When Applejack awoke, she opened her eyes to a peculiar sight.. and feeling. She was wrapped in the embrace of a beautiful, sleeping white mare. She figured Rarity must have latched onto her for comfort in her sleep. She knew she should probably pull away, but she didn't want to. After a few more minutes of cuddling, she reasoned that Rarity might be upset if she woke up and possibly think it was her fault. She carefully wormed her way out of Rarity's arms and laid there watching Rarity as she slept.
Her mind was racing, trying to sort through these strange new feelings. Why did she feel this way about her friend? She only had eyes for stallions before now, but she was looking at Rarity the same way she looked at them. She wanted nothing more than to worm her way back into that warm embrace she had just broken out of. Her thoughts were interrupted as Rarity began to stir. She opened her eyes and caught Applejack watching her sleep.
"Good morning, dear." Rarity smiled at her friend and began to rise from her bed.
"Can I get you some breakfast?"
"That sounds great. Thank ya." Applejack was hungry, and she welcomed the alone time to think, no matter how brief it may be.
Rarity also needed time to think. She hoped she wasn't still cuddling with Applejack when she awoke. Applejack hadn't said anything about it, but that might have been out of awkwardness. She couldn't help herself last night. She didn't know why, but she had to hold her friend. She waited until she was certain Applejack was asleep, then she inched herself closer and wrapped her front legs around her.
"What was I thinking last night?" Rarity quietly said to herself as she prepared breakfast for her friend. She was feeling the same anxiety as Applejack and had no idea how to work through it.
Applejack made her way to the kitchen and sat down at the table. She smiled at Rarity and waited patiently for her food to come. She was starving, and she couldn't think about much of anything until she ate something. Rarity sat a plate in front of her, and they both sat there eating and making small talk.
"Did you sleep well?" Rarity spoke cheerfully between bites, trying to hide her nerves.
"I slept great. How 'bout you?" Applejack tried to match Rarity's tone as she smiled at her friend.
"Me too. Are you feeling better today?" She was still very concerned for Applejack's health.
"Still a little sore, but a lot better than yesterday." She put on a big smile before taking another bite.
"That's wonderful, darling. I'm sure you'll be back on the farm in no time."
"Hey, Rare..." Applejack began to speak nervously.
"Yes, Applejack." Rarity smiled calmly, sensing the tension in Applejack's voice.
"... never-mind." Applejack looked down to her plate and took another bite. Rarity did the same, strangely feeling disappointed that Applejack hadn't finished her thought.
***
Later that evening, Rarity was hard at work in her dress shop. Applejack was standing in front of her, acting as a living dummy as Rarity carefully altered her latest masterpiece. Rarity was glad to have the help. Her dresses never quite fit the same on real ponies as they did on her dress forms. Applejack felt uncomfortable in the fancy dress, but she readily agreed to help Rarity so she could spend time with her. They were both awkwardly tip-toeing around the issue on both of their minds, but they still wanted to spend every waking moment together.
They were both deep in thought as Applejack stood still with Rarity moved around her. Applejack was still nervous and uncertain, but she had managed to work out that she had very strong feelings about her white-coated friend. But she wasn't ready to even acknowledge the "L word." Rarity, however, knew exactly how she felt now. She loved Applejack. She just needed to work up the courage to tell her. She was nervous that Applejack wouldn't feel the same way, and she might lose her friend.
"Hold still, darling. I don't want to stick a pin in you." Rarity was getting frustrated as Applejack's legs began to shake.
"Can we take a break, Sugarcube? I'm gettin' pretty tired..." Applejack's stomach began to growl up at her. "...and hungry."
"Of course, dear. Let me help you out of that dress." Rarity pulled the dress off of Applejack and helped her over to the couch. "Do you need anything before I start dinner?"
"No thanks. I jus' need a little rest." Applejack laid back on the couch and rested her eyes. Rarity nodded and turned towards the kitchen. As she lay there, Applejack became lost in thought.
Should I try to explain to her how I'm feeling? What if she doesn't feel the same way? What if I embarrass myself... or worse? What if she doesn't want to be my friend anymore? There's too many "what ifs." Why can't I just mare up and deal with this head on?
"I have to tell her." Applejack sat up with determination. She was planning to lay everything out on the table after dinner. She felt a new found courage... until Rarity walked back into the room. She lost all her confidence and turned as white as the mare in front of her.
No... can't let it get to me. I have to do this.
"Dinner is ready. Do you need me to help you to the kitchen?"
"I think I can manage alright." Applejack stood slowly. She felt dizzy and off balance, but she quickly righted herself and followed Rarity to the table where their food was waiting. Applejack thanked Rarity and quickly dug in. She was starving.
They ate in silence. Not out of awkwardness, but because their mouths were full the entire time. They were both quite famished and made quick work of their food. When they finished, Rarity cleared the table and glanced at the clock on the wall.
"Oh my, I had no idea it was this late. You must be exhausted." Applejack simply nodded in agreement. Rarity offered her hoof to help Applejack from her seat. They walked to the bedroom to retire for the evening.
"Rare..." Applejack began as she sat down on the bed.
"Yes, Applejack?" Rarity smiled at her and placed a hoof on her shoulder.
"I... I need to talk to ya about somethin'." Applejack was so nervous she couldn't sit still.
"Oh, dear. You're shaking. What has you so worked up?" Rarity's voice was full of concern as she tried to comfort her rattled friend.
"Its jus'... I've been thinkin' a lot lately, and I think I..." Applejack's clumsy words were abruptly interrupted by a forceful surprise kiss. Rarity's lips were crushed tightly against Applejack's. Applejack's eyes went wide, then slowly closed as she began returning the kiss. Rarity pulled away too soon for Applejack's taste and began to speak quickly.
"I love you, Applejack. I can't hold it in anymore. I have to tell you how I feel. I love you! I really hope you feel the same way. I hope I wasn't too forward by kissing you, but I simply couldn't help myself."
Applejack was shocked, but it suddenly dawned on her that this was exactly what she was feeling as well. She looked the gorgeous white mare in the eyes and pulled her into a tight hug.
"I... I love you, too, Sugarcube." It was all she had to say and all she needed to say. She pulled Rarity down onto the bed and they fell asleep in each others arms shortly after.