𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃 rarijack

𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐒 𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄

The wedding ceremony had officially come to an end. The room erupted into a mixture of joyful cheers and quiet sobs. Tears streamed down faces—some of overwhelming happiness, others of silent heartbreak. Smiles stretched across the newlyweds' faces as they basked in the love surrounding them, their hooves intertwined like they were meant to be from the very start.

Friends and family clapped, embracing one another, celebrating the union of two souls who had found their perfect match. The air buzzed with warmth and excitement, but beneath it all, hidden in the shadows of forced smiles and quiet glances, hearts lay shattered.

Rarity lowered herself onto the cool stone bench, letting out a quiet sigh as the distant sounds of laughter and music filled the air. Everypony was outside, celebrating in the garden, basking in the glow of love and joy. But she couldn't bring herself to join them—not yet.

She wasn't ready to face them. To see Applejack and Rainbow Dash side by side, their hooves entwined, their eyes filled with a love that was never meant for her.

Instead, she gazed toward the horizon, watching as the sun dipped below the rolling hills, casting the sky in breathtaking shades of gold and lavender. It was beautiful, truly—but even the sunset couldn't quiet the storm inside her.

Her mind drifted to the what ifs.

What if she had confessed sooner? What if she had fought for Applejack instead of pushing her toward Rainbow? What if—

Rarity inhaled sharply, closing her eyes. No thought in her head would change anything now. The vows had been spoken, the rings exchanged, and the love of her life had walked down the aisle toward somepony else.

And yet, despite the ache in her heart, she smiled—soft, sad, but genuine.

Because Applejack was happy. And perhaps, one day, Rarity would be too.

A sudden warmth pressed against Rarity's side, pulling her from her thoughts. She blinked, turning her head to see who had joined her.

Twilight.

The alicorn sat beside her, silent at first, her gaze fixed on the same sunset Rarity had been watching. There was no need for words—not yet. The weight in Twilight's eyes, the way her wings twitched ever so slightly, told Rarity everything she needed to know.

She wasn't the only one hurting.

"Do you think..." Twilight's voice wavered, thick with emotion. She took a shaky breath, her eyes glistening as she stared at the horizon. "Do you think if I had told her how I felt... she would've felt the same?"

Rarity lowered her gaze, her heart aching at the vulnerability in Twilight's words. She wanted to offer comfort, to say something that would ease the pain they both carried, but she hesitated. What was there to say?

"I-I don't know, darling..." she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Twilight let out a hollow chuckle, though there was no humor behind it. "She's always loved Applejack," she murmured, more to herself than to Rarity. Her ears drooped, her wings sagging slightly at her sides. "I don't think she could ever love me the way she loves her."

The words hung between them, heavy and unshakable.

Rarity swallowed the lump in her throat. She understood that pain all too well. Loving somepony who would never be hers, watching them choose someone else—it was a sorrow she and Twilight now shared.

For a moment, they simply sat there, two hearts mourning a love that had never been theirs to claim.

"Rarity?"

Rarity blinked, pulled from her thoughts by the quiet, hesitant voice beside her. She turned her head, meeting Twilight's gaze. The alicorn's violet eyes shimmered with something unreadable—curiosity, hesitation, perhaps even pain.

"Yes, darling?" Rarity responded, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

Twilight hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "Why did you push Applejack toward Rainbow?" she asked, her voice gentle but laced with quiet urgency. "I know she loved you so much."

Rarity's breath hitched ever so slightly, though she masked it with a soft sigh. Her heart ached at the words, at the truth she had long tried to ignore.

She turned her gaze back toward the sunset, watching as the last light of day bled into the horizon. She had asked herself that very question so many times before.

"Well..." she started, her voice softer now, tinged with the weight of old emotions. "Because I thought it was the right thing to do. Because I convinced myself that she deserved someone who could love her without hesitation."

Twilight frowned. "You loved her. There was never any hesitation."

Rarity let out a quiet, bitter chuckle. "Oh, but there was, darling. Not in my heart, but in my fear. Fear that I wasn't the pony she needed. Applejack... she's strong, steadfast, grounded. And me?" She gestured to herself with a half-hearted smile. "I'm dramatic, a perfectionist, always reaching for something more. I told myself that, one day, she'd grow tired of me. That she'd realize I wasn't what she truly wanted. And if that day ever came..."

She trailed off, shaking her head.

Twilight studied her, sadness pooling in her expression. "So you let her go before she ever had the chance to prove you wrong."

Rarity swallowed hard, forcing another small, wistful smile. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "And now, she never will."

A heavy silence settled between them, the weight of unspoken emotions lingering in the cool evening air.

Then, Twilight broke it.

"How did you two meet?" she asked softly.

Rarity blinked, tilting her head slightly. "Applejack and I?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. I just... I want to know the whole story between you two. Everything. From the beginning until now."

Rarity hesitated, searching Twilight's face. Did she really want to relive it all? To open old wounds just to tell a story that had no happy ending for her?

"You really want to know?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

"Yes," Twilight affirmed, her eyes filled with both curiosity and understanding.

Rarity let out a soft, wistful sigh, a faint smile tugging at her lips as memories began to resurface.

"Well," she started, shifting slightly on the bench, "it all began in Ponyville, of course... at a party."

She gazed off toward the fading sunset, as if she could see the moment playing out before her. The music, the laughter, the feeling of being swept into something unexpected.

And just like that, she was back in time, where it had all started.

Lively music pulsed through the air, shaking the very walls of Sugarcube Corner as ponies danced without a care. Laughter echoed through the crowded space, mingling with the rich, sweet scent of apple cider—some of which had already been spilled in the excitement, leaving the wooden floors just a bit sticky beneath their hooves.

Balloons floated lazily near the ceiling, their bright colors reflecting the warm glow of lantern lights, while streamers of every shade crisscrossed above, adding to the joyful chaos of the evening. It was a sight only one pony could have orchestrated—Pinkie Pie, Ponyville's legendary party planner, who had once again outdone herself.

This time, the celebration was in honor of a newcomer, a mare who had just arrived in town. And, as always, Pinkie had made sure the entire town was there to welcome her.

Rarity stood gracefully beside Fluttershy, sipping delicately from a cup of cider as she surveyed the lively party around her. The two had been dear friends ever since Rarity had settled into the charming little town of Ponyville, and though the pegasus wasn't one for loud gatherings, she had accompanied Rarity nonetheless, offering quiet companionship amidst the chaos.

"What's the new mare's name again?" Rarity asked, tilting her head as she glanced around the crowded room.

Fluttershy shifted slightly, her voice barely audible over the music. "Uhm... I think her name is Twilight Sparkle. I heard she came from Canterlot."

Rarity gasped dramatically, nearly dropping her drink. "Canterlot?!"

Fluttershy squeaked at the sudden outburst, her wings twitching in surprise. "Uhm... yes," she murmured, peering up at her friend with wide eyes.

But Rarity was already lost in thought, her mind whirling with possibilities. A pony from Canterlot! That meant sophistication, refinement, perhaps even a connection to high society! And if there was one thing Rarity adored, it was the opportunity to expand her social circle—especially with somepony who had lived in the grand city she so admired.

"Oh my! I must introduce myself at once!" she declared with a dazzling smile, already stepping forward with determination. "I'll be right back, darling!"

Without another word, she weaved her way through the crowd, eyes scanning eagerly for the mysterious Twilight Sparkle. Little did she know, this meeting would mark the beginning of a story far greater than she could have ever imagined.

CRASH!

Rarity barely had time to react before she lost her balance, her hooves slipping against the cider-slicked floor. With an unceremonious thud, she landed on the ground, the world spinning for a brief moment as the chatter and music around her carried on.

"Oh shoot! Ah'm so sorry!" a voice drawled, thick with a country accent.

Blinking in surprise, Rarity looked up, ready to give a dramatic sigh about the unfortunate situation—until her eyes met a pair of brilliant green ones.

Standing over her was an orange earth pony with a golden mane tied back in a loose ponytail, her hat slightly askew from the collision. Freckles dusted her cheeks, giving her an effortless charm. She was... stunning.

For a moment, Rarity forgot how to speak.

"You alright, sugarcube?" the mare asked, offering a strong hoof to help her up.

Snapping out of her daze, Rarity cleared her throat, composing herself as she delicately took the offered hoof. The warmth of the mare's touch sent an unexpected jolt through her, but she quickly brushed it off.

"It's quite alright, darling," she assured with a polite, practiced smile, though her heart was still racing for reasons she couldn't quite place.

As she steadied herself, she took a closer look at the mare before her—earthy, rugged, yet effortlessly beautiful. Not at all the type Rarity usually paid much attention to... and yet, something about her made it impossible to look away.

The mare adjusted her hat with a friendly smile, her bright green eyes shining with warmth. "Ah'm Applejack! I live over at Sweet Apple Acres with my granny and my siblings."

Applejack.

The name suited her—strong, simple, and undeniably fitting for a pony who carried herself with such confidence.

Rarity brushed a few stray curls from her face, regaining her poise. "Oh! I believe I've heard of you. Your family runs the apple farm, correct? The one that provides Ponyville with all its delicious apples and cider?"

Applejack beamed with pride. "Sure do! We've been workin' that farm for generations, and there ain't a sweeter apple in all of Equestria!"

Rarity chuckled softly at her enthusiasm, charmed by her unshakable pride. So rustic, so different from the refined ponies of Canterlot... yet so genuine.

"And what about you?" Applejack asked, tilting her head curiously. "Ah don't think we've met before."

With a graceful flick of her mane, Rarity smiled. "My name is Rarity, darling! I run Carousel Boutique right here in Ponyville. Fashion is my passion, and I strive to bring elegance and beauty to everypony."

Applejack let out a low whistle. "Well, ain't that somethin'? Ah don't know much 'bout fancy dresses and frilly things, but sounds like you got a real talent."

Rarity couldn't help but blush slightly at the compliment. So rough around the edges... yet unexpectedly sweet.

She had come to this party expecting to meet Twilight Sparkle, but now, as she stood before Applejack, something told her this meeting was far more important than she could have ever anticipated.

Applejack studied Rarity for a moment, then gave a small, knowing smile. "Ah know we don't know each other all that well, but from what Ah can see... you don't seem like the kind of pony who's ever satisfied."

Rarity blinked, taken aback. "I beg your pardon?"

Applejack chuckled, adjusting her hat. "Ah'm just sayin'—you strike me as somepony who's always reachin' for more. No matter how much ya accomplish, no matter how much praise ya get, it's never quite enough. You push yourself, always tryin' to be better, always lookin' for somethin' more." She shrugged. "Same as me."

Rarity opened her mouth to protest, but the words caught in her throat. She wasn't sure what she had expected from this farm pony, but it certainly wasn't this level of insight.

She frowned slightly, considering Applejack's words. Was she really that easy to read?

She glanced down at her hooves, then let out a soft hum. "Hmm... now that I think about it, I suppose you're right." Her voice was quieter now, thoughtful. "No matter how much I achieve, there's always another goal, another step to perfection that I must take."

Applejack nodded. "Ain't nothin' wrong with that. Just means ya got drive. But sometimes, ya gotta let yourself be proud of what ya already done."

Rarity met Applejack's gaze, something stirring in her chest. She had spent years surrounded by ponies who either idolized her work or dismissed it entirely—but Applejack? She saw her. Truly saw her.

And for a reason she couldn't quite name, that terrified her just a little.

As the lively party continued, the upbeat tempo of the music suddenly shifted. The notes softened, transforming into a slow, melodic tune that filled the air with warmth and nostalgia. Couples and friends alike drifted toward the center of the room, swaying together in time with the gentle rhythm.

Rarity watched as the scene unfolded before her, a fond smile tugging at her lips. There was something magical about moments like these—where time seemed to slow, where laughter was softer, where the world felt just a bit more intimate.

Then, a warm hoof extended into her view.

"Wanna dance?" Applejack asked, her voice laced with a quiet confidence. Her green eyes sparkled under the lantern lights, filled with something both playful and sincere.

Rarity blinked, surprised by the offer. Of all ponies, she hadn't expected Applejack to ask her to dance. But as she met those honest, unwavering eyes, she felt an undeniable pull—one she couldn't quite explain.

A slow, graceful smile spread across her lips.

"Why, of course, darling," she said, slipping her hoof into Applejack's.

And just like that, they stepped onto the dance floor, moving together as if the rest of the world had simply faded away.

But from across the room, standing just outside the glow of the lantern lights, a cyan-colored pegasus watched in silence.