Aging brings about a certain weariness. Why, after all these years, have Applejack and Rarity never left Ponyville? And why, despite their individual victories, do they feel so empty? At least they have each other…
Another year older, another year grayer.
Things have settled into a routine for a while, but neither of them admits how dragging it is. The boredom and tedium of aging has started to wear them down.
After all, they saved the world multiple times, their businesses are incredibly successful, and all their friends and loved ones are happy, so why wouldn’t they be, too?
What is missing that makes them feel so hollow?
At least you still have your last friend in Ponyville.
The best part of your day.
And maybe, just maybe, she’s the answer to your emptiness.
Lyra and Bonbon are getting remarried, again, and they’re making it Ponyville's problem.
Not that it was a problem to anybody, after all, Ponyville was the town for parties, joy and reverie, as it had always been; This is where the magic happens, after all. It was just another excuse for the town to get together and have a good time, and Applejack minded least of all, as she entered the festivities looking for a certain someone.
It was a quiet sort of lively; and the party was set on a handful of large tents in the outskirts of town, with a good view of all the houses in it, plenty of small round tables, Lovely lights that hung from wires entangled on trees and around the tents, a band played calm, yet loving jazz, and of course, the joyful mingling of the townsfolk. Their warmth protected them from the chill Autumn air.
And hey, free food, free wine. Who, at this age, could say no to that?
The sun was setting behind clouds, giving the sky an almost purple hue. That shade reminded her of that certain someone.
The Farmer’s old weary eyes darted around the crowd and tables, absentmindedly greeting whoever recognized her, but looking for someone specifically as she pushed through the party with ease.
And there she was. Her last friend in Ponyville; The best part of her day.
Rarity sat alone at a table at the edge of the party, gaze idly rested on the partygoers, with a listless air to her, more than one wine cup into this soiree. She was dressed with a lovely dark blue coat, adorned with things Applejack would describe as ‘Shiny’ But more aptly were reflective. Atop it, a lovely fur covered her neck, and as always, she was stunning.
The moment their eyes met it was as if the rest of the party simply wasn’t there, faded into the background. Rarity’s eyes lit up as she smiled, beckoning her friend over. And Applejack gleefully complied.
It was an old, weary smile they both shared. “Look at you, all dressed up and I didn’t even have to ask. Is that one of the suits I made for you? You always did look handsome in a tie, dear…” Her voice was raspier, but it spoke as sweetly as it ever did, as she inspected her Farmer friend’s outfit with adoring eyes.
Applejack let her do as she pleased, adjust her suit, tighten her tie, anything she liked, it was nearly routine whenever she wore a Rarity-made outfit; And she didn’t mind it at all. That closeness felt lovely. She smiled, being lost on the old Unicorn’s eyes, seeing the lights of the party reflect off her mane and coat lovingly. “Ya look good rares, but that much ya know, I don’t even gotta say it.”
“Say it anyway.” Rarity smiled, and hid that smile in her wine cup, bringing it to her lips.
“You look as gorgeous as ever, sugarcube.” As usual, she was honest, and she reveled in speaking her mind, especially as she could see Rarity’s cheeks getting redder, but that much could certainly be indicative of the wine she was having.
The Unicorn let out a hearty quiet chuckle, smiling more now that her last friend in Ponyville was here. “Graying is not a good look on me, darling. I'm running out of ways to pull it off…” Her eyes trailed off from the crowd to the night sky.
Shaking her head, Applejack disagreed completely. Rarity had aged even better than the wine she was drinking. “That’s a load of baloney, sugarcube. I think ya haven’t lost a step. Wrinkles here, gray hairs there, they don’t change nothin’. Yer still stunnin’.”
With another quiet chuckle, Rarity fidgeted with her lovely mane. “Eh, it’s only natural, dear. I couldn’t hold the title of most beautiful mare in Ponyville all my life, you know…?”
Tipping her hat, leaning back on her chair, Applejack spoke honestly, as she always did. “Again, baloney. In this farmer’s humble opinion, yer takin’ that title to yer grave.”
That ever so slight reddening of her face, and that adorable little smile perked up on Rarity’s face as she side eyed her friend. “Oh, you’re just saying that…”
With a joking gasp, and a fun tone, Applejack made light of the situation. “Gasp! Rarity the generous, callin’ me, Applejack the honest, a liar? Unheard of! Shameful! My integrity is besmirched!” She really sold that last word, unsure of how to even pronounce it.
Both of them shared hearty quiet laughs, enjoying each other's companies as they always did. It really did feel like the party simply faded into the distance.
Seeing Rarity bring another cup of wine to her lips, Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Now hangon, how many of these have ya had?”
A sheepish smile, side eyeing her friend once more. “A couple…”
Immediately springing to action, Applejack got up from the table. “I’m gonna get ya some water and us both some snacks.”
Rarity couldn’t hide her disappointment as she groaned. “Aw but Applejack, you just sat down...”
“No buts! I’ll be right back, sugarcube.” Ever the dependable friend, she disappeared into the crowd, with determination. ‘Disappeared’ not being the most apt description, since she was taller than most if not all ponies present; and easy to see from where her friend was sitting; Rarity kept her eyes on her throughout the whole time.
One of the partygoers must have gotten a bit rowdy, accidentally tipping over a large soundbox; The music stopped, and the party, instead of groaning in disappointment, just chuckled, just as lively.
And Applejack, ever the handywoman, interrupted her search to single handedly and easily lift the amp back into its proper place, making sure no one was hurt; Aiding the band to resume playing.
And Rarity couldn’t help but smile, seeing one of her oldest friends, as usual, be so chivalrous and helpful.
Moments later, Applejack was back on the table, holding a tray that had several knicknacks with her teeth; Placing down for them both to share.
“You brought more wine.” Rarity suppressed laughter, inspecting the contents of the tray.
“Oh that’s for me, sugarcube. Yer havin’ the water and the snacks now. I don’t know what these rolly things are, I think some sorta fruit salad thingamajig?”
With fluid magic motions and a shrug, Rarity served herself some water and oeur d'oeuvres. “Good enough for me, darling. Go on, sit.” She beckoned, and the Farmer obeyed.
After hydrating, she smiled once more, gazing at her old friend. “Well darling, speaking of having not lost a step… I see age has not made you any weaker.”
With a long swig of a wine glass, she smiled back at her. “Heh, as long as I can stand, I can work. I ain’t lettin’ a few gray hairs stop me from bein’ the most dependable pony in Ponyville!”
“Another title that will be taken to the grave, no doubt.” She took a drink of water, reveling in the presence of her friend and her strength.
With another chuckle, Applejack piped in. “Speakin’ of all this ‘title’ nonsense; I got asked for more autographs yesterday. Some tourists came by the farm.”
Another giggle, another swig. “Ah, yes, the tourists. My clientele is varied, but more often than not a group of fans stops by my shop; And on my franchises too, (Sassy and Coco often forward the letters to me) Not that I mind, that infamy is certainly something I dreamed of…”
Scratching her own chin, Applejack took a bite out of some of the snacks, nodding. That infamy brought both of their businesses some good. “I suppose it can’t be helped. Bein’ legendary heroes n’ all. Did Twilight n’ Sunset raise more statues of us in canterlot or somethin’?”
A chuckle at their friend’s expense, and a bite of the snacks. “Knowing them, they have a whole museum in all of our names. The ‘inheritors of Night and Day’ may be busy ushering in a new golden age of Equestria, but they sure seem to be often finding free time to be nostalgic.”
Leaning back on the chair, enjoying her wine, Applejack looked at the night sky ahead. “Can’t blame ‘em. They ain’t called the ‘good ol’ days’ for nothin’.”
The Unicorn stretched and yawned, feeling weary, and then hydrated some more, with her eyes gazing at nothing. “The past is in the past, darling, no matter how much we miss it. I don’t imagine I'd have the strength to go gallivanting around on some world saving adventure nowadays– It’s a good thing those two have a good wrap on everything.”
The thought brought Applejack amusement. “Hah! Can ya imagine; If they got the gang together for one last adventure? A buncha ol’ ponies and two Alicorn Princesses savin’ Equestria, just like old times. Now that’d be a load of applesauce.”
“Heh, yes, indeed, that would be absurd.” She agreed, and they both got a bit quieter, with the mood dampening.
They sighed. It was clear to both of them that an adventure would be a welcome break from the tedium of aging, but neither of them wanted to say it, as they looked down at the table. It was a silent understanding.
It would be something. It would be anything. Not the routine.
They remained quiet for a little while longer, memories swirling of years and years of adventures, now settled for a quiet life, unsure of what to say.
Applejack decided to break the silence and change the subject. “So Rares… Ya didn’t come to their last remarriage, what made ya wanna come to this one…?”
With an inhale, Rarity picked her composure back up. “Oh, you know… Lyra asked me to do some of the effects for when they dance, and I have already been done with all my work for the week since yesterday. Spending today alone at home felt worse than seeing these two lovebirds do their thing, again. Oh and besides, free wine.”
A bad taste in the Farmer’s mouth, as she realized the implications of loneliness from her friend. “Dang, all done and it’s only Friday, huh? At least ya got a whole weekend free!”
“Yes, hooray… I suppose I might visit the spa. I haven’t got any plans beside our weekly Sunday tea...” That last part, at least made her smile a bit, meeting with Applejack once a week was a delight.
But the Farmer could notice the undertones. “Ya don’t sound excited…?”
Rarity changed the subject immediately. “How about you? What made you pull away from your chores to come here?”
Taking another swig of wine, the Farmer smiled. “Well, like ya said, free wine. I can always finish up at the farm at night, it’s no bother. Besides, there’s good company.” She looked at Rarity, eye to eye.
The truth was, for both of them, they just wanted another excuse to see an old friend.
The Unicorn looked away, the tone dampening once more. “It must be lonely, being on Apple Acres nowadays…”
With a shrug, and another snack, Applejack responded. “Well, I keep busy. I ain’t got time to think about all that.” It wasn’t necessarily a lie, she did distract herself rather easily with her routine. But the need for a distraction in itself called attention.
With a light chuckle, Rarity knew it was necessary to shift the subject. “Applebloom seems to be really happy with my sister and Scootaloo in college. Sweetiebelle often sends letters; They still haven't learned any decorum, the parties she talks about…”
The Farmer’s face lit up slightly on hearing of her family, thinking about them, wherever they are. “Oh yeah. Applebloom’s mighty happy; Everytime she writes I can tell she’s bouncin’ off the walls.”
Giggling mischievously, Rarity took another swig. “I think those three might be becoming some sort of item.”
With an exhale, Applejack took a long swig of wine, and continued in a jokey tone. “Oh great Celestia, if the cutie mark crusaders become a ‘polycule’ or whatever the young'ins call it nowadays, I’m fairly sure Equestria’s in danger.”
“As if they weren’t unstoppable just as friends…” They both shared hearty laughter together, thinking about their little sisters and their usual goofy demeanors.
After the laughter, quiet once more.
That quiet... Rarity didn’t like it. She wanted to hear Applejack’s voice more. “What about your brother, are he and Sugarbelle…?”
With a nod, the Farmer smiled more. “Oh, they still visit once a month. It’s always nice to see ‘em. I think they might try to have fillies of their own soon; Though that may only be my sisterly premonition, heh.”
Just the idea made Rarity giggle. “Oh, wouldn’t that be something... More Apples.”
Both of them shared snickers at the idea, which once again led to quiet.
And that quiet, no matter how comfortable it was, seemed unbearable.
“...Applejack,”
But she was interrupted, with applause from the crowd and whistles and cheers; the two brides walked into the middle of the tent, and joyfully began dancing together, slowly, accentuated by the music.
“O-oh! That’s my queue.” With a smile, Rarity lit up her horn, her blue magic soothingly spreading across the room, dazzling everyone.
She was a one-mare-show; her pale blue aura covered the room as if it was aurora borealis, taking the shape of several doves that took gleeful flight around all of them. The band played a soothing smooth song, which Rarity’s magic reacted to, almost pulsating with the sound of the music. She moved her head ever so slightly, feeling the magic and the music as one, and to the Farmer, that in itself was a beautiful show.
Applejack watched the whole thing, delighted, mesmerized. “I always forget how good ya are at that…”
Smiling back, Rarity made it indeed look effortless. “Practice makes perfect, darling.”
The show continued, some doves exploding into stars, turning into butterflies. The audience applauded quietly and were delighted, as the two lovers danced.
Lyra and Bonbon, in the middle of that crowd, danced slowly, eyes only for each other, smiling deeply.
Letting out a chuckle, Applejack was amused, watching the show. “Heh, look at those two. Why the heck do they do this sorta thing every decade anyways?”
Continuing the show with ease, Rarity snickered mischievously. “To give free wine to the whole town, I imagine. Maybe they’re trying to make it into a holiday?”
And Applejack shared on those snickers. “They ain’t even divorcin’, they just love remarrying. ‘Ohhh look at us’ sorta thing, heheh.”
The magical show continued effortlessly, with an Alicorn hologram taking flight, and prancing around the air gleefully. The Alicorn resembled a younger Rarity incredibly. She, however, continued her subtle mockery quietly. “Our love is just so special, we simply muuuuust make everypony witness it, all eyes on us!”
With another snicker, Applejack took another swig of the wine, already being over a glass in. “Hoho, y’know what that reminds us? Our Princess friends. Don’t they got like ten holidays related to celebration’ their love or somethin?”
Snickering, she nodded. “Eleven now, actually. There’s a new one upcoming next month, called ‘the festival of dreams and daydreams’ or something of that sort.”
Their laughter faded, but the Farmer still smiled. “Those two are shameless. I gotta respect it though; Hell, if I loved somepony that much I'd wanna show it off too.”
Rarity got quiet, not knowing what to say, and a strange feeling settled in her stomach.
Eyes on the Alicorn Rarity hologram that danced joyfully in the air, Applejack leaned back in her chair, a bit forlorn. “Kinda crazy, ain’t it? Lovin’ someone so loud ya claim it publicly over and over, shamelessly happy…”
Both of the old friends' gaze rested on the two brides, who embraced each other lovingly, leaning foreheads together, eye to eye, muzzle to muzzle. They had grown so much, but their love for eachother remained loud and proud. Much like Applejack and Rarity, they were graying, and yet, they smiled like they had everything.
“...And growin’ old together…” The Farmer trailed off, not smiling anymore, feeling a bit listless.
Maybe it was those words, maybe it was the mare that said them, maybe it was the wedding, or the two lovers that she was observing, or maybe it was just her old age; But at that moment, Rarity felt empty. She shuddered with a sigh, suppressing the quiet desire to tear up. The feeling on her stomach grew larger, twisting itself, and she didn’t understand what it meant.
Instinctively, she leaned her head on the farmer’s shoulder, and just like that, she didn’t feel so empty anymore, her friend’s warmth on her side.
The wedding goers applauded, as the two brides kissed, and it was Rarity’s queue to wrap up the light show; and so she did, turning what remained of her aura into quiet fireworks.
And yet, the Alicorn Rarity remained, her prance stopped, as she floated above them, her loving gaze still on Applejack.
“Neat trick, sugarcube. She looks lovely.” Applejack smiled, recognizing exactly who that Alicorn was.
“U-um, O-oh, yes.” The involuntary nature of that magic surprised even its wielder, as Rarity got a bit embarrassed with the mishap. With a wave of her horn, the hologram faded.
With an exhale, she leaned her head on the Farmer’s shoulder once more. She didn’t understand how or why she felt that way, but she felt utterly exhausted, and didn’t want to move. Maybe it was the wine.
Maybe.
Wrapping an arm around her friend, and speaking softly, Applejack showed her concern. “Everythin’ okay, sugarcube…?”
As she rested her head on the nook between Applejack’s neck and chest, nuzzling her, being careful not to poke her with her horn, she could feel the vibrations of Applejack’s voice through her body, and it felt just right. And yet, she felt that weariness. “Just… my age catching up to me, I think…”
She hadn’t even noticed how cold she felt until she leaned on the Farmer’s warm body. Every second made her realize how closer she wanted to be. How closer she needed to be.
Why was she feeling this now, she had no clue, but it felt like dominos that had been tumbling for ages finally collapsing a tower.
Applejack, on the other hand, just looked at her with concern. Seeing an old friend like this… it seemed to be something deeper than hurt. And she’d do just about anything to see Rarity smile.
“Want me to take ya home…?”
“Please…”
The streets of Ponyville were quiet at night; most were at the party, which still made sounds in the distance, humming alongside crickets around them. The sky was lovely and clear, with the moon and stars lighting their way home, they purposely picked routes away from lamp posts so they could see the night sky with more clarity.
They walked together, and Rarity leaned on Applejack, unsure of what was making her so sentimental at this time; She felt a lot and didn’t process any of it.
Applejack spoke, and every word, no matter what it was, aided her comfort. “...The last postcard I got from her was from Yakyakistan, believe it or not. I got noooo idea what Pinkie was up to all the way out there, but that’s our Pinkie, for ya...”
Letting out a frail chuckle, Rarity just rejoiced in the Farmer’s scent; the same old smell of farm and apples she always had. She almost forgot to give a reply. “H-heh… That girl’s everywhere. Last postcard I got was from the land of griffons.”
Letting out a quiet snicker, Applejack gazed at the stars, keeping her pace slow so her friend wouldn’t let go. “Heheh… that girl ain’t never sat still. Well, I'm glad she’s out travelin’ and doin what she loves. I wonder what it’s like…”
For a brief moment, the Farmer felt the opposite of homesickness; A wonder for what it was like to be away from home. A longing that led to guilt of even considering leaving.
Rarity’s mind went elsewhere, as she spoke softly. “I wonder about the others, too… Haven’t heard of Rainbow or Fluttershy in a while.”
She scratched her own chin, remembering. “Last I heard of Dash and Fluttershy, the wonderbolts were tourin’ again, and Fluttershy was following her girlfriend on it; And hey, she might not be a daredevil flier, but she loves Dash.”
Speaking even softer, Rarity let out a sigh. “...I wonder why they never got married…”
With a shrug, Applejack looked at her. “Eh, not everypony does, y’know? Not everypony needs to proclaim their love like that; but I'm absolutely certain they love each other just as much regardless.”
Letting out a frail chuckle and a smile, Rarity’s thoughts went even further. “I bet Twilight and Sunset would disagree.”
Another hearty chuckle from the Farmer, as she reminisced in the good ol’ days. “Pff maybe they would. It ain't everypony that marries on a battlefield; Much less have holidays in their name. But considerin’ that they’re ruling over Equestria together and not to mention the Sun and the Moon, I don’t blame em for wantin’ to show their love to everypony.”
“I would.”
“Would what?”
“Get married.”
“Oh… Me too.”
A moment spent in quiet agreement, and in wonder, and in slight sorrow of the realization that neither of them ever had the chance, and might never.
They paused, seeing the carousel boutique in the distance; Its walls standing ever-so fancy, ever so neatly, but inside, empty.
She allowed Rarity to lean as much as she needed, with a warm smile. “Nearly there, sugarcube.”
But Rarity stopped, pulling Applejack into a hug, which they shared beneath the stars. Her warmth was too enticing not to linger.
Her face growing a little red, Applejack didn’t dare let go. “Umm… Ya alright?”
“I missed you.” She spoke softly, eyes closed.
With a slight chuckle, the Farmer squeezed tighter. “We see eachother every week, Rares…”
“I still missed you.” Rarity clinged tighter.
It started dawning on Applejack just how lonely her friend was feeling; She wasn’t sure she understood how Rarity felt fully; But as she warmed her up with a strong hug, she could feel her loneliness, and it was one that was quite familiar to her.
There were no more battles to be fought, no more adventures to be had, and these two old mares stayed home while all their friends and family went onto bigger and better things.
At least they had each other, once a week, and this week, more than once. And that held more comfort than either of them expected.
They both felt weaker, at that moment, but also, leaning on each other, neither would stumble.
Rarity let go, beholding her old friend eye to eye; seemingly having suppressed tears. “I’m ready to go home now.” She said, without energy, breath smelling of wine, perfume smelling of flowers.
They continued silently, speaking only when they made it to the entrance.
Opening the door and turning on the lights, Rarity turned back to her friend, once again speaking softly. “Would you like to stay for a bit, dear…?” Now that had a bit of energy, a certain longing.
Tilting her head, the old Farmer did not understand. “Why, do ya need help with somethin…?”
“J-just company, really…!” There was a hint of desperation that was hidden behind Rarity’s voice, as she smiled at her friend.
And again, it was as if her friend’s loneliness was contagious, it was as if her heartache was her own. Applejack looked down sadly, but then tried giving her friend a comforting smile. “S-sorry sugarcube. I still gotta close down Apple Acres for the night; besides, we’ll see eachother Sunday, won't we?”
No response from her old friend, she just looked down; covered in shadow cast by the lights inside her home. She seemed more than just disappointed.
And again, the Farmer felt a bit of a sting, a certain heartache, shared by the other.
They stayed silently at her door, neither of them knowing what to say.
“Could you at least carry me to bed, dear…? I’m still feeling a tad woozy…” Rarity lied, simply wanting to have her company a little while longer.
“Of course, sugarcube.” With a warm smile, Applejack went inside, where all was quiet.
It was still as gorgeous and neatly as ever inside; multiple dresses rested on manikins, displayed on walls and tables, no matter how old Rarity got, she never lost creative drive; With her business as successful as it had ever been, it seemed she just had lost her energy somewhat.
It was work; work she liked doing, work she loved doing, work she did all her life, it was work.
Everyday, work on what you love, whether you still love it or not. Work because it keeps you busy.
That thought crossed Applejack’s mind, and she hated how much it related to her, too.
Her eyes rested on a shelf, where she saw an old cat toy. Opal had died of old age long ago, but…
“Help me up the stairs, please?” Rarity beckoned, snapping her out of her trance.
With one swift motion, Applejack sat down, and her friend climbed on, clinging comfortably to the Farmer’s strong back. “Alley-oop!”
To someone as strong as her, Rarity weighed like a feather. She leaned her face on Applejack’s neck, muzzle brushing against her mane, letting out a sigh, which the Farmer took notice of. “Nostalgic, ain’t it?” She smiled.
A light chuckle from her, as she clinged tighter, enjoying every second of their embrace. “Heh… Maybe. Can’t remember the last time…”
And Applejack couldn’t remember either.
She could have faded out of consciousness there, fallen asleep atop her old friend, but due to the Farmer’s movements, she stayed awake.
“Ever the chivalrous one, aren’t you…” She whispered at Applejack, who only smiled in response.
She climbed the stairs with ease and calm, while the Unicorn clung tightly, inhaling sharply. That same familiar scent of farm and apples… Made her feel more at home, somehow.
passing by some rooms, Applejack lingered only for a moment over Sweetiebelle’s room, likely having gone unused for a long time. The sound of her hoofsteps were the only sounds she heard at all, the boutique was utterly quiet.
Finally, entering Rarity’s room, she moved by her bed, and then cautiously laid her on it, and the Unicorn allowed herself to be handled, with full trust.
And they lingered there for a moment, Applejack sitting beside the bed, and Rarity laying on it, smiling at eachother wearily.
Placing a single hoof on the Farmer’s neck, running it down to her suit feeling the fuzziness, Rarity sighed listlessly. “You’re always so good to me, Applejack…”
With a slight hearty chuckle, and warm smile, the Farmer leaned in and moved a strand of hair away from her friend’s tired eyes. “You’d do the same for me, sugarcube.”
This was indeed normal to her; she helped everyone. But in a way, in all truth, she would go the extra mile for Rarity, every time, no matter what.
The Unicorn didn’t respond, her face simply grew redder as she lingered in the Farmer’s touch, closing her eyes. Applejack was going to pull her own hoof away, but Rarity didn’t let her.
Only a few seconds passed in silence. “I'm gonna get ya some water for yer nightstand, then i’ll leave ya be for tonight, alright?” She spoke softly, almost in a whisper. Rarity responded only with a nod.
Watching her friend walk away filled her with a hollowness she could not describe or even understand.
Her face grew redder, as she closed her eyes and wondered if this was just the wine, or if it was just the old age, or something else that could be explained simply.
And yet, why did watching Applejack leave that night felt especially painful? In only a day’s time they’d see eachother again; And yet, Rarity didn’t want to let her go. She didn’t want her boutique to be empty again, to shuffle on its halls like a phantom.
She lingered on that desperation. She lingered on those thoughts. She lingered on that hole in her chest she had only now noticed, wondering how long it had been there, And she lingered on that desire.
Guilt, shame, embarrassment, excitement, plenty of feelings mixed together as she laid there, coming to terms with a realization.
The realization that she wanted her old friend for a lot more than just her company.
Like discovering the answer to a riddle, she couldn’t tell why she hadn’t figured this out earlier; And much like it, she felt an unending shame for taking her so long to understand it.
And what a cruel riddle it was.
Rarity spent the entirety of Saturday either attempting to distract herself, or reminiscing, mulling, stewing, being wrapped up in the tortuous thoughts that plagued her.
The thoughts being fairly simple, that she was in love with her best Friend Applejack, and she only figured this little tidbit out after both their hairs started graying.
And the further back she looked, the more it made sense. Their closeness, their soft spots for each other, their intimacy, none of that was coincidental. Every single tender moment of kindness they both shared recontextualized itself in her mind, in a single day.
She cursed herself for getting complacent and for remaining with only the friend label for the last few decades. How could she have been so blind?
It made her nervous. It made her shifty. Because she had not pined over someone for well over a decade, maybe more, and this was a lot more serious than just the desire for a simple fling. this was something she wanted all her life, This was something she wanted to have for the rest of her life, no matter how short that may be.
She would need to act on those feelings, of course. Use her charm, use her wiles, use her many years of experience in seduction– But would that not be counter intuitive if she wanted something more than just a fling?
It wasn’t the same. It wasn't the same as just basic seduction. Everything was different now.
Plans, ideas, plots, even, all swirled around her head as she trotted around town looking for distractions. But none of them mattered, because it was still saturday. None of them mattered, because in the end, honesty had to win.
That ever so infuriating tug of war of facing her feelings and wanting a distraction persisted.
A spa experience surely would soothe her nerves; and yet it felt like by the time she was done, no time had passed.
Getting groceries done surely would take up some of her time and be productive, and yet, she was done just like that, the sun still high in the sky.
Visiting the community center, spending time with familiar ponies, checking up on the town, making some small talk, surely that would take up more of this eternal saturday?
She walked back home, and the sun was no lower. She considered her frustration for a moment, considering that if she could, she'd absolutely call her Princess friends and ask them to lower the sun already, and get this day over with.
Looking into the outskirts of town, she strongly considered for a moment, galloping towards Apple Acres and embracing her love, throwing caution to the wind and just seeing Applejack today, clinging to her and not letting go, regardless of what imposition that would be.
But with a sigh, she gave up on that idea. After all, Applejack was ever busy, ever hardworking, and she didn’t need a lovestricken old mare getting in the way.
Entering the boutique, she immediately turned on her phonograph and started tidying up the place.
This had been a common thing for her, having soothing songs play as white noise across the boutique; Ever since Opal had died, and Sweetiebelle had left, taking their antics and shenanigans with them, The Carousel Boutique felt as quiet as a grave whenever there were no clients present.
And yet, she could not escape her thoughts, and she could not escape her realization; The simple realization that she had wasted so much time. So much time of her life, gone, with her shambling on the halls of that boutique alone.
Suddenly, all her accomplishments seemed void. All the incredible fashion shows, the amazing runaways, the celebrities that considered her a close friend, the travels across the most fashionable high class places in Equestria, the parties thrown on her and her friend’s honor for saving the world time and time again, All the success and money she had accrued, and even all of the lovely one-time flings she had; None of that seemed to matter.
Because whenever she returned to Ponyville, her home was empty.
Because she had grown older and grayer, and her home was empty.
Sunday had come, and it couldn’t have come sooner.
Applejack rushed by her routine, throwing shame to the wind. No Granny Smith to scold her, no Big Mac to give her judgemental glances, no problem.
Apple Acres was hers, so if she wanted to do the bare minimum and rush to her old friend’s side, that’s just what she’d do, darn it.
Rarity’s loneliness was contagious. Whatever she felt was rubbing off on the Farmer, and she didn’t like it. There was no reason for either of them to be sad, surely!– And that just made her sadder.
It didn’t help that it was autumn; leaves were losing their color giving all of Apple Acres a nostalgic glow almost– As if the trees themselves held their breath awaiting winter. The chilly weather was delightful, but bittersweet.
Saturday had been slow going, her routine felt cumbersome.
She even ran to the Carousel boutique at some point, determined to check on her old friend, but was relieved to find Rarity was out of her house, likely enjoying herself elsewhere that day.
It made the day more bearable, but it did not stop her from rushing as she Quickly locked everything up on Sunday, when the sun was highest, and hastingly gathered her effects.
She walked fast towards her friend’s home, almost at a gallop; determined to make this be a day where Rarity only smiled.
She reached the doors of the boutique, not a moment too soon, and…
Applejack had always been punctual. So hearing the doorbell, over an hour earlier than their schedule, made Rarity’s heart stop.
She had spent her morning tidying up not only the boutique, but herself.
Before that knock she was almost in a state akin to meditation, brushing her mane by her vanity mirror, applying her makeup wisely, focussing only on the very casual and normal day she was going to have with one of her oldest friends.
But that illusion was shattered when she heard the doorbell ring; and her heart beat faster when she heard her old friend beckoning from outside.
“Heya Rares! Hope I ain’t intrudin, but I thought I’d come by earlier!” Even just by the way she spoke, it was obvious that she was smiling. And because of that, Rarity smiled too.
All her composure and decorum gone, she sprinted downstairs as fast as her old legs allowed her, bringing all her makeup and mane care material her magic. She stood behind that door nervously, and shouted “In a minute, darling!”
The Phonograph still echoed on the halls of the boutique quietly, with that ever so delightful white noise of soothing music.
It was time to speedrun. Rarity pulled her nearest mirror close with magic, and with her brush and makeup material still floating around her, she got to work as fast as possible.
Practice makes perfect, and years of experience allowed her to, at an incredible speed, to quickly tidy up what still needed to be tidied, with fast and agile brush strokes and efficient pace.
She quickly glanced at herself in determination in the mirror, studying her complexion. Old, sure, but absolutely still had it. “Go get her.” She whispered to herself.
And finally with one fluid yet slightly awkward magical motion, she opened the door to greet her friend.
The early afternoon Autumn sun lit Applejack akin to a halo as she smiled, sitting diligently by the door; And that smile was as warm as it had ever been. For a brief moment of silence, Rarity was lost, seeing how the wrinkles and freckles in the Farmer’s face moved in delightful ways when she smiled.
It was as if Applejack was her Knight in Shining Armor, here to rescue her from loneliness and tedium…
“Sorry if I’m intrudin! I brought some of Applebloom’s board games, some old photo albums of our friends, and freshly baked apple fritters! I hope I ain’t interruptin’ anythin’?” And again, that ever so warm smile, Rarity was utterly lost in it, face growing redder by the second, dumb smile on her face.
The Farmer wore her late grandmother’s old ascot, and her late father’s hat, carrying with her a backpack with the contents she described; And the Unicorn could already smell the delicious sweets from here. She suppressed the instinct of leaping into her friend’s arms and kissing her then and there.
“Umm… Sugarcube? Hello…?” She tilted her head, in mild confusion at Rarity standing silently by the door, smiling.
This finally snapped the Unicorn out of her trance; Resulting in her leaping into her friends embrace, hugging her tightly.
“I’m so happy you’re here, dear…!” The words came out of her involuntarily, expressing her exhaustion, and yet, delight. And it was true. Just seeing Applejack, hearing her voice, even smelling her, changed her demeanor completely.
With an embarrassed chuckle, the old Earth Pony hugged her back. “Phew! I thought I was too early. Good to hear! I’m glad I'm here too.”
That same scent of farm and apples; Now mixed with a scent that implied the Farmer’s previous hard day’s work, as well as the delicious scent of Apple fritters, and Rarity minded none of it. And at the same time, the Unicorn's lovely perfume assaulted the farmer’s senses, making her consider if she was sitting on a flowery orchard, for a brief moment.
Shuffling awkwardly out of the embrace she wanted to linger on, the old Unicorn gave her friend a nervous smile. “I-i wasn’t done tidying up, forgive me; But please, come in!” She walked into the boutique, and her friend followed.
That previous statement was quite odd to the farmer; Because Rarity looked anything but messy. She had her mane on impeccable sheen and curlyness, wearing it on an almost fully side swept braid; Accompanied by her incredibly well put together makeup, and gorgeous outfit, (the same fur from two days before, as well as an old frilly dress that she had not seen worn in ages; But very much looked familiar) Applejack was reminded of times where Rarity would dress up for a party or gala; and would resemble a Princess, if not surpassing one with her incredible looks.
Blushing involuntarily, the Farmer pointed at her whole deal. “Umm… What’s the occasion?”
With a slightly mischievous smile, the Unicorn walked closer, even dragging her tail across Applejack’s flank. “Oh, I felt the energy to try a bit with my looks today, and so I did. Make yourself comfortable on the couch dear, I’ll be with you in a moment.”
“T-this is tryin’ a bit?! Y’know what, I ain’t even surprised. Yer Rarity, after all. Heh…” The Farmer let out a chuckle, complying and moving to the couch. She rested her backpack and took out its contents, delivering them to an end table diligently. Rarity lit the fireplace with her magic, to make them both more comfortable from the autumn cold.
Her eyes rested on the photo album for a moment, even seeing the cape already instigated the awakening of dozens upon dozens of nostalgic moments within…
Snapping out of it upon hearing sounds from the kitchen, she spoke from over the living room. “O-oh, i’ll have the pear cinnamon tea, please! Ya need any help in there?”
“Oh it’s quite alright darling! I have another idea for today.” Rarity came from the kitchen to the living room, with her, she brought two cups, a fancy one and a familiar one; The latter she knew to be Applejack’s favorite whenever she came around. And finally, water and wine, and incredibly expensive and rare wine, at that.
“W-woah, we drinkin’, then?” Applejack couldn’t help but chuckle, imagining a repeat of tipsy Rarity from Friday, with slight concern for what this implied.
“If you don’t mind, of course. You know I love tea more than anyone, but personally, after this Friday, I could use something a bit stronger.” She placed all the contents on the table, already eyeing the sweets her friend brought as she served both their cups with wine.
Internally, Rarity needed liquid courage.
And Applejack didn’t mind; the Unicorn’s wine selection was certainly the finest, gifts from clients and her own impeccable taste; not that it mattered to the Farmer, whose tastes were simpler.
Besides, if it would make Rarity happy, she would do it without hesitation, and that wine had aged impeccably, rivaled only by the mare that served them.
They sat on opposite ends of the same couch, between them, the photo album. They drank together and ate together, and for a moment felt a bit younger, sharing laughs and gleeful moments.
“...Heheh– And Pinke danced so hard the whole TABLE toppled over; she just spilled punch all over the floor! The guards weren't sure what to do, Sunset applauded it while Twilight panicked– Gosh, ain’t no party like that goodbye party.” The Farmer laughed heartily, enjoying another bite of her delicious sweets.
They both sat together, looking at Applejack’s photo album together, reminiscing on the memories, a few wine cups in, and even more apple fritters in. They giggled delightedly as they looked over the picture of their younger selves standing in front of a disastrous party, smiling contently for having survived another ordeal, even if this one was self-inflicted; It was a celebration of the new Princesses of the Night and Day moving to Canterlot.
With a giggle, Rarity brought a hoof to her lips, looking at the picture closer. “Oh, I had to change outfits three times that day; It was like food was just exploding left and right–”
“--And with Pinkie around, that might as well be what was happenin’!” They both laughed together again.
Rarity wondered if those feelings would fade if she met Applejack again when she was sober, but they did not, increasing tenfold every time she heard her farmer friend laugh; A hearty laughter that came from the chest, that hadn’t aged a day, even as she watched her friend’s smile produce adorable wrinkles in her face.
And the mix of delicious nostalgic sweets that were always consistently flavorful, with simply divine wine sure wasn’t helping. Everytime Applejack would switch to water, Rarity would mimic her.
“I’m sure glad that wasn’t the last party we did; But darn it, it feels like an eternity since we’ve all been together…” Even if she was smiling, Applejack’s eyes did linger a bit on the pictures, as if attempting to reach into them and pull their friends closer into a big hug.
A long sigh, that started delighted, and ended in sorrow came from the Unicorn. Her eyes lingered in those pictures in similar ways. “Everypony left Ponyville, except us two… Onto bigger and better things, I suppose. They left, and we stayed here… We always stayed here.”
“Yeah, well…” Applejack was going to say ‘Can’t blame em’ but the words were stuck in her throat. Yes, in a way, she could blame them. But it would be a selfish grudge.
Rarity frowned slightly, taking a frustrated swig of wine. “Ugh… Sometimes I wonder why I couldn’t ever leave. I tried, oh my Celestia did I try, and yet… I Always came back here…” She took a quick glance around the room, feeling… Foolish. Foolish for not finding a home elsewhere, one that wasn’t so empty. Then as her weary gaze landed on her friend, she could definitely think of a reason for staying.
They shared tired smiles and understanding looks, and Applejack exhaled through her nose. “I’d be a bit surprised if ya did actually leave, if i'm honest...”
A light chuckle from the weary seamstress. “Why’s that, dear?”
“Don’t you remember…? You n’ me are the only ones of our friend group that were born and raised in Ponyville, Rares. No wonder we’d stay, while everypony else would leave…” The Farmer’s gaze went out of the window, a bit listless, seeing the streets of their hometown. The sun was much lower now, and a haze of beige bathed the streets.
That argument certainly held a kernel of truth to it. Ponyville had been home since she was born. With a light shudder, Rarity remembered less fond memories. “When I tried living in Manehattan, well… I don’t know. It’s difficult to describe. I was surrounded at all times, but it simply didn’t feel like they were actually living around me; I never felt at home. It felt just…” She couldn’t find the words.
It felt lonely. It felt empty. It felt like exile; The city of her dreams felt like exile.
The Farmer listened attentively, even if a bit concerned, as Rarity continued. “And now, well… I don't know if it’s fair to say this, but Ponyville has felt the same way… For a long, long time, now…” Her words failed her, as if she could feel that lingering on the subject would bring about tears soon.
Ears drooped, head low, the Farmer nodded. She wanted to defend Ponyville, to defend their home, but she lacked the energy to do so. Because in a way… “...Well… I guess I can understand. Nothin’s like it used to be. Or rather… The town hasn’t changed, but we have.”
They shared an understanding silence, which at least was punctuated by the crackling of the fireplace and the music emanating from the phonograph. The Unicorn’s eyes were fixed on the flames, unsure of how to even carry on with this sort of conversation as she quietly sipped from wine once more.
Scratching her chin, the farmer drank some water, thinking of any way to help. “Well, here’s somethin… Why didn’t ya move to Canterlot? Hell, I bet Twilight and Sunset would love to have ya in their castle. Sounds like a certified Rarity dream, to me.”
She couldn’t help but smile, side eyeing her friend, hiding her smile with another apple fritter. “Oh, Applejack… I considered that, and did so strongly. But think about it; Having one friend imposing on their home would get daunting fast, and I would hate to be that Imposition. Besides, the mere thought of seeing my Alicorn friends, ever stronger, ever taller, while I age, why, it would simply make me feel much worse...”
Those words were heavy. Rarity was talking about death.
The Farmer couldn’t let those thoughts spiral on her friend’s head. She piped in instantly. “Ya should visit me more often, sugarcube. I mean it. We could both use each other's company more; And I promise ya I won't force ya to do any chores!” She let out a big smile, knowing it would make her friend laugh, and it did.
“Heh… yes, that would indeed make me feel a lot better, darling.” She smiled in agreement. It was true. If she shared a home with Applejack, she would feel endlessly happier than she felt now.
A brief intermission of silence, before Rarity piped in once more. “What about you? Your home, your family. You’re alone now… And I know this sounds foolish to ask of Applejack the apple, but. Why did you never leave…?”
Shaking her head slightly, the Farmer suppressed something within herself. “I… I’m an Apple. We don’t abandon Apple Acres.”
“Your siblings have. You’re alone now. Are you… happy?” Tilting her head analytically, Rarity looked through her, desperately wanting to see common ground.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” She responded quickly, but the words failed her.
“Because you’re alone…”
Applejack tripped over her words, attempting to say them with conviction. “Rarity, our friends and family are incredibly happy. Our friends and family are happily in love; scattered around Equestria chasin’ their dreams. And what’s more, I’m a legendary hero that helped save the world multiple times! WE are heroes that changed the world for the better…! I, I… Bein’ unhappy would be just plum selfish!”
“Why?”
She got emphatic; energetic, one could describe it as angry, but Rarity saw it as desperate. “‘Cause of everythin’ we have! We oughta be grateful! We oughta cherish it! We have our homes, and all the people we love are happy. Why shouldn’t we be, too??! What in the world would have been the point of all that, if we weren’t happy too?! …What… What would be the point…?”
She stopped, breathing uneasily, letting quiet fill the room once more.
Rarity cut that quiet, even if only for a moment, asking her again. “Applejack… Are you happy?”
No response from the Farmer. But she didn’t need one. The way that Applejack looked at the floor said it all. It was an understanding, mournful silence.
And there it was, common ground. Leaning back on the couch, Rarity almost took another sip of wine, but then stopped, inhaling sharply. “I know my answer to that question. There’s a hole in my chest that’s been leaking my whole life, and I only noticed it recently.”
Quiet as their eyes met, with weariness and sorrow.
“Applejack… I’m not happy. I haven't been for a long time. Is there something wrong with me…? Am I selfish…?” She spoke with a certain desperation, as if begging for forgiveness.
Shaking her head quietly, the Farmer spoke softly. “‘Course not, sugarcube. It’s just… It’s just our age catchin’ up to us.”
But Rarity was not convinced, as she closed her eyes, in doubt. “The others are happy. They’re all so happy. Why aren’t we…?”
The question lingered for a moment, and Applejack had no answer. “I… I dunno, sugarcube. Maybe… Maybe we oughta talk about somethin’ else…”
“...I suppose so.” She agreed completely, even if facing those feelings felt important, the heartache they shared pained them.
They both exhaled, attempting to return to some form of normalcy in their conversation.
As seduction went, Rarity knew it was stupid to even try. Considering how both of them felt, she was just happy to have common ground with her friend, and this wouldn’t work, if she tried throwing herself at Applejack.
She needed to be honest. Profoundly so. And yet, those words failed her.
She needed to get back on track.
Applejack beheld the album once more, wondering and muttering. “Hm, Maybe we oughta look further back…”
The Unicorn’s thoughts meandered, and she remembered another fond memory. “Oh! Oh, darling, I've got one. Let me look…”
She shuffled through the pages of the album, looking for a specific page, a specific memory, and she found it.
With a gasp and a nostalgic smile, the Farmer nodded. “Ah…! Our first grand gallopin’ gala… Heh, that was one of the best worst night of my life, what a wonderful mess it was.”
Rarity inspected the picture thoroughly, with delight. “Good heavens Twilight was so short back then; I forgot how much taller than her I was! And oh, look at me, another dress tragically covered in cake. I was so beautiful...”
“Yer always beautiful, sugarcube.” Applejack didn’t hesitate, not even a little.
And her friend didn’t respond, simply smiled, looking down, her face getting redder. Everytime Applejack said it, she felt it. And she felt it even more now…
They looked at the picture fondly, and the Farmer piped in teasingly, pointing at it. “Hey remember yer prince charmin’?” She teased mischievously.
With a scoff and a groan and a roll of the eyes, the less fun parts of the night flooded Rarity’s memories. “Oh, don’t even go there. You should know that after that night I strongly reconsidered my attraction to stallions. It was THAT bad.”
With a nod and a toothy smile, the Farmer reminisced .“Heheheh, how bout’ that. Didn’t take, though; Ya still dated plenty of Stallions after, and mares, if I recall.”
Rarity leaned back on the couch, hiding her face with her wine glass, in embarrassment. “I certainly tried; But I struggle to hold any of them quite fondly in my memory nowadays, no matter how important they felt back then.”
Scratching her chin and hesitating, Applejack wondered if she should speak more, or if this subject was a minefield. Curiosity got the better of her. “If ya don’t mind me askin’... Why did none of them work out…? I mean, you were always so… Gorgeous. And confident and just… Put together; I always, always wondered how ya never got yer very own Prince charmin’. Why did none of them work out…?”
Rarity suppressed the urge to state ‘they weren’t you’ knowing that that statement had no basis other than the adoration she felt at the moment. And try as she might, she herself couldn’t find an answer to that, having tortured herself with that question before.
“Just… Not in the cards for me, I guess.” The words were simple, but they hid tremendous sorrow; Tremendous longing. A lifetime without fulfilling love coming back all at once. And Applejack could notice.
“W-well… Don’t take yerself outta the game yet, sugarcube. Ya still got plenty of years ahead of ya… Maybe yer luck’s gonna change?” In a sense, she absolutely believed that. She felt the pain Rarity felt, and suppressed her own anger for how unfair it was that someone as wonderful as her had never felt true love. It didn’t feel right.
At least that got her smiling, despite the irony of who was saying it. “That’s sweet of you to say, dear…”
Their eyes met, sharing kind smiles. Rarity saw a chance to dig deeper. “How about you, darling? Try as I might, I can’t remember ever seeing you date or have a fling with anypony. Never sat right with me; You’re strong, handsome, and incredibly dependable. Why?”
That question dug deep. It was the kind of question you simply don't ask yourself, but felt like it should have been asked, years ago, even.
She leaned back, scratching her chin nervously some more, feeling a slight fluster, unsure of what to say, and unsure of why it felt like that.
“...I dunno. It never felt… Worthit? There were suitors, but. I’ve always been a hard worker… I focussed so much on the farm, stuff like that just. It seemed like a… Distraction…? Heck I dunno. I dunno if I wanna think about it much. Not at this age…”
“…Lost time.”
“...Yeah. Lost time.”
Another moment of silence, this one a bit more forlorn. They were both thankful that music continued to echo quietly on the halls of that boutique.
But Rarity knew just how to break that silence, with a smile appearing in her lips. “Applejack… Do you remember your first crush…?”
The Farmer’s face quietly lit up, as she nodded. Now those were memories that dug much, much deeper. “How could I forget? She’s sittin’ right beside me.”
They shared comfortable smiles as Applejack continued. “The prettiest filly in my class; obsessed with me ‘cause I came back from an extended stay in Manehattan, wantin’ to know everythin’ she could about how ponies lived and dressed there.”
Rarity smiled widely, even if reserved. “And little did I know…”
“...That I didn’t know a suit from a shirt. By Celestia, I fibbed so much just to keep ya interested in me. I was one heck of a liar when I was a young’in…” Flustered with embarrassment, but delighted at the memories, the Farmer couldn’t help but chuckle.
With a giggly sigh, Rarity looked out the window, thinking of all that long ago. “If only we were wise then as we are now…”
With a jokey sarcastic tone, Applejack shrugged. “Speak for yerself, I was plenty wise!”
They both snickered, considering all their past shenanigans.
The Farmer let out a weary sigh, with the weight of all the years that passed. “Gosh, It feels like an eternity ago, don’t it? Lil Applejack gettin fussed by Lil Rarity over clothes and fancy stuff. And I woulda done about anythin’ to keep ya around…”
With a nod, the Unicorn smiled, reminiscing on the same memories of so, so long ago. “Oh, you didn’t have to do much. You were always good company, Applejack; Incredibly charming even as a filly. We aren’t friends for no reason, even now…”
Nodding, the Farmer leaned back. “Well, I’m at least glad we never eloped back then. We were both foolish, woulda been a disaster for two ponies like us to–”
“Maybe we should have.”
The air in the room stopped moving. They both tensed up in silence as their eyes met.
No smiles, but no frowns, either. They looked at each other intently.
Neither could read the other’s mind; But doing so would have resulted in explosive catharsis, were it possible.
Quiet.
The Phonograph stopped, the disk having reached its end, and that snapped them both out of their trance. With barely a glance backwards, Rarity used her magic to change the disk with ease, swapping it for another just as calm one, and resuming the music.
And yet the silence between the two remained, no longer with eye contact.
It was an unbearable quiet for both, as they fidgeted, unsure.
Rarity wasn’t going to let it stop here.
“Why were we never a thing, Applejack…?”
That question held a certain weight, the kind that even the burly farmer would struggle to carry. She had no adequate answer for it. No justification.
“...That’s… that’s the wine talkin, sugarcube.” She told herself as well, not wanting to consider the heavy implications of that question. She was too chivalrous to take advantage of both of their vulnerable states.
With an empty gaze, the Unicorn placed her empty cup on the table, and didn’t refill it.
“I’m not drunk.” She stated plainly, and it was true. She was a bit tipsy maybe, but…
More silence, more quiet, for what felt like an eternity, they both stared at the fireplace.
“...Why weren’t we?” Applejack asked in a mutter, quiet, but audible.
Rarity was out of moves. This had to be a good moment for her true feelings, but she felt like a huge weight pushed her down. It was akin to something stuck in her throat, or akin to trying to lift something you’re just not strong enough to.
“I think… I think I need to rest... Would you mind carrying me to bed again, dear?” The words came out of her, she didn’t feel like she had even spoken them.
There was a tinge of disappointment, and yet, maybe relief on the farmer’s voice, in realization that their meeting was over. It had been heavy. “...Of course, sugarcube.”
And of course, this was just an excuse for them to be closer. On the same rehearsed motion, Rarity climbed on her back, clinging tightly, with a tragic sigh. As they both moved by the quiet walls of the boutique, she let out a whisper. “I hope you’ll always be this strong…”
No response from the Farmer, as the Unicorn fidgeted with her mane, caressing it.
Once more, with the same rehearsed motion, Applejack laid her friend in bed like she was a Princess.
And yet, Rarity kept a hoof on her friend’s cheek, caressing it slowly. She couldn’t muster a smile, her look was one of desperation. “...What would I do without you, handsome…?” She spoke softly, near tears.
That desperation flew by Applejack, who gave her an assuring smile. “It’s okay, Rares. It’s okay. Imma tidy up my things downstairs and leave ya be, alright? See ya next sunday…”
And once again, that feeling of hollowness plagued the Unicorn, as she watched her friend leave.
That made the Farmer halt instantly, turning her head, and being stunned by Rarity’s look of absolute desperation and longing, as she sat up on the bed.
She moved back to the bed, sitting beside it right in front of her.
“Sugarcube, it’s okay. We’ll see eachother again soon, won't we…?” She tilted her head, attempting to decipher Rarity’s despair.
“Please stay.” A whisper. A mournful whisper.
A quiet silence between the two of them as they stared into each other's eyes. The Farmer was a tad oblivious, a bit confused, until she nodded. “Ahh… I get it. Like old times, ya wanna have a sleepover, huh? I getcha, we’ve both been on a nostalgia train lately…”
Rarity did not allow her to finish. There were no words to express how she felt, so she decided actions would have to speak for her.
She pulled the Farmer closer and kissed her on the lips, for a brief, desperate time, making sure that there was no doubt about how she felt, and that there was no more distance between them.
And as they kissed, she felt a guilt, a regret… For not having done this ages ago. Decades ago.
She pulled away, sniffling, tears springing forth, attempting to hold them in. The Farmer’s eyes were widened, she was in utter shock.
The longing shook her words. “A-Applejack, I am so sorry… I think I love you. I think I've always loved you. And I feel so, so, so stupid that it took me this long to realize it. I am so, so sorry…“
Silence, as she got closer once more, touching the Farmer’s fuzzy chest, with the same shade of red in both of their faces. “I’ve been wondering for so long why I felt so hollow, wondering what I've been missing. I know what it is now. It’s you. It’s always been you…”
And just like that, Applejack felt like she was just a little filly again. Desperately pining for the attention of the prettiest mare in Ponyville, hoping they were closer in any way. She let out an exhaled chuckle, at the irony of it all.
Rarity waited, for what felt like agonizing seconds, to hear her friend’s response.
Applejack scratched her own chin, looking away with a delighted, weary smile, blowing air through her nostrils with amusement. “Heheh… Y’know when like… Y’know when yer so used to breathin’, ya forget yer doin’ it?”
A quiet nod.
“I think… I think I’ve loved you the same way, every day of my darn life. You were always, always the best part of my day.” She gave her the warmest of smiles, as she got closer once more, moving strands of Rarity’s hair away from her eyes.
Sharing on flustered chuckles, there was no more need for words. In Applejack’s mind, the same recontextualization of events happened. Every kindness, every tender moment, every sweet affirmation between them had a different meaning now.
They kissed once more, this time, it was just right, pulling each other closer. Rarity apologized everytime she took a breath, and Applejack assured her that all was well.
They pulled away, looking at each other with a certain tragedy, a certain joy. The Unicorn cradled her love’s cheeks. “So I love you… And you love me…?” She asked, like it was everything.
“Always, sugarcube.” A response without hesitation.
They shared delighted teary giggles in each other's embrace.
And for a moment, they simply were. No barriers between them, no more troubles, no more emptiness.
Until Rarity changed her demeanor completely, scooting over, giving her love some space. “Applejack. On the bed. Now.”
Obeying implicitly, the Farmer let out an flustered smile. “Umm… What are we doin, sugarcube…?”
“Making up for lost time.”
And so, Intertwined in ways they had never been, closer than they had ever been, exploring each other in ways that they had never been, smiling in ways they had never been, they made up for lost time.
Monday came with ease, and neither of them had left that bed. They slept intertwined, not daring to let go; In a way, they both shared the slight fear that the night they shared had been nothing but a dream.
And yet, Applejack was awakened by the sound of sobbing, with the sun barely peeking from the curtains. She opened her eyes, feeling the desperate sniffles of her love in front of her, as they were still intertwined.
“W-what’s wrong, sugarcube…?” Rarity was in tears, and it looked like she had been for a while.
She sniffled and sighed, gathering any composure, attempting to find the words, attempting to have her eye meet her love’s. “I… I just… Look at us, Applejack. A couple of old mares, just… ugh…”
She sniffled a couple of times, and her love listened intently, with concern. “It’s just… I am so happy to finally have you in my arms a-and… To think that I could have had this happiness, years ago, decades ago, even…!”
Applejack tried assuring her, tried interrupting her, tightening her embrace, But Rarity persisted. “To think t-that we’ve lost so much time…! I have nothing but regrets now, we just, why, why did we waste so much time…?”
Shaking her head, Applejack spoke as softly as she could, as if Rarity was made of glass. “Ya can’t blame yerself. Please don’t, Rarity. It ain’t anypony’s fault. We just… We loved each other so much, it was part of our routine…!”
Another nervous sob, as the Unicorn looked away in despair. “B-but look at us. Old and gray. All those years are gone, now… All that time…!”
“Yes, they’re gone. But we’re here now. We’re here now, sugarcube. And we have time. Please look at me… We have time.” She came closer, with a weary understanding look.
“We… We have time…” Rarity repeated, stumbling over her words.
Moving a strand of hair off of her love’s eyes, and wiping away her tears, Applejack spoke softly with a kind smile. “No more frowns. No more cryin’. Not anymore. We’re together, and we have time.”
“W-we have time…!” Rarity agreed, a small tired smile perking on her lips.
They kissed slowly, softly, And in that way they remained, for a long time, holding each other as if they were the last ponies alive in the world, as if they were all that mattered, which to each other, they absolutely were.
Only after a while, when Rarity no longer sobbed, as they leaned foreheads, did she dare to speak. “A-Applejack, dear… This may be a big request, but… I'd like to open a boutique in Apple Acres. By this, I mean, move in with you. I couldn’t bear the distance… Not now, not anymore.”
Eyes widened in surprise, the Farmer gazed at her. “W-woah there, are ya sure…? You’d close down the Carousel Boutique…?”
She nodded, with weary determination. “I would so, without hesitation, if it meant being closer to you, dear. This place has been my home for ages, but I can’t stand living here alone anymore. Although this boutique has treated me well, it’s not my home anymore... Youare…!”
“Heh, I guess that’s right. I feel the same way…” She smiled warmly, nodding.
“S-so does that mean I could…?”
“Of course ya could, sugarcube. I need you closer, more than ever, too.”
Immediately after that statement, Rarity lunged at her with fervor and joy. She could barely mutter “thank you’s” as she aggressively kissed her love.
After recoiling from each other, Applejack let out a soft snicker, both delightedly flustered, her mind elsewhere.
“...Heheh… I do feel kinda silly, I was gonna suggest somethin’ else…”
“Oh…?”
“Well ya see… none of our friends know about us yet. You and me bein’ together, I mean. And letters would be kinda borin’ for a bombshell like this, don’t you agree…?”
With her eyes widened, Rarity listened intently, as her heart fluttered with expectation.
“So I was gonna suggest… you and me, together, take a trip around Equestria, visiting all our friends n’ family, sharing the news…! A road trip vacation, so to speak…!” Both remained in quiet silence, as Rarity gasped softly.
She was happy. Oh, she was so, so incredibly happy. “Oh, A-Applejack, d-darling, that sounds just… Good heavens that would be wonderful…! But… What about Apple Acres…? Don’t you need to…?”
Smiling with pride, Applejack chuckled. “I don’t need to do anythin’ I don’t want to, sugarcube. I'm the boss now, remember? And if I wanna ask some cousins to come check on the farm on occasion durin’ my absence, well, that’s just what I'd do. To be frank, I… I… Never left Ponyville because of you. Because I knew you were here, and needed company.”
Every word improved her mood, every word filled her with joy and hope, like every fleeting passing second was better and better. “Oh, I want to leave. I want to leave so bad, dear…!”
“Then why don’t we?” With an incredibly warm smile, they leaned foreheads together, and giggled together.
“Come here, handsome…!” Rarity couldn’t resist, unleashing a barrage of kisses, as they intertwined themselves once more, continuing to be closer than they had ever been.
There was nothing holding them back anymore. There were no more battles to be fought, no more work that needed to be done, and these two old mares had no reason to stay home. In fact, they were both more than ready for their next adventure.
But for today, they decided to stay in bed a little while longer.
The preparations for their departure were easy, not because it wasn’t work, but because together, they felt lighter than air. Gathering luggage, tidying up the house, and even something as simple as leaving a sign that said “On vacation” Felt like an incredibly easy task to do, with your love by your side. And Rarity delighted herself in closing the Carousel Boutique, even knowing she would return, she felt no regrets anymore.
Closing down Apple Acres was certainly a bit more work, but together, they delighted themselves with every chore, every action. They shared each moment with passionate fervor. Every kiss was a gift, a treasure. Every nuzzle, a grand gesture, returned with its appropriate loving reward.
The last thing they did before the moment of departure was visiting the first family on the list; The graves of Applejack’s parents and grandmother. And they shared the news with delighted, teary joy.
There was certainly some reaction of surprise from Ponyville, a certain hustle and bustle on seeing some of the oldest of the heroes in Equestria eloping together, and leaving their home, no less. Lots of cheerful ‘So-longs’ and best wishes for the happy couple. Not that the two of them cared; having eyes only for each other.
And in that way they remained, until the day of departure. No more frowning, no more crying; Simply adoring every moment that they lived together.
Ponyville’s train station had never felt so inviting, so cozy, so full of quiet longing.
Closing her eyes, feeling the Autumn breeze in her face and mane, Rarity heard every little sound around her. She felt attuned to it. Every kind whisper or snicker of the ponies that awaited on that train station, every leaf or grass rustle, every bird that chirped in the distance. The world felt large, it felt vast, but it didn’t feel loud.
She considered, for a moment, all the other times she had sat on that same train station, waiting for a train, and how neither of them compared to the sheer glee and ease she felt at this moment.
She smiled, even with eyes closed, in gleeful expectation. She was alive, now more than ever, she was alive.
And as Applejack sat next to her, having acquired a map, she felt even better.
“Okay, sugarcube, here’s the plan.” The Farmer placed a map of Equestria on the small table they both sat at, near the train tracks. “So first off, Sugarbelle’s village ain’t as far as Canterlot, so we can stop there first and pay her n my Brother a visit. We don’t gotta stay for very long, but I know for sure that they’d be delighted if we did!”
“Heheh… I'm not in a rush, dear. Let’s see how we feel when we get there.” And truthfully, with a chuckle, Rarity felt no rush whatsoever, other than the excitement of beginning this new journey.
With a chuckle and a nod, Applejack continued. “Heh, indeedy. After that, Canterlot ain’t that far, so we could take another train easily, and cross multiple names off the list; Since our sisters are in college there, and of course, the two Princesses would be simply delighted to give us a room in that big ol’ castle of theirs!”
Rarity smiled mischievously as her face reddened. “Oh yes; You and me in private royal chambers… Nothing would please me more.” And in a way, she certainly would be quite pleased.
Chuckling with embarrassment and fluster, Applejack nodded in agreement. “Um, yes, agreed, sugarcube. Since that town’s huge and darn lovely, we can stay there for as long as we like, I reckon Twilight and Sunset would likely even throw a party or two, delighted to have us!”
Coming even closer with a raspy loving growl, Rarity whispered softly. “Indeed they would, and I would be delighted to have you.”
They shared a passionate kiss that ended in giggles, and only after that subsided did Applejack continue.
“Well, after that, next up would be Rainbow and Fluttershy. Now I don’t know where the wonderbolts are tourin’, so we’d need to find out before setting off, Could be any town or city in Equestria, really, no matter how far it is…”
And unsurprisingly, Rarity kept smiling, utterly unfazed, delighted, even. “Sounds lovely to me, dear; We haven't watched a show of theirs in a while, I would love to do so.”
With a loving warm smile, Applejack looked at her, with the final one on the list in hand. “Now here’s where it gets interesting, last but certainly not least; I got no idea where Pinkie Pie is. In fact, I ain’t even sure who would know, given that she travels everywhere. So we’d have to go visitin’ places where she might be, asking our friends, and asking the people that know her where she might have gone. I thought of startin’ with Yakyakistan, But frankly, we could start anywhere.” She looked at her love with expectation.
Rarity’s smile grew even wider with joy, as she beheld her love like she was everything.
“So what you’re saying is, our travels might take us all over Equestria, in all sorts of places, aimlessly wandering together, unsure of when we’ll ever come back here…?”
“Eeyup. That’s right, sugarcube.”
Another quick and passionate breaching of the gap between them, another fervorous loving kiss. Rarity nuzzled her head on her love’s shoulders with a loving sigh. “I love you so much, Applejack. This is going to be wonderful. Thank you, thank you…! Thank you for being you.”
“I love you too, more than anythin’, sugarcube.” They smiled warmly at each other, embracing and not letting go.
And in that way they remained, until their train finally arrived, not a care in the world.
The doors opened, and ponies started boarding, but the two lovers simply held each other in front of that open door.
It was a threshold that led to everything.
Before they stepped in, Applejack made sure to kiss her lover sweetly and with fervor, with the sheer excitement and joy of the journey to come overwhelming the both of them, resulting in both of the mares giggling in each other's embrace.
And behind them, other ponies stood waiting to board, in slight annoyance of the old couple blocking their path.
“You’re holding up the line, Applejack. There are other ponies in the world, you know…?”
“There are?”
And just like that, more kisses, more giggles. They leaned their foreheads together, in sheer bliss.
“Ready for another adventure, sugarcube?”
“With you, always.”
And then, with one last kiss, they stepped through the threshold together, side by side.
