Tomorrow's that day again isn't it... She thought to herself bitterly as she trotted through Ponyville. Indeed, tomorrow was a melancholic anniversary for her to be sure. It was late at night, only one sound could be heard through the moonless dark, a loud, pounding bass that reverberated through the ground. It was coming from the small towns newest attraction. A strip club. That brought her thought's to earlier in the day. First, Twilight and RD get into another fight over nothing, then, Fluttershy leaves in tears because her pet was sick, poor thing. Rarity is all stressed about not only filling my order, but something about some big shot that could make or break her career. Jeez, today was just noponies day She could feel the music pounding through her body now. Looking up she found that her hooves had taken her to the club. It was one of the largest structures in Ponyville. A big, loud eye sore that smelled like sweat and Celestia knows what else. The large doors were clear glass with brass handles. She sighed inwardly. I don't get what all the fuss is about, the mayor cleared it because it's supposed to help the local economy but I just think it's not the kind of thing I want around my little sis. Twilight and Dash seemed okay with it, but with those two it's no surprise... Wait! Isn't that RD?!
“What the hay? Why is she alone? I don't like the looks of this.” She looked up at the building looming over her. Well, Rainbow looks down and I really should check this place out before I jump to any conclusions. With a gulp she steeled herself and opened the door. As soon as she did the pounding bass and change in air pressure caused a hot, humid gust to hit her. It smelled strongly of sweat, alcohol and sex. Maybe I should just go to my usual bar and.. Her thought was cut off by a large red blur moving in front of her. She jumped back, startled. What the buck!? Oh, that must be a bouncer. Shoot, I'm so used to every pony knowing me down at the bar that I completely forgot my ID.
“Um, sorry I forgot my... Big Mac!? What are you doing here?” It was her brother, no doubt about it. The Only thing different was the shades over his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but his sister cut him off.
“Wait, don't tell me you work here?!” Her jaw dropped while he smiled bashfully.
“Hehe, um... Eeyup.” She raised an eyebrow at him dubiously.
“And you're a bouncer?”
“Eeyup.”
“How long... you know what, never mind. Just don't you be late for tomorrow, ya hear?” Applejack glared at him and his smile devolved into concern. Bringing his glasses down to his nose he looked at her with worry.
“Are you going to be okay Aj? After what happened last year...”
“Oh you hush now Big Mac, we said we would never talk about that. Anyway, I forgot my ID can you let me in? RD's in there and she looks like she could use some company.” After pondering for a moment, he nodded and allowed her to pass. The concerned look remaining on his face as he brought his shades back over his eyes and returned to his job, lightly bobbing his head to the beat.
The music was overwhelming, she could hardly hear herself think over it. The dance floor was packed and so were the seats around the stripper poles. The more I see of this place, the more I miss my usual bar. What was Big Mac thinking working at a place like this? He goes down to Ponyville Pub about as much as I do, you'd think he would have some loyalty. That brother of mine, I swear.
“Bar keep, another shot of tequila over here!” She turned to the source of the sour but familiar voice, She almost frowned at the unusual hint of defeat in her friend's voice. I ain't never heard her sound so down before. I didn't think that little spat those two got in was that bad. What do I even say to her? Today all I wanna do is go to my bar and drink away my problems. She looked back up at her friend, who was looking eagerly at the bartender who was mixing her drink. With a heavy sigh she padded over to Rainbow Dash. Here goes nothing.
“What are you doing here all by your self sugar cube?” She could pretty much guess the answer, Twilight and Rainbow Dash were making plans on coming to this club together, Dash being here alone could only mean they had another fight or broke up... or both.
“Applejack!? What are you doing here, I thought you were straight?” Applejack took a seat beside her friend, who was only staring blankly at her cup.
“What? Straight folks aren't allowed here?” She chuckled, trying to get her friend's mood up, but to no avail.
“It's strange for a straight mare to come to a strip club where pretty young mares with daddy issues rub their bodies, sensually up on poles for tips. Even besides that, this just doesn't seem like your scene.” She spoke without looking up from her cup, swishing the liquid around in boredom.
Applejack laughed again. “Well you got me there, This isn't really my sort of thing, but why are you here alone? I thought you and Twilight wanted to check this place out together?” She finally looked up from her drink. She had sadness and anger in her eyes. Oh, this isn't gonna be good... She was right, as soon as she finished her thought Dash went into a fit of anger.
“Buck Twilight! All she does is bitch at me and make me out to be in the wrong when ever we talk! I swear she wasn't such a bitch when we were just friends or when we fist started dating!” Applejack looked at her with empathy. Oh Rainbow, I just can't stand to see you so bent out of shape like this.
“If it's so bad why don't you two just break up? None of us like to see you two fighting all the time.” She became even more downcast at the simple question. She sighed and took hold of her glass, gulping it's contents down in one, uncomfortable go. Her body shook as drank, Dash was clearly not used to harder liqueur. She slammed to the glass down with disdain, then brought her attention back to Aj.
“It's not that simple Aj.” Applejack just closed her eyes and shook her head. She could see she wouldn't get anywhere like this.
“If you say so, I just don't like seeing you this way Rainbow.”
“We'll be fine, I just need to let loose and get wasted tonight. Everything will be better tomorrow.” She sounded less that convinced, but Applejack could sympathies with the sentiment of just wanting to let lose and forget your problems.
“Wanna stay and get drunk with me?” She looked dismally at her friend. For a moment, she seriously considered it, but, with tomorrow being what it is and the way she was feeling, she wanted the calm familiar over... this. It pained her but this time, she wanted to be selfish. She shook her head.
“Sorry but like you said this place just ain't me. I think I'll mosey on down to my usual bar, where I can actually hear myself think, have some drinks and chat with the bar tender every once in a while.” Dash folded her hooves over the counter and rested her head on them, she looked downright pitiful.
“That sounds even more depressing.” She said simply. To which Applejack let out a somewhat bitter chuckle.
“Well that's what the drinks are for. Well, I think I'm gonna head out now. You have a good night and don't you do anything too wild now.” She hopped down from the stool and made her way out of the club leaving her alone at the bar. 'I guess every pony has days where they just need to forget their problems. Looks like even Rainbow Dash is no exception.' As she reached the doors she turned around for one last look at her friend, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving her alone. The bartender gave her another drink which she slammed down faster than the last before staggering up and moving towards the dace floor.
“I'm sure she'll be fine... right?” With little reassurance, she left the noisy club and began making her way to Ponyville Pub.