How We Got Our Big Sisters Together

by TheNewYorkBrony

First published

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom are no strangers to love, even if they're only twelve. So when they see that their big sisters need a little push in the right direction, they're more than glad to help.

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle can see plain as day that their sisters like each other. They just won't admit it. Now the duo, with the help of a few of their big sisters' friends, take it upon themselves to bring their sisters closer than ever!

Something Strange Is Going On

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We’re no love experts, but when we saw our sisters glancing at each other in the way that Mama and Pa used to, we knew we had to do somethin’ about it.


It all started when me an’ Sweetie were up in the clubhouse doin’ homework with Scootaloo. Applejack came up to bring us some snacks. She had been working in the fields all day so she was pretty tired. You could tell she was on account of the bags under her eyes. But she still came up ta check on us. That’s my sister for ya. Working herself till she’s dead.

“How’s the homework goin’?” She asked, placing the tray of apple turnovers and cold cider on the table where our notebooks laid. She glanced over at mine, then glared at me because mines was pretty much blank.

“Great.” Ah lied. Ah was never really book smart. Math was more my forte. All those numbers made sense in my head. Words? Not so much. Not that Ah was illiterate or nothin’.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Now Applebloom, you know if you’re havin’ problems with your English classes you can always come to me and Mac.” She scolded. Man, Ah hate when she does that. Especially in front of my friends. She always has to go an’ make me feel like a little kid again.

“Ah know, Ah just was gonna wait to do it later.” Ah told her to get her offa my back. “Jus’ let me finish this.” I said, dismissing her as Ah leaned back down to write down some more problems from my textbook.

Applejack clicked her tongue. “Alright. If you say so.” Ah think she knew Ah’m getting to that certain age where no matter what she says Ah’m gonna do what Ah want. Because lately, she’s been really distant. She’ll only tell me to do somethin’ once, and she’s stopped nagging me so damn much. It’s weird. Maybe something was up with her?

“Oh, Sweetie Belle?” She called to her. Sweetie picked her head up when she heard her name. “Rarity’s comin’ by to get ya in a few, so Ah’ll come back here ta get ya.” She smiled at her and began her descent down the stairs. “Ya’ll make sure ya’ll finish you hear?!” She said as she got farther and farther away from us.

Soon even the faint steps of her work boots on the grass couldn’t even be heard.

“That was weird.” Ah commented.

“What’d you mean?” Scootaloo asked.

“Ah mean, like, doesn’t she seem a little...you know, off to you?” Ah told them. Maybe it’s because Ah’m real observant, or maybe it’s cause Ah’ve been around her my entire life, but Ah know when somethin’s botherin’ Applejack- even when she don’t want no one to.

“She did seem a little...depressed.” Sweetie agreed. “Maybe something happened to her?”

“Like what? Applejack’s like the toughest person I know. After Rainbow Dash of course.” Scootaloo inputed. She ran a hand through her short purple hair. “I don’t know man, she could be just having a bad day.”

True. That could be it. Just because she was the rock of the family didn’t mean that she was exempt from being down in the dumps. Though when Applejack was sad, it showed. She wouldn’t cry or nothin’ but there’d be this sad look on ‘er face. An’ she’d have this sad smile too...Ah never really see that face unless it’s Mothers or Fathers day. Or Mama or Pa’s birthday. Or the day they died. That’s the hardest day to look at it.

But she wasn’t making that face. She had a look of annoyance. Agitation. And it wasn’t just because Ah wasn’t doing my homework. “When Applejack comes back to get ya Ah’m gonna come with, kay?” Ah said to Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie nodded. “Kay.”

Not even ten minutes later Ah could faintly hear Rarity’s Mercedes pull up. Not long after Ah could hear Applejack bellowing for Sweetie Belle to come down. Ah helped her pack up her stuff and we went down the ladder. “Ah’ll be back!” Ah called up to Scootaloo. She waved faintly in response and went back to reading her notes.

We crossed the green towards the farmhouse and Applejack met us halfway. When we got to the front of the house, Rarity was leaned up her Benz all proper like. Like she was a model for the car’s advertisement or something. She had on her signature pair of Prada sunglasses that took up half of her face (Ah will never understand those things), a frilly low cut white shirt, and a high waisted black pencil skirt. She must of just gotten off of work. Ah don’t know why she was all dolled up still. S’not like there was anyone here to impress on the farm. Maybe ‘cept for Mac. But he ain’t too bright when it comes to girls.

“Howdy, Rars.” My sister greeted, taking off her hat. Taking off her hat? Since when did she do that? She never takes her hat off unless she was being sincere or polite or talking to elderly people! And Ah know for a fact that Rarity was not an old lady!

“Good afternoon, Applejack.” Rarity said back. She said my sister’s name like she was reveling in it. Like it was the best wine she’s ever tasted in the twenty four years of her life. And that smile. That smile was the smile of a seductress. Aren’t they supposed to be just friends?!

Sweetie Belle must’ve caught it too because she had one side of her mouth tugged up in confusion. She gave me a puzzled look as if asking for help, but to be honest Ah really had no answer. Okay, so it wasn’t just Applejack. It was both of them.

“You let your hair down?” Rarity asked incredulously, pointing to Applejack. She looked like she was genuinely shocked. Ah couldn’t blame her. My sister really wasn’t one for lookin’ pretty. Not that she didn’t naturally in her own right. She just didn’t like to get all dolled up. Unlike someone.

“Yeah.” She answered, rubbing the back of her neck. Ah could see a faint blush bubbling up on her cheeks. Jeez. Applejack wasn’t a shy one. What the heck is going on?! “Ya like it?” And since when did she want Rarity’s opinion on lookin’ pretty?!

“Oh of course! You know you should do it more often. It really brings out the green in your eyes. Oh! Maybe if we...” Rarity trailed. She got distracted by something. Ah followed her line of sight and nearly choked on my own spit. She was totally checking my sister out! Ah mean really! And in the presence of children! Well, pre-teens!

Sweetie coughed. Ah think she did choke on her spit. Ah mean, Ah would too if Ah caught my high and mighty, high class sister doing something Ah would never think Ah would ever catch her doing! She looked a little scared too. Ah am a little too, to be honest.

“If we possibly got you some new work clothes, then you’d really shine.” Rarity finished, putting a thoughtful hand to her chin. No doubt to appear like she was admiring Applejack’s form- Which she totally was.

“Aw shucks, Rarity. You’re too kind.” Applejack responded, kicking one of her work boots in the dirt. There she goes blushing again. Jeez. This is sickening to watch. Does she even know that Rarity is flirting with her? And not looking at her like that from a professional standpoint?

“You’re ever so welcome, Applejack. And if you ever want to stop by and get fitted for some new work clothes you’re welcome to come at any time.” Rarity said, her words obviously having a double meaning to them.

Ah heard Sweetie Belle gasp. “Uh, Rarity, didn’t Daddy say that you have to have me home by five?” She asked rather quickly. She looked like she was praying to every god in the sky asking for that to work.

Lucky for her, it did. “Oh shoot! That’s right!” Rarity remembered, stopping her heel on the gravel. “Ah well, you do come first. Come along, Sweetie Belle.” She called.

Ah ain’t never see Sweetie run so fast in my life.

Applejack put her hand on top of the driver’s side of the car. “Drive home safe now.” She said, leaning in and giving a little wave to Sweetie Belle in the back.

Rarity put her sunglasses back on. “Don’t I always, darling?” She asked, teasingly, blowing a kiss at my sister. “Tata for now, ladies!” She said, waving a hand out the window before rolling it up. And with that, she backed out the driveway and on to the street. Applejack and Ah watched her go down the block until she disappeared.

That was weird. Way weird. “Is there something goin’ on between ya’ll two?” Ah asked her, crossing my arms. She has to answer with the truth. She always tells the truth. Even when she doesn’t want to.

“What?! Naw! Jus’ some, you know, friendly teasing!” That was one of the worst lies Ah have ever heard her tell. Maybe they weren’t dating, but something about being asked about Rarity made Applejack jumpy. Ah could see it. The way her eyes darted, the way she laughed nervously. If she didn’t want to tell me, she didn’t have to. But at least be honest with me. Ah am her sister after all.

“Whatever.” Ah dismissed. “If ya need me, Ah’ll be back there in the clubhouse with Scoots.” Ah could feel her watching me as Ah trekked back to the backyard. Ah knew she was thinking that Ah knew something. Oh well. Not that Ah care. But Ah certainly have something to ask Sweetie about.

For Whom The Sweetie Belle Meddles

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God, that was one of the weirdest things I have ever seen. And I’ve seen some weird things. Like really weird. Scootaloo’s obsession with Rainbow Dash, Applebloom’s Sapphire Shores shine. But nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to what I just saw.

My sister was acting like a complete floozy! Practically throwing herself at Applejack! It nearly made me sick to think that she would even do that! I mean, what was she thinking?!

I banged my head against the back seat window as Rarity continued to drive us home. Is my sister a lesbian? Does she even like girls? I’ve never seen her show interest in them. Romantically, anyway. And what about Fancypants? That guy she wouldn’t stop talking about when she got home from Canterlot that time. Wait, isn't he married? Is that why she turned lesbian? Because all the guys she’s ever liked have either turned out to be jerks or married?

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I reached into my jean shorts to get it. It was a text from Applebloom. I opened it to see what it said.

There’s somethin’ goin’ on between them, ain’t there?

I shrugged and wrote her back.

Seems like it.

A minute went by, and I thought she got busy with her chores or something. I began to zone out again before i felt my phone buzz in my lap again.


My sister ain’t gay. Granny would have a fit. She wants great-grand kids.

That was those southern traditions I guess. I doubt Granny Smith was homophobic, but I could see where she was coming from. She had lost her son and daughter-in-law. And all she had left was her grandkids. She’d probably want the best for them. Even if she didn’t know what that exactly was.

I don’t believe my sister is lesbian either.

My response was a little short, because well that was just it. I don’t think she was gay. And if she was, then I don’t know, good luck to her I guess. Applebloom wrote me back as we were pulling up in the driveway.

I think my sister likes yours. I don’t think she knows it though.

Which could be said for Rarity. Well, almost, maybe. Because it seems to be kinda clear what she wants. And I think she’s just trying to make Applejack see it too.

Yeah, same here.

After that, she didn’t text back, so I guess Applejack came up to the clubhouse to get on her about her homework. Applebloom had probably been procrastinating. She was real good that that. In and out of school. since Bloom was busy, I sat at the kitchen table while Rarity helped Mom and Dad make dinner.

Even though she didn’t live here anymore, she still comes over for dinner almost every night and helps clean sometimes. It’s actually like she never left. Which is nice, I guess. Though it would be nice if I got noticed for once.

“Sweetie darling, could you be a dear and get the wine glasses out the top cabinet?” She asked me, in her sickeningly sweet get-off-your-lazy-butt voice.

Lethargically, I rose from my seat at the table and shuffled over to the dining cabinet where all the cups and plates were. I plucked three wine glasses from the rack and a cup from the bottom shelf for myself since I wasn’t old enough to drink yet.

Setting them all around the table, I quietly sang to myself. AB and Scoots said I’m a really good singer. I just don’t see it. Especially since my voice is so squeaky. I sound no different than I did when I was five. It’s irritating. More so when I’m trying to convey something serious. It just throws me off.

“Oh, you’ve started singing again! How delightful!” Rarity cooed, clapping her hands together. She beamed so hard it scared me.

“Well, yeah. I mean, it’s kinda something I love to do.” I mumbled. I always complain about how the spotlight is never on me in this family and yet when it does shine on me I get all nervous like this.

“Magnifique! You know, when I was your age,” -Here she goes- “I was already designing outfits for the likes of Sapphire Shores and other people who were just starting to make it big!” Why does she always have to literally yank the confidence I have from under my feet every time she puts it there?! I get it! You were a prodigy! You were semi-famous! Stop rubbing it in my face!

A sour look crossed my features as Mom handed me the plates to set next to the glasses.

“Hmm...” She pondered in thought. “Maybe I can set you up with a few of my connections..maybe even possibly get you a record deal.”

“R-Really?!” I stuttered. A record deal?! I mean singing was just a hobby, but a record deal?! That could mean being famous in my own right! Limos! Movie premieres! No longer living in Rarity’s shadow! Oh how I longed for my own spotlight!

Wait a minute! She doesn’t do outfits for multiple record artists anymore! Sapphire Shores is the only one! All her other clients are dignified aristocrats, diplomats, regular celebrities, and rich people! Not only that, why is she being so nice to me?! Usually she would tell me to go play or something while her and Mom cook dinner so I’m out of the way! I knew she was generous, but I mean, really!

“Why of course!” She answered me. “You are my sister after all. And we wouldn’t want you living in my shadow forever!” I felt dizzy. Like I was going to faint. I have felt that way my entire life and now all of a sudden she was offering me things? She never offers me things!

“May I ask why you’re suddenly being so...nice?” I asked, sitting down next to her as Mom put the food on the table. We were having baked chicken and pasta with pesto sauce- Rarity’s favorite.

“What ever do you mean, darling? I just want to be here for you.” She actually sounded offended. Like what I said hurt her. She was faking. She was a drama queen and a damn good actress too.

“You’ve never been here for me!” I outburst. I didn’t mean to, but it was the truth. “You’ve always been so concerned with your dresses and clients you’ve had no time for me! When was the last time you took me to the park? Or to somewhere fun?” I could feel myself on the verge of tears.

I could feel Mom and Dad watching us, looking from me to Rarity in confusion. Yeah, I don’t know where this came from either. Rarity didn’t say anything else, she just reached for the bowl of pasta in the middle of the table and took a scoopful for herself. She passed the bowl to me and began to eat in silence. Wow, I really struck a nerve, didn’t I?

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled after an awkward silence. “I overreacted.” I shoved a forkful of noodles into my mouth so I wouldn’t have to talk any more. I was hopeful that I would choke on them, so that I could die and not have to speak about this again. Because I felt awful. I was jumping to conclusions and making assumptions again, just like I did on my fifth birthday. I had to make it up to her.

Later that night, after I had excused myself from the table when I had finished eating, I texted Applebloom.

So, I uh, said something bad.

I though she wasn't going to text me back since it was so late, but my buzzing phone told me otherwise.

What’d ya say?

Told Rarity that she was a bad sister, basically.

Ouch.

I know. I still feel horrible.

So what are ya gonna do?

What was I going to do? I couldn’t just leave things like this.

What if, we like, got our sisters together. Like we pushed them in the right direction?

You wanna play Cupid, with our sisters?

It did seem like dumb idea. But it was the least I could do. I wanted to see Rarity happy again. I really messed up today. I texted Applebloom back.

It’s worth a shot.

A few minutes went by, and I had thought she was totally against the idea. Until:

Eh. Why not? This could be fun.

A smirk developed on my lips. This was going to be one interesting project.

Reading Between The Lines

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“So how are we gonna pull this off?” Sweetie Belle asked me, taking a bite out of her cookie. We were up in the clubhouse again. It was just me an’ Sweetie though. Scoots had track practice.

“Ah don’t know.” I responded. “Ah ain’t never played God before.” I take a sip of my soda and lean back against the wall. It was really hot today. Well, hot for spring. It was eighty degrees. I had on my usual overalls just with the pants part cut into shorts and Sweetie had on this really flowy white summer dress. It looked good on her.

“Yeah, well me neither. I’m not feeling so sure about this anymore...” She told me, her eyes shifting unsurely. Oh sure now she’s thinking about that?! Why didn’t she have second thoughts before she texted me last night?! I was not going to let her drag me into this and then back out!

“Oh no, nuh-uh missy. You got me into this mess so you’re stickin’ with it.” I told her, glaring at her. “We have to form a plan. And when we do, that’s when we’ll decide what to do next.”

“But I don’t know anything about Rarity! I barely even talk to her because she so busy with Twilight and the others and her stupid dresses!” She had a point. I don’t think either of us knew much about them, seeing how they were always busy with their friends and stuff. That’s when it hit me.

“That’s it!” I shouted, pounding my fist into my other hand.

“What’s it?” Sweetie asked, her eyebrows knitted.

“We go to Twilight and the others to ask them about stuff our sisters like! I mean, who knows them better than their own friends?!” I explained, waving my arms excitedly.

“That’s supposed to be us, but it’s not, which is kinda sad.” Sweetie said, flipping some hair away from her face. She packed up her backpack and put her flats back on. Sometimes when we come up to do homework she likes to take her shoes off. It makes her feel more comfortable. I think it’s weird.

I packed up my stuff as well, and got up to stretch. “Yea, you’re right. But at least we acknowledge it.” I responded, yawning.

We descended the ladder and headed towards the house. I just poked my head in the front door to tell Applejack I was gonna be out for a few. She was busy arguing with Mac over something (probably money related,) so I just left her a note.

“Okay, where should we start?” I said, as we walked down the dirt path that lead the way into town. Sweetie Belle skipped beside me, humming some song I once heard before.

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Maybe we should go to Twilight. She’s smart. She’s probably noticed that they like each other too.” She really didn’t seem too enthusiastic about this anymore. But it was probably the heat gettin’ to her. I was used to it because of the fact that me and Sis and Mac spend so much time outside working on the farm. A little heat wave like this don’t bother me none.

“Alright then, let’s head to the library first.” I told her, grabbing her hand.


It was a little bit after two by the time we got to the main street in town. It was kind of busy with traffic and stuff but when the light turned red, we ran across the street towards the library once we saw that the sign on the door was flipped to ‘Open’.

Sweetie opened the door and the bell above it jingled, announcing our presence. Twilight looked up from behind the check out counter and smiled at us. “Oh, hey girls!” She greeted, pushing her purple glasses up on her face. “What brings you two here?”

Sweetie looked to me for help, and honestly? I didn’t know what to say. What could we say? ‘Hey, Twi, we need your help in getting our sisters to hook up?’ She’d probably lecture us about meddling in people’s lives and then go tell Rarity and Applejack. Then we’d never hear the end of it.

“We were jus’ wonderin’ if you had any romance novels about uh, girls.” Sweetie gave me an incredulous look, and I could feel my cheeks starting to burn. Yeah, that didn’t sound suspicious at all.

“Oh?” Twilight said. “And what do you need these novels for, exactly?” She looked genuinely interested in what we wanted them for. And I’d hate to lie to her, but it was our safest bet right now.

“We’re...doing a paper for school.” Sweetie explained. “On same sex couples. Particularly female ones. And we need some media for it. You know, fictional representation and all that stuff.” I was impressed. That was a well thought out lie. But there was no way-

“They’re letting you kids do that in school now?! How exciting!” Twilight gushed. I can’t believe it. One of the smartest girls I know fell for a white lie like that. I thought Sweetie would say we were dating or something. That seemed more believable than some stupid paper.

She stood up and smiled. “Alrighty! I’ll be back in a few with the books you girls need. So you guys are free to roam around and look for anything else you need!” Twilight gave us a small wave before descending up the steps of the second level of the library.

Sweetie pulled me into a row of nearby non-fiction books. “Holy crap I can’t believe that worked! She’s so gullible!” She whispered, I guess to make sure Twilight didn’t overhear us.

“Naw, Ah just think she believes anythin’ that has ta do with school.” I corrected her. Either that or she really was a little unsuspecting. Which is something I thought I would see from Fluttershy, not Twilight.

“Whatever! At this rate we’ll be having them banging each other in no time!” Sweetie exclaimed, wringing her hands together. Ugh, yeah no thanks. I really rather not have that image in my head.

Twilight eventually came back with the books we asked for and checked them out for us. She managed to find two. One was about a couple living in a Romeo and Juliet situation, where one of the girls was an heiress and the other girl was a regular girl. Sweetie said that one was eerily similar. Art imitates life, I guess. The second one was about a pair of lesbian bank robbers in the 1940’s who die in a blaze of bullets. Sounds interesting enough to me.

She handed us the books and we headed back to the Acres to read them. By the time we got back, the weather had simmered down, and Sweetie Belle had gained that enthusiastic pep in her step again.

“Oh I can’t wait to see the look on Rarity’s face when she finds out we’re helping her find romance!” She squealed, her voice going all squeaky. It was kinda cute when she did that cause her voice was already kinda high.

“Yea, about that, you sure she won’t be mad when she finds out?” I asked her as we walked into the house. I opened the screen door and let her walk in first before letting it slam close. (Granny hated when I did that but my hands were kinda full,) “Ah mean, Ah’d be pretty pissed off if Ah find out my younger sister was tryna set me up with one of my closest friends.”

Sweetie shrugged, plucking the Romeo and Juliet book out of my hands. “Who knows? I mean, if I were in her place, I wouldn’t mind.” She said, twirling around before sitting at the kitchen table. But she wasn’t in Rarity’s place. And Rarity wasn’t like Sweetie Belle. They may be sisters, but the way that they react to things is completely different.

Take me and Sis for instance. She reacts to a lot of things stubbornly and in anger. (She gets that from Pa.) I react to things a little bit more calmly and analyze the situation. (I get that from Mama.) Applejack is all about brute force. I’m not as nearly strong as her and Mac, so I always have to take an analytical approach. Yeah, I know that word. Sue me.

“You never know, Sweetie Belle. People react differently to things.” I told her. She waved me off absentmindedly, thanks to her becoming engrossed into her book. How good could a cliche story about lovers with all odds against them be? Like honestly, there’s been so many books and movies about that already!

I soon ate my words though, because that 1940’s bank robbery book grabbed my attention the minute I got to the second chapter. By the time I looked up again, the sun was going down over the hills in the orchard.

I put the book down, then stretched and yawned. As I did, I heard the front door open. I heard Applejack let out a hearty laugh, and turned around to see her and Rarity entering the house. That was the first really genuine laugh I’ve heard from her in a long time. Possibly since Mama and Daddy died.

“I’m tellin’ you!” My sister said to Rarity. “It was one of the weirdest things I’ve ever seen in my life!” I wonder what they were talking about and why it was so funny.

Rarity laughed herself. “I know darling, I was there.” She was there?! Where?! Where is this thing that they saw?! And why did they see it together?! Was it on the trips they took with Twilight and the others?! Or was it something they just so happened to see on the way home just now?!

“You alright there, Bloom? Ya kinda starin’ into space.” Applejack said to me with a worried look in her eyes. Huh. I guess I must've spaced out. I tend to do that a lot when I’m thinking about something. I used to do it when I was little too.

“Huh? Uh, yea, I’m fine. Where are ya’ll coming back from?” I asked, watching Rarity eye the book I had placed on the table. Sweetie Belle hasn’t even looked up yet. Not even once. I don’t think she even knows they’re here. Must be a good book. Maybe I’ll read it when she’s done.

“Oh, I took up Rarity on her invitation to coming over to the boutique for a fitting for some work clothes.” Applejack responded, blushing a little. What? Blushing? I think they were doing a little bit more than taking measurements.

“It took you guys that long to take measurements?” Sweetie Belle spoke up. I guess she finally put that stupid book down and started paying attention. I glanced at the clock. We had left at a quarter to two and got back at around five. It was seven thirty. Which means we had been reading for two hours and thirty minutes. Which means, if my estimate was correct, Applejack had been at Rarity’s boutique for well over half the day. What the heck were they doing for that long?!

“We went out for dinner.” Rarity responded, smiling. Then a concerned look crossed her features. “Um, girls, may I ask why you’re reading lesbian romance novels?” That’s why Rarity was staring at the book! She knew what it was and was making sure she was correct! Oh I knew we should have went up to my room instead of sitting here in the kitchen!

“Lesbian romance novels?” Applejack repeated, turning to me. She didn’t even have to say she wanted an explanation. The look she was giving me said it for her.

“It’s, for school.” I said, gulping a bit. If we’re caught, then we’d be grounded. For like a month. And I can’t have that! There’s this Sapphire Shores concert coming up and I’m so banking on Applejack to take me! Sweetie Belle better come up with something!

“School?” Rarity asked, one of her perfectly trimmed eyebrow arching.

“Yeah,” Sweetie backed me up. “We’re doing a paper on lesbians.” Okay, not the best way to word that, but it’ll have to do.

“Damned schools. Always forcing kids to learn shit like this when they ain’t ready.” Applejack angrily grumbled, picking up one of the books.

I thought for sure we were dead, but then something hit me. “How’d ya know the books were lesbian romance?” I asked Rarity.

“Pardon?” She asked me back.

“You knew that these books were lesbian romance novels before either of us could tell you.” Sweetie Belle explained, coming to the same realization.

“I- I- Well-” Rarity stuttered.

I smirked. Hook. Line. And sinker. If that wasn’t a tell that Rarity was into girls, then I don’t know what is.

“I had borrowed those two by mistake once.” She explained after she saw Applejack glancing at her in surprise. Wait, wait, was that...was that hope in her eyes?! Was my sister really hoping that Rarity was a lesbian?! And who borrows lesbian romance novels by mistake?!

Rarity shifted her weight a bit before sighing, knowing that we could see through her lie. “Okay, okay fine. If you all must know....” She glanced from me, to Sweetie, then finally my sister. Keeping her eyes on Applejack, she confessed, “I am bisexual.”

I never saw Applejack’s eyes go so wide before.

That Awkward Moment When...

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The room was silent. My sister stood in front of us awkwardly, shifting her weight around as if she were waiting for any of us to say something. I wish I could. I really wish I could. I look over to Applebloom, who was staring at Applejack, who looked very alarmed. Surprised even. And...slightly relieved?!

“Since when?” Applebloom barked. She hadn’t meant to sound judgemental, at least I think she didn’t. She was probably still in shock. I would be too. I mean, I am.

“Since I was about your age.” Rarity responded, folding her arms. Applebloom pursed her lips. Yeah, I think it was best wise not to say anything else to her. Especially since Applebloom was the type of girl to let herself say whatever the first thing that came to her mind was. I think that she gets that from Applejack, seeing how shes so blunt and honest all the time. Though I think the difference in that is Applejack is honest, Applebloom just has no filter.

“All I ever seen ya date were those fancy fellas you meet in Canterlot.” Applejack finally spoke up, her eyes returning to normal size. At least she could speak more calmly then her sister could.

“That’s since you’ve known me, darling. I’ve never told you or the girls about my previous romantic endeavours.” Rarity clarified, rather haughtily I might add. “Truth is I’ve gone out with plenty of women.”

“Oh yeah? Name five!” There Applebloom goes again, opening her mouth without thinking about what she was about to say. Ms. Cheerilee always gets on her for that in school. The girl never second thought anything.

Rarity’s mouth dipped into a slight frown before giving a wry smile. “Fine.” And then promptly proceded counting women off with her fingers. “Rose Luck, Carrot Top, Flitter, Berry Punch, Fleur De Lis-”

“Isn’t she married to that Fancypants dude?!” I piped up. Only reason I knew is because when Rarity got back from Canterlot that one time she was going on and on about that Fancypants guy. And about how she had one of the best nights of her life with- wait a minute! “You had a menaga twa?!”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “It’s pronounced menage a trois.” She corrected me. “And yes, very quite so.” Applejack’s eyes went bug eyed again. Man, who knew my sister was such a freak?

“Ah feel like this is becomin’ an adult conversation.” Applebloom blurted, scratching behind her ear nervously. I could see that she was kinda turning red. It was kinda cute how she got uncomfortable when people were discussing these kinds of things around her. I never thought she was such a prude.

“Ah reckon’ Bloom’s right.” Applejack muttered awkwardly. “Plus it’s gettin’ late. It’d be best if ya’ll head out now, it bein’ a school night and all.” She scratched behind her ear. I guess that’s a habit AB got from her. I could see a faint blush on Applejack’s cheeks as she sneaked a glance at my sister. Was she kicking us out because my sister was going into a devious topic or was it because she needed time to think over this new development? Applebloom sent me a worried look. Yup. I think I’m gonna go with the latter.

Rarity gathered her things and cleared her throat. “I suppose so.” She agreed stiffly. “I will see you tomorrow then?” She asked, a slight hint of hope in her voice. Oh right. Tomorrow was Twilight’s birthday party. She’s having it here on the farm cause the whole towns coming. They would both have to be there to support her no matter what. This should be interesting.

“Sure.” Applejack responded, smiling wryly.

Rarity nodded to me, signaling we were leaving, and walked towards the door. I took my book and gave Applebloom a confused look. She just shrugged. I would have too, honestly.

Applejack opened the screen door for us and we stepped out into the night. The porch light automatically turned on, illuminating Rarity’s white Mercedes. My sister gave Applejack a faint wave and turned around to shuffle through her bag for her keys.

Once she found them, she unlocked the car and opened my door for me. I wordlessly stepped in and sat down, reaching into my jean jacket pocket for my phone. Unlocking it, I saw that I had a message from Scootaloo. That was surprising. I haven’t spoken to her since Friday. I opened it, squinting to read what it said.

How’s the meddling going?

Well I wouldn’t call it meddling. More like pushing them in the right direction. But either way it wasn’t looking very good. My eyes flickered to Rarity’s in the rear view mirror. Her grip on the steering wheel was tight, and her lips were pressed into a tight line. She only did that when she was contemplating something or was seriously annoyed.

Not so good.

I wrote back, biting my lip.

That sucks. Where are you now?

I guess Bloom forgot to tell her that we were hanging out in the clubhouse today. But then I remembered that she had track practice on Sundays, and training with Rainbow Dash all afternoon so she probably just didn’t bother.

In the car on the way home. Major awkwardness ensued down on the farm.

My phone buzzed less than a minute later.

Oooh! Give me the deets! You know I love gossip!

I rolled my eyes playfully. Nosey. She always wanted to know someone else’s business.

Well my sister came out as bisexual. And Applejack couldn’t quite process it without her brain short circuiting.

Scootaloo replied almost instantaneously.

Harsh.

I sighed.

I wouldn’t give it much thought. It’s probably her southern upbringing that’s making her react like that.

This time, Scoots’s response took longer.

Yeah. Uh, can I tell you something?

Uh-oh. That didn’t look good.

Alright. What’s up?

By this time we were almost home. Maybe a block or two. We were pulling into the driveway when she finally responded back.

Well. Okay. What do you think about liking older people?

Huh? Where did this come from? And why did she think I would know about that? I mean sure I dated Rumble, who was in the eighth grade and a year older than us, but that was about it as far as I was concerned. And how old, exactly?

Um. I don’t know. I guess it’s fine as long as the age gap isn’t too wide.

I typed as I got out the car. Rarity yelled at me to get ready for school in the morning and I responded with a lazy ‘Kay.’ Before turning my key and walking into the house. I watched her headlights disappear down the street as I made my way upstairs to my room.

My pocket buzzed, and then I remembered I had texted Scootaloo back.

I think I uh. I think I have a crush on Rainbow Dash, okay?

Wait, what? She can’t- Why?! I mean sure, Rainbow has been spending more time with her, and helping her with her track meets and stuff, but she does that to be a good big foster sister! That’s what Rainbow is to her! A sister! Why would she even-?!

I couldn’t process what was going on so I typed the one thing that came to mind:

No.


The next day at school, we had a free period to do whatever we wanted because Ms. Cheerilee had to go to a teacher’s meeting. Me, Bloom, and Scootaloo all sat huddled in the back of the room so no one could hear us.

“Can’t they like, kick you out of your foster home if they find out that yer in a relationship with one of your siblings?” Applebloom mused out loud. A bit too loudly actually. She really can’t control herself sometimes.

Scootaloo pulled at the drawstrings on her hoodie, making the hood cover her whole face. “Shhh! And I’m not in a relationship with her okay? I just really like her, you know?”

“Does she even swing that way? Because apparently Rarity’s barn door does.” Applebloom snorted. See?! No filter!

“Well we know that.” I said, rolling my eyes. I didn’t want my sister’s sexuality being the topic of conversation. Especially not after what happened yesterday. When Rarity came to drop me off this morning, she still had that irritated look on her face. Applebloom said Applejack wasn’t faring too well either. She’s usually all daisies and sunshine up at six and dressed before everyone else. This morning she was up and dressed, but not as happy as she usually is. She didn’t even wake Bloom up. Mac did.

I wish they’d just get over their petty feelings and make up already. I couldn’t take another drive to school with Rarity complaining and whining about how no one understands her and how hard it is to be the only bisexual girl in Ponyville. (Which I totally knew wasn’t true because Scootaloo, Rainbow and Twilight were too.)

“I just don’t know what to do.” Scootaloo mumbled, drawing her knees up to her chin. “And you guys can’t say a peep to anyone. Especially not around Diamond Bitch and Silver Idiot. They’d jump at the chance to make me miserable.” Due to Dash, one of the fastest runners in the whole state, training Scootaloo, she was winning more and more meets. And with that came popularity, scholarships, and, the jealousy of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Those two were nothing but trouble.

“Ya got my word.” Applebloom said, placing her hand over her heart and crossing two fingers on her other hand. “Crusader’s Honor.” She nudged me, and glared at me, expecting me to do the same.

“Uh, yeah,” I mumbled distractedly. “Crusader’s Honor.” Something caught my attention out the corner of my eye. I wasn’t really sure, but I think it was Rarity talking to Principal Harshwhinny. And then, to my horror, my assumptions were true, because the next thing I knew, my sister was walking into the classroom carrying a piece of poster board and a bright smile.

“Good morning children,” Rarity greeted, looking directly at me. “Ms. Cheerilee won’t be coming back today, but, I am filling in for her with a workshop on Sexual Orientation.” My eyes bulged.

Had she done it?! Had she finally lost her mind? Had all the nights she spent sewing those stupid designer dresses finally gotten to her?! Was she completely mad?! You couldn’t teach something like that seriously to a bunch of seventh graders!

“Now,” She said, smiling sweetly. “Let’s begin, shall we?”

Bloom put a hand on my shoulder before my head collided with my desk. “God, kill me now.” I mumbled in despair as the worst forty five minutes of my life began.

An Unsettling Discovery

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I honestly felt bad for Sweetie. I really did. Applejack never embarrassed me a whole lot. Okay maybe that was a lie, but I knew when she did she was only looking out for me. But in Sweetie’s case, I was pretty sure Rarity wasn’t looking out for her at all. Did this have something to do with what went down yesterday? By the groan I heard from Sweetie, I guessed it did.

Scootaloo didn’t know exactly what to say. She couldn’t really be supportive friend right now since she was going through a situation with her own sister. I couldn’t blame her for being cautious. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were already on her tail. She was downright paranoid of slipping up and saying the wrong thing.

Me, on the other hand, ain’t. “There’s probably a reason why she’s doin’ this,” I said, trying to cheer up Sweetie Belle. “Maybe she’ll tell us. Don’t worry. It’s not like she’s gonna call ya out or nothin’.”

“Sweetie Belle! You know better than to sit in class with your head down!” Rarity commanded from behind Ms. Cheerliee’s desk. From the dark glare Sweetie was giving me, I knew I had made a bad call.

The whole class turned to face her, Diamond and Silver snickering. “What’chall lookin at?!” I barked. “Ya ain’t never seen a girl sleep in class before?! Turn around, ya varmins! Go on!” I shouted, making a twirling motion with my finger. The rest of the class stiffly followed my orders. Everyone except for those two.

“Aw, look at the hick protecting her girlfriend,” Diamond sneered. “Isn’t that cute?” She gave me a grin that made me want to punch the makeup off her face. What’s a seventh grader doing wearing makeup anyway? It’s not like she has anyone to impress!

“She ain’t my girlfriend, you dumb bitch.” I growled, cursing myself for developing a blush. Applejack says that when I get mad sometimes my accent gets thicker. She also says it’s a thing that we all get from Daddy. When Mac gets mad, he sounds just like him. When I get mad, Granny says I sound like Applejack when she was young. I just don’t see it.

Scootaloo shook her head wildly, her eyes wide. I knew that she didn’t want to start nothing with them, but I was tired of always having to listen to their two bit comments all the time. If I actually had a dollar for every time they have ever said something to us since kindergarten, I could buy that shiny Mercedes from Rarity three times over.

“What was that?” Diamond asked, standing up out of her seat. Oh boy. I’d really done it now. I guess this is what everyone was talking about when they said I had no filter.

Cursing under her breath Scootaloo stood up. She knew that I could never get into a fight because Applejack would give me a good licking. As hard as she tried to stay quiet, she just couldn’t because she was just as non filtered and hot tempered as me. She glared at Diamond. “She called you a bitch. You hard of hearing?”

By now the rest of the class was “oohing” and getting their phones out prepared to capture it when the moment happened. Sweetie took this as an opportunity to slip away and grab her sister, leading her out into the hallway to talk. No one even noticed she left. I guess Scoots created a distraction at her own expense for her.

Diamond guffawed. “Oh look, it’s the other dyke. What, your adoptive sister couldn’t come help you fight this one?” She taunted, gazing at her condescendingly. Silver Spoon and a few of the other popular girls laughed to back her up.

Scootaloo worked her jaw and balled her fists. She knew that if she hit her, it was all over for her. Her scholarships, her track career, everything would be gone. Diamond was banking on her hitting her so that she could go running to that rich daddy of hers and stretch the truth from here to Manehattan. He could ruin everything for Scootaloo with just one lie from his daughter’s mouth. That conniving little bitch knew exactly what she was doing.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I leaped over my desk and reached for the fire alarm by the window. The alarm sounded, and the sprinklers went off, wetting everyone, but mostly Diamond and Silver, who were standing directly under it. Scootaloo shoved her hoodie on her head and fist bumped me. “Holy crap, I owe you one.” She said with a relieved grin.


Me, Scoots, and Sweetie reunited under a tree in the front yard of the middle school building. Sweetie looked like she was just about ready to pull her hair out, and Scoots looked like she wanted nothing more but to crawl into a hole. I felt bad since nothing was really wrong with me.

Rarity stomped over to us. “Just look at my new dress! It took me hours to finish this! And now it’s ruined!” She stomped her foot. She looked like a fancy wet dog. Her hair was wet and sticking to her face in dark purple clumps and her mascara was starting to run. I didn’t think she would get caught in it too.

And then I saw Applejack.

And the whole world started slowing. She was mad. Really mad. Her face was all red and her fists were clenched. She kinda looked like Mama when she got mad. That actually didn’t make things better, because when Mama got mad, she was twice as scary.

Scootaloo whistled, and I ducked behind her. She quickly moved. “Hey! You’re the one who did it, not me! I’m not standing in between you and your sister!” She said defensively with her hands up.

I sighed in defeat. Might as well get it over with. She dragged me by my ear. I mean, I was used to it. I used to get into trouble a lot when I was little so this was nothing new, but when Applejack did it, it really hurt. She pulled me all the way to her truck and didn’t let go until we were in front of it.

“What’s this Ah hear about you settin’ off fire alarms?! Y’know Mama and Daddy taught ya better than that!” She must have been hopping mad because her accent was thicker than mines.

“But sis, if Ah hadn’t done it, a fight would’ve broken out between Scootaloo an’ Diamond Tiara! An’ she wanted Scootaloo to hit her because then she could ruin Scoots’ runnin’ career!” I explained in one breath.

She folded her arms and sighed, her anger sort of dissipating. “Ah should’ve known it had something to do with at least one of your friends.” She nodded towards me. “You alright?”

I nodded. “Yea, we all just got a little wet, that’s all.”

“Good. Ya needed a shower anyway.” She teased, ruffling my hair.

“Sis!” I whined with a laugh. I was about to get in the truck with her when I remembered something. “We should go back for Sweetie. Rarity is probably bein’ really hard on her since she’s still angry about yesterday.”

Applejack hesitated, but sighed and turned the car off. “Yer right. This whole thing is my fault anyway.” She slid out her seat and shut the car door with a loud slam. (It got stuck sometimes, it was a really old truck.) I heard the locks click in place and then watched her step in front of me.

Sighing, I followed after her back to the tree where me and the girls were standing at. Scootaloo was talking to Dash, and Sweetie was looking bored as Rarity ranted off to her about something. I heard a snippet of it as we got closer.

“Honestly! Now I’m going to have to go home and change before the party! This is horrendous!” She whined, stopping her foot again. Wow. Rarity was more of a teenager than Sweetie was. I mean, sure, getting your clothes all wet is uncomfortable and not the best feeling, but she was so busy going on and on about her clothes that she didn’t even ask Sweetie Belle if she was okay.

“Ah think it’s a nice look on ya.” Applejack teased with a smirk.

Rarity jumped. “Good heavens, Applejack!” She shrieked. “You scared me!” She folded her arms and pouted, which looked really funny considering she still looked like a wet dog. “You’re not supposed to sneak up on a lady!”

“My apologies then.” Applejack’s grin grew. “Ah was just wonderin’ if ya’ll wanted to come on down to the farm to get cleaned up. You can shower and everythin’ and as punishment, the girls can help set up.” She laid a tight grip on the back of my neck for emphasis.

“But my outfit is at the boutique! And if I go to get it, I might as well powder up there!” Rarity responded, looking a bit worried and possibly taken aback by my sister’s sudden change of heart. You and me both, Rarity. You and me both.

“Ah’ll call Twilight and see if she can get Spike to bring it over. You know that boy’ll do anythin’ for ya.” Applejack said, wiggling her eyebrows.

Me and Sweetie made eye contact. We had completely forgotten that Spike had a crush on Rarity. (Not that he could even act on it, he was sixteen.) But if he found out what we were doing, he’d jump at the chance to tell Twilight and the others and we wouldn’t hear the end of it.

“As much as I’d hate to use Spikey Wikey, I am in need of a shower as soon as possible. May I borrow some of your clothes, Applejack?” Rarity asked with a polite smile.

“Sure.” Applejack responded with a tip of her Stetson. “Hey Dash! You commin’ later?!” she called to Rainbow. She had Scootaloo in a headlock and was giving her a nuggie when she heard.

She laughed. “You betcha! You better have some of that awesome cider for me!” She shouted back, before resuming her play fight with Scoots. Me and my sister used to play like that until we broke the urn that Grandpa was in. Winona walked right through the pile of ashes and trailed it all over the house. Granny freaked, and that was the end of that.

We reached the farm about an hour later. Sweetie and Rarity took their showers first. (A southern hospitality thing, I guess.)Rarity in the master bathroom, Sweetie in mines. Me and AJ sat in the kitchen playing cards until the both of them were done. Applejack kept winning so I decided to go get my stuff ready so that when Sweetie got out, I could get in.

Without thinking to knock, I opened the door to my room to find Sweetie in my floor length mirror singing and looking at herself. She saw me in the reflection, and startled, turned around to face me, in nothing but her bra and underwear. “Oh, hey Bloom.” She smiled. “You kinda scared me there.” A minute passed, and a worried look crossed her face. “You okay? You’re kinda just staring into space.”

I blinked. What was I even staring at? “Wha-Huh?” I asked, as if I just woke up from a long sleep. I looked her in the face, and then my eyes trailed to her body. Oh. That’s why I zoned out. I started blushing as red as an apple. “Uh, Ah just came to get my towel and shampoo an’ stuff. Don’t mind me.” Ah said with a nervous laugh, grabbing my towel off my dresser and practically running out of my room, slamming the door behind me.

I squeezed my eyes shut. Oh please, please don’t tell me I’m developing a crush on one of my best friends.