Before the Sleepover

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It was December 22nd. Canterlot High had been on winter break for a couple days and Pinkie Pie arranged a sleepover/Christmas party for her friends. Rarity had to work before, so Applejack agreed to pick her up to carpool.

Applejack pulled up and as Rarity came out, Applejack noticed something wasn’t right. Rarity usually carried herself like she owned whatever place she walked into, but as she approached the car, she seemed absolutely drained. And as Applejack got a closer view, her friend’s red nose wasn’t just from the winter chill.

“Hey Applejack,” Rarity greeted, trying to force some energy. “Thanks for driving me.”

The scratchy and stuffed up voice confirmed it.

“Alright Rarity, let’s not beat around the bush,” Applejack ordered. “Why didn’t you tell anyone you weren’t feeling well?”

“I’m alright, dear. I want to….aaa… Achooo!”

Applejack gave her friend a sympathetic look from the driver’s seat.

“I know you were looking forward to this, as we all were,” she said. “And believe me, tonight won’t be the same without you. But I’m sure we’ll try to get together again before break ends. Please. Let me take you home.”

"Oh alright,” Rarity relented. “I guess there's no sense in getting everyone sick and myself sicker."

Applejack sighed with relief and got out her phone.

“I’ll text the others to let them know what’s happening,” she told Rarity. “And hey, there’s a drugstore on the way. I can get you some things if you want.”

Rarity knew that Applejack didn’t like taking no for an answer. And something to help the burning throat would be nice.

“Some tea does sound wonderful and we have none at home…” Rarity noted. “And maybe more tissues would be good, too.”

“Alright, it's settled then,” Applejack concluded. She then finished typing her message and pulled out of the parking lot.

“Prim Hemline let you work in such a state?” Applejack asked as she was driving.

“The holidays are very busy and I didn’t need to interact with anyone. Plus, I suppose I even convinced myself that I didn’t need the day off. And I thought if I could survive today, I’d have Pinkie’s party as a reward,” Rarity said, still slightly forlorn about the whole situation. “But if sleeping in my bed and having a friend as your nurse isn’t a reward, then I don’t know what is.”

“Atta girl,” Applejack said. “And just in time, too. We’re here.”

Applejack parked in front of the drugstore.

“Okay, so tea and tissues. Anything else you need?” she asked Rarity.

“Maybe some sanitizer and wipes wouldn’t be a bad idea. For the house and yourself if you don’t have any.”

“Got it. I’ll be as quick as I can,” Applejack said.

Applejack returned to the car with her stash and gave it to Rarity to place on the passenger’s side.

“What’s this?” Rarity asked.

“Campbell’s soup cup. Something to have in bed that’s less likely to make a mess. Got a tub of ice cream, too.”

“You didn’t need to do that,” Rarity said, still a bit surprised.

“No, I didn’t, I suppose. But I wanted to. Hang tight. Not too much longer now.”

As Applejack approached Rarity’s house, she noticed the empty driveway and dark windows.

“Are you alone tonight?” she asked.

“Sweetie Belle had plans to stay with our cousins that are around her age tonight,” Rarity explained. “They’re about an hour out. My parents should be on their way back.”

“Why don’t I come in for a bit, then?” Applejack offered. “For the company at least. You’re already missing a party.”

Rarity considered protesting, but Applejack was right. The idea of entering an empty house did seem a bit sad given the circumstances.

“Sure,” she agreed, giving her friend a grateful smile. “I’d like that very much.”

Inside the house, Applejack continued being the nurse Rarity said she was.

“Alright, you get changed and into bed. I’ll be with ya in a few minutes.”

“Make yourself some tea also while you’re at it, darling. It’s the least I could do to thank you,” Rarity said.

“Okay, okay, now off to bed with you,” Applejack said playfully. As Rarity left, Applejack sanitized quickly and went to the kitchen.

“Kettle, kettle, where do they keep the kettle?” Applejack muttered to herself. “Aha.”

Applejack also put the soup cup in the microwave. And after wiping and rinsing a couple mugs, she made the tea and placed everything on a small tray.

Rarity was in her bed reading having finished getting into her pajamas and left the door ajar for Applejack. The farmer lightly tapped on the door to let Rarity know she was there.

“Soup’s on!” Applejack called out.

“Thank you, my dear Applejack. You’ve always had a knack for these things.”

Applejack narrowed her eyes in confusion.

"You don't remember, darling?” Rarity continued. “We were about 10. I was stuck with a cold around Christmas time also. You did essentially what you did now. "

"Oh yes!" Applejack remembered. "Sad you can’t have Granny Smith’s soup tonight. I should bring you some before winter’s over.”

Rarity nodded and smiled at the memory.

“It was that day I truly realized how special you are.”

“Well, I've certainly had to take care of Apple Bloom plenty when she was younger,” Applejack said. “You know kids. Getting sick all the time to build up their immune systems. Good thing I was the one you were carpooling with, huh?"

Rarity giggled and nodded again as she took a sip of tea.

“So, how’s the tea and the soup?” Applejack continued, realizing she was already almost done with her own cup of tea. “Feel good on the throat?”

“Yes, it’s lovely!” Rarity assured.

“Glad to hear it,” Applejack said, with an unintended yawn after.

"You're free to go whenever,” Rarity said. “I'm sure everyone’s anxious to see you. Unless you need to get some rest yourself."

“Nah, that’s just the hot drink making me drowsy. But one thing before I go," Applejack said as she pulled out a wrapped package and placed it on the bed. "I… I was your secret Santa, heh.”

Rarity gazed at Applejack excitedly and opened the package to a beautiful new set of sketch pencils.

"Oh my goodness. Thank you so very much. I think I’ve heard of this brand–it’s supposed to be amazing!"

"You're always complaining that it's hard to find good art supplies for lefties, so I did some research,”Applejack explained. “Another thing you could play around with while you’re stuck in bed."

“You really shouldn’t have. I hate to bring it up, but these must have cost a fortune!”

They did. But that didn’t matter.

“Well, it’s something I knew you’d like,” Applejack said.

“My dear Applejack, what did I ever do to deserve you?”

“You’ve been a good friend,” Applejack said.

“Aw, you softie. Have a good time at the sleepover. I’ll try to touch base tomorrow and maybe we can have a group call before it’s over.”

“Yeah, that could be fun!” Applejack agreed. “See ya, Rarity. Take it easy.”

“I will. My Secret Santa gift is in the closet if you want to take it before you go. Bye darling!”

At Pinkie Pie's House

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Pinkie Pie greeted Applejack at the door to her house and the last guest to arrive saw her friends all in fun Christmas sweaters looking happy as can be.

“Applejack!!!” the gang exclaimed.

“Hey y’all!” Applejack said, waving as she began to take her winter gear off. “Hope I didn’t miss much.”

“How are ya, how are ya!!!” Pinkie Pie said, about to hug her friend. “Oh. Right. Been around a sick person. Shouldn’t hug quite yet.”

“Well, I’m fortunate it’s winter so we were both gloved a lot of the time. We were both sanitizing, too. I’ll wash my hands, though. For more than one reason. Smells amazing in here!”

“We're making homemade pizza!” Sunset said.

“Good,” Applejack said, kicking off her boots. “I’m starving!”

"Come," Fluttershy said. "I'll show you what options we have for toppings!"

“Alright friends!” Pinkie declared later. “Is everyone done with their pizza?”

The girls nodded.

“What’s next, Christmas host?” Sunset asked.

“Would you like to do presents now? Or would you rather play some games first?” the host asked.

“I wouldn’t mind doing our Secret Santa exchange now. How about y'all?” Applejack asked. No one protested.

“Great, it’s settled then!” Pinkie Pie said and brought all the gifts that were set aside on the table to the center of the living room. “Well, first of all, who got Rarity?”

“Heh, well… I did,” Applejack said. “I gave it to her in the house. Brought her gift with me, too.”

“The house?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah, she was alone tonight. So I stayed a bit before coming here. I wonder how she’s doing…” Applejack wondered, glancing at her phone. “Eh. Probably just resting. Silly me. She has a cold. Not the plague.”

“Well it was… nice of you to stay. I’m sure she appreciated it,” Rainbow Dash said.

The girls eyed each other, seeming to get what Rainbow Dash was hinting at. Applejack, on the other hand, had no clue.

“Aw. It was nothing,” Applejack said. “I’m certainly glad she was excited to try the art pencils. Fashion might not be my thing, but I know it means a lot to her and I wanted her to have the best.”

The group continued looking at each other slyly.

“Applejack, is there something you’re not telling us?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Applejack started to catch on, but remained cautious.

“Uh, what do you mean?” she asked.

“The worrying? Making sure your gift for her was perfect? Going out of your way to make sure Rarity was comfortable at home?” Twilight listed off.

“Just because I was a decent human doesn’t mean I have feelings for Rarity. I’d do what I did tonight for any of you,” Applejack retorted.

“Okay fair,” Rainbow said. “But the question still stands. We’ve all been wondering since the fiasco with Vignette at Equestria Land last summer. Do you… like Rarity? More than just a friend?”

The question didn’t come as a surprise to Applejack, but that didn’t mean she dreaded answering it any less.

“I… I DON’T KNOW!!” she exclaimed. Not getting the response they expected, the others looked at each other unsure of what to say next. Applejack sighed as she began to elaborate.

“Look. When it’s just us hanging out, I sometimes think ‘there’s no reason we couldn’t just… do the same things, but as girlfriends. I’d like that. That’d be nice.’”

“But then you think about what being in a relationship with Rarity could actually mean,” Sunset finished.

“Yeah, there’s the whole ‘if we don’t work out, what happens to our friendship?’ deal,” Applejack agreed. “But also, Rarity and I have known each other since we were kids. Y'all know that. As much as going on a date with Rarity would be nice, it’d also kinda be like me dating Apple Bloom or Big Mac and I just get weirded out. Do I have a crush or do I just have a strong sisterly bond with her?”

“I understand,” Twilight said. “And hey. We’re only in high school.”

“You don’t need to have everything figured out yet,” Fluttershy finished.

“I suppose,” Applejack said. “It’d sure make things easier, though.”

“But you know what’s always good?” Pinkie asked. “Talking about it!”

“Pinkie’s right,” Sunset agreed. “Talking about how you’re feeling with Rarity could be great for both of you.”

Applejack grimaced at the suggestion.

“I’ve never been good at things like that.”

“It’s easier said than done, I know,” Fluttershy said. “I’m sure it was a big deal to tell us what you did just now, let alone Rarity. But it felt good, right?”

“Yeah,” Applejack decided. “Yeah, it did.”

“And yeah… sorry about forcing that on you,” Rainbow Dash said. “I need to know when my kidding around can get out of hand.”

Applejack shrugged, not wanting to excuse Rainbow’s behavior, but understanding her actions nonetheless.

“Curiosity is human nature,” she told Rainbow. “And I will talk to Rarity. In my own time.”

“We are truly glad you were there for her,” Sunset said. “Hope we didn’t downplay that.”

“You didn’t,” Applejack assured. “It was actually fun playing nurse in a way.”

"You deserve this party," Pinkie said. "Are you ready to celebrate properly now?"

"Yeah," Applejack said. “Sorry to keep y’all waiting. I’m excited to see what we got each other!”

“I sure hope so, because I got you!!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, handing over the gift and looking over at the rest of her friends with a big grin. “Alright everyone! Let’s get unwrapping.”

The Morning After

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Applejack’s phone buzzed the next morning.

“I’m awake and would love to check in if you and the others are willing!”

“Of course! I’ll let them know.”

“Alright, friends. She’s ready!” Applejack said. The friends gathered around Pinkie Pie’s computer. Though they had agreed with no cam on Rarity’s end, Rarity quickly answered the call.

“Rarity! Hello!” Applejack said.

“Hello girls. Glad this could work out. I miss you all!”

“Are you feeling better this morning?” Twilight asked.

“A bit. I slept for 10 hours,” Rarity said.

"Well, good!" Applejack said. "Have you gotten a chance to try the pencils yet?"

"A little! Here, let me show you."

Rarity pointed her camera at a drawing. It was a drawing of herself in front of a sunset at the beach. She had a photoshoot there the previous summer. She was in a black jumpsuit along with gloves, heels, and a nice cape to complete the outfit. All were bedazzled with splashes of rhinestones.

“Being in bed made me think of all the self portraits Frida Kahlo made when she wasn’t well,” Rarity explained. “And I loved this outfit, if I do say so myself.”

“Looks good!” Twilight complimented.

“And how were Applejack’s pencils?” Fluttershy asked.

“Amazing!” Rarity said. “Some smearing is inevitable, but Applejack was right that they were good for lefties.”

Applejack gave her friend a wink and a thumbs up from behind the computer chair.

"But yes, that's how I've been,” Rarity continued. “What have you girls been up to? Much more exciting things, I imagine."

"We saved some cookies for you," Sunset said, holding up the bag with snowflake and diamond shaped sugar cookies. “Made them diamond shaped especially with you in mind!”

“Oh, how nice! I look forward to having them. Have you been enjoying your Secret Santa gifts as well?”

“Ah, let’s go get them. One moment!” Pinkie said, turning off the camera.

Pinkie Pie found a plush that looked exactly like Winona for Applejack. Applejack wasn’t normally a stuffed animal kind of person, but she couldn’t blame Pinkie Pie for thinking of her when she came across it.

Sunset got Rainbow Dash a couple issues of a sports magazine. Rainbow Dash didn’t enjoy reading much outside of Daring Do, but Sunset knew that her friend much preferred visuals to go with her material.

Fluttershy got Sunset a sweatshirt from her shelter’s merchandise collection. She had remembered Sunset eyeing it and thought the particular color would suit her red and yellow hair nicely.

Rainbow Dash got Pinkie Pie a tin made for popovers so she wouldn't need to use muffin tins. Rainbow remembered reading about the special tins Pinkie would enjoy to make her great popovers even better.

Twilight got Fluttershy a new carrier for Angel Bunny. It was similar to a cat condo with a space to look out, but Twilight had found one for small rodents.

And finally, Rarity got Twilight a new case for her glasses. Rarity figured Twilight had a case already, but having an extra lying around wouldn’t hurt. And in typical Rarity fashion, she made sure it was the most beautiful glasses case that ever existed.

“How wonderful!” Rarity remarked. “I didn’t go too far with decorating your glasses case did I, Twilight?”

“No, not at all! Your ability to make ordinary objects like this so fancy and beautiful is amazing.”

“Good, I’m glad. Secret Santa is always so much fun! What else do you have planned today?” Rarity asked.

"We're going to go sledding at Windom Park after this call before we part ways,” Sunset said.

"Ah, Windom,” Rarity remarked. “Sweetie Belle and I used to go there all the time.”

“Sorry you’ll miss it,” Rainbow said. “But hey, we know what to do when you’re 100% better, right?”

“Absolutely,” Rarity said, giving a smile and nod of approval. “Well, I suppose you want to get to that so you can get home at a reasonable time. Don’t be strangers the rest of break, okay?”

“Bye Rarity!!”

'Twas the Night of Rarijack

by kleec13

Before the Sleepover

At Pinkie Pie's House

The Morning After