Thanks to everyone who favorited followed and reviewed. I love hearing feedback even if people take a few stabs as to what happens next. Anyways, I'll keep it short. Favorite and follow if you haven't and review at the end.
Chapter 4: Rarity Uncovered
A white unicorn was rolling around in her canopy bed, relishing the day off. In silk pajamas, Rarity was enjoying the Sunday as work got increasingly more intense as orders for the Great Galloping Gala were coming in. Luckily, the orders have stopped. Rarity would have had to start sending ponies away if the orders didn't halt. The Gala was a few weeks away and unless Sapphire Shores came in with an entourage, Rarity was allowing to spoil herself before she had to drown herself in fabrics.
Feeling peckish, she moved downstairs to have a tea and biscuit. She sat down with her light snack and picked up the Ponyville Express to see if any important news had come through the town. As she was browsing the paper, her door opened and she was pleasantly surprised by the pony that came in. In her usual brown stetson hat, Applejack came through the threshold and was happily welcomed by her friend.
"Hello Applejack. Such a lovely morning isn't it?"
"Great day for workin' outside if you ask me."Applejack responded.
"That's debatable darling. Do you have time to join me for a cup of tea and some biscuits?" Rarity offered.
"Sorry Rare. I got some business to take care of today, but I really came over to ask a favor."
"Ask away." the unicorn insisted. Rarity has been waiting for a chance to impress Applejack, ever since she revealed what she like in a special somepony. Since that day, her crush on Applejack has been a growing distraction. Rarity catches herself constantly looking out her bedroom window towards Sweet Apple Acres, wondering what the earth pony is up to. She thinks about all the pony's features, even now as Applejack stands in front of her, she is thinking about how she could get lost in her lime green eyes. Rarity is fully aware of the love goggles that are securely attached to her, but loves the feeling Applejack gives her whenever they are together.
As Rarity was checking out her friend, still slightly perturbed by the attraction, she noticed a few leaves sticking out of Applejack's mane. Using her magic, Rarity was swiftly picking them out and throwing them in the trash. Applejack was confused as it was now noticeable that Rarity hadn't been listening to what Applejack asked. "Uh Rare...This is nice and all but is it a yes or no to my question?"
Rarity broke out of her trance from Applejacks's response. "Oh...I'm sorry. I must have got lost in thought. These silly leaves need to go though. You really should take better care of your mane Applejack. Its really got bounce and has remained silky cause of your hat."
"I would, but clearly I can have you do it for me." Applejack chuckled.
Rarity, while continuing to clean out Applejack's mane, asked. "Well what's the favor? I promise I'm listening this time."
"It's about Applebloom. I remember givin' her and the Cutie Mark Crusaders that ol' clubhouse that I used to have. As it turns out, Applebloom did all of the renovatin' and decoratin'" Applejack proudly stated.
"Reall, now. I've seen the place. Its so well done and you say your sister did all that work?"
"Yeppers. Which is why, Rarity, I wanted to ask you if Applebloom could shadow you someday. The Crusaders are great and I really like how they have become such strong friends through tryin' to discover what they are good at, but I think my sister might have overlooked this particular talent."
"That's lovely to have me in mind, but I know nothing about carpentry." Rarity added.
"I know Rare, but you decorate all these dresses, yer home is well designed giving off a welcoming feeling, and you have an eye fer style." Applejack praised.
"Oh stop. Any more compliments and you're going to make this unicorn blush." Rarity casually lied as she was literally about to get beat red if Applejack did anything sweet.
"Well I was thinkin' that maybe if you showed her the ropes of how things get their uhh...flair, then maybe Applebloom will try renovatin' and decoratin' one more time." Applejack explained.
"Don't you think you're butting in. Earning your Cutie Mark is such a personal achievement. Doesn't it cheapen it if she knows one of us helped her out?" Rarity worried.
"Perhaps, but we aren't necessarily helpin' her earn it, just pointing her in the right direction. Do you honestly want our sisters to try out somethin' more dangerous than lumberjackin' and maybe seriously get injured? Wouldn't you help Sweetie Belle if you had a clue as to what she might be talented at?" Applejack inquired.
"I suppose you're right. It's not like Applebloom will abandon The Crusaders once she's gotten her Cutie Mark and we're just trying to get her re-interested in an activity that will make her happy." Rarity was doing a final run through Applejack's mane making sure she looked as beautiful as she can be. "I'll do it. Anything for our sisters, right? You're done by the way."
"Absolutely. Thanks fer pickin' the leaves out. They'd be there all day if it weren't fer you. Would probably make a little leafy crown out of them." Applejack smile knowingly prodding the picky unicorn.
Rarity rolled her eyes. "If it was up to me, you'd be getting a full rinsing." Rarity said with sincere warning.
Applejack laughed at getting a rise out of her friend. "Well if we're all in agreement, I'll tell Applebloom to stop by here to help with dress makin' after school. I don't think she'll fuss too much considering how close we all are."
"It's my pleasure. I'll be sure to dazzle her darling. After she's done with me she'll be renovating derelict structures all over Ponyville."
"Thanks again, Sugarcube. If down the road you think I can help Sweetie Belle, please don't hesitate." Applejack contented.
On that note, Applejack departed to work on apple business. Rarity liked the opportunity of helping Applebloom. Not only can she help the filly with her cutie mark, but she is also taking a load off of Applejack's mind by helping out her little sister. Rarity was going to best hoof forward for Applebloom. Using her natural talent of beautifying, she was going to amaze the filly with some of her best work. Rarity imagined if she was responsible for helping Applebloom get her Cutie Mark. Applejack would see her in a totally different light. Hopefully that light would be heart shaped and tinted pink. Rarity knew Applejack likes a hard worker, well Rarity was about to run the gambit in terms of work and getting Applebloom a step closer to achieving her dreams would no doubt impress Applejack.
Few days passed and Applejack was sending over Applebloom for her time with Rarity. The unicorn was buried deep with orders, but was able to manage and keep some of the more challenging orders for her and Applebloom to work on. With these orders, she was sure to flicker that creative spark that Applejack predicts is in Applebloom.
A knock came from her bedroom door. Rarity opened it to see her aforementioned visitor sporting a smile. "Hiya Miss Rarity. Applejack said you knew I was comin'."
"She did and thank you for coming. I think we'll make a swell team." Rarity smiled towards her filly friend.
"This is a lil' off. I thought you like to work by yourself. Why are you askin' me for help?" the earth pony asked.
Rarity didn't like lying to her sister and felt the same lying to Applejack's, but did what had to be done. "Applebloom, I would ask Sweetie Belle first, but she has a dreadful cold that has my parents running ragged tending to her. And you know how sister's can clash by the nature of the relationship. I thought it would be a better idea to have you here this time and see if you can aid me. So what do you say? Still up for it?"
"Of course Rarity. It was just weird fer me to replace Sweetie Belle." Applebloom said honestly.
"You might be saving her from a few sisterly spats. She will be thanking you for relieving her of duty this one time. Trust me. Now if you step over here I can show you how to sew." Rarity walked over to her machine and was ready to trust Applebloom with something she hopes will go alright. "Now, have you ever sewed Applebloom?"
"Only a few times, but they were curtains, not these fancy-shmancy dresses. Are you sure you really want me to do this?" Applebloom picked up the prints to what Rarity's visions were for the garments. "This looks rather hard."
"All the hard parts are the accenting which I am in charge of. I just need you cut out the frame and sew it together with whatever else I have on the list. If Applejack didn't think you could do this she wouldn't have sent you here."
"And I bet you wouldn't even let me in your house if you didn't believe in me." the filly said while reading what she had to do on the list.
"Exactly darling. Now I'll be behind you while you're working. Now take your time dear. The dresses back here are for some very particular customers. I'll be placing the finer details on these dresses. If you need any help, simply ask. I'm not as dreadful as Sweetie makes me out to be." Rarity gave a sweet smile to the filly. Applebloom looked up and seemed excited to begin. Rarity pulled the blue bandana out of her drawer and securely fastened it to her neck. Applebloom gave the most peculiar look as if she had seen that bandana before.
Time was flying and Rarity found it odd that the red maned filly hadn't said a peep. She was productive and from quality standards wasn't bad at sewing in the slightest. Applejack was indeed onto something and hopefully Applebloom was to. Into the sewing session, Rarity heard the machine stop. She looked back to see what was wrong, but Applebloom had already made her way to Rarity's space looking keenly at Rarity's bandana.
"Umm...do you have a question sweetie?" Rarity said, uncomfortable with how close Applebloom was getting.
"Yea. Are you datin' my sister?"
Rarity, dropped the gems in her magical grasp and almost hit the floor from the bluntness of that question. The usually collected unicorn was thrown amiss by the filly's perfectly innocent curiosity. "Umm...no of coarse not. Whatever gave you that idea?" She lied behind a huge grin.
"Well yer wearin' the same bandana my sister wears when she's out in the fields. I just thought that if yer wearin' the same garments that maybe yer in a relationship." The filly put together.
"Being in a relationship is much more than just wearing the same clothes darling. It's a lot more complicated than..."
Rarity was cut off by the curiosity of the red maned filly. "But not long ago you were describin' yer special somepony and I know you were talkin' about Applejack."
"Now don't be preposterous Applebloom. Jumping to conclusions like that can get you in trouble." Rarity now scrambling to avoid the subject.
"Miss Rarity. Yer blushin'." the little pony pointed out.
Rarity was red in the face and could feel the heat coming off her cheeks. She quickly turned around and averted Applebloom's stare, who was slowly breaking down how the situation is. A little afraid to speak up to an elder, Applebloom couldn't help but ask, "But you like my sister, don't you Miss Rarity?"
Rarity was choking up. Shocked knowing that Applebloom has connected the dots. Rarity couldn't lie anymore. It was becoming too obvious and she couldn't think of anymore stories to feed the little one. "I do like your sister, but...but we're not a couple..."
The dreariness in Rarity's voice resonated with Applebloom, Her eyes got big and her ears turned down. Applebloom hesitated, but approached the white unicorn, who weakly smiled back at her. "So if yer not a couple then..."
"This love...is very one-sided Applebloom." finishing her sentence.
"Does Applejack know?" The little pony asked.
Keeping this secret in for so long, she felt slightly liberated about letting out this information, even if it is just a little filly like Applebloom. "No. I would think she isn't as perceptive as you've been. I mean you saw right through me when I was talking about the qualities of my special somepony."
"Well have you tried talkin' to her about it?"
"I want to Applebloom. I really do, but it's not that easy. In order for me to me to talk about something so serious, I need to show how serious I am about her, which is why you're here. I figured if I could get you on my side that's one step closer to Applejack's heart." Rarity confided.
Applebloom softly nuzzled the unicorn. "You didn't have to do this to get me to like you Rare. I think you and my sister are powerfully cute together."
"That's nice of you to say Applebloom." Rarity nuzzled back. "Hope your sister feels the same way. I've been trying to get her to notice me in a different light. That debacle last time was devastating."
"It was bad Rare, but my sister is a forgivin' pony. She saw the good you were tryin' to do and even kept you around fer dinner. And we learned what Applejack looks fer in a special somepony. Sounded a lot like you too, or a very feminine stallion, but I think she would choose you over some namby pamby stallion." Applebloom reassured.
"That's good and all, but I'm running out of options here. Each day that passes by is another opportunity for Applejack to fall for some stallion. I need to make an impression quick."
"Well Rare, Applejack said she likes a good meal and a gentle touch. What if you came over tonight and cook her something good and maybe give her a massage? Something, anything is better than nothing, am I right?" Applebloom insisted.
"You are right...I don't know. I don't want to come off too strong." Rarity posed a particular concern.
"You can't sit here waiting for Applejack to come ask for help neither. Don't let last time discourage you from taking the first step Rarity." Applebloom coaxed.
Rarity was getting inspired from the yellow pony's words. "You're making too much sense for such a little filly. How is it that you know so much?"
"I don't know, it just seems like the obvious choice to me. If you want somethin' you gotta work fer it. Love is not an exception. Please Miss Rarity. I think you would make my sister real happy." Applebloom informed.
Rarity found her conviction. "You've convinced me Applebloom. You're absolutely right."
"Ohh can I help? Please. I promise I won't get in the way." the filly said with earnestness.
"I might regret saying this, but you can help. Just remember. Keep this a secret and keep it subtle. Applejack is a very reserved pony and needs to be eased into this romantic type situation."
"Yes ma'am." The little filly seemed be be glowing she was so happy. Rarity took a deep breath. She loved Applebloom's enthusiasm, but knew she had to try and control the situation tonight. Now that she is not the only one who knows her secret, she needs to make sure it doesn't reach Applejack's ears. She can trust Applebloom to keep her lips sealed, but in the heat of the situation, who knows how much she will reveal. Rarity went back to work, but in the back of her mind was figuring out how to relax Applejack and what to prepare as a meal.
The two ponies finished what Rarity had prepared for them to do that day. Rarity was nervous, but Applebloom's optimism was carrying the unicorn to take the initiative. Applebloom still had so much pep in her step that she was practically dragging the unicorn to the farm. Rarity was playfully enjoying being led, but she needed some ingredients for tonight's meal. "Applebloom, if you're going to lead me then please lead me to the marketplace. I have to pick up some things to make for tonight."
"I knew you were thinkin' about this since I mentioned it." the little pony said while changing her direction. "So what are we makin'?"
"I will be making a well made organic toasted sandwich with a salad appetizer and the classic apple pie for dessert. I'm sorry Applebloom, but I've seen what you and The Crusaders do to kitchens. I really don't want to have to cause a fire emergency at your home. It's not attractive." Rarity explained.
"Aww, but you said I could help." the filly expressed.
"You can set up the table. I'll allow you to create the mood." Rarity assured.
"I don't know. That seems too little. How about I also be yer waiter like yer on a date at a fancy pants restaurant?" Applebloom suggested.
Rarity's eyes peeped open, taken aback from Applebloom's proposition "I'm sorry Applebloom, but no. I cannot repeat this enough. This is not a date. Under no circumstances can Applejack think I'm seducing her. This whole operation is to get Applejack to see what I can offer in terms of being her special somepony. I just need to shine brighter so she can notice those qualities in me. I can't make her fall in love with me. The most I can do is try and get her to notice me and she naturally comes to that conclusion."
The little filly lost a little giddy in her step, "Love is pretty difficult isn't it Miss Rarity?"
Rarity paused, causing Applebloom to look back towards her. "It is, but all this headache, heartache and stress is worth it when you're in your special somepony's grasp and you can feel they'll never let go." Rarity smiled broadly and gave her the usual ruffing of her mane as Applejack does. "Now where's that spirit that was here a second ago? Come on, we got a dinner to make."
Applebloom perked up from Rarity's tone and went around quickly shopping for the ingredients. After collecting what they needed, the two ponies made a mad dash to Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity quickly got to work in the kitchen, while Applebloom went around the house searching for tableware.
The sun was close to the horizon making the unicorn frantic in the kitchen. Everything was prepared, but feared she was overstepping a boundary. Last time she made a meal, it was to make amends to her disgraceful attempts at farming. This time she felt intrusive in the farmer's home. Applejack may be her friend, but that doesn't give Rarity the right to waltz in and make herself at home. The crippling fear almost made her want to flee home and abandon the idea. If it wasn't for the exuberance of Applebloom, Rarity would have lost her nerve and just stayed home. The white mare wandered over to the dining room and her jaw dropped at the scene.
"Applebloom. I said be subtle. You have candles shaped like a heart, a bouquet of roses and both of our seating pillows are next to each other."
"You think it's too much?" Applebloom innocently asked.
Rarity smacked her hoof to her face. "A little bit darling. Please exchange the flowers with something more common like daisies, get rid of the candles and we'll just use the lamp, but dim it slightly. One more thing, please separate the chairs."
A sound came from the entrance. Rarity's hairs stood on end as she heard the voice. "Anypony home...or awake?"
Now panicking Rarity motioned to Applebloom to hurry with the alterations to the tableset. Applebloom went for the roses first and Rarity went to engage Applejack to buy Applebloom some time. "I'm home Applejack. Hope it's alright."
"Rarity? What brings you over?" Applejack said with curious look.
"Applebloom invited me over. She said that since I graciously hosted her at my home, that the least she could do was return the favor. It's hard to say no to a pony with such manners." Rarity lied. She knew Applejack was good at picking up if somepony was lying to her, but Rarity was rehearsing that excuse since she started cooking.
"Granny Smith brought us up right. Well I wasn't expectin' you Rare. This is sorta nice. Dinner last time made me realize how lonesome it can get sometimes in this ol' house." Applejack confessed.
"How so?" Rare sparked concern.
"Granny Smith is old. Nowadays she's usually in bed before I come in from the fields. Which is fine, she's gettin' on in years and as much as I would like for her to be a dinner guest, it's understandable that she just wants to go to bed. Applebloom is usually here, but she and The Crusaders are constantly in that clubhouse till the wee hours of the night. If she doesn't have chores that day, I most likely won't see her. And Big Mac is often over at Miss Cheerilee's doin'...things."Applejack looked away, unable to look Rarity in the eye while disclosing just private matters.
Rarity snickered at Applejack's gesture, loving the pony's modesty.
"Don't be getting' all persnickety about the details. Let's just forget what I said and get down to some grub." Applejack said while walking towards the kitchen. Out came Applebloom with a plate for herself. "Where you headin' with yer food kiddo? Aren't you gonna eat with me and Rare?"
"Well I was gonna take my plate upstairs. I wanted to give you and Rarity some privacy." Applebloom responded.
"Privacy? What would we need privacy fer?" Applejack inquired.
Applebloom's eyes popped. She realized she was riding the line and needed to evade spoiling Rarity's plan. "Fer you know uhh...things." Awkward silence ensued making the room uncomfortable. Applejack was about to question the little filly, but Applebloom was quicker to the punch. "I'm goin' to my room now bye." she spurted out. The red maned filly was already up the stairs before Applejack could react to her sister's erratic behavior.
"Sometimes I never can predict that little filly. Well Rarity. I guess it's just us two again. Ladies first." Applejack motioned her hoof to allow the unicorn to pass.
"We're both ladies Applejack. How is that even justified?" pouted Rarity as she was passing Applejack.
"Yea, but you'd be sour if I didn't let you go ahead of me. Admit it." Applejack teased.
Rarity rolled her eyes after thinking about it for a moment. Applejack knew the unicorn too well. "I suppose. No more talking. Grab the food before it cools down." Rarity split the sandwich in two and levitated the bowls of salad to the table. As she entered the dining room, she noticed Applebloom did a wonderful job exchanging the roses for some daisies, and got rid of the make-shift candelabra as the centerpiece. The light's were dim enough to not alarm Applejack and everything seemed in order.
Upon inspection, Rarity's attention was drawn to the the seating pillows which were still next to each other. Rarity assumed Applebloom didn't have enough time to do all the things that she requested. Applejack was on her heels forcing Rarity to leave the pillows as is. Rarity took her seat and Applejack followed suit next to her.
Now settled in, Applejack couldn't resist asking. "So Rare. Did our lil' plan work? Is my sister any closer to her Cutie Mark?"
"I'm sorry Applejack, but I can't really give a one hundred percent correct answer. She has talent for fabric sewing no doubt. The stitching was in order and well done, but we sort of got distracted." Rarity informed.
"Distracted by what?" Applejack said with he mouth full of sandwich.
Trying not to scold Applejack for talking with her mouth full, Rarity went on to give a half answer. "Oh you know. Girlie type stuff. I'm sorry. It feels like I failed."
Applejack swallowed her bite. "It's alright Rarity. It was a long shot anyhow and I'm sure you tried yer best. Maybe it's better this way. I think the moment would be more special if she and The Crusaders got theirs together."
Rarity slowly nibbling on her salad added "Yea. Those girls will get there one day. Anyways let's not dwell on the future and my failure. How was your day Applejack?"
The farmer went on about her busy day. While active listening to the conversation, Rarity couldn't stop thinking about how close she was to her crush. You couldn't put a ruler between them and the unicorn feared that Applejack would feel the intense body heat coming from her. Both the nice features and loveliness of Applejack's pleasant tone were melting the unicorn's heart. Throughout the years, Rarity has grown accustomed to Applejack's colorful use of the English language. It may not be proper, correct or even easy to follow, but Rarity wouldn't change it for the world. Every time Applejack speaks Rarity is charmed to her core, even when Applejack is purposefully poking at Rarity's idiosyncrasies.
As Applejack was finishing her story, Applebloom was sneakily coming down the stairs, but her sister was to keen to the little pony's antics. "I hear ya youngin'. What's with you sneakin' about?"
"I was goin' to get some pie." Applebloom meekly answered, acting as if she was caught for a crime.
"Oh that's right. I left the pie in the oven so it would keep its warmth. Can you be a dear and bring it to me so I can cut you off a slice?" Rarity asked.
"Sure thing Rare." The filly hustled to the kitchen and came back balancing the tin with sweet apple on her head. Mere steps from the table, Applebloom's hoof got caught on the edge of a wood plank, tripping the yellow pony and hurling the pie tin in Applejack's face. Applebloom quickly scrambled to her hooves and profusely started apologizing. "I'm so sorry Applejack. It was that dang ol' floor board again."
In the fray Rarity immediately got a cloth and started cleaning Applejack's face. The orange earth pony was fighting Rarity's helpfulness. "Stop it now, the both of you. I'm just gonna clean up in the washroom. No hard feelings, alright Applebloom. It's just pie after all and from what I can tell a tasty one." Applejack said, masking the slight irritation.
Applejack made her way upstairs to the bathroom. Rarity stood there disappointed. The night was going so well, but one couldn't have expected a rouge floorboard to ruin the evening. Applebloom got Rarity's attention with some nudging with her head. "Applebloom, what are you doing?"
"This is your chance Rare. Go help my sister out. You saw her face and mane. There is mush and dry crumbly mess everywhere. She said it herself that she likes to be doted on. This is yer chance to show her that special kind of love that only her special somepony would give her." Applebloom informed.
Rarity was still amazed at the filly's insight. She nodded in agreement to Applebloom and proceeded upstairs to aid Applejack. As she approached the restroom, she already heard the sink's rushing water and a pony complaining into a washcloth. Rarity knocked on the door for permission to enter. "Applejack, may I please come in. I wish to help."
"It's unlocked. Come on in" said a voice coming form the other side of the door.
The unicorn stepped in as Applejack was rinsing her face off. " I hope you're not upset with Applebloom. It was an honest misstep."
Applejack rose from the sink, examining what was left to be done. "Nah. I ain't mad. If anythin' I'm mad at myself. I've been ignorin' that floorboard fer weeks. Luckily it was Applebloom that was tripped up. I don't want to know what would have happened if it were Granny Smith that fell. First thing tomorrow I'm goin' to fix it."
"I guess you're right. At least it ended as well as it could of." Rarity comforted the farmer. It was then the white mare noticed Applejack trying to bat the flakes of pie crust and gunk out of her mane. Rarity finding this method completely unacceptable decided to take action.
Using her magic, Rarity rapidly filled the sink with warm water. A blue outlined orb enveloped a portion of water and moved to hover over Applejack's head. The farmer wasn't partial to magic, especially when a large amount of water was wavering just above her head. "Whoa Rarity. What is this all about?"
"You're not going to properly wipe away all the pie crumbs from your mane with your hoof. A correct wash is in order." Rarity stated.
"Look Rarity, I'm really not comfortable with you washin' my mane. I'll do it myself." Applejack rebuffed.
"Nonsense. Applejack...I-I want to do this for you." Rarity shyly let out. The unicorn came undone for a tick and Applejack picked up on it. With bewildered look on her face she accepted Rarity's help and sat towards the mirror.
Rarity evenly lay the water on Applejack's mane to properly wet it. The blue eyed pony looked around for shampoo or anything that could properly clean her mane. With no product in sight, Rarity just assumed that the Apple family's natural beauty truly transcends such modern products. She decided to use her magic to at least massage Applejack's head and meticulously pick out the pieces of pie.
Looking into the mirror, she saw a very distraught earth pony averting eye contact even in the mirror. Knowing Applejack would never speak up to a pony doing an honest effort, Rarity decided to break the mold. "What's wrong darling? Is the water too hot? Am I hurting you?"
Still not looking into Rarity's reflection Applejack's voice shook as she spoke. "No It's-It's fine. I just-just not used it it is all."
The unicorn's heart skipped. "That shaky voice, the averted stare, Applejack's subdued attitude. Oh my stars! Is this plan working? Those are all telltale signs of attraction. Applebloom may just be the smartest little filly in Equestria. Let's keep it together. I can't be one hundred percent sure that that's what Applejack is feeling, but this is a pleasant development."
Another blue bubble curved around Applejack's face. Rarity was slowly warming its' contents to equally heat the farmer's mane. Applejack's face was turning red. In Rarity's mind, she was hoping that she was causing the blush, but that probably wasn't the case as it was fairly hot in the bubble. As giddy with excitement as she was Rarity knew she had to calm the pony's nerves. "Applejack darling, you can close your eyes if this is making you that uncomfortable. I'm sorry I pushed it on you. I didn't mean to..."
Applejack interjected. "No Rarity. It's fine. I'-I'm feelin' somethin' I just can't put my hoof on it. I'll follow yer suggestion though." Applejack made her eyes shut and Rarity proceed to use a brush.
Rarity began combing her mane, making sure she covered every inch of the blonde luscious mane. She was crossing her eyes, doubting her previous instincts. Applejack did say she liked this sort of gesture, but it seemed that Rarity wasn't going to spark that feeling Applejack would get if her special somepony was combing out her mane.
The white mare was drowning out these sad thoughts and concentrated at the task at hand which was to relax Applejack and finish this cleansing. The silence between the two ponies was tense, but Rarity found that Applejack liked the quiet. After moving to Manehattan as a filly, Applejack's love for the carefree small ville was constantly cherished by her. Rarity was using soft, long strokes to ensure she wasn't snagging knots or the teeth of the brush roughing up her coat. Rarity moved the brush to the front to get any cowlicks. Rarity wouldn't be surprised if those cowlicks were given to her by the barnyard animals. As Rarity was concentrating, she couldn't help but be mesmerized by Applejack's freckles. There was an old saying that freckles are kisses from the sun. Rarity wanted to erase the sun's image and plant her lips on each of the farmer's beauty marks.
As Rarity's mood was darkening, she was studying Applejack's face, seeing if there was any inclination that Applejack has been smitten by Rarity's gesture. Just as Rarity was about to finish, a slow but steady smile crept on Applejack's face accompanied by the faintest tint of red behind the freckles. Rarity's heart was a flutter, Applejack may not know it, but she was expressing herself in front of Rarity. As much as she wanted to turn the pony around and kiss her soft lips, she copied Applejack's smile with a coy grin of her own. Wanting this moment to last a bit longer, Rarity decided to extend the session and go back to parts she covered.
Rarity knew she was at the line. Even the most patient of customers would have asked her how much longer she would be combing. Rarity was about to put the band that holds Applejack's ponytail mane together, but was stopped. "No need Rarity. I was about to turn in fer the night anyways."
"Oh...alright then. Well if we're all done here. I'll be heading home." Rarity said. Before she could turn around Applejack put her hoof on her shoulder and held her in place.
"Rare uhh... I want to thank you fer cleanin' out my mane. It was rather pleasurable." Applejack softly let out. She looked abashed. Pleasurable was probably not the word she wanted to use, but it was the first that came to mind. Rarity, seeing the embarrassed mare, wanted so bad to return the teasing that Applejack had given the unicorn. The flummoxed farmer was hiding her embarrassment extremely well and with a little prodding Rarity could have made that mare red hot. Rarity decided to take the more dignified path and leave Applejack to her burning feelings.
"I said it before I started Applejack. I wanted to do it. Now excuse me. I'll take my leave now." Rarity said in sultry tone. The last image of Applejack was that of a very confused farmer, but also one that was completely compelled by the unicorn. Rarity knew what it was like to realize that you were in love with somepony. Making a move now would have been a mistake. Leaving the pony to figures things out was the best route to take.
As Rarity was walking home and she just couldn't stop recounting the night in her head and thinking about how to approach Applejack next. "As if that pony couldn't steal my heart more she goes and does something that cute and innocent. I do believe I've never seen Applejack blush before. She always carries herself in such a manner that you think she would never show a sign of weakness. Then again even if she did she would deny it up and down. I promise to make Applebloom something nice for her suggestion. I'd be at home, daydreaming about that magnificent mare if Applebloom didn't convince me otherwise. What's odd is that one would think that Applejack would be charmed by more masculine features, but from what she described as a perfect special somepony and from that steamy bathroom moment, Applejack clearly prefers a more feminine touch. This is absolutely fabulous as my attempts at masculinity have been met with disaster."
The white unicorn got home and immediately rushed to her room. Rarity jumped with such energy onto her bed, grabbing her pillow, holding it closer to her and began rolling around. Rarity looked towards the future with confidence. The plan had now fallen into a path that was to play to her strengths. "What seemed like moving a boulder uphill, now might take the least amount of effort on my part. I don't have to come as a stallion to impress Applejack, but as a mare. More importantly as myself. Applejack seems to like the truly feminine nature I have. Next time I see her, I won't be holding back. Next time it is on."
Thanks for reading. If you just so happen to be a FlutterDash fan, I also have a story for them as well. So check it out. Be sure to review, favorite and follow.