> Night and Day
>  by Foxtrot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

		The old farmhouse made many subtle noises that had not been apparent during the day. There was the settling cooling creak of timbers, the meandering whistle of the breeze through a crack somewhere. There was the gurgle of water in leaky pipes, the light tapping of tree branches against the window panes.
All in all the house seemed a surprisingly busy place, especially with the contributions of its equine inhabitants. Granny Smith gave a sharp, percussive cough in the bedroom across the hall. A slow, heavy tread advanced up the hallway which could only belong to Big Mac. From Apple Bloom's room there was only silence.
Applejack sat before the old dresser, gazing into the mirror. She had one of those earth-pony style brushes, with a strap to fit over the hoof, clutched in her grasp. Slowly, methodically, she combed the stiff bristly thing the length of her mane.
Rarity had watched her go through the curl at the end of her mane at least three times. Whatever was going on here it had little to do with brushing.
'Here. Let me.' Applejack, seated at the dresser, gave the tiniest of starts. Her eyes, reflected in the old dark mirror, flashed greenly as they glanced back at Rarity.
The unicorn trotted over and settled herself down at Applejack's rear. Again, the green eyes glanced at her. 'Rares, you don't need to...'
'I daresay, but I want to. Hush.' Rarity grasped the old Stetson in her magic, lifted off its perch, and began turning it round and round, smoothing the rim. 'Really, Applejack darling. You need to take more care of this.'
There was a low chuckle from in front of her. 'You ain't never paid much attention to mah hat before.'
'That was before. Everything about you should now warrant my attention.' Rarity replaced the hat, then studied the tense, leaning-forward attitude of Applejack's back. Still so unsure, afraid even, unwilling to take the final step, even after everything they'd said and done. Well, then. She took the brush and began running it through the pale gold of the mane. 'Have I ever told you what beautiful hair you have?'
'You may of mentioned it, yeah.'
May HAVE mentioned it, thought Rarity in exasperation, before pushing the thought to one side. Indeed it was easy to lose herself in the tidying, untangling and general beautification of Applejack's hair. Humming a tune she revelled in the silky-tough texture of the blonde waterfall running through her hooves. 'You don't appreciate how lucky you are, Applejack.'
The earth pony gave a faint huh which could have been a sigh. Well then, Rarity judged. Time to make the first move. She relinquished the brush – it landed on the dresser with a click. Then she leaned forward and planted a kiss of the nape of Applejack's neck.
Applejack gave a tiny gasp, the faintest flinch of surprise.
Rarity slid her hooves around Applejack's middle and eased into a close and sensual hug. She felt the muscle tone all along Applejack's back tense up. There was a sharp intake of air and a held breath. It was just like that day back in the apple orchard, when this all kicked off. That sexual tension, overwhelming in its suddeness and strength. Applejack's resistance, a stubbornness which masked fear, almost panic. 
'Darling,' murmured Rarity warmly into Applejack's ear. 'Please just relax.'
The ear flicked. 'Ah am relaxed.' The weak and shaky sound of Applejack's reply suggested quite the opposite. Take her, insisted a dark voice in the back of Rarity's mind. Take her now, buck her and make her scream. You know she wants you to. But no, that was not the way to treat a sexually inexperienced pony.
She remembered back to when she had first cornered Applejack in the orchard and the kiss had been so sweet – the attraction vibrating between them at the very start. But Applejack's reaction! The earth pony had been angrier and more upset than Rarity had ever seen her. How dare you. How dare you! Ah thought we was supposed to be friends. And you want me to be another notch on your bedpost? Rarity Ah never expected you would stoop so low. Ah think you should just shift yerself outta here.
Let me court you! She had yelled.
Applejack had shut her mouth in shock, just like Rarity had hit her with a big wet fish.
Let me court you, Rarity had continued, perfectly calm. It doesn't even have to be anything like a date. We can just... hang out, together. I could help you around the farm. I am not entirely averse to manual labour, you know. 
All right then, Applejack had agreed, still grumpy. See yer tomorrow.
All right then. And that was how it had started. With no pressure, no designs of seduction, she had helped Applejack with the harvest. It had been fun. Then Applejack had come over to the boutique to be a model for the new dress designs. Once more, not a date as such. And then they had gone to Appleoosa on business. Manehatten, Canterlot. It had all been so relaxed. They complemented each other, perfectly. Level-headedness and inspiration. Hard work and charisma. They could spend hours just talking about nothing in particular. They made each other laugh. And all the time, the unresolved sexual tension.
Was it possible? Was Applejack going to refuse the fence? Rarity sighed and released the earth pony. 'Darling, turn around and look at me.' Applejack did so, coming face-to-face with her, eyes downcast in shame.
'Dang it, Rarity, Ah am sorry. Ah never appreciated how hard this was gonna be.'
'Would you like to tell me about it?
Applejack shame-facedly scuffed one hoof against the floor.  'Ah am giving of myself something I ain't never given before. Revealing somethin' which Ah always kept hid. Suddenly it all seems mighty scary-like... when all's said and done Ah would never want to disappoint you...'
Rarity smiled her warmest and most comforting smile. 'Pish-posh and nonsense. You could never do that. We do not have to do anything you don't want. If you like, we could just cuddle up, like we did that time in the...
'No!' Applejack's refusal was emphatic and total. 'No. Ah want this, truly I do. Tonight, you are goin' to... goin' to...' her voice trailed off into inaudibility.
Rarity flicked an ear. 'Going to what, darling?' Though she had a pretty good idea what AJ was going to say.
'Make a grown mare of me.' The words were delivered in a barely audible whisper.
Don't laugh don't laugh don't laugh...
Applejack gave her an anguished look. 'Now Ah plum made a grand ole fool o'myself, didn't I?'
'Absolutely not,' cried Rarity. 'And don't you ever think that.'
'Ah dang it. Everything is awkward now. I’m feelin' like some virgin fumblin' fillyfooler with no idea which way is up. And you are just so...'
Rarity raised an eyebrow. 'So what, darling?'
'Experienced.' The declaration was bold and unashamed.
'Hmm.' Rarity nodded in acceptance. 'You are quite right. I am, as you put it, experienced. But tonight is not about anything or anypony in the past. Tonight is just you and me. And I declare you to be the smartest, kindest, strongest, most beautiful mare... no, pony... I have ever or could ever know.'
No deprecation or demurral came from Applejack's mouth. She just gazed at Rarity, pinwheels of love revolving in her eyes. The unicorn leaned forward and gave her a brief but full kiss on the lips. 'Now, I declare I am quite tired after the events of today. Let us go to bed.'
'A... alright, Rarity.' Applejack gave a brave nod, looked around for the brush and realised her mane had already received all the attention it needed and more. There was nothing to do but follow Rarity to the bed. The bed which, as far as Rarity knew, and she had no reason to believe otherwise, had never had another living pony in it.
And yet, she thought, it shouldn't be this straightforward – this was to be the finest night of Applejack's life so far, she deserved the best that Rarity could give. Struck by a sudden inspiration the unicorn halted and held up a hoof. 'Just a moment, if you will.'
Applejack cocked an uncertain eyebrow. 'Somethin' wrong?'
'Nothing whatsoever.' Rarity gave her an indulgent smile. 'I would just like to look at you.'
Now Applejack was even more confused. 'That don't make no sense. You look at me all the time.'
'Not like this I don't.' Rarity waved a hoof. 'Indulge me.' And just like that Applejack stood stock still in the centre of the bedroom, her four hooves planted on the old rug. Rarity walked around and around her, caressing with her eyes, drinking in the sight with her glance. A pony who combined, in the finest way possible, strength and femininity. The face, a little masculine maybe, square-jawed and regular of feature. The eyes, wide and guileless with that indefinable light that had inspired her so many times in the work room. How had she not known sooner? When it was Applejack, so often, who she'd had in mind when she was working her magic. Applejack's dimensions she sewed the dresses to. Rarity, who had thought herself so sophisticated, so used to the vicissitudes of love, and failed for so long to see what was right before her muzzle.
And now she saw something else. Her scrutiny was having an effect – and what an effect it was! The flush was rising in Applejack's cheeks. Her nostrils were flaring. There was the faintest gleam of sweat on her flanks. Her tail twitched back and forth in restless motion.
Applejack was getting off on this. Was really, really turned on by being ogled, watched as a snake might watch a bird.
A wicked impulse rose inside Rarity. Doing nothing to suppress it she leaned up, placed a hoof on Applejack's dock and pressed down firmly.
Applejack gave a low gasp. Her eyelids fluttered shut. Her tail rose like a golden fountain suddenly turn full on. Between those glorious buttocks Rarity glimpsed the prize, the longed-for mare's treasure. Beneath the dusky donut of the ass, Applejack's sex resembled a plump fruit ripe to bursting, split down the seam and gleaming with nectar. 
Oh my goodness me, thought Rarity in shock. The poor girl is half insane with lust.
And she could not deny the need that rose inside herself. Kindled that day in the orchard, denied for so long. She was trembling all over but she knew she had to be careful now, as careful as she could be, to nurture and guide Applejack to the sweet warm place, to not upset or hurt or turn her off.
Rarity got a hold of herself. She leaned forward, set her muzzle at Applejack's entrance and inhaled. The scent, like fresh sweat but with a indefinable sweetness and the barest hint of acridity, flooded her senses. She knew that Applejack felt the hot breath caress her labia – knew it by the sudden flex of those gleaming lips, Applejack's intake of breath through clenched teeth. And here, peeping forth from its fleshy hiding place, came the first brief thrust of Applejack's clitoris.
And then, just like it was nothing at all, Rarity trotted forwards and nuzzled the earth-pony's cheek. 'Come to bed, darling.'
Applejack followed her, wide-eyed, on legs which trembled. Now came the business of settling into bed. Who was sleeping on what side? Rarity loved these little negotiations – these quotidian things you discovered about your new sexual partner. It turned out that Applejack had no strong preferences. Was in fact intending that Rarity take charge. Very well. She arranged Applejack and slid into place beside her. With a flare of her horn she levitated the comforter over them both. It seemed a little thin – fall was well advanced and there was a distinct chill in the air. Rarity liked warmth and wasn't really happy unless she had at least two quilts and a duvet to hand. Applejack, she figured, probably shrugged at cold temperatures in the same way she shrugged at the prospect of hard physical labour.
And yet, as they settled together, Applejack was so warm! Like a furry radiator or hot water bottle. Delightedly she squirmed up close, buried her nose in the golden mane. Quickly they assumed the 'little spoon' – Rarity close against Applejack's back, her forelegs clasped around the orange torso.
With a sigh Rarity relaxed. 'Comfortable, darling?'
'Ah am most comfortable, thank you Rarity.'
'Applejack, we are in bed together, it is hardly the place for formality.'
There was silence for a moment. Then: 'Darn it, Ah'm sorry...'
'Hush, darling. Just relax. Relax for me. Yes, that's right.'
And Applejack did. They lay together in perfect quiescence which nevertheless had the quality of tense waiting. For this, of course, was all part of the plan. Was yet another means of easing Applejack into the sweet kingdom of love.
Rarity gave it five minutes. Right on cue, Applejack shifted against her. Apparently trying to get comfortable. Yet the getting comfortable entailed her thrusting her rump, pretty emphatically, against Rarity's close-cuddling hips.
Also pretending to get comfortable, Rarity slid her hooves down Applejack's body.
Another thrust of the hips. Another slide. Close as she was, Rarity was tuned into the messages from Applejack's body with an acuity that Twilight Sparkle would raise an eyebrow at. She could detect the heavy breathing, the increased heartrate. The silky squirming. Her own excitement peaked. She covered Applejack's breasts with her hooves, commenced a gentle massage.
AJ gave a low moan. Rarity licked, then kissed her ear. She felt the nipples harden under her caresses. Applejack began to make sounds; low murmured gasps and groans.
'Applejack,' murmured Rarity in soft tones of command. 'Turn around and face me.'
The earth pony twisted round like an eel and they were face-to-face, nose-to-nose. Applejack's face was guileless, open, alight with love and desire. A gleam of tears beaded her eyelashes.
All right, time for the final step. To confirm what she had guessed, all along. To give Applejack what she truly wanted. 'You're mine, now.'
'Yessssss....' the drawn out gasp of assent told Rarity she had been absolutely right with her guess. 
Rarity felt her eyes narrow, the blaze of lust, of sexual dominance, shine forth. 'I can do whatever I like to you.'
'Ah want that... so bad...'
'And what I want is to fuck you. Do you hear me?'
Beyond speech, Applejack gave a moan of ecstasy. Rarity kissed her, deep and full. What a kisser her earth pony was! What intense passion, what head-spinning joy. Rarity moved down the strong body, licking the silky hide. Further she went, to suck and bite the nipples, bring them to a state of aching hardness, feel Applejack writhe and gasp in response to her skill.
Further still, to the warm scented darkness, where Applejack's sex nestled, swollen and dripping, between the taut swells of her buttocks. Her first taste of those puffy lips, the drag of her tongue over the exquisite dark pink of the labia, drew a wail from Applejack's throat, a sound almost pained.
And here again came the thrust of the clitoris, the pea emerging from its pod, the flower from its bud. Rarity clamped her lips around the nub of flesh and sucked hard, felt it twitch, Applejack's answering gasp.
Rarity set to work now, licking in a steady rhythm. This part of it was like climbing a hill, step by step. Each lick got you a little higher, a little further along the path. Certainly the trail might dip here and there and meander, but as long as the trend was generally upwards you could not go wrong. And whatever you did, falling off was not an option!
Whether it was because she had never been loved like this before, or because she had such a vast stock of passion, Applejack's hill was more like a mountain. Her flanks heaved, her forelegs pawed at the air, she she made adorable little exclamations like oh Celestia yes and jus' keep doin' it like that and Ah'm yours... yours fer ever... and, great as Rarity's answering passion was, she was getting a crick in her neck and her tongue was tired.
And then they reached Applejack's summit. Her gasps increased into a full throated wail, her body bucked like a beached fish. Rarity was nearly thrown right off the bed and had to cling on. Indeed Applejack's wildly thrusting pelvis connected with her face, bruising her lip.
Rarity thought it was absolutely bucking marvellous.
At last Applejack came down off the mountain. She lay there, taking great shuddering breaths while Rarity stooped over her. It had been the most powerful and prolonged orgasm Rarity had ever been involved with – and that was quite an achievement. She had always suspected Applejack would prove to be a screamer, but that... well, half of Ponyville probably knew exactly what had just gone down. 
Rarity flopped down beside Applejack and licked her sweat-soaked neck.
At length Applejack's breathing slowed and she relaxed. She mumbled something inaudible.
'Hmm? What was that darling?' Rarity cuddled closer and licked one orange ear.
'Ah said... Ah can't move.' Applejack's voice was hoarse with passion.
'Then don't try.'
'Rares – I ain't never let mahself go like that before.'
There was nothing Rarity could say to that so she just kept up with her slow caresses.
'Rarity.' Applejack turned over to face her. Her expression was serious, intent. 'Ah love you.'
'I know and I love you too, darling.'
'No, Rares, you ain't getting it.' Applejack shook her head emphatically. 'What Ah mean is, I will be yours fer ever an' ever. I will never stop lovin' you, and needin' you, and wantin' to please you any way Ah can. Ah reckon you jus' proved you can do whatever you want to me and Ah will beg for more. But you gotta understand what you mean to me.'
This girl, thought Rarity, does not do half measures. Before Applejack's wavering yet resolute gaze, she gave the only response she could. 'I made a promise – did I not?
Applejack wept then, and Rarity held her while she cried herself out. They lay together, the earth pony's head resting comfortably against her flank. After a while, Applejack raised her head.
'Rarity, Ah wanna please you.'
The unicorn smiled lazily. 'You already have, darling.'
'No. Ah wanna do for you like you jus' did for me. Please let me.' Applejack leaned low over her and began to kiss and nuzzle her. And just like that Rarity's passion reawakened. She sighed as the exquisite tongue licked delightfully at her neck. 'Ah know you think I’m a charmin'ly naïve innocent,' murmured Applejack in her ear. 'But Ah think yer gonna find I'm a quick study. And Ah reckon I can do most anything Ah set mah mind to.'
Rarity had always prided herself on being a decorous pony, a mare of decorum. Thus it was she was forced to stuff a hoof into her mouth and bite down to stop herself screaming out loud in ecstacy.
After that there were no more words. There was just the two of them, together. All of Equestria, the entire world of fate and magic and matter faded away into nothingness. So intimate and close were they it seemed their two bodies, their two souls melted together into one. Was this not what everypony wanted, secretly searched and yearned for? An intimacy so close that two became one.

Rarity dreamed. She and Applejack were lying together in some enchanted bower, green and leafy and fragrant. Luna's moon was full and bright and the warm dark air was redolent with the scents of night flowers. Applejack was gazing up at her with that lambent green gaze and murmuring something.
Rarity leaned closer to hear.
'Ya don't really love me.'
Rarity's voice trembled in scandalized denial. 'How could you say anything so hurtful, so untrue? I do love you, I’m devoted to you!'
'No, Rares, ya don't.' Applejack gave her a sad smile. 'But yer doin' a mighty fine job of pretendin'. Ah reckon I’m gonna hafta be content with that.'
Rarity opened her mouth to protest but came suddenly awake; almost as if she'd been ejected from the dream world. But apparently it was no more than a dream within a dream for the next thing she knew she was drifting slowly towards wakefulness. 
There was a warm and delightful weight pressed close against her. She yawned and blinked at the orange flank about three inches from her muzzle.
Applejack. Last night. Intense sex. Something about love.
Applejack stirred. She rolled over slowly, in stages; head followed by forelegs, then torso and finally hind quarters. They lay face-to-face to face in their mutual warmth, covered over by the fluffy old comforter.
Applejack gave her a warm and languid smile. 'Mornin.'
'Good morning to you, darling.'
Applejack kissed her briefly, then they both turned onto their backs to gaze up at the ceiling.
'You hungry?'
Rarity gave a soft chuckle. 'Ever the practical one.'
Applejack shrugged. 'It is what Ah am known for.'
'As it happens, I am.' Rarity nuzzled the earth pony's neck. 'Make me pancakes.'
'Nope,' replied Applejack with a smile.
'How about if I ask you very nicely.' Rarity licked her way along the strong orange jaw and kissed the side of the mouth.
'Uh, OK.' Applejack turned again to face her. They shared a kiss, morning smiles and giggles.
Five minutes went by. Rarity's stomach rumbled. She nudged Applejack with a hoof. 'Well, darling?'
'Ah have put it on mah list of things to do,' returned Applejack with dignity.
Content with that, Rarity relaxed again into the warmth of the bed. Hunger would only sharpen her enjoyment when the fragrant golden disks finally landed on her plate.
Applejack frowned at the ceiling. 'Rares, where are we going to live?'
Rarity blinked in surprise. 'Good heavens. Do we have to decide such a thing right now?'
'No, but...' Applejack scratched the side of her head with a hoof. 'Ah am, as you so rightfully observed, the practical one. And I like to get these things all straightened out in mah head.'
Rarity sighed. 'Let's not talk about it right now.'
'Fine by me. Just thought Ah'd flag it up for consideration.' Finally Applejack stirred. She slid out of the bed to stand four-square on the rug then gave herself an all-over shake, a bit like a wet dog.
Rarity's eyes were drawn, as if by magnetic forces, to those magnificent taut buttocks. And between them, the caramel swell of Applejack's sex, revealed by a flick of her tail. Rarity licked her lips. Yes, the taste was still there. How filthy yet also exciting.
Applejack trotted out of the door and Rarity was left to her own thoughts.
Where were they going to live? Why did it have to be decided? What was so bad about things continuing as they had been?
Because Applejack wouldn't like it. This was the first time it had even been mentioned but Rarity just knew that she wouldn't.
That dream last night. That thing about love. It floated into her consciousness with sudden clarity; like a cork bobbing to the surface of the ocean. Rarity groaned and covered her face. Why did she feel like such a bad pony?
> Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rarity hummed a tune as she ran the soapy sponge around the rim of the dish. In her mind, she ran through her mental checklist. Bedding; freshly laundered. Floors; all swept. Food and wine; bought in. Sweetie Belle; packed off to the parents.
It was not strictly necessary to arrange things in such obsessive detail. But Rarity was a perfectionist. And more importantly than that Applejack was coming home. And nothing but the best was acceptable for her earth pony.
Rarity placed the dish in the drying rack, untied her apron and levitated it into the wash basket. There, all done. Though Applejack was not due for hours at least, she had wanted the satisfaction of knowing everything was finished. She thought she would spend the intervening time in her work room – though she doubted she would be able to get much done. Certain Thoughts would insist on intruding.
And yet – this was all part of the theatre. She wanted to create the illusion that this was just another day at Carousel Boutique – that she hadn't spent half a day crafting the perfect welcome-home experience.
Nothing but the best for her earth pony.
Humming a different tune she crossed to the kitchen table. She had received a number of letters from AJ that she was re-reading – it was important to get herself as accurately as she could into Applejack's mindset. She ran her gaze over the top sheet, written in neat and careful hoof-writing. Rarity smiled. How like AJ. It in no way resembled the elegant copperplate produced by her own horn. Were they not proving the case that opposites attracted?

Rarity (began the letter), I hope you don't object to me writing again so soon (as if I could ever object to that, thought Rarity with a snort of amusement). But I have many thoughts and you are the pony in all of Equestria I wish to share them with.
Rarity sighed. Applejack's way of writing was as distinctive as her way of speaking – even if the peculiarities of her accent were not transliterated. The letter went on: I spent near on four hours preparing for the meeting with Pilem Up and Sellem Cheap. Marketing, with all its ins and outs, is not something which comes naturally to me (that wasn't true. She did wish AJ would stop disparaging her own talents). I had to work hard to overcome this deficiency. You know, Rarity, what it would mean for the Farm if we got this contract. A  secure financial future awaits if we can just get our products distributed throughout Equestria. It is why this round of meetings is so important – even if it takes me away from you for so long. I appreciate your offer to accompany me but we did discuss it.
I try to arrange all the details of my life but I find I cannot. There's always something escapes me. On the farm it don't matter so much but here I am a fish out of water (Rarity pursed her lips. What nonsense. Applejack was doing brilliantly!). I am trying to be more like you. Chaos inspires you, you rise above it, it don't ever get you down. It is yet another reason I feel the way I do.
There is another thing. I am thinking a lot about you in a way which I don't need to spell out here... 

There was a knock at the door. Drat, thought Rarity. How like Ponyville to come knocking, even though the CLOSED sign was prominently displayed. Even so, it would not to do be rude. She trotted through into the main room, prepared to send whichever pony it was packing in the politest way possible.
'Welcome to Carousel Boutique,' she sang. 'Do come in. However, be advised that the boutique is closed today. We'll be open again tomorrow for all your...'
The door swung open. Applejack stood revealed in the doorway. The saddlebags were still on her back. There was a sheen of sweat on her flanks – it appeared she had galloped all the way from Ponyville Station.
Rarity's eyes widened in surprise and joy. 'Applejack! Darling! This is the best surprise ever! I wasn't expecting you until... goodness me, is anything the matter?'
Applejack had an intense, needful look on her face. The earth pony trotted forward and spread her forelegs wide. Before she knew it Rarity was enveloped in a close and intense embrace. Applejack's scent and the dust of travel enveloped her. The orange muzzle pressed against her ear. 'Rarity...' Applejack's voice was shaking. 'Consarn it, Ah'm sorry...'
'Sorry?' Rarity blinked in astonishment. Reflexively she reached up to embrace Applejack in turn. She noticed the faint trembling in the earth pony's body. 'Sweet Celestia, whatever for?'
'Ah wanted to be with you. Ah couldn't wait.'
'Hush. Hush darling, that's no reason to be sorry.' Rarity ran her hooves up and down the strong back. Slowly the trembling subsided. She unbuckled the saddlebags and tossed them into the corner. At length they separated, though they were still face-to-face. Rarity observed Applejack's features; the anxiety clearly written across the brow, unshed tears in the eyes. After a moment, shame-facedly, Applejack dropped her gaze.
'It's been two weeks, travellin' up and down Equestria wrasslin' varmints and... and you know how Ah can get. Land sakes, I always wanted t'be so strong fer you. Now you probably think I’m all weak and needy...'
'No,' said Rarity firmly. 'Never.'
'Yer so good to me...'
'Applejack, look at me look at me.' Rarity placed a hoof under the chin and raised Applejack's head. 'You are here now and we are together - nothing else matters.' And Rarity leaned forward and kissed the longed-for lips. Applejack responded – and then they were kissing with the deepest, most passionate intensity possible. Rarity felt the lust stir within her – hot and rampant and not to be denied.
Rarity broke the kiss and gazed closely into Applejack's eyes. The earth pony's cheeks were flushed, her nostrils flared with excitement. Curses, it had all been planned out so perfectly. There would have been tea, a debrief, food and wine, hoofsies under the table. It was intended to be a slow and orchestrated build-up to sweet sexual release. Now all that was gone; and good riddance!
'Go to the bedroom,' said Rarity, her voice low and husky with lust.
Applejack gaped at her, wordless. A bird hypnotised by the snake she loved and adored.
'Go to the bedroom,' Rarity ordered. 'Right now. Await me there.'
Applejack gave a jerky nod. Wordlessly she half-walked, half-stumbled to the staircase and up.
'Goodness me.' Rarity fanned herself with a hoof, acutely aware that she was extremely wet and hot in a certain place. Control! She had to get a hold of herself. She walked in a tight circle, working on slowing her breathing. A good dominant never ever let her passion get the better of her. It was the height of irresponsibility, the breaking of a sacred trust – it could end up with ponies hurt or worse.
She glanced at the clock. Five minutes, she would give it. She walked through into the kitchen and began moving about, fussing with things. It was pure illusion. She knew that Applejack could hear her perfectly well, would know that she was doing things in the kitchen. It would increase Applejack's anticipation, it would give the impression she was in control of the situation and more importantly it would help to her to control herself for real.
Five minutes dragged past. It was like that fateful day, when the two of them had finally agreed to be unchaste. Every hour which passed had seemed like a block of stone that had to be chiselled down to nothingness.
Rarity crossed to the staircase and ascended, with a ladylike tread, the stairs. Applejack, she judged, would be in a frenzy of anticipation right now.
Her heart was banging in her chest like a trip hammer. She pushed the bedroom door open. Her nostrils flared, catching the unmistakeable scent of female desire. Applejack had propped her forequarters up on the bed. Her hind legs were spread wide, her tail raised to display her treasures. It was a difficult pose which required strength and suppleness to maintain for any length of time. And Rarity just knew that Applejack had been like that for the full five minutes.
Good girl, she thought. Good, strong, clever girl.
She pushed the bedroom door shut with a hind hoof. This, then, was the secret at the heart of their relationship. In the streets, in the orchard, Sugarcube Corner, the Castle of Friendship, they were no more or less than Ponyville's newest and cutest couple – the delight of their friends and families. But when that bedroom door closed it was a different story.
Rarity was the master. Applejack was her willing submissive. Neither of them wanted it any other way.
Feigning nonchalance, she strolled across the bedroom. Applejack shifted minutely on the bed. She paid it no heed, merely opening the toy cupboard. From its dark wooden insides she withdrew the harness, the gel horsecock, the flogger. With quick and practised movements she drew the harness up around her hips and fastened the straps. Getting the dildo to fit firmly in place was a little trickier – but she'd had plenty of practise.
Applejack's ears twitched. She didn't know exactly what Rarity was doing, and she knew better than to look round.
At last Rarity had the cock sited where it should be – jutting forward from her crotch, bobbing up and down when she walked. It always made her feel special – powerful, even. She gave the flogger a few practice swipes through the air.
Applejack flinched at the sound.
'Well then,' said Rarity in bright tones. 'Let's get you all warmed up, shall we?' Just like that, with no warning, she gave Applejack two meaty thwacks, left and right across the buttocks. With joy she observed the shockwaves from the blows travel through the firm arse-cheeks. The bucking of Applejack's hips as the pain hit home.
The earth pony returned to perfect immobility. A faint groan was the only sign she'd felt anything at all. 
Such a good girl, thought Rarity. 'Oh!' She cried. 'Did you like that?'
'Yessss...'
'Would you like some more?'
'Yes please...'
'Then beg for it.' Rarity's voice assumed the tones of warm honey. 'Tell me how much you want me to thrash that exquisite arse of yours.'
'Please, Rares. Rarity.' Applejack sounded like she was on the verge of tears. 'Please give it to me. Hard as ya like.'
'Oh, my darling. Of course I will.' She went at it with a will, then, the flogger moving in a blur, smacking hard left and right. Applejack was trembling now with the effort of keeping to her feet, but keep to them she did.
Applejack's buttocks had brightened to a glorious pinky-orange. Her earth pony lover was flying, now. It was a rare and potentially dangerous state, a sexual nirvana of hyper-suggestibility. Rarity could suggest pretty much anything now. I am going to saw your leg off, is that OK with you darling? And Applejack would be yes Rarity whatever you say... 
Very deliberately Rarity left off with the thrashing. Again feigning nonchalance – though her own desire was raging in her loins – she gave Applejack a light love-tap on the dock. 'Dear me. Look at you now. I bet if I smacked you right on the quim I could make you come.'
Applejack gave a faint whimper and shifted again. Poor girl, strong as she was she couldn't take a lot more of this. The love expanded in Rarity's heart. 'Applejack darling, whatever I do to you now, you are not allowed to come unless I tell you so. Do you understand?'
'Y-yes... Ah won't... I promise. But please...'
'Hush, now.' Rarity lowered her head between the exquisite buttocks. She tongued her way all the way from Applejack's thrusting clitoris to the puckered ring of her ass. One, two, three light licks there almost sent AJ over the edge. 'Easy, now,' murmured Rarity. 'Remember what I said.'
'Land sakes, Rares. Ah can't...'
'You can, darling. You can and you will. I believe in you.' Rarity reared up and came down on Applejack's back. She gripped the earth pony's muscular barrel between her forelegs. With a light spark of her magic she lifted the head of the horsecock. Slowly, easily, carefully she guided it between Applejack's swollen lips. She felt AJ's hips tilt beneath her – heard the exquisite wet sound as the dildo buried itself deep. Now to rut – slowly at first, but with gathering speed and consummate skill, riding her lover, taking total possession of her body and soul.
She could see Applejack's hooves pawing at the bed covers. Her head rolling from side to side. Hear the faint rhythmic gasping in time with the smack-smack-smack of her hips...
'Come for me,' she cried. 'Come for me, darling!' And Applejack did so – with a shudder and a heave and a full-throated wail. She rode the bucking bronco until Applejack's ecstasy subsided. They both collapsed to lie at the foot of the bed, with the dildo still buried deep in Applejack.
They gasped hotly together on the carpet, sweaty and exhausted and clasped in each other's hooves. 'Consarn it,' groaned Applejack. 'It ain't fair.'
'What, pray tell, ain't fair?'
'Y'all can make me come. Over and over, whenever you like. I can't do nothin' back to you.'
'You're a silly pony.' Rarity licked Applejack's neck; still with a hint of dust from the day's travel. 'Now come to bed. I want to cuddle with you.' She stood up – the dildo slithered free with a slurp. Her powers of telekinesis had now become quite strong. With little effort she enveloped Applejack in a blue glow, deposited her on the bed and climbed in beside her.
Together again, at last. Peaceful and still on the bed, while afternoon advanced into evening. At some point in the future she'd start getting hungry. She'd need to get up and relieve herself. They could both do with getting cleaned up. But for now it was the best thing, the perfect thing just to lie here and watched the circle of sky through the window change from blue to purple.
'Ah was just thinkin',' murmured Applejack.
Well don't, was the first thing which came to mind. 'Oh? What about?'
'It was th'first time we spent any time apart. Kinda put things inter perspective.'
'It was a complete success, surely. I thought so from your letters, at least.'
'Ah don't mean that.' Applejack shook her head with a frown. 'I guess I just got a new understandin' of us. Rarity, where d'ya think we should live?'
Rarity was about to deliver some humorous brush-off but Applejack had risen to support herself on one hoof. Applejack was gazing at her with a searching expression.
She really thinks it's terribly important, thought Rarity.
'You have been thinkin' about it, like Ah asked, aintcha?'
Rarity had not. She lay there, wondering what to say, thinking this had the potential to turn into an issue. They had never had an issue before. She certainly didn't want one now. But as Applejack watched her the answer came, suddenly and simply.
'Why Applejack. We'll simply have to build somewhere.'
'Build somewhere.' Applejack's voice was carefully neutral.
'It's the perfect solution.' Now Rarity had thought of it her mind was racing. 'I would not be happy in Sweet Apple Acres. Neither would you be happy in Carousel Boutique. This is the only possible compromise.'
'Ah... kinda hoped you'd say that.'
'You hoped? Wait a moment. You thought of the same thing?'
'Uh-huh.' Applejack gave a little nod.
'You thought of it and you didn't say anything? Because you wanted to know if I’d suggest the same...' Rarity's voice trailed off.
'You ain't mad at me, are ya,' said Applejack in a tiny voice.
'No,' sighed Rarity. 'Not really. Not at all in fact.'
Applejack sighed with relief. She lay back down and nuzzled Rarity's neck. 'Ah love you. Everything is because o'that. Don't you ferget it.'
'I love you too.' Applejack did not reply; yet her silence seemed watchful, and tense, as if she was waiting for something.
Rarity lay staring at the ceiling, thinking. The fast few months, everything had felt so right. So easy. The drama-mongering and crises of the past now seemed so pointless. How had her life become so... smoothed out? Like an ironed strip of cloth.
That dream floated into her memory. Applejack's words echoed in her mind. Yer doin' a mighty fine job of pretendin'... Rarity had the sudden, distinct feeling that she was standing at the edge of something. A pool of deep water, an ocean, a precipice. All she had to do was step over. Her life would never be the same again and that was scary, but scary wasn't necessarily bad. That was the whole point of change like that, wasn't it? You couldn't go back to the way you had been.
She turned to look at the orange angel laid beside her, still waiting. A precious soul held in her own two hooves. You would wait a lifetime for the perfect pony to trot into your life. You could yearn to be free. Or you could grasp hold of what was right in front of you.
'Applejack,' she said in a trembling voice. 'Would you do me the honour... um... would you consent to marry me?'
Applejack blinked in shock. 'Whut?'
'Marry me. Please.' Rarity took hold of Applejack's hooves. 'I want us to be truly together.'
Applejack shook her head in wonder. 'Land sakes. You mean it, dontcha?'
'Applejack,' said Rarity in her gentlest, most persuasive tones. 'Do you think I’m trying to deceive you? When have I ever done that?'
'Well there was that one time you said you weren't gonna squirt in mah mouth, and then...'
'For heaven's sake.' Rarity nudged her in the ribs. 'I am trying to be serious.'
'So am I.'
'Well?'
'Rares, Ah belong to you anyway. Ah was yours the moment you kissed me in th'orchard. But this...' and Applejack rolled over and buried her head in the blanket.
'Whatever is the matter? Did I say the wrong thing?' Gently Rarity stroked the strong orange flanks. 'Please, talk to me!' 
Applejack lifted her head and Rarity saw the tears in her eyes. 'Ah'm sorry. But this is overwhelming. Rarity, you've given me something Ah thought I could never have. You've made me happy in so many ways. Ah know I ain't your first, but... I will gladly be your last. Ah say yes, a thousand times over, I will marry you.'
'So that's a yes,' said Rarity, feeling dazed and a little stupid.
They held each other then and as Applejack wept against her chest her own tears began to flow. I can't wait, she thought. I can't wait. I have wedding dresses to design and then we're going to build a house and I wish I had my notebook right now and...