//------------------------------// // Underneath this Moon // Story: Underneath This Moon // by take flight //------------------------------// A pearl white coat glistened under the moonlight, stopping Applejack in her tracks. The earth pony carried a rolled up blanket and saddlebag draped across her shoulder, proper equipment for a night of relaxation. Stargazing was Applejack's ritual. Despite her innate connection to the ground and field, something about the night sky enthralled Applejack. The silence. The beauty. Applejack took a few careful hoofsteps, emerging from the cover of the apple orchard into a small clearing. In front of her was a snow white unicorn, comfortably spread on a blanket. Beams of moonlight bathed the unicorn in an unearthly, radiant glow. For a moment, Applejack wondered if she was witnessing a goddess of beauty. No common pony could be this beautiful, this perfect. The unicorn shifted, curling tresses of purple hair falling down her side. Applejack found her eyes wandering to pony’s smooth, snow white flank. Her fur was gleaming under the moon’s attention. I’m hallucinating. This can’t be- The pony shifted again, flopping onto her back and- dear Celestia- gently yawned, a soft, feline purr emerging from her chest. Her tail shifted to reveal three twinkling diamonds adorning her flank. Shit. Well, I could still be dreaming. But Applejack found herself becoming increasingly warm, despite a gust of wind. In response, Rarity snuggled cover into her blanket, grinding her back against the soft quilt. Her eyes were closed, her thin lips closed in a soft, dreamy smile. Applejack tried to close her jaw. Maybe if I back up reallll slow. The earth pony couldn't move, transfixed the beautiful sight in front of her. She became uncomfortably aware of how fast her heart was pounding, how her breaths had suddenly become shallow and uneven. She hated losing control her body. Her thoughts became muddled. Thousands of desires, emotions, feelings began to fight for dominance. In the front of her, the white unicorn was splayed gracefully atop the blanket, oblivious to the mental anguish of her friend. Is she sleeping? As if in response, Rarity shifted again, turning on her side. Applejack had a perfect view of her curling, beautiful mane and tail. Her horn was a beacon, reflecting moonlight in all directions. Alright, maybe I should go... The normally brave pony had suddenly found herself at a loss for words- transfixed, hypnotized. C'mon Applejack, get it together. This is Rarity. Element of generosity. Best friend. Helllo? Don’t be ridiculous. The orange pony suddenly shivered, a delightful chill racing down her spine. Applejack’s mind wandered to some decidedly friendly things she'd like to do with Rarity right now. After what seemed like an eternity, the unicorn finally stopped tossing. Her breaths became even and slow. Watching the unicorn snuggle in her blanket, innocent and quiet, Applejack wanted to do nothing more than touch her, hug her- the earth pony shivered again, closing her eyes- kiss her. How it would feel to nuzzle her friend’s soft, purple mane? To snuggle close, pressing body against body? To breath in her scent, her feminine perfume? To lift up Rarity’s chin and look into her eyes, underneath one of most beautiful of Luna’s nights? As the sun crept across the tops of the apple orchard, Rarity stirred, luxuriously stretching across her blanket. She absently brushed her mane and wondered if the spa ponies were right about rejuvenating effects of the full moon. Well, she certainly felt refreshed. She reached into her knapsack, looking for a mirror. Strange, she thought. A glistening red apple was perched on her bag. I don’t remember packing that. Carefully wiping the apple, she took a hesitant bite. It was delicious. Fresh, crisp, cold. A soft moan escaped the unicorn’s lips as she savored the fruit. Maybe it fell from a tree? Rarity shrugged, packed up, and walked back home. Author's note I tried to keep this short and simple. Please excuse my less than perfect grammar. It was my original intent to have Applejack and Rarity talk, but I preferred this version. Perhaps I'll make an alternate ending in the near future. Thanks for reading! -blu My Little Pony is a copyright and trademark of Hasbro. Legal jargon blah blah blah.