Rarity stood waiting, observing Thunderlane's reaction to his feelings. After all, romance was one of her passions. She'd seen how happy Rainbow and Soarin were together, Midnight and Twilight as well, and that wasn't even including the recently married couple. Knowing that another of her friends had found love within their friendship circle had her on the verge of squee’ing with joy.
That's why Thunderlane's next action surprised her.
"Oh no, oh Dear Faust no! Why did- How di- What will I- Sombra’s Burns, whaddoo I do?!”!"
The usually calm and responsible stallion was now clutching his head, hunched over and on trying to fight off hyperventilation. His eyes were wide and his pupils had shrunk to tiny dots as the new information flashed through his mind.
Oh man I can see it now, her beautiful flowing mane, her stubborn determination and drive, her rich vibrant coat! There's no denying it; I have feelings for Applejack! What am I going to do, what am I going to do?! I'm not good with dating, I've always sucked at it! I can't make a move on her, I'd mess it up! Besides, she's one of my best friends. I know Mac and Fluttershy are working well together and I can see the others are all just fine too, but they've all liked each other since they met. I've known AJ for years and I didn't even realize I liked her until now! What if this wrecks our friendship? I don't want to make things weird between us. I doubt she'd even be interested in me. Oh what am I going to do…!
All the joy that Rarity had been feeling a moment ago was sapped from her as she saw the confusion and worry in Thunderlane's expression, turning somewhat melancholic. Whatever was going on in his head, it was making him depressed. With the confusion already strong from this revelation, she was starting to worry whether he was okay.
"Thunderlane darling, are you alright? I realize that coming to terms with your feelings can be a shock, but it isn't something you need to worry over."
She moved forward and placed a comforting hoof on his trembling shoulder. Her presence did seem to calm him somewhat, but this was too large a shock to go away so easily and quick.
"But I don't know how to deal with this, Rarity! I'm not good with this stuff. I haven’t dated anypony for a while and even if I did have the confidence to get out there again, this is one of my best friends! Things may have all worked for the rest of you guys, but I don't want to take the risk that this could wreck our friendship. I can't... I can't deal with this! I-I just... I just..." he started breathing heavily again so Rarity began rubbing his back soothingly.
It was quite obvious now that Thunderlane didn't know how to handle this sudden revelation and his admittance of a lack of dating experience wasn't helping. Still, Rarity knew that she needed to make sure he understood something.
"Thunderlane, I admit there is a lot of risk when it comes to dating with friends, and that can be frightening. But I want you to listen to me very clearly alright."
Seeing Thunderlane nod, she continued.
"I cannot see the future and I cannot see what will occur between you and our dear Applejack, but this I can assure you of. Applejack is your friend, and she will always be your friend. Even if you act on these feelings and she cannot reciprocate, that friendship will not end. She is not the type of mare to shed you from her life simply because she doesn't wish to pursue a romantic relationship with you. I think, fort now, that you should head home and take some time to gather yourself and ponder. Clearly, this has hit you much harder than I expected it would and you need some time to come to terms with it all. But one thing you need to know with absolute certainty, is that you and Applejack will always be friends regardless of these feelings and what they entail."
She let the words sink in for a moment before lightly wrapping him in a hug. Rarity’s words had left Thunderlane in awe for a moment before he pulled her in close, and it was just what he needed to calm down. He was still a little frightened and confused, but those words helped to assuage his worries a great deal. Though he remained in doubt of what to do, Rarity’s words had been just what he needed. After a few moment he released the white mare and spread his wings.
"Thanks, Rarity, that helped a little. I'm still really confused and I'm not sure what to do, but this did help. I'm going to go home and try to get my head sorted right now. I'm sorry about what happened with Trenderhoof."
Rarity smiled as he started to lift himself into the air. She took one of his front hooves in her own so she could add one last thing before he left. "It's alright, darling, I'll make sure he knows you apologized. Take all the time you need to sort things out. And remember, I'll be here if you need somepony to talk to about this."
He gave her a nod and weak smile before she dropped his hooves and he took off for home, his head still swirling and unsure.
Rarity watched him go, her expression becoming concerned. She would keep this to herself for now and not mention it to the rest of their friends until he had come to better terms with his feelings. Still there was one pony she needed to speak with before the matter could be dropped. A certain orange farmer who was at the centre of all this.
Applejack had headed for home after the weird incident at the market with Thunderlane and that Trenderhoof stallion. Her concerns about Thunder's behavior still bothered her, and her exasperation over Trenderhoof's odd discussion with her wasn't helping. Right now though, she had a task do shifting the cider barrels into the barn for the festival that night, so she tried push her concerns aside and focus on the moment where her work was concerned.
Applejack was about to step into the barn when she noticed the prim and proper form of Rarity approaching from the path leading to her and the barn, this time absent the annoying Trenderhoof unicorn she'd been showing around.
"Well howdy there, Rarity, wha’ can Ah do ya for? Ah'm a lil’ busy right now gettin’ these here barrels inside so Ah cain't really chat fer long."
Rarity said nothing until she had fully approached Applejack. Her expression was neutral, but Applejack could see concern in her eyes which the left the farmer feeling worried. With all the weirdness going on today, she hoped nothing else could top it all.
"Applejack, might we step inside the barn for a moment?” Rarity requested when she was standing in front of her friend.
“I need to speak with you about something quite private. It's rather important and it needs to be discussed."
From Rarity's tone, as well as how she maintained her blank expression, Applejack could tell this was serious. The orange mare gave a nod then led her friend into the barn and over to some hay bales to use for seats. The prim and proper mare looked hesitant to rest her soft and sleek flanks on those ratty bales, but she pushed aside her discomfort for the moment and sat down. What she needed to say was far more important then getting her flank a little dirty.
Still, she intended to have a good washing layer in her bathroom to get her coat back into pristine condition when all was said and done, but for now, she calmly took her seat. Applejack joined her and waited quietly for Rarity to start.
"Applejack, I suspect you have noticed some rather odd behavior from both Thunderlane and Trenderhoof today."
The farmer gave a nod. "Yeah, they were actin’ mighty strange. First, Thunderlane flies over t’ me, lookin’ as nervous as a long-tailed cat inna roomful o’ rockin’ chairs, an’ jus’ starts shootin’ th’ breeze in an all awkward-y way. Then Ah see tha’ Trenderhoof fella poppin’ up all day doing weird country lookin’ things. Ah got nothin’ but respect for mah lifestyle, but he really seemed t’ have no idear wha’ he was doin’ out there. Then finally at th’ market just a little while ago, tha’ unicorn comes up t’ mean for an apple, actin’ all strange before Thundy shows up an’ yells at `im. Ah was so confused `bout th’ whole thing that Ah just headed back here while you dragged Thunderlane away."
"Yes it has been extremely odd. I have however learned something very important that you must be made aware of. The reason Trenderhoof has been acting strange and trying to emulate a country lifestyle was to catch your attention. He seems to be… twitterpated with you, darling, and the conversation he had with you at the market was likely some attempt at flirting or trying to court you."
Her green eyes widened in realization, Applejack took a moment to process this.
"Well, Ah… Ah s’pose tha’ explains his behaviour at least, but have ya got any idea why Thunderlane was actin’ th’ way he was?"
The farmer watched as Rarity gave a sigh, seeming to struggle with something for a moment, before her eyes met Applejack's.
"Darling, I am aware of why. Under normal circumstances, it is something I would keep to myself, as it is very private for Thunderlane and not something to be spread around. However right now he is very confused and concerned, and I feel it is for the best you are made aware so you do not attempt to pry answers from him before he is ready to talk."
Applejack didn't really like what she was hearing here. She already didn't like secrets, even if she was aware that they were sometimes necessary, but knowing that her involvement might worsen whatever was going on hurt a little. Thunderlane was her friend, what could her involvement possibly do to make things worse?
Before she could ask this question, Rarity continued, ensuring she had Applejack's full attention.
"Applejack, Thunderlane's odd behavior today, his rambling when he attempted a word with you earlier, his interfering with Trenderhoof, and his outburst against Trenderhoof at the market all stem from one thing - Thunderlane has grown feelings for you."
Applejack went silent, desperately trying to process this. Thunderlane liked her? Seeing that Applejack was still processing, gave her a moment before continuing.
"He wasn't immediately aware of it, mind you. In fact, he was insisting to himself that his actions today were simply in defense of a friend from some horrid suitor. However it became very clear to me while I was speaking with him that this was not the case. How deep these feelings run and for how long he has had them, I am unsure. After we had determined what was setting him off against Trenderhoof, he almost had a full-blown panic attack. He is extremely confused right now and very worried about his feelings. I was able to help him understand that whatever happened from now, you would always be his friend, but I do not know if it has truly sunk in for him. After talked, he went home to process and come to terms with his feelings before acting on them. I am only telling you this because he is extremely nervous right now and should this information come out through other sources later on, I feel it would greatly worsen the situation. So far you are the only other pony that knows and for the moment I believe it best that we keep it that way."
Applejack was still processing but she gave a nod of agreement to keep this information to themselves for the moment. It was a lot to take in and Applejack was having a difficult time working through it all.
Sensing this, Rarity decided her work here was finished. For now she would take a step back and let the two ponies work through things on their own. If they needed another pony to talk to get advice from, her door would always be open, but for now, her role in things had come to an end and she would respect her friend's privacy on the matter.
"I will leave you to decide how to process all this, Applejack. I apologize for dropping this all on top of you, l but I felt it best you were made aware. If you need somepony to speak with about this, I will always be available. In the meantime I shall return to the marketplace and conclude my tour with Trenderhoof before preparing for the festival tonight."
Applejack followed as they left the barn, but before her unicorn friend could leave, she pulled her into a gentle hug.
"Thanks fer talkin’ t’ me `bout all this, Rarity. Ah was real worried earlier an’ Ah wern't sure wha’ was going on. You’ve given me a lot t’ process and it's gonna take me awhile, but like you said; it was somethin’ Ah need t’ know. After Ah work through it all a lil’ an’ Ah come up with a way t’ go, Ah'll come an’ talk t’ ya. Thanks Rarity, yer a good friend."
Rarity just gave her a friendly nuzzle and stepped back.
"I will always look out for my friends, darling, no matter what the situation. I will see you at the festival tonight, darling. Come and see me if you need to borrow any clothes for the event."
Then with a dip of her head in farewell, the unicorn turned and trotted back towards Ponyville, leaving the farmer alone. All that had been said was still racing through her head rapidly.
So, not only does this Trenderhoof fella have feelin’s for me, but Thunderlane does too? Ah don' have any interest in pursuin’ a romance with Trenderhoof, an’ frankly, his attempts at getting mah attention were mighty weird. I just can't see myself with him. As for Thunderlane…
Images flashed through her head. Scenes of Thunderlane standing beside her as she harvested her apples. Scenes of picnics on the orchards, watching the setting of the sun. Scenes of a black stallion holding an orange mare close and whispering sweet nothings in her ear as they danced under the stars.
Thoughts of a possible future. Just fantasies. Fantasies she had never before considered.
And yet…
A warm blush crossed Applejack's cheeks and a slight smile crossed her muzzle.
Sometimes, when two ponies truly work at things. When they truly wish to follow the desire in their hearts. Sometimes, fantasies can come true.
Rarity gently closed the door to the boutique, letting out a groan. She had been on her hooves all day and with all these emotional issues going on with her friends, all she wanted was a moment to take a sit, relax, and have a nice cup of tea. Unfortunately, she still had to get dressed and ready for the festival. Dragging her hooves across the carpet, the unicorn proceeded to march for her stairs and ascend to her bedroom and large walk-in wardrobe to collect the outfit she had pre-selected for the event, when a attention-grabbing cough stopped her.
Seated in her living room was her boyfriend, Blueblood. The strapping stallion had excused himself after Rarity had returned to the marketplace to finish up the tour with Trenderhoof, but was now sitting patiently with a tea set prepared and a hoof pointed at her spare seat across from him as an invitation to sit. While time was an issue, Rarity could see that Blueblood clearly desired a word with her, and with his rather withdrawn behavior from earlier, which she realized, guiltily, that she had forgotten about after all the Thunderlane and Trenderhoof issues had drawn her attention, she felt that now probably the best time for them to have a chat.
Blueblood waited patiently as she elegantly took her seat and helped herself to the tea he had set out for the two of them. In truth, he had been here for a little while now, pondering what to say to her. After Rarity had returned from speaking with Applejack on the farm, she had decided to finish up her tour with Trenderhoof around town. After having been left alone with the stallion (whom was a very irritating stallion he had to admit. His devoted talks of Applejack were turning into 'creepy stalker' level territory) and then having Rarity return and continue her borderline flirting again had been the last straw before Blueblood had made his departure to wait in the boutique. It was time to talk about this.
"I'm not sure if you noticed today, my dear, but my manner was rather withdrawn and I tended to stay away from conversations with Trenderhoof."
Rarity took another sip of tea before nodding her head. "Yes, darling, I had noticed, or at least I had before Trenderhoof and Thunderlane's odd behaviors drew my attention."
"Yes, they were behaving oddly I must say, but that’s besides the point I’d like to get across. I'm afraid to say, my dear, but the reason for my behavior today was... well, it was you, Rarity."
Rarity blinked her eyes in shock, taking a moment to find her voice. "Moi? Darling, whatever was it that I did that upset you? I truly do not understand!"
Blueblood just gave a sigh before elaborating. "Rarity, I hope I don't come across as some sort of jealous obsessive stallion, but I felt your behavior towards Trenderhoof today was rather... inappropriate."
"In what way was I behaving inappropriately? While I admit I was a little starstruck seeing one of my most favorite writers here for my festival designs, I don't believe a little 'fan-girling' as Rainbow Dash would refer to it, was that large of an issue." Rarity debated, a slightly annoyed undertone to her voice. She truly could not understand what Blueblood was talking about here.
"Rarity, being a little starstruck or excited is one thing. Flirting and getting all giggly with a stallion, whilst you have a boyfriend, whom was right next to you for that matter, is unbecoming of a lady. I felt somewhat offended with all the attention you were showering Trenderhoof with that was entirely inappropriate for a mare in a committed relationship. I don't wish to come across as bossy or controlling, but I feel like your response to his presence was wrong."
Rarity was speechless for a moment, attempting to formulate a response to defend herself.
And yet…
She did have to admit, she was a little too touchy-feely with Trenderhoof today. The flirty looks she was giving weren't truly appropriate, and she had to admit, she had definitely gushed a little too much about her work for what was appropriate. It was almost like she had been bragging to get his attention…
She gave a sigh as she came to a conclusion. Before she had entered into this relationship with her Prince, she’d had a rather large crush on Trenderhoof, and following his writings, becoming a huge fan of his work. Seeing him here had likely brought some of those feelings back, even if she was truly in love with Blueblood and not Trenderhoof.
"Blueblood, darling, I do apologize,” Rarity sighed in penitence, “I believe you are right, that I have been acting inappropriately today. Before I met you and fell in love with you, I admit I did have quite the crush on Trenderhoof, and seeing him here today must have subconsciously brought back some of those old feelings. I assure you, however, that even though I may not have acted like it today, my heart only beats for you, my love. I hope you can forgive my actions today."
Being the Element of Sincerity, Blueblood could tell she truly meant it, so with a smile, he stood up from his seat and knelt in front of her, looking up into her truly remorseful face, caressing her cheek in his hoof..
"My beloved, of course I forgive you. I know you would never truly do anything to hurt me, and I think I simply let jealousy make me see that situation as worse than it really was. So long as I have you here with me, I know I have no need to fear another stallion trying to steal you away."
Standing up, he pulled her from her seat into a tight hug, letting his love wash over her in a warm wave. Rarity returned it, her own hooves wrapping around him tightly in return.
The two simply stood there for a while, holding each other close and feeling as though they never wanted to let go. In fact for Blueblood, he decided to make a step toward ensuring it.
"My dearest Rarity, being with you this long has certainly confirmed for me just how much I love you. I can see you return those feelings in full. As such, I would like to propose a new step for us. My dear, would you like to move in together?"
Rarity stepped back a little to gaze into his deep blue eyes, a teary smile on her face. "Of course, darling, nothing would make me happy then living together with you!"
She reached forward and pulled her beau into a deep passionate kiss, letting him feel just how strongly she approved.
There would be a few technical details to work out, like timing and location, and what would happen with Blueblood's roommate Soarin when it was all finalized. But for now, they simply held each other, their lips intertwined and their love stronger than ever.
All the particulars could wait. For now, they simply wanted to be with each other.
That night the festival was in full-swing. Relaxing music played over the town, courtesy of Noteworthy, his girlfriend Lyra Heartstrings, as well as his friend Mando, and colored lights lit it up beautifully. Ponies shuffled about all excited to get dressed up fancy like they were going to the Gala. A few of the local restaurants had moved tables out onto the street around their entrances to further the sophisticated atmosphere the town was giving off. For a Canterlot noble, they would feel right at home. For the Ponyvillians however, it was a nice change of scenery and a chance to pretend they were living the rich life and be fancy for the night before returning to their quaint yet happy lives the next day.
Applejack watched it all as she walked through the town, her mane up in a posh topknot held by a jeweled hair tie, and a pale green and magenta dress that looked absolutely stunning clinging to her frame. She watched her friends shuffle about enjoying themselves. She saw Pinkie and Cheese dressed up in top hats wearing monocles and having fun acting like nobles (albeit in a far over the top style, but everypony around them thought it was funny). She saw Midnight and Twilight seated at the Hay Bale, enjoying a meal and discussing the lovely styles displayed around the town. She saw Soarin and Rainbow gently dancing together in the Ponyville square to the slow music playing, along with several other couples. It was a lovely night and a stunning event.
But the thoughts on her mind kept her distracted from all this.
She was so distracted, she didn't notice when a lanky brown unicorn in a stylish sweater and hipster style glasses approached her.
"Applejack, you... look very different tonight.
“Oh this?” Applejack shrugged and looked at her dress, “Jus’ a lil’ somethin’ Ah borrowed from Rarity, t’ get int’ th’ spirit o’ things.”
“Why?” Trenderhoof looked truly bewildered, “I thought you looked beautiful as you were."
Although she was slightly put off by Trenderhoof’s apparent shallowness, Applejack supposed it was good he'd found her, as there were a few things she needed to say to him.
"Well, this here event was all about lookin’ fancy an’ showin’ our town charm an’ all. Ah figured dressin’ up like this’d fit right in, even if it ain't somethin’ Ah'd normally wear."
"I can understand that. Still, my lovely apple, I am so glad to see you. It seems all day I’ve been interrupted, waylaid; but now I can speak the words the shout from my heart-” Trenderhoof startled when an orange hoof pressed over his mouth. Glancing at the apple before his eye curiously, he saw she looked a little guilty.
"Ah'm sorry Trenderhoof, but before you say anything about that, there's somethin’ Ah have t’ tell you. Ah didn't notice it at first, but it was pointed out to me tha’ you have feelin’s fer me. Now Ah am flattered. if a mite confused why a city-slicker like yourself would actually have an interest in a gal like me, but Ah'm afraid Ah jus’ don' return yer feelin’s. Ya seem like a real nice guy an’ all, but ya just ain't th’ type o’ guy Ah'm looking for. Ah'm lookin’ fer th’ type a guy who’s strong an’ smart, ready t’ protect his fam’ly an’ friends. But more then that, Ah wanna guy Ah know, somepony Ah can be friends with an’ grow t’ trust before Ah have them as… as somethin’ more. Ah don't know ya well enough t’ say about whether yer strong or smart or willin’ to protect, but Ah know you an’ Ah don't know each other well enough t’ have the type of trust Ah need in a special somepony. Ah'm real sorry, Trenderhoof, but Ah can't be your special somepony."
Trenderhoof said nothing for a moment, letting her words sink in before he gave a dejected sigh. "Well... I suppose you've made your decision then. While my heart aches from this, I know it would hurt even more if you and I were together without the qualifications you need in a partner. I shan't forget you, fair Applejack, but I will respect your decision. I feel it may be best if I left once the the night is over, as my inspection of the town is complete, I have no further reason to stay."
Applejack gave him a heartfelt smile, still tinged with regret that he was hurting from this. She considered giving him a platonic kiss on the cheek in gratitude that he would respect her decision, but decided against it, lest he take it the wrong way. Instead she held up her foreleg and shook his hoof as a sign of farewell and respect.
Rarity watched from the sidelines as Trenderhoof hoofed trotted away, his head held low and his ears folded in sorrow. Still the fashionista knew that Applejack had made the right call, being honest with him and setting the record straight due to a lack of returned feelings, rather than dragging things out and making things worse for everypony involved. Deciding to make sure her friend knew she had made the right call, she approached Applejack, who was watching the dejected Trenderhoof leave with a sad smile.
"Ah know Ah made th’ right call, but Ah'm still sad tha’..."
Applejack trailed off, unsure of how to finish that sentence but Rarity nodded and placed a hoof on Applejack's back in sympathy.
"Sometimes matters of the heart can result in hurt, but if we don't listen we can never know true love either. Trenderhoof will hurt for a while, but in the end he will move on and search for somepony else that can return his feelings and make him happy."
Applejack turned to her friend and gave her a hug. "Thanks, Rarity, yer a good friend."
Across the square, a dark furred stallion watched the scene, a slight smile on his face after seeing his crush not choose the other stallion. Still, he couldn't quite work past his own nerves and worries to approach her.
Well… there’s time, he thought, as he realized that for now, he was okay with being her friend until he was ready to be straight with her about his feelings. He watched for a moment before turning to seek out some hors d'oeuvres and maybe track down some of his other friends to spend some time with.
He didn't notice however that once his back was turned, the orange mare he had been admiring glanced his way, and a rosy blush briefly encompassed her cheeks. However while he hadn't noticed, Rarity certainly did.
"So Applejack, your feelings regarding Trenderhoof have been made clear, but he was not the only stallion involved in events today,” Rarity raised a brow, her face pulling back into a knowing smile.
“What of Thunderlane and his feelings? Have you considered a course of action?"
Applejack didn't answer for a moment, the conflicting thought returning to her head. But for a brief moment, that happy fantasy of her and Thunderlane together out under the orchard surfaced in her mind and a smile came to her muzzle.
"Ah dunno Rarity, Ah really don't. But Ah really hope to find out."