she should take that, but she shook her head as another smile dared to reach her face. Rainbow had that effect on Applejack, there was just something addicting about the athlete, and the way she could so easily lift Applejack’s mood.
The bar was crowded tonight, but it usually is. Most of the crowd however were sitting towards the back, at booths and standing around foosball tables as they all watched some sort of horse-racing on the television. They were surrounded by wooden panelling and floorboards, the yellow light giving everything that cavern feel to it, with the low ceiling and country music in the background. Without the criminals there, it would be Applejack’s ideal bar. Almost everyone there had a sort of logo on their leather or denim jackets. Some with rat faces, and some with scarfs on it. Others with other pictures that belonged to smaller gangs in Canterlot.
Rainbow and Applejack took a moment, trying to even their breathing, because as much as they tried to convince each other they weren’t afraid, they were practically walking into a lion's den. “Just try not to be overly robust.” Applejack advised.
“Being robust is kinda my thing,” She replied quietly, continuing to look at the groups of people huddled at the booths in the corner. The pair made their way to the bar which was empty except for a bartender and a man a few stools down.
“Let’s just order some drinks. That way we aren’t too out of place.” Applejack suggested, raising her hand for the bartender. “Two apple ciders please,” She ordered, remembering Rainbow’s love for the beverage. Granted, ever since she had started drinking alcohol, the farmer’s favourite was also a hard cider.
“Uh, could I get mine, non-alcoholic?” Rainbow interrupted, to which the waiter gave a confused head tilt but obeyed.
Applejack raised an eyebrow, “Since when did you go for the apple juice?”
Rainbow chuckled, “I’m tryna keep a clear head AJ. You know I can’t keep that crap down.” It was the half truth- she was a lightweight, but ever since Rainbow watched her father lose himself to alcohol, she’s become uncomfortable at just the sight of it, let alone drinking it.
Applejack was amused, “Ain’t so tough now are you?” She teased, remembering the nights where Applejack struggled to keep her cider down and Rainbow laughed at her.
Rainbow stretched her back, using it as an excuse to take another look around the bar. There was a door to the back that had a ‘staff only’ sign. Storage maybe? But it was worth a look. They needed to bide some time before snooping around. “I always forget bars exist.”
Applejack habitually drummed her fingers on the table as she watched Rainbow watch the TV on the wall. “It’s definitely a choice.”
“The fun part of alcohol was always the thrill of getting away with it. I never really drank it for the taste or feeling.”
Applejack nodded in consideration. Rainbow still had a good few years until she was legally able to drink it, for Applejack she never really cared for the taste. It was for that feeling of forgetting for the night. One night with no worries, your head a calm buzz. “And here I thought you liked my apple cider.” She smirked.
“Your cider is great AJ. That’s why I ordered the no alcohol one. Gotta say that's one of the things I missed about our summer.” Rainbow’s face heated as she realised she named the summer a couple years ago ‘their summer’. Applejack also adjusted her hat to hide her red ears upon realising what she said.
Their drinks came. As Rainbow sipped hers she almost moaned at how good it was. She’d forgotten how perfect the Apple family’s recipe was. She was surprised it wasn’t a nationwide sensation. Applejack watched from the corner of her eye the way Rainbow chugged it down and immediately ordered another one. “This shit’s gonna get me so high.”
“Sugar, that’s a non-alcoholic beverage.”
After a few minutes of enjoying their drinks, the girls were approached by a middle aged man in a ripped leather vest. It was expected, but not welcomed. He invited himself to a seat beside Rainbow and gave the girls a toothy grin with a drink in his hand. “My, I ain’t ever seen two pretty girls like y'all here before.” Rainbow and Applejack took a glance at each other, unsure how to proceed. “It’s my darling pleasure.” He grabbed Rainbow’s hand before she could pull away and landed a wet sloppy kiss on it.
“Oh hell no,” Rainbow gagged, wiping it on her clothes in disgust as Applejack clenched her jaw. A part of her was telling her to pick him up and chuck him out, but the smarter side of her told her it would cause a lot of commotion. Not ideal for a snoop mission. “Don’t you have kids or something?”
“Him?” Applejack whispered from behind her. She found it weird that someone like him would be married.
“Many all from different lovely women,” He slurred, his head almost falling against the counter. “Pretty like y’all.”
The scene seemed to unfold all at once as the man widened his eyes at Rainbow’s fist that was just inches away from his face, only held back by Applejack’s arms and a familiar voice yelling at him from across the room.
“Golden Ore!” An eerily cheerful voice called from across the room. “Harassing women again I see!” Rainbow and Applejack turned their heads, eyebrows raising as there, in the middle of the bar with a tray in her arms and roller blades on her feet was none other than their pink friend.
“Pinkie!?”