//------------------------------// // Titanic Forthcoming // Story: Sol Don Him // by Razalon The Lizardman //------------------------------// “♪Piece by piece, snip by snip⋯♪” Rarity sang softly to herself as she worked in her sewing room. She’d spent the better half of the day working on some dress commissions after escorting Sweetie Belle to school. On her way back, she’d thought about stopping by Sweet Apple Acres to see how Sol Do was doing with the Apples. She decided against it in the end, partly because she really wanted to work on her commissions, but mostly out of respect for her cousin’s intentions, ridiculous as they were. Rarity had just finished working on a matching yellow sundress and hat combo when she heard her front door’s chime go off, followed by her cousin’s voice calling out to her. “Are y’all home, Rarity!? Ah’m back!” “Be right there, Sol Do!” Rarity called. Setting down her sewing supplies, Rarity trotted into the hallway and made her way toward the staircase. Along the way, she spared a glance at her hallway clock, and noted the time was three in the afternoon. “Goodness gracious, I missed lunchtime,” she muttered. “Hey, uh, Rarity!?” “I’m coming!” she replied, beginning her descent downstairs. “Y’all might wanna cover yer nostrils ‘fore ya come down here!” “Now why would you say tha—” Rarity reached the stairs’ landing, only to freeze as a smell, more retching and horrid than anything she’d ever smelt before, invaded her nostrils. She quickly threw both hooves over them and glanced around the main lobby, quickly spying her cousin by the front door. Sol Do looked, in Rarity’s opinion, like she’d gotten into a fight with a gryphon. She had bloody scratches covering the better part of her face, flanks, and legs. Her coat, once as white as Rarity’s own, was caked with dry mud stains from head to hoof. Her tail was a tangled mess of green hair, more akin to seaweed, and Rarity assumed the same was true of her mane underneath her straw hat. Rarity almost gasped in response to seeing Sol Do in such a filthy state, until the scent which permeated from her began invading her mouth, letting Rarity taste its putridness, before quickly shutting it again. Sol Do chuckled sheepishly. “That’s about how I thought you’d react,” she said. “Is it alright if I use yer shower?” Rarity quietly nodded, and stepped out of the way so Sol Do could pass. Her cousin obliged, quickly heading upstairs for the bathroom, to which Rarity uncovered her nostrils and breathed in some fresh air. The sound of running water emanated from upstairs for the next few minutes, during which time Rarity proceeded to fetch a bottle of air-disinfectant from her supply closet and give the area around the door a few sprays. She also began preparing lunch for the two of them, putting together a couple of petal salads and milk glasses. She finished setting the table just as Sol Do entered the kitchen, looking much cleaner, but the bloody scratches remained. “I say, Rarity, there’s nothing quite like a cool shower after a day of sweaty labor!” she said, excited. “Depends on who you ask,” Rarity muttered. “What’s that?” “I was just wondering what you could’ve possibly had to go through to wind up in such a horrid state.” Rarity turned to face Sol Do and gestured for her to sit down. “Please, tell me what happened at Sweet Apple Acres while we eat.” “I’d be glad to,” Sol Do said, smiling. Both mares took a seat and began digging into their salads. No conversation passed between them for a minute at first, them focusing instead on appeasing their hungry bellies. While they ate, Rarity’s attention kept shifting back to her cousin and how happy she was, which Rarity was confident had nothing to do with her salad’s quality. Once she finished chewing her latest mouthful and swallowed, Rarity took the initiative. “Tell me, Sol Do, how were things at the farm?” Sol Do finished chewing her own mouthful and, after washing it down with some milk, gave her reply. “Well, Ah’ll admit it was a lot more gruelin’ than I thought it’d be, but Ah managed all the same.” Setting her fork down, she levitated her napkin up to wipe away some milk from her upper lip before continuing. “I will say, however, that Applejack’s continued animosity toward me was very uncalled for.” “Yes, she is famous for being quite stubborn,” Rarity said, a frown crossing her muzzle. “I do hope you understand, of course, that she’s only looking out for her family.” “Still, it’s rude of her to treat me like a ruffian.” Sol Do proceeded to grab another forkful of salad, and stuffed it into her mouth. “Ah would’a fawt we’ gel lahk feanut butta’ an’ jelleh.” “Yes, so would I,” Rarity said with a grimace. Sol Do swallowed her food. “Anyway, I s’pose yer wonderin’ what the deal is now with Big Mac an’ I.” “The thought occurred several times today,” Rarity replied, taking a sip of her milk. Sol Do chuckled. “Well, you may or may not be happy to know this, but the Apples agreed to let me help out on the farm whenever I’m visiting Ponyville in the future, which means Big Macintosh and I can spend that much more time together.” She smiled, and a pink blush adorned her cheeks as she finished with, “It’ll be a happy time when I finally purchase my second house here.” Rarity couldn’t help but smile herself at seeing Sol Do so happy, but it only lasted a moment before being replaced by a concerned frown. “Believe me, Sol Do, when I say I’m happy for you,” she said, earning half of Sol Do’s divided attention. “However, unless Big Mac declared his undying love for you today, I’m still concerned that you’re only setting yourself up for heartbreak.” Rarity looked downcast as she continued. “I know what it feels like to find out the pony you’ve pined to be with for so long doesn’t share your feelings; it’s something I wish I didn’t have to learn the hard way.” Sol Do shrugged. “All we did was work around the farm, him showing me the ropes and whatnot, while I gauged his general character.” She subconsciously waved her fork around in the air while scrunching her face up in thought. “I’ll admit, he didn’t give me a whole lot to work with, since he was more content to let me do things my way than to give instructions, so long as I didn’t screw anything up.” “And did you find out anything of use?” Rarity asked, in a carefully neutral tone of voice. Sol Do smiled. “Indeed I did, cousin.” She closed her eyes, and began speaking in a matter-of-fact tone. “Big Macintosh is the sort of stallion that just wants a respectful, reliable, and useful mare at his side, caring nothing about background or behavior.” She opened her eyes and adopted a sly smirk. “Dare I say it, if Applejack wasn’t his sister, I bet he’d-” “Please refrain from continuing that sentence,” Rarity interrupted, holding up a hoof. “I’d like to keep my salad in my stomach to digest properly, thank you very much.” Sol Do snickered, and continued. “Anyway, what I’m saying is, Big Macintosh would want a mare that he can view as more than just a lover, but a partner as well. Somepony to be the hammer to his nail, as well as the chocolate to his peanut butter, essentially.” “And do you believe that you qualify to be that hammer?” Rarity asked. “You’d better believe it as well, cousin,” Sol Do said, grinning. “I was raised to treat stallions with respect, which, coupled with both my strong work ethic and gorgeous body, makes me nothing if not suited to be not just Big Mac’s, but any stallion’s marefriend.” Rarity resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Sol Do’s self-praise, though, she couldn’t deny she held a similar opinion of herself. “I suppose you do have a point,” she replied, taking another bite of salad, which she finished chewing before continuing. “And just as well, if things don’t work out between you and Big Macintosh, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding some other stallion who shares your feelings.” “Unlike a certain cousin of mine,” Sol Do said, a coy smile forming on her lips. “Perhaps you’d like some pointers from moi?” Rarity almost did a spit take with her salad in response. “I beg your pardon!?” “Oh, come on, Rares,” Sol Do said, rolling her eyes. “Yer a hopeless romantic through and through; there ain’t no use in trying to deny it.” “Hopeless romantic—” Rarity stood up in her chair and slammed both her hooves on the table, rattling her silverware a bit, “—I’ll have you know that my love life is nothing of the sort. I may be having trouble finding a good-natured stallion that shares my affection, but to essentially say that I’m akin to one of those crazy cat ladies is a massive overstatement.” “Well, you do have a cat yourself,” Sol Do pointed out. “Only one!” Rarity practically shouted. “You also read some pretty kinky romance novels,” Sol Do stated. She shrugged. “Not many ponies even bother with those unless they’re really that desperate.” Rarity blushed. “I don’t read them that much,” she muttered, just barely loud enough for Sol Do to hear. “Not that I blame you for liking them, of course; they are pretty hot.” She perked up a bit. “Did you know the original creator of Colthulu made his beard tentacled to satirize the rising prevalence of beard fetishes among mares at the time?” Rarity said nothing in response. She merely slunk in her seat, looking downcast, very clearly not paying any attention to Sol Do’s random trivia. Sol Do’s smile slowly fell into a frown as the realization that she’d said too much sank in. She got out of her seat and trudged around the table to Rarity, placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder once she reached her. “Look, Rares, I’m mighty sorry; I shouldn’t have said what I said.” She looked at Rarity with pleading eyes. “Can you forgive me?” Rarity was silent for a few seconds, her eyes closed, wearing an expression of severe disappointment. Sol Do could only guess what was going on in her head at the moment, but she figured her cousin was feeling at least some amount of jealousy over her. Eventually, Rarity sighed and turned to Sol Do with a pensive smile. “I forgive you, Sol Do.” The miner smiled herself. “Thanks cuz.” “I guess it just goes to show how well you know me that you can pick apart my romantic shortcomings,” Rarity continued. She sighed again and began twirling her fork around on the table, absentmindedly. “I suppose some pointers for how to pick up stallions wouldn’t be so bad.” “Don’t be too down on yourself, Rares,” Sol Do said, patting her cousin’s back. “You’ve definitely got what it takes to find a good stallion. It’s just a matter of getting to know them before you really commit yourself to pursuing a relationship with them.” Her smile turned sheepish. “I heard about what happened with you and Blueblood at the Gala.” “I’d much rather not hear about the events of that dreaded night again, thank you very much,” Rarity said with conviction. Sol Do chuckled. “I understand wholeheartedly,” she replied. “Anyway, if’n you want pointers on how to pick up stallions, why don’t y’all come with Big Mac an’ me on our date tomorrow?” Rarity shot up in her seat and turned to Sol Do with wide eyes. ‘You have a date with Big Macintosh!?” she asked. Sol Do made a ‘more or less’ gesture with her hoof. “Really, it’s more of an activity than a date,” she explained. “While we were doing the chores today, Big Mac asked me some questions ‘bout what bein’ a gem miner is like; it’s amazing, of course.” Rarity chuckled. “Oh really?” she cooed. “Y’all bet yer tri-diamond flanks it is!” Sol Do beamed. “Anyway, by the end of it all, we decided it’d be fun to go out and dig up some gems in the fields outside of Ponyville. I’m planning on using the time there to get closer to him, but a little company would be okay to have. Heck, y’all could get some more gems fer yer dresses while we’re there.” Sol Do retracted her hoof from Rarity’s back. “So, ya up fer it?” Rarity sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. “I don’t know if I want to go out there, to be honest, not after my little run-in with the diamond dogs.” “I heard about that too,” Sol Do replied, frowning. “It’s unfortunate that you came across such an awful pack of them. The ones back in Hiddenite, while far from friendly, are still respectful of ponies.” “I shudder to think what might happen if they all decided to go rogue,” Rarity said, actually visibly shuddering at the thought. “Don’t worry, if that ever did happen, we’d be alright,” Sol Do assured. “Anyway, if you’re scared of running into those dogs again, remember that Big Mac and I’ll both be there to keep you out of trouble.” A sly smirk formed over her muzzle. “Plus, I’m pretty sure I can sweet talk those dogs if they do come looking for trouble.” Rarity looked at her dubiously for a moment before tapping her chin in thought. “I’d have to finish all of my commissions today in order to have free time tomorrow,” she muttered under her breath. “Perhaps you could help me finish them? I need somepony to model them for me, and most of them would look positively stunning on you.” “Most of them?” Sol Do repeated, a cheeky air to her words. “Oh, don’t you start with that, cousin,” Rarity deadpanned. “You’re no more fabulous than moi, which is still a compliment.” Sol Do shrugged. “Whatever,” she replied. “And yeah, I’ll model for ya.” “Excellent,” Rarity said. She levitated her fork. “But let us finish lunch first, hmm?” Sol Do nodded, and went back to take her seat, after which the two continued eating in silence. Granny Smith sat in her rocker, head leaned back against some pillows, enjoying the quiet serenity afforded to her with Applejack and Big Macintosh still working outside, and Apple Bloom at school. She’d been relaxing since after breakfast, and thoughts of Sol Do’s added presence brought a smile to her lips as she remembered the country unicorn’s compliments over her cooking. ”I must say, Granny Smith, these pancakes are truly a cut above all others I’ve tasted in my life.” “Why thank ya, young’un.” “Perhaps I could get the recipe, no?” “I don’t just pass it out all willy-nilly to every pony I meet; why should I give it to you?” “Oh, no reason in particular . . .” Sorry, but it ain’t gonna happen, young’un. Sighing in content, Granny Smith relaxed further into her seat, enjoying the pillows’ softness, enough that she didn’t hear when the front door opened, or when a series of light hoofsteps approached, or when a soft thud emanated from her left “Hey, Granny Smith,” a young voice whispered. Granny Smith felt a soft poke in her withers, and silently lamented her lost tranquility before cracking one eye open. Apple Bloom stood on the rocker’s arm, giving her a cautious stare. This quickly changed into an expression of joy, and she bounced once in excitement. “Good ta see yer awake, Granny!” she chirped. Granny Smith tiredly rubbed her muzzle. “That makes one of us,” she grumbled. “So, can we make that Zap Apple Cider now?” Apple Bloom asked. “Ain’t ya s’posed ta be in school today?” Granny Smith asked in response. “Ah jus’ got back,” Apple Bloom replied. She hopped onto the floor and turned back up to her grandmother with wide, pleading eyes. “So, can we make it now, huh?” Granny Smith stood up. “Make what now?” she asked, taking a moment to stretch. “You know, the Zap Apple Cider,” Apple Bloom answered. “Sol Do said she’d like ta try some, an’ Ah do too!” “Right, Ah remember now.” Granny Smith finished popping her joints into place and softly patted the filly’s head. “And sorry, litte’un, but yer much too young ta stomach Zap Apple Cider.” “What— aw, no fair!” Apple Bloom whined in response, pouting her lip. “Cool yer caboose, Bloom, Ah never said y’all couldn’t help me make it.” Granny Smith pointed toward the basement cellar. "Fetch me a barrel o’ the stuff an’ we’ll get started, alright?” Apple Bloom beamed again. “Yes ma’am!” She shot off toward the cellar door, quickly disappearing inside, and reappearing a few minutes later with the same barrel of unfermented Zap Apple Cider she brought up the previous day. “Alright, what do we do now?” she asked, bouncing with excitement. How does she have so much energy after lugging that thing up the stairs? Granny wondered before replying. “Patience now, youngster.” She stepped forward and placed a hoof on Apple Bloom’s withers, calming her down, and gave the filly a sharp gaze. “Like Zap Apple Jam, makin’ Cider means followin’ a specific process to the letter, no exceptions.” She increased the intensity of her gaze. “Are ya willin’ to follow through with it, whippersnapper?” “You betcha!” “Then let’s make some Zap Apple Cider fer pete’s sake!” “Ah can’t wait!” Apple Bloom cheered. “Can’t wait fer what?” “Ta make the Zap Apple Cider!” Granny Smith looked confused. “We’re makin’ Zap Apple Cider?” Apple Bloom looked shocked at her grandmother. “But-bu-” Granny Smith chuckled. “Ah’m just kiddin’ around, young’un.” She ruffled Apple Bloom’s mane. Apple Bloom weakly chuckled. “Good one, Granny.” “Darn tootin’,” Granny Smith said. “Ah ain’t that old.” She began marching toward the front door. “Now let’s get ta makin’ that Cider!” Apple Bloom nodded, and followed behind her while rolling the barrel along with her muzzle.