> You Dont Know Jack
>  by ninja jackal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Mares in Drag
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


(Before I begin, Everypony is an anthro. Just like in the picture description.) 

It was a crisp morning in Ponyville. The sky was clear, bright, and the air was cool. Cool enough to give you a shiver if you stepped into the shadows, but the suns warm rays made it a delightful morning. In the fields of Apple Acres was Applejack, kicking the trees and gathering the fallen fruit. She wiped the beads of sweat off her brow and huffed before hitting the trunk of a tree with one mighty kick. Down the fresh apples went, some into the basket while others rolled onto the grass. Applejack knelt down, picking up the apples and placing them into the basket. One of the apples that fell she kept in her hand, wiping the dew and grass off onto her shirt. Gathering apples all morning made her thirsty as well as hungry, so she began to nibble on her apple. Kneeling down in front of the tree and sitting cross-legged, she looked up to see the tree was empty and her work for the morning was done.  She placed her hand on the trunk of the tree and smiled. 

"Thank you...."   

"Are you TALKING to a tree?" 

Applejack turned, seeing a blue Pegasus none other than Rainbow Dash flying above her. Applejack frowned and sat up, glaring at the loudness that was her friend. 

"Ah am! Ya'll gotta respect and thank these trees fer givin' us food! Thanking uh tree helps it grow, produce better quality apples and promotes good health!" 

Rainbow Dash lands on the ground, rolling her eyes at the idea that talking to plants actually made a difference in their produce. 

"Yeah yeah yeah." She leaned down to pick an apple from the basket and dusted it off. Placing it on the tip of her nose, the Pegasus balances it while walking around. "So! Got any plans for today AJ?" 

Applejack raised a brow as she watched Rainbow Dash balance the apple. "Not that ah know of." Applejack's eyes widened as she was forced to lean her head back from a paper being shoved into her face suddenly. 

"Good! Because you and me are entering The Raging Rodeo!" 

"The... raging whu-"

"The Raging Rodeo! It's an extreme competition that travels all across Equestria in search of the best, most athletic ponies!" Rainbow Dash turned the piece of paper around to read its contents. 

HOWDY YA'LL!! Are you rough and rowdy? Tuff n Buff? Fit and FANTASTIC!?! If you circled all of the above, we want YOU to enter the Raging Rodeo! Thats right! YOU!! You'll be facing challenges such as roping, barrel racing, bull wrestling, even more wrestling and a staring contest. Did we mention wrestling? Participation in all competitions are not required but are heavily encouraged. Surprise final contest, winner gets cash prize of 10,000 bits. Participants are free, spectators pay spectating fee. 

"TEN THOUSAND BITS!?!" Applejack shot up from the ground and snatched the paper out of Rainbow Dashes hands. It was true, Rainbow Dash wasn't pulling her leg. The cash prize was indeed, ten thousand bits. 

"Now why in Equestria would they give that large amount of cash.... And why haven't ah heard of this rodeo? Sounds awfully fake tuh' me." 

"Pffft, who CARES? Lets just enter!" 

"Hold on there partner. Did you read that tiny little inscription down there?" Applejack pointed at the tiny print, almost too small to read. Rainbow Dash leaned in close and read it out loud, 

" Stallions only"

Applejack smacked the front of her head and sighed. Rainbow Dash's blue face almost became red as she began to throw a fit. "This isnt fair!! Stallions only? What kind of competition is that??" 

"Uh 'rough and rowdy, tough n buff, fit and fantastic' one?" Applejack began to laugh to herself as Rainbow let out a loud frustrated grunt. "Ah guess that's why we never heard of this competition. Its for males!" She placed the paper back into her friends hand and picked up the basket of apples from the ground. "We might as well forget it, Rainbow."

"No." Rainbow stomped her hoof onto the ground, and clenched her fists. Applejack watched as her friends red face turned back to normal. "We will not forget it. This is an outrage! How can they have a male only competition?"

"The same way they only have female ones?" 

"No time for your logic, AJ!" Rainbow put her hand in front of the mares face. "Were going to enter this competition anyway. We need to show them were the best of the mares, and we are even better than the stallions!" 

Applejack tried not to laugh at Rainbow, but she couldn't hold it in. "And how do ya'll propose we enter? One look at us and they'll show us the door."  

Rainbow Dash placed her hands on Applejacks shoulders and whispered carefully into her ear. "We'll dress up as stallions of course!" 

Applejack looked at Rainbow as if wagons were levitating around her head. "Are you CRAZY!?" She pushed her hands away and pointed at her. "There aint no way we could pull that off, Rainbow. No way. We arent built like them, they'll think we never hit puberty!" 

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes once again. "They'll just think we're malnourished. Besides, you have HUGE muscles for a mare, Applejack." She grabbed her toned arm and gave it a squeeze. "And toned legs! I have toned wings, legs and toned arms! My legs might not be as built as yours but my wings make up for it." Rainbow Dash placed her hands on Applejacks shoulders. "Look Aj, all we have to do is change our looks. Think of that prize, AJ! Ten thousand bits! Ten! Thousand! BIIIIIITS! Think about what you could buy with it. Granny a new hip! A new barn! You could even expand Apple Acres!" Rainbow was right. That was a horse-load of money. Granny did need a new hip, and if they expanded the Apple Acres they would profit even more from it. Applejack grew silent from her thoughts of how much money that exactly was. She tried not to shiver from the excitement of expanding the orchards was to her. Planting all those trees and taking care of more land was the sweetest taste she ever had. 

"Alright, ah'm in." 

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygooosh!!" Rainbow tried to contain her joy by putting it through words rather than actions. Applejack shoved a basket into Rainbow's hands and looked her right in the eyes. "Ah'm winnin' that starin' contest." She laughed and picked up a basket of her own, beginning her walk back to the barn.

"Psh, yeah right. In your dreams maybe. Even then you'll be scared!" Rainbow laughed and bumped Applejack with her hip. 


"So when is the competition? Next week?" 

"This afternoon." 

Applejack dropped her apple basket in a panic. "Good gravy! We gotta get runnin!" Applejack grabbed onto Rainbows arm and ran down the hill and into the barn. "Quick! We need clothes!" Applejack looked all around in the hay barn for possibly old clothes that Big Mac had left around. 

"What!?! Use your brothers stinky smelly dirty old clothes? Did an apple hit you in the head too hard this morning?" Rainbow dash crossed her arms and squinted at the idea of it all. 

"Well Rainbow, what do you suggest?" Applejack tried not to roll her eyes at the fickle mare. Rainbow completely turned around and walked toward the house. "We use your brothers WASHED clothes of course..... Where is your brother anyway?" 

"Hes off tending to the south field." 

"Perfect, lets go." 

Into the house the two went, climbing the stairs to Big Macs bedroom. Rainbow didn't hesitate to raid his closet for the baggiest clothes she could find. She found dark brown baggy jeans and a black shirt, as well as some black mane spray dye. Rainbows mane was well, rainbow. With so many fans of hers out there she would stick out like a sore thumb. They would instantly know it was her. The spray was only temporary, perfect for the days competition. She and Applejack wondered why they found such an item in Big Macs room but shrugged it off since they were in a hurry. Applejack found some baggy blue jeans as well as another baggy black shirt. Her blonde mane didnt matter, she would just wrap it up and tuck it into her hat with the bangs sticking out. As the two changed clothes they both noticed something about each other..... Applejack sighed and tried to make it as casual as possible. 

"Uhm, Rainbow?"  She pointed at her chest. The two lumps that were her breasts were very noticeable. Rainbow looked down and sighed. They both had a problem. The only way they could hide what they had was to bind them back with medical wrap, which surprisingly worked rather well. There they were, two mares dressed as stallions. They were ready to take on this competition. Rainbow turned to Applejack and gave her a high-five. 

"Lets do this." 

"Bring it on." 

> Ready to Rumble
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Applejack and Rainbow dash hoofed it to the other side of Ponyville, getting a few odd stares along the way. Applejack wondered to herself, why was everypony giving her and Rainbow such odd looks? And then it dawned on her. Ponyville was so small, everypony knew everypony who lived there. Of course they were going to get stared at. Blushing from a little bit of discomfort, she pulled the brim of her hat down a little. 
"W-where is this rodeo?" Applejack huffed.
"Just a little farther!" Rainbow Dash replied.
Suddenly, a gasp was heard, followed by a yell from a familiar female voice. 
"WAAAAAAAIIIIIITTT!!!" 
Applejack and Rainbow Dash slid to a halt. Applejack grew stiff, nervous from finding out who it was. Rainbow Dash turned around and saw a very pink excitable pony running to them. 
"Ohh! Ive never seen you here before! And that means you're new! Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie! Whats your name?" Pinkie pie tilted her head to the side and leaned in so close to Rainbow's muzzle, it made her lean her neck back and stumble over her words. "Eh-Well---" 
The two mares in drag stared at each other. They hadn't thought up of stallion names for themselves. They forgot they had to. Rainbow panicked and said a word purely out of frustration. 
"Aw crap!" 
Pinkie Pie quirked a brow and leaned away, kind of feeling odd. "Crap?" 
"No!" 
"Crap No?" 
"No crap!!" 
"No Crap?" 
Rainbow grunted and put her hands on her forehead. She finally spat out the only name she could think of, in a deeper tone. Unfortunately it had to be the one she hated. "It-Its Crash!"  She let out a pout and whispered to herself "I HATE that name..." her eyes shot over to Applejack who was giggling at the nonsense this whole time, and glared. Pinkie Pie hopped up and down, with a smile on her face. 
"Okay Crash!!" She leaned over to Applejack and looked at her in the eyes. "And your name?" 
Applejack eyes shifted around nervously. She wasn't good at this. "It-Its...." She avoided eye contact. If she couldn't lie about her name, how could she convince anypony she was a stallion? Rainbow Dash stepped in, putting an arm around AJ. 
"Its Jack." she smiled. 
Applejack lowered her ears and glared at Rainbow Dash. "Jack?" she murmured. 
"Crash and Jack!" Pinkie Pie accepted. She put a hand on her hip and pointed at them both. "You two remind me of two ponies im best friends with!" 
Rainbow Dash and Applejack started to back away. Applejack leaned in and whispered to Rainbow. "Why was hiding our identities to Pinkie Pie necessary? Were enterin uh competition, not changin our lives!" 
"She'll blow our cover, if she's in the crowd." 
Applejack frowned and sighed. She then felt the warmth of skin on her other cheek. 
"Why are we whispering?" Pinkie Pie said with a huge smile. 
"The competition!!" Applejack shouted, remembering that they were running late. 
"Wow, you two even sound like the two ponies im best friends with." 
"UGH." Rainbow growled at Aj. "Jack, lets go."   
Applejack turned to Pinkie Pie, tipping her hat. She cleared her voice and attempted to make her voice sound deeper. "Were runnin a bit late, miss. We'll see ya later." The two turned away and darted off again.
"Have fffuunnnn!!!" shouted Pinkie. 
"Rainbow ah don't know if ah can do this... Ah'm a terrible at lyin. Ah hate it, it isnt who ah am!" 
"But Applejack, think of the bits! The Ten thousand bits! Just let me answer all the questions. You just try to fit in." 
Applejack took a deep breath and looked down, thinking to herself for a moment. It was only temporary, just a harmless lie that would get her a few wheel barrels full of bits. If Rainbow Dash did most of the talking then Aj wouldn't blow their cover. 
"There it is!" Rainbow shouted pointing to a very large tent in front of her. Yes, there it was. The Raging Rodeo. It was huge! Ponies were scattered everywhere, some racing in and out of the tent. Rainbow grabbed Applejack by the arm, who was standing stiffly. "R-Rainbow! How're we gonna fool all these ponies!?!" 
"Don't worry about it. And you need to start calling me Crash.... asmuchasihateit. Okay, Jack?" 
Applejack began to resist from being nervous. She began to sweat, and started to back away. "They'll find out! They'll laugh at us! What will our other friends think? Ah cant disappoint my friends again!"  
"THIS IS NO TIME TO FREAK OUT JACK!!" Rainbow pulled and yanked on the stressed mares tail. 
"THATS MAH TAIL!!" AJ turned around and jumped at Rainbow, almost knocking her over. Rainbow smiled, moving with her push into the direction of the rodeo. A large shadow casts over the two, making them stop to look in the direction of whoever was making it. A large blue minotaur smiled down at them. He put his small hands on his hips that he could barely reach and blew air out of his nostrils. 
"IRON WILL IS IMPRESSED BY YOUR ENTHUSIASM, BUT SAVE IT FOR THE LAST COMPETITION!!" he yelled. 
The two mares stared in discomfort. 
"You two are buff n tuff. Fit and Fantastic. You're even rough and ready! But you need to save your energy. You are entering the last contest, arent you?" 
The two nodded their heads in agreement very quickly, afraid to say no. 
"GOOD!!" He snorted. "Iron Will would love to see who can stand up to the undefeated champion of this Rodeo!" 
Aj and Rainbow both looked at each other. Undefeated? Great, now they couldn't back out. The big minotaur placed his hands on their shoulders and guided them to the sign up stand. He leaned in close to the goat who was in charge of signing up competitors. He took a deep breath, air filling his lungs making his huge chest puff out even more than it already was. Aj slowly leaned away as well as Rainbow, both frowning unhappily, trying to cover their ears before he could yell again. The big minotaur grit his teeth and said kindly. "Sign them up please." He patted them on the shoulders and walked away, thumbs high in the air. The goat let out a grunt as he chewed on his piece of straw, pointing down at the sign up sheet. "If you had gotten here earlier you could have chosen what turn you wanted. But now there are only two slots left." Aj looked down at the sign up sheet, seeing a good amount of names signed up already. Some crossed out, she guessed they had changed their minds. Only fourth and fifth place was left for the final competition. Every single other spot was taken. 
"We only get to be in the last competition, Rain-uh ah mean Crash." 
"Thats alright Jack, the money is on that last competition." 
"Ah wonder why." 
Aj and Rainbow both scribbled down their names. The goat pointed to his left, where a large staircase was in the distance. "You'll need to wait down there till we call your name."  A large boom could be heard and the ground rumbled followed by the sound of a large crowd going wild. Rainbow fist pumped from the excitement filling her. "YESSS!!" She shouted. A white hand was placed on her shoulder as a masculine muzzle peeked over. 

"YEEEEAAAHHHH!!!!" Snowflake shouted. Rainbow laughed and raced down the stairs, Aj following close behind. The room was rather small, filled with buff stallions ready for what was ahead of them. Aj pulled her hat down, hoping no one would notice her. "Oh why didn't ah spray paint mah hair?" She sighed. 
"Hey!" Rainbow Dash pointed at a pony a few feet away from her, who had a rainbow mane and black fur. He wore a shirt that had Rainbow Dash's face on it, which made Aj smile and chuckle. 
"Ah guess he might be a fan of yours?"  
"Quiet you! I told you If I kept my rainbow mane everypony would recognize me..." Another loud boom "AHH!!!" ....startled Rainbow. The sound of a loud horn came, followed by upbeat music. 

"Lets get ready to RRRRAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGEEEEEEE!!!!" the announcer shouted over the intercom. The crowd went wild, cheering as loud as they could. Rainbow and Applejack pushed their way to the front and peeked out the door, trying to see what was going on. Smoke machines were everywhere, covering the large platform covered in mud. 
"Ah wonder who we'll be wrestlin." Aj looked at Rainbow who was hovering above her. 
"Eh, probably the winner of today's competitions." she said. 

Out past the stage a white mare with a large hat was making her way through the crowd, trying to find an empty seat. "Excuse me, pardon me. I simply must sit closer, oops sorry!" Rarity apologized to a mare and her four foals as she sat down next to them. Her ridiculously large hat blocked others from viewing the stage, but she didn't care. She didn't want anyone to recognize her. Attending a rodeo was uncouth in her opinion.... but she couldn't miss the chance to stare at the muscular stallions in the ring. She placed her hands in the middle of her lap and smiled, eager to watch the competition. As the voice over the intercom screamed, more fog came up from beneath the large stage and a minotaur came up from under it as well. He flexed his biceps and pecs, and pointed at the crowd. "GET READY TO FACE THE UNDEFEATED CHAMPION, IROOOOOOOOONNNNN WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLL!!!!" 

Rainbow Dash and Applejacks pupils shrank. "Iron Will!?!" Rainbow felt a shove as a pony ran past her and out onto the stage, attempting to tackle the blue stack of muscle that was Iron Will. Iron will stepped to the side, watching as the red pony almost fall off the stage. The red pony used his wings to fly into the air, and a horn sounded. Iron Will shook his finger at the pony who was now disqualified for flying. 

"See that Crash? No wings." Aj laughed. Rainbow sank to the ground, now worried at her chance for victory. 
"BUCK!!" She cursed. 
Out ran the second pony who was ready to fight. He let out a battle cry and ran full force, locking hands with Iron Will. Applejack freaked out as she watched Iron Will being his buddy toss. She ran back inside and threw her hands into the air. "Oh Celestia what did ah just sign mahself up for!?!" 
"For all that cash, Jack!" Rainbow Dash cheered and yelled out from the sidelines, angrily shaking her fist in the air. "COME ON YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT!!" She ducked as the stallion flew over her head and crashed into the wall, passing out in the mud. Iron Will put his hand up to his ears and leaned to the crowed, motioning for them to cheer louder. 
"IRON WILL CANNOT HEAR YOU!!"   
Out raced Snowflake who striked at pose on the platform, flexing his muscles at Iron Will. Iron Will flexed his muscles back, growling at his opponent. "You cannot out-flex this mass of muscular minotaur!! BRING IT ON!!" 
"YEEEAAAAHHHH!!!" Shouted snowflake, and the two clashed, bringing each other to the floor to wrestle. 
"Yesssss, Jack you're next! Get your war face on!" Rainbow laughed as she watched the two buff males beat each other up in the ring. Applejack took a deep breath and began to jog in place to warm up. 'Alright Applejack... this is your time.' she thought to herself. 'You need that money, its all yours Aj! All yours. No one can stand in your way, not even a big minotaur! You cant back out now.' She looked at the exit, which was blocked by four goats. 'Seriously, its like they own you after you sign up for this thing...' Applejack stepped out of the room and looked out onto the stage, seeing Snowflake tap out after being caught in a headlock. Iron Will strikes a pose as Snowflake jumps off the stage, climbing into the crowd. 

"WHO NEEEEXXXT?" 

"Ah am." Aj said as she stood on the stage looking up at Iron will. 

"You cannot defeat Iron Will!" 

"Ah sure as heck am gonna try!" 

Iron will smiled and beckoned her to him. "Lets go little pony! Anything goes in this Rodeo!" The crowd heckled at her for his words. Applejack raced toward him, she threw a punch, aiming right for his center. He grabbed her hand, stopping her in her tracks. She looked up at him with wide eyes, seeing the smile slowly appear on his snout. Her ears lowered and she tried to pull away but couldn't. He smiled, and slowly began to pull her in. Applejack almost lost focus, but remembered what she had that was stronger than any other pony shes ever met. Leaning back she kicked Iron Will right in the stomach, her leg almost a blur. He had no idea what hit him. Falling backwards he let go, almost falling off the platform from how strong her kick actually was. The wind was knocked out of him, she had caught him completely off guard. The crowd awed at the suspense, and Rarity was on the edge of her seat. 
"Oh my... thats new..." She said, now paying very close attention to what she thought was a blonde stallion. Iron Will rose up from the platform and stomped, and kicked dirt behind him. 
"Nice trick, pretty boy, but you cant defeat this bull!!" he charged at her, his horns pointing right for her. Applejack yelled, trying to move out of the way, but is instead chased around the ring. "CRASHWHATHAVEYALLGOTTENMEINTO!!?" 

Rainbow almost falls over with laughter at her friends torment and then cheers. "Come on Jack, kick him again!!" She shouted. Applejack turned around once again, kicking at her opponent. But Iron will was ready for her. He blocked her kick, which sent him back just a little bit but didn't knock him over like last time. 

"CANT AH TAG OUT OR SOMETHIN??" Applejack yelled at Rainbow, who couldn't stop laughing. Iron Will grabbed Applejack by her tail, and began to drag her to him. "You can give up!" He suggested. "Before I throw you into the world of pain!!" 

"THATS MAH TAIL!!" she yelled angrily. She turned around to kick him again but he caught her foot, and began dragging her to the sidelines. "ILL SAVE YOU JAAAACCCKKK!!" Rainbow Dash ran out onto the platform and jumped into the air, landing on Iron Will's head. "Thats her tail!!" She shouted angrily, punching him in the ear. A horn went off and two goats came onto the stage. "You're disqualified! This is a solo match! no partners! Get off my stage!" Iron Will picked up Rainbow Dash and put her down. The crowd booed at situation, seeing that it was hilarious and disappointing that they were kicked out. Rarity frowned, she wanted to see more from them both. The blonde stallion was very attractive to her, and she wanted to learn more about him since he did something she hadn't seen before.... which was knock Iron Will over. Applejack and Rainbow Dash began to leave the stage, highly disappointed. She thought it was unfair that they kicked out Applejack for her actions, rather than letting Applejack stay. The blue Pegasus turns her head around for some angry last few words. 

"YEAH WELL... YOU'RE JUST SCARED CAUSE JACK WAS GONNA SPANK YOUR FLANK!" 

Iron Will twisted his head around. "What did you just say?" 

"Crrraassshhhhhh." Applejack nervously looked at her friend and pulled on her arm. "Ah'm gonna get hurt if ah contin-" 

"You heard me! Punish me, not Jack! He deserves a second chance!" 

Iron Will stared for a moment. The mare was right, Applejack didn't deserve to be disqualified. However, Applejack was having second thoughts. Iron will overpowered her too much, and if she got hurt she wouldn't be able to work the apple acres, losing money on it. Applejack needed more time to train if she were to enter a competition like this again. 

"Ah resign." she said, tipping her hat to Iron Will. Iron Will looked surprised. 

"Why?" he asked. 

"Ah did not come prepared for such a match, Iron Will. Ah need more time to train for something like this. If ah got back in that ring ah might get myself hurt." 

Iron Will crossed his arms and smiled, actually agreeing with her choice. "You're good, boy, real good. Maybe not as good as Iron Will, but Iron Will respects you. In fact, Iorn Will is willing to let you have your second chance a week from today." 

"Uhh... beg yer pardon?" 

"Iron Will is so impressed by your massive kick you gave him, he wants to challenge your strength when you are better prepared for it!" 

"Well uh... ah guess that makes sense." 

"And the prize can still be yours!!" He yelled. 

"Well alright then!" 

The two shook hands and the crowd cheered, ready to come back next week for more. Rarity watched from the crowd, listening to them talk on the microphone. She was going to get to see more of this action? It excited her, making her giggle and kick her feet. She gasped as she watched the two walk off stage. Getting up from her seat, she began to leave to beat the crowd. Making her way past all of the other ponies she began to head out of the tent when she saw that the blonde stallion she was growing fond of  was leaving as well. She gasped and began to walk a bit faster, but not too fast... keeping her lady-like appearance. Out of the tent walked Applejack and Rainbow Dash who were excited to see what next weekend had in store for her. Rainbow shook Applejack by the shoulders and laughed. 

"Congrats Jack you're in for next week." 

"Yeah ah guess..." she shrugged and looked at her friend. "Ah still have to lie about-" 

"Yoo-hooo!! Boooyss..." Rarity called out to them, her hand in the air twiddling her fingers at them. Her hat caught the wind and blew off, sending it down the dirt road. "Oh gosh..." Rainbow Dash's smile grew bigger and bigger, as she recognized who it was. She leaned in close to Applejack and whispered. 
"Here comes Rarity..." 

Applejack stiffened. "R-rarity?" She whispered back. A light pink blush came across her face, and she began to sweat. Applejack had a big crush on Rarity, and just the thought of her made Applejacks heart race. "What do ah do?" She looked at Rainbow for help. 
"Just let me answer the questions." she responded. "Oh man this is going to be hilarious." Rainbow knew of Applejacks crush on Rarity for a long time. She always encouraged Applejack to pursue the relationship, but Applejack was just way too shy to do anything about it.

"After seeing you two in the ring, I HAD to speak with you. That performance was simply marvelous! Why I haven't seen a performance like that in a long time!" She stepped closer and smiled at them both, her eyes fixed on Applejack a good amount of the time. "Tell me, what is your names?" 

"Im Crash and this is Jack." 

"Crash and Jack hmm? I, am Rarity. It is lovely to meet you both." 

"Its uh-l-lovely to meet you too miss Rarity..." Applejack cracked a nervous grin. Applejack looked down at the ground and kicked the dirt with her hoof, trying to cover her face with her hat. Rarity got a closer look at Applejack, seeing her flat stomach and strong legs up close made her rather giddy. "I am so excited to see the upcoming match this weekend!" She leaned in close, trying to see Applejacks face from beneath the hat. She whispered, hoping to really get her attention. "I will definitely be cheering you on, Jack..." 

Applejack blushed even darker and raised her head up, looking into Rarity's eyes. She held her breath and looked away, trying to flirt back. "I was hoping ah'd.... see you there." Her eyes looked away. Flirting with Rarity and looking into her eyes was too much to handle right now. Rarity looked at Rainbow Dash who was holding in her laughter and smiled. 

"You alright there darling?" she asked. 

"Pfffff-yeah-er well um. Jack and I are sort of new to Ponyville so we sort of need someone to show us around. Well, particularly Jack here." 

"Oh, well I've lived here for quite some time. I suppose I could show Jack around, if he doesn't mind?" Rarity tried to look at Applejack in the eyes again but her hat was covering them. Applejack turned her head toward Rainbow Dash, and glared. Rainbow nodded quickly and gave her a thumbs up. 

"Yeah, ah would love if you gave me a tour." She said. 

Rarity and Rainbow both smiled. Rainbow Dash patted AJ on the back and began to walk away. "Have fun you two!"    

> Take the Chance part 1 and part 2 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


 ------ Part 1
The two walked along together, side by side. Applejack had her hands shoved into her pockets while Rarity's remained folded at her center. Rarity began talking about the town's history and buildings. Coming up shortly was Sugar Cube Corner, which worried Applejack a little because Pinkie would be there. But as Rarity went on, Applejack's thoughts about this whole situation started coming into her head louder and louder. This was just supposed to be for today only. Just for a chance to win a large amount of bits for her family and the farm. But now she's deceiving a friend? She didn't agree to this. Rainbow Dash had her good points... but where was this really going to lead in the end? In the end Applejack would have to tell Rarity who she really was. She would have to tell her why she did it in the first place, and why she continued with the charade. It would be humiliating, for the both of them... wouldn't it? What was the point of Applejack pretending to be someone else for the chance that Rarity might end up liking her male self? To be closer to her for a brief moment in time? In the end Applejack couldn't have Rarity because Rarity didn't like her the same way... right? It would make things weird between them, their friendship would be ruined by lies and well, just plain friend zoned awkwardness. Applejack's heart would be broken, because she couldn't just be herself around Rarity anymore. Not with what has happened. And what would her other friends think about this whole lie? Surely Twilight would lecture her, Fluttershy would shake her head in disapproval, and Pinkie Pie.... well her reaction definitely would vary. Maybe put on a mustache and giggle a lot. Surely it wouldn't help the situation. Applejack now had no clue what to expect or do. So for now till she was back with Rainbow Dash, she'd have to just go with it. 

"...They really do have the absolute best sweets you could have, Jack. You simply must try them sometime." Rarity stopped just before Sugar Cube Corner, looking back at Jack. 

"Uh-yeah, sounds delicious." Applejack watched Rarity lean towards the door. Thoughts were still buzzing around in the mares head. Looking at her facial expression Rarity thought she was boring the stallion with all her talk about sweets Sugar Cube Corner had to offer. Perhaps Jack wasn't fond of sweets, or Jack wasn't much of a talker.  

"Wont you come in? Perhaps I could interest you in some Rose Tea while we talk about where you're from?" Rarity placed her hand onto the doorknob, ready to hold it open for her.

'...talk about where you're from?' played again in Applejacks head. Her eyes grew. No, not more lies. Applejack didn't want to make up a false life. Not only that Pinkie was there, and that would perhaps make matters worse. Applejack suddenly reached for the doorknob, grabbing Rarity's hand with it, keeping it shut. 

"No! No that'll be-uh---fine. Miss Rarity." She looked up, almost nose to nose with the purple haired mare. A pink hue rushed across her snout, as they locked eyes for a moment. Applejack took her hand away and shoved it into her pocket once more, as her heart raced. "Ah-ah-ah think we should tour the town uh bit further before we sit and eat!" Applejack watched as Rarity's facial expression looked confused. As if she didn't know whether Applejack was rejecting her offer or not. 

'Oh no, ah might've offended her....' she thought. 

"Ah mean, ah haven't worked up an appetite an ah'd be happy to have dinner with you later. My treat." 

Facehoof. Big facehoof. Applejack wished she hadn't said that. She just set herself up for more disaster. A large blush came across Rarity's face. Applejacks eyes wandered all around with thoughts that only made her panic inside. 

"Yes I suppose dinner is a better way to talk about it. Don't want to feel rushed over a cup of tea. Now just a little ways further over here is the Farmers Market...." Rarity pointed forward, leading Applejack away from Sugar Cube Corner, trying to compose herself from blushing too harshly. Applejack caught a glimpse of it. Which made her question... What was Rarity exactly thinking? Did the thought of dinner with her (or him rather) make her blush? Her thoughts ran again, she was definitely good at over thinking things. Rarity must've thought that Applejack buying her dinner meant.... she had just asked her on a small date. Right? It had to be the reason why she was blushing. Or was it the fact that they had just touched hands and were snout to snout? Ugh! The thoughts only made Applejack more flustered. Applejack finally looked up from the ground as they approached the Farmers Market. Her eyes caught Applebloom and Granny Smith, who was working at the apple stands Applejack said she would tend to later. Her face froze as she stopped in her tracks. She couldn't go any further. Not one hoof. Rarity stopped as well, turning her upper body towards her. 

"Everything alright darling?" 

"Ah-ah don't feel well!" Applejack put her hands on her stomach and bent over, turning away from the crowd. "Yep! Ah must've pulled a muscle when ah kicked Iron Will. That must be it." Her eyes shifted around, looking for a place to limp off to. Rarity lowered her ears. She found it rather odd and a bit discouraging Jack wasn't very willing to go anywhere with her. She could tell Jack was faking being in discomfort. Opalescence always a little drama kitty, and after many visits to the vet it gave Rarity the ability to recognize when someone was faking pain. She didn't understand why Jack was doing this, but decided not to confront her about it. 

"Shall I get you to a sofa then? Perhaps you can rest up a bit?" she crossed her arms and quirked a brow. Applejack glanced back at Rarity, hobbling a bit forward away from the Farmers Market. 

"Uh-yeah, that sounds nice actually. Maybe uh... furniture store around here somewhere?" 

Rarity stepped in front of Applejack, leading the way once more. "Nonsense, the furniture store would eventually make you leave if you weren't going to buy anything. And surely you don't want to loiter in such a place, do you? Of course not. So we are going to my boutique, since you have no place to stay. I have to fill a few orders anyway and I can do that while you rest up."   

Well the good part about this was Applejack wouldn't run into anypony who might recognize her. The bad part was that she would be left with Rarity alone... Which secretly Applejack really hoped for that moment to someday come. 

Onward they walked till they reached their destination, The Carousel Boutique. Unlocking the door Rarity took applejack inside, setting her down on the sofa to let her rest. Opalescence greeted Rarity with a blank unhappy stare as she knelt down to pick up her kitty.. 

"This is Opalescence, my lovely little kitty. Say hello to Jack, Opal!" Rarity held out Opal, who hissed angrily at Applejack. Applejack leaned away as the cat jumped out of Rarity's arms. "Oh Opal quit being such a fussy kitty, for mommy please?" Opal looked up at Rarity with her angry blank stare, refusing to cooperate. 

"Uhh- hi there, Opal..." Applejack reached out to the cat, only to take back her hand before it was scratched. "Ah don't think your cat likes me."  

"She hates everyone, try not to take it personally." Rarity laughed a little. "Now go ahead and rest your legs while I finish up these dresses. If you need anything I will be through this door right here." Rarity walked away, leaving Applejack in the room with a very unhappy cat. Opal sat, staring at Applejack while Applejack stared back. The two didn't care for each other, and Opal knew right away who she was based on her smell. The cat growled, and lowered her ears. 

"If Winona were here ah'd let her chase you up a tree again...." Applejack smiled devilishly, watching Opal run away at the name of the dog. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Applejack turned around and laid on the couch, acting as if she were too hurt to get up. Rarity came to the room and looked down at her. 

"You really must be in discomfort, Jack. I'm glad I have a place for you to lie down." Rarity said while she opened the door. "Oh! Crash.... hello." 

"Hey Rarity, is Jack still with you?" Rainbow Dash said, peeking around the room. Applejack shot up from the couch and walked to the door, looking out. 

"Hey Da-CRASH!! HEY CRASH!!" she clears her throat. "Crash... H-how'd you find... us?" Applejack nervously looked at Rarity, then at Dash. Dash smiled widely and shrugged. 

"Everypony knows everypony around here. All's I had to say was 'where does Rarity live?' And here you are! I figured you'd still be with her since you know, you don't have a place to stay. What with plans suddenly changing and all.... forcing you to stay in Ponyville for the week.... to you know.... Win the competition." As Rainbow Dash continued with her words Applejack's glare grew more harsh. She was definitely upset at Dash for the situation she was put in just now. "Uh anyway Jack could I speak with you in private for just a few minutes? Don't worry Rarity he'll be all yours once I'm done talking with him." Dash gave a wink to Rarity as she stepped away, letting Applejack outside. 

"Alright well, don't stand for too long Jack you don't want to get hurt again." She said, giving Applejack a small wave before closing the door. 

"So uhh.... how you doing?" Dash said with a large grin. Applejack clenched her fists as she walked right up to Rainbow Dash, shaking. 

"Ah've been having one rough hay ride of uh day, Dash!!" 

"Shh!!! Its Crash. You don't want Rarity to hear you." 

"Ah am so nervous an' worked up, mah knees have been shakin' since we went to Sugar Cube Corner!!" 

"Wait you went to Sugar Cube Corner? What happened there?" 

Applejack began to pace back and fourth, crossing her arms and glaring at Rainbow Dash. She took large breaths and looked around to see if anypony was listening. "Almost, we didn't go inside. Ah was too afraid to sit down for tea an' talk about some---- made up life ah've never had!!" she threw her arms into the air and paced quickly. Rainbow Dash watched her pace back and fourth. 

"So she invited you for tea? What did you say?" 

"Ah put my hand on hers stopping her from opening the door and I told her Id buy her dinner later." 

"What? Way to go Jack, you asked her out! I knew you had it in you!" 

"No, Crash. This isn't good. This isn't supposed to happen-none of this was! Ah was supposed to just enter this competition in which ah'd win bits from but now this has turned into this fake stallion thing with Rarity. For-for what? To get closer to her just to be rejected in the end?" 

"What? Jack this is an opportunity of a life time. You have a chance to show Rarity a good time, because she'd never give you a chance as a mare. And when the date is over and you get your kiss you tell her you're sorry and you have to go home back to.... wherever you live!" 

"Ah can't lie like you can Crash! Ah can't! And what good does this do me in the end? Ah kiss her an' we say our good bye's an' ah never get another chance with her after that? Ah'd be leaving her with a broken heart, and mine would be broken too. In the end she wouldn't love me, the real Applejack. She'd be in love with some stallion named Jack." Applejack felt tears coming to her eyes as she thought of the worst thing that could happen to her. "An' what if she finds out who ah really am, Crash? She finds out its really me beneath all this-this fake stallion? I'd lose her friendship, forever." Tears flowed from her eyes as she walked up to Dash, putting her hands on her shoulders. Rainbow Dash could see the pain that Applejack was going through about this. "Ah can't lose her, Crash. Its why ah was never honest with mah feelings for her in the first place. Why ah never told her how much ah'm in love with her." Applejack's knees buckled, and she fell to the floor, sobbing. Rainbow Dash could feel her friends pain. But remembering all those nights where Applejack had her come over just to cry all night long about how she could never be with Rarity.... was pretty motivating. She knelt down, lifting Applejack's chin and wiping away her tears. 

"Hey... Its okay to be afraid, Jack. It is alright. But do you really want to spend all your life never knowing? Always wondering 'what if?' And you know what, if she loves you as Jack then she'll love you as Applejack. This is just a way for her to give you a chance." 

"No, its a way for her to give Jack a chance." 

"If she loves you when you're male whats the difference really if you're female? It's the inside that counts, not the outside. Sometimes it takes odd ways to make a pony realize that. Just be yourself, Jack. Be who you always are, act like nothing has changed about you. Which it hasn't, just your appearance has changed. Inside you're still you and that's who shes going to fall in love with. Shes going to see that in the end you're just as good if not better than any other stallion that crosses your path. You are her knight in shining armor. " 

Applejack's tears stopped from coming as she heard Rainbow Dash speak to her in such a sincere voice. Maybe she was right. Maybe this wasn't such a big way to screw things up after all. Applejack was tired of hiding the way she felt from Rarity, and tired of night after night asking what if questions. It was time to finally try. Finally do something about her feelings. She was going to do it, and she wasn't going to mess up... at least she hoped. Rainbow lifted her friend off the ground and dusted her legs off. 

"Great.... now ah'm all dusty for mah date tonight." Applejack said with a weak smile. Rainbow patted her back and laughed. 

"That's the spirit!" Dash continued to dust Applejack off as she forced her to turn around and walk back to the Boutique. As she knocked Rarity came to the door and looked at them both. 

"Oh, all finished? What's going on? Are you okay?" Rarity looked at Applejack's eyes, seeing that they were red from crying. 

"Miss Rarity, how would you like to go to our dinner tonight? By that ah mean what time is good for you?" Applejack said while fixing her hat. Rarity put her hand to her cheek, trying to cover her blush. 

'keep it together Rarity.' she thought. 

"Oh well It is getting dark out. But I suppose I can be ready in an hour." she said looking back into her home at the unfinished orders she had. She rolled her eyes at them, they would be late but it wouldn't be a problem. She would just have to make a few notices. Applejack agreed to meet her in an hour, which would be enough time for both of them to get ready. As Applejack turned away and Rarity closed the door, Rarity looked down seeing Opalescence staring up at her. 

"What?" She said. The cat merely continued to stare, its tail flicking back and fourth. Rarity rolled her eyes and walked to her wardrobe to look through a few of her outfits, not exactly knowing what to wear.  She thought to herself, if she wanted to make a good impression, shouldn't she wear something really nice? Not too nice, Jack was from the country so sometimes simple was better. But what if Jack was different? What if he appreciated what a girl wore just as much as the girl herself? She didn't know much about him but when he took her hand and got close, it seemed as if he wanted to be near. They had just met and already there was a connection. But then again.... he did sort of avoid going anywhere with her. Something was up, Rarity didn't exactly know what but she was determined to find out why he was avoiding going anywhere. Pulling a dark blue dress from the closet Rarity placed it on the bed and looked for matching earrings, gloves, and possibly heels to go with it. 

------ part 2

As the hour went by Applejack came back to the boutique, standing outside with Rainbow Dash. Rainbow put her hands on Applejack's shoulders, giving her another pep talk before her big moment. 

"Alright this is it Jack. You're gonna march up there, take her hand, and go out to dinner." 

"Right!" 

"You're gonna show her the confidence you always have with her. The nice pony you are and the best possible choice she can make in a mate!" 

"Right! Wait ah have to hold her hand?" 

"Well no... but you know what I mean." 

"Right!!" Applejack shut her eyes as the thought of her and Rarity being together made her blush furiously. Dash walked behind her and pushed her forward. "Go! You'll know where I'll be if you need me." 

Applejack walked up to the door, knocking it lightly. No answer. She knocked lightly again. Still no answer. 

"Quit knocking softly! Knock like you mean it!!" Dash said while walking away, looking back at her. 

Applejack cleared her throat and knocked loudly this time. She listened for Rarity's voice, which told her to come inside. Opening the door she looked down only to find Opalescence sitting right where she was last time. "Freaky cat...." Applejack glared. The cat hissed and walked away, tail up high and nose as well. Applejack rolled her eyes and looked around for Rarity. 

"I'm almost ready darling, just wait for me by the door." she called out. Applejack took a deep breath, the thought of them going on a date made her heart race, and her blood rush. She worried she was going to perspire from being nervous. She hated sweating when she was nervous. It gave her away so easily. And she didn't want to be smelly and sweaty for the date. The sound of heels hitting the floor grew closer and closer, only making Applejack fidget. She stomped her hoof to the floor, refusing to let her nerves get to her. 

"Here I am." Rarity said with a smile. Applejack's eyes met with hers and she couldn't help but stare at the beautiful sight that was Rarity. Her whole outfit seemed to match top to bottom and went well with her personality. From the way she had her hair to the way she stood with her heels. Rarity was ready to knock Applejack out. And she almost did. Applejack was almost too stunned to move, but managed to force herself to open the door for Rarity. 

"After you Miss Rarity." 

"Please, just Rarity." She said with a smile. The two walked into town as they passed a few words back and fourth to each other before arriving to the small cafe just past Sugar Cube Corner. As they sat looking over their menu's, Applejack ran through the answers Dash had gave her in case Rarity asked questions. They were answers to where Applejack didn't have to really lie in order to answer. Perfect. 

"So Jack." Rarity began, placing her menu down on the table. "Where do you live?" 

"Oh uh... I live out in the country, on a fruit farm." 

"Really? Interesting, what kind of fruits do you grow?" 

"Only the best in all of Equestria!" Applejack laughed trying to avoid the answer. "But uh-enough about me. My story's a little bit borin. What about you, Rarity? What's your story?" 

Rarity smiled. She loved to talk about herself. It was definitely her thing. She could go on for hours and hours about what she does for a living, where she goes everyday and who she associates herself with. Applejack was smart to put Rarity in the spotlight.  But.... Rarity wanted to know more about Jack, so she wasnt going to let her get away with it. The waiter came to take their orders, while serving them bread for a small appetizer. 

"Ill have a salad please, with your signature dressing." Rarity said handing him the menu. 

"An' ah'll have the daisy sandwich please." The waiter took Applejacks menu and walked away. 

"Well you've seen my business." Rarity began. "I enjoy making glorious outfits for ponies and would someday love to live in Canterlot or perhaps design dresses and gowns for the Princess herself!" Rarity looked up at the sky, seeing stars begin to shine as it drew dark. She sighed softly while gazing at them. 

"Tell me, Jack.... do you wish upon stars?" 

"Ah do." 

"It seems every night I wish upon the first star I see and... well.. it seems all of my wishes have come true so far except one." 

"Is that so? Do ya' mind if ah ask what that wish is?" 

"Oh I can tell you unless it comes true, Jack. I'm still giving that star a chance to grant me my wish."

"Oh well... Fair enough. But now ya have to tell me once it does come true." 

Rarity giggled, "Of course! Have any of yours come true?" 

"Uh well uh yeah!" Applejack didn't know what to say. 

"Really? What did you wish for?" 

"Uhm.... Ah wished for... a bigger friendship."  Applejack wanted to facehoof herself. But the answer she gave made Rarity smile.

"Bigger friendship? Really?" she leaned in closer, noticing Applejack trying to avoid eye contact. She looked at her facial features paying close attention to detail. Applejack began to slowly lean back, hoping Rarity would stop staring. But it was no use. 

"Yes. Bigger friendship!" 

"By that, what do you mean? There's different types of friendships. Which one are you talking about?" Rarity's eyes locked with Applejack's. And Applejack was now stuck, gazing back at her. Her stare was hypnotic, one that Applejack simply couldn't break away from.... really, Applejack didn't want to. A tingle rose up her spine, as the stare became more intense. Everything seemed to slow down to her, Rarity seemed to even blink slower. 

"Ya know..... the friend kind." This response made Rarity laugh, and sit up straight again. 

"You remind me of a pony I know.... a dear friend of mine." she began.

'uh oh.' Applejack thought. "Oh-oh yeah? Who's that?" 

"Her name is Applejack. Maybe you two are related? You sure do act like her and you both even have the same hat." She said pointing upward at the hat she was wearing. Applejack looked all around. 

"Oh uh I've never met a pony named Applejack!"  She leaned back as her sandwich was placed in front of her. "Thank you!" 

"Really? Well you'll have to meet her sometime." Rarity said putting a fork in her salad.

"Sounds great!"

~~ After dinner the two began to walk around Ponyville without another pony in sight. The streets were dimly lit with lights from the moon, the stars, and the lamps. The air was cool and damp, cold enough to see your breath but with no wind it wasn't enough to bother you right away if you kept moving. Rarity walked along side Applejack, taking their time to get back to the boutique. A small stone bridge that went over a little pond was just ahead of them.

"Oh isn't it lovely out Jack? Simply wonderful! I love this weather its the best. Not too cold, no wind to mess with my hair... but..." She placed her hands on the stone wall of the bridge and pushed herself up, sitting on the edge. "These heels always hurt my feet after a while...." she said loosening the straps and taking them off. "Can we take a small break? I can't walk any farther and I refuse to get my feet dirty." 

Applejack stopped and smiled at her, sitting down next to her on the bridge. "Sure no problem. It is very nice out tonight. Haven't seen a night like this in a long un'." she said rubbing her arm, feeling the temperature begin to drop just a bit. There was a small moment of silence between the two as they both looked up in the night sky together thinking about their wishes. Applejack glanced back at Rarity, who was still gazing at the stars. AJ had always wished she had more courage to show her feelings, and to only be strong when Rarity rejected her if she didn't feel the same. She felt a spark in her chest, right next to her heart. Looking down at her lap and to her right was Rarity's hand.... and something was telling AJ to go for it.  She held her breath and looked away, shutting her eyes tight as she slid her hand downward onto Rarity's. Applejack could feel her heart begin to race, and almost ached as if she had already been rejected. Tingles shot through her right arm as she felt her forehead become hot when suddenly..... Rarity's fingers laced with her own. Applejack's eyes lowered to where their hands were... and it was true. Rarity was holding her hand. Applejack let out a large breath as she looked up, seeing Rarity stare right at her, a light blush across her face. Applejack's own face turned dark red, and she swore to herself that steam was coming off it. She prayed to the goddesses her hand wouldn't get sweaty. But with her nerves jumping around it probably would only be a few moments till she began to sweat. Rarity smiled and blushed a little bit darker when she became aware of how long they were staring at each other. Applejack smiled as well, not knowing what exactly to say. She wanted this night to last forever, but saying that out loud was really too soon. At least, that's what she thought Rarity would think. Applejack looked down at Rarity's shoulders, noticing she was shivering a little bit. 

"You're cold." Applejack said sliding off the bridge, their fingers still laced together. "Lets get you home." 

"No, my feet still hurt.... just five more minutes please?" she said, looking down at their hands. But Applejack wouldn't take no for an answer. She placed Rarity's shoes in her lap and with one arm reached beneath her legs, the other around Rarity's back, picking her up off the bridge. 

"Ah can carry you." 

This made Rarity blush red as she held onto Applejack, not knowing exactly what to do. "Oh you really don't have to do this...." 

"Mah pleasure..." Applejack said, carrying Rarity down the road to the boutique. Rarity tried not to stare at Applejack, it was hard but she managed to pass a few glances at her. Looking forward she looked at the arm that was carrying half of her. She wondered to herself if she could sneak a squeeze, and she did. She liked how the arm felt. Toned but not overbearing with muscle. Applejack carried Rarity all the way back home, which really wasn't too far away. All those apple barrels Applejack carried made Rarity feel like nothing. It didn't slow her one bit. Placing her down on her step Applejack fixed her hat and nodded to Rarity. 

"Ah had a lovely time with you, Rarity." She said looking up into the mare's eyes with a little bit of confidence this time. She wanted to make sure Rarity knew she meant it. Rarity smiled and nodded her head, looking back at her. 

"I did as well, Jack." 

She felt another spark in her chest, one aching her on to do one more act out of courage before the night ended. She then took Rarity's hand once more, bringing it up to her lips and kissing it delicately. "Good night." 

Rarity smiled, a pink blush lightly drew across her face. "Good night."  



> Lust and Suspicion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity shut the door behind her, looking down at the tiled floor beneath her. She gave a soft sigh, holding her hand to her chest. Opal looked up from the couch, giving a soft meow for a greeting. Slowly turning around Rarity peeked out the window, watching Applejack walk down the dirt road. A smile slowly crept across her face as she shut the shades and locked the door. Opening her cupboard she took down a candle and a single match, striking it against the rough side of the wooden door. She placed the match against the wick and watched the candle catch. With a fast pace Rarity walked all throughout her home, locking every window and closing all the curtains. Not a spec of light could squeeze in or out of that place. She then stood outside her room, looking back at Opal who stared blankly in her direction. 

"Mommy needs alone time." She said shutting the door behind her, leaving Opal alone in the front room. She took the candle to the nightstand and placed it down. Sitting on the bed the mare gazed into the candlelight, watching the flame flicker back and fourth. Once in a while she could see the black smoke leave the red flame, and disappear into the dark air. She began to daydream about her date... what would've happened if Jack had come inside. If she showed him her bedroom. She laid herself down as she began the scene in her head. 


Jack stood close to Rarity's back as they had entered her bedroom, very close. She could feel his breath glide through her mane, then down and around her neck. He parted her hair, exposing her soft white neck. His lips met her neck and shoulder line, kissing it softly. As the two touched she could feel tingles race up her sides, giving her chills and making her breath quiver. His hands slid down her arms, and when they met her own he gripped them tightly. She leaned her head to the side, giving him all the space he wanted. His hand left her own, only to slide to the side of them, feeling the curves of her hips. She let out a soft moan as he slid his warm soft tongue gently across her neck. His right hand slid up from her hip and around to her breast, squeezing it gently. She let out a gasp, grabbing for his hand to push it away. His hand only gripped tight, not letting any give. 

"J-jack what are you doing?" 

No answer. The mare was turned around, looking at him eye to eye. Their snouts almost touching. A dark blush appeared across her face as she was forcefully pushed onto the bed. She watched as a smile grew across his face, and crawled onto the bed over her.  

"Stop." she demanded. He looked her in the eyes, and could see right through her. He knew she wanted this, just as much as he wanted it. She placed her hands on his shoulders, keeping his snout away from her own. Giving her a cocky grin he leaned forward, forcing himself down upon her. His hands slid to her knees prying her legs open and wedging himself between them. She could feel his hardness through the jeans he wore brush up against her thigh as he leaned in closer. He slid her dress upward, barely past her hips and exposed her black laced panties. She pushed forward with her arms more, in an attempt to shove him off. But it was no use. He overpowered her easily. He shoved her arms down, sliding them up and outward above her head. Her heart pounded as she felt fear and adrenaline that he might hurt her. Her legs began to shake, and her knees bent inward. His hardness pushed up against her soft puss, making her moan in surprise. She could feel tingles strike her instantly, making her breath heavy. He rocked himself firmly against her, rubbing and rubbing till he could feel her moisture though his pants. Her arms and legs soon fell limp, and she found herself rocking back against him. She wasn't in control of her body anymore. The need to feel this good overwhelmed her... and she now answered to her lust. The rhythm of their bodies rubbing together just felt so good her body ached for him to take it further. She needed a detailed touch, one that played with all that she had down there. 

"Kiss me on the lips. . . ." her voice gave a begging tone. Jack raised his head, looking her in the eyes. 

"Please." 

Slowly he backed down, his head stopping just above her knees. His hands felt around her firm thighs, squeezing them gently. His fingertips felt the edge of her laced panties, pinching them and bringing them downward. Rarity tilted her head back and closed her eyes, feeling another zap of tingles rush up her spine as Jack spread her legs open. Her heat could be felt inches away from her, and her moisture could be seen even with the dim candlelight. A light gasp escaped her as she felt Jack's lips reach her lower ones. His tongue slid between her folds, gently licking upward meeting her clit that hid beneath its hood. She felt a rush of adrenaline hit her as he took his tongue and licked her again. She let out a moan and a soft sigh,  her legs slowly sliding downward till Jack caught them so he could move them about as he pleased. His tongue slid down, entering her hole to scoop out what she had to offer him. Rarity moaned again, her lower half moving against his snout, begging to feel more. 

"Ohhh yesss." Rarity gripped the bed sheets and arched her back as she felt his fingers trail down to her anus. His middle knuckle rocked against the outside gently, as his tongue slid up to her clit again. He sucked on her and kissed folds, lapping up whatever wetness slipped out from her. Jack's freehand moved her folds to the side, exposing her clit fully from its hood. His tongue then licked at her roughly, and with each strike she felt a surge of pleasure. Rarity's hands met the top of his head, letting him know to stay in that spot without any words. Her body shook and twitched with each lick to her clit, and soon she found herself about to reach her climax. 

"How does it taste?" she asked. 

Jack's green eyes slowly looked up to meet her own. She couldn't last another moment. Rarity's eyes rolled upward, her back arched once again as she felt an overwhelming rush of pleasure. She gripped his hair and pushed her wet self forcefully into his snout. His tongue slid deep into her, massaging around quickly while her nerves and body lost control. She let out a large gasp of air and a moan, followed by words. 

"Ohh tell me how it tastes." 

"As sweet as a sugar cube." 

"Oh, AppleJa-" 


Rarity opened her eyes as she laid in her dark room at home, her hands rubbing her self vigorously. She didn't stop at the sudden thought of Applejack, her climax only begged for her to continue because of it. "Yes Applejack." she moaned out loud, her fingers slipping into her hole as it squeezed tightly when her second rush of ecstasy came to her.  She let out a long breath of air as her tingles began to settle throughout her body. As the feeling of her orgasm left her, she wondered why all of the sudden Applejack would rush into her mind like that. Why so sudden? Was it because he reminded her of her friend so much? Their personalities were so close together. Honest, well mannered when necessary, strong, kind with a hint of bashful. But she had never thought of Applejack with so much lust before. Sure there was the occasional thought of a threesome with a stallion but there was never more to it. Not like this time. This time was different.  She was fantasizing about a stallion, and it turned out she was lusting after her friend. Rarity had been around Jack all day long, the more she sat here thinking about the way he responded to her questions and reactions made think deeper and deeper into it. Turning over in her sheets she blew out the candle and closed her eyes, examining the two in her head as she drifted to sleep. 

___

As noon came so did the sounds of birds chirping in the apple trees as they chattered about what they had for breakfast. A light breeze swept across the acres and two mares could be found just outside the barn surrounded by bales of hay and heavy sandbags. Rainbow Dash stood watching Applejack with her blue cap on and a whistle around her neck. Her arms were crossed as she urged her farm friend to work hard. 

"You call that a kick?" she said as she watched Applejack kick a large sandbag. "My grandmother can do that while she gets ready for her second nap!" 

Applejack huffed as she reared her leg back and kicked it forward, hitting the sandbag again. 

"HARDER!" 

Applejack kicked the sandbag harder this time, sending it a few feet away from her. "Rainbow, ah've been doin' this since six this mornin'. Please, can ah have a break?" She said hunched over trying to catch her breath. 

"Is Iron Will going to give you a break?" 

Applejack paused for a moment and sighed. "No." 

"Then why should I? Now since you like to complain so much, give me squats till I say you're done." 

Applejack rolled her eyes as she stood her legs apart, readying her squats. Rainbow Dash then shoved a large hay bale into her arms. 

"With this out in front of you. You can complain about how it burns so much since that's what you like doing." 

Applejack sighed as she began her squats. Immediately she felt the burn in her abs and thighs. She shut her eyes tight as she forced herself to move up and down. Dash leaned on a bale of hay with her elbow and counted out the squats in her head. 

"Now since we both know that Iron Will has been training for this much longer than you have we are going to have to have you learn how to get him out of the ring asap. He's a lot bigger than you and a lot stronger, so the longer you are in the ring the less of a chance you'll be able to beat him. So, what are you going to do?" 

"Ah don't think he's very bright so ah could always out-smart him."

"Okay, how?" 

"Maybe ah could trip him somehow and he could fall right out of the ring?" 

"Okaaaay new plan." 

"What was wrong with that one?" 

"How are you going to trip a charging minotaur?" 

Applejack paused for a moment. "Right, well what if ah taunted him? Make him charge at me and then when he gets real close, ah jump into the air, and kick him in the back of the head! He'll fall forward and right out of that ring!" 

Rainbow Dash nodded as she thought more and more about it. It wasn't a bad idea, in fact it might actually work. 

"Wow, that actually might work AJ." 

Applejack's knees began to shake with each squat she completed. "Please tell me ah'm almost finished," she said holding her breath. But Rainbow Dash was too busy playing out the action scene in her head, continuing to nod in approval. 

"But just in case that doesn't work, lets have you go through some escape drills." 

Applejack fell to the floor, her face covered in sweat as she tried to catch her breath. Dash blew her whistle and leaned in the young mares face. "Did I say you could stop for a nap? Get up you lazy bum."  

Applejack's heart raced from the constant exercise, but she forced herself off the ground and struggled to pick up the hay bale. "Ya know there is such a thing as 'burnin' yourself out.'" 

"He isn't going to have any mercy on you, AJ. So neither will I."  

"Who isn't?" a familiar feminine voice came from behind the stacks of hay. AJ and Dash froze, they recognized that voice instantly. The white mare with purple hair peeked around the stacks of hay, seeing AJ holding up a hay bale and Dash standing near, with her coach gear on. In the white unicorns arms was a basket covered with a white cloth that she held in close to her body. Applejack dropped the hay bale and put her arms behind her head, trying to seem like they weren't really up to anything at all.

"Hey Rarity, what's goin' on?" She said scratching the back of her head. 

"Who isn't going to have any mercy on you, Applejack?" Rarity insisted on her question being answered. 

"Flim and Flam!" Answered Dash. "Yep, there's a rumor going about that they'll be back in town for revenge! So were training AJ here to kick more flank than last time!" Dash patted AJ on the back as AJ nodded her head quickly in agreement. 

"Ugh that's terrible, simply awful. We can't have that now can we?" Rarity watched as Applejack huffed to catch her breath, looking everywhere but at Rarity. 

"So uh-what can ah do you for Rarity?" She said picking up a towel and drying her face on it. 

"Well I was hoping you weren't busy, but perhaps would like to join me on a picnic?" Rarity tilted her head while watching AJ put the towel back down. AJ looked at Rainbow Dash for approval. 

"Well coach? Can ah have my break now?" 

"Alright you've got two hours and then, I wanna see you back here pronto!" 

"Great! Shall we move on then?" Rarity said turning around and looking back to her blonde friend. Applejack followed Rarity out into the apple orchard, where they found a shaded area to lay their picnic. Rarity sat down on her white cloth while Applejack sat in the grass. "Its alright, AppleJack. You can sit on the cloth with me." 

"Oh ah am all sweaty ah don't want to get my dirt all over it. Ah know how ya like to keep things neat." 

Rarity smiled as she brought out two sandwiches that had been neatly folded up in napkins, handing one to her friend. "So Applejack, would you mind if I asked you a few questions?" 

"What is it sugar cube?" Applejack asked as she unwrapped her sandwich. Rarity cleared her throat as she heard the words 'sugar cube.'  

"I recently made a friend who is a stallion named Jack." 

Applejack froze, staring at her sandwich. What was she going to say? Why did she drag her out here all alone to go on a picnic just to be told about this stallion? Worst of all, Rarity said she had questions. The anticipation grew heavy for her, and it almost felt like an eternity before she could answer. 

"I went on a small date with him yesterday and well, from what I've noticed about him he's very much like you." Rarity watched as Applejack didn't look at her, but was fixated on her sandwich. 

"Oh really? We'll he must be one swell of a colt then." She said with a wink. Rarity tried not to blush. 

"Yes well the question I wanted to ask you is, he said he isn't from around here. I'm afraid that if I keep seeing him my feelings will grow more fond and I wont be ready to let him leave. I'm afraid I wont be seeing him ever after he leaves for home. That he wont try to contact me after he makes a promise or even tells me good bye for good. If he's going to leave so soon, should I stop trying to be with him?" 

"Ah-ah see. And why are you askin' me again?" 

"He's a lot like you Applejack. A honest, hardworking, strong but gentle pony like you. Surely you must know what he might be thinking?" 

"We'll uh, ah've never met him. But if he's anything like me, he'll come round and see you again. Especially if he likes you in such a way. He would do anything to be near you Rarity if he cares about you like ah-" Applejack began to stumble over her words, she almost finished her sentence with '....like I do.' But she caught herself. Sweat started to form on the palm of her hands as soon as she noticed Rarity was staring right into her eyes. 

"...Like?" 

"Like ah imagine!" She took a bite of her sandwich and began to avoid eye contact again. She thought she was in the clear. 
Surely Rarity had no idea what Applejack was really going to say right? Rarity stared for a moment as she watched her friend nervously look around and concentrate on her sandwich. The white mare slowly leaned forward and watched as a light blush appeared across the orange mares freckles. It was then she made the connection. Applejack and Jack had the same eyes, the same personality and they even shared the same freckles. She leaned away, trying to hide her smile as to what she just now figured out. She wasn't one hundred percent sure if she was correct, but it was going to be fun for her to guess.  

"I really wonder if you two are related. Perhaps long lost cousins of some sort." 

"What makes you say that?" 

"Your eyes are so strikingly similar, that has to be the answer." 

"Yeah? Well maybe we are. Ah've got loads of family everywhere, hard to contact em' sometimes."  

"And you know what? He has freckles just like you do, dear." Rarity leaned forward again, pointing at the freckles that laid on her face. 

"H-he does? Well ah'll be! He sure sounds like a handsome feller! You've got good taste Rarity." 

"I do don't I? Let see... This colt looks like you, talks like you, acts like you, walks like you.... Now that I really think about it, I'm surprised he isn't actually you." 

Applejack's heart began to pound. Rarity was a very smart girl, one whose intellect shouldn't be challenged so easily. Maybe Applejack was right from the beginning. This was a really bad idea. Rarity was about to figure out everything almost instantly. In fact, she probably already had everything figured out right now. What was Applejack going to do? What if Rarity began to freak out? Grossed out of her mind that she never wanted to see Applejack ever again? Applejack couldn't stand the thought. Her hands shook as she looked up at Rarity who never broke her stare.

He voice trembled. "Ah-ah'll have to meet him sometime." 

"Oh of course, sometime soon. I'm afraid he's leaving in a day or so. I'll have to ask." 

Applejack rose from the ground and swept off the grass from her knees and pants. "We'll Rarity ah hate to cut it short but ah do have to get back to trainin' with Rainbow. Can't lose the farm to Flim and Flam." She held out her hand so that she could help Rarity up from the ground. 

"Oh! We'll yes alright I do suppose I should go back to the Boutique, I do have lots of orders to fill." She took Applejack's hand and rose up from the ground, her muzzle bumping into her chin. Rarity panicked, putting her hand up to Applejack's chin and rubbed it softly as she apologized.

"Oh-oh I'm sorry dear I didn't mean to-" 

Applejack let out a small chuckle. "Its alright, sugar cube. No harm done." She smiled and looked her in the eyes, noticing a light blush was across the unicorns cheeks. "How bout you, are you alright?" 

"Hmm? Oh-yes thank you for asking." Rarity said pushing herself out of her split second day dream. The two let go, and as Applejack walked away they occasionally looked back at one another. Rarity packed up her picnic and walked back to her boutique, as Applejack went back to train with Dash for the rest of the day.  
> Ah ain't gonna leave you....
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	





The purple maned unicorn sat at her sewing table, finishing up the last of her orders for tonight. The sun was beginning to set, and a male pegasus who had been sitting in the front room was getting antsy. His hoof tapped the floor to let the seamstress know he was getting impatient. The mare looked through her red glasses giving him a charming smile. 

"Just one last stitch my dear, then you'll be out the door and on your way!" She bit at the last lace and smoothed out her creation, picking it up from the table and trotting over to him. He looked over his new black suit, being more than satisfied with it as usual. With a grin he reached into his pocket, taking out the bits that cost him for the suit. But, just then his ears perked as he looked around in the suit with confusion. 

"The mask?" He asked while clearing his throat. He watched as Rarity suddenly realized she forgot to give him his mask. Looking behind her she could see that it was hanging on the wall, safe and sound. She put on another smile and handed it to him very carefully. 

"Careful with the feathers, they are very delicate." 

The stallion bowed his head as he took the mask from her hand and replaced it with the cost of bits and a good tip. Rarity watched as he walked to the door, placing his hand on the knob while he turned to say good bye. Rarity gave a soft sigh, thinking he couldn't hear her. He then looked in the young mares eyes and wondered why she seemed a tad flustered.

"Rarity, aren't you going to tonight's masquerade? I would think a lady such as yourself would enjoy an event like this one. Wouldn't you?" 

"Oh, yes. I was hoping to go, but all of my friends are all so busy tonight." She looked down to the floor as she propped herself up upon her desk. It was true. Twilight was busy with her studies as always, Rainbow Dash was training with the Wonderbolts, Fluttershy was taking care of Angel who was very ill, Applejack was working overtime, and Pinkie Pie was visiting family. Who knew all of them would be so busy all at once? Rarity didn't really know what to think of it. Really Rarity was hoping Jack would ask her to the Masquerade, but it didn't look like that was happening. She glanced up as a shadow from outside caught her eye, heading in the direction of the Boutique. The stallion watched the sad expression on Rarity's face, and wondered if he should say something. 

"And you... haven't been asked by anypony?"

"Unfortunately no..." She lied. She had been asked by many stallions, but she had been turning them all down because she wanted Jack to ask her. She then began leaning to the side to get a better look out the window. She couldn't make out who it was, so her eyes shifted back to the stallion still standing in the room. 

With a big smile, he let go of the door knob and stepped forward. "Well, would you like to-"

A knock at the door interrupted him, and the door swung open hitting him against the arm. Stepping inside was a pony, dressed in a black buttoned up collared shirt, black jeans and brown chaps. It was Applejack, dressed as Jack. Her long blonde mane was tucked into her hat again the complete the disguise. Rarity's eyes brightened instantly, and her fake smile became real. Applejack looked to her left at the stallion who was a bit confused, and tipped her hat at him. 

"Pardon." 

Rarity tried not to giggle, for she thought it was rude to laugh at a customer. Applejack stepped forward and bowed in front of the blushing mare, keeping a firm grip on her hat. It had been a few days since Rarity and Jack had seen one another. This wasn't either of the ponies fault, they were both very busy. Rarity with all the orders filling for this big party, and Applejack with training for the rodeo which was now only a day away. Rarity tried not to seem too excited about Jack being there, but she couldn't stop smiling. The stallion noticed the way the two looked at each other. Both holding back how they were feeling at the moment. He nodded his head to Rarity and headed out the door. As it shut Rarity looked up at Jack who was standing just a few feet away from her. 

"Jack, I haven't seen you around here at all. Where have you been?" 

"Ah'm sorry, miss Rarity. Ah've been busy as of late. Been getting ready for tomorrow is all. And yourself?" 

Rarity looked over her shoulder and pointed in all directions, making the mess stand out to herself just a little bit louder. 

"The Masquerade is tonight. I've had all these orders all this week to fill. I finally finished the last one." 

"A Masquerade?" Applejack crossed her arms and tried to convince Rarity she hadn't heard about it. "Tonight? Are you goin'?" 

Rarity shrugged her shoulders so casually, it was obvious she had been thinking of going. "I wanted to but non of my friends are going..." she looked back at Applejack who was looking at the floor, hiding her face with her hat. 

"No pony has asked you yet?" 

"Well...." 

Applejack thought for a moment. Did somepony ask her already? Surely. Rarity was a beautiful mare, almost all the stallions thought she was a gem. Certainly Applejack did. The night wasn't over yet. Rarity was going to be asked by somepony. And Rarity wasn't one to miss an event of this nature. Applejack thought for sure Rarity was going to go, whether Jack asked her or not. But... What was Applejack going to wear? A suit? Being in Manehattan for that while when she was little, she had learned how to ballroom dance. She knew how to act upper class. She certainly wouldn't embarrass herself nor Rarity when it came to this sort of thing. The only way she could embarrass herself is if... Rarity found out who she really was. 

"...no." Rarity finished, breaking Applejack's train of thought. 

"Well then, miss Rarity... Would you do me the honor of being my date to the masquerade?" 

Rarity held in her excitement and kept her composure. She tried looking her friend in the eyes, but Applejack was too busy trying to hide her blush, and holding her breath. 

"I would love to." 

Applejack let out the air she kept in and sighed with relief. The hard part was over... right? Applejack had a bit of an easier time asking Rarity, since she had been spending more time with her. Now all they had to do was figure out what they were going to wear.

"Well ah didn't bring a suit with me on this road trip. Do you possibly have sumthin' layin' about here?" 

Rarity slid off the desk and nodded, extending her forefinger into the air and waved it as she walked away to her big closet. 

"I have just the thing. Its a suit, of course. But I'm positive you'll find it ravishing." Rarity opened her closet doors, reveling all her dresses and outfits. She moved them to the side and found a black suit, which looked pretty dapper for the occasion. 

"Perfect!" she said taking it out and placing it on the desk in front of Applejack. Applejack looked down at the suit, trying to picture herself wearing it. It was hard to imagine... and even harder to imagine her wearing it without her hat. She then realized she could absolutely NOT take off her hat. At all. She would either have to replace it with another hat or... no, there was no other option, she would have to wear a hat to hide her mane.

"You can dress in my room, its just around the corner." Rarity pointed with a smile. Applejack nervously looked around and picked up the suit, walking away with it. Before she stepped into Rarity's room she turned her head, giving her one last look. 

"....Do ah have to wear a suit?" Applejack tried to convince Rarity by using puppy-dog eyes. Rarity smiled and nodded, completely disregarding it. Applejack sighed and turned back around, trying to the shut the door. A loud howl came from Opalescence when the door didn't shut all the way.  A fuzzy white tail could be seen sticking out the door, and Rarity hurried to help Opal out. 

"Oops, sorry there partner." Applejack said trying not to smile. She really did hate that cat. Rarity scooped the irritated feline into her arms and began to comfort her. As the door shut soon Rarity could hear clothes being dropped onto the ground. Curiosity was getting the better of her this moment. She put her cat down and tip-toed her way to the door, leaning downward to try and peek into the keyhole. Lucky for her, she could see Applejack already buttoning up the suit shirt, with her pants already on. She could see her chest had been bounded tight by medical wrap. So that's what Applejack had been doing to bind her breasts back... right? Was that enough evidence that Jack wasn't who he said he was? That Jack was actually Applejack in disguise? Or did Jack recently have a chest injury? Sadly it wasn't enough, but it was something. She backed away from the door and walked over to her closet. She was more worried about what she was going to wear. Getting an answer out of Jack wasn't going to be that hard. Whether it was a straight answer or not, she would evaluate the situation carefully. She was almost positive this was going to be a cake walk for her. In her closet she found the perfect blue gown for her to wear. It was frilly, and made of silk. Perfect for dancing, for it flowed with the air like it was made of magic. Rarity walked to the other end of the room and closed the door so she could dress as well. As Applejack came out of the room, she found that Rarity was missing. She saw the door at the other end had been shut so she figured Rarity went to go change. Sitting on the desk was her mask. It was black with gold trimming, and it looked high quality. Applejack picked it up and placed it on her face as it sat perfectly up on her snout. Her ears perked, turned, then her head followed as Rarity opened her door. Stepping out in her blue gown she looked Applejack up and down with a smile. Applejack put one arm behind her back and the other across her stomach, bowing to her date properly. 

"You are a vision, my dear." 

Rarity blushed and curtsied to Applejack before picking up her purse and taking Applejacks arm, letting her lead the way. 

____

It didn't take long after catching a coach to get to the Royal Garden where the Masquerade was being held. It was everything Rarity was hoping it would be. Well, besides the disappointment of her other friends not being there. It was sort of a good thing since Rarity was on a date, she would feel bad for leaving her friends alone for the night. The two entered the garden gracefully, and as they did everypony seemed to turn their snouts to them. They looked great together. Rarity with her blue gown and blue mask with silver trimming, and Jack with his black suit with a gold trimmed mask. But one particular reason why they were looking was because they couldn't recognize what pony Rarity was with. Rarity began to take notice a few of the ponies were staring and beginning to talk, so she looked all around at her dress to figure out what it was. Then, something caught her eye. It was Jack's hat. That cowboy hat didn't go with what he was wearing at all! She turned to her date and looked up at the hat. 

"Jack, you forgot to take your hat off." 

"Pardon?" 

"Your hat..." Rarity said about to reach up to take it, but Applejack stopped her by putting her own hand firmly on top of it. She nervously looked around, seeing that there were other ponies staring. 

"Ah can't take it off. Ah forgot my hair gel at home today and-uh-uh ah'm havin' a bad hair day!" 

Rarity tilted her head a little and gave Applejack a confused look. "Home? Today? I thought you said you were out of town. That you didn't live anywhere near here." 

"Hotel! Hotel-ah-ah meant hotel. That is where ah left my hair gel. Yep!" She nodded and laughed nervously. 

Rarity said nothing. She had to accept it. If Jack wasn't going to take off his hat the so be it. She looked away and gasped as she saw FancyPants on his way to greet her. She hooked her arm with Applejack's again and curtsied to FancyPants, who greeted them with a short bow. 

"A wonderful evening is it not? It is lovely to see you Rarity. And who is this?" He looked at Applejack, who was standing quietly. 

"This is Jack. Jack this is FancyPants. He is a friend of mine." Rarity looked at Applejack who's attention was on two mares dancing in the middle of the garden together. They embraced each other, without a hint of insecurity. It was obvious they were in love, and they weren't afraid to show it. Applejack became a bit envious of them. She wished she could pour her emotions out without being afraid of what Rarity thought. Without being afraid of rejection. She wanted to give Rarity her heart just as herself... but it was too late. She would have to keep up this charade till it was over. Applejack had been learning a lot of things about Rarity and about herself since she had been Jack. She had to show Rarity that she was confident in herself, and even more confident in liking her. 

"He's having a bad hair day." Rarity gave FancyPants a wink, making him chuckle a little. Applejack finally turned her attention to the two, unaware that they saw her looking at the two mares. FancyPants cleared his throat and bowed to Rarity again. 

"Well, I'll give you two some time to get comfortable here since you've just arrived. Pleasure meeting you Jack," he said while walking away. 

Rarity looked at Applejack again, who was watching the two mares continue to dance. She looked at the mares and then back at Applejack, unsure of what to think. 

"They're a beautiful couple." Applejack said while looking back at Rarity. Rarity smiled and took Applejack's hand, leading her onto the dance floor. She placed her arms around Applejack and began to follow her lead. 

"I'm hoping they won't be the only beautiful couple..." Rarity said, a light pink blush came across her cheeks as she looked up into Applejack's eyes. Applejack tried not to blush as she lead Rarity across the dance floor.  Rarity was surprised at how well Jack could dance, she knew lessons had to be involved for those movements. 

"So tell me, Jack. Are you sure you don't live around here?" 

Uh oh... here came the personal questions. Applejack could feel her nerves just waiting to bounce around. 

"Why do you ask?" 

"Well... tomorrow is your last day here, is it not?" 

"It is." 

"Will I ever see you after that? Or are you gone for good? You know where I live but I know nothing of where you live. Are you just going to go away after this?" Rarity looked at Applejack with sad eyes and began to think to herself. If Jack really was who he said he was, then he was really going to be gone. And if Jack was really Applejack... would the results be the same? If Jack was really Applejack, then what was she planning on doing? Was all of this just a joke? Or perhaps some weird dare that went on between Rainbow Dash and her? Or was Applejack actually interested in her? Their date the other night must've meant she was actually interested in her.... right? The lustful fantasy that Rarity had of Applejack and all those thoughts about them that night made Rarity think to herself, she had a hidden crush on Applejack. And that picnic they had the day after, it made her think even more. She HAD to figure this out. She HAD to know if Jack was who he said he was, or if it was Applejack all along. 

"Rarity, ah will come see you as much as ah can. Ah will do anything to come see you," she said. 

Rarity wanted to throw her arms around Jack and kiss him, but she couldn't. Not yet. She wanted more answers for now. 

"That's just what Applejack said you would say." 

"Beg your pardon?" 

Rarity avoided the question by having Applejack twirl her around. The music's theme completely changed to a fast paced salsa. Rarity smiled and began to swish her hips. 

"Alright Jack you may know how to ballroom dance but do you know how to Salsa?" 

Applejack looked around herself nervously. She had no clue how to Salsa, let alone how Rarity knew how. She gave a shrug and watched as Rarity tried to invite her in. 

"Come darling it isn't that hard. Just follow my lead." Rarity grabbed Applejack's hands and forced their bodies to finally touch. Applejack's eyes grew wide as she looked downward to their feet, trying to avoid Rarity's stare. But Rarity wouldn't let her get away with it. Not this time. Salsa meant spice, romance and being daring on the dance floor. You needed to let your partner know you were serious about what you were doing, and that meant eye contact. 

"Eyes up here Jack, look me in the eyes." Rarity demanded. Applejack swallowed her breath, and her eyes trailed all the way till they met Rarity's. Rarity became assertive in this dance, demanding Applejack's mind be present and not wandering the entire time. Applejack finally locked eyes with Rarity, and found it hard to even blink. She didn't know Rarity could be so dominate when it came to demanding her own attention. But only because she hadn't experienced it for herself. Applejack took a deep breath, and suddenly noticed that they were the only two ponies on the dance floor. Great. Now they were being stared at while dancing. Rarity looked deep into Jack's eyes, seeing how green they were and just how much they were like Applejack's. The freckles upon his cheeks were exactly like hers. Those wraps that she saw he was wearing earlier around his chest. The way his blonde bangs fell upon his face. How he won't take off his hat... This was it, there was absolutely no mistake about it. Rarity came to the conclusion that Applejack was Jack. She didn't fully understand why she was doing this, unless... Rarity thought back to when her and Jack first met. It was that Stallion only Rodeo! Applejack and Rainbow Dash must've disguised themselves as stallions to win that competition. But why continue the charade outside of the Rodeo? Rarity then let out a gasp as the two touched bodies again. 

"Are you alright?" Applejack asked. Rarity nodded her head and continued on with their dance. She was now one hundred percent sure Jack, was really Applejack. She knew this lie was eating her up inside, and it was only a matter of time before Applejack would come forward and tell Rarity why she had been lying to her all this time. 

"The song is ending, so go ahead and dip me Jack and I will do all the work." 

Applejack dipped Rarity low to the ground, but kept their bodies the same distance as if they were still standing up dancing together. Rarity wrapped her leg around Applejack, catching her off guard and breaking her stare. Applejack looked all the way down to her leg, seeing that from her thigh down was completely exposed. Rarity blushed and grabbed Applejack's cheek, turning her attention back to her by almost touching snouts. Applejack could now feel Rarity's breath on her lips, making her heart instantly race. Rarity tilted her head and brushed the tip of her nose against Applejack's, making Applejack's heart almost stop. She watched as Applejack slowly shut her eyes and began to breathe heavily. 

"Hey... Its okay." She tried calming her friend.

Applejack opened her eyes again in response to Rarity's voice. She looked at her friend who never removed her eyes off her. She had always dreamed of kissing Rarity. It was something she had been longing to do for years. All those nights laying in her bed dreaming of holding her hand, and kissing her made her want it even more. Her hands were shaking with anticipation. She was so in love with this mare, she could barely contain herself. She was so close. So close to kissing her, she had no idea what was stopping her. Rarity could see what Applejack needed. It was no longer a want. Applejack needed to kiss Rarity. Everypony else could see it too, seeing that they had been in a dip for more than just a few seconds. They were all waiting for it, and wondering why they hadn't done it yet. Applejack slowly lifted Rarity up from the dip, but Rarity lost her balance and fell into Applejack's arms. Her head laid against her chest as she began to laugh. The orange mare smiled and held her close, keeping her from falling any further. 

"It looks like you are destined to not let go of me," Rarity whispered. 

"Ah wish ah never have to let go of you, sugar cube." Applejack froze for a second. She said 'sugar cube.' Surely Rarity would have caught on to that. Rarity leaned away and looked at Applejack, saying nothing but just giving her a confident smile. Applejack began to panic, thinking Rarity had figured her out. 

"But uh-ah can't stay. Ah have to leave. Because, well, you know. My family needs me." Applejack started to back away, looking for the nearest exit. Rarity stepped forward, trying to take her by the hand. 

"Jack, what is it? What's wrong." 

"Ah can't stay. This is too much." Applejack quickly walked off the dance floor and into the crowd, trying to find her way out. She was panicking, she couldn't help but want to run away at the fact that Rarity might know who she was now. She was the only pony around to say 'sugar cube.' And with Rarity already thinking they were so much alike... well Applejack just couldn't stand still. She could hear Rarity call out to her, but she ignored it. She pushed her way out of the crowd and began walking on the dirt road back to Ponyville. She turned around to see Rarity calling out to her, so she jumped the fence and began to walk into the forest. A sudden white flash blinded her for a few seconds, making her stop in her tracks. It was Rarity, using a teleportation spell. 

"Jack, stop! How dare you walk out on me like that? That was completely rude!" 

Applejack was too busy rubbing her eyes to give her a real response. "Dang it Rarity, that hurts my eyes!" 

"If you were going to leave your date in the middle of a party you shouldn't have asked her out at all! The nerve of you embarrassing me like that! Such an absurd act! I should really scold you for that." 

"What are ya gonna do, blind me again?" Applejack said, frustrated while she continued to rub her eyes. Rarity let out a frustrated breath and stomped her hoof. 

"At least you wouldn't run off on me again!" Rarity stepped forward as soon as she saw Applejack regain her sight. She felt so frustrated inside she could feel as if she was going to burst. 

"Why did you leave me?" 

Applejack tried to look away, but Rarity stepped even closer until they were snout to snout. Rarity's voice grew louder this time. 

"Stop that. Look me in the eyes and tell me why you ran away!" 

Applejack looked Rarity in the eyes this time. Her shoulders fell as she sighed, gazing at this gorgeous unicorn in front of her. She could see the tears forming in Rarity's eyes, and that she was really hurt. It was then Applejack could feel herself fall apart. Her legs began to shake as her knees buckled, and she fell to the floor. Her hands hit the grass, stopping her from laying on the ground. 

"Ah'm sorry Rarity..." she began, trying to hold back her tears. "Ah'm sorry ah ran away like that. Ah'm nothin' but a sorry coward." She slammed her fist into the dirt. "Please Rarity don't cry, ah can't stand to see you hurtin'. Ah never meant to hurt you, ah just..." she paused for a moment. "Ah just can't stay here in Ponyville. Ah'm sorry, ah'm so-so sorry." 

Rarity knelt down in front of Applejack and sat her back up on her knees, dusting her off. "Fine... Ill accept that for tonight. We'll spend all the time we have together till you have to go home. But I expect a phone call often." Rarity wiped the tears from Applejack's face. Applejack watched as Rarity smiled at her, and began to sigh. She looked amazing. The moonlight made her eyes sparkle even more than usual, as well as her mane and fur. She seemed so elegant, she even expressed her anger so gracefully. Applejack gazed at her lips, noticing how moist they were. A dark blush now covered her cheeks, and she couldn't hold back anymore. She had to do it. 
Placing her hand softly against her cheek Applejack leaned forward, parting her own lips slightly. She watched Rarity closely, who began to lean further in as well, accepting her. Applejack's eyes lowered as she slowly closed them, and pressed Rarity's lips against her own. She could feel the rush of adrenaline send tingles up and down her spine. It was better than what she had imagined, far better. Her other hand took her other cheek, and rubbed it softly with her thumb. Rarity leaned into the kiss even more now, putting her arms around Applejack. Rarity could feel her own heart throb against her chest, and her lips tingled from the kiss. As the kiss broke Rarity opened her eyes, seeing Applejack already looking into her own. 

"There you are." She said softly, making Applejack blush even harder. "You should look me in the eyes more often to see where it gets you." 

Applejack tried not to laugh but couldn't help it. She helped her friend up from the ground and noticed that both of their outfits were now covered in dirt. 

"Ugh just look at us. We cannot go back to the masquerade looking like this. I wont have it!" Rarity was secretly outraged by this, she was probably on the verge of exploding. The blonde maned mare took her by the hand and began to lead her back to the dirt road where she caught the attention of a driver for a coach. 

"Come on Rarity, lets get you home. Ah'm sorry bout your dress an' suit. Ah promise ah will make it up to you." She winked as she helped her into the coach. Rarity looked down at her outfit seeing there was a grass stain on it. Her eyes grew wide as she stared, looking at it as if her dress was on fire. 

"A GRASS stain!? How did this even happen!? This is silk! I need to remove these quick!" She began to shout in a whiny voice. Leaning back and lifting her right leg, she kicked the wall in front of her to grab the drivers attention. 

"STEP ON IT!!" 

A whinny could be heard before the whole coach rumbled in its take off. They were moving so fast the two found it hard to sit still. Applejack tried to speak but her words shook around, and Rarity was too busy worrying about her dress to even hear. 

___

As they arrived at Rarity's boutique,  a frantic Rarity bursts out of the coach door, running into her home while yelling at Applejack to 'pay the stallion.' Into her home she scrambled, running through the doors to get a delicate stain remover to wash out everything. Applejack walked through the door, seeing Rarity running all over the place just to take care of her dress. She quirked a brow and stepped further inside after shutting the door, unsure of what to do. 

"Uhh.... Rarity? Couldn't you just use magic to get the stains out?" 

Rarity looked at Applejack as if she had insulted her. 

"What!? This is a delicate procedure. Magic cannot handle this as well as my hands can!" She began to lift her dress to take it off while running to the other room, but stopped herself. She pointed at Applejack, and then to her bedroom. "Go change! I need your clothes!" She shut her door behind her. Applejack walked into Rarity's room only to see Opalescence laying down on the bed glaring at her. 

"If only Winona was here... Ah'd let her chase you till the sun came up." 

The two glared once again, and Opal let out a warning hiss. Applejack rolled her eyes and began taking off her clothes, looking around for her own she left earlier. She began to think about how she accidentally ruined Rarity's clothes, and how hard she must have worked on them. Applejack took off the shirt she was wearing and examined it, seeing that it was fine. It was mostly her pants that were dirty. She put on her shirt she had worn earlier and slipped off her pants, bringing them up close so she could examine them. While looking at the damaged pants, Opal was slowly creeping on the bed closer and closer to Applejack The cats ears were flat and tail was frizzed out. She was ready to pounce, ready to make her attack. As Applejack picked up her other pants to slip them on, Opal leaps from the bed and screeches while swatting at Applejack. 

"HEY! DARN CAT GET OFF ME!" Applejack struggled to get the cat off of her. She fell to the floor and held opal up in the air to make her stop. Rarity came running from the other room as soon as she heard the noise. 

"Opal? Jack? What's going on in here? Oh my..." Rarity said while she opened the door. She immediately blushed as she saw Applejack in her underwear, holding up Opal while laying on the ground. She tried to cover her eyes, but secretly got a couple of glances while she picked up Opal. She saw how strong Applejack's legs were. Kicking trees almost all her life really gave her toned muscle. Rarity liked seeing that. She was fond of seeing tones muscles, ones that she knew could take care of her if she needed it. Applejack was definitely not lacking in this, she was the strongest mare she had ever seen. Possibly stronger than some stallions out there. She then wondered what her abs looked like.

"Opal! You naughty feline, bad! Bad Opal!" She took Opal from Applejack's hands before secretly getting one last good look. Her eyes went from between Applejack's legs, to Applejack's face, which was entirely red at this point. This made Rarity blush even harder now. She took Opal out of the room and shut the door, placing her cat down on the ground. Opal raised her nose high into the air, and walked away flicking her tail. The door opened only moments later, with Applejack fully dressed. She was holding onto her arm, covering the scratches made by Opalescence. It caught Rarity's attention, so she took Applejack's arm to examine it herself. 

"Are you alright darling? Here let me patch that up for you." Rarity lead her over to the couch, making her sit down. 

"But Rarity, the clothes..." 

"Oh stop it. You're more important than clothes darling." Rarity searched her drawer for her mini first aid kit. Picking up the small box she walked back over to Applejack who was still covering her arm. She took out a moist towelette and motioned her to remove her hand. The scratches weren't that bad, but enough to give it a sting. Applejack was used to scrapes, cuts and bruises so it didn't really bother her much. She watched as Rarity began to wipe away the blood and put a bandage over. She noticed how caring Rarity could really be, and her attention to detail. Her eyes then began to wander over to what Rarity was wearing. A light blue nightgown made of silk, with lace on the chest and bottom. Applejack figured silk was probably Rarity's favorite fabric, since she wore it all the time. Rarity looked up as she finished with Applejacks bandage, seeing that Applejack was busy staring at her nightgown. Rarity then blushed, smoothed it out and sat up straight. 

"That's a pretty cute nightgown, Rarity." 

"Thank yo-AHHHH!!!" Lightning suddenly struck and the lights went out, making the unicorn jump and almost crawl on top of Applejack. Applejack couldn't help but laugh and comfort her friend at the same time. 

"Its just a little thunder." 

"It caught me by surprise." Rarity held onto Applejack a bit tighter as the thunder rolled. She hid her face by snuggling into Applejack's chest. "And now its dark. Please don't leave, I hate thunder." 

"How could ah say no?" Applejack ran her fingers through Rarity's hair, trying to get her to calm down. Rarity held onto her even tighter as the thunder rolled again, and she tried not to make a sound. Applejack began to lean back on her side, and as she did Rarity seemed to only get closer and closer till her legs were entirely on the couch; and she had her upper half laying on Applejack. Rarity could feel her own heart pounding, as well as Applejack's. Applejack was nervous, she wasn't used to having Rarity so close to her. Her body almost completely on top of her own. She took deep breaths to try and calm down, but it wasn't working.

"Its alright Rarity, ah am right here. Ah ain't gonna leave you in the thunderstorm," she whispered. Rarity looked up at Applejack, her big blue eyes felt like they were staring right through her. 

"Promise?" 

"Ah promise." 

Rarity leaned her head upward, kissing Applejack on the lips firmly. Applejack could feel Rarity really wanted her to stay. Her arms gripped Applejack tight, as she felt her body tingle from just kissing her. She felt warm, and safe with Applejack. She knew Applejack wouldn't let anything happen to her, ever. As their kiss broke Applejack rubbed her forehead on Rarity's, barely touching her horn while nuzzling noses. 

"Good night, Rarity." 

"Good night, Jack."  




> A great challenge, a great love. 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Morning came, but the storm did not pass. Rarity slowly woke to find that she had been locking her arms around Jack all night.  She could hear the thunder still clashing outside, giving her chills and forcing herself practically into her blonde friend's lap. Applejack was a bit of a heavy sleeper, so by the time Rarity was slipping her legs over her own, she was still asleep. A soft knock at the door was heard by Rarity, but she was too scared and fused to her friend she didn't dare move. 

"Jack?" she whispered. But no response. 

"Someone's at the door.... Jack?" Rarity gave Applejack a nudge. 

The soft knock got a bit louder this time, but mixed with the thunder. Rarity shook Applejack before snuggling into her harder. 

"Wake up!!" 

BANG BANG BANG!! 

"WHAT!? HUH!?" Applejack flailed at the sound of someone banging their fist at the door. Rarity's face was buried into Applejack's chest as she tried to get up from the couch before realizing Rarity had found her way completely into her lap, and refused to let go. 

"Hold on a second!" Applejack yelled as she picked Rarity up and carried her over to the door. As her hand found the doorknob, another thunderclap came, making Rarity grip onto Applejacks shirt. Rainbow Dash tried not to laugh as she saw Rarity in Applejack's arms. She instead covered it with a cough and cleared her throat. 

"Ah, Rain-uhm." Applejack stopped herself before she said her friend's name. "Rain-RAIN! Rarity! Its raining!" 

"I know! And the thunder and lighting is still here, I wonder if the weather crew is having difficulty with the storm or if it was planned." Rarity said, not knowing Rainbow Dash was right behind her. 

"Actually that's why I am here..." Rainbow Dash said nervously. "Its tough out there, and a lot of the weather crew are sick with the feather flu. So It's just me and a couple others. I won't be able to watch that rodeo everypony's been talking about lately. Apparently its supposed to be a big deal or something? Some anonypony no ones ever heard of is supposed to go one on one with Iron Will... I wanted to catch it but I wont be able to go." Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes at Applejack and mouthed the words 'why aren't you there yet.' Applejack's eyes widened as she realized she was going to be late if she didn't leave very soon. 

"Goat feathers! Ah'm going to be late! Rarity!" she tried to get Rarity to look at her, but the white unicorn just slowly got down from her arms. 

"Oh... that's today isn't it?" She said with a sigh. 

"Come on Rarity, Ah need to hear you cheer for me. Ah know Ah'll do good knowin' you're out there cheering me on!" she gave her a nudge and a wink, making Rarity blush and smile a little. 

"Right then, lets get you to that rodeo Jack!" Rarity said while running inside to get dressed. 

"You have to leave now, otherwise you'll be disqualified if you're late. Go!" 

"Ah can't go without Rarity! It's rude, and that hurt's her feelings." Applejack whispered. 

"Go now, I'll fly her there. You don't know how long she is going to take getting ready, knowing Rarity." 

Rainbow Dash was right. A minute meant five minutes, five minutes meant ten, and Celestia only knows how long ten minutes were really. Applejack closed her eyes and silently cursed. 

"....Rarity! You almost ready?" she called out. 

"Just five minutes dear and I'll have my things!" 

"Ah'll meet you there!" Applejack said running out into the rain towards the big rodeo. If she were to wait for Rarity, she would surely be disqualified. But She trusted Rainbow Dash to get Rarity to the rodeo fast. The ground was slippery and muddy, but Applejack was used to these conditions. She ran through the mud and rain as fast as she could, not caring how much mud was getting all over her right now. She could see the large tent just up ahead of her, only a few more trots away. She could feel her fingers begin to sting as the cold was getting to them. In her head she ran over her plan on how to knock Iron Will out of the ring as quickly as possible. She just hoped it was going to be as easy as she pictured it. 

In the large tent the seats were full of ponies, pegasai and unicorns cheering and hooting as Iron Will stood in the middle of the ring. As he stomped around, showing off how intimidating he could really be the crowd cheered even more. Loud music played as he flexed his muscles around and yelled. 

"WHERE IS THIS PONY? WILL HE EVEN SHOW HIS MUZZLE TODAY? IF HE KNOWS BETTER HE WONT MESS WITH IRON WILL! TODAY IS THE DAY HE GETS CHEWED UP AND SPAT OUT!!" 

The crowd fed off of his energy, he really knew how to get the crowd going. They rumbled the entire tent by stomping their own hooves on the ground. It could be heard all throughout Ponyville now. 

"LOOKS LIKE HE WUSSED OUT!" 

"Think again, Iron Will." 

Iron Will turned around to see Applejack, soaked, muddy and panting. He crossed his big arms and puffed out his chest before giving her a cocky grin. Looking her up and down, he puffed air through his nose. 

"Iron Will is disappointed. You're still small. You really haven't changed since we last met, tiny stallion." 

"Yeah, neither have you." 

A surprised look came across his face. No one has ever talked back to him. He was too intimidating. But hearing Jack just now sort of confused him. Shrugging it off, and kicking back his hoof just like an angry bull, he held up his fist before talking. 

"Here are the rules, puny stallion. There are three rounds to this special game. You can't have a weapon, but you're allowed to improvise. Knock Iron WIll out of the ring any of the three rounds and the bits are yours. But if Iron Will knocks you out of the ring three times, or you pass out, Iron Will wins. Got it? Good." 

"What If there is a draw?" 

"There is no such thing as a draw." 

"Well what do yo mean by improvising?" 

DING DING 

"BEGIN!!" Iron Will took off as he sprinted toward Applejack. He lowered his head, aiming his horns right for her. Applejack could feel her legs shake nervously as she tried to move out of the way. He almost had her, but she slipped by. She would have to be quicker and smarter than Iron Will if she were to win this thing. She didn't exactly know what he meant be 'improvise,' but she would just have to see. Iron Will came around again for a second try but Applejack was ready this time, making him slide to a stop. 

"Enough horse play, COME HERE." He boomed his voice as he reached for her. Applejack jumped into the air and gave him a swift kick to the jaw, making his head completely turn. It surprised him. No one had ever come so close. He knew now he had to be more careful. The kick only stung a little. Iron Will was tough, he was not going to get hurt that easy. As Applejack landed on the ground, she slipped in her own puddle of rain and mud she had made earlier. She stumbled to get up, but it was too late. Iron will swung his large right arm around and hit her across her shoulder blades, sending her forward and out of the ring. She went down, head first and tumbled to the floor below. She could hear the crowd 'awe,' 'boo' and cheer for their favorite. She was surprised to hear more supporters out there for her. Shutting her eyes tight and letting out a grunt as she felt the sting from the hit and fall, she struggled to get on her feet. Iron Will's laughter rang through her ears while she placed her hands on the ring floor again. She knew that was way too easy for him. That it wasn't all his strength he used on her. She felt regret from being too nervous when he first came at her. That was the perfect opportunity for her to get a ring out. Now it would be hard for her to get him to run at her full force. 

"JACK!!" Rarity called out from the crowd as she saw her friend struggling to get up. "JACK I'M HERE! PLEASE DON'T GET HURT!!" 

Applejack turned her head to see Rarity calling out from the crowd. She smiled and gave her a thumbs up, to let her know everything was going to be okay. But Rarity was too worried. She had just arrived to see Applejack getting up from the floor. She had to get closer. She had to see Applejack from up close, to know her friend was going to be alright. Rarity began to push her way through the crowd, and hurried down the stairs. 

Iron Will watched as Applejack stood tall on the other side of the ring, waiting for them to ring the bell again. 

"You're okay, for a puny stallion." He smiled. 

"An' you're alright too. I suppose." 

 DING DING  

Round two began with Iron Will stomping his way over to Applejack. She watched as his right hoof slipped sideways just a few feet before her. As he tried to regain his balance, Applejack ran towards him. His eyes locked on her own, and predicted where she was about to go. He reared his leg and thrust it out forward, aiming right for her face. But she was too quick. Under his leg she went, kneeling low to the ground and popping up again to kick his jaw upward. The blow shook him a little, but it wasn't enough. Not nearly enough. Applejack slipped again and fell to the ring floor. She gasped as she felt a hand grip the back of her shirt, and pulled. She could hear a loud tearing noise, and felt a sudden rush of cool air hit the back of her. In Iron Wills fist was her shirt, well, part of it. She scrambled to get up and get away before he could try again. And she succeeded. 

"Iron Will hates this wet floor!" He shouted. 

"Really now Iron Will?" Applejack said putting her hands on her hips. "Well Ah'd hate to make you comfortable." She said, beginning to pull her shirt off. The crowd whistled and hooted as they watched Applejack take her shirt, and wring the water out onto the floor of the ring. His eyes twitched as he watched all of the water splash onto the floor, making the ring even more slippery. As he looked up he noticed Jack's chest was bounded tight by medical bandages.

"Chest injury?" He asked. 

Applejack shrugged as she tossed her shirt out of the ring, which was caught by a couple of fan ponies.

"Sorta." 

"COME ON JACK! YOU CAN DO THIS!" Rarity shouted in confidence, blushing as she stared at Applejack's abs. 

Iron Will came forward again, but was more careful where he stepped. He watched as Applejack moved around the puddles of water, a lot quicker than he ever could. As she came in close, he stepped to the side, waiting for her move. He looked at her with confidence, and suddenly jumped forward, catching her off guard. Putting his arm around her, he scooped her off the floor and tossed her behind him. As she flung through the air, her back smacked into a wooden post that held up the bell. The wood smashed and broke off as she came down with it. 

"Ring out," they announced. The crowd went crazy. 

Applejack hit the floor, hard. She let out a loud cry, as her body landed with a thud. 

"JACK!!" Rarity called out as she ran to Applejack's side. She lifted her up from the ground and leaned her against the wall. 

"Jack are you alright?" She gasped as she saw the sight of blood coming from her lip. "You don't have to do this Jack. Bits are not that important! You are! You can't get hurt anymore, please forfeit. Please!" 

"Ahhh..." Applejack grunted and winced as she held her wrist. "Ah landed on mah wrist... damn. Rarity Ah can't back out now. Ah won't. Ah need it." she said wincing once more before getting up. She held her hurt hand close to her stomach. Looking down to see the bell still attached to the post of wood laying on the floor, she came up with an idea. 

"Maybe this is what he meant by improvise..." She knelt down and took it into her hand. Climbing up and into the ring for her final time, Applejack met eyes with an angry Minotaur. 

"There's no bell to say when the match starts." He said to the judges, throwing up his arms into the air. 

"Here, Ah'll ring it for you." Applejack said knocking on the bell. 

"You broke my bell!" He said angrily stomping towards her. 

"You broke my wrist!" she said, swinging the post, knocking him right against his head. The post snapped like a toothpick, but Iron Will looked completely unmoved. He looked down at her, and swung his arm forward once again. As Applejack ducked, his hand met her hat, knocking it off and to the floor. Her long mane fell past her shoulders and down her back. As Iron Will was about to come back for another swing, he stopped. 

"...You. You're Fluttershy's friend, Applejack. You're no stallion." 

Applejack froze, and her eyes widened. She felt the top of her head, and gasped as she didn't find her hat. She began to back up, as her legs shook from a sudden panic. She was discovered. She looked to the side of her, where Rarity stood. Rarity's mouth parted just a bit, as she watched Applejack not know what to do or say. She didn't know what Applejack should do either. Applejack could feel her heart pound as a rush of adrenaline and panic came over her. Her hands shook as she backed away even more. What was going to happen now? This was a bad time for Rarity to discover Jack was really Applejack, and that she had been lied to this entire time. Applejack wanted to run, but her feet wouldn't let her. It was like a dream, a really bad dream. 

"Ah... Ah-uh..." 

"HEY IRON WILL!" 

Iron Will turned his head to see who was calling his name. It was Rarity, trying to catch his attention. 

"YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGER IS A MARE, YOU GONNA LET THAT SIMPLE RULE BREAK FAZE YOU?" She teased. "Go get him Applejack!" she winked. 

Applejack felt a rush of relief as she saw that Rarity was still cheering her on. She turned to Iron Will and crossed her arms. 

"Yeah Iron Will. You going to let that faze you?" 

Iron Will growled and took a running stance. "This ends now!" 

Applejack took a running stance as well, and prepared herself for the worst. Iron Will ran towards her, in a blind rage ready to knock her out. Before he could touch her, Applejack leaps high into the air. She saw her opportune moment, and spiked him in the back of his head, knocking him forward and forcing him to fall right out of the ring. The crowd went wild with cheers and hooting, as Applejack landed on her feet. She put her hands to her forehead as she could not believe her plan had actually worked. Rarity used her magic to get on stage with Applejack, who still seemed a bit frightened at what Rarity might think. 

"Rarity... Ah'm sorry Ah... Ah lied to you. Ah-" 

Rarity stopped Applejack from saying anything else by putting a finger to her lips. She leaned in close, making her blush dark red. 

"Hush, Applejack." She slowly put her finger down. "I knew it was you." Rarity wrapped her arms around her and kissed her longingly. Applejack couldn't believe it. Rarity knew? When? How long? Why didn't she say anything? As the kiss broke, Applejack felt Rarity's hand touch her cheek. 

"How did you know?" 

"These freckles... those green eyes, and such a modest personality. How could I not know it was you? Did you really think you had me fooled?" 

"Ehem." Iron Will cleared his throat, causing the two to break their kiss. 

"Iron Will is happy to give you your ten thousand bits. You are a worthy opponent, no matter what gender you are." He gave Applejack a thumbs up. "....Now get out of my tent." 

____ 

The two took a coach ride home, Rarity refused to walk in the rain. Even though it was just a short distance. As the two stepped onto her porch and walked into her home, Applejack sat down on her couch. 

"So... you're really not mad?" 

"Well, you did lie to me, Applejack." 

"Ah wasn't plannin' on it really. It was all just bad timing, that's it." 

"And you've been in love with me since we've known each other." 

Applejack blushed. "Well... that too." 

"You should've told me yourself, though." 

Rarity sat down next to her and placed her hand on her leg, making Applejack blush madly. She watched as Rarity took out her first aid again, beginning to wrap up Applejacks wrist. Applejack took a deep breath, and closed her eyes. 

"Rarity..." she began. "Rarity Ah have so much feelin's for you. Ah just couldn't tell you. Ah thought you were only interested in stallions, and if that were the case you would've rejected me. Ah couldn't take that kind of rejection. It hurt way too much to even think about. And Ah didn't want to take the chance that it might ruin out friendship. Ah'd go crazy not talkin to you no more. Every night Ah'd lay in bed restless thinking you wouldn't give me a proper chance. And Ah'm sorry, Ah should've known better. 

"I understand, Applejack. In the end I found it... really flattering." 

"You did?" 

"Yes. Who goes out of their way so much, as much as you did, for a mare they love? Most would give up and move on, or hide all their life. You didn't. You went for it and... that just means my love is really important to you. That you would do almost anything to get it." 

Applejack felt tears coming to her from how understanding and caring Rarity really was. She really did have a beautiful heart. As Rarity finished wrapping up Applejack's wrist, she scooted closer to her. She looked her in the eyes and wiped away her falling tears. 

"I love you, Applejack. My strong, brilliant mare." 

"Ah love you too, Rarity." 

The two embraced in a loving kiss, and held each other close. Things between the two weren't going to be the same anymore. Everypony out there would now know that Rarity and Applejack were a beautiful couple.