𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃 rarijack

WEDDING BELLS

Birds chirped in the castle room as laughter and chatter filled the air, with other ponies eagerly awaiting the start of the ceremony. Ponies from all over Equestria gathered to celebrate the love of two very special mares—Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Excitement filled the air as everypony eagerly awaited the moment these two would declare their love.

Except for one mare.

In the dressing room, Rarity paced frantically, her hooves clacking against the marble floor. Tears streamed down her cheeks, smudging her once-perfect mascara into dark streaks. Her makeup was nearly ruined, the carefully applied foundation and blush wiped away by endless sobs. Her normally pristine curls were slightly disheveled, a clear sign of her distress. With each step, her heart pounded, torn between love, regret, and the unbearable pain of watching the mare she cherished vow herself to another.

Knock, knock.

A soft rapping on the door broke through Rarity's quiet sobs. She gasped, hastily dabbing at her tear-streaked cheeks and smoothing out her dress with trembling hooves. Forcing a smile, though her voice still wavered, she called out, "C-Come in!"

The door creaked open, and in stepped an orange mare, her presence filling the room with warmth. Applejack. She wore a stunning white flowing dress—one that, of course, Rarity had designed just for her. It was perfect, tailored to match her spirit: not too frilly, not too plain, but just right. The soft fabric draped elegantly over her strong frame, subtle embroidery accentuating her natural beauty without overwhelming it.

For a moment, Rarity forgot to breathe. Applejack looked radiant. And yet, seeing her like this—dressed for a day that wasn't meant for them—made Rarity's heart ache even more.

"You l-look beautiful, darling," Rarity whispered, her voice barely steady as she took in the sight before her.

Applejack chuckled, a soft blush dusting her freckled cheeks. "Aw, shucks, Rare," she said with a warm smile. "That means a lot, comin' from you."

She shifted slightly, running a hoof over the smooth fabric of her dress. "Ya really outdid yerself with this one. It's... perfect." Her emerald eyes met Rarity's, full of gratitude—but completely unaware of the storm raging inside the unicorn's heart.

Rarity forced a laugh, tilting her head as if admiring her own work rather than the mare wearing it. "Well, of course, darling. Only the best for you." But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop the lump forming in her throat.

"I... I just wanna thank ya, Rarity," Applejack said softly, her voice filled with sincerity.

Rarity blinked, tilting her head. "Thank me? Whatever for, dear?"

Applejack smiled, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "For bringin' me and Rainbow together. If it weren't for you encouragin' me to take that leap, I dunno where I'd be. She's my everythin', Rare."

Rarity's heart clenched, but she kept her composure, forcing a gracious smile. "Oh... yes, of course," she murmured, turning slightly to hide the flicker of pain in her eyes. "You deserve one another. Truly."

Applejack beamed, completely unaware of the cracks forming in Rarity's heart. She reached out, placing a gentle hoof on Rarity's shoulder. "Yer a real good friend, y'know that? Always lookin' out for everypony, makin' sure we're all happy."

Rarity swallowed the lump in her throat, her carefully crafted mask threatening to shatter. "Yes, well... that's what friends do, isn't it?" She let out a soft, airy laugh, though it lacked its usual charm.

Applejack chuckled. "Sure is. I just hope ya know how much I appreciate ya."

Rarity's gaze flickered to the floor, her lips trembling for just a moment before she steadied herself. "Think nothing of it, darling. Now, we mustn't keep your bride waiting."

She forced herself to step aside, gesturing toward the door with a graceful sweep of her hoof. Applejack gave her one last appreciative smile before stepping out, leaving Rarity alone in the dressing room.

The moment the door clicked shut, Rarity let out a shuddering breath, her legs finally giving way as she sank onto the velvet bench. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks, smudging whatever remained of her makeup.

She had given Applejack away. And in doing so, she had lost the one thing she had never been brave enough to fight for.

"God, I hope you're satisfied..."

Rarity took her seat at the front of the room, her hooves neatly folded in her lap as she settled beside Twilight. The alicorn looked just as anxious as she felt, her wings twitching ever so slightly. The ceremony was set to begin in just ten minutes, and the grand hall buzzed with quiet excitement.

Rows of ponies filled their designated seats, chatting in hushed voices, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. The sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns onto the polished floors, adding to the magic of the moment.

Rarity forced a smile, sitting as gracefully as ever, though inside, her heart was a battlefield. This was Applejack's big day—a day of love, commitment, and happiness. A day that should have been perfect.

So why did it feel like the longest ten minutes of her life?

"Are you okay, Rarity?" Twilight whispered, her voice gentle yet filled with concern.

Rarity straightened her posture, forcing a dazzling—yet painfully hollow—smile. "Yes, of course, dear! Why wouldn't I be?" she replied, her tone airy and light, as if saying it enough times would make it true.

Twilight frowned, her violet eyes searching Rarity's face. She wasn't fooled. She knew exactly why Rarity wouldn't be okay.

"You know... if you need to talk—"

"I'm fine, Twilight! Honestly!" Rarity snapped, her voice louder than intended. A few nearby guests glanced their way, but Rarity quickly turned her head, pretending not to notice.

Twilight's ears flattened as she furrowed her brows, studying her friend's face. She could see the tension in Rarity's jaw, the way her hooves trembled slightly against the fabric of her dress. But she didn't push further. There was no use prying when Rarity had already built her walls so high.

Besides, Rarity wasn't the only one mourning a love she never had the courage to claim.

Twilight cast her gaze toward the altar, where the ceremony would soon take place. A lump formed in her throat as her mind drifted to somepony else—somepony with wild, windswept, rainbow-colored hair and a laugh that could make her heart soar.

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to sit still. Today wasn't about her. Or Rarity.

It was about the ponies they loved... marrying each other.

The lights in the grand hall dimmed, signaling that the ceremony was about to begin. Fluttershy, with her gentle touch, carefully gathered the birds and animals that had been waiting patiently, her soft signals urging them to begin their harmonious melody. The elegant notes of Octavia's violin filled the air, setting a peaceful tone. Everypony in the room fell silent, their gazes turning toward the door in anticipation.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders entered first, their little hooves holding baskets filled with petals. With graceful, practiced movements, they scattered the delicate flowers along the aisle, the soft colors creating a magical carpet beneath their tiny steps.

Rarity's throat tightened as she watched them. Her heart pounded in her chest, the weight of what was about to happen pressing heavily on her. She wasn't sure she was ready to face what came next, yet she knew it was inevitable.

The Crusaders took their seats, and the air grew still, the tension palpable.

Then, the doors opened.

Rainbow Dash appeared in the doorway, flanked by her parents, their expressions full of pride and love. She looked nothing short of stunning, her usual carefree aura replaced by a calm, dignified grace. She wore a perfectly tailored suit—another one of Rarity's designs, of course. It hugged her form in all the right ways, a perfect balance of her bold, athletic style and the sophisticated elegance of the occasion.

Rarity's breath caught in her throat. She had seen Rainbow in dresses before, but never like this. Never so... radiant. She looked every bit the mare who had found her perfect match.

Twilight, sitting beside Rarity, instinctively looked away. Her heart ached as her eyes flickered toward the floor, not daring to meet the bright, confident gaze of the one mare she would never have. It was too much. Too painful. The only love she had ever known slipping away before her eyes, to someone who had always been the right one. The one who would never belong to her.

Rainbow's eyes scanned the room, but she didn't linger. Twilight clenched her jaw, forcing herself to focus on the present, on what was happening for her friends. This was their moment.

Rainbow stood at the altar, her heart racing with anticipation. She gazed toward the doors, her eyes filled with excitement as she eagerly awaited the moment when Applejack would step through. She could hardly contain her smile, knowing her future wife was just behind those doors, ready to walk down the aisle and make their love official.

Meanwhile, Rarity sat rigidly, her eyes locked on the same doors, but her heart was a storm of emotion. Her pulse hammered in her chest as anxiety swirled within her. This moment, this culmination of everything she had known, felt like a whirlwind she couldn't escape. She had always dreamed of love, but never like this. She had never imagined watching Applejack walk down that aisle, not toward her, but to another.

She wasn't ready for this. She didn't think she ever would be.

Her breath came in shallow bursts, her mind racing with doubt. Was she being selfish? A small voice whispered inside her, questioning her every thought. Yes, of course she was.

But how could she not feel this way? How could she not mourn the future she had built in her mind—the future where Applejack had always been hers?

Rarity knew she shouldn't feel this way. She had always been a mare who valued friendship above all, who prided herself on being there for her loved ones. But watching Applejack—her Applejack—become someone else's forever felt like a cruel twist of fate.

She glanced over at Twilight, who seemed lost in her own thoughts, eyes avoiding the scene unfolding before them. Perhaps she wasn't the only one struggling with a love lost.

A soft sigh escaped Rarity's lips as she glanced back at the doors. She had to let go, she knew that. Applejack had found her happiness, and she would find her own... eventually. But for now, in this fleeting moment, all Rarity could feel was the aching weight of goodbye.

The doors creaked open, and the room fell silent. Every pony held their breath as she stepped into view. Applejack stood in the doorway, looking as breathtaking as ever. A bouquet of wildflowers rested delicately in one hoof, while her other was firmly held by Big Macintosh, who stood proudly by her side.

Rarity's heart skipped a beat as she gazed at her. Applejack was radiant, more beautiful than words could capture. The sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows caught in her golden mane, making it shimmer like warm honey. Her simple, yet stunning gown—crafted with all the care and love Rarity could give—clung to her in the most perfect way, accentuating her strong, graceful form.

In that moment, Rarity felt as though the entire world had paused. She couldn't find the words to describe what she was seeing, what she was feeling. Applejack wasn't just beautiful—she was a vision of everything Rarity had ever wanted, everything she had ever dreamed of, but couldn't hold onto.

Her eyes welled with unshed tears as the overwhelming reality of it hit her: the mare she had loved for so long was walking toward a future with somepony else.

And yet, as Applejack walked down the aisle, her gaze locked on Rainbow Dash, Rarity couldn't help but feel a deep, bittersweet warmth in her chest. Applejack had found her happiness, and though it broke Rarity's heart to let go, she knew it was time.

The room seemed to fade away, and in that one moment, nothing else mattered. All that mattered was Applejack, as stunning and perfect as she had ever been, walking toward a love that was meant to be.