Chapter Text
5 pm.
Normally at 5 pm, one of Sweet Apple Acres’s most hard-working soul, Applejack, would be feeding the chickens and swooping in the coup to snatch the hen’s fruit, or bucking a fearsome storm of apples. But today wasn’t like any other normal day—today, Applejack had a date—though it wasn’t much of a date, per say—more of a meeting to help one of her best friends, Rarity, with some of her new outfit ideas. Subconsciously, however, Applejack was thinking of the appointment in a more taxing way than the two girls intended it to be when they initially planned it. Her conjectures made it difficult to keep still, and Applejack soon found herself the most stressed she had ever been to spend time with Rarity—with no idea as to why she had felt that way. She dumbed it down to simply just being afraid to wear such proper attire in front of someone who was always so professionally elegant… especially since Applejack was always so sloppy herself.
So Applejack did what would always help her calm down during panic: chores. The farmer hectically paced the kitchen, frantically dusting and mopping the room inch by inch, trying to relieve herself from thoughts that would torment her mind. Applejack was so caught up in her own head, that she had completely forgotten the time she and Rarity arranged to meet. To add insult to injury, during her cleaning, she had moved some things for convenience, and there was absolutely no way she could fix the house up as quickly as to even be remotely on time to help Rarity. Any more time wasted at that point, she wouldn’t even be fashionably late—she would just be stupidly, utterly late. Applejack shakily held the mop with two hands, and gulped as she stared daggers at the clock above her.
“Aw, shoot…” Applejack said to herself, finally looking down at the floor, hat held close to her chest, preparing herself for the lecture Rarity was going to force feed her once she realized Applejack wouldn’t be coming after all—again. It had happened one too many times, already. There was no way Rarity would let it slide once more. “I reckon investin’ in one of those loud alarm doohickeys Twilight’s got doesn’t sound like such a bad idea…” Applejack mumbled, as she tapped her chin with her hat.
“You reckon correctly, darling.” Applejack heard from behind her, along with the sound of the door being opened up. She turned around, immediately recognizing the pompous manner in which the other woman spoke; Rarity, standing in the door way with Applejack’s brother, Big Macintosh, who had a gentle look on his face. Just as Applejack suspected, the fashionista would not have let it slide—though, she didn’t expect her to come through so quickly. Technically speaking, Applejack still had time to not totally miss the occasion.
“Oh! Uh—heavens to betsy, Rarity! I wasn’t expectin’ you—c-cause I was just fixin’ to be on my way to your place.” Applejack dropped the wet mop on the floor, but didn’t bother to acknowledge it, too occupied with giving Rarity an incredibly awkward smile.
“Mhm, on your way? Are you positive, dear, because it seems you’re rather… busy. Why are you doing chores, Applejack—today you’re meant to help me at the boutique! And, oh my, you look a mess! Surely you weren’t planning on showing up to our date with mud on your shirt and hay in your hair?” Rarity questioned, finally walking inside with Big Mac and picking the mop up for Applejack. The sudden drop of the word “date” flustered her, and Applejack could feel the blood rushing to her face. Rarity handed the mop to Applejack, whose red face could only look down at the end of it.
Applejack walked over to prop the mop up against the wall, and sighed. Her face was no longer red, and returned to its usual tan color. “I’m mighty sorry, Rarity. Truth is… I been runnin’ around the farm like a chicken with its head cut off! But… mostly cause I been right stressed about our meeting, and I haven’t a clue why. Ya know, chores are my own way of calmin’ myself down when I’m as tense as all get out. I wasn’t bein’ false, though—I swear that I was going to get this mess cleaned up and head to your boutique faster than a hot knife through butter. Honest. It’s just that… I got a lick carried away and entirely forgot to check on the time… sometimes I’m dumber than a mud fence...” Applejack revealed, looking up at Rarity, ashamed.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac chimed in, nodding his head with his eyes shut. Applejack looked at him with an unamused expression.
Rarity shook her head with an exhale, but wearing a smile on her face nonetheless. “It’s quite alright, dear. I believe you, so there’s no need to fret. But… stressed? Why ever would you feel anxious to spend time with your best friend? If it’s because you’re totally late, don’t even worry about it. After all, being a tad late never hurt anyone—“ Rarity grabbed Applejack’s wrist without warning, which startled her. Lateness could have something to do with her perturbation, but she knew that wasn’t the whole reason. Not wanting to drag it on, Applejack didn’t correct Rarity, allowing her to continue believing that lateness was what had Applejack in a frenzy. “However, being late is still not that good so… let’s be on our way, shall we?”
“But—Rarity—the mess—“ Applejack stuttered, looking back but not bothering to stop, following Rarity in pursuit, Big Mac coming along not far behind.
“Like I said, it’s nothing to fret about; Big Mac here found me at the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres and told me all about your…” Rarity turned to Big Mac. “Which way did you put it again…” She turned back to Applejack. “Your… hurly-burly.” Rarity giggled to herself. “He offered to help clean up after you as long as I was able to lull your mind. And I say I’ve done an… okay job at that—right, Big Mac?”
“Eeeeyup.” Big Mac answered.
Applejack frowned, still trailing behind the girl dragging her by the wrist. “B-But what about me?” She pointlessly asked, knowing the answer she was going to receive was the answer she was most apprehensive of.
“You? Why, darling, we’ll get you cleaned up at the boutique, of course!” Rarity excitedly explained, laughing with such delight.
Applejack frowned harder, now blushing. Rarity couldn’t see it—she was bouncing around like Pinkie with her eyes closed. “Oh.” Is all Applejack was able to muster. Big Mac waved them off at the exit.
On the way to Rarity’s home, she did not let go of Applejack’s wrist once. Applejack just imagined that Rarity hadn’t noticed—meanwhile, some part inside Rarity had her fearful that Applejack might attempt to escape their date, so she didn’t want to take any chances. To the outside eye, it may have been perceived as endearing, but Rarity’s hand merely served as a restraint of some sort. A restraint to make Applejack stay… when you put it like that, it does sound a little more captivating.
“Er… hey, Rarity? Can I ask you somethin’?” Said Applejack, breaking the short silence.
“Of course, darling. Anything.”
Applejack walked to Rarity’s side. “Why me? I mean, you have tons of models just waitin’ at your call like Filthy Rich’s waitin’ on our zap apple jam. I mean… I’m not particularly… the typa person who’d make for a good model.”
Rarity’s eyes widened, and she turned to her with a gasp. Applejack felt the other girl’s hand tighten around her wrist. “Applejack! Anybody could be the type of person who’d make for a good model! And you’re positively beautiful, darling—gorgeous! Don’t you ever doubt your radiance like that. What’s more—I didn’t ask you to meet with me just so you could help me with my line… I asked because… em… Applejack… you and I… we haven’t talked in a while—“
“We talk near everyday, Rarity.”
“Well, yes—but, what I mean is that we haven’t had a proper conversation about… life. About ourselves. And with you as my practice model, it’ll be the perfect time to actually talk, you know? Plus, I’m sure that my new line will look ravishing on you, darling! I just can’t wait to see how it looks.” Rarity, jumping with anticipation, told the farmer, who became red in response.
“I ‘spose you’re right, Rarity…” Applejack responded, grinning to herself. “I’ve been so caught up in everything I’ve been doin’ wrong, I haven’t thought about what could go right. Heheh, I don’t even know what my mind was so frazzled about…” Applejack practically whispered. As she exhaled, she felt relief as the weight on her shoulders was lifted like cargo onto a ship. She closed her eyes, stress fading away. Rarity is no one to be afraid of… she’s your best friend… and you love her. You love spending time with her. Applejack was thinking, when she felt two hands squeezing her’s. Applejack raised her head to face Rarity, who was now staring into her eyes with a smile so bright it would have blinded her—had Applejack not been avoiding Rarity’s gaze. The two girls had come to a halt. Flustered, Applejack blushed deeply, completely diverting her line of sight away from Rarity’s face.
“I’m so glad you arrived at your senses, Apple… Jack.” Rarity apprised her, softly, holding Applejack’s hands in front of her. Applejack couldn’t ignore Rarity’s eyes. She reciprocated the gaze, her breath hitching. And this is why she was so nervous. Applejack stepped back, making an attempt to pull away, and trying to break eye contact—feeling her heart race faster, nearly beating out of her chest. But Rarity’s alluring smile made it difficult to break away.
“A-Are you doing this on purpose?” Applejack asked, her voice cracking as she spoke. Rarity’s expression quickly turned to one of shock.
“Wh—What?”
Applejack tore her hand away, looking at Rarity with an apologetic face. “Oh—er, n-nothing. Sorry ‘bout that. Let’s just—just get to the boutique.” She looked down and started to saunter.
Rarity didn’t pressure Applejack much further, but found the encounter weird. “Oh… okay.” She plodded to the right of Applejack. What is wrong with her today? Rarity pondered.
For the remainder of the way to the boutique, the girls walked alongside each other with much more distance between them.
Not to mention the fact their walk didn’t go unnoticed, for a certain pink-haired party-planner had seen them together, sensing tension. Pinkie Pie went off to find their other friends.
It didn’t take long for them to reach their destination. Rarity unlocked the door to Carousel Boutique swiftly with her keys, and Applejack treaded on her heels. As soon as she stepped in the fashionista’s home, the smell of lavender, vanilla, and cherries hit her like a train.
“Well, saddle my back and call me a horse, Rarity, your boutique smells sweeter than cherry pie—I’ve forgotten about the friendly aroma in here.” Applejack proclaimed, entranced by the wondrous fragrance.
Rarity laughed modestly at the compliment. “Oh, why, thank you, darling. I really do try.”
Applejack wasn’t used to pretty smells like this at the farm, so it was a nice refresher, but she soon found that her own scent was tainting that of the store. She smelled herself, and nearly fainted at the odor of dirt, livestock, and their feed.
“I-It does smell nice, but if I stand here piddlin’ any longer, your place is gonna smell bad enough to gag a maggot.” Applejack gave utterance it. Rarity looked at her.
“Right. Let me get that bath running for you—I’ll wash your hair, I know the perfect way to get all that icky stuff out of your head.” Rarity said, walking to the bathroom. Applejack’s eyelids just about dropped to the floor, but she pursued the other woman.
“You mean—while I’m in the bath? I-I reckon you have a bathing suit—or-or a full-body washing outfit… or—“ Applejack questioned, stumbling over her own words.
Rarity giggled. “Calm down, Applejack. I’m going to be behind you, so I won’t even see anything you think I might. And even if I did, we’re both girls. You’re so silly, nothing could even happen.” She refuted. A frowning Applejack was stunned at Rarity’s ignorance.
As soon as the bath was warm enough, Rarity went out to get the rest of her hair products. “The bubble soap and bath bombs are in a basket to your left. Don’t be afraid to use them at your disposal. Personally, I always love a nice bubble bath! It does wonders for my skin!” Rarity beamed before leaving the room. Applejack hopped in when she was sure Rarity was nowhere near. The mellow temperature of the bath was homely, and hugged her like a blanket on a winter’s day. She took a deep breath in through her nose, and exhaled through her mouth.
She decided to take up on Rarity’s bubble bath offer, and grabbed the products with the most hoity-toity names, because she knew those were the best. As she poured the ingredients in the tub, she began to murmur to herself.
“What are you doin’, Applejack? This ain’t like you… so scared of a bath. Ah, darn it! Rarity could make a preacher cuss, so adamant about this stupid date! It’s not even a dumb date, like she said, we’re both girls, that’s why it’s so easy for her to act this way with me and just completely disregard my feelings—
f-feelings that don’t exist, because I hardly even care if she doesn’t see this as a real date, ‘cause I don’t feel that way about her.” Applejack looked down at the water, her reflection virtually covered up with bubbles. “And… she would never feel that way about me.” Applejack felt tears forming in her eyes, sliding down her cheeks, and into the bath full of water. The room was completely quiet, with the occasional sound of teardrops falling into the tub—breaking the silence.
Applejack had realized why she’d been feeling more and more anxious around Rarity lately.
“Well, that took a tad longer than I foresaw, I’m truly sorry, Applejack. I was going to grab Heavenly Curl Express because it’s my all-time favorite! But then I realized that your hair isn’t curly, like mine, so I decided that maybe Silk and Shine might be the one for you, but it’s mostly for show and should be accompanied with a shampoo that actually helps your hair before making it glamorous. And so, I had the ingenious idea to use Aloe Vera Mania and Smooth Apple-Scented Shampoodle as well, which will help keep your hair smooth and strong in cases like these! I grabbed a few other products to help tangles, your color, too—you know, the essenti—oh my.“ Rarity walked in, carrying a basket of shampoos and other hair goods. Applejack rapidly wiped her face off with the water in the bath, her tears blending in with the rest of the splash.
“…R-Rarity—“
Rarity looked at Applejack with a sympathetic look. “Wow, Applejack you really… took me up on my offer. I had no idea you liked bubble baths so much.” Rarity chuckled, awkwardly. Applejack looked down at the bathtub, then the bathroom floor. The bubbles had spilled out the tub. She grabbed a bottle from below her and shook it… it was empty. She sighed in relief, at first thinking that Rarity caught Applejack crying. Rarity tilted her head at the girl in the bath with confusion.
“I-I mean—aw, shoot…” Applejack groaned. “darn, i’m plumb sorry, sugarcube. I didn’t even realize I was pourin’ in so much! I’ve never taken a bubble bath like this in my life, s-so I was a lil’ confused, ya know? Lemme buy you some more!” She insisted.
Rarity shook her head and waved it off. “Don’t let it gnaw at you, AJ. Like you said, you’ve never had a bubble bath before, so please—feel free to use as much as you’d like—after all, I want the absolute best for my best friend.” Applejack’s chest became righter, and she felt like her heart had been punctured. The continued to soak her face with water, trying her hardest to maintain composure.
The first thing Applejack heard was the sound of Rarity moving a small stool closer to the tub, behind Applejack. The second thing she heard was a squeaky type of thingamajig being picked up… also from behind her. And the third thing she heard was the clanking of metal—from above her—and some water splashing into the bathtub. Cold water—she could feel it too, on her head, all the way down to her shoulders. Rarity had dropped water on Applejack’s head using a bucket—but failed to notice that the water inside was ice cold.
“Wh-What the hay, R-Rarity!” Applejack crossed her arms, shaking. As soon as she said this, she heard a thud, then uncontrollable snickering. Applejack’s body was confused—the top half was cold as ice, but the lower half was as warm as a bug in a rug. And her brain was confused as to why Rarity was laughing instead of helping.
Rarity wiped her tears away from all the giggling. “F-Forgive me, darling! I forgot to change the setting, so I believe that I collected… cold water!” Rarity explained, still laughing. “Plus—I needed your hair wet!” She winked to herself.
Applejack growled. “You balieeeeve correctly, Rarity!” Applejack yelled, mocking Rarity’s accent and lowering herself down into the nice, cozy temperature of the water in the bathtub. Rarity only laughed harder at this, and Applejack rolled her eyes.
“Yeah? You think that’s funny? Well then, I got a somethin’ even funnier for you, sugarcube.” Applejack continued, smugly.
Rarity smirked, despite the fact that neither of them could see each other’s faces. “Hm? And what’s that, darling?” Rarity retorted, accidentally snorting, which she would usually be embarrassed of but the situation was too funny for her to care about that.
“This!” Applejack swung a bucket over her head, and water flung at Rarity’s face. It wasn’t nearly as much water as Applejack received, and it was warm, but she knew that for Rarity, it equals just as much. Applejack could only hear a gasp from behind her, followed by silence. For a second, she was scared if she had maybe gone too far.
But not a moment later, the sound of laughter erupted behind her. Applejack turned around to face Rarity, drenched in water, cackling her ass off on the floor. Applejack smiled at the sight, and began to chuckle along. The two girls laughed for a while, and Applejack’s heart was at ease—for a little.
With her wet shirt, wet hair, and, now, wet hands, Rarity lifted herself back up and sat on the stool, but not before nearly slipping off it. Applejack giggled slightly at this, however, it was quickly ended after Rarity gave her a glare. Rarity smiled, claiming victory.
Rarity grabbed at Applejack’s golden hair—it looked much thinner now that it was doused, and… it was beautiful… she could not deny that. She could never admit that Rarity was of the opinion that Applejack’s hair was as gorgeous as her’s, and in this moment, while she looked at Applejack’s honey mane, which shone in the radiance of the sun and was now sticking to Applejack’s skin with the water, it felt as though her heart was skipping a beat or two. Rarity reminisced to all the times she went to Sweet Apple Acres and caught a sight of the young farmer working. The sweat on her skin worked the same magic as the water in the tub, and she noticed her hair was stuck to her skin like glue. Rarity blushed at these memories, and blushed at the view in front of her. This happened sometimes—she would think of Applejack and remember her alluring nature, but could never figure out why she would remember Applejack in such a manner; Applejack so much as captivating as she had knowledge in fashion.
Sometimes, Rarity theorized that it was jealousy she felt—but then again, what would she be jealous of? The fact AJ lived on a farm, had a very close family, her elegance? Yeah, sure, if pigs could fly. There was that one time with Trenderhoof, but at the end of the day, Rarity found the country lifestyle to be quite pleasant, and apologized to Applejack for judging her all those years. And what kind of jealousy would cause her heart to ache every time Applejack got too close, looked too hardworking, or gave a compliment that was too particularly sweet?
Rarity massaged Applejack’s head, as she poured shampoo and a variety of other products in her hand, then began massaging her hair with the materials.
“It’s such a shame you keep such marvelous hair underneath that hat of your’s, Applejack. It really is quite charming, you know?” Rarity stated. It would be shameful to say that this wasn’t the whole truth; Rarity believed that Applejack looked winsome with her hat on. She was the only person who could pull off a stetson hat and still look absolutely beautiful. Rarity never desired for Applejack to let it go, it was part of her, and Rarity loved the hat as much as AJ did.
“Well, this hat means more to me than just looks, Rarity—you know that more than anyone. And I could give less of a darn if I looked like a goat eating grass while wearing this hat, ‘cause I swear on Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom that this hat’ll stay on my head as long as my feet touch Earth’s soil.” Applejack looked at her hat, which sat cleanly on a chair, far from the water and the rest of the mess. She continued: “I plan to be buried in this hat.” Rarity smiled.
“Good. It’s sad your hair stays hidden, but I think your hat really pulls your entire look together. And, you know, you don’t look like a goat at all, darling. In fact, I think you look quite… irresistible while wearing that hat, Applejack.” Rarity assured, not fully grasping what she told the other girl. Applejack widened her eyes, and her face was overcome in a deep blush. Rarity, realizing a few seconds after what she just said, also began blushing, and stopped everything she was doing. The two stayed still, silent, for around 20 seconds, before Rarity began to rub Applejack’s hair again, really mixing in that shampoo and conditioner.
“Th-Thanks… Rarity.” Applejack mustered.
The wash went by smoothly. Well, if you don’t count the oblivious pining from Rarity’s side, and flustered crushing from Applejack’s. While Rarity untangled, brushed, and cleaned Applejack’s hair, she looked at Applejack too… her skin, just as dazzling as her hair. She faked the need to keep steady as an excuse to rest her hand on Applejack’s skin, which she found just as smooth and soft as a baby’s. She saw that her skin was sprinkled with freckles, which made her look all that more unique. Her shoulders were as broad as they come, and while Rarity’s hand laid on them, she could feel the tense muscle and hard-work Applejack puts in everyday. While Rarity was ignorant to her obvious fondness for Applejack, Applejack could feel everything, and became ruffled over anything. A slight touch? She would blush. Rarity’s words? She would blush. More shampoo? She would blush. She thanked whatever god was out there that she wasn’t facing Rarity, and that she couldn’t see Applejack’s cherry red face. But other than that, it went by like a breeze. Eventually, it was over, and Applejack sighed a breath of relief.
Rarity left the bathroom to return all her things to their original spaces, which, strangely, wasn’t in the bathroom. Instead, they were kept neatly organized in a separate room, depending on their size, color, and, most importantly, ingredients. Oh, and she left to allow Applejack the much needed room and space to change.
Applejack was given a white tank top and grey shorts. Rarity was going to give her white shorts too, but she decided against it, not really feeling that color. Applejack didn’t need her regular attire, since she was going to be changing into Rarity’s designs anyhow. With a sigh, the farmer grabbed a towel and dried her hair and skin before putting on the outfit Rarity arranged for her. Then, she headed to the main room, where Rarity was waiting for her.
Applejack didn’t really want to put on fancy clothes in front of the faux Queen of Fancy. So she decided she had to stall. “Rarity, i’m awful sorry about your bathroom. It’s as wet as a cow’s nose in there, I can clean it up if you—“
“Nonsense, darling!” Rarity walked behind Applejack, and began to push her to the outfits she had in place. “I’ll have Spike clean it up next time he comes over—he’s quite the assistant!” She claims, nudging Applejack to carry on walking. Before Applejack can continue, she’s cut off by darkness; more specifically, something confining her in its grasp. Seconds later, she’s home free, and light fills her vision, along with the rest of the boutique.
A mirror is in front of her, and she looks into it to see herself… in a suit. The suit is a crimson red that compliments her hair, a gorgeous gem that matches her piercing emerald green eyes attached to the chest pocket. Applejack checks herself out, and even does a pose… she doesn’t look so bad. She had never worn a suit, perhaps maybe a beehive suit, but never something this formal.
She doesn’t think she looks awful. But she doesn’t know what Rarity thinks. What if Rarity thinks I look so ugly… I could scare a buzzard off a gut pile?! Applejack would think, suddenly insecure of her appearance, not wishing to know what Rarity actually thought, afraid it might even be worse. But the inevitable was going to hit her like a train eventually, so she opened her eyes and turned to the fashionista.
Rarity’s eyes were wide open, sparkling like a box of diamonds. Unblinking eyes gawked at the suit… and the girl. She had never seen Applejack look so good! Sure, she looked as enticing as she did while she worked at the farm—but the suit made her look like a… prince. There was a pang in her heart, and Rarity scolded herself for thinking of Applejack like that.
“Applejack! You look…”
“Nasty? I know…” Applejack looked down at the floor.
“What?! No!” Rarity made a face of pure exasperation. “You look divine! You look so beautiful in this suit, Applejack!” Rarity yelled.
“You mean… the suit looks ‘divin—“
“No, you look divine. Of course, the suit makes you look elegant, which is what I love about it, about fashion, but you always look divine anyway! Whatever you wear, you’ll always look absolutely charming.” Rarity reassured the moping girl now in front of her. “That’s another reason I wanted you to be my practice model, darling… you’re stunning.” Rarity lifted Applejack’s head up by her chin, and smiled softly when their eyes met. Rarity looked down at Applejack’s lips. In contrast to her own, the farmer didn’t wear any lipstick, but she could see the faint mark of chapstick. And she wondered… was it cherry? Or apple? She knew one way she could find out… Rarity took a step back, shaking her head awake from the trance, refusing to let the minute progress any further.
Rarity grabbed the collars on the suit and fixed them. “Yes! I love this, it’s definitely going in my collection—oh! Should I name it… the Jackattire? No, no—the Applensemble! I’ll figure out the details later…” Rarity wiped, fixed, and dusted the suit with her hands, as Applejack blushed every time her hands fixed another crease. “Darling, I’ll tailor you your own suit! Instead of this gem, it’ll be… an apple! Haha!” Rarity told her, jumping and clapping her hands at her own innovative idea. Applejack couldn’t take the amount of distance between them (because there was none), and she couldn’t take how badly she wanted to kiss Rarity for the suit. But in the end, she could only mumble a small, “Thank you…”
Over the course of an hour, Rarity would throw another outfit on Applejack, gape at how the farmer looked, take measurements, fix wrinkles, and take it off her, only to repeat the same actions a few seconds later. The entire time, Applejack was struggling with her thoughts, trying to maintain her composure every time Rarity touched her arm or her neck while trying to dust some dirt off the attire.
The moon replaced sun in no time, and the light blue sky became dark quickly. There were clear skies tonight, which meant the stars were easily visible, an unusual sight as they were always covered by clouds on a regular day. Applejack imagined Twilight was studying the arrangements of the celestial bodies and the constellations which could be seen tonight, but it wasn’t something Applejack dwelled on, especially not whilst she changed into another one of Rarity’s outfits… hopefully, the last.
Applejack walked out of the dressing room, almost tiptoeing, wobbling, giving it her all as to not ruin the delicate threads, a product of Rarity’s creative hands. A gown, a wedding gown of the perfect orange, a mere shade darker than Applejack’s own hairs. It was the first dress of the night, the final outfit which made for a spectacular finish. Rarity turned around, initially busy with her notes, just as she heard stepping behind her. Her eyes didn’t widen when she saw Applejack, but they still kept that glint of love as her eyes looked up and down at the girl in the gown. Applejack did not notice.
Rarity covered her mouth with both her hands, and softened her expression. “Oh… Applejack… you look…” Rarity stepped closer to get a better look at the girl in front of her.
“…lovely…” Rarity whispered. “I think this may be the best look yet. Shall I stitch you your own of this gown as well?” Rarity asked, gingerly. Applejack fixed her position, uncomfortable with the tightness in the gown. Though, when she looked in the mirror, she saw her bearing was the same as that of Fancy Pants’s friends—Applejack could pass for a big time celebrity. The gown wasn’t her style, but she looked… interesting.
“Aw, naw, Rarity… you can’t keep wastin’ so much sweat and fabric on me, I’m not as gussied up as you, I can live without these fancy gowns and suits, and do with my rags.” Applejack explained, not realizing she placed her hand on Rarity’s shoulder. The contact caused the atmosphere to change… familiar… similar to when Applejack was wearing the first suit.
Applejack’s breathing hitched—slightly. “Just the suit is fine. Honest.” She tightened her grip on Rarity’s shoulder.
Again, Rarity leaned in… but restrained herself, not permitting her deepest desires to be fulfilled. “No, no, darling! A gift, think of it
as—“ she said, breaking away from Applejack’s grip, before Applejack grabbed her should again. “—a… gift.” Rarity murmured, looking up to catch Applejack’s eyes.
This time, Applejack held Rarity’s shoulders with two hands, her grip, light to the touch, felt like a fire, a fire which Rarity’s heart kept lit. “Rarity, ya let me use your tub and even let me waste yer highfalutin’ soap thingamajig—bein’ able to help you with your outfits has been fun. Sure, it wasn’t ‘sposed to be a whole thing, a whole… date—“ Applejack’s front faltered, “—l-like, one of our best-friend dates, y-ya know?” She sighed. “But, regardless, I had fun today, and thas’ the best gift you could ever give me, Rarity.” Applejack assured Rarity, offering a tender smile. Rarity’s heart was just about ready to burst; the bits and pieces of something that used to be could make a faultless contribution to her new line. The bits and pieces that would race for a girl named Applejack.
In the midst of silence, a serene pause in all the anxiety, the distance between grew compact, and the small space between them fitted nearing faces.
It’s as if Rarity’s mind simply just turned off when Applejack moved her left hand to Rarity’s side. Suddenly, in that moment, she felt her heart take a road trip to her head, and steal a seat behind the wheel once it arrived. Commanded by a new general, Rarity placed her hands on Applejack’s neck, her body, going rogue, leaned in for the kill.
A sweet, apple-flavored murder.
And it took a moment for Applejack to realize what was happening. With eyes wide, she felt something soft… something saintlike.
A kiss?
Definitely a kiss. Applejack slowly shut her eyes, letting herself indulge in whatever the hell she was feeling. She could not think, could not breathe, could not do anything but feel Rarity’s ice cold hands on her neck, warm lips on her’s. But before Applejack could fully lose herself to Rarity’s will, the same lips that had met hers just seconds prior… abruptly pulled away. Her hands were soon touching nothing but air, the empty space in place of Rarity. Applejack opened her eyes like someone had just taken her life.
Rarity was stepping back, a few inches further backwards every second. Applejack reached out, not moving—not able to move in that prison of a dress. Rarity put her hand up to her mouth—her lips. Lips that, for some reason, decided to have a nice, little hugging session with Applejack’s lips. Rarity shook her head, quietly hyperventilating. She lifted her head back up to see that Applejack held a worried, sympathetic look on her face, which only broke Rarity even more.
“I—I’m so sorry.” Rarity’s voice cracked, as her tears fell to the floor.
“Rarity—“ Applejack yelled, but she could not finish before Rarity was sprinting out of the boutique, mascara-mixed tears trickling down her face like a waterfall.
Applejack gave it one attempt to run after her, swiftly desisted by a face plant flat on the ground, the beautiful—but deadly—gown making her absolutely eat it. With a, “Gosh darn it!” Applejack lifted herself up, and dusted the dress before she—instantaneously becoming the new Usain Bolt—hastily changed into something more fitting for the pursuit. Three minutes later, she was out the front door as fast as Big Mac heading to a date with Sugar Belle.
Applejack’s boots pitter-pattered on the floor, heavy and loud on the pavement and dirt. She had gotten used to running in them, and although they slowed her pace, it was all she had.
“Rarity! Rarity!” Applejack screamed aloud, cupping her hands over her mouth, turning in every direction and area she could.
“Rarity!! Rari—agh!” After a bit of searching, Applejack ran into something… a light pole, maybe?
“What the—What the hell?” Applejack groaned to herself, fallen on the ground and rubbing her head like she just sustained a concussion. She looked up, half expecting some random tree, but instead, saw a hand reaching down towards her, palm upwards, welcoming. Applejack took a double take, and as her vision adjusted to the darkness which submerged the air, she could tell what was in front of her was no tree.
“Oh, no! I’m sorry, I thought you would’ve noticed me!” Applejack grabbed the hand, squinting, as if squinting would help her see.
“Don’t worry ‘bout it… Twilight.” Applejack finally responded. Behind Twilight, 3 other girls; Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Her friends. Applejack was surprised, but not shocked—more curious, concerned.
Twilight sent a polite, apologetic smile to Applejack’s way. “Pinkie came to us and told us she saw you two, but she was a little worried because—“
“YOU GUYS WERE ACTING LIKE—SUPER, TOTALLY, SPECTACULARLY WEIRD!! and… different! I was sooo worried!!” Pinkie cut off Twilight, using Twilight’s shoulder to jump up and down, much to Twilight’s annoyance (and slight amusement).
Applejack took off her hat, and held it in front of her, looking like a lost puppy. “Aw, well—I-I don’t know about…” She stuttered over her words, unsure of how to answer. “We weren’t acting…” Applejack sighed. Fluttershy stepped forward, empathic eyes piercing through Applejack’s skin and into her heart.
“Is everything okay, Applejack?” She questioned the farmer quietly, and calmly.
“Yeah, I-I think so… I… well—“ Applejack stopped, and thought for a moment.
“—something did happen, y’all, if I’m bein’ honest.” Applejack finally admitted, clutching her hat tighter against her stiff chest. “I’m tryna look for Rarity, but I just can’t seem to find her, it’s like—it’s like tryna find a needle in a god damn haystack!” Applejack stomped her foot on the land, specks of dirt floating away with the wind. Fluttershy jumped at her friend’s sudden action. “Sorry, Fluttershy, I’m just mighty worried—I’ve been looking for an hour now, I just have no idea where she’s run off to!” Fluttershy smiled, and waved it off.
“We can help you look for Rarity! If she’s been missing for this long… she could be in trouble!” Rainbow Dash intervened. Those last words put Applejack in a different state of mind. Previously, she was just worrying about Rarity’s state of mind… even, sort of, happy about the kiss. Did that really just happen? Did she really kiss me? Does she… Applejack would think to herself. But now, another good point has been brought up—she hasn’t even given one thought to Rarity’s state of health. And her heart began racing again, afraid that it might crash and blow up if she didn’t find the girl quick.
“Applejack? Do you mind… can you tell us what happened?” Twilight asked Applejack, tilting her head, holding Pinkie’s shoulders to stop her jumps. Applejack paused, and faltered for a moment.
“I don’t think I can say anything… yet. She—I need to talk to Rarity first.” Applejack eventually affirmed, looking away from her friends and onto the ground.
Twilight nodded her head. “That’s okay. Let’s go find our friend.” Our friend.