Rainbow woke the next morning to some pleasant feeling on the tip of her nose. Curious, she opened her eyes and saw Applejack snuggled against her, resting peacefully. Oh yeah, this is a way better thing to wake up to. Smiling, Rainbow reached down to place a kiss on Applejack’s nose.
Applejack’s ear flicked. “Mm, Rainbow,” she mumbled, still asleep.
Rainbow frowned. That was supposed to work. She tried again, this time earning a small giggle from the sleeping mare.
“That tickles,” Applejack muttered.
Growing impatient, Rainbow got an idea. Brandishing her wings, she began to tickle Applejack’s sides.
Applejack immediately started up in a giggle fit, “Okay, okay, stop, Ah’m up!”
“Aha! I knew it! You were just using me for free kisses!”
Applejack smirked. “Can ya really blame me?”
Rainbow tapped her chin a few times. “Nah, I’d have done the same thing.”
“Well, Ah guess Ah do owe ya one, now,” Applejack giggled, kissing Rainbow on the nose.
“Just one? I gave you two!” Rainbow protested.
Applejack grinned. “How do ya think I woke ya up?”
“So that’s what that was? You sneaky bastard.”
“Only the best fer you, Dash,” Applejack quipped, leading Rainbow downstairs.
“Macintosh! Where in Tartarus have you been?”
Rainbow and Applejack jumped at the sudden outburst. Applejack’s face showed great worry, which Rainbow observed fearfully. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard Granny Smith that mad before.”
“It don’ happen often,” Applejack said. “Ah should’a seen this one comin’. Granny don’ usually like us missin’ dinner for nothin’, but Mac ain’t even told anyone he was goin’ out.”
Rainbow gulped. “You don’t think she’s gonna give him some cruel and unusual punishment, do you?”
Applejack shuddered. “Ah never know what Granny’s gonna think up next.”
Trepidation in every step, the two mares slowly made their way to the kitchen, where Big Macintosh was pleading his case.
“Ah can explain, Granny, Ah swear! It weren’t nothin’ Ah had any control over!”
“Unless yer ta tell me ya done got yerself kidnapped by Timberwolves, Ah ain’t gonna listen!” Granny steamed.
“Granny, please!” Applejack moved in. “Ah know it ain’t like any o’ us ta miss dinner, but ya gotta understand that things happen sometimes.”
“Mah hard work don’ take no breaks, child,” Granny replied tersely before turning back on her quarry. “An if’n yer gonna take it fer granted like that, Ah’ve half a mind ta take it from ya!”
Big Mac took a deep breath. “Ya say it yerself every day, Granny. The farm’s got lots o’ needs. And one o’ them’s findin’ a mate so’s we can carry on our legacy. An’ if’n we can’t count on Applejack and Rainbow ta give us any, that just leaves me and Apple Bloom, and she’s just a filly!”
“Actually, you don’t have to worry so much about that,” Rainbow cut in. “Twilight’s got a way for me and Applejack to have foals.” Rainbow blushed. “W-when the time comes, I mean.”
Granny Smith broke out of her rage to ponder the new development. “An’ how exactly does that work?”
Applejack rubbed the back of her head nervously. “Well, we ain’t really clear on the finer points, but she gave us a book about it. It’s some kinda spell Princess Luna made ‘fore she turned inta Nightmare Moon.”
Granny Smith frowned. “Ah ain’t havin’ no dark magic in this house while Ah’m still alive.”
“It ain’t dark magic, Granny,” Applejack insisted. “This was before all that. It was a happy time ‘fore ponies started brandin’ it evil!”
Granny Smith thought for a few more moments before her face softened. “Well, be that all it may, child, Mac here still broke a sacred Apple Family tradition all willy-nilly.”
“And it sounds like he had a good reason!” Rainbow prodded. “Just hear him out before you do anything drastic.”
Face hardening slightly, Granny Smith nonetheless nodded. “Ya hear that, Mac? Applejack an’ Rainbow done won ya a chance ta speak. Don’ you go wastin’ it.”
“Ah won’t, Granny. Ah’ll tell y’all everythin’ that happened.” Big Mac sighed. “Ah was headin’ inta Ponyville ‘round noontime ta get some lunch. Ah was on mah way back some time later fer dinner and Ah done bumped into Rarity-“
“Called it!” Rainbow interrupted.
“Now ain’t the time, Rainbow,” Applejack chided.
“Sorry.” Rainbow smiled apologetically. “Go on, Mac.”
Big Mac shook his head before continuing his tale. “Ah bumped inta her an’ we got ta talkin’…”
“Oh! I’m terribly sorry I- Big Macintosh!” Rarity gained a blush. “I-I’m sorry, I… I just heard troubling news of your sister, and-“
Big Mac chuckled. “Ah reckon they got it all worked out now. Don’ you fret none.”
“So soon? I must say this is… unexpected. But good news indeed.” Rarity paused, scuffing her hoof on the ground in a show of uncharacteristic carelessness for her recent hooficure, something not lost on the silently observant apple farmer. “I… don’t suppose that means they’re… together now?”
Big Mac nodded. “Ah heard the whole thing. Might take ‘em a while ta get it off the ground, but I’m sure they’ll get it eventually.”
Rarity laughed weakly. “Yes, I don’t suppose they’re the most romantically inclined ponies in this town.”
“Comin’ from the love master herself,” Big Mac commented.
Rarity blushed harder. “I-I don’t know if I would say that…”
“Aw, shucks, Ah didn’t mean ta make ya all-“
“Oh, no, it’s quite alright,” Rarity assured. “Especially from a charming stallion like yourself.”
It was Big Mac’s turn to blush, though the redness was hardly noticeable. “Ah, uh…”
“I… said that out loud, didn’t I?” Rarity asked.
Big Mac merely nodded.
Rarity laughed nervously. “I’m terribly sorry, I just-“
“It’s alright, miss Rarity.” Big Mac smiled. “Ah don’t mind none.”
“Please, just Rarity is fine.” Rarity smiled, too. “I… don’t suppose you’d want to get something to eat?”
“Ah think Ah’d like that.”
“Now wait a durn secon’ there,” Granny Smith interrupted. “Ya got asked ta dinner an’ didn’ even think ta tell us about it?”
Big Mac frowned. “Ah wasn’t thinkin’ straight, Granny. Ah never been asked ta dinner before. And certainly not by such a pretty mare.”
Granny Smith’s frown matched Big Macintosh’s. “Continue.”
Rarity decided upon dinner at Horté’s Cuisine, one of Ponyville’s fancier restaurants. One you definitely couldn’t get into without a reservation.
“Are ya sure ‘bout this, Rarity?” Big Mac asked uncertainly.
“Positive,” Rarity responded. “The owner is a client of mine. I’ve actually designed so much of the place he offered me free reign of the place in exchange for a hefty discount.” Rarity blushed. “Being the hopeless romantic I am, it was hard to refuse.”
Big Macintosh chuckled. “Well it sure is appreciated.”
Rarity stopped before Carousel Boutique sheepishly. “I hope you won’t mind if I take a minute to prepare, do you? This was… hardly expected on my part.”
Big Macintosh smiled. “Take as much time as ya like.”
Rarity opened her door with a look of gratitude. “I’ll just be a minute. Feel free to come inside.”
Big Macintosh accepted the offer graciously, sitting down to wait on Rarity’s couch. It was certainly plush; almost what he imagined a cloud would feel like. Well, if you wrapped a cloud in high-quality silk, at least. He almost felt as if he was tainting it by sitting upon it. Unable to shake the feeling, Big Macintosh reseated himself on the rug, which was just as well, as the rug was still quite comfortable.
Within a few minutes, Rarity reappeared from upstairs looking absolutely stunning, if Big Macintosh’s slack jaw was any judge. Rarity giggled, blushing at the red stallion’s unchecked admiration.
Shaking himself, Big Mac worked his composure back up to an acceptable level. “Sorry, Ah just-“
“It’s quite alright, Mac,” Rarity interrupted. “It’s flattering, really, to see one so composed as you like that.”
Big Mac blushed. “Ah… we should probably uh…”
“I haven’t forgotten.” Rarity smiled. “Come along now. We don’t want to be out too late.”
Big Mac nodded sheepishly, following along. He spoke up, however, when he noticed something out of the ordinary. “Uh, ain’t ya gonna lock yer door, Rarity?”
Rarity frowned. “I would, but then I’d be locked out of my own house until morning. Sweetie Belle and her little friends got the idea of getting some sort of locksmith cutie mark. Needless to say, my keys are now at a proper locksmith for repairs.”
“But what if somepony tries ta break in?”
“I’m sure I can rely on my reputation to dissuade any further attempts of that,” Rarity said, thinking of the last time she had beaten a would-be thief with a coat rack.
Big Mac was unconvinced. “Ya sure that’s gonna be enough?”
Rarity rolled her eyes. “If it bothers you that much, we can get Twilight to cast a ward over the boutique. But I am not spending the night out of the comfort of my own bed.”
“Sorry, Rarity. Ah’m just tryin’a look out fer ya.”
“And I appreciate the thought.” Rarity smiled.
“Okay, Applejack, why are ya makin’ that face?” Big Mac questioned.
“No reason!” Applejack said quickly.
Big Mac frowned.
“Please, continue!” Rainbow pleaded with an unconvincing smile.
Rife with suspicion, Big Mac nonetheless continued his tale.
Twilight was disturbed for the eleventeeth time that day by a knock on her door. An irritated Twilight threw open the door unceremoniously. “What is it now?”
Rarity regarded the raging librarian fearfully. “Uh, perhaps this is a bad time…”
“Ah think we should go,” Big Mac agreed, fleeing the premises with Rarity beside him.
“If you have any further doubts about my reputation-“
“Nope!”
Needing no further chatter, Big Macintosh and Rarity continued on their rapid journey to nowhere in particular. As Rarity began to calm down, she noticed they were in the right district of Ponyville by some odd coincidence. Actually, the restaurant was right around the corner from their current position.
Big Macintosh suddenly felt his movement cease, though his limbs still flailed. “What in the-“
“We’re here, Mac,” Rarity answered, gesturing to the restaurant that their manic flight had miraculously taken them to.
“Oh.” Big Mac sheepishly stopped running as his hooves once again contacted the ground. He marveled briefly at the show of magical prowess by the seamstress before an advancing Rarity forced him to follow.
“Ah, good evening, Madame Rarity. I trust you are here to make use of our arrangement?”
Rarity turned to the source of the voice, surprised to see Horté himself by the welcome booth. “Oh, yes. I’m uh…”
Horté grinned. “No need to explain yourself. I can recognize a pair of lovers when I see them.”
Big Macintosh and Rarity developed heavy blushes.
Horté laughed at the display. “Come, I have a very special booth set aside for you.”
Big Mac and Rarity followed Horté to a particularly extravagant booth; one Rarity had very clear memories of designing. Looking around at the excessive use of romantic imagery, she admitted she may have gone a little overboard, despite her intentions for it to be utilized in this very manner. She laughed nervously as Big Macintosh shot her a confused glance.
“I shall be right back with your menus. But first, what may I interest you in from our fine collection of wine?”
“I-I’m not sure this is all really appropriate to-“
“But of course it is! You designed it yourself, no?” Horté winked.
“I…” Rarity’s head slumped to the table. “Just give us a bottle of champagne.”
Horté departed with a bow, leaving the flustered pair to themselves.
“Well, this is, uh…” Big Mac looked for the right word, “nice.”
“My apologies. I didn’t know Horté had such… extravagant things in mind for our arrangement.”
Big Mac blushed. “Well, might as well enjoy it.”
Rarity smiled, nodding.
Horté returned shortly with the requested bottle of champagne and two wine glasses. He filled each appropriately before producing a pair of menus. “I shall be back to take your orders shortly.”
“So, um… how are things at the farm?” Rarity asked.
“Good.”
“Any other interesting developments?”
Big Mac frowned. “Well, Rainbow’s started roomin’ on the farm. She got roped inta a month o’ free labor over somethin’ er other.”
Rarity blinked. “Twilight told me she’d been helping out, but a whole month? And she’s staying on the farm?”
Big Mac shrugged. “Applejack must mean a lot ta her, Ah suppose.”
Rarity shook her head in bemusement, still trying to wrap her head around the fact that two of her closest friends were now romantically involved. It seemed like it came out of nowhere, but she supposed she wasn’t privy to all the goings-on between the two. She might just have to prod them for gossip at some point.
“How about you, Rarity? Anythin’ excitin’ ta talk about?”
“Not particularly, no.” Rarity frowned, contemplating her choice of food. “Things have been rather quiet save for a few bulk orders, though those aren’t much to speak of.”
“Ah can’t even understand what most o’ these are,” Big Mac commented, flipping to another page.
Rarity laughed. “Here, let me help you with that.” Rarity moved to sit next to Big Macintosh, who was unsure of the advance, but allowed it all the same, knowing it was necessary.
Together, they picked out a four course meal made almost entirely of apple-based food items. They were made using apples from Sweet Apple Acres, though Big Macintosh was sure the confections couldn’t compare to Granny Smith’s culinary masterpieces.
Horté returned thankfully after Rarity had retaken her previous seat. He smiled at their choice of food, though refrained from comment. Instead, he silently took down their orders before dutifully departing to the kitchen.
“It ain’t a proper Apple Family dinner, but maybe ya could get some idea what-“
Rarity frowned, prodding Big Macintosh’s frozen form. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah, fine,” Big Macintosh replied in a high-pitched, breathless voice. “Just wanna make sure Ah have fun ‘fore Ah die tonight.”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
Big Mac shivered. “Granny Smith’s gonna kill me.”
Rarity’s frown deepened. “Why would she-“
“Ya never miss an Apple Family dinner without tellin’ anypony!” Big Mac blurted.
“I’m sure it’s not as bad as all that,” Rarity soothed.
Big Mac regarded Rarity with glazed eyes. “Ya’ve never met Granny Smith before, have ya?”
“Of course I’ve met her. I come by the farm every-“
“Ya haven’t talked to her!”
“She’s the reason I-“
“Ya haven’t lived with her!” Big Mac insisted.
“I suppose not, but I don’t see what-“
Big Macintosh curled himself into a ball under the table, hiding from the world.
This is beyond bizarre. This is unseemly! I’ve got to do something to get him back together. Think, Rarity… Before long, an idea came to mind. One that had never been far from thought around Big Macintosh. One that made her face burn to think about, much less consider. But this was her chance, wasn’t it?
Pushing away her fears, Rarity joined Big Macintosh under the table. Big Mac looked at her with big eyes that begged for comforting. And that was exactly what Rarity had in mind. Pulling Big Mac’s head from his unreachable position, Rarity touched her quivering lips to his, hoping with all her heart this kiss would not end badly.
Big Macintosh gasped at the touch. Rarity? He felt himself lean into the kiss, his forelegs disentangling from his body to rest on Rarity’s shoulders. Tears coming to her eyes, Rarity threw her forelegs around Big Mac’s neck and kissed him with the strength of all her broken dreams, and most importantly, the one that came true.
“Uh, I suppose this is a bad time to tell you that your appetizer has arrived.”
Horté’s voice froze the two entwined ponies under the table. They moved to quickly distance themselves and return to their previous seating arrangement with all-too-forced smiles.
Horté shook his head. “Ah, to be young and in love again.” With that, he departed, leaving behind their first course.
“I’m sorry for-“
Big Mac and Rarity cut themselves off as they realized they had spoken at the same time.
“Uh, Ah…”
Rarity blushed. “I don’t suppose you enjoyed that?”
Big Mac, with his own unperceivable blush, nodded sheepishly.
And I don’t suppose he’s thinking of his impending doom anymore. Rarity, you are the most idiotic genius Equestria has ever known. She took a fritter from the plate before them and began to nibble on it.
Big Macintosh took one of his own and devoured it in a single bite.
Giggling, Rarity began to take larger bites, still sure to savor the taste.
Big Macintosh chuckled, eating another fritter at a saner pace.
The fritters could not withstand the might of the two hungry ponies for long, and were soon vanquished. Rarity wiped her mouth self-consciously with the pilfered white flag ponies called a napkin.
“You’ve got a little more up and ta the right,” Big Mac said.
Rarity searched for it with long, sweeping strokes, missing it narrowly each time. Big Mac took Rarity’s hoof and guided it over the crumbs stuck to her cheek.
“There ya go.”
“You know, that was your cue to be romantic and lick it off my cheek.”
“Oh, Ah’m sorry, Ah…”
Rarity giggled. “It’s quite alright. I’m only joking. Though I can’t say I’m averse to the idea.”
“Well, then Ah might have ta-“
“Okay we get it! Ya had a romantic dinner with Rarity. Can we move on already?” Applejack begged, thoroughly uncomfortable with the direction Big Mac’s adventures were headed.
“Yeah, ease up on the sap a bit, would you?” Rainbow added.
Big Mac rolled his eyes, skipping ahead a bit.
“I’d like to thank you for a lovely time, Mac. I hope you’d like to do it again sometime,” Rarity asked hopefully, walking with her date back to Carousel Boutique.
“Any time, Rarity.” Big Mac paused. “Can Ah call ya Rare? Rarity’s kinda long, no offense.”
Rarity giggled. “Why do you think I’m not calling you Big Macintosh?”
Big Macintosh chuckled. “Ah think Ah’ve got an idea now.”
Rarity bit her lip. “Would it be too forward to call you my coltfriend now?”
“Ah reckon not, o marefriend o’ mine,” Big Mac said.
Rarity blushed. “Great.”
They arrived at Carousel Boutique shortly, prompting farewells from both parties.
“I’m afraid I have to retire for the night. Thank you again.” Rarity smiled.
Big Mac smiled back. “Pleasure’s all mine, Rare. Sleep well.”
Rarity nodded, grasping her door knob in her magic and… “It… it won’t move. I’m sure I remembered to leave it open!”
“Ya don’t think someone came by after all?” Big Mac fretted.
Rarity shook her head. “I do hope not. But it seems I have nowhere to go…”
“Ah’d offer ta take ya back to the farm if Granny Smith weren’t there waitin’ fer me,” Big Mac said. “Ah wouldn’t want ya ta get caught up in all that.”
“I’m sure we could find somewhere on the farm she wouldn’t find us,” Rarity prodded.
“It ain’t her Ah’m worried about. She’s sure ta have Winona out on patrol.”
“Well then, we’ll just have to get her a bone to keep her busy.”
Big Mac frowned. “That might work. If yer alright sleepin’ in the barn…?”
“I’m sure I could find something to make it more comfortable.” Rarity smiled.
Big Mac smiled back. Plan in place, they went to purchase a bone just before the pet store closed. Rarity was glad she had thought to bring her purse. For the money it carried, anyway. She had Big Mac carry the bone, not wanting to get any of it on her easily-washable purse.
“So Mac got all the fun stuff yesterday,” Rainbow observed dryly.
Applejack chuckled. “Never woulda thought ya’d call a dinner date fun.”
Rainbow blushed. “Well, it’s better than walking around all day having ten second conversations with everypony in Ponyville!”
“Ya know, we still ain’t had our first proper date, Rainbow,” Applejack continued. “If some fancy dinner sounds like somethin’ ya’d like…”
“Can we not have this conversation in front of everypony?” Rainbow huffed.
Applejack smiled. “Think about it, sugarcube.”
Rainbow crossed her forelegs, grunting as a thought occurred to her. “Wait, Rarity slept with you in the barn, so that means she’s still in there now?” Rainbow suddenly looked ready to dash off in pursuit.
Big Mac shook his head. “She took off right after Ah woke up. She seemed mighty embarrassed by somethin’. Ah didn’t get ta ask what.”
Rainbow deflated.
Applejack looked to where Winona was happily chewing a bone. “Bribery, Winona? Really?”
Winona barked happily in response.
Applejack shook her head. “Ah still love ya.”
“So I guess this means we’ll be seeing Rarity around here a bit more,” Rainbow said.
“Could be,” Mac answered.
Granny Smith sighed. “Ah jes’ can’t punish ya fer that. So Ah’ll make an exception jes’ this once! Don’t ya ferget ta let me know next time ya go off with yer new marefriend!”
Big Mac smiled. “Ah won’t. Thanks, Granny.”
Applejack caught Rainbow’s eye, motioning to the living room. Curious, Rainbow followed, speaking once they were out of earshot. “I guess Mac will still be the only stallion in the family, eh?”
“Fer now, Ah guess,” Applejack chuckled. “Funny ta think we’re all pairin’ up now.”
Rainbow cocked her head. “I don’t know. Can you really call it pairing up when there are three fillies involved?”
“You know what Ah mean.”
Rainbow nodded. “Are we gonna eat soon? I’m hungry.”
Applejack’s stomach growled in agreement. “Ah’m sure Granny’s got it covered.”
“Soup’s on, everypony! Come an’ get it!”
“See?” Applejack led the way back into the kitchen, where Granny Smith had somehow managed to hide breakfast somewhere, or otherwise conjured it out of thin air.
Rainbow shrugged. “I’m not questioning it.”
Apple Bloom appeared at the top of the stairs, yawning and making her way down. “Sorry, y’all. Ah was up all night plannin’ fer our next Crusader meetin’ today.”
“You missed so much,” Rainbow laughed. “Mac?”
Big Mac sighed, almost wishing for some more direct form of punishment.
“You alright, AB?” Rainbow Dash regarded the sleepy filly after breakfast.
“What? Yeah, Ah’m alright. Jes’ a little tired,” Apple Bloom yawned.
“How much time ya got ‘fore ya gotta go ta that meetin’ o’ yers?” Applejack asked.
Apple Bloom glanced at the grandfather clock in the living room. “’Bout three hours, why?”
Applejack smiled. “Ya should probably rest up. Don’ wanna show up unprepared.”
“But what if Ah oversleep?” Apple Bloom protested.
“Today ain’t gonna be too busy. We got all the apples we need bucked fer now. We could come by an’ get ya up ‘fore ya gotta go.”
“Just give us a time and we’ll be there,” Rainbow added.
Apple Bloom smiled. “Thanks, y’all. Ah figure if ya could come by ‘round eight thirty, that’d be best.”
“No problem, kiddo,” Rainbow said, ruffling Apple Bloom’s mane.
Apple Bloom gave each of them a hug before heading back upstairs to catch up on sleep.
Applejack shook her head. “Ya really sure ‘bout this, Rainbow? She’s still just a filly.”
“So are Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle,” Rainbow pointed out. “If they really want to try their hooves at romance, why stop them?”
“But none o’ this woulda happened if we’d been more careful,” Applejack insisted.
Rainbow frowned. “Careful about what? Neither of us knew that was gonna happen.”
“But we coulda-“
“AJ,” Rainbow interrupted. “Yes, we planted the idea in their heads by accident. But Apple Bloom seems really excited about this. What do you want to do, take away her shot at happiness?”
“No, Ah guess not.”
“Of course not! There are like, no consequences! If it doesn’t work out, they can still be best friends. If they have questions, we’re here to answer them, and so is Rarity. And if it gets to the point that they start thinking about sex, it’s not like we have to teach them about pregnancy ‘cuz they’re all fillies!”
Applejack flinched. “Ah ain’t gonna sit here talkin’ ‘bout mah little sister gettin’ frisky! We haven’t even done that!”
“So you don’t want Apple Bloom losing her virginity before you do,” Rainbow observed.
“That’s not what Ah meant! Ah can’t even believe we’re havin’ this conversation! They ain't even got their cutie marks yet!”
“I’m not saying it’s gonna happen, I’m saying it’s possible!” Rainbow took a deep breath. “I know it’s unlikely, but it’s something we have to think about. You said it yourself, this is all our fault. The least we can do is be there for them, right?”
Applejack sighed, backing down. “Ah’m sorry, Rainbow. Ah just…”
Rainbow moved next to Applejack and draped a wing over her shoulders. “I know it’s weird, but what hasn’t been weird these past few days? Worrying about it’s just gonna make it worse. Why not just let it happen?”
Applejack looked to her hooves. “’Cuz Ah’m afraid it ain’t gonna work out.”
Rainbow turned Applejack’s chin up. “Hey, listen to me. Everything’s gonna be alright. It’s just a fillyhood crush, nothing serious.” Rainbow grinned. “And hey, if you wanna ‘get frisky’ with me so bad, I’m sure it could be arranged.”
Applejack chortled. “Ah’m a might harder ta lay than that, sugarcube. We ain’t even been on a real date yet. Speakin’ o’ which, mah offer still stands.”
“So you’re saying that all I have to do to get you to bed is go on one date with you?” Rainbow snickered.
“Could be,” Applejack teased. “Ya won’t know ‘til ya find out.”
“I just might have to take you up on that offer, then.” Rainbow flashed a cocky grin.
“Lookin’ forward to it, partner.” Applejack leaned in to kiss Rainbow Dash, lips inches away-
“Y’all do know yer still in the den, right?”
Both mares jumped at Big Macintosh’s sudden remark, whirling on him with disgruntled glares.
“Just sayin’,” Big Mac laughed, walking off in search of his own (missing) marefriend.
Applejack seethed for a moment before Rainbow spoke up. “Don’t worry; we’ve still got him dead to rights.”
Applejack grinned upon recalling the dirt they had on Mac. “We’ll make sure he don’ ferget it.”
Rainbow nodded. “So, about that date. Today’s gonna be pretty quick, right?”
“Ah suppose Ah could make some time,” Applejack jested.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure Granny Smith will understand if we actually, you know, tell her about it,” Rainbow laughed.
Applejack chuckled. “So it’s dinner yer after, huh?”
“Maybe,” Rainbow answered aloofly.
“Ah don’t suppose yer expectin’ lunch, too, are ya?”
Rainbow grinned. “I’m sure we could eat something out.”
Applejack blinked, flicking an ear before bursting into laughter.
“What?”
“Oh, nothin’ ya gotta worry ‘bout, sugarcube,” Applejack giggled.
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Anyway, we’ve still got like, three hours to kill before we have to wake up AB. Anything we really need to do around the farm?”
Applejack shook her head. “It’s too bad Twilight’s goin’ up ta Canterlot today. Ya coulda asked her ‘bout gettin’ that weather assignment worked out.”
“Yeah, I was actually thinking about that. Do you think we’re relying a little too much on Twilight lately? I mean, she’s a princess and all now, but that just makes her busier to even out all those freaky powers. I mean, it can’t be that difficult to get reassigned when you’re one of the bearers of the Elements, right?”
“Ah don’ suppose it would be,” Applejack pondered. “Ya said it yerself, though, and Ah ain’t the pony ya gotta convince.”
“Yeah, just making sure I’m not thinking stupid again.” Rainbow paused. “I can count on you to tell me when I’m doing that now, right?”
“Unless Ah find it too funny not ta,” Applejack promised.
“Why do I get the feeling that’s gonna come up a lot?”
Applejack stayed teasingly silent.
“Okay, seriously. I’m starting to get a little worried here.”
Applejack smiled apologetically. “Sorry.”
“Me too,” Rainbow quipped.
Applejack cocked a brow. “Why?”
“I lied,” Rainbow confessed.
Applejack socked Rainbow in the ear, eliciting a cackle from the dastardly pegasus.
“Come on, let’s head over to the weather center and see if we can work something out.”
Big Macintosh walked through Ponyville, making his way to where he assumed his marefriend would be; the locksmith. He opened the door to find the locksmith himself polishing a key with no white mare to be seen.
“Ho there, Big Macintosh. Something I can do for ya today?”
“Mornin’, Hooflocker,” Big Macintosh greeted. “Ya wouldn’t happen ta have seen Rarity come by here earlier?”
“Nope, haven’t seen her since yesterday. She hasn’t gone missing, I hope?”
Big Mac frowned. “Don’ reckon so. Ah jes’ figured she’d have come by ta pick up her keys. Guess that means she ain’t at her house, neither.”
Hooflocker laughed. “Took some work, that one did. That little sister of hers really did a number on it.”
“Ah can imagine,” Big Macintosh chuckled. “Well, if ya see her, let me know.”
Hooflocker nodded. “Don’t let this one get away, Mac!”
Big Macintosh sobered slightly. “Don’t plan to.” He exited the shop with a sigh. Where else could she be? The spa was his next best guess, as he headed in that direction.
“Hi, Mac! What’cha looking for?”
Big Mac grinned. “Mornin’, Miss Pinkie. Ain’t so much a what as a who.”
Pinkie frowned. “You’re not still hung up on Cheerilee, are you?”
“What? No, Ah done moved on,” Big Mac sighed. “Ah actually had a date with Rarity last night and Ah-“
“Ooh! Tell me all about it!” Pinkie insisted.
Mac shook his head bemusedly. “Ain’t really much ta tell. Rare got us dinner at Horté’s, then she got locked out of her house, so Ah took her over ta spend the night at the farm.”
Pinkie grinned deviously. “How was it?”
“The date?”
Pinkie giggled. “No, silly. You know…”
Big Macintosh paused, blushing as he realized what Pinkie was talking about. “We ain’t done nothin’!”
“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie said, immediately convinced despite Mac’s obvious embarrassment. “So, why are you looking for her now? Did she give you the slip in the middle of the night?”
“In the mornin’, actually,” Big Mac corrected. “She seemed all flustered ‘bout somethin’ an’ took off ‘fore Ah could stop her.”
Pinkie frowned, thinking. “You don’t think she’s in heat, do you?”
Big Mac’s eyes widened. “Ah sure hope not. We’ve only been on the one date!”
“Well then you should go find her and ask her what happened!” Pinkie suggested.
“That’s what Ah’m already doin,” Big Mac said, cocking a brow.
“Wow, you’re fast! I don’t think even I could have done that so quick!”
Big Mac chuckled confusedly.
“So, you got any leads yet?” Pinkie asked, suddenly wearing some silly hat Big Macintosh could not place.
Big Macintosh decided not to question the new headwear. “Already done checked with the locksmith. He said he ain’t seen her since yesterday. Mah sister an’ her friends apparently wrecked her keys. That was why we couldn’t get inta Rare’s house. She said they’d be fixed today. So now Ah’m headin’ over ta the spa ta check there.”
“Ooh, that’s a good idea! Rarity usually goes there when she’s having one of her episodes!”
Big Mac nodded. “Not that Ah mind too much, but are ya gonna follow me ‘round all day?”
“Oh, I can’t, sorry! I’ve got stuff to do at Sugarcube Corner later.” Pinkie smiled, sparing a glance at Ponyville’s clock tower. “Oh no, it’s later already! Gotta go, bye!”
With that, Big Mac was alone again, though far more confused than he had been prior. Now, if she ain’t here, where ta try next? Big Macintosh pondered this as he stepped into the spa where he was greeted by the spa twins, Aloe and Lotus.
“Good morning, Mister Macintosh! How can we help you today?”
“Mornin’, ladies. Ah’m lookin’ fer Rarity, and Ah was wonderin’ if she’d come by here earlier today.”
Lotus shook her head. “No, we have not seen her since her last visit here with Miss Fluttershy.”
“When was that?” Big Mac inquired.
“Three days ago,” Aloe replied. “We hope there is nothing wrong.”
“Still tryin’a figure that out. Well, thanks fer yer time.” Big Macintosh departed after farewells had been said. Sighing at another failed attempt, he wandered off to the market, hoping to encounter her there.
“Hey, Rainbow, Ah just thought o’ somethin’,” Applejack began, catching Rainbow’s attention. “If yer the head of the Ponyville weather thing, how come ya gotta ask fer reassignment?”
Rainbow sighed. “The weather business is pretty strict on regulations. Any kind of special, off-the-chart thing you do, you have to run it by the administration for approval.”
Applejack frowned. “Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever heard ya use so many big words in a sentence before.”
“Well don’t get used to it,” Rainbow grunted. “I’ve had way more experiences with the higher-ups than I’d like to admit.”
“Ah can imagine,” Applejack jested. “Ya don’ exactly do things by the book.”
“Of course not! That’s way too boring.”
“Ah hear ya.”
Rainbow sighed before entering the building she had seen far too many times. “Rainbow Dash. What’d you do this time?”
“Oh shut up, Cloud Kisser! I’m just here to file a reassignment form.”
Cloud Kicker smirked. “Get demoted, did you?”
Rainbow stormed over to butt her head against the snarky secretary’s. “Just because you kissed up to the administration doesn’t make your desk job any more dignified.”
“No, but the pay sure does,” Cloud Kicker sassed.
“Just shut the hell up and get me an appointment with the head suit!”
“You really should see somepony about those anger issues, Rainbow Dash,” Cloud Kicker chided.
“Go to hell, Cloud Kisser.”
Applejack frowned as Rainbow marched pointedly away from her adversary, following concernedly. “What’s that all about?”
Rainbow scowled. “That jerkwad used to be on the weather team, but she got offered a job as a glorified secretary for better pay, so now she thinks she’s better than all of us.”
“What did she used ta do?” Applejack inquired.
“She was the head of the division before I took over,” Rainbow acknowledged.
Applejack’s frown deepened as Rainbow stopped before a door and knocked impatiently. The door swung open slightly afterwards, revealing a condescending pegasus stallion in a business suit. “What is it this time, Rainbow Dash?”
“I want to be reassigned,” Rainbow stated plainly.
“Head of the division not glorified enough for you?”
Rainbow scowled. “That’s not what this is about. I’m here with a proposal.”
The stallion eyed Rainbow up and down before stepping back to allow entry. “This better be worth my time, Rainbow Dash.”
Rainbow Dash shot the businesspony a glare as the door started to close on Applejack. “She’s part of this conversation.”
“A proposal having to do with a country hick; I’m dying to find out more,” the stallion quipped.
“I don’t have to impress you, Shit Clock,” Rainbow growled.
“Oh, I believe you do, Miss Dash,” ‘Shit Clock’ dared. “I also believe you should watch your language before I kick you out of here.”
Rainbow grimaced. “Look, here’s the deal. I’m gonna be spending some time working at Sweet Apple Acres. You know, that thing that started this town and takes up like half its area by itself. And since I have close ties with the family that runs it,” Rainbow gestured to Applejack, “I figure I could take care of the weather for the orchard and free up some extra ponies to work the town.”
‘Shit Clock’ pondered for a time, considering the offer before him.
“That ain’t really his name, is it?” Applejack whispered.
Rainbow snorted quietly. “No. It’s Shot Clock. He used to work as a timekeeper for the EBA. But then he got offered this job and he ate it up.”
Shot Clock cleared his throat. “I appreciate the kind words, Miss Dash. As for your proposal, I admit it shows some promise. Though you know this would mean you could no longer lead the weather team.”
“Why not?” Rainbow challenged.
“You can’t exactly lead a solo operation now, can you?” Shot Clock smirked. “You would see a raise in your pay for the… promotion, I suppose. Though perhaps that’s not the right word to be used here.”
“How is that not a promotion?” Rainbow argued.
“Head of Weather Operations for Sweet Apple Acres isn’t the most prestigious title, Miss Dash.”
“It is when I’m doing all the shit myself!”
Shot Clock frowned. “I’m not here to argue semantics, Miss Dash. You would get the benefit of freedom of operation, however. Do you accept my offer or not?”
Rainbow thought for a moment. “So that means I wouldn’t have to report here every week?”
“Your reports will still be mandatory, though you can send them by mail. More importantly, you would not have to answer to me every time you breach regulations.”
Rainbow brightened at that. “How much would I get paid?”
Shot Clock did some calculations in his head. “It would come out to about a 20% increase in pay should you accept.”
“And who would replace me as head of Ponyville weather?”
“I do believe that title would fall to Cloudchaser,” Shot Clock supposed.
Rainbow looked to Applejack questioningly. “What do you think, AJ? Sounds pretty good to me. Cloudchaser’s a pretty cool mare, too. She’d probably thank me for the promotion.”
“It’s up ta you, Dash. This was your idea,” Applejack pointed out. “But if ya ask me, Ah’d say Ah’d be glad ta have the most dependable weatherpony Ah know workin’ the Acres.”
Rainbow smiled, blushing lightly. “Shot Clock? You’ve got yourself a deal.”
“Splendid,” Shot Clock remarked. “I shall be sure to inform your team of your departure, and Cloudchaser of her new role. Now be on your way, I have much paperwork to fill out thanks to you. I look forward to being free of you.”
Rainbow opened her mouth for a retort, but it died in her throat at a touch on the hoof from Applejack. Applejack shook her head, smiling softly. Rainbow smiled back, allowing herself to be led out of the room and back into the lobby.
“I’ve got bad news for ya, Cloud Kisser. You’re not gonna see me around here anymore,” Rainbow proclaimed.
Cloud Kicker smirked. “What, did Shot Clock finally decide to kick you off the weather team?”
Rainbow grinned. “Nope. I just got promoted. I don’t have to deal with your shit anymore. I’m heading my own operation now. So kiss my ass while you still have the chance, because I am free.”
Cloud Kicker frowned, unable to think of a proper response before Rainbow had strutted out of the building.
“Yes!” Rainbow cheered, taking off into the sky for a victory lap around the weather center she never needed to see again. She gave the building a kick for good measure.
“Ah’m glad everythin’ worked out so nicely for ya, Rainbow,” Applejack congratulated.
Rainbow shot over to Applejack, pulling her into an abrupt, passionate kiss. “You’re getting a pretty sweet deal out of this, too!”
Applejack smiled. “Ah reckon Ah am, aren’t Ah?”
“We have to go tell your family!” Rainbow insisted.
Applejack frowned. “Who would we tell? Apple Bloom’s asleep, and last Ah saw, Big Mac took off ta look fer Rarity.”
“Uh, Granny Smith?” Rainbow thought. “Maybe we should wait to get them all together.”
Applejack nodded, glancing up at Ponyville’s clock tower. “We still got about an hour ‘fore we gotta head back. Anythin’ else ya wanna do?”
“I kinda wanna go tell Fluttershy. She’s had her own share of experiences with Cloud Kicker, so I’m sure she’d be happy to know.”
Applejack rolled her eyes. “Fluttershy’s happy ‘bout everythin’, sugarcube. But Ah guess we could go talk ta her if ya want.”
Rainbow nodded before blushing. “You know, Fluttershy’s cottage is on the other side of Ponyville. It’d be a lot faster to fly there.”
“You offerin’ a pony ride?” Applejack laughed.
Rainbow nodded again, spreading her wings, which felt more effortless than it should have. Applejack hopped up onto Rainbow’s back, locking her forehooves around her neck.
“Ya sure ya can handle this?” Applejack asked.
Rainbow grinned. “Hey, who do you think you’re talking to?” With that, Rainbow shot up into the sky and began her flight to Fluttershy’s cottage with minimal signs of exertion. True to her word, Rainbow safely flew Applejack across Ponyville in a fraction of the time it would have taken on hoof.
Applejack dismounted Rainbow with a chuckle. “Ah gotta hoof it to ya, Rainbow. Ya sure do work.”
“You know it,” Rainbow boasted, reaching a hoof up to knock on Fluttershy’s door. This time, it was not answered pre-emptively. In fact, it was taking an unusual amount of time for any kind of response, even for Fluttershy.
Before either mare could start to worry, Fluttershy appeared at the door with signs of mental fatigue on her face. “Oh, hello girls. Big Macintosh isn’t with you, is he?”
Rainbow frowned. “No, why?”
Fluttershy relaxed visibly. “Oh, good. Come inside and I’ll tell you.” Once the door had been shut, Fluttershy called out, “It’s okay, Rarity. It’s just Applejack and Rainbow Dash.”
To the bewilderment of the new guests, Rarity rose from behind Fluttershy’s couch. “Oh, thank heavens. I don’t know if I can face him again.”
“Ah’m a little lost here. What’s all this about?” Applejack wondered.
“Rarity had a bit of a… hiccup with Big Macintosh,” Fluttershy explained.
Rainbow frowned. “Big Mac just told us he woke up and saw Rarity was embarrassed by something and then she took off.”
“So you mean he didn’t see-“ Rarity cut herself off, biting her lip. “I don’t know whether to be relieved or worried. I apologize for the secrecy, but I’m afraid I can’t tell you exactly what’s going on. I don’t want Big Macintosh finding out before I’m ready to tell him myself.”
Applejack smiled. “Ah’m sure he’ll understand whatever it is yer worried about.”
“Yeah, Mac’s pretty flexible with a lot of things,” Rainbow added.
Rarity pondered that for a moment before clearing her head with a forceful shake. “You mustn’t make assumptions, Rarity,” she muttered to herself.
“So, if you’re not here to look for Rarity, why are you here?” Fluttershy asked. “If you don’t mind me asking, I mean.”
Rainbow grinned. “Fluttershy, you’re looking at a free mare. No more having to deal with Cloud Kicker’s bullshit. I got a promotion!”
“Oh, how wonderful!” Fluttershy cheered.
“Rainbow’s gonna take over the weather duties for the whole farm,” Applejack continued. “She’s gettin’ a pay raise an’ everythin’!”
Rarity smiled. “Sometimes you two show more initiative than a married couple.”
Applejack and Rainbow Dash blushed at the assertion.
“I don’t really…”
“Ah’m not…”
Fluttershy and Rarity giggled in unison. “Big Mac told me you had gotten together, but he never told me how cute you are as a couple,” Rarity marveled.
Rather than protest the assertion, both mares simply scuffed a hoof on the floor.
“If you’re really going to be having all your work at the farm, you should probably think about moving your house closer by,” Fluttershy suggested.
“I have,” Rainbow admitted.
“Then the next step is to take action!” Rarity urged.
“Ah guess,” Applejack noted.
Rainbow glanced at the clock. “We should probably get going.”
“Yeah, gotta go wake up Apple Bloom fer a Crusader meetin’,” Applejack finished.
“Well then we won’t keep you,” Rarity smiled. “Run along, you two.”
“Don’t tell Mac where Rarity is,” Fluttershy added.
Applejack spoke up, “Oh, and sorry fer lockin’ ya outta yer house yesterday.”
“That was you?” Rarity frowned.
“Yeah, Applejack was going around thanking everypony in Ponyville for helping us get together. And then she figured you’d want to know if something like that happened, since you’re all into romance and stuff. Then we got to your house and you weren’t there, Applejack noticed you didn’t lock your door, so she did that herself,” Rainbow explained.
Rarity smiled wryly. “Well, at least I know there wasn’t a robbery in that case. Now, really run along.”
Both mares nodded, promptly leaving the abode.
“Alright, back to the farm,” Rainbow said, starting off on the path.
Applejack followed silently, still slightly flustered.
Big Macintosh sighed as he made his way back to the orchard. All his searching had come up empty. Nopony had seen Rarity since yesterday, it seemed. It was actually somewhat of a theme. Two possibilities struck him; either Rarity had fled Ponyville, or something was being kept from him.
But how would all o’ Ponyville know somethin’ Ah don’t? Big Macintosh wondered, shaking his head. No, she’s probably just hidin’ out somewhere Ah didn’t think ta look. But was it really that bad that she had ta hide from me?
The more he thought about it, the less sense it made. There had to be something he wasn’t aware of. But how could somepony as observant as he miss it where all of Ponyville was in on it? Was all of Ponyville aware of it? Or just some ponies, while the rest were clueless like he was? Did anypony know about it at all?
“This is stupid!” Big Macintosh shouted, stomping his hoof on the ground, or rather, the porch he now stood upon. Behind him, Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at him strangely as they approached.
“Somethin’ wrong, Mac?” Applejack asked.
Big Macintosh sighed heavily. “Ain’t nothin’ ya gotta worry ‘bout. Ah gotta figure this out on mah own.”
Rainbow frowned. “What is this about?”
“Ah already told ya! If ya don’ remember, it’s yer own dang fault!” Big Mac snapped, shoving open the door to the farmhouse and slamming it behind him.
“What’s gotten into him all of a sudden?” Rainbow wondered.
Applejack sighed. “Ah don’ rightly know. Looks like there’s a lot goin’ on we don’ know about.”
“Like Rarity,” Rainbow finished. “Kinda makes me wanna know what it is.”
“An’ Mac’s started datin’ ‘er. Can’t imagine how much he wants ta know.”
“And we’re about to send your sister off to something that might change her life,” Rainbow mused. “Feels like everything’s happening at the same time.”
“Not much we can do ‘bout it now though, is there?” Applejack pondered, a hint of sadness in her voice.
“Haven’t we been over this enough in the past few days? Just chill, Applejack,” Rainbow urged. “We can’t fix everything, and we shouldn’t need to.”
“Ah know, but it’s just so hard not ta think about.”
Rainbow smiled. “Hey, we’re marefriends now, aren’t we? How about we focus on that instead?”
“That’d be great,” Applejack admitted. “And Ah think Ah know just how ta get mah mind off it all.”
“Thinking about our date tonight?” Rainbow asked.
Applejack nodded, blushing. “Ah have been a little stressed lately.”
“Just a little?” Rainbow prodded. “Well, I do know of one sure-fire way to relieve stress. And no, it’s not a trip to the spa, because ew.”
Applejack blushed harder. “L-let’s go wake up Apple Bloom ‘fore we start thinkin’ ‘bout that.”
Rainbow nodded, leading Applejack upstairs.
“Ya know, a trip to the spa does sound pretty good right now,” Applejack ventured.
Rainbow looked at Applejack strangely. “I thought Mac was the one dating Rarity.”
Applejack chuckled. “It ain’t as bad as all that, Rainbow. Just give it a chance. Ya used ta think readin’ was just fer eggheads. Ya gave that a try an’ now yer all crazy ‘bout Darin’ Do.”
Rainbow stopped, frowning, at the top of the stairs. “Would this be before or after dinner?”
“Ah’d have ta ask Rarity how late it stays open. Ah’d be fine with either one.”
“But we don’t even know where she is,” Rainbow lied convincingly, turning to give Applejack a meaningful glance.
Applejack smiled apologetically. She had forgotten that Rarity’s location was to remain a secret. That was some quick thinkin’ there, Rainbow, Applejack thought as she reached out to give Rainbow a grateful kiss.
“Let’s talk about this once we get off the second floor,” Rainbow whispered before facing forward again, walking to Apple Bloom’s door. Applejack followed, nodding. Once Applejack was by her side, Rainbow opened the door to find Apple Bloom resting peacefully.
Applejack walked over to her sister’s bed, shaking her gently. “Up an’ at ‘em, Apple Bloom; yer crusader friends are waitin’.”
Apple Bloom stirred, lifting a hoof to rub an eye tiredly as she sat up. “Is it time already?” she yawned.
“Yep, so get out there and get those fillies!” Rainbow cheered.
Apple Bloom nodded, shaking herself awake. “Thanks, y’all!” Apple Bloom bounded off her bed, rushing straight out the front door and off to the Crusaders’ clubhouse.
Applejack chuckled at her sister’s sudden burst of exuberance, leading the way back down to the den. “Ah sure hope it goes well for her.”
“Glad you’ve finally decided to stop worrying,” Rainbow smiled.
“Well, ya’ve gone and given me so much ta look forward to,” Applejack said. “Kinda hard ta worry at the same time.”
“So you’re saying all I have to do is occupy your every thought to keep you from worrying ever again? I think I can handle that.”
Applejack giggled, shoving Rainbow onto the couch before joining her. “But can ya handle me?”
“I’ve gotten this far, haven’t I?” Rainbow laughed, pulling Applejack into a hug. “Unless you mean in bed.”
Applejack smirked. “An’ what if Ah do?”
“Ooh, then I’d have to test you out.” Rainbow winked.
“Sounds like a good time.”
Rainbow grinned. “You know it.”
“We really should get around ta figurin’ that out,” Applejack suggested, blushing. “Ya know, not really jump right inta it.”
“You mean like a sex talk?” Rainbow guessed.
“Ah guess so. Just talk about where we are, what we’d like ta try...”
Rainbow giggled. “That might take a while, ‘cause I wanna try everything.”
Applejack smirked. “Everythin’? Ya sure ‘bout that now?”
Rainbow blushed. “Well, maybe not everything, but…”
“Ah get ya,” Applejack assured. “Ah’m curious, too.”
“Good thing we’ll be in it together, then.” Rainbow paused. “Since we already covered what we want to do, why not just have the talk now?”
“Ah guess we could do that,” Applejack admitted, blushing.
“Okay, then the other thing you mentioned is where we are. Honestly, I’m ready whenever you are, so all you have to do is instigate.” Rainbow blushed. “I’m guessing we’d be starting off, uh… traditionally, I guess… and then leave all the kinkier stuff for later?”
Applejack nodded. “Yeah, Ah think Ah’d like ta get a handle on it ‘fore we try anythin’ too… kinky.”
“Okay. That was easy. Just whenever you’re ready, then.”
Applejack nodded again. “We should probably head back over ta Fluttershy’s ta get those spa times.”
“I guess so. You promise it’s gonna be good?”
“If it ain’t, Ah’ll cover yer chores fer the next week,” Applejack asserted.
Rainbow smirked. “I’ll have to work on my acting, then.”
“It’ll take more ‘n actin’ ta fool the Element of Honesty, sugarcube.”
Rainbow shrugged. “Hey, it’s worth a shot.”
Applejack rolled her eyes, nuzzling into Rainbow’s chest briefly before pulling out of their hug. “Let’s go tell Granny Smith where we’ll be tonight, then we can go.”
“Right behind you.” Rainbow followed obediently.
Apple Bloom arrived at the clubhouse not having the slightest clue what time it was, but strode inside nevertheless. “Hey, gals! Sorry Ah’m late!”
“Hey, Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo greeted cheerily, standing up from where she was sitting next to Sweetie Belle. “You look like you just got outta bed. What gives?”
Apple Bloom giggled. “Sorry, y’all. Ah was up all night plannin’ fer… uh, somethin’ er other.”
“Ooh, what do you have planned?” Sweetie Belle asked.
Apple Bloom blushed. “It ain’t really important.”
“Well if it kept you up all night it has to be something cool,” Scootaloo prodded.
“Yeah! Is it some new cutie mark idea?”
Apple Bloom shook her head. “Ah’ll tell ya girls later. First, why’d ya call us all here, Scoot?”
Scootaloo blushed. “Oh, uh, right. Yeah, I’ve uh… I’ve been doing some uh… thinking, and, uh…”
“What about?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Well, you remember how we walked in on that uh, thing between Rainbow and Applejack?” Scootaloo shuffled her hooves. “It’s kinda got me thinking…”
“Oh, Ah almost fergot!” Apple Bloom perked up. “Turns out we were right, girls. Mah sister’s started datin’ Rainbow Dash!”
“Aw, that’s so cute!” Sweetie Belle chirped.
“Uh, yeah, great.” Scootaloo’s gaze was firmly upon the ground, cheeks growing hotter. “Listen, girls… that, uh, thing we walked into… Rainbow told me before that all about the whole fillyfooling thing. I thought it was cool and all, because, hey, Rainbow Dash is one, right?
Scootaloo gulped. “But seeing them like that. It… really got me thinking about it. And I was kinda wondering if you girls, uh… ever thought about… us, like that.”
Sweetie Belle squeaked. “That’s what got me grounded for a week!”
Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. “Really? Ah was jes’ thinkin’ bout the same thing. That’s what Ah spent all o’ last night plannin’, how ta tell y’all.”
Scootaloo laughed nervously. “And, uh… what did you think about it?”
Sweetie Belle blushed. “Um, I was thinking about how… happy they looked. And how I feel the same way whenever we’re crusading. And that maybe we could…”
“Try it out an’ see where it goes?” Apple Bloom suggested hopefully.
Sweetie Belle nodded shyly.
“Ah’m willin’ ta give it a shot if y’all are,” Apple Bloom said, blushing.
“But there are three of us,” Scootaloo put in. “Does that make it…”
Apple Bloom smiled. “Ah talked ta mah sister n’ Rainbow about it. They said it don’ happen often, but since we’re all so close already…”
Scootaloo smiled back, bringing both of her fellow crusaders into a hug. “Thanks, girls. I’m… really excited now.”
“You know what Ah’ve been wantin’ ta do…” Apple Bloom hesitated briefly before placing a gentle kiss on Scootaloo’s nose, then Sweetie Belle’s.
Sweetie Belle giggled, kissing Scootaloo as well before returning Apple Bloom’s.
Scootaloo beamed, giving each of her fellow crusaders extended kisses on the lips.
“Scoot!” Apple Bloom giggled, sharing a glance with Sweetie Belle.
Sweetie Belle nodded, grinning. Together, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle converged on Scootaloo.
“Hey! Time out! No fair!” Scootaloo laughed.
“Hold ‘er down, Sweetie Belle!”
“Got it!”
“Quit it!” Scootaloo pleaded, giggling uncontrollably as Apple Bloom kissed her relentlessly.
Apple Bloom grinned. “Ah though this was what ya wanted, Scoot.”
Scootaloo tickled Sweetie Belle’s hooves with her wings, loosening her grip enough to wriggle away and pin the unicorn filly down. She started to pepper the hapless filly with light kisses, heedless of her squeals of delight.
Apple Bloom snuck up behind Scootaloo and lightly nipped her ear. Scootaloo gasped, shuddering at the unexpected sensation, turning to look at Apple Bloom. “Ah saw Rainbow do that ta Applejack once.”
Scootaloo grinned. “What else have you seen them do?”
Apple Bloom blushed. “Cuddle, mostly.”
“That sounds fun,” Sweetie Belle piped up.
“Sounds sappy,” Scootaloo said.
Apple Bloom chuckled. “Can’t be all bad if Rainbow Dash does it.”
Before Scootaloo could protest further, she was tackled from behind by Sweetie Belle. Sensing her opportunity, Apple Bloom flung herself into the pile, kissing under Scootaloo’s chin and nuzzling Sweetie Belle’s horn. Sweetie Belle shivered at the contact, subconsciously brushing her hoof across Scootaloo’s wings. Scootaloo moaned lightly, wrapping a wing around each of her friends and snuggling into the center of the pile. Apple Bloom shifted her tail so it lay across all three of them, giggling. Sweetie Belle nuzzled into Apple Bloom’s tail.
“Change your mind about cuddling yet, Scoot?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“This is pretty awesome, I have to admit,” Scootaloo said, nodding.
“Ah can’t wait ta tell Applejack about this,” Apple Bloom giggled.
“And Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo added.
“Don’t forget Rarity!”
Scootaloo frowned. “You probably shouldn’t tell your parents if they grounded you for just thinking about it.”
“How did ya get outta yer house if yer grounded, anyway?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Oh! I did this!” Sweetie Belle rose from their pile-up and concentrated. Her horn glowed green briefly before she winked out of existence, reappearing moments later a few feet away.
“Wow, you can do magic now, Sweetie Belle? That’s so awesome!” Scootaloo gushed.
“Mah sister told me Rainbow Dash is givin’ ya flight lessons, too, Scoot,” Apple Bloom said.
Sweetie Belle gasped. “Really? What about you, Apple Bloom?”
“Well, Ah’ve had ta do a bit o’ work fixin’ up the barn. Ah got most o’ it done, though there’s still a bit more ta do.”
“There must be a lot this year if you couldn’t get it all done in one day,” Scootaloo commented.
Apple Bloom laughed, averting her gaze bashfully. “Oh, c’mon, Scoot. Ah’m not good as all that.”
“Are you kidding? You’re like, the master builder!” Sweetie Belle insisted.
Apple Bloom blushed. “Shucks, thanks, y’all.”
Scootaloo gave Apple Bloom a kiss, prompting Sweetie Belle to do the same. Apple Bloom returned each with a giggle, smiling as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo kissed to complete the exchange.
“This is gonna be great,” Scootaloo said, leaning back after nuzzling her new fillyfriends.
“I really think you should just tell him, Rarity,” Fluttershy coaxed not for the first time. She had been trying to talk her into it ever since she came by. “I have no problem with it, and you heard what Applejack and Rainbow Dash said. It might not be so bad.”
“Be that as it may, Fluttershy, I still don’t-“ Rarity was interrupted by a knock on the door. She jumped at the sound, darting back to her hiding spot behind Fluttershy’s couch.
“It’s just us again,” Rainbow’s voice came through the door.
Rarity relaxed, sitting back on the couch properly as Fluttershy went to welcome them in.
“Sorry fer pesterin’ ya, but-“
“Oh, it’s no trouble, I assure you,” Rarity insisted. “I’m grateful for the reprieve, to be honest.”
“Reprieve from what?” Rainbow asked.
“Just my thoughts, I suppose.”
“Well, we were just stoppin’ by ta ask ya what time the spa usually closes,” Applejack explained.
Rarity blinked. “It closes at five. It is a day spa, after all. But… may I ask why you wanted to know? You’re not…” Rarity grinned. “Applejack, don’t tell me you’ve picked the day I have to lay low to live out one of my fantasies without me.”
Applejack chuckled. “Depends. Is that the one where Ah convince Rainbow ta join me at the spa for a little relaxation?”
“That’s the one,” Rarity giggled. “Oh, I am so jealous. Do tell me how it goes, at least.”
“Ya know, Mac’s locked himself up in his room. Ah’m not sure ya’d be riskin’ much ta come with.”
Rarity shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t take that chance. I can’t risk seeing him before I’m ready.”
Applejack smiled sadly. “Ah understand. Don’ take too long, though. Mac’s startin’ ta get a bit rattled.”
“I’d say a bit more than a… bit.” Rainbow frowned at her failed sentence.
Rarity nodded. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.” She sighed. “I wish I could tell you girls what all this is about, but you understand why I can’t.”
“Ah reckon we’ll find out after Mac does.”
“I suppose that’s true,” Rarity giggled. “I will owe you girls the whole story, though.”
“Hey, just tell us what you’re comfortable with when you’re comfortable with it,” Rainbow said. “We’ve got plenty to keep us occupied until then.”
“Yep. Rainbow and Ah are goin’ on a date tonight.”
“Applejack!” Rainbow protested. “You weren’t supposed to-“
Rainbow was cut off as Rarity swept both her and Applejack into a hug. “Oh how wonderful! You must tell me everything when you get back!”
Rainbow struggled in Rarity’s grasp, which seemed to grow stronger whenever romance was involved. Applejack merely laughed and nodded in response.
“Well I simply will not keep you here when you have such plans,” Rarity said, abruptly releasing her captives.
“So you’re kicking us out, now?” Rainbow demanded.
“Yes. Do have fun, you two!”
Before either mare could say anything more, they were pushed out of Fluttershy’s cottage by a magical force, the door swinging closed behind them to seal their banishment.
“I really can’t understand her sometimes,” Rainbow stated.
Applejack chuckled. “You an’ me both, sugarcube. So, Ah guess we’ll fit the spa trip in between lunch an’ dinner. But we still got some time before then.”
“Need any weather work done on the farm?”
Applejack thought for a moment. “Some rain on the east orchard might be nice.”
Rainbow grinned. “You got it, boss.”
Big Macintosh sighed, looking out his window. Outside he saw some rain clouds coming in, led by a familiar blue pegasus. While she moved the bulk of them into position and coaxed the rainwater out of them, she covertly detached one from the group, bringing it over to start a downpour on the farmer directing her.
“What the hay, Rainbow!” Applejack spluttered, quickly becoming drenched.
Rainbow grinned from atop her now-white cloud. “What can I say? I just love the way you look with a wet mane.”
“Then why don’t ya take a closer look?” Applejack dared.
Rainbow suddenly found herself bound by a rope and dragged down to the ground, where Applejack pinned her down with a smirk, dripping water onto the prone pegasus.
“You’re right, you do look sexier up close,” Rainbow jested.
“If ya like it so much, how’s about we get you all wet, too?”
“What? No, Applejack!”
Applejack dragged a protesting Rainbow Dash under the rain clouds she had set upon the orchard, taking note of how Rainbow’s mane casted off little rainbows as the water cascaded off it. “Now yer lookin’ mighty fine yerself.”
“If we end up bedridden with colds tomorrow, I’m blaming you,” Rainbow asserted.
Applejack grinned. “Ya mean Ah might get ta spend the whole day cuddlin’ mah favorite pegasus?”
Rainbow blinked. “You know, that actually doesn’t sound too bad.” Rainbow gave Applejack a peck on the nose. “When did you start getting good ideas?”
“Ya must be rubbin’ off on me, sugarcube,” Applejack joked.
Rainbow grinned. “Only if I get to rub you off, too.”
“Well, we’ll just have ta wait an’ see about that.”
“You keep teasing me like this and I might not be able to hold myself back,” Rainbow warned jokingly.
“Maybe that’s what Ah want,” Applejack teased. “Can’t take me ta bed if yer not a hundred percent.”
“We can always fit that in after dinner, you know,” Rainbow urged.
Applejack smiled. “Ah’ll think about it, fer sure. We do seem ta be talkin’ about it quite a lot.”
“Maybe we’re just eager,” Rainbow suggested. “I know I am. And if it’s gonna happen anyway, why not get a head start? It’s not like the world’s gonna end if we have sex after the first date, right?”
“Ah reckon not. Still, Ah don’ wanna take this too fast. Octavia warned me about that,” Applejack frowned.
“You mean about Vinyl and Lyra?”
Applejack nodded. “Ah don’t want that ta happen ta us.”
Rainbow smiled. “You know, just because it didn’t work out for them doesn’t mean we’re gonna be the same way. They didn’t mesh together like we do. And I’d say we’re a bit closer than they were. We have our own pace. I’m not trying to pressure you into anything, but if you really want to go for it, what’s stopping you?”
“Well, it sure as hay isn’t traditional,” Applejack supposed.
“Do I look traditional to you?”
Applejack shook her head, chuckling. “Ah guess not. We’ll just have ta see how it goes. If we decide the time’s right, we can try it out, and if not…”
“Exactly!” Rainbow crowed. “Don’t worry about it, just let it happen.”
Applejack nodded. “Ah’m not sure we’ll get around ta it today, though. We do got a trip ta the spa ta look forward to. Don’t wanna do everythin’ at once, right?”
Rainbow nodded in turn. “The longer we wait, the better it’s gonna be.”
“Really now? Then Ah might just have ta drag this out a little longer,” Applejack teased.
Rainbow face-hoofed. “Remind me not to give you ideas anymore.”
“Ah’m jes’ kiddin’, sugarcube. Soon as I feel up ta it, ya’ll be the first ta know.”
Rainbow smiled. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Big Macintosh felt a touch of longing as he watched the rain-covered mares embrace. If only things could be that simple fer me an’ Rare. He leaned back once he registered the fact that he was watching his sister in a steamy situation, shaking his head violently. Ah’m sure she’ll come around eventually, he assured himself.
As Applejack and Rainbow Dash were about to set off to look for lunch, they were bombarded at the door by a tremendously bubbly yellow filly. “Rainbow! Applejack! Y’all will never guess what happened! Scoot and Sweetie were havin’ the same thoughts Ah was, and now we’re gonna start bein’ fillyfriends like y’all are!”
“Hey, that’s great, Apple Bloom!” Rainbow cheered, offering a hug.
Applejack joined the hug. “Ah’m happy for ya, sis.”
“Ah gotta tell Big Macintosh!” Apple Bloom perked up.
Applejack frowned. “Maybe that’s not the best idea right now, AB. Mac’s feelin’ a little upset about Rarity.”
“Why? What happened with Rarity?” Sweetie Belle spoke up, having since caught up to Apple Bloom.
“We’re not really sure,” Rainbow said. “All we know is Rarity’s gone missing and Mac’s all broken up about it.”
“Oh, so that means we can’t go tell her about what happened?” Sweetie Belle asked sadly.
“I never said that,” Rainbow reassured. “We can’t tell Mac, but Rarity’s actually staying over at Fluttershy’s so-“
“Well what are we waiting for, then?” Scootaloo piped up. “Come on, Crusaders!”
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle followed as they set off towards Fluttershy’s cottage. “Bye, sis! And thanks fer the help!”
Applejack and Rainbow waved, smiling as they watched the three fillies run out of sight. Despite the new development, it was as if nothing had changed between them, save for the occasional peck on the cheek. Applejack hoped they knew to show a little restraint in the public eye.
“So, where do ya wanna go fer lunch today?” Applejack asked as she and Rainbow set off on their own journey to Ponyville.
Rainbow thought. “We could go back to Café du Mane. You know, show off a bit and all that.”
Applejack gulped. “Ya mean go public?”
“We kind of already are anyway,” Rainbow pointed out. “It’s not like the gossip will be anything new, right?”
“Ah guess not. Ya have been tellin’ me ta stop worryin’. An’ it would be nice ta not have ta hold anythin’ back.” Applejack thought for a few seconds more before smiling. She stepped in closer to Rainbow, prompting her to drape a wing over her back. Comforted by the feathery blanket, Applejack nuzzled under Rainbow’s chin and planted a kiss that elicited a giggle from the pegasus.
“Cut it out, AJ. I’m ticklish there,” Rainbow laughed.
“Are ya now?” Applejack asked. “Any other spots ya’ve been hidin’ from me?”
Rainbow blushed. “Not any I’d be comfortable talking about in public.”
Applejack nodded, blushing lightly herself. “Well, we do have a trip to the spa after lunch…”
“Stop making me excited about that,” Rainbow demanded.
Applejack shook her head defiantly, planting a kiss on Rainbow’s cheek. Rainbow held her closer in response, kissing her back briefly before continuing on to their destination.
The lunchery had a pretty good crowd on hand to witness the two openly amorous mares get a table. Excited whispers soon broke out among the various occupants, save for one couple that rose from their seats, and started heading their way.
“I thought I saw you two acting lovey yesterday.”
Rainbow and Applejack looked up to behold Lyra and Bon Bon, the former grinning brightly.
“She’s all mine now,” Rainbow boasted, leaning in closer.
“And you’re mine,” Applejack added, wrapping a hoof around her marefriend’s shoulders.
“Wow, she’s already making you act sappy? She must have you good,” Lyra teased.
Bon Bon scoffed. “As if your sappiness doesn’t trump theirs combined.”
“It’s different when it’s just you and me!” Lyra protested.
Rainbow laughed. “Yeah, she hasn’t tried to rut you in public yet, has she?”
Bon Bon frowned. “Actually…”
Rainbow grinned. “You’re worse than me!”
“Yeah, well, I bet you haven’t even had sex yet!” Lyra shot back.
“Not yet, though Ah might be up fer it today er tomorrow,” Applejack put in.
Rainbow beamed. “Way to hype me up even more.”
“Yes, just hope she doesn’t get so excited she forgets that sex is a two way exchange,” Bon Bon said, glancing at Lyra.
“Don’t worry, neither of us have any idea what we’re doing,” Rainbow assured. “So it’s bound to go awesomely.”
“Hey, unicorn sex and earth pony sex are completely different!” Lyra argued.
“Ah’m sure the horn changes so much,” Applejack chortled.
Lyra crossed her forelegs, frowning. “I don’t have to impress you.”
Bon Bon laughed. “Yes, I’m sure your reputation speaks for itself.”
“Y’all wanna join us fer lunch?” Applejack offered. “Rainbow and Ah were gonna head over to the spa afterward.”
Lyra sputtered, holding back a fit of giggles. “The spa? Really, Rainbow?”
Rainbow frowned. “Don’t judge me!”
“She won’t,” Bon Bon assured. “I won’t let her. Lunch would be lovely, though the spa would conflict with our later plans.”
“Not that I don’t really want to be there to see Rainbow get a hooficure,” Lyra laughed.
Rainbow’s eyes widened. “You wouldn’t make me do that, would you?”
Applejack shook her head. “Ah’m not really one fer hooficures, neither. Why spend money on somethin’ Ah’m jes’ gonna scuff the next day?”
“Good,” Rainbow said, slumping onto Applejack’s shoulder.
Lyra and Bon Bon took their seats. “Anything exciting happening around the farm?” Lyra asked.
Applejack rolled her eyes. “Y’all don’t know the half o’ it. First off, Ah somehow managed ta get Rainbow ta convert her entire life over to the Acres.” Applejack paused. “Still don’t know how Ah did that.”
“Don’t listen to her! She knows she used those earth pony super powers to seduce me!” Rainbow protested.
“Earth pony super powers?” Lyra asked, cocking a brow.
Rainbow grinned. “Yeah! You know, like what Tavi uses to get Scratch to be her bitch!”
Lyra burst out laughing as Bon Bon rolled her eyes. “You really shouldn’t encourage her, you know,” Bon Bon warned.
As Lyra regained control of her breathing, Rainbow continued. “You know, Bon Bon’s an earth pony, too. She probably has you under her spell!”
Lyra’s eyes widened as she snapped her head around to look fearfully at Bon Bon, who placed a hoof over her face. “There is no such thing as earth pony super powers, Lyra. Seriously, do you have to believe everything you hear?”
“Hey, say what you want, but humans really could exist somewhere! Like in some weird alternate dimension where everything’s tainted by awkward romantic overtones.”
“So exactly like Equestria,” Bon Bon pointed out.
“No, Equestria’s thing is friendship. That’s totally different!” Lyra argued.
“So I’m to believe that in this other world, love is even more apparent? Does that include orgies in the streets?”
Lyra pondered for a moment. “No, but that sounds really hot. We should try that sometime. Ow!”
Bon Bon frowned, retracting her hoof. “I swear, if this becomes another one of your fantasies…”
“Don’t worry, I can make this work way better than that last one,” Lyra promised. “I have a backstory and everything! You see, there’s this weird portal somewhere in Equestria. Somewhere totally random, like a dinner plate, so nopony notices it. But then every once in a while it turns into this crazy robot Cyclops and rampages across Equestria. So Princess Celestia uses her magic to activate the dinner portal, and everypony goes through it to hide from the robot Cyclops and then suddenly we’re all humans and everything’s awesome.”
Bon Bon blinked. “It’s sad to think how that’s actually one of her less nonsensical stories.”
“I don’t see you coming up with anything, Bonnie!”
“And that’s why I keep you around,” Bon Bon assured, patting Lyra on the head.
“So what’s one of her more awesome stories, then?” Rainbow asked excitedly.
“Oh, there was this one time I-“
“Food’s here,” Applejack interrupted.
“But we haven’t even told them about all our shenanigans!” Rainbow protested.
Applejack rolled her eyes. “Ya can do that while ya eat.”
“Now you made me curious,” Lyra said through a mouthful of food before swallowing. “What kinda shenanigans are we talking about?”
“Mind your manners, Lyra. We’re in public,” Bon Bon chided.
“Please, Bonnie, we’ve been public for what, like two years now?”
“That’s not what I meant, but before you go off on another one of your rants…” Bon Bon looked to Rainbow Dash. “It might be best if you distract her.”
“I’m good at that!” Rainbow boasted. “So anyway, me and AJ started up this band a few days ago, and it was awesome! But then I had to get a guitar, and that was expensive, so I started working at Sweet Apple Acres for free food and stuff. Then things got really weird, and I can’t even really remember all of it, but the point is Applejack is like the greatest marefriend ever. So I got this idea at some point to try to be the weatherpony for the Acres, so everything would be at the same place, and we worked that out earlier today. I’m getting a raise and everything! Though I had to give up my previous position, but that’s alright, ‘cause Cloudchaser’s cool and all and she was my replacement.
“So after we got together, that’s when things started going crazy. Right now there’s this whole thing with Rarity and Big Mac. They went on a date last night, and that got Mac into trouble with Granny Smith for missing dinner without telling her, but he worked his way out of that. But then Rarity went missing, and she’s apparently hiding something from everypony, except maybe Fluttershy, but I wasn’t really clear on that. So Mac got all angry because Rarity was being all elusive, but I don’t think he looked everywhere, because we know where she is but we’re not supposed to tell Mac ‘cause Rarity’s working up some courage to tell Mac that secret thing, and if he found out… Yeah, bad stuff.
“Anyway, there’s also this thing going on with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. They walked in on us when we were wrestling on the bed, but it looked like we were about to kiss or something. But that was before me and AJ worked everything out, so it was a little weird for us, too. Well, in addition to the whole filling the minds of a trio of young and impulsive fillies with thoughts of fillyfooling thing. So Apple Bloom told us she’d gotten a crush on Scoot and Sweetie, and that Scoot had called a Crusader meeting today. Or, well, it was tomorrow, since it was yesterday that she told us, but whatever. So before we left she came back with Scoot and Sweetie and apparently they’re fillyfriends now and it’s probably gonna take some time to teach them about relationships and stuff.
“How about you guys? Anything interesting happening at the candy shop?”
Lyra and Bon Bon blinked. “Well, I’m starting to sell a new kind of candy,” Bon Bon offered.
“Ooh, like a new flavor?” Rainbow asked.
Bon Bon shook her head, blushing. “No, it’s something completely different. It’s a bit of an aphrodisiac, so I’ll have to be careful with hiding it and advertising it at the same time.”
Rainbow frowned. “Why’s that? Does the candy industry have something against afros now?”
Bon Bon cocked a brow. “No, it doesn’t. An aphrodisiac is something that heightens sexual desire and pleasure.”
Rainbow cocked her head. “So you eat it and you get horny?”
“I suppose, though on a much higher scale,” Bon Bon explained. “For its intended use in intercourse, you should probably have the initial desire covered yourself.”
“Sounds neat!” Rainbow turned to Applejack, who was silently eating her meal with a very noticeable blush on her cheeks. “We should try one of those candies sometime. You know, after we get past that first one, anyway.”
“Might be fun,” Applejack squeaked.
“I’m sure we could work out a discount,” Bon Bon suggested.
“That’d be great. But I think we should probably talk about it later. I think Applejack’s gonna explode.”
Applejack frowned, her blush lessening. “Well excuse me if Ah ain’t comfortable talkin’ about sex in a public restaurant!”
Rainbow looked around at the various ponies seated around them, more than a few of which looked to be experiencing varying degrees of discomfort. “She does make a good point,” Rainbow conceded. “But hey, at least the word’s out about that new candy, now.”
Bon Bon smiled. “I’ll be sure to factor that into our arrangement. But for now, Lyra and I must be off. It was nice catching up with you two. I hope you have half as many exciting stories the next time we meet.”
“Or more,” Lyra added. “Because, you know, more is better.”
Rainbow laughed. “Hey, if things keep going on like this, we’re probably gonna have twice as many next time.”
“Yeah, you have to tell me how good Applejack is in bed. All that applebucking should really pay off big time.”
“Lyra!” Bon Bon and Applejack chorused.
“Just saying,” Lyra assured before being dragged away by Bon Bon.
Rainbow turned to Applejack once their company had departed. “You know, she does have a good point there. All that applebucking has given you one sexy plot.”
Applejack blushed. “Yers ain’t too bad, neither. Definitely a might smaller ‘n mine. Which Ah like, don’t get me wrong, Ah…”
“You like a leaner plot,” Rainbow finished. “That works out great for me. I like ‘em big, personally. And yours is the hottest in Equestria.”
Applejack smiled, blush deepening. “Ah could say the same ‘bout yers.”
“And here I thought you weren’t comfortable talking about this stuff in public,” Rainbow teased, making Applejack jump as she remembered where they were.
“Ah’m not!” Applejack squeaked.
“Sorry,” Rainbow apologized. “We can get going if you want. Let me just-“
Applejack deposited the proper payment on the table before grabbing Rainbow and leading her away from the restaurant.
“That works, too,” Rainbow supposed. “So, we gonna head on over to the spa?”
“Ah didn’t think ya’d be so eager,” Applejack joked, calming down considerably.
Rainbow grinned. “I don’t know. Something about sharing a hot tub with my hot plot marefriend just makes me excited.”
Applejack blushed. “That’s not ‘til after the massage.”
“What else are we gonna be getting?” Rainbow inquired.
“What else do ya want? There really ain’t much more, ‘cept hooficures, the mud bath an’ the steam room.”
Rainbow gasped. “They have a steam room?”
“Ah take it ya’d like a go at that?” Applejack chuckled.
“Are you kidding? That’s like, one of the best places to make out ever!”
Applejack smiled. “Ah’m sure we could work that in somewheres.”
“Awesome.”
“Here we are, Ponyville Spa,” Applejack said, coming to a stop before the building.
Rainbow laughed. “Only you could ever make me excited to go in there.”
“Is mah hot plot jes’ too much ta resist?” Applejack jested, flaunting it as she sauntered inside.
Rainbow, despite her desire not to, entered after her marefriend with a very noticeable flare in her wings. This earned a smirk from Lotus, who stood behind the welcome desk as Aloe was elsewhere.
“What’s this? Ponyville’s two most tomcoltish ponies in our spa by themselves?”
“Applejack made me do it!” Rainbow insisted.
“Ya know ya like it, don’t lie,” Applejack retorted.
Rainbow frowned. “Only because of your earth pony seduction powers.”
Aloe giggled as she returned. “Yes, I see they’re working quite well.”
Rainbow blushed, trying futilely to regain control of her wings
“Now, what can we do for you girls?” Lotus asked. “I don’t dare hope you’re here for treatment?”
“Yep,” Applejack answered simply. “How much fer a massage, steam room an’ hot tub fer two?”
“Fifty bits,” Aloe answered with a smile.
“Let me get this one, AJ,” Rainbow insisted. “Can’t have you paying for this and lunch.”
“Then who’s gonna pay fer dinner?” Applejack laughed.
Rainbow thought. “We’ll split it.”
“Not to pry, but I can’t help but notice you two seem more… affectionate than last we saw you,” Aloe observed.
“Yeah, me and Applejack are dating now,” Rainbow relayed. “Or, well, we’ll be going on our first one tonight, but still.”
Lotus giggled. “Don’t have too much fun now.”
“No promises,” Applejack said, pausing to give Rainbow a kiss on the cheek before following Aloe and Lotus into the massage room.
“First, let’s work out that stress you carry in your muscles,” Aloe said, gesturing inside.
Applejack and Rainbow took two nearby mats, laying down on their stomachs as Aloe and Lotus fetched the massage oils.
“You ever had a massage before, Rainbow?” Applejack asked.
Rainbow shook her head. “Never been to a spa before, remember? Well, except for that one time we had that run in with the Poison Joke, and again during the Gabby Gums thing.”
Applejack nodded. “Well yer in fer a treat today.”
Rainbow moaned in delight as Lotus began her massage, expertly working out all the kinks in her muscles and leaving them feeling like jelly. Applejack chuckled at the dreamy look Rainbow had in her eyes as Aloe started her massage.
“This feels so good,” Rainbow groaned. “I’ve gotta start coming here more often.”
“We can afford it with that raise yer gettin’. Not ta mention the apple sales.” Applejack cooed as Aloe worked out a particularly thick knot in her neck. “Sure beats the shower back home, huh?”
“Definitely,” Rainbow murmured.
“I see you carry a lot of stress in your wings, Miss Rainbow,” Lotus spoke up. “I would ask permission, but your marefriend has a good set of hooves. We could guide her through the process if you’d like.”
“Wing massages from Applejack? Don’t make me beg,” Rainbow laughed.
Aloe led Applejack over to Rainbow’s mat and instructed her to grasp Rainbow’s right wing. Applejack’s newly-relaxed muscles still felt a little weak, but she complied without much trouble. She followed their instructions to the best of her ability, and it clearly showed. Under the spa twins’ guidance, Applejack had Rainbow in a state of bliss.
“Don’t stop,” Rainbow moaned, feeling heat begin to stir in her loins.
Once Applejack had the motions down, Aloe and Lotus stepped out to give them some privacy. Applejack started on Rainbow’s other wing, feeling the extent of her success immediately.
“Ya sure are enjoyin’ this, aren’t ya?” Applejack giggled. “Ah can’t say Ah blame ya. Ya really do carry a lot o’ tension in these wings.”
“Th-that’s not the only reason. Oh Luna, AJ,” Rainbow’s voice was lost for a few moments more. “The wings are a… a pleasure spot for pegasi.”
Applejack froze in her motions, blood rushing to her cheeks as she considered for the first time just how worked up she had gotten her marefriend. “Y-ya mean this all is… sexy?”
“So much,” Rainbow replied. “Why’d you stop?”
“Ah… Ah ain’t sure this is appropriate ta…”
“C’mon, AJ. It’s not like we’re doing it or anything. Besides, nopony’s watching.” Rainbow flexed the wing still held in Applejack’s hooves.
Applejack gulped and took a deep breath to calm her nerves before working through the rest of Rainbow’s primaries.
“That’s the stuff. Oh yeah.”
Applejack finished her work with a level head before coming around to kiss Rainbow on the nose as a way of notifying her of her task’s completion. Rainbow reluctantly rose as Applejack led the way to the shower, where she busied herself washing her fur.
Rainbow kissed Applejack on the cheek. “Stop being so timid, AJ. I’m not gonna do anything you don’t want me to.”
“But ya seemed so inta that massage,” Applejack said. “Ya won’t mind if Ah work ya up an’ leave ya hangin’?”
Rainbow blushed. “You know, I haven’t taken any time for relief since this all started. So I might be just a little pent up.”
“Well that’ll jes’ make it that much better when it happens, right?” Applejack asked.
Rainbow nodded. “But if I get a little heated, just… you know.”
Applejack simply nodded in response, not confident enough in her whims to say how much she was getting worked up, herself. We’ll see how it goes tonight. But if this keeps up, Ah…
Once they had finished their quick wash, they rejoined Aloe and Lotus in the steam room. Lotus, who was pouring hot water onto the heated rocks, offered a sly grin and a wink. Aloe just giggled as the two mares developed blushes.
“I take it the massage went well?” Lotus asked.
“It was pretty nice,” Rainbow admitted, shuffling her wings.
“Well I’m sure you won’t need any assistance finding the hot tub,” Aloe said. “So unless you need anything else, we can leave you to enjoy each other’s company.”
“That’d be nice,” Applejack said.
Smiling, the spa twins bowed before taking their leave, prompting Rainbow to look in Applejack’s direction. “So, about that make-out session…”
Applejack blushed, leaning in to press her lips to Rainbow’s, earning a questioning flick of Rainbow’s tongue against her lips. After a brief hesitation, Applejack gave into the temptation, pushing her tongue into Rainbow’s mouth as she pinned her marefriend to the bench. Rainbow moaned appreciatively, wrapping her hooves around Applejack’s shoulders and pulling her closer.
As Rainbow shifted her position slightly, Applejack found one of her forehooves stuck in an awkward position. As she removed the hoof, she felt it touch something fleshy. Rainbow gasped in response to the touch, while Applejack realized what she had done.
Applejack retreated from Rainbow’s embrace. “Ah’m sorry! Ah didn’t mean ta-”
“Applejack, it’s okay. Relax,” Rainbow smiled. “It was an accident. You don’t have to do anything else.”
Applejack averted her gaze, blushing heavily. “B-but what if… Ah think Ah want ta?”
Rainbow blushed, her eyes widening before a smirk came to her lips. “Then we can let any incidental contact here slide, rock that dinner out, and have the whole night to ourselves.”
Applejack smiled, turning back to face Rainbow. “Ah think Ah’d like that.”
“Then come here so we can make out some more!”
Applejack giggled and nodded as she rejoined Rainbow’s embrace, no longer caring where her hooves wandered. Applejack blushed as Rainbow’s hooves slid down her back and rested just above the dock of her tail. She responded by dragging her tongue across the roof of Rainbow’s mouth, earning a moan of appreciation from her partner.
As Rainbow’s hooves wandered farther, and Applejack’s tongue became more aggressive, the steam in the room began to disperse, if not in their minds. Rainbow did take the time to pull away, however. “Maybe we should take this over to the hot tub.”
Applejack grinned, getting to her hooves. “Then come on. Ah miss those hooves already.”
Rainbow nodded, following obediently, led by Applejack’s tail like a leash.
“Ya know, Ah can’t help but remember what ya said earlier about that other ticklish spot ya got on ya,” Applejack wondered idly. “Think ya might be up ta tellin’ me just what that is now that we’re alone?”
Rainbow blushed. “Can it wait ‘til we get to the hot tub?”
“It just did,” Applejack said, moving aside to unglue Rainbow’s eyes from her plot.
“Oh. Yeah, that’s definitely a hot tub…” Rainbow gulped, sitting down on the edge as Applejack dipped her hooves in.
“Ain’t ya gonna join me?” Applejack asked.
Rainbow sighed. “I guess I kinda have to tell you now, don’t I?”
Applejack cocked a brow, prompting Rainbow to continue.
“Remember that time the girls tried to convince me to get a hooficure?”
“And ya said ya don’ like ponies touchin’ yer hooves?” Applejack guessed.
Rainbow nodded. “Well, that’s because… my hooves are really sensitive.”
“How so?”
Rainbow frowned. “You know, really ticklish, kinda painful on rough surfaces, and… pretty awesome on soft stuff.”
Applejack brightened. “So like another one o’ yer pleasure spots?”
Rainbow nodded bashfully. “It’s just the back ones, though. I’ve never had any problems with my front hooves. So, like, don’t freak out if I uh… vocalize when I…” Rainbow dipped her hooves into the hot water, letting out a peculiar squeak as she did so.
Applejack smiled. “Well, Ah reckon Ah’ll have ta pay ‘em some extra attention tonight. And Ah might as well let ya in on mine.” Applejack blushed. “Ya already know about the spot behind mah shoulders, but Ah’m also pretty sensitive on mah belly, so…”
Rainbow grinned, advancing up to her hock as Applejack did. “I get the feeling we’re gonna have a lot of fun with this.”
“And we ain’t even gonna get to the kinkier stuff yet,” Applejack agreed. “There is some o’ that Ah really wanna try.”
Rainbow giggled. “I’d ask what, but I don’t wanna over-prepare myself. So I’m just gonna hope you share my curiosities.”
Applejack eased herself the rest of the way in, making an odd noise as her belly was submerged in the pleasantly hot water, trying not to notice the water get slightly cloudier. Rainbow, seated herself, leaned her head on Applejack’s shoulder, closing her eyes in contentment. Applejack smiled, running a hoof through her marefriend’s colorful mane, delighting in the softness it had achieved.
“So, you thought about where you wanna go for dinner yet?” Rainbow asked.
Applejack’s brow furrowed. “No, but Ah remembered somethin’ else just now. We still gotta pick up those… picks from the music shop ‘fore yer next lesson with Vinyl.”
“I’m sure we have time,” Rainbow assured. “Besides, it’s not like we’re going straight to dinner anyway. We could stop by there before then.”
Applejack nodded. “That’d be best.”
“So I take it we have no idea where we’re going for dinner, then?”
“Not a clue,” Applejack confirmed.
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “We’ll find some place.”
“Don’t reckon we’ll be goin’ anywhere quite as fancy as that restaurant Mac an’ Rare went ta,” Applejack pondered. “But Ah’m sure yer not too hung up on that.”
Rainbow grinned. “Aw, you mean we’re gonna go somewhere we can actually read the menus?”
Applejack chuckled. “Ah’m afraid so, sugarcube.”
“So I brought my dictionary for nothing?”
Applejack blinked. “You have a dictionary?”
“Nope. Do you?”
Applejack shook her head. “Apple Bloom might. Ah heard ‘er talkin’ about it once.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Rainbow shrugged. “They’ve tried just about everything else, right?”
“Everythin’ appropriate fer a filly her age,” Applejack supposed.
“Hope they don’t run out of ideas before that list gets a little bigger.”
Applejack frowned. “Ah hope they have their cutie marks by then.”
Rainbow shrugged. “We’ll be here to put a cap on that if it happens.”
“Ah suppose,” Applejack conceded. “Though Ah’m hopin’ it don’ come to that.”
“We’ve been over this, haven’t we? Don’t worry about it unless we have to,” Rainbow said, nuzzling Applejack’s neck.
Applejack smiled. “Ah’m sure ya’ll have it worked outta me ‘fore too long.”
Rainbow smiled back. “That’s the plan.”
Applejack laughed, returning Rainbow’s nuzzle. “Ah suppose we got enough ta deal with already tonight.”
“Don’t remind me,” Rainbow joked, “I might explode.”
“Can’t have that,” Applejack agreed. “That’s not supposed ta happen ‘til later.”
Rainbow merely nodded, lapsing into silence as she enjoyed the hot water and the feel of Applejack’s wet fur. Applejack smiled at the pegasus leaning so lovingly against her, pulling her closer with a hoof and kissing her forehead. Rainbow smiled, kissing Applejack under the chin, noting the chortle it earned, and subsequent laughter from repeated attacks.
“Okay, okay, Ah’m ticklish there, too,” Applejack admitted through giggles.
Rainbow giggled, giving Applejack a proper kiss on the lips. “I know I said it before, but tonight is gonna be so awesome.”
Applejack smiled, giving Rainbow a squeeze before lying back in the water. It was shallow enough to lay flat and still have her head above the water. She rested her head on the edge of the hot tub, giggling as Rainbow lay down beside her and rested her head against her chest. Applejack’s hoof returned to its rightful place around Rainbow’s shoulders.
They lay in contentment for a while, interspersed with occasional nuzzles, simply enjoying the other’s presence. So it was that sometime later, Aloe and Lotus intruded upon the scene.
“Excuse me, girls,” Aloe began. “I apologize, but the spa is closing soon. So if you would be so kind as to dry yourselves…”
Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s heads shot up. Applejack blinked. “It’s five already?”
Lotus nodded. “I’m afraid so. You can always come back tomorrow, if you’d like.”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but that would be pretty awesome,” Rainbow said, turning to Applejack. “This has actually been really fun.”
Applejack smiled. “Maybe ya should listen ta me more, sugarcube.”
“I probably should if this is what happens,” Rainbow agreed.
Applejack chuckled. “Well, we should probably be gettin’ out anyway. How long we been in here?”
“About two hours,” Aloe answered, “though how much of that was spent in the hot tub, I wouldn’t know.”
Rainbow shivered as she stepped out, prompting her to huddle close to Applejack for warmth. Applejack smiled, accepting the towels offered by the twins gratefully, wrapping one around the shivering pegasus before donning her own.
The spa twins left the two mares to their quest for dryness, which would inevitably chain to a trip to the music shop, and end at a dinner date at some indeterminate location. It was the reward, however, that was on Applejack and Rainbow’s minds as they completed the first of three prerequisites.
“Alright!” Rainbow said, leading Applejack out of the spa with an authoritative air about her. “Let’s figure out this pick business and find ourselves a place to eat! We’ve only got about an hour and a half before sundown, and I’m not gonna waste a single minute of this night!”
“Ain’t we already wastin’ time sittin’ here talkin’?” Applejack laughed.
Rainbow’s eyes widened. “You’re right! This is a time for action! Come on!” Rainbow raced off in the direction of the music shop, leaving an amused Applejack to follow behind a pace.
“What’s with the sudden determination, Rainbow?” Applejack asked as she caught up.
“Are you kidding?” Rainbow glanced at Applejack sideways. “There’s sex to be had here, AJ!”
Applejack chortled. “As if Ah could ferget.”
Rainbow skidded to a halt before their destination. “Okay, let’s grab the loot and go!” Rainbow said, darting inside and out of sight.
Applejack rolled her eyes and shook her head as she entered after her. Though Rainbow wasn’t visible from the entrance, Applejack knew she’d be in the strings section of the store. But as she was passing by the percussion section that separated the two, something caught her eye. It was a drum set, one she swore was the same shade as a Red Delicious apple.
Applejack paused, regarding the drum set before her, wondering if their band could truly be complete with just vocals and guitars. While most of her experience with pertained to string instruments, she couldn’t deny the fact that every band needed good percussion. With a thoughtful frown, Applejack made to enter the strings section, only to find Rainbow already leaving with her plunder seized, if not paid for.
Rainbow didn’t notice until they had exited the store that Applejack seemed distant. “Something wrong, AJ?”
Applejack shook her head. “Just thinkin’.”
“About what?” Rainbow prodded.
“’Bout our band, actually,” Applejack admitted. “Ya’ve said yerself Ah don’t really need much work on mah singin’ skills, but yer off learnin’ a new instrument. Ah guess Ah feel like Ah should be doin’ somethin’, too. And, well, we ain’t really got a drummer.”
“I guess not,” Rainbow agreed.
Applejack smiled. “So, maybe we should be goin’ about this different. How’s about you take care o’ the guitars, and Ah’ll get ta learnin’ the drums. Then we could split the vocal work so we can both be contributin’ the same.”
Rainbow grinned. “I like the sound of that. What made you think of it?”
Applejack’s smile became sheepish. “Well, Ah saw this drum set in there the same red as an apple.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Rainbow giggled.
“’Cause ya know me too well,” Applejack answered.
Rainbow cocked her head. “So what, you want me to forget things about you?”
Applejack laughed. “No, ya silly filly. Ah figure we’re goin’ ta get ta know each other a little better tonight, anyway.”
Rainbow blushed. “Yeah, sure will.”
“What, no snappy comeback?” Applejack smirked.
Rainbow shook her head. “Sorry, I guess I’m just a little nervous is all.”
Applejack smiled. “That why ya were actin’ all funny earlier?”
Rainbow offered a non-committal shrug in response, turning her attention to finding someplace to eat. “That place looks pretty cool,” Rainbow pointed out a quaint little diner with a musical note emblazoned on the door.
Applejack chuckled at the change in subject. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous, herself. “Wanna go check it out?”
Rainbow nodded, leading the way inside. They were surprised to find upon entering that Octavia and her old quartet were in the middle of a set. While it didn’t look like much on the outside, the restaurant was actually quite large, yet still retained the homey air of a family-owned pub, if a bit quieter and more refined.
Applejack looked around in wonderment as she made her way to the welcome booth, Rainbow following with a similar expression.
“Do you have a reservation?” The stallion at the booth asked.
“Oh, we need a reservation here?” Rainbow frowned in disappointment.
Applejack sighed. “Well, Ah guess we’ll have ta find someplace else.”
Before they could make it to the door, they heard frantic hoofsteps behind them. “Wait, I know these two,” Octavia said, having vacated her place on stage. “They’re friends of mine. Surely we could work something out?”
The stallion at the welcome booth frowned, thinking. “Well, I suppose we do have one table without current occupants, though I’m not sure you would allow these two to dine at your own table.”
“Of course!” Octavia nodded fervently, smiling as Rainbow and Applejack brightened. She turned to them as the stallion produced two menus and led them to a table near the front of the stage.
“Ah never knew ya still did gigs with yer old quartet,” Applejack spoke. “Ah figured since ya got inta workin’ with Vinyl-“
Octavia interrupted with a giggle, shaking her head. “No, even with my new line of work with Vinyl, I still make time to perform here every week. This is actually where my quartet and I had our first show. It’s become a bit of a tradition.”
“That’s awesome,” Rainbow chimed in. “And you’ve got your own table and everything?”
Octavia nodded. “It’s one of the perks of being a world-renowned cellist, I suppose.”
They stopped before a particularly extravagant booth with the cutie marks of each member of Octavia’s quartet emblazoned on the table’s surface.
“Vinyl usually comes with me to these, though she had business of her own to take care of,” Octavia said, smiling. “I’m glad I’ll have at least two familiar faces in the crowd.”
“Thanks, fer this, Octavia. Ya really didn’t have ta.”
Octavia chuckled. “And miss an opportunity to improve your first date? I simply couldn’t resist.”
Rainbow grinned. “You’re the best, Tavi. Well, except for AJ, but I’m kinda biased on that one.”
Octavia nodded, smiling. “If you girls would excuse me, I’d like to serenade you with new vigor.”
“You do that,” Rainbow said, not entirely comprehending.
Octavia giggled, waving as she retook her place back on stage. She offered a smile in response to the questioning gazes of her bandmates, which seemed to placate them.
As the music continued, Applejack and Rainbow took their seats in the plush booth. The menu, while extravagant, was thankfully comprehensible. “And you said we weren’t going anywhere fancy,” Rainbow laughed.
“’Cause Ah really expected this ta happen,” Applejack shot back, laughing as well.
Rainbow placed a kiss on Applejack’s cheek. “Well I’m really glad it did.”
Applejack blushed, kissing Rainbow back before returning her attention to the menu. “Ah reckon they’ve got tons o’ fancy foods here. Anythin’ ya wanna try?”
“That pasta whatever thing looks pretty good,” Rainbow said. “And it says it serves two.”
Applejack smiled. “We’ll split it.”
“Just like the bill,” Rainbow laughed.
“If Octavia doesn’t insist on payin’ for it herself,” Applejack supposed.
“Yeah, she probably will,” Rainbow agreed.
“Don’ mean we gotta enjoy it any less,” Applejack pointed out.
Rainbow grinned. “Are you kidding? This means we can eat as expensive as we want!”
Applejack frowned. “Ah’m not sure Ah’m comfortable takin’ advantage o’ her like that.”
“I’m not either,” Rainbow said. “That was a joke.”
Applejack rolled her eyes. “It’s hard ta tell with you sometimes.”
Rainbow shrugged, relaying their order when the waiter came around. Food taken care of, she slumped onto Applejack’s shoulder, closing her eyes and enjoying the music. Applejack rested her head against Rainbow’s, sighing in contentment.
Octavia smiled at them between songs, winking in encouragement. Applejack smiled back, pulling Rainbow closer to her. Octavia giggled before she began her next song.
Their food arrived shortly, and it was delicious.
“Ah gotta hoof it to ya, Rainbow. Ya do have an eye for quality,” Applejack praised.
“You seem to be hoofing me quite a lot these days,” Rainbow sniggered.
“Only ‘cause ya deserve it,” Applejack defended.
Rainbow grinned. “Really? Nothing else making you so generous?”
Applejack adopted a mischievous grin, herself. “Well, now that ya mention it, Ah have been spendin’ a bit o’ time with Rarity.”
“Don’t even joke about that,” Rainbow protested. “Seriously, just… no. Stop it.”
Applejack chuckled. “Sorry, Ah couldn’t resist.”
“I mean, Rarity’s a good friend and all, but…”
“Ah know what ya mean,” Applejack assured. “Ah have enough trouble bein’ around her more ‘n five minutes as it is.”
“Yeah, tell me about it,” Rainbow laughed.
“Ah think Mac’s good on her, though,” Applejack continued. “He’s much more patient than either o’ us could ever be.”
Rainbow nodded. “They do work kinda well together, don’t they? I mean, Rarity’s after a stallion, and you don’t really get more stallion than Mac. And even if Mac is kinda into stallions, that doesn’t mean they can’t work something out in the bedroom, right?”
Applejack blushed, shaking her head. “Ah don’ wanna think about that.”
“Sorry,” Rainbow apologized sheepishly. “But, you know, he never really told you just what his deal is with the whole double-hinged barn door, right?”
Applejack shook her head. “Ah guess not. Ah just thought he sounded a bit embarrassed about it.”
“You can only get so much out of that,” Rainbow pointed out. “Maybe he was embarrassed because he was lying. Ever think of that?”
“He wasn’t lying,” Applejack replied instantly. “Ah know mah brother, Rainbow, and Ah know honesty. There might be somethin’ a bit unclear ‘bout it all ta us, but Ah’m sure he’s got it all worked out in his head.”
“And that’s what matters, I guess,” Rainbow shrugged. “Still, I can’t help but think of how cool it would be if your brother dated a stallion. We’d be like, the gayest farm family ever!”
“Sure does defy tradition, don’t it?
“And what better way to start a new tradition?” Rainbow asked. “We could do so much with that.”
Applejack nodded, thinking about it herself.
Octavia approached them, which was odd, because they couldn’t remember the music stopping, though none was currently playing. Before either of them could question this new development, Octavia spoke. “I see you’re quite surprised,” Octavia laughed. “We’re just taking a break between sets, and I wanted to see how you two were doing. But seeing you so engrossed in your conversation told me enough.”
“I have to admit, that cello of yours is really something else,” Rainbow praised.
Something else it truly was. Their entire quartet was so masterful at ambience, even their transitions seemed natural. Even if that transition was into silence. And they provided such an air of levity that it was easy to get lost in whatever it is you were doing.
And to think, this was the same cellist who collaborated with DJ-Pon3 to make all sorts of abrasive, and otherwise, electronic music from just about every genre.
“Ya really are a master o’ yer instrument,” Applejack agreed.
Octavia smiled. “Thank you. But I really came to tell you that you don’t have to worry about your bill. I already have it on my tab.”
Rainbow cocked her head. “When did you do that?”
"Ah never saw ya leave the stage,” Applejack added.
Octavia giggled. “I’ll let that be my little secret.”
Both mares were left to wonder just when Octavia had become so stealthy as the cellist rejoined her quartet to start their second set.
“How in the hell…”
“Does it really, matter, sugarcube? We both knew it was gonna happen anyway,” Applejack offered.
“I guess not,” Rainbow admitted. “But still…”
Applejack rolled her eyes, resting her head on Rainbow’s shoulder as music once again flowed through the restaurant. Rainbow leaned back against Applejack. Or she would have, had Applejack been leaning on her to begin with. The uneven distribution of force had them toppling over awkwardly, as Rainbow’s head connected with Applejack’s flank.
Rainbow jumped. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to-“
Applejack started up in a fit of giggles, soon laughing uncontrollably as she moved to pull Rainbow back down on top of her. Rainbow found herself caught up in the mirth of the moment, laughing along as she nuzzled Applejack’s shoulder.
“Sorry,” Rainbow giggled as their laughter began to die down.
“It’s alright, sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled. Got yer mind off Octavia’s sneakin’ skills.
“She really does have that effect on ponies,” Rainbow mused. “Octavia, I mean.”
Applejack nodded. “It is amazin’ how much she’s opened up, ain’t it?”
“I think we can thank Scratch for that,” Rainbow jested.
“Ah reckon we can,” Applejack agreed. “They’re good fer each other.”
“That does tend to be a theme, doesn’t it?” Rainbow laughed. “You’d think ponies would pair up haphazardly, right?”
Applejack shoved Rainbow playfully. “You know what Ah mean.”
“Or do I?”
Applejack grinned. “Well, maybe Ah’ll have ta show ya.”
Rainbow smiled at Applejack, who smiled back. Unable to resist, the two shared an extended kiss out of sight of all but Octavia’s quartet.
“You know, of all the things I expect to taste on your lips, pasta isn’t really up there,” Rainbow jested.
Applejack chortled. “Ah could say the same fer you, sugarcube.”
Rainbow sniggered, kissing Applejack again. “You know, if we did stop here, I don’t think I’d have too much of a problem with that.”
“Ah know what ya mean, sugarcube,” Applejack admitted. “It almost feels like it’d make all o’ this unimportant if we went all the way tonight.”
Rainbow smiled. “To be honest, I’m not really even sure I’m ready. I mean, I really want to, but…”
Applejack nodded. “It’s just such a big step.”
“Yeah, and maybe, you know, we shouldn’t really force it,” Rainbow went on. “Like what you were saying earlier about what Tavi told you about Lyra and Scratch.”
Applejack chuckled. “Now ya listen ta me?”
Rainbow blushed, averting her gaze.
Applejack turned Rainbow back to face her. “Y’know, Ah really was worried we’d be goin’ down that same path earlier. But now…”
Rainbow smiled. “This is really what sets us apart from them, right? I’ve got you to be responsible for us.”
“Ah suppose that’s true,” Applejack agreed.
“Tomorrow, though, good luck keeping me off you,” Rainbow warned jokingly.
Applejack laughed. “Gotta leave somethin’ ta look forward to, Ah guess.”
Rainbow smiled, pulling Applejack in for another kiss, which was happily returned. “You know, today really has been a whole lot of fun. We should really do this again.”
Applejack nuzzled Rainbow’s shoulder. “Whenever ya feel up for a little relaxation, jes’ let me know.”
Rainbow nodded, smile widening ever so slightly. “You got it, boss.”
Octavia looked down on the two mares embracing like a proud mother, having heard bits and pieces of their conversation. As if I needed any less reason to doubt them, she mused, packing up for the night. She had to admit, there was a fair bit of majesty to be found in playing music for two of her recently romantically inclined friends. She sighed wistfully, wishing Vinyl had been on hoof to witness it.
Octavia made her way backstage after packing up her cello and waving to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. She bid farewell to her quartet and made for the door leading outside, raising her hoof to-
“You were great out there, Tavi,” Vinyl’s voice sounded behind her.
Octavia beamed, turning around to throw her hooves around her marefriend. “How long have you been here?”
Vinyl smiled. “Long enough to see what you did for those two, and how happy you looked playing for them. My set ended early, so I figured I’d stop by to check on you. Can’t say I was expecting something like that, though.”
Octavia blushed. “I… It was just…”
Vinyl giggled, rolling her eyes. “Chill, Tavs. I’m happy I got to see you like that. And I know those guys need all the help they can get.”
“I don’t know, they seem to be doing well enough on their own.” Octavia smiled. “Reminds me of our first few days together.”
Vinyl groaned, face-hoofing. “Don’t remind me. I’m still trying to get over that spaghetti explosion.”
Octavia laughed. “Then perhaps I shouldn’t tell you they had a pasta dish of their own tonight. And no, it did not explode.”
Vinyl let her hoof drop to the floor, after having raised it to ask that very question. “Well, I guess the chefs here are a little bit better at cooking than me.”
“Just a little?” Octavia giggled.
“Okay, a lot better,” Vinyl admitted, rolling her eyes. “Now are we gonna just stand here all day? I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted.”
Octavia nodded, leading her marefriend out the door and back home.
Applejack and Rainbow were on their own way home after having their tab picked up by the sneaky cellist. They could have sworn they never saw her stray farther from her stage than to their table.
“Maybe she did it when she came by ta get us a table,” Applejack guessed.
Rainbow frowned. “That would have to be it. I just didn’t know she’d been taking lessons from Scratch.”
“Maybe Vinyl’s been takin’ lessons from Octavia,” Applejack pointed out. “Ya never know with them quiet ones.”
Rainbow giggled. “Yeah, I’m sure Tavi’s the mastermind behind their entire relationship. She already has Scratch brainwashed with those earth pony seduction powers.”
“Ya still goin’ on about that?” Applejack chortled.
“Hey, the evidence is all there and nopony’s proven me wrong yet,” Rainbow said. “Unless you’d want to show me sometime.”
Applejack shook her head in amusement. “Ah’ll be sure ta tell ya all about it tomorrow.”
“Awesome.” Rainbow nudged open the door to a quiet farmhouse. She had to admit, sleep did sound pretty good about now, especially with a sexy orange farmpony there to cuddle with.
“Ah don’t suppose we’ll need a shower after that trip to the spa,” Applejack acknowledged. “So if ya wanna hop right to it, that’d be alright with me.”
Rainbow nodded, leaning against Applejack as they made their way up the stairs and to their now-shared room, not to say that Tank was complaining about having the guest bed all to himself. Applejack dove under the covers first, Rainbow sliding in beside her to wrap her hooves around her.
“Big day ahead o’ us tomorrow,” Applejack said, nuzzling into the crook of Rainbow’s neck.
“Bring it on. With both of us there, days don’t stand a chance.”
Applejack chuckled at her marefriend’s confidence. “Good night, Rainbow.” She gave Rainbow a kiss on the cheek.
Rainbow smiled, returning the gesture before relaxing into Applejack’s embrace. “Good night, AJ.”
Big Macintosh lay awake in bed, staring up at the ceiling. After a day of contemplating his failures at finding Rarity, his mind still had enough questions to keep him from sleep. Sighing in frustration, he rose from his bed. When all else failed, counting apples always served to make him tired.
He made his way to the barn where the apples were stored, marveling not for the first time at just how many they had already managed to harvest. Rainbow Dash’s help was proving invaluable this time of year, and it was plain to see how happy she was making Applejack. She always did seem to be at her brightest around the speedy pegasus. He’d have to make sure to-
“Big Macintosh?” Rarity’s voice startled the stallion in reverie.
“Rare? What-“
Rarity stepped forward, placing a hoof to Big Mac’s lips. “Please, Mac. I… I can’t lie anymore.”
Big Mac’s eyes widened, tearing up as his mind came to a conclusion. “You… Ya don’ wanna see me anymore, do ya?”
Rarity jumped in alarm. “What? No, Mac, it’s not that at all!”
Big Mac regarded her dubiously. “It’s alright, Rare. Ah understand, ya don’ have ta-“
Rarity silenced Big Macintosh with a gentle kiss on the lips. He instantly softened at the touch, his fears calming. “Not that, Mac. Never that.” Rarity averted her gaze briefly. “Unless you don’t want to see me again.”
“What? Why would Ah not wanna see ya?” Big Mac asked sadly.
“Because I…” Rarity gulped. “I have something I need to confess.”
Big Macintosh waited quietly, mind racing with possibilities. But it certainly never occurred to him that-
“I’m not really a mare,” Rarity squeaked out.
Big Mac paused; face draining of emotion, his mind drawing a blank. “Ah… Ah don’…”
“I was born a colt,” Rarity continued, voice barely above a whisper. “But mother and father wanted a daughter. They did all they could to change me, to hide who I really am. On my first birthday they paid a professional for reconstructive magical surgery for my face. It was obviously a remarkable success. But there is one thing that magic cannot change, nor conceal but temporarily…”
Big Macintosh opened his mouth, but found no words to speak.
“They called me Rarity, for one I certainly was. They raised me as a proper filly, doing their utmost to ensure I could still be the daughter they had wanted.” Rarity sighed. “They asked a tutor to teach me a concealment spell for my… abnormality. It’s helped me out of many a tight situation, and allowed me a little more… leniency in my gait. Nopony was ever the wiser of my true disposition, even now. But my parents eventually grew dissatisfied of me. They wanted a real daughter, and got one in Sweetie Belle.”
Rarity averted her gaze. “I grew jealous of her. She was everything mother and father wanted, while I was forced to the side. More than ever, I worked to make them believe I was a real mare. I slowly worked my way back into their favor by being as marely as I could. I used everything I had been taught, I truly became what they had made me. More than them, I convinced myself. Being a mare was something I had always embraced, but it became more than that, almost an obsession. But the more attention they paid to me, the less was left for Sweetie Belle. It broke my heart to see her neglected in any way. So I did the most generous thing I’ve ever done. I left, set off to make it on my own.
“I bought Carousel Boutique at the age of fourteen and began to sell dresses to support myself. It came naturally, of course. I had made all my own dresses since I was five, custom made for myself. For while the concealment spell did make my abnormality invisible, it was still there, and showed through fabric.” Rarity laughed half-heartedly. “It’s funny when you come to think that it was all because my parents couldn’t find dresses that would allow me proper concealment. They got so frustrated one day that I thought to try my own hoof at dressmaking. And you can clearly see where that’s taken me.
“I looked back on those days, of course, but I knew things were better without me. Sweetie Belle got all the attention she deserved, and I was off doing what I loved, free of judgment. Left to myself, I dreamt of what life could be like if I was successful. I was always taken by the fashion scene of Canterlot, and the sophistication was something to be craved. I eventually heard tell of Prince Blueblood, and his availability. But we all know how that turned out. That’s what made me think that perhaps I was looking for love in the wrong places.
“It didn’t take long for me to develop feelings for you, though you were the brother of one of my long-time friends. It almost felt like I’d had them all along, but was always too afraid to act on them. I still was afraid when I asked you on that first date. I still am, more than ever. I thought that, perhaps if I got close to you before I revealed my true self that you would accept me and give me a chance, but now I…” Rarity trailed off, tears forming in her eyes as she contemplated her failure.
But Big Macintosh would have none of that. He gently kissed away Rarity’s tears before they could fall, feeling closer to her than ever before. He wrapped her in a tender embrace once her tears had been dried. Rarity leaned into the hug in a daze, scarcely believing her luck.
“Y’know, ya coulda just told me from the start,” Big Mac rumbled. “Ah figure yer just the mare Ah’ve been lookin’ fer.”
“What? How can you-“
“Mah barn door swings both ways,” Big Mac said through a heavy blush. “Ah tend ta prefer a mare’s figure and lack o’ judgment Ah’d get from bein’ with one, but… well, yer a stallion where it counts.”
Rarity’s eyes widened, blushing profusely. “So you’re saying you… like the fact that I have a…”
Big Mac nodded. “Ah know ya like bein’ the mare, but… maybe we could take it in turns?”
Rarity nodded emphatically. “Whatever you want, Mac, I’ll be happy to oblige. But right now I… I don’t know if I can make it back home like this.”
Big Mac’s eyes widened as he became aware of something stiff against his stomach. “I, uh…”
Rarity giggled, blushing. “Sorry. I’m just so excited.” She yawned. “And also very sleepy.”
Big Mac let out a chuckle that ended in a yawn. “Ah hear ya, Rare.” He gave her a peck on the nose. “There’s time fer that later. But fer now…”
Rarity squeaked as Big Macintosh heaved her up onto his back.
“Ya don’ mind if Ah still call ya mah marefriend, right?”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way, Mac.” Rarity smiled, wrapping her hooves around Mac’s neck.
Big Mac walked over to the front porch, sneaking in the door and moving quietly upstairs. They reached his room without incident, where Big Mac lowered Rarity onto his bed, shortly joining her. Rarity embraced him again when he laid down, nuzzling into his broad chest.
“Ya know, we’re probably gonna have ta tell the family ‘fore they start askin’ why we ain’t havin’ no foals,” Big Mac said.
Rarity giggled. “We haven’t even had sex yet!”
Big Mac blushed. “Ah know, but with the way things are running on the farm…”
“Your last hope for foals is Apple Bloom,” Rarity finished, smiling sadly.
Big Mac chuckled. “Nah, t’aint that. Applejack done told me she’s got a way ta get foals with Rainbow. She got a book on it an’ everythin’.”
Rarity giggled. “I wonder where they got it.”
Big Mac grinned. “Beats me.”
Rarity yawned. “Well I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted.” She kissed Mac on the nose. “Good night, Mac.”
“Night, Rare.” Big Mac returned the gesture, cradling Rarity’s head as they drifted off to
sleep.