//------------------------------// // February: "Us" (Starting Out, Part 2) // Story: Learning // by Magatsu Orpheus //------------------------------// February 2, Tuesday Applejack opened Carousel Boutique, the sound of a bell reaching her ears. After their date last night, Rarity had insisted on waiting a few days before talking again. Something about giving them time to dwell on their feelings for one another. Rarity hadn't sounded too sure of the reasoning herself, but she insisted that was what they were supposed to do after a first date, and Applejack didn't want to push the subject. She heard Rarity say "I'll be right there!" from upstairs. Applejack waited politely at the entrance, and thought hard about what she was going to say. It wasn't as though she didn't want to be marefriends, she really did, but she wasn't exactly the knight in shining armor that Rarity had been dreaming of. Rarity came down the stairs, seeing Applejack and greeting her with a smile. "Oh, hello, Applejack! I wasn't expecting you, although perhaps I should have been." She said playfully. She sat down on the couch and patted the seat next to her. Applejack sat down next to Rarity. An awkward silence filled the air, until Applejack asked "So, uh... did you have a good time on Saturday?" Rarity faced Applejack and smiled. "I already told you, it was lovely." Applejack smiled back. "I had a good time too." Her expression changed. "But, uh, I never got to ask... why did you agree? To go on a date with me? I know I ain't the Prince Charming you've been looking for." "Well, Applejack, I wish I could tell you something incredibly romantic. That I 'knew it was meant to be' or some such thing." Rarity said, looking off into the distance (or rather, the wall) contemplatively. "But, if I'm being honest, as I'm sure you'd prefer, I simply figured 'why not?'" Applejack gave a chuckle. "I guess that's about what I was expecting. I didn't think you could actually be interested in a silly old farm pony like me." She said dismissively. Rarity put a hoof on Applejack's chin, turning her head so their eyes would meet. "Now, I didn't say that. Just because I wasn't chasing you like some lovesick teenager doesn't mean I'm not at all interested." She laid a kiss on Applejack's cheek. "You're charming, kind, and rather handsome, if I say so myself." Applejack looked at her in surprise. "But I'm a farm pony! I spend half my time covered in mud and sweat! You can't pretend I'm some Prince Charming straight out of your dreams." She said. "And I presume you'll have the decency to take a shower before we go on a date." Rarity joked. Upon seeing Applejack's face, she sighed. "My point is, Applejack, that I am willing to give this a try if you are. And judging by the fact that you were the one to approach me, I presume you are?" Applejack nodded her head yes. Rarity leaned forward and their lips connected. For about a minute, they stayed there, until Rarity pulled away. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment, before Applejack cleared her throat and asked "So, uh, when are we gonna tell the others?" "Whenever we're both ready. Or one of them catches us on a date. Whichever happens first, I suppose." Rarity replied. Applejack nodded in agreement. She wrapped her foreleg around Rarity's shoulder, pulling her closer. Rarity rested her head on Applejack's shoulder. And at that moment, it felt like everything was going to be fine.