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Chapter 2: Hidden Gem
The sun was beating down on the barren outskirts of Ponyville. The occasional leafless tree dotting the dirt and gravel landscape. In the center of of the stark scenery lay a white unicorn quietly sobbing while searching for gems. Unsure of why she was sad before, she definitely had a reason now. Or so she exaggerated.
"I just got a pony pedi three days ago. I have chipped two of my perfectly manicured hooves. Digging is so much harder than it looks. Why didn't I bring Spike or a shovel? Oh Rarity, this is just shaping up to be a disaster of a day."
She looked back at her dismal amount of gems she's recovered. Barely enough for even one dress let alone enough to fill her orders. She wanted to complain to the skies, and just let it all out. She was frustrated at the amount of manual labor still left to do. Rarity works hard, but in the comfort of a well ventilated building. Sweating, chipping a hoof and getting dirty is not something she was used too. The pony who did all those things with a smile at the end of the day was Applejack.
Using her magic, Rarity got lucky and was able to find a nice vein of gems. While collecting them she noticed one that was shaped like a golden apple. She thought back to the last time she saw Applejack in Sugarcube Corner next to whoever that was. A big, strong, healthy looking yellow stallion was sitting across from Applejack. Dressed in a black leather vest, that tightly suited around his fit physique, and a matching black cowpony hat. His light chestnut mane and tail were perfectly complimented by his cool blue eyes. Rarity liked the stallion, as he had done nothing wrong, but couldn't put her hoof on why she had the urge to give him a shift kick in the flank.
"The nerve of that pony. Sweet treats and sharing drinks with somepony like him. Even though she said she was busy, she seems to having the most charming of dates with a gorgeous stallion." Rarity sunk her head lower confused as to why she's having such a strong reaction to seeing her friend with somepony else. She wandered a bit finding more gems as she tried to pick apart her quandary. "But why does her being on a date with another pony even bother me in the slightest. Applejack deserves a strong stallion to pick her up after a long days work, to help around the farm and to love her. So then why can't I be happy for her? Why does it hurt?"
Rarity finished collecting the jewels. Overlooking her prizes she decided that she would just have to get more judicial with gem placement. Her heart was sinking fast, drowning in frustration over Applejack's betrayal and the sun was setting so going back home to start sorting out gems sounded like a good idea. As she was making her way back to town, she passed a small pool of water. She looked down at her reflection and saw a horrific sight. Mane tangled, coat harshly speckled with dirt, eyes red from the occasional tear. A mess was an understatement. This was a disaster against the laws of beauty. Being as Rarity was, she decided not to try to fix herself up. She wanted to look how she felt, to wear her heart on her sleeve. Besides by the time she got into town, all the ponies would be in their homes.
It was a miserable trot home with Applejack festering the usual upbeat attitude of Rarity. The moon was overtaking the sun's rays. The moon was bright and full tonight. The streets would be nice and lit for the unicorn as she was making her way to the entrance of the town. She passed Sugarcube Corner again. She took a stop and looked through the window at the table where Applejack and The Stallionwere sitting. Rarity was glad she left when she did. She could see the ensuing argument, full of tears, baseless accusations and hurt feelings. She rather Applejack be having a good time like she was than spoil such an outing. Still saddened she turned towards her home but was surprised by a bright pink pony.
"Hiya Rarity. You pass by my place and don't even come in to say hello?" Rarity looked back to see Pinkie Pie hanging from the frame. Huge smile as always.
"Oh Pinkie dear. I'm sorry. It's just been a long day and I was hoping to just get home and..."
"Long day?! Sister, I can tell you've had a long day. Have you taken a look in the mirror. Mane all frizzy and gravel in your ears. I can even see dirt all over you. You look awful."
Rarity fought the urge to pick of a rock next to her and throw it in the pony's big rude mouth. Rarity wished that Pinkie was a lot less blunt with her statements, even if they were true. A large gurgling sound came from the unicorn's stomach. Being the light eater she is, she had gone without eating since breakfast.
"*gasp* Rarity. I heard that. Unacceptable. That means you haven't eaten." Pinkie rushed behind her friend and was slowly pushing her into the Corner.
"Pinkie please. I really do need to..." Rarity paused now smelling a new scent coming from the bakery. "Pinkie. What is that marvelous smell?"
"I've cooked up something pretty great. I was gonna take it home for second dinner but I'll gladly split half with you."
"No need for that. A small slice will suffice."
"Take a seat Rare. It'll be done in just a minute." Pinkie Pie ducked into the kitchen. Rarity looked around and spotted the table. She couldn't resist and sat in Applejack's spot. She wanted to know so much about today. Maybe it would calm her nerves. Pinkie Pie came out of the back with a double layered chocolate concoction of a cake. Rarity was more fixated on the pony however. If she were to find out what happened in this seat, Pinkie was a good place to start.
"Here is it Rarity. So you wanted half the cake right? Just kidding. I remembered." A well placed cut to the cake and a perfect slice was created for Rarity. "Looks like I get the rest." Pinkie dove face first as usual, making a mess that she doesn't mind cleaning up later.
In the middle of Pinkie Pie's devouring of cake, Rarity spoke up "Umm Pinkie Pie. I do wonder if you could help me with some information."
Pinkie rose up from her feast, with a frosting covered face. "Yea. What you need to know Rare?"
"It's about Applejack. I remember earlier today noticing her in here on my way to the outskirts and I remember her with a another fellow. Can you fill me in on who he was? What they were doing? Anything really?"
"Umm...Well I did serve them some delicious treats. And umm...Geez I'm sorry Rare, there was a lot going on while they were in. I can't remember much. What exactly were you looking for?"
"Like I don't know. Was there an atmosphere between them? Did she look different than when she is around us? Maybe on a date perhaps.?" Rarity was dropping the obvious hints. She was tired of waiting.
"Ohh, so that's it. You're just looking for the next juicy gossip aren't you. I didn't even occur to me that it might be like that. Oh my gosh Rarity. This. Could. Be. Big."
"Well we won't know if it's big if we don't know the details. Now speak." Rarity ordered.
"Ok. Ok. Ok. Now that you mention it. They seemed to get along great for just a couple of ponies. I think they might have known each other for awhile. They were sharing a drink so they were alright with the germs between them. I do think maybe I saw Applejack blush a couple of times, but the store was packed, it might have just been the heat from all the ponies in the room."
"Any details on him." Rarity focused on her target to avoid anymore details of Applejack being pitched woo.
"Him. Oh great cinnamon sticks. He is the prettiest stallion I've ever scene. Do we use the term pretty for stallions. Whatever I'm using it now. Anyways he was so dreamy looking with those deep blue eyes and such a strong chest. If he were a cake, I'd think he'd be too sweet for one serving."
Rarity's blood boiled at the embellishment of this stallion. He was good looking without question, but had no patience of wanting to hear anymore of him.
"And he was so gentlemanly. Opening the door for Applejack and some customers who were leaving, offered to hold a foal while the mother was busy in the bathroom, and he even paid for Applejack and his lunch. Such a gentlecolt." Pinkie cupped her hooves against her cheeks and sighed deep thinking about this pony.
"So gorgeous, generous and dashing. Might as well clipped him right out of a magazine." Rarity harshly thought.
"That would be enough, darling. I think I've gathered enough information to satisfy my curiosities." Rarity took a bite of her cake and was overwhelmed with flavor. "Pinkie Pie this is divine. It's so good that one would think you have a cutie mark of a cake." Rarity eagerly finished her piece. "You know what Pinky. This visit was enthralling. I got gossip and cake. Thank you."
"Well you know what's better than gossip and cake. Gossip, cake and more gossip."
"Whatever do you mean?" the white unicorn inquired.
Pinkie Pie grabbed her head and turn her to the window. Outside lay a sight that was both heartbreaking and inviting. Applejack and The Stallion were walking together down a moonlit street. Rarity had never been so detested by a beautiful scene such as this.
"Oh Applejack!" Rarity snapped out of her rage and pounced on Pinkie Pie, She quickly covered the pink pony's mouth and lay low until she knew it was safe. She peered over the table and the coast was clear. She thought Applejack must have been transfixed too deep with The Stallion. "Rarity that was oftly rude."
"You're right. That was so unladylike of me. Oh stars, what is wrong with me?"
"Anything I can do to help"
Rarity got a devilish smile on her face. The matter of The Stallionwill be solved tonight. "I will find out what he means to Applejack. Even if I chip the last of my hooves." she triumphantly thought.
"Now Pinkie. You wanna get the goods on Applejack and The Stallion?"
"Oh yes yes yes." the pink pony pronounced while prancing around.
"Then quickly. Grab two black body suits. We have to catch up to them."
"Woohoo. Secret spying time with Rarity. Oh this is gonna be fun." Pinkie Pie ran upstairs. Rarity sat by the door. Looking towards the direction the possible couple went down. Rarity looked down with determination. This was not over. Not until she knew the truth.
Now suited up, the two ponies made their way to the last known coordinates of Applejack and The Stallion. Unfortunately neither of them were experts in tracking and quickly found themselves in a predicament.
"Well. That was short-lived. Pinkie where do you think they went?"
Pinkie went to sniffing the ground at the fresh pair of hood prints that lay. After a good waft of their scent, Pinkie furrowed her brown and pointed west.
"Are you sure, Pinkie?"
Pinkie relaxed and explained, "The Bowling Alley is the only place that's open in Ponyville right now. We might as well try there first silly."
Realizing Pinkie was correct, Rarity pressed on towards The Alley. The simple building came into view, bright and vibrant with the two pins at the entrance.
"I wanna go bowling. It's so much fun. Even if they aren't in there can we play a couple games Rare?"
"Absolutely not. This operation is strictly confidential. We are not to be seen by anypony. I cannot stress this enough." Rarity commanded. "Now I'm going in there to take a peek. Stay in those bushes across the way. I'll be out in a flash."
The Party Pony saluted the tailor and dove into the bushes. Making sure to keep her stealth in check, Rarity hid in the shadows and tip hooved into the building. Gently opening the door, she was able to enter undetected and hid behind a counter. She peered above the surface ever so slightly and scanned the alley. Sure enough she saw her orange coated friend. She could see her lips move but too far to hear what she was talking about. Judging by her face, Rarity deduced that this possible date with The Stallion was going swimmingly. She saw The Stallionget off his seat as Applejack was taking hers. Perfect stance and perfect form. Like a bowling prodigy, he rolled a strike.
"Honestly, athletic as well. Figures." Rarity snappily thought. Applejack rose up out of her seat and bear hugged The Stallion. Rarity's cheeks reddened with ire at the display of affection.
"Wow he's really good." A whisper came from the left of Rarity. The unicorn jumped, almost knocking over some drinks on the counter barely stifling her scream.
"Pinkie!" she strongly hushed. "You scared the daylights out of me. Why are you in here? I told you to wait outside."
"I know but I saw a firefly. It was so cool and it's light's were so pretty. It floated on over to the door and I opened to let it in. I don't think the owner would like that now that I think about it. Then I got hypnotized by The Stallionlookin' so good. I didn't even notice you when I hunched down...Whoa"
Rarity started scooting the pony towards the doors, "We are going to have a little talk about listening and being attentive to duties." The ponies made their way outside and hunkered down in the bush waiting for the two ponies to leave. Bored by the stale nothingness, Pinkie brought out a deck of cards and were playing a friendly game of go fish.
"You got any threes?" Rarity droned out.
"Nope, go fish." the pink pony answered in the usual high pitched happy tone.
Rarity envied this pony's ability to stay so cheerful. An hour had passed and the white mare was getting restless. "How many games are they playing? This is starting to get ridiculous."
"Got any fours?" Pinkie Pie said,completely ignoring Rarity's comment.
Rarity heard laughing from the distance. She peeked outside the bush to see the targets moving. She motioned to Pinkie Pie to stay quiet and and out of sight. Pinkie motioned an understanding nod and the two followed Applejack and The Stallion. At a distance, Rarity could only make out Applejack's giggling. The white mare rolled her eyes at Applejack's filly-like presence around The Stallion. She was now adding charming and funny to Mr. Perfect Pony's list of qualities. Eventually, the Sweet Apple Acres orchard was in the horizon. Rarity was glad, as she would finally have a conclusion to where The Stallion stood in Applejack's heart. The pink and white ponies hid in the shadow of an apple tree, closely watching Applejack and The Stallion as they made their way to the front door.
Rarity has been in this situation before. The fond farewell kiss at the door to seal the deal of an amazing date. If Applejack felt anything towards The Stallion it would present itself soon. Each second that passed made Rarity's heart beat quicker. Applejack seemed to be stalling, always a good tactic for him to take initiative. To Rarity's delight, Applejack moved towards the door and entered the house. A wave of relief swept over her. No kiss meant no more of The Stallion. She waited for the door to close, thinking that this was the end, but much to her vexation The Stallion followed Applejack into her home.
Rarity's heart shattered. She was not some naive filly anymore. She knew what deeds were about to transpire in the Apple household. As much as it was hurting her right now thinking about it, she needed to keep a straight face for Pinkie, who was at the moment barely containing herself from the juicy gossip she thought she was getting.
"Oh my gosh, Rarity. This is like the biggest news ever." she said in hushed excitement. "Who do we tell first? Do we tell the girls? Oh how about Applebloom? Wait What about we tease Applejack with what we know? I know..."
The party pony was cut off by the hoof of the unicorn. "We will do no such thing. Pinkie I need you to keep what we saw and what we did a secret. It's better off forgotten."
Pinkie motioned her head up and down. Rarity released the pony. Pinkie spoke up though. "But Rarity, we did all this..."
"No. I need a Pinkie Promise from you. Come now. How does it go again?" Rarity losing enthusiasm in her tone
"Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye."
Rarity mimicked the pink pony's hoof gestures and departed from the scene. Pinkie may seem oblivious at times due to her extreme optimism, but she wasn't foolish enough not to notice the forced smile and sadness slowly overtaking her friend.
"This wasn't about gossip, was it Rarity?" the party pony sadly inquired.
The white unicorn pressed forward towards the boutique. She was at her limit. If she were to respond to Pinkie she would have barely choked out an answer. The walk back home was dismal for the tailor. She had been denying it all day as to why she was really upset over Applejack and The Stallion. She knew deep down the reasons it bothered her was not because Applejack lied, but because she was getting romantically involved with some other pony. Watching The Stallion walk through the threshold and into Applejack's bed was the final straw. It broke the pony's fragile ego and allowed her to realize the truth. She liked Applejack and more than she thought possible.
Rarity made her way into the boutique. She let a few tears roll down her white cheeks. "So, we're admitting it now aren't we Rarity?" She openly talked into the empty room. "I've never been against mares liking other mares. Just never thought I would be one of them. But why Applejack. It doesn't make sense. She's so impatient and mule-headed sometimes that she doesn't give in and ask for help. Her appetite is like that of a cow, so unrefined with amount of food she eats and don't get me started on those southern mannerisms. So uncouth."
Rarity stopped berating Applejack and then remembered why she likes the pony in the first place. "But she's a hard worker. Sweet Apple Acres wouldn't run near as efficient without her around. She is empathetic and caring, always willing to inconvenience herself to help a friend. She is honest. I don't believe she has ever told a lie ever. Her cooking is to die for, at least with apple dishes she is, but no doubt she could rival me in making a meal. And she is so strong from all the farm work. I still say she is the most athletic pony in Ponyville. You can see it with her toned tight body and..." Rarity trailed off. A hint of blush rushed to her face. She was embarrassed, but titillated at the idea of Applejack.
Rarity lightly smiled. Although saddened by tonight's events, she was ready to say what she was feeling. She positioned herself in front of a mirror giving herself a witness "So despite all this, you like Applejack. No. I like Applejack. I like her honesty, her sloppiness, her grit, her accent, the darling hat she wears, her family values...I like Applejack." The pony declared.
Rarity took a much needed shower and made her way to bed. She tried to push back the image of The Stallion to the back of her mind, but couldn't shake it. Confessing her feelings was good, but made her feel worse at the thought of what The Stallion and Applejack were doing. His hooves caressing her strong yet soft coat left Rarity in a cold sweat. She couldn't help but wish she was in his place. Knowing it wasn't going to be a pleasant night's sleep, she quickly wiped her eyes dry and applied her sleeping mask.
Rarity woke up with sweat around her collar. Seemed she couldn't escape The Stallion's impact which was wreaking havoc in the unicorn's dreams. Rarity shook off this nonsense. Sadness would only express itself when she was designing the clients dresses and suits. Rarity slammed her hoof to her forehead realizing she left her saddlebags of gems at Sugarcube Corner. Frustrated at her carelessness, she quickly rose out of bed, curled her mane and proceed to recover her gems. Past the threshold of the door, she tripped on a brown saddlebag. The diamond markings on the side indicated that it was indeed hers. The unicorn noticed a note on the side. She unclasped it and it read:
Rare, you forgot these at the bakery last night.
I'm sorry things didn't end well, but cheer up
cause I don't throw pity parties.
Love, Pinkie Pie
P.S. I think one of the cake babies was teething
on a few of the gems. So cute.
Rarity smiled fondly at the note. Pinkie was considerate at times and now Rarity could get to work fast.
"Well that was quite a tumble" said a southern accent from behind. Rarity peered around to see Applejack. The earth pony had never looked so beautiful to the unicorn. Her golden mane swaying brightly in sunshine, the coat already with little specks of dirt dotting it and her glorious green eyes were at attention. Rarity may have discovered new feelings for the mare, but like a proper lady she would carry herself through this tumultuous time.
"Oh Applejack. What brings you here so early?"
"I sorta need a favor." Applejack ripped of a green bandana around her neck and tossed it to the ground. "This ol' thing has been through the ringer. It's about time I get a new one. Can you quickly make one? I mean iffin it's not too much trouble."
"You were right to assume darling. Please come inside. A new bandana shouldn't take more than a couple minutes." The unicorn ushered in the farmer and quickly grabbed the material, scissors and needles.
"On second thought Rare, can ya make it a couple bandanas?"
Rarity thought about that comment. The only reason to make two would be to share it with someone else so your matching. Rarity hid the pain and carried on diligently making these bandanas spectacular, even though she knew what they would soon represent. Making a few final touches to the design, the bandanas were now finished.
"Tada. I do believe they look fabulous yes."
"I wasn't goin' fer fabulous, more fer the utility of the cloth, but I shoulda expected that when I asked fer yer help." The farmer smiled back. "But honestly thank you."
"Anytime darling. I hope you and your new stallion friend wear them well." Rarity's eyes widened and pupils dilated. She didn't mean to let it slip that she knew about The Stallion.
"Wait, what chu mean Rare?"
Rarity knew she couldn't cover her tracks. Applejack was always good at telling whether or not she was lying. Coming clean was the only option.
Rarity carefully chose her words as too not upset Applejack or reveal her new feelings."Well you know. I saw you and that stallion in Sugarcube Corner yesterday. It looked...intimate and I just thought that this extra one was for him." Rarity couldn't look Applejack in the eye. No one would want to be found out this way. The unicorn was surprised by the unexpected bellowing of laughter coming from the the orange pony. Applejack, barely breathing in hysterics, was rolling on the floor of the boutique. Rarity stood there just puzzled on what was so funny.
Catching her breath, Applejack got up and through shortened breath explained The Stallion. "You thought he and me...hoowee Rare. That dall near killed me. The Stallion is a friend of my Pa's. I was showin' him around Ponyville because he hasn't visited in so long. While I was bein' a good host we were hashin' out business. Turns out he feels that he could make arrangements and help Sweet Apple Acres produce reach other towns in Equestria and he's willing to set up the deals. Last night we went over the contracts with Big Mac and Granny Smith and signed on the dotted line. Oh Celestia, I need to wipe the tears...You Rare are such a cut up."
Rarity stood there amazed. The news entering her ears was the best she's ever heard. Applejack wasn't some easy filly or a sucker for a strong stallion. She was not smitten with somepony. She was still Applejack and Rarity felt the weight of a thousand suns lift from her heart. "So all of yesterday was business like you said?"
"I told you. I'm a lil' busy fer awhile. I weren't lyin' about that. And not all of it was business. The Stallion loves a few good rounds of bowling." Applejack let out the last bits of laughter left inside her. "He literally is old enough to be my Pa." Applejack again took her newly made bandana and wiped the tear streaks. She opened the cloth in full to appreciate the details. "So Rare, why did ya choose blue stead of green like last time?"
"Simple decision. Orange is blue's compliment. You're gonna outshine anypony in the field."
"Right I forgot. Big Mac needs help spotting the orange pony in the sea of green." Applejack tied it around her collar and checked herself in the mirror. "But I'll admit. Hard to argue with yer logic. It looks rather nice."
"Thank you. I do like hearing praise of my work."
"Rare, stand still. Imma put the extra one on you."
"Wait. No I'm fine. Those aren't my style anyways." The white pony protested.
Applejack advanced. "Stop yer fussin' n let me tie it."
Rarity listened and let Applejack have her way. The farmer led her to the mirror and let her examine the result. Applejack saw two mares in sensible garments. Rarity was looking deeper into the reflection. There they were, wearing matching bandanas like a couple. It was a refreshing thought to the unicorn.
"Me and Applejack? This..This is a rather nice fit." Rarity was taken out of her thoughts when Applejack turned her towards her.
"See. The blue even matches yer eyes. Not everything ya say fancy is lost on me." Applejack cheekily smiled. Rarity was caught off guard by the statement and met Applejack's gaze. She couldn't resist staring deep into the farmer's eyes as never before has they looked so vibrant green and pure.
"I wish we put bits on this cause yer blushin' again." the pony spoke without hesitation.
Rarity checked her face and as always Applejack wasn't lying. She reddened further at the knowledge of why she blushed in the first place, her crush on Applejack. Frantically trying to hide it, she needed to scoot this pony out the door before she got suspicious.
"Alright. Haha let's make the unicorn blush. Fun game." Rarity retorted. "Anyways I don't want to have to shoo you out, but I do have a busy day myself."
"Of coarse. I'll let myself out. Thanks again Rare. The offer still stands fer dinner anytime." Applejack let herself out. Rarity stood at the doorway watching her friend exit, scanning her friend's more lovely of features. "Wow, Applejack sure has a firm flank. Oh shame on you Rarity, that was such a disgusting thought. Work will drown these impure sentiments out." She walked past a mirror and her eye caught the bandana. A determined look made it to her face. "I, Rarity, like Applejack and I will give it my best efforts to see what we could be. No matter the outcome."
Thanks for reading. Be sure to review, follow and favorite as there will be more coming soon. If you are a Flutterdash fan as well, please feel free to check out my other story That Flutter in Your Heart. Once again thank you.