> My Darling Sugarcube
>  by Seanessy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(PSA: Forgive me, I'm too busy/lazy to edit this entire story, but this message is for the stickler readers. The writing style between this story and the sequel is VASTLY different. Plot still fits and is still enticing though! So if you find this one to be too "simple", don't fret! The sequel is still my writing but completely revamped! Enjoy! )




“Lovely… lovely… blech, horrid…lovely…” Rarity said as she analyzed each individual apple before gently setting it in the bucket with her magic. The fastidious unicorn squinted as she plucked the next apple from the tree and studied it carefully. 

“Hmmm, nice and plump, dazzling green hue.” she said while the apple levitated in front of her. Rarity rotated it slowly, eyeing the fruit carefully for any imperfections. As the apple was close to making a full 360, her eye caught a small bruise at the very top near the stem.

“Ah HA!” the white unicorn exclaimed as she shook her head disappointingly before casting the fruit aside. It rolled right in front of a nearby Applejack who came to check up on Rarity’s progress. The orange pony looked down at what appeared to be a perfectly fine apple. She raised an eyebrow and gave an annoyed sigh as she walked over to discover the unicorn barely had a bucket-full.

“Rarity! What in tarnation have ya’ll been doing this whole time?”

“I’m carefully inspecting each of these apples to make sure they are perfect like you asked.” Rarity replied not breaking her focus as she slowly spun another apple in front of her. Applejack slapped the levitating apple out of the air and into the bucket. Rarity gave the earth pony an offended stare.

“I wasn’t done with that one yet! Rude…”

“Rarity! Ah done told ya’ll just to get the apples out of the trees! We can check for the gooduns later! For Celestia’s sake, we been out here fer three hours and all ya’ll got is a half a bucket full of apples!?” 

“Well forgive me for trying to make sure YOU have the very best apples so that YOUR family can stay in business! Hmph!”

“We’ll be as old as Granny Smith before ya even get through one apple tree!” Applejack exclaimed. “And yer not even puttin’ in all the good apples!” she said as she picked up Rarity’s most recent reject.  

“Applejack, darling, surely even you can see that bruise. It’s quite unbecoming.”

Applejack had to squint to see what the finicky unicorn was talking about. Then she noticed it; a brown spot not even as big as one of her white freckles. She cast an aggravated looked at Rarity and clenched her teeth as she tried to hold back her anger. The hard working earth pony had already put in three times the amount of effort she normally would because she figured the unicorn wouldn’t be much help; but this was absolutely ridiculous.

“Yer tellin’ me, this teeny tiny, eensy weensy, spot makes ya’ll think this is a rotten apple? Yer just plum crazy if ya’ll think this here apple ain’t useful!” Applejack calmly retorted as she tossed it in the bucket receiving a glare from the purple maned horse as she did so.

“You know, for somepony who requested my help, you’re being awfully critical.”

Rarity was beginning to get highly annoyed. For once, she didn’t have any clients clamoring for her designs or any ponies pestering her for outfit alterations. Not that she minded, but it was nice to finally have a day off and her idea of enjoying it wasn’t getting reprimanded by a southern bred brute especially after she so generously agreed to help with a job that was clearly didn’t compliment her talents. 

“Trust me if ah could’ve found any other pony available ah woulda, but the prissy princess was the only one with a free schedule.”

“Prissy princess?” Rarity gasped.

“Ah didn’t stutter, why ah bet ya’ll can’t even knock one single apple off one of these here trees without usin’ magic.” Applejack said before trotting up to a tree and kicking it with her back legs causing all the apples to fall in her buckets. 

“I could so!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Oh yeah? Prove it!” Applejack retorted.

Rarity gritted her teeth then raised her head upright. She refused to be swayed by such childish remarks.

“Hmf, I do not have to sit here and be verbally abused. I would’ve thought you would be thankful that I even decided to help.”

“Yeah, some help you been alright, ah was better off by myself. What was ah thinkin’ askin a pony who’s incapable of doing any kinda physical labor?” Applejack said with a smug smile trying to get a rise out of her finicky friend. She figured if Rarity wasn’t going to be of any help work wise, her frustration could at least be used as a form of entertainment.

“I could buck these trees just as well as you can!” the unicorn roared overconfidently. She just about had it with the earth pony’s cynicism. Rarity knew she was highly capable of performing the task of “apple bucking” she just found it pointless to exert such high energy over responsibilities that were not her own. At least, that’s what she justified to herself.

Applejack grinned then stepped to the side; she stuck out her foreleg and presented a sizeable tree full of ripe luscious apples.

“Well princess?”

Rarity growled. 

“Fine! You want to see me buck?” the unicorn snorted as she walked to the tree. She turned around eyeing it carefully and then positioned herself in the manner at which she was used to seeing Applejack.

“Well how do you like THESE APPLES?!” Rarity screamed as she shoved her back legs into the tree with all her might. The shrub didn’t move a bit. She gasped; she put all her strength into that kick and she was no weak pony. Granted she wasn’t nearly as strong as the orange equine but at least one apple should’ve fallen. She heard Applejack snicker. The elegant white horse glared and gave the tree another nice kick. Nothing; the leaves didn’t even rustle. The unicorn growled in frustration and started pounding the tree furiously with all the strength her back legs could muster, determined to prove herself. Applejack tumbled over with laughter. After about five minutes of consistent bucking in attempts to prove a point, to no avail, Rarity was on her back panting from exhaustion. The orange pony wiped a tear from her eye and then stood over her friend.

“Not so tough after all are ya?”

Rarity scowled. 

“I’ll show you tough!”

She leapt up and tackled Applejack, they rolled around for a while, each trying to pin each the other. The earth pony clearly had the upper advantage in physical strength, but the unicorn was putting up a decent fight. Eventually, after minutes of pony scuffling Rarity ended up on top of Applejack.

“Whoo doggy! I got a hand it to ya…you sure got some fight in ya Rarity!” Applejack said catching her breath. She was quite impressed at the white pony’s hidden toughness. Although had Applejack not used up most of her energy for the past three hours knocking apples out of trees, she knew she would’ve easily pinned Rarity with not so much as an elevated heartbeat. 

“I…told…you!” Rarity said in-between gasps. The unicorn took the moment to bask in her physical accomplishment. As Rarity contemplated throwing a smug smile and a few condescending insults, she noticed Applejack’s hairband had snapped off.  She raised a brow at the earth pony’s free falling mane. It was rather astonishing, a thing of beauty. Blonde flowing strands of hair lay daintily upon her shoulders in a way Rarity had never seen before. She shook her head. A chill ran down her spine. She had seen Applejack’s hair out before, granted it was from the back while putting curlers in at Twilight Sparkle’s first sleep over and another time to prepare for the Grand Galloping Gala, but this was the first time she ever truly noticed how beautiful Applejack’s mane was. She was gorgeous.

“Ya’ll alright Rarity?”

“I…um…yes…” Rarity said letting her up. A weird sinking feeling in her stomach started to overwhelm her.

“Applejack, darling, um…how come you never wear your mane out like this more often?”

Applejack shrugged.

“Easier to get things done ‘round the farm when it’s in a ponytail I reckon.” the earth pony said. She observed her unicorn friend and stifled a laugh.

“Ah like the look, is that fer yer western fashion line?” Applejack chortled. Rarity gave the orange pony a confused look before she realized that Applejack’s hat was on her head which made her giggle.

“Oh…my…I must look rather silly.”

“I beg to differ, it actually looks kinda good on ya, why I’d fancy you’d make a darn good-looking rodeo gal!”

Rarity blushed at the kind-hearted pony’s compliment and then looked again at her and her free flowing blonde mane. It was as if she was a different pony. She looked so much more feminine than her usual tomboyish demeanor. It was as if Rarity was truly taking her in for the first time; her gorgeous orange coat, her stunningly beautiful green eyes, her cute white freckles and of course that loveable accent all tied together with her beautiful blonde mane, usually kept in a ponytail, which was now cascading gently down her neck and giving off the most alluring fragrance. She was truly stunning. The feeling in her stomach intensified, the pace of her heart matching the speed of twenty trotting colts. She leaned in slowly; drinking in the earth pony’s scent. It was astonishing, she became light headed; a trifle floaty. She felt her insides quiver and her heart melt. She had never felt anything like this before. Reality hit her two seconds later as Rarity snapped out of her trance. Seeing the bewildered look on the earth pony’s face only confirmed that what happened was not in any way a dream. Did she just…? The unicorn stepped away covering her mouth with one hoof while Applejack’s hung open; too stunned to make a sound. About five more seconds passed before the orange mare was able to utter her first word.

“Uhm…”

“Oh look at the time! Rarity suddenly cried. “IdobelieveIhaveaclientcomingintodayandIhaventevenbeguntostartworkingonherorder!” I should get going! Bye Applejack!” Rarity said as she dashed off at breakneck speed leaving Applejack’s hat behind.

“Rarity! Wai-uh…” Applejack called, but it was no use. That was the first time she could’ve sworn she’d seen anypony move faster than Rainbow Dash. Applejack sat down, picked up her hat and scratched her head too stunned to even think.

“What in the hay just happened?”


> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Several hours had passed. Now that Applejack had finished bucking all the apple trees for the day and had time to process things in her head, she thought it fitting to go see Rarity and talk about what happened. She knocked on the door. No answer. She knocked again. No answer still. Applejack pressed her ear against the door. Rarity was definitely home, she could hear the busy sounds of her sewing machine along with the clopping of her hooves. 

“Rarity! It’s me, Applejack! Open up! We needa talk!”

“Go away please, I’m busy.” Rarity’s muffled voice came through the door.

“Come on Rarity, there’s no use in avoidin’ it!”

Applejack waited for a response. Nothing; and judging by the noises coming from inside it didn’t sound like Rarity was planning on coming anywhere near the door.

“Guess we’ll have to do this the ol’ fashioned way.”

Applejack turned around and shoved her back legs into the door, forcing it open. She walked in to find Rarity working away at her sewing machine, mane completely unkempt, a tape measurer around her neck, and a saddle on her with two small compartments which had fabrics in one side and sewing tools in the other. 

“Rarity…we should.”

“Not now, very busy…gotta finish that order.” Rarity ran over to study one of her blank mannequins.

“Rarity, ah know ya’ll don’t have any dresses to be workin’ on, will ya just talk to me?”

“Sure Applejack, what would you like to talk about?” Rarity asked as trotted back over to her sewing machine. “Hmmm, I wonder if I should replace this needle?”

“Ya know…what happened at mah farm?”

“I don’t know what in heaven’s name you’re talking about darling, I helped you pick apples and that was it!” the unicorn said in the best oblivious voice she could pull off.

“Yeah, but… then somethin’ else happe-”

“Blue or Purple?” Rarity asked Applejack using her magic to present two different rolls of fabric. Before the earth pony could even think about answering, Rarity had moved back to her mannequins and threw two oversized sheets of both up, covering the figurine completely. Applejack walked over to the unicorn who then moved to her sewing machine, when the earth pony followed, the white mare had moved to her table, and as the earth pony again tried to get within three feet of her, she moved to look out the window.  Applejack growled and pounced on the unicorn.

“Are we gonna have to do this the hard way!? Will ya just talk to me please?”

“There’s NOTHING to talk about Applejack.”

Applejack glared at Rarity for a solid ten seconds. The country equine’s eyes softened.

“Fine…” Applejack got off Rarity and headed to the door.

“Fine?” 

“Yup…fine…” Applejack said flatly as she opened the door to exit, “if’in ya’ll won’t talk to me bout it, ah’m sure somepony else will…maybe ah can ask Twilight to see if she can find somethin’ bout it in one a her boo-whoa!” Applejack shouted as Rarity grabbed her before closing and locking all the doors and windows.

“Fine! We’ll talk!”

A loud purr came from Opalescence as she walked up to Rarity. She took the cat and tossed her out the window. There was a loud meow followed by a hiss. Applejack looked at the window then gave a concerned glance to the unicorn as she noticed her left eye twitch a bit.

“Ya’ll alright sugarcube?”

“FineFINE!” Rarity said while laughing nervously. “Youwantedtotalksolet’stalkherewearereadytotalkwe’retalkingtalk!”

“Uhm- alrighty then…Rarity, ah just…well ah…” Applejack realized there was no way to approach this conversation daintily. “Ya kissed me…”

Rarity nodded anxiously, one hoof on her chin.

“Yup, Mmhmm, great! Well now that we’ve gotten that all cleared up I should really be getting back to work!” Rarity said as she started to walk away before being yanked back by the tail.

“Hold on there Rarity, ah…ah wanna know why…”

“Why what?”

“Ya know…why’d ya…kiss me?”

“Oh, that, did I do that? No, darling I think you’re mistaken, I just…tripped…into your mouth…is all.”

“Rarity…” Applejack said flatly.

The unicorn bit her bottom lip and her eyes filled with tears.

“Ok! I did it! I kissed you! I don’t know why I did it! I was just overcome with…with…well I’m not even sure. Oh dear Applejack, I am baffled as to what possessed me to do such a thing!” Rarity said as she held the earth pony’s cheeks in her hooves. Applejack glared.

“Will ya cut the drama queen act Rarity?!” the orange equine yelled.

“Sorry…” Rarity said looking down at the floor. She rubbed her hoof across the ground for a second as she felt an aura of shame entangle her. She looked back up into Applejack’s concerning and inquisitive eyes and searched every crevice of her brain for a reasonable answer but to no avail. 

“I…I’m not sure Applejack, I just…I had never seen you without your mane tied up in a ponytail before and…”

“So, that all was it then …just mah hair down is what made you do that? Did ah, look like a colt or somethin’?”

“No, no it’s more than that, it was just…I don’t know, it was like seeing you for the first time; your physical beauty for once. I’ve always seen you as my friend and one of the most honest and hard-working ponies I’ve ever met even if your ways can be a bit brutish at times. But, it was as if, for the first time, I…oh I don’t know!” 

“Ah think ah get what yer jivin’ at…ah…ah think ah may have felt it too…that’s why ah didn’t pull away too quickly once it happened.”

“What ever do you mean?” Rarity tried to hide the glimmer of hope in her eyes. There was no doubt that the kiss was definitely something emotional, it was shameful to say the least and yet, it felt right. The smallest amount of comfort would come from at least knowing Applejack felt the same if not something similar.

“Well, seein ya tryna buck those apples, then wrestlin’ with ya fer those few minutes made me realize that, although you are a bit of a snob, ya got some real spunk in ya after all. It was kinda cute.”

Rarity blushed. “I suppose it did look rather silly, me trying to do your job.”

“Hehe, only a lil’” Applejack said.

There was a bit of an awkward silence. Rarity bit her lower lip. Although the conversation went better than expected, the tone in her voice as well as her choice of words made the orange colored mare sound as if she was sparing the over-emotional unicorn’s feelings. In an attempt to make things less awkward and to avoid a wedge in their friendship, Rarity spoke up.

“Applejack…I’m not…that is to say I…I like…colts…”

“Oh no, no…ah…ah do too sugarcube.” Applejack assured.

“I…it’s just that…you and I…it’s nice to have you as a good friend Applejack.” Rarity said spitting out her words gently to avoid saying anything else that might unnerve her earth pony friend.

“Same here Rarity.” the country mare said smiling warmly.

They hugged each other; another short awkward silence followed. 

“Welp, ah best be gettin’ out of yer hair then…letcha get back to yer dress makin’ and what not.”

“Right, right…I’ll see you later Applejack.”

As Applejack opened the door to leave, Rarity walked over.

“This…stays between us…right?”

The earth pony gave her a friend a comforting smile.

“ ‘Course it does sugarcube.”

Applejack let herself out. Rarity slumped and sighed watching her walk back to Sweet Apple Acres.

> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the next few days no one had seen mane or tail of Rarity. The last person to speak to her was Fluttershy for their usual spa get together. Rarity informed her that Photo Finish, Hoity Toity and recently a new client Lady Zsa Zsa contacted her hours apart, asking her for fresh new designs for their clothing lines. Knowing this would be excellent for her business, Rarity took on the challenge, alone of course. Everypony knew when Rarity was working, especially on something this important, it was best to leave her be. The only other time anyone had been near her Boutique was Fluttershy who went to pick up Opalescence for the gang’s usual pet-play date. 

As Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sat down for lunch, they went on about their usual opening topics of discussion as their pets played. Twilight would ask if anyone was interested in talking about a topic she had studied in one of her books. Of course, being the good friends they were, they would oblige and listen as much as they could before their eyes started to droop, Twilight would then quickly change topics as to not bore her friends to death. Rainbow would, of course, give details on some new flying moves she was working on, while the others would chip in with ideas of their own from an audience perspective. Pinkie would begin to talk about parties, and then ramble off about something nonsensical which was always amusing. Fluttershy would give an update on her animals, and Applejack would talk about business on the farm. 

“Oh yeah, since we’re on that subject, I’m really sorry I wasn’t able to help you a few days ago Applejack.” Twilight said apologetically.

“Me too. It’s just this poor little girl bunny was so defenseless; I just had to nurse her back to health.” Fluttershy said. She squeaked as an apple hit her in the head from far away. She looked over at Angel who glared at her then resumed frolicking with the other animals. The yellow pony threw a sweet smile his way before turning back to her friends. “Angel wasn’t too happy about it since I was showing just a teeny tiny bit more attention to her than to him.” The girls laughed.

“It’s alright ya’ll’ Rarity ended up helpin’ me.”

“Ha! Did she show up in a special frou-frou apple bucking dress?” Rainbow Dash joked. The girls laughed again.

Pinkie Pie styled her mane and tail to match Rarity’s.

“I prefer NOT to get my hooves muddy!” Pinkie said imitating the fussy unicorn sparking more laughs from the gang.

“Nice one Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow laughed.

“Oh, I do believe I’m beginning to sweat…how dreadful!” the pink pony continued before joining in the laughter as her mane and tail poofed back to its original style.

Applejack wiped a tear from her eye as she controlled her laughter. 

“Well ya’ll know Rarity, after an hour of applebuckin’ she only had half a bucket full! She was tryna sort the good apples from the bad apples before she had even knocked em all out the tree!”

“That’s our Rarity!” Twilight exclaimed.

“But in the end, she showed some real spunk, we got into a lil’ disagreement and we ended up scufflin’ and wouldn’t ya know it? She actually pinned me.”

“Wait, Rarity pinned YOU?”  Fluttershy queried in shock.

“Hehehe yup.”

“Wait, are we talking about the same Rarity? The flips her mane every three seconds, says “darling” every three sentences, and is terrible at Tic-Tac-Toe Rarity?” the pink pony asked.

Applejack laughed. 

“Yup, same Rarity sugarcube.” 

The other ponies just stared in awe.

“Oh, don’t go gettin’ yer tails in a twist, remember, this was after three hours of me applebuckin’, ah was plum tuckered out.”

“Yeah but still, who would’ve pictured Rarity actually wrestling? Let alone pinning down the second strongest pony in Ponyville.” Dash said.

“Second strongest?” Applejack said raising a brow to the blue winged mare.

“That’s what I said. Guess you’re not so tough after all if RARITY can pin you! HA!” 

“And on that note we’ll end this play-date before it turns into a pony war. I’ve got a schedule to keep! Owlicious!” Twilight called. The brown owl landed on his owner’s back and Twilight started on her way back to the library. 

“I’ll see you later girls!”

Pinkie Pie lowered her head and Gummy crawled his way into her mane before she merrily bounced off. Rainbow Dash gave Applejack a smug smile before grabbing Tank and the two took flight disappearing leaving nothing behind but a stream of multi-colored rays. 

“Alright Opalescence, let’s get you back to Rarity. Come on Angel.” Fluttershy beckoned. 

“Ummm Fluttershy. How’s bout ah take Opal back ta Rarity?” 

Fluttershy gave Applejack a confused look.

“Oh, it’s ok Applejack, she can be quite a handful.”

“No really, ah was gonna head over there anyway just ta check up on her.”

“Well…” Fluttershy thought. “I do have some raccoons that need tending to…you sure you’re ok with this Applejack?”

“I done handled, cows, goats, parasites, herds a buffalo and tons more wild creatures, I think I can handle Rarity’s cat.” 

Fluttershy smiled. “Um, ok then, thank you Applejack.” Fluttershy kneeled down to Opalescence. 

“Now be a good kitty cat and do whatever Applejack says ok?” 

The cat gave Fluttershy an apathetic look. The yellow pony gave her a cold, demanding stare and the prissy kitty smiled innocently and rushed to Applejack’s side purring and rubbing against her legs.

“Just to be on the safe side.”

“That’s some gift ya’ll got there Fluttershy.” 

Fluttershy grinned. “Thanks again!”

“No problem. C’mon Opal! Get along there Winona!” 

Winona growled at Opalescence who retorted with a violent hiss. Applejack stepped in between them.

“I’d better walk in the middle of ya’ll two, just ta be on the safe side.”

Opal raised her head high and Winona gave out another low growl before looking forward. Applejack and the two pets started on the path to Rarity’s Boutique.

> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack and Opalescence finally arrived at Rarity’s Boutique. She thought it best to take Winona back to Sweet Apple Acres first since the two pets were exchanging hateful stares back and forth halfway through the trip. Applejack knocked on the door and it swung open. Opal ran in and Applejack looked around before entering slowly.

“Uhm…Rarity?”

“You can just leave Opal in the living room Fluttershy! Thank you so much for aiding me in this time of insanity!” the unicorn’s voiced called. Applejack chuckled to herself at Rarity’s obliviousness towards her presence. 

A gust of wind blew from the passing unicorn, as she used her magic to do several tasks at once. The earth pony’s eyes widened with astonishment. She saw a sewing machine stitching, fabric being snipped, designs being sketched by quill, and decorations gently falling upon different beautiful outfits on mannequins. It was a rather amazing sight. She knew Rarity was a unicorn and therefore capable of magic, but this kind of precise multitasking was impressive. As Applejack walked forward staring in awe at the creations, Rarity bumped right into her, breaking her focus and stopping all tasks at once. Rarity shook her head and looked up adjusting her red sewing glasses as she did so.

“Applejack?”

“Howdy!”

“Wh-what are you?” 

“Oh, ah just decided to stop by and see how ya’ll were doin.” Applejack observed Rarity. Her mane and tail were completely tousled and her usually even coat looked ruffled as if she had slept on the floor wrong. 

“Ya alright sugarcube?”

“I’m fine…just sooo busy…I really can’t stop and tal-“

“That’s fine, ah just wanted to check up on ya and oh yeah, ah brought Opal back fer ya.” 

“Why, than-”

“Aaaaaand, I brought ya this…” Applejack said as she pulled out a brown bag from her hat which contained a dozen freshly made apple turnovers. 
“Ah know sometimes ya’ll get so wrapped up in yer dress makin’ ya forget ta eat sometimes, so ah figured ah’d bring ya something ta snack on fer when ya don’t have time ta cook.” 

Rarity smiled as she took the bag and set it on the table. Her eyes moistened a bit, she admitted to herself that deep down she was afraid that Applejack thought differently of her after the “incident” but such a nice gesture confirmed to her that nothing about their friendship had changed. 

“They smell absolutely lovely.”

Rarity took one out of the bag and devoured it. She closed her eyes and her entire body quivered. The conflicting softness of the baked apples and crispy texture of the bread danced on her taste buds while the sweetness of the ripest apples made love to her entire mouth. A sigh of euphoric relief washed over the unicorn. She let out a small belch and blushed. Applejack chuckled. The nitpicky unicorn was still elegant even in her current disheveled and flustered state.

“Forgive me; I haven’t eaten since I started. Thank you so much Applejack, this was so thoughtful.”

“No problem, how far along are ya?”

“A little more than halfway, both Hoity Toity and Photo Finish wanted twenty completely new, original designs. So the first two days were spent going through books and coming up with ideas. And these past two days I’ve been working practically non-stop to complete them all. Not to mention I still have to find time to get the materials for Lady Zsa Zsa’s outifit. She’s a fantastic client who pays well but she wants the most bizarre outfits…she asked me to make her a dress out of nothing but flower petals, no fabric or anything just flower petals.”

“When ya need em’ done by?”

“Tomorrow afternoon…accept for Lady Zsa Zsa’s one dress which she isn’t expecting for another few weeks.” Rarity sighed.  “Which reminds me, I better get back to work. Thank you again for the apple turnovers Applejack.”

Rarity stuffed another apple turnover into her mouth and used her magic and began resuming all the tasks she had temporarily halted. Applejack frowned. Rarity was working so hard that she didn’t even give herself time to eat. Who knows how much she actually slept in the past few days if at all? Applejack thought for a second then came up with an idea.

“Say, why don’t ah help ya'll finish these dresses?”

Rarity laughed as she gently guided the fabric through her sewing machine.

“Oh Applejack that’s a good one darling.”

“Ah’m serious!” the earth pony said as she approached her. “You helped me with apple buckin’”

“Yes but…it’s different you see, your job requires brute force while mine demands an incredibly keen eye for detail. Something you…” Rarity stopped and tried to find the right words without sounding offensive.“…don’t naturally possess. Not one stitch can be out of place, not one jewel can be incorrectly positioned.” 

“Ah think ah’m just as capable at doin’ yer job as you are mine. Ah mean, it can’t be that hard ta put some fancy shamncy jewelry in the right spot.”

“Applejack, it’s more than just that. There’s so much more than knowing what goes where; there’s blanket stitching, running stitching, hems, pleats, seam allowance, over locking, armsyche, darning, embroidery, gussets and those are just the basics. Why, it would take far too much time just to teach you the terms and what they mean.” Rarity exclaimed as she ran over to her mannequins putting yet another completed dress on one of them.

Applejack was befuddled. She didn’t know there was so much that went into sewing. It didn’t seem like much that one occassion when she, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy helped make Rarity’s dress for the gala, but then again it was the four of them under the instruction of Fluttershy who shared an almost equal knowledge of Rarity’s profession. Even still, Applejack was determined to do something.

“Well, maybe ah could help with, ya know, lil’ stuff! Like…” Applejack looked at the sewing machine. 

“Like pushin’ this here fabric through the machine! Ah seen ya do it plenty times!”

Rarity gasped. 

“APPLEJACK NO!” 

Rarity dived and to stop the fabric but it was too late. The oblivious country mare had accidentally sewed two pieces of fabric from two different fabric rolls together. Now the rolls were married to each other.

“Uh, sorry! But don’t ya worry now, I can fix it! Applejack grabbed some scissors with her teeth and started cutting around the stitch to free the two rolls from each other. The problem was it was impossible using scissors with just your mouth and hooves so she wasn’t cutting the straightest of lines. The fabric was freed but there were terribly crooked lines at the edges of both rolls. It looked like a filly unicorn with a pair of scissors used spontaneous magic to cut arbitrary patterns in it.

“Hehe…oops…sorry Rarity…”

Rarity growled through gritted teeth. Naturally she was about to get angry; she hated it when anypony tampered with her equipment and messed with her work, but then a second thought hit her. The kind gesture of bringing Opal back in place of Fluttershy was just an excuse to see her. The freshly baked apple turnovers, the country pony’s over eagerness to assist with her work when she clearly knew it was over her head. This wasn’t a mere coincidence. Rarity cleared her throat and sighed.

“It’s fine…you were only trying to help…”

Applejack tilted her head and looked at Rarity. She was in shock at the fact that the unicorn didn’t chew her out for being so destructive. The earth pony pondered if that was from lack of sleep or had the over worked fashionista finally snapped. Rarity smiled and approached her.

“Now I understand what you saw when you were watching me trying to do your work.”

Applejack blushed. Rarity nuzzled her.

“I appreciate it Applejack but this is really something I am better suited to do by myself, but I’m quite thankful for your offer and of course for the delicious snack you brought me.”

Applejack turned an even brighter shade of red and smiled. 

“Hehehe, guess ah did get a bit carried away there.”

Rarity squinted a bit. It seemed slightly clearer now but she still couldn’t put her hoof on it. It was almost like a game and despite her brain demanding she get back to work, she wanted to play. She initiated her next move.

“Actually, I just thought of a brilliant way you can help me.”

“Really?”

“Certainly, and you won’t even have to worry about messing up it’s so easy.”

“Well hot diggedy! What am ah doin’?’”

***************

Applejack glared as she stood on the modeling stool Rarity had by the mirror. In her mouth was a pin cushion from which the unicorn would occasionally take pins. For the past few hours the blonde haired pony played a “live mannequin” for each and every dress Rarity finished. 

“Remine me neher to ofhur mah helf again…” Appejack said.

“Oh but darling, you make such a wonderful mannequin!” Rarity exclaimed as she made a few more adjustments to the dress on her table. 

“Alright, last one!”

“Fank Shelestia.”

Rarity slipped the last dress on Applejack. It was a beautiful golden yellow one laced with white at the bottom and encrusted with rubies and sapphire gems. Rarity gave a sigh of relief as she observed the final dress. 

“Perfect.”

Applejack spit out the pincushion.

“The dress? Or me?” Applejack asked jokingly.

“Both, thank you so much Applejack for your help today. You were of great assis-” Rarity yawned and smacked.  “ Excuse me…you…you were… of great assisstan-“ Rarity collapsed on the floor out cold; her glasses falling to the side. 

“Rarity!” Applejack screamed. She gently slipped out of the final gown and placed it on Rarity’s table. She ran over to the unicorn only to find her sleeping softly. Applejack smirked.

“Aw shucks, yer just plum tuckered out is all.”


***************

A splash of warm water met Rarity’s face and she gasped. She looked around and despite her blurry vision she could tell she was in her bathtub. She inhaled the sweet smell of Passion Fruit Mango bubble soap. She rubbed her eyes and saw Applejack gently placing the soap down and adding additional water causing the bubbles to foam up more.

“Applejack? Wha-?”

“Ya passed out right after ya’ll finished yer last dress. And you smelled sweatier than a hog getting chased by a horse, so ah thought ah’d run ya a bath.”

Rarity smiled gently. Voluntarily being a mannequin and now a bath? This was almost too friendly. It still wasn’t quite enough for the unicorn though but she had to be patient about this.

“You’re so thoughtful.”

“Ya deserve it after workin’ so hard sugarcube.”

The two ponies exchanged sweet smiles.

“Well, I better be going, letcha have yer privacy.”

“Applejack wait...”

Applejack raised a brow. The unicorn paused, her heart beginning to race as she contemplated her next words. She had to say something to get the country pony to stay.

“You’ve been working hard for me all day, and well, I haven’t really talked to anybody in the past few days so…why don’t you enjoy this relaxing bath with me?”

Applejack raised a brow. Silence sliced through the room. Rarity’s heart pounded so fervently she could’ve sworn it was causing vibrations in the water. The tension that filled the air began to suffocate her.  

“Ah…uhm…” Applejack looked as Rarity’s eyes gleamed innocently. “Well, alright…”

Applejack slowly lowered herself in the bath and felt her hind legs buckle a bit. The water was hot but felt amazing. The earth pony sighed as she immersed herself up to the shoulders.
The unicorn allowed herself a deep breath of relief as she closed her eyes for a couple of seconds. Once she opened them the two ponies exchanged pleasant smiles. Rarity got a hoof-full of bubbles and placed them on Applejack’s chin to make it look like a beard. She giggled.

“Now you’re just Jack!”

Applejack smiled.

“Now ah’ve heard some pretty lame jokes, but that there just may top the charts.”

Rarity scoffed in mock anger as she splashed a bit of water at Applejack.

“Well! I never…”

The two ponies laughed and began to play splash each other. Applejack caught Rarity off guard as she was preparing a ball of bubbles and the suds hit her in the eye.

“OW! My eye!” Rarity said covering it with one of her hooves.

“Sorry sugarcube… you ok?”

The unicorn whined as Applejack got closer.

“It stiiiiiiiiiinnnnngs!” 

“Alright, alright now settle down ya gotta flush it out with water.”

“Noooo! The water is all soapy it’ll only make it worse!”

“Quit yer whinin’ and just let me-“

“Nooo!”

“Rarity!”

The two ponies tussled a bit before causing a big splash wetting the floor outside the tub. Rarity ended up on top of Applejack again, whose neck below was submerged under the water while Rarity’s lower half was only semi immersed. Rarity blinked her left eye.

“Oh, that does feel better. Is my eye red at all?”

“Lean a bit closer, I can’t tell.”

The unicorn leaned in closer. 

“Lil more sugarcube.”

Rarity leaned in even closer. Applejack examined her eye, yet she couldn’t focus. She wasn’t sure if it was the warm bath or the soothing aroma of the soap but her head started to fill a tad woozy. Suddenly she found her thoughts lost as she stared into the unicorn’s azure colored eyes. Her mind flashed back to the kiss. It happened so quickly, yet it felt like slow motion. Her beautiful purple mane dangling down the side of her face, her cobalt eye shadow complimenting her thick eyelashes, her soft lips as they lovingly grazed hers for those quick seconds. A tingle ran down Applejack’s spine as it almost felt like her body was liquefying and becoming one with the water. 

“Uhm…nope… yer fine.” managed to say as her gaze fell upon the unicorn’s lips.

Rarity looked closely at Applejack’s eyes. They burned with passion and desire she just knew it. This was her chance. The purple haired temptress leaned a bit closer until their lips almost touched and whispered.

“Are you sure?”

Applejack didn’t hesitate and met Rarity the rest of the way. The two ponies lip locked for the second time. Applejack rested her head in the tub in a way so she wouldn’t be completely submerged under the water allowing Rarity to adjust her body to rest on top of the orange pony’s as they kissed. They turned their heads slightly; both releasing gentle moans as they exchanged body heat making the bath feel more like a jacuzzi. Their tongues began to get acquainted. The two pink muscles shuffled around and poked at each other at first, both being too timid to be aggressive until finally they grazed each other mutually and began to dance, swiveling and pressing against each other romantically. 

As the kiss slowly broke, Rarity and Applejack’s eyes met. 

“Rarity…ah…”

“Shh.” Rarity didn’t need to hear anymore. She planted a soft peck on Applejack’s lips before she got out of the tub, dried off and slipped on her robe. After letting out a deep sigh, Applejack exited the tub as well and dried herself off. She then proceeded to dry the floor. As she finished Rarity presented her with a robe. The orange mare smiled as she slipped it on and Rarity gestured Applejack to follower her. 

The elegant unicorn walked into her room and slid into her bed. She left a spot wide open next to her, rubbed her hoof against it while biting her lower lip and stared sensually at the gorgeous country equine. Applejack smiled and leaped into the bed. The force of her gravity sprung Rarity and the blanket up high then back down as she bounced two times before she landed next to Applejack and the blanket landed on top of them. The blonde equine giggled to herself as she wrapped a hoof around Rarity drawing her closer.

The snowy coated unicorn rolled her eyes and smiled. 

“You really know how to spoil a moment don’t you?”

Applejack smiled and nuzzled Rarity’s nose.

“Ah’s just havin a lil fun sugarcube.”

Rarity’s smile dropped to a bit of a frown.

“Right, fun…” Rarity sighed as she turned over.

“What’s wrong?”

“I…it’s nothing Applejack.”

“Come on sugarcube…tell me the truth.”

The unicorn remained silent.

“Rarity…”

Rarity turned over to face her friend.

“Are you just sparing my feelings? Or do you lo-…actually care…about me?”

Applejack opened her mouth but not a sound came. Rarity let out a sad sigh then turned over again.

“Just…go…”

“Sugarcube n-”

“There’s no reason for you to be here in bed with me…just leave…please.”

“Now just wait one cotton-pickin’ minute ya’ll invited me to sleep over witcha!”

“And now I’m un-inviting you…go.”

“What in the hay is yer problem?”

“My problem? My problem?!”

The white mare suddenly turned over, facing Applejack again.

“My problem is, I’m a finicky prima donna who obsesses over the tiniest of details when making dresses, and when I’m not doing that, I’m either sketching designs or researching my craft to ensure I’m always informed about and ahead of the newest trends!”

Rarity started to feel tears well up in her eyes and she turned away from Applejack again.

“But, I thought ya’ll loved doin all that fancy shamncy fashion stuff?”

“I do…but all while trying to run a business alone, be a good friend, a daughter to be proud of, a better sister and keep up my appearance at the same time …it sometimes gets overwhelming…”

Applejack raised a brow and curled her lips. She started to speak but then Rarity murmured something under her breath.

“What was that sugarcube?”

“I said…sometimes… I just wish I had somepony…”

“Yer considered the prettiest pony in Ponyville…Ah’m sure anypony would wanna…”

“It’s not just that Applejack…most of the colts I’ve talked to seem sincere at first…but they all turn out to like me only for my looks, I can barely hold a conversation with most of them…sometimes…I just want somepony to listen…to hold me…to tell me-”

Rarity’s words were cut off by a short gasp that left her lips, she stirred gently as Applejack wrapped her front legs around her and whispered in her ear.

“It’s gonna be ok?”

Rarity slowly turned again to face Applejack. The unicorn’s azure colored eyes gleamed so softly. Applejack smiled.

“Heh, now ah get why ya’ll go to the spa so much! All those problems must make ya one frustrated filly!” 

Rarity blinked; she scoffed and began to turn away again. Applejack pulled her back.

“Ah’m joking sugarcube.”

“Applejack, I’ve never felt such strong feelings for anypony before…not Spike when he gave me that Fire Ruby, not any colt I’ve met in Equestria, even my hopeless crush on Blueblood didn’t feel like this. I’d much appreciate it if you didn’t make jokes right now.”

“Ah’m sorry sugarcube.”

“Please, can you just leave?”

“Well hold on a sec now, don’t ah get a chance to talk about mah feelin’s?”

“It’s pretty clear how you feel.”

“Shut yer trap, ah aint say nothin’ to give ya that impression.”

“Applejack, seriously I don’t want pity aff-”

The orange mare pressed her hoof against Rarity’s mouth so silence her. 

“It isn’t pity sugarcube…”

Rarity looked at Applejack in shock.

“Ah… ah’ve always really admired ya Rarity. Yer keen fashion sense, yer ability to prettify dern near everythin’. Why, sometimes, ah…ah’ve been a bit jealous of ya…”

“Jealous? Of me?”

“Well yeah, guys is always lookin at ya all googly eyed, even if’in they already seen ya a thousand times. Even when yer not around they are sayin’ nice things bout ya.”

“How do you know all this Applejack?”

“When I go in to town to sell apples, I hear ‘em talk aboutcha when they walk by, and…” Applejack stopped, allowed herself a slight laugh and then sighed.

“And what?” Rarity inquired.

“Some of ‘em come up to me, just to ask about ya…”

“You’re kidding…”

“Nope, they come right up to me and say: “Hey, ya’ll are friends with Rarity ain’t ya? Tell her I said “hi” or “Do ya know if she’s seein’ anypony?” stuff like that.”

“They don’t even intend on buying apples?”

“Nope…”

Rarity blushed and put a hoof to her mouth to stifle laughter.

“I’m glad ya’ll find it funny. I personally think it’s annoyin as hay.”

“I’m sorry Applejack.” Rarity tried to say sincerely but her giggles were fighting their way out. The earth pony shook her head.

“Yeah, it does get kinda frustratin’ when you think yer gonna make some profit fer ya business just ta find out they’re only interest in ya is the connection to yer friend…” Applejack said apathetically. Rarity’s giggles slowed at Applejack’s words then stopped completely when she saw the earth pony’s eyes get misty. It was very slight but Rarity noticed.

“Sometimes…ah wonder what it’s like ta be as pretty as you are…or at least be told ah’m beautiful…” 

“No colt has ever told you you’re beautiful?”

“Mah pappy used ta…all the time before he passed away…” Applejack let her gaze fall onto her hat that rested on Rarity’s doorknob. Rarity looked at it, then back at Applejack.

“What about Big Mac?”

“I never talked ta him about this kinda stuff before, and I love ‘em in all but he’s the last one to get deep into sentiment.”

Rarity nodded. 

“Plus he’s my brother, not that if’in he were to tell me ah’m beautiful it’d be bad but…it’s different when it’s from family versus somepony ya ain’t know. But o’ course, ah don’t take time to prettify myself like you do so…”

Applejack shrugged.

“Applejack, I think you’re absolutely beautiful darling…inside and out.”

Applejack chuckled.

“Now who’s pityin’ who?”

“I mean it, with all of my heart…”

Rarity placed a gentle kiss on Applejack’s lips. The orange mare blushed.

“Aw shucks, thanks sugarcube.”

Rarity smiled.

“And ah do lov-…ah mean…care about you a lot or else ah wouldna been yer man-ny-kin and put on all those dresses for ya ta make changes on today!”

Rarity snuggled against Applejack and yawned.

“I know…I guess…I just needed to hear it…from you.”

Applejack wrapped her front legs around Rarity.

“Applejack?”

“Yeah sugarcube?”

“Those colts, the ones you say who only come up to talk about me? What do you say to them?” 

Applejack looked into Rarity’s eyes.

“Ah use to just change the subject and focus back on apples…but this one time recently…heheh”

“What?”

Applejack smiled.

********************

“APPLES! GET YER FRESH APPLES HERE! THE FRESHEST FRUIT FROM SWEET APPLE ACRES! COME N’ GET IT!”

Applejack pulled the rope connected to the bell on her cart to attract the attention of all ponies nearby. Today was a relatively slow day, but she was determined to have the cart empty by sundown. She took one apple and shined it graciously with her apron. She presented the fruit as it gleamed in the sunlight. Two colts did a double take as they passed orange equine’s cart. As they approached, Applejack got a better look at them. One, a crimson furred pegasus with a spiky yellow mane and three lightning bolts as a cutie mark, the other, a unicorn with purple fur and a black mane that lay on his head almost as elegantly as Rarity’s and a pattern of stars that was possibly a constellation that Twilight could make out as a cutie mark. Both of them were very handsome looking horses.

“Well howdy gentlemen! Ya’ll likin what ya see?” Applejack said as she presented the apples.

“We sure are!” said the pegasus.

“That’s Flash, I’m Galaxy. Applejack correct?” the unicorn said in a sultry low voice.

“Yessiree!”

“We were just out and about and figured we’d stroll into town. You’re our first stop.” Flash stated.

“Well ain’t that somethin’! Ya’ll just made my day, what made lil’ ‘ol me yer first stop? Didja hear good things about the Apple Family Cider? Or was it the apple turnovers?”

“Actually no…it’s something else.”

“Ah knew it! The good ‘ol fashioned apple pie!”

“Actually…we heard that you were good friends with Rarity. The elegant equine whose fashion sense is like none other.” Galaxy said proudly.

Applejack’s pleasant smile faded slightly.

“Oh, yeah, she’s quite skilled at her dress makin’ and what not. I guess ya wanna know where her Bootique is so ya’ll can get yerselves a sweater or somethin’?”

“Well…we actually passed her Boutique already but felt that we should stop and see you first.”

“Really?” Applejack said raising a brow.

“Yeah we figured, with you being good friends with her and all, you must know if she…has a certain special somepony? Or if not, what features she’s looking for in one?” Flash winked.

“And perhaps, maybe even if we buy some of your delicious apples, you could mention our names and a few other good things about us to her?” Galaxy added.

*************************

“They bribed you just to get me to talk to them!?”

“Eeeeyup…”

“What did you tell them?”

“Well after ah felt they bought an appropriate amount of apples ah told em a lil’ somethin’.”

“Which was?”

“If’in they can’t muster up the courage ta talk ta you their selves, than they aint worth ya time. And thas all ah said to em.”

Rarity giggled.

“How may apples did they have to buy just to hear something that obvious?”

“Let’s just say that’s the fastest and easiest way ah ever emptied a cart full o’ apples.”

Rarity and Applejack burst into laughter.

“You are simply terrible for that darling! Still, how clever!”

“Ah think such a life lesson was pretty low-priced considering the prize they were after.”  

The earth pony winked at her friend. Rarity softly nuzzled her head into Applejack’s chest.

“Goodnight Applejack.”

The orange equine smiled as she wrapped her front legs around the unicorn. Rarity closed her eyes and sighed happily. Applejack kissed her head gently before closing her own eyes.

“G’night Rarity.” 


> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity let out a soft yawn as the sun shined a few rays through her window. She stretched and turned over to see the carrot colored pony whose eyes were already halfway open. Rarity smiled as she gently tapped Applejack’s nose with her hoof.

“Mornin Sugarcube…” Applejack said sweetly.

“Good morning darling.”

“Ya know ah wouldn’t reckon someone as persnickety as yerself would snore so loud.”

“Shut up…” Rarity said giving Applejack a gentle shove as she snickered. Applejack closed her eyes for a few seconds and sighed happily as Rarity nuzzled her neck. The earth pony let out a silent moan as she recalled last night; discussing her deepest insecurities, the relaxing bath, the kiss, even being Rarity’s dress-up pony. Even though the unicorn was a mare, Applejack had never felt so beautiful than when she was around her. Last night’s feelings were nothing new, she’d been harboring them for a while, perhaps ever since they first met. She yawned and opened her eyes again. Rarity nuzzled her nose. 

“So, what’s for breakfast?” Rarity asked teasingly.

“Well, what ya hankerin’ fer? I can make apple pie, apple fritters, apple strudel, caramel apples, apple fries, apple tarts, apple bread, apple turnovers, apple cobbler, apple crisp-“

A smile formed on Rarity’s face as her friend went down the list of other apple dishes in her adorably thick southern accent. At one point she stopped listening as her gaze became lost in those striking emerald green eyes. The unicorn had never felt such passion for anypony, especially another mare, and such feelings would probably be seen as unthinkable in Ponyville if not all of Equestria, but at this moment she didn’t care. Her heart burned for Applejack and she couldn’t deny it.

“So, what’ll it be Miss Rarity?”

Rarity wrapped her front legs around Applejack and rolled over so that the country pony was now on top of her.

“How about some apple sugar?”

Applejack smiled.

“Comin’ right up…”

Applejack placed a gentle peck on Rarity’s lips, then a few more before they began to makeout.
They began to moan as they repeated last night’s kiss.

“RARITY!!!!!!!”

The kiss broke suddenly and both ponies felt their hearts stop. Before either one of them could begin to react, the door burst open and there stood three adorable little fillies. They all tilted their heads in curiosity.

“Big sis? Why are ya on top of Rarity?” Apple Bloom asked.

“And what’s Applejack doing in your bed? Sweetie Belle inquired.

“Oh, we was…uhm…”

“Just having a sleep over, girls!”

“Uhhh yeah what she said, a sleep over…and ah’m on top of her ‘cause uhm…”

“She was showing me how to… wrestle!” Rarity interjected.

“Wrestle?” Scootaloo asked.

“Yes! To… teach Apple Bloom and…help her earn her cutie mark!”

“Really big sis?!” Apple Bloom’s eyes lit up. Applejack shook off her robe and walked to her little sister.

“Uhm…yeah…ya never know, yer cutie mark could be in wrestlin’.”

Sweetie Belle gasped.

“Could you teach us too Applejack?

“Why sure I reckon I could.”

“Yes, yes! It’ll be perfect while I take a final look at my dresses before presenting them!” Rarity exclaimed as she exited the bed.

Sweetie Belle let out a sudden gasp as she recalled a thought.

“But Rarity, we were supposed to hang out all weekend! Are you sure?”

“Oh but of course Sweetie Belle, it would be simply selfish of me to deny you the chance of possibly earning your cutie mark in wrestling! We can have all kinds of fun when you return!”

Sweetie Belle hugged her sister tightly. 

“Thank you so much!” she squeaked.

“No problem sis.” Rarity said as she winked at Applejack as a “thank you” for the favor she forced upon her.

“Alright gals, I’ll meet ya downstairs and we’ll head to Sweet Apple Acres for some wrestlin’ lessons!” 

“Alright! This is gonna be so cool!” Scootlaloo exclaimed.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER WRESTLERS!” the trio bellowed before bolting downstairs. Applejack started to walk towards the door to make sure the coast was clear. She grabbed her hat off the doorknob then looked back at Rarity who let out a deep sigh.

“That was a close one.”

“You said it sugarcube.” 

“We’re going to have to be more careful if we’re going to keep this up.”

“I hear ya.” 

“Thank you for watching over Sweetie and her friends while I present my work today. Putting up with those three is no easy task.”

“Heh, no problem, ah think ah can handle-“

“Ow let go of my horn!” Sweetie Belle yelled.

“Get off my wings!” Scootaloo shouted.

“Get offa mah tail!” Apple Bloom screamed.

Rarity laughed nervously.

“You’ve got your work cut out for you.”

“Ah’ll be alright. Ya’ll just worry yer pretty little head about wowin’ those ponies with yer new designs.”

“I’m so nervous, I just hope those dresses are good enough.”

Applejack nuzzled Rarity’s cheek.

“Them there dresses downstairs are as pretty as the pony who made ‘em”

The unicorn cheeks turned bright red as she smiled.

“Thanks. I’ll… see you later?”

“’Course.”

The ponies gave each other a peck on the lips and almost less than a second after they disconnected, the filly trio was right next to them. 

“Sis! Will ya tell them that hair pullin’ aint part of wrestlin’?” Apple Bloom wailed.

“How would you know?! You’re no expert! Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

“Look who’s talkin!” Scootaloo shrieked. 

Both the two mares gave each other nervous smiles before Applejack headed towards the door.

“Alright now girls, settle on down.”

Rarity smiled as she watched the four ponies walk towards Sweet Apple Acres. Once out of sight she began to check for any necessary last alterations on her dresses as she prepared her presentation of them for Hoity Toity and Photo Finish.

> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next few days seemed to fly by. Hoity Toity and Photo Finish adored the outfits, which helped Rarity’s already booming business blossom. After the fashion show premiered she would be flooded with more orders. She hoped to rest after the two fashionistas left but not too soon after the presentation of her dresses, Applejack had dropped off Sweetie Belle, limping as she was tuckered out from dealing with the Cutie Mark Crusaders whose efforts to earn cutie marks in wrestling failed; to no surprise. Of course, Sweetie Belle, being the filly she was, wanted to do fun things with her big sister. Applejack had to catch up on apple bucking for she missed two days of it from the sleepover at Rarity’s house and the Cutie Mark Crusaders adventure the day after. By the time both ponies were caught up on their responsibilities they were too tired to even move. When they finally regained some of their strength they agreed to meet up for a one on one picnic in a secluded part of the park close to where they let their pets play.

“Howdy there, princess.” Applejack said as she arrived to find Rarity who was already relaxing on her portable sofa. 

Rarity smiled and blushed a little.

“Room on that there couch fer two?”

Rarity slid over and rubbed the empty spot.

“Wipe your hooves off first.” Rarity said jokingly.

Applejack smiled and leaned in as she planted a gentle kiss on Rarity’s cheek.

Rarity sighed happily. “I’ve missed you.”

Applejack nuzzled her nose.

“Ah’ve missed you too hun.”

Their lips intertwined gently in a passionate kiss.  They both moaned softly as Rarity pulled Applejack’s head closer. The earth pony wrapped her forelegs around the unicorn’s back, and Rarity used her other hoof to remove Applejack’s hat and her hair tie that kept her mane in a ponytail. Applejack playfully bit Rarity’s lip as they smooched causing a slight pleasure whimper to escape the white mare’s mouth. 

“Whoa…” a voice came from directly above them. The two ponies eyes shot open and they backed away from each other and looked around.

“Up here guys.” Rainbow Dash said looking at them from a cloud with a smug smile while trying to stifle laughter.

Applejack’s face turned as white as Rarity’s and Rarity herself looked on the verge of fainting.

“Don’t mind me, I’m just…” Rainbow said trying to finish her sentence before bursting into hysteric laughter. “OH CELESTIA THIS IS TOO RICH!” 

Both Rarity and Applejack became flushed with embarrassment and couldn’t even look at each other, let alone Rainbow Dash.

“I can see it in the headlines now!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as the cloud lowered. “”Ponyville’s Persnickety Princess Heads South for a Bit of Apple Affection ”!” She plopped on the cloud and clutched her stomach in laughter. “Oh Gabby Gums needs to make a comeback!”

Rarity growled. “What were you doing spying on us anyway? Haven’t you ever heard of privacy!!?”

“I was just gathering some clouds to fly into Ponyville when I happened to see my two friends in a secluded area. So I thought myself “Hey maybe I’ll give ‘em a little lightning scare. I could use a good prank”. But it turns out I’m the one who got the… SHOCK!” Rainbow Dash started rolling around on her own cloud laughing hysterically at her joke.

“Ya can’t tell no pony Rainbow Dash!” 

Rainbow Dash tried to stifle her giggles.

“Rainbow Dash! Promise us!” Rarity exclaimed.

The blue mare’s eyes filled with tears as she tried to keep from bursting with laughter. Both Rarity and Applejack growled at her.

“I just…hahaha...I…heehee…ahem…I just need to know one thing. Why were you guys… kissing?”

“I…uhm it…ehh…” Applejack looked at Rarity.

“It’s…it’s very hard to explain Rainbow Dash.”

The pegasus tilted her head in confusion.

“I mean…are you two…?”

“No no! Not at all!” Rarity exclaimed. She thought to herself for a second. She was attracted to colts as far as she knew. Yet, she had felt no stronger feelings than the ones she’d experienced with Applejack. It was confusing to say the least; how could she even begin to explain?

“It’s really hard to explain Rainbow,” the blonde haired mare began. “…it’s… just that, well, when ah’m with Rarity ah feel happier than a caterpillar in an apple tree. Ah’m not quite sure what it is, but it just feels right.

Rarity smiled. “And when Applejack and I…eh…kissed for the first time…it just…felt magical.”

“Like unicorn magic?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“No, not at all…a different type of magic, a…an emotional rush. A euphoric sensation that entangles your body and engulfs your mind. It’s like floating on clouds.”

Rainbow Dash raised a brow then looked down at the cloud on which she was standing. Applejack chuckled a bit and Rarity gently scratched her head smiling as she realized the irony in her analogy. 

“Eh, sounds boring. Whatever, I’ll leave you two love ponies to your…uh…whatever it is…”

“Promise us that ya won’t tell anypony first!” Applejack demanded. Rainbow Dash let out an annoyed sigh.

“I promise I won’t tell anypony.”

“Pinkie Promise!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” The pegasus said while making the necessary gestures to initiate the Pinkie Promise. Rarity and Applejack smiled.

“Thank you.”

“Whatever.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew off with the cloud headed back to Ponyville.

Applejack and Rarity looked at each other awkwardly before both looking down at the ground. An uncomfortable silence passed.

“We… we should stop Applejack.”

“Beg pardon?”

“Look at us. Look how carried away we’ve gotten, we were almost caught by our sisters, and now we’re out in public. I mean, what were we thinking? Who knows what other Pegasi could’ve seen us?”

Applejack nodded.

“Yeah, I reckon yer right sugarcube.” 

“Word would get out, and we’d both be shunned and lose our businesses.”

“Princess Celestia would prolly find out and we’d be banished…or even worse”

“I shudder to think.” Rarity said shivering.

“Well, ah guess… ah’ll see ya’ll round then?”

“I guess.”

The two ponies left the park and began going their separate ways, Applejack stopped and turned to Rarity.

“Rarity?” 

“Yes?” the unicorn said as she turned around.

“Yer still one of my best friends, and the most beautiful princessy princess ah know.”

“Oh Applejack, and you’re the most dazzling country mare and greatest friend I could ever ask for.”

Applejack walked up to Rarity and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

“Ah love you…darling” the earth pony said. The white equine’s eyes moistened and she reimbursed Applejack’s kiss with a soft peck on the lips.

“I love you too…sugarcube.” Rarity said in her best imitation of a southern accent while letting out a slight giggle.

Applejack blushed and smiled. The two ponies turned tail and headed back to their homes.	


> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“A sleep over?” Rarity inquired as she sketched her newest design. It had been about a week or so since the incident in the park with Rainbow Dash walking in on her and Applejack and as far as she could tell, the rainbow maned pegasus kept her promise.

“Yup, just the six of us, ghost stories, s’mores, pillow fights, annnnd make overs!” Twilight exclaimed. Rarity smiled. 

“Well, I do enjoy a good make over.” 

“And, my first sleep over was with you and Applejack, but I have yet to have one with all six of us! It’ll be great!”

“Yes…great…” Rarity said uncomfortably. Although a week had passed, not a second went by where she didn’t think about Applejack. While they never said it verbally, it was best they not see each other for a while until their feelings subsided. Rarity took a deep breath, perhaps this is what she needed to finally let go.
*************

“A sleep over?” Applejack asked.

“Yup! The six of us! Tonight! All the fun of the last sleep over with you and Rarity…well save for the tree that landed in my room.” Twilight giggled.

“Uh…yeah sure…ah’ll most certainly be there Twi…hehe…” Applejack said uneasily. Rarity had been on her mind ever since the incident with Rainbow Dash. The orange pony had never tried so hard to let go of such strong emotions before and attending a sleepover with the very object of her desire probably wasn’t gonna help get over them. Still, it had been a week; maybe it wouldn’t be as hard as she thought.

************

Time passed and soon Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity all found themselves at the purple equine’s library for the sleepover. 

Twilight fondled through her shelves to find her book on sleep overs when a knock on the door was heard.

“That must be Applejack! Rarity, could you get that please?”

“Certainly.” Rarity stood up and inhaled deeply. It was just Applejack, she hadn’t seen her in days and missed her more than she would admit, but they had ended that part of their friendship and that was that. Rarity slowly opened the door. Applejack’s eyes widened. 

“H-H-Howdy?” Applejack said desperately trying not to blush.. She expected just to see Rarity occasionally and maybe make some elusive eye contact throughout the night, yet here she was in front of her those beautiful azure eyes gazing lovingly into her heart. She felt her mouth go dry and a chill run up her spine. 
“Applejack, so…glad you could…make it…” Rarity said. She swallowed hard. Staring into those dazzling emerald eyes simply reminded her of being in the earth pony’s warm embrace not too long ago. Her heartbeat elevated and she felt her hind legs quiver. She took a deep breath and attempted to strike up casual conversation.

“Ahem…you’re late…although I shouldn’t be entirely surprised.”

Applejack cleared her throat.

“Well that’s what happens when yer a hard worker, although ya’ll wouldn’t know much about that would ya?”

“Hmph! Just make sure to remember to wipe your hooves this time before you come in.”

Rarity and Applejack glared at each other before their stares turned into sensual smiles. They leaned a bit closer to each other. Twilight popped in the middle of them.

“Um girls, the party is in here ya know?”

“Oh right! Excuse me.” Rarity said as she darted back in the house.

Twilight raised a brow and shrugged then turned to Applejack.

“What’s her deal?”

“Oh, she’s just bein ol’ loveable Rarity.” the earth mare said while casting an unnoticed lustful stare towards the elegant white unicorn.

“So true, glad you could make it Applejack.”

“Glad to be here sugarcube.”

Throughout the evening the gang told ghost stories, ate s’mores, had an epic pillow fight and even gave each other makeovers including Rainbow Dash despite her futile attempts to decline. As the night progressed the gang was engaging in a very intense game of truth or dare. 

“Alright Twilight. Truth or dare!” Pinkie asked.

“Ummmm truth!” Twilight said.

“Alright, is this the most awesomest, bestest, funnest, most super fantastically fantastical sleep over ever?”  the hyper pink pony asked while bouncing up and down.

“I can’t lie, it most certainly is!” Twilight giggled. 

“YAAAAAAAY!” Pinkie Pie bellowed.

“LAAAAAAAAME! Come on, can’t we do better than these namby pamby cutesy questions and dares?” the blue pegasus exclaimed.

“Well, alright Rainbow, why don’t you show us how it’s done?”

Rainbow Dash smiled mischievously. 

“Applejack…truth or dare.”

“Truth!”

“Kissed anypony special lately?”

Applejack’s heart stopped and her body went cold. She felt like such an imbecile. She and Rarity made Rainbow Dash promise not to tell anypony about her the kiss, but of course what better way to keep her promise than to force the truth out of her in truth or dare. It also didn’t help that she was the element of honesty. She couldn’t lie, could she? She shot a glance at Rarity who looked on the verge of hyperventilating. 

“Eeeeenope…” 

Dash raised a brow and flew over to look Applejack in the eyes.

“You’re not…lying…are you Applejack?”

“Course not!”

“Are you sure, cause you’re not supposed to LIE in truth or dare when someone asks you a truth…not to mention you ARE the element of honesty! So that’s double the lie!”

“Nope, ah’m tellin the complete and honest truth!”

“Are not!”

“Are too.”

“Are not!”

“Are too!”

“Are not!”

“Technically it depends on what your definition of “lately” is.” Twilight interjected.

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

“Well yeah, it’s a highly subjective term. “Lately” could range from yesterday, to a week ago, to a year ago. It all depends on the pony. So if Applejack did kiss someone say, three weeks ago, and she sees “lately” as only two days ago, than she would technically be telling the truth.” Twilight stated.

“Exactly! And recently is only two days fer me! Thank ya kindly Twilight!”

“Fine! Have you kissed anypony in the last three weeks?!” Dash interrogated 

Applejack gulped.

“That’s not fair! She already asked her question! She can’t ask another!” Rarity interrupted.

“What?! It’s the same question!” The blue equine retorted.

“Technically it’s not. Based on Twilight’s logic.” Fluttershy quipped. Rainbow sent a sharp glare in the shy mare’s direction causing the pony to lower her head.

“She’s right Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said as she consulted her book. “Technically, if we were to dissect your original question it would be: “Have you kissed any special somepony in the past two days?”. Now you’re asking if she’s kissed any special somepony in the past three weeks, and you can’t ask more than one question per turn.”

“AUGH!” Rainbow Dash bellowed. “Fine!!!”

As the turn progressed Pinkie Pie was dared to balance a book on her nose. Fluttershy was dared to scream at the top of her lungs. Rarity was dared to give Pinkie Pie a horse-back ride.  Twilight was dared to lasso Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had to tell the truth about enjoying the spa. Silliness like this continued until things circled back to the blue pegasus. 

“Alright Applejack.”

“Uh oh…” Applejack thought to herself.

“You can’t truth or dare the same person twice in a row Dash.” Twilight said. 

“Ugh fine! Rarity! Truth or dare!” 

“Dare” Rarity said.

“Have you kissed any special somepony within the past few weeks?”

“Ain’t there a rule about askin the same question twice?”

“It’s not the same question!” Dash snapped.

“Actually there is…” Twilight referenced her book again. “You nor any other player are allowed to ask the same or a different variation of the same question in a game more than once. Sorry Dashie.” 

“Besides…I picked DARE Rainbow Dash.”

“Fine then…I DARE you to tell the TRUTH about whether or not you kissed a certain SOMEPONY within the past few weeks!”

“Is that even legal?” Pinkie Pie asked turning to Fluttershy who merely shrugged.

“I don’t see it here in the book.” Twilight said still flipping through.

“Well Rarity? Answer the question!” 

Rarity swallowed hard.

“Well…I…”

“Wait…Fluttershy, didn’t we skip your turn?” Pinkie Pie suddenly remembered.

“Oh…yes, but…Rainbow Dash seemed so eager to go… so I didn’t mind.”

“Well that’s mighty neighborly of ya Fluttershy but that doesn’t seem fair!”

“It’s ok, really...”

“No, I insist Fluttershy! It would be absolutely uncivil and rude of me! Rarity contended.

“Oh come on! We’re already in the middle of a turn!” Rainbow yelled.

“I don’t mind if ya’ll don’t.” 

“I most certainly do not.”

“Okey Dokey Lokey!”

“Oh come on!” Rainbow yelled. “Twilight! Back me up!”

“Dares, Double Daring Do Dares, Triple Daring Do Dares, Mare Dare,” the purple unicorn said to herself as she flipped through her book.

“Three against one! Alright Fluttershy! Take yer turn sugarcube!”

“Um…okay…Rarity…truth or dare?”

“Dare, darling.” 

Rainbow Dash whispered in the yellow mare’s ear.

“But I don’t want t-”

The blue equine whispered more violently into Fluttershy’s  ear.

“But it’s my tu-” the shy pony objected again before receiving a hard stare and a growl from Rainbow.

“O-Okay…Rarity…I dare you to tell the truth about whether or not you kissed a certain somepony within the last three weeks.”

The room went silent. Rarity’s heart raced. 

“Well Fluttershy…I…”

“AH-HA! FOUND IT! A dare is not to be used as a form of drawing a truth out of a player. Therefore any dare that begins with “I dare you to tell the truth about…” or any variation of this is not an acceptable playing strategy and thus the turn becomes null and void.”

“OH, COME ON!!!!” the winged blue equine yelled as she slammed her hooves into the ground. “Forget this I’m going to bed!

Rainbow took her pillow and hopped into the bed Twilight had prepared.

“Come to think of it…” Fluttershy yawned. “I’m actually kind of tired myself…”  The yellow pony walked over to the bed Rainbow Dash was in and slipped in gently before the covers were snatched from her out of frustration.

“Alright! Well I guess it’s time for the least popular part of the sleep over! Which is…sleep!” Twilight laughed to herself as she picked up her pillow. “Rarity, Applejack, I still have  that extra bed across from mine for you two to sleep in like last time.”

“Sounds…eh…” Applejack started.

“Great…” Rarity finished.

“Pinkie? You ok sharing my bed with me?” 

“Okey Dokey Lokey!” Pinkie Pie sprang up and belly flopped right on Twilight’s bed. Twilight laughed as she took the stairs. “Oh Pinkie.”

Rarity and Applejack gave each other awkward smiles. As they proceeded to the stairs Applejack removed her hat and stepped to the side gesturing that Rarity go first. 

“Yer highness.”

Rarity blushed.

“Why thank you…” Rarity said as she started up the stairs.

That night, all the ponies were sleeping soundly except two. Applejack and Rarity were lying facing away from each other; both desperately wanting to strike up a conversation but both too fearful to do so. Rarity cleared her throat. Applejack used this as an excuse to speak to her.

“Ya say something Rarity?”

“Um…no…”

“Oh, well…alright then.”

A few moments passed.

“Are ya sure ya’ll aint say nuthin’”? Applejack asked as she turned around talking to the back of Rarity’s head.

“I’m sure…”

“Cause if’in ya did say somethin’ or ya know, wanted to say somethin’ ya know yer more than welcome.”

“Yes Applejack I’m aware of that.” Rarity said apathetically.

Applejack sighed and turned back around. Rarity turned towards her.

“Actually, I do have…something to say.”

Applejack turned back around her eyes slightly gleaming.

Rarity grinned.

“Keep your muddy hooves on YOUR side of the bed.”

Applejack raised a brow in confusion. Three seconds passed and she smiled as it clicked.

“My hooves ain’t muddy!” the orange equine said playing along.

“They were before, there might still be a little on them!”

“There ain’t! See?” Applejack said as she stuck her hoof up.

Rarity kissed it softly and smiled at Applejack who shot her a smile back.

“I mean…eww!” the unicorn said playfully as she turned from Applejack while pulling the covers away. Applejack yanked the covers hard enough to restore equilibrium, in doing the force caused Rarity to roll over so close that her horn poked the top of the earth pony’s head.

“Yeowch!” Applejack wailed in a whisper.

The white pony giggled. 

“See what happens when you behave so brutishly?” 

Applejack closed her eyes, and shrugged with a slight smile. Rarity gently planted a few soft kisses on the earth pony’s head. She gently kissed down to her eyebrows then her to her eye lids, she eventually got to her cheek and stopped. Applejack opened her eyes and looked into Rarity’s. She could see the ardent desire in them. Applejack leaned in and bit Rarity’s lower lip lovingly as if to tell her she had been just as eager as she was. The two ponies leaned in simultaneously and locked lips, not wasting anytime in wrapping their forelegs around each other. The crickets seemed to chirp a song of adornment as the two friends kissed sensually; lips rubbing, tongues dancing while they exchanged saliva and body heat.

“Rarity?! Applejack!?” a voice said in an excitedly hushed whisper.

The two opened their eyes to see Twilight standing over top of them, 

“What are you two doing?! Are you two…kissing?!”

They both opened their mouths to protest but nothing came out but a variation of “I’s” “Um’s” “Eh’s and “Err’s”.

“I can’t believe this…the book doesn’t say anything about kissing…aside from that…both of you are MARES!” Twilight said slightly panicked and shocked.

“Looky here Twilight, we was just…”

“I have to write to the princess…I don’t know how to feel about this…” the egg-head equine said before backing away and running down the stairs.

“Twilight wait!” Rarity called as she and Applejack rushed down the stairs after her.

Twilight turned the light on and gasped. As the unicorn and the earth pony reached the bottom of the stairs their jaws dropped at what they saw.  

“Dear”

“Sweet”

“Celestia…”

In the bed on Twilight’s living room floor, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were pressed against each other lips locked into what appeared to be a very intense kiss. They moaned silently as their lips switched back and forth and their tongues swiveled around each other freely as if they were sword fighting. The shy pegasus cheeks reddened as she began nibbling and licking on Rainbow’s neck.

“Oh…F-F-Fluttershyyyyeeee…”

“FLUTTERSHY!? RAINBOWDASH!” Twilight screamed.

Fluttershy gasped and squeaked as she pulled the covers over herself. It took Rainbow Dash a second to realize what was happening as she was recovering from the euphoria of the soft spoken pony’s pleasurably rough neck bites. Then she blushed slightly.

“Oh…hey guys…hehehehe…”

Twilight’s right eye started twitching.

“Now wait a gosh darn second…since when are you and Fluttershy…eh…ah…” Applejack couldn’t bring herself to form the sentence.

“Alright alright…after I saw you and Rarity in the park that time…I kinda…told Fluttershy about it and wanted to try it…there ok?!”

“You told Fluttershy!?!” Rarity yelled.

“This has happened more than once?!” Twilight bellowed.

“I didn’t mean to! The way you described it sounded kinda cool and I couldn’t just ask one of you guys since I bagged on you so hard about it. So I asked Fluttershy.” Rainbow explained. She yanked the covers off the yellow equine. Fluttershy turned red and gave a guilty smile.

“I…I didn’t want to at first, I told her no so many times but then I started to get curious as to why she wanted to try it so badly but I still wasn’t sure and she just did it out of nowhere and…and…and…” Fluttershy’s eyes watered and she lowered her head. “I liked it…a lot…”

“I can’t believe this!” Twilight said.

“I mean, it’s not like it’s that much of a big deal thing. It’s just fun and  kinda awesome! Rarity and Applejack are the ones with all the weird gooey lovey dovey stuff behind it.”

“Whoa now hold on there Rainbow! Don’t you go criticizing us!”

“SHUUUUUT UUUUUUP!” Twilight bellowed. The room went silent.

“It doesn’t matter WHY you guys are doing it…it’s the fact that you’re doing it period! You are all mares! Mares aren’t supposed to kiss Mares! Just like Colts aren’t supposed to kiss Colts! That’s like my brother Shining Armor kissing Big Mac…BLECH!” Twilight shuddered as the thought flashed in her head.

“Twilight, darling…” Rarity said approaching her.

“Don’t darling me! Are me and Pinkie Pie the only ponies here not kissing each other?”

Suddenly, Pinkie tackled Twilight and planted a big passionate smooch on Twilight’s lips.

“There ya go! Now we’re not!”

Twilight spit on the ground then wiped her mouth.

“PINKIE! WHAT THE HAY!?”

“What? I thought you didn’t want us to be left out?”

“THAT’S NOT AT ALL WHAT I MEANT!”

“Geez Twilight calm-” Rainbow Dash started.

“EVERYBODY GO TO BED! NOW! I NEED TIME TO THINK!” 

Twilight stormed out of the house. 

“Ohhh…Twilight wait!” Fluttershy attempted to fly after her before Applejack pulled her back by the tail.

“Let ‘er go…she needs ta clear her head.”

The soft spoken pony sighed and retreated back to bed.

Rarity and Applejack both went back up the stairs and got in their bed. Pinkie Pie was the only one standing in the middle of the room.

“Sooo is the sleep over…over? Or would that be an oxymoron? What do you say when a sleep over is over? Do you say: “Sleep over over?” That sounds kinda weird. Sleep over over! Sleep over over! SLEEP over over. Sleep OVER over. Sleep over OVER. SLEEP over OVER! SLEEP OVER over! Sleep OVER OVER! SLEEP OVER OV-!”

“PINKIE! Shut up and go back to sleep!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“Okey Dokey Lokey!” Pinkie exclaimed as she belly flopped in bed again. There was silence for about thirty seconds before the pink pony gasped.

“OH MY GOSH! What if you were having a sleep over with walkie talkies?! Then what would you say!? Sleep over over, over? But THAT sounds even weirder! Sleep over over, over! SLEEP over over, over. Sleep OVER over, over! Slee-”. Pinkie was silenced as four pillows hit her in the face.

A couple minutes passed and soon the sound of snoring was heard, however, the only person snoozing was Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash Applejack and Rarity all sat in their beds concerned.

“What if she never wants to talk to us again?” Fluttershy asked.

“We’re her best friends, that ain’t somethin’ ya just throw away on a whim.”

“Yes but, this isn’t just a mere whim darling, not to mention we kept this a secret from her.”

“But is this really something you just go around openly admitting?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

The four ponies sighed. An eerie quietness engulfed the room again. Rarity and Applejack looked at each other and frowned. They both shared a great sense of guilt. None of this would’ve happened had they just kept their emotions under control.

“You guys think she’s seriously gonna tell the princess?” Rainbow asked breaking the silence.

“Ah sure hope not…” Applejack said.

“I shudder to think how Princess Celestia would even take such news.” Rarity worried.

A tear fell down Fluttershy’s face. 

“I don’t care who she tells…I just hope we can all still be friends after this…”

Rainbow Dash hugged her pegasus friend and Rarity and Applejack came down to make it a group hug. The pony quad fell asleep together and soon morning came. The door opened and the lights came on. Twilight had a solemn look on her face. She looked at her friends as they slowly awoke and they looked back at her. Twilight went over to her table and used magic to open a scroll as she dipped her quill in ink.

“Dear Princess Celestia…”

Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy all watched her intently.

“Today at my slumber party…”

The girls bit their lower lips and looked among each other then back at Twilight.

“I witnessed an abnormal act among my friends; mare on mare kissing. I’m unsure of how such behavior is condoned in Equestria, but I wanted to report it to you immediately so that it could be dealt with ASAP. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. SPIKE!”

Spike opened up a door from another room. It was the room in which Twilight once took Pinkie so she could study her “Pinkie Sense”. It was a room in which sound could neither get in or out and the baby dragon would sometimes sleep in that room when Twilight and Owlicious were working late at night or, in this case, when Twilight would have a sleepover. Spike yawned as he approached Twilight.

“Yes Twilight?”

“I need you to send a letter to the princess.”

“This one?”  Spike said as he sat on the stool and rolled it up tying a bow on it. Fluttershy, 
Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity’s eyes widened as Spike took a deep breath to send the letter. Twilight used magic to take the letter from him and she tossed it in the fire place burning it to ashes. The ponies looked confused.

“What?” Fluttershy asked.

“Ah, ah don’ get it…” Applejack said.

“Take a letter Spike.” Twilight commanded.

“Um…ok?” he said as he dipped the quill in the ink and prepared to write.

“Dear Princess Celestia, today I learned the true meaning of the word “love” and the definition of the word “tolerate”. You see, true love is unconditional, it is patient, it is kind and non-judgmental. Who we love is not always about choice and everypony expresses it differently. This reins particularly true when it comes to your friends. They may do something that you don’t like or don’t agree with or you can’t even understand.”

The four ponies lowered their heads.

“However, this is where love and tolerance co-relate. Although you don’t understand what they are doing, it is not your right to place judgment upon them if it isn’t causing harm to anypony. At the end of the day you have to understand that there is room in this world for all creatures, big and small, therefore there is room for all their interests and preferences too. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”

Spike finished writing, rolled up the scroll, put a bow on it and blew. 

“There ya go. It’s on its way.”

“I was wrong to snap at you girls. Can you ever forgive me?”

“So, you mean, you still want us as friends?” Fluttershy said as her eyes watered.

“Of course! Just because I don’t understand it doesn’t mean I have the right to judge you guys. You’ve been there for me far too many times for me to just throw our friendship away on something this silly.”

Fluttershy hugged Twilight tightly and inhaled deeply.

“Yay….” She said softly.

Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack all laughed they all embraced in a group hug.
As the hug broke the blue pegasus lowered her head and turned to Applejack and Rarity.

“Sorry, guys for breaking the Pinkie Promise.”

The two mares smiled at their friend

“It’s quite alright Rainbow Dash.”

“Eeeeyup!” Applejack said as she nuzzled Rarity who giggled.

Rainbow smiled at them.

Suddenly Pinkie Pie dropped from the top floor and sprung her back legs into the blue pegasus’ face. Rainbow Dash hit a nearby bookshelf then was covered in books as she landed on the floor.

“Ow! Hey! What was that for?!”

“For breaking a Pinkie Promise! NOPONY BREAKS A PINKIE PROMISE!” Pinkie glared.

Twilight laughed and hugged Pinkie.

“Oh Pinkie Pie…you’re so…so…”

“RANDOM!” Rainbow Dash yelled as she glared angrily at Pinkie before groaning and putting a hoof to her head.

The other ponies laughed hysterically. Spike titled his head in confusion.

“Did I …miss something?”

The six equines only laughed and giggled harder as Spike looked around and shrugged his shoulders.

“Girls…”

> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Now yer gonna wanna aim fer this part of the tree. This is the weakest part of the trunk so when ya hit it, the force will cause most, if not all the apples ta fall.” Applejack explained.

“Alright…here goes nothing.” the white unicorn said as she lowered her body and prepared for a kick.

“HiiiiiiiiiYA!” Rarity bellowed as she bucked the tree with all her might. The apples cascaded down like a waterfall. She bounced up and down with joy admiring her accomplishment.

“I did it? I did it! I DID IT!” she screamed.

Applejack cheered.

“Whooo doggy! Now that right there is some goooood applebuckin’!” 

Rarity hugged Applejack. The orange equine put her hat atop Rarity’s head.

“Rarity the Unicorn, the official apple buckin’ cowgirl princess!”

“Thank you Applejack.”

“Aw shucks ya’ll don’t have to thank me, ya were strong enough all along; it was simply a matter of knowin’ where to hit the tree.”

“Speaking of that…” Rarity said before giving a smug smile.

*******

Applejack glared as she held fine fabric in her hooves. 

“How in the hay did what ah said have anythin’ to do with relatin’ to this here again?”

“Shhhh! Focus! Now ease the fabric slowly through the machine in as straight a line as possible.”

Applejack sighed. “Fine…” 

Applejack attempted to push the fabric through but she couldn’t quite get a handle on it. 

“Ugh! This is too dang hard with my hooves! Ah’m just gonna use mah tail. It’s helped me with lasso-in’. Ah’m sure it can help me with this.” Applejack said as she turned around eyeing the needle as she pushed the fabric with her tail.

“No no no no Applejack wait stop!”

A loud scream was heard across over Ponyville. 

Applejack twitched and whimpered as Rarity used magic to take a needle and carefully unstitch the fabric from Applejack’s tail. 

“Carefuuuul! Yeowch!” Applejack cried.

“I tell you time and time again, you can’t just use force to get things done.” Rarity scolded as she got the last stitch out and cast her glasses and needle to the side. “There…all better?”

“Kinda….buuuut ah think a kiss will help even more…” the orange mare said cutely.

“I am not kissing your tail Applejack.”

“Awww come on…” 

“No…”

“Pleeeeaaaase?”

“No!”

“Pretty please with some apple sugar on top?”

“I said no!”

“C’mon! One little smooch Rarity! Ya’ll know ya wanna!” The earth pony wrapped her tail around Rarity’s neck.

“Applejack stop!” the unicorn pushed her away.

“C’mon now pucker up!”

“Stop it this instant!”

Applejack started waving her tail in Rarity’s face as she tried to trot away. The orange mare ran backwards chasing her while still fluttering her tail. This went on for the next few minutes until eventually…

Two loud screams filled the air.

Rarity glared as she sat next to Applejack, their tails now stitched together.

“Hehehe…whoopsy daisy…”

“See what you cause Applejack? You and your brutish behavior! Ugh!”

Applejack leaned against Rarity and snuggled her.

“Eeeyup, but part of being friends is lovin’ and acceptin’ all their ways! Just like Twilight said.”

“Yes but she also mentioned as long as it doesn’t cause HARM to anypony!”

“Oh c’mon…how harmful is it being stuck to lil’ ‘ol me?” The blonde maned equine nuzzled Rarity’s cheek.

“UGH!” 

The unicorn used her magic to get the needle and put on her sewing glasses as she started unstitching their tails. Applejack leaned closer and the white horse glared.

“Could you move? Your head is in the wa-“

Applejack planted a kiss on Rarity’s lips and then smiled.

“Well then…” the unicorn tossed the needle aside. “I suppose we could be stuck together for just…a LITTLE while longer.”

Rarity and Applejack’s lips met once again for a few seconds and Applejack broke the kiss. She took the white mare’s glasses and put them on her face. 

“Love ya darling…” Applejack said.

Rarity took Applejack’s hat and put it atop her head.

“Love you too sugarcube.” Rarity responded.

The two friends kissed as the light from the sunset shined gently through the window and beamed down upon them.