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Diamonds In The Rough || Part 5: A Little Bravery || Femme!Human!Rarity x Butch!Human!Applejack

CW: none

Rating: SFW

Desc: Applejack and Rarity go horse riding and afterwards realize that maybe they didn't hate eachother afterall.

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The sun was already warming the air as Applejack and Rarity made their way to the barn the next morning. The previous day’s chores had left Rarity aching in places she didn’t know could ache, but she wasn’t about to let Applejack see her struggle. She walked with her head held high, though her steps were a little slower than usual.

Applejack smirked. "Don’t worry, sugarcube. Today’s all about learnin’ tack. Ain’t no heavy liftin', just some good ol’ fashioned know-how."

"Tack?" Rarity repeated, tilting her head. "What on earth is that?"

Applejack led her into the barn, where an array of leather straps, saddles, and bridles hung neatly on the walls. "Tack’s all the gear we use for ridin’ and workin’ with the horses, saddles, reins, halters, bits, all that. If you’re gonna be spendin’ time on the farm, you oughta know how to use it."

Rarity eyed the assortment skeptically, her nose wrinkling at the distinct smell of leather and horse sweat. "It doesn’t look terribly glamorous."

Applejack chuckled. "It ain’t. But it’s necessary. Come on, I’ll show ya."

She grabbed a saddle off the rack, placing it on a nearby stand. "This here’s your basic Western saddle. You got your horn, seat, stirrups-"

"Horn?" Rarity interrupted, eyeing the curved protrusion at the front. "Is that for decoration?"

Applejack laughed, shaking her head. "Nah, darlin’. It’s for holdin’ onto when you’re ridin’, or ropin’ cattle, if you’re doin’ that kinda work."

Rarity pursed her lips. "I see. And… it’s clean, I hope?"

"As clean as it needs to be," Applejack replied with a wink, grabbing a bridle. "Now this is what we use to guide the horse. The bit goes in their mouth, and the reins let you steer."

Rarity’s face twisted in mild horror. "You put that in their mouths? It looks so… uncomfortable."

Applejack shrugged. "They’re used to it. It don’t hurt ‘em if it’s fitted right." She handed the bridle to Rarity. "Here, try holdin’ it. Feels a little heavier than you’d expect."

Rarity took the bridle reluctantly, her delicate hands gripping the worn leather. "Goodness, it’s heavier than it looks."

"Told ya." Applejack grabbed another piece of tack, explaining its purpose as she worked. She demonstrated how to attach the saddle to the horse, looping the girth under the belly and securing it tightly.

"Now you give it a shot," Applejack said, stepping back and motioning toward the next horse.

Rarity blinked, glancing between the saddle and the large animal before her. "You want me to do that?"

"Sure do. Don’t worry, I’ll guide ya."

With Applejack’s encouragement, Rarity approached the horse, muttering under her breath about the indignity of manual labor. She lifted the saddle awkwardly, nearly losing her balance as she swung it onto the horse’s back.

"Easy there, princess," Applejack said, steadying the saddle with one hand. "You ain’t wrestlin’ it. Just place it gentle-like."

Rarity grumbled but adjusted her movements, following Applejack’s instructions. By the time she finished securing the girth, she was sweating lightly, her hair coming loose from its meticulous styling.

"There. That wasn’t so bad, was it?" Applejack teased.

Rarity stepped back, brushing her hands together as though she’d just conquered a mountain. "It was… tolerable."

Applejack grinned, tipping her hat. "Well, look at you, already halfway to bein’ a proper farmhand."

"Don’t push your luck," Rarity said, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward.

Applejack chuckled. "Come on. Let’s get these horses saddled up for a ride. You earned it."

With the horses saddled and ready to go, Applejack led them out into the yard, the sun casting golden streaks across the fields. Rarity followed, her face a picture of reluctant determination as she trailed behind her assigned horse, a calm and gentle gelding named Buck.

"Alright, sugarcube," Applejack said, giving her own horse, a sleek mare named Daisy, a firm pat on the neck. "You’re up. Just put your foot in the stirrup and swing on up. Buck here’s as gentle as they come."

Rarity froze, eyeing the tall horse like it was a monster. She glanced at the stirrup, her stomach twisting.

"Uh… Applejack?" she started, her voice unusually hesitant.

Applejack turned, her hat tilted back slightly as she leaned against Daisy. "What’s the holdup? Need me to give ya a boost?"

Rarity’s cheeks flushed as she shifted her weight from foot to foot. "It’s just�� well… horses are quite tall, aren’t they?"

Applejack’s lips curled into a teasing smile. "Most of ‘em are, yeah. That a problem?"

Rarity sighed, folding her arms tightly across her chest. "I wasn’t going to mention it, but… I may have a slight fear of heights."

Applejack blinked, then threw her head back with a hearty laugh. "You’re scared of heights? On a horse? Rarity, we’re talkin’ maybe five, six feet tops!"

"It’s more than enough, thank you!" Rarity snapped, her tone defensive. "What if I fall? Or the horse gets spooked? Or I-"

"Whoa there, darlin’," Applejack said, holding up her hands. Her laughter softened into a warm, reassuring smile. "Ain’t nothin’ gonna happen to ya. Buck’s the sweetest horse on the farm, and I’ll be ridin’ right next to ya. Trust me, you’ll be fine."

Rarity chewed on her lip, her nerves still bubbling under the surface. "You’re sure he won’t… throw me off?"

Applejack stepped closer, placing a hand on Buck’s side. "Buck wouldn’t hurt a fly, let alone you. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll walk ya through it step by step. Deal?"

Rarity hesitated but eventually nodded, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her borrowed plaid shirt. "Deal."

Applejack grinned. "That’s my girl. Alright, first thing, just put your foot in the stirrup. Like this." She demonstrated with Daisy, mounting effortlessly before sliding back down to the ground.

Rarity mimicked her movements, albeit less gracefully, managing to get her foot into the stirrup.

"Good. Now grab the horn and swing your other leg over. Don’t think too much about it, just do it."

Rarity took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage she had. With a slightly unladylike grunt, she swung her leg over the saddle and settled onto Buck’s back.

"There ya go!" Applejack cheered, clapping her hands. "See? Nothin’ to it!"

Rarity sat stiffly, her hands gripping the horn as though her life depended on it. "Yes, well… I suppose it’s not entirely awful," she admitted, though her knuckles were white.

Applejack chuckled, mounting Daisy with ease. "You’ll loosen up once we get movin’. Now, just give Buck a light squeeze with your legs to get him goin’."

Rarity did as instructed, and Buck began to walk, his steps slow and steady. She let out a nervous laugh, glancing over at Applejack. "Alright, perhaps this isn’t so bad after all."

Applejack smiled warmly. "Told ya. Let’s take it slow, and by the end of this ride, you’ll be feelin’ like a natural."

Rarity gave a smile, her earlier fears starting to fade away as the two of them rode off into the sprawling fields.

The gentle sway of the horses beneath them and the rhythmic clopping of hooves created a calming backdrop as Applejack and Rarity rode. The air was crisp and carried the faint scent of wildflowers, the perfect balance to the warmth of the late morning sun.

Rarity sat a little more comfortably now, though she still gripped the reins with caution. Her posture was upright and elegant, a stark contrast to Applejack’s relaxed slouch as they meandered along a well-worn trail.

"I must admit," Rarity began, her voice lilting as she admired the scenery, "the countryside is quite charming. It’s… peaceful."

Applejack chuckled. "Told ya so. Ain’t nothin’ like it. Beats all that city noise any day."

Rarity shot her a playful glance. "Well, I wouldn’t go that far. There’s a certain… sophistication to city life that the farm doesn’t quite offer."

Applejack smirked, tipping her hat back. "Yeah, well, I ain’t never needed ‘sophistication’ to be happy. Just a good day’s work and good company."

Rarity rolled her eyes, but the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her. "You and your simple pleasures," she teased.

"And you with your high standards," Applejack retorted, grinning.

They continued to banter, their laughter mingling with the soft breeze as they crossed a small stream. Applejack occasionally glanced at Rarity, noting how the sunlight caught her hair and the way her smile seemed to soften her usual sharp demeanor.

"You’re not so bad, y’know," Applejack said after a moment, her tone more sincere than teasing.

Rarity blinked, caught off guard. She turned to look at Applejack, her cheeks warming. "I… beg your pardon?"

Applejack shrugged, her eyes fixed on the horizon. "I mean, I figured you’d be complainin’ the whole time or find some excuse to hightail it back to your fancy little boutique. But you’ve stuck it out. Even done a decent job, all things considered." She glanced at Rarity, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Kinda admirable, actually."

Rarity’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, pretending to adjust her reins. "Well… I suppose I do have more grit than people give me credit for," she said, her voice a little higher-pitched than usual.

Applejack chuckled. "That you do. Never thought I’d say this, but… you’re alright, Rarity. You ain’t just some prissy city girl after all."

Rarity felt her cheeks burn, the warmth spreading all the way to her ears. She cleared her throat, doing her best to maintain composure. "I, well, that’s very kind of you to say, Applejack."

Applejack tilted her head, noticing the slight tremor in Rarity’s usually composed voice. "You alright there, darlin’? You’re lookin’ a little flushed."

"I’m fine!" Rarity replied quickly, fanning herself with one hand as if the sun was suddenly unbearable. "Just… the heat, you know. It’s positively sweltering out here."

Applejack grinned, her expression teasing. "Uh-huh. Sure it is."

Rarity shot her a glare, though it lacked its usual sharpness. "Oh, hush. Let’s keep riding before you say something else utterly ridiculous."

Applejack laughed, nudging Daisy into a steady trot. "Alright, princess, whatever you say."

As they continued on, Rarity couldn’t help but steal a few glances at Applejack, her words replaying in her mind. For the first time since she’d arrived on the farm, she wondered if maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t entirely dreading this experience anymore.

After a long day of riding and laughter, Applejack and Rarity returned to the farmhouse, the sky painted with hues of pink and orange as the sun dipped below the horizon. Dinner was simple yet honest, grilled vegetables, fresh cornbread, and a stew that Rarity reluctantly admitted was "decent." Their playful banter continued through the meal, their teasing softer now, more familiar, as though they’d known each other for years instead of just a few days.

As they cleared the dishes, Applejack leaned back against the counter, eyeing Rarity with a thoughtful expression.

"Y’know, Rare, you’ve been wearin’ those same clothes for a couple of days now," she said casually. "You want somethin’ fresh to change into?"

Rarity froze, her eyes widening as realization struck her. She looked down at herself, horrified. "Oh, darling, I hadn’t even noticed!" she exclaimed, her tone a dramatic wail. "How unsanitary! I must look and smell positively dreadful!"

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head. "You’re fine, sugarcube. But I get it. Come on, I’ll grab you somethin’ else to wear."

Rarity followed Applejack upstairs, a small pout on her lips as she muttered about hygiene and appearances. Applejack led her into her room, the space simple and cozy, with its wooden furniture and a faint scent of pine.

"Here," Applejack said, pulling open a drawer and rummaging through it. She handed Rarity a soft flannel shirt and a pair of sweatpants. "This’ll do. Might be a little loose, but it’s clean."

Rarity inspected the clothes with a critical eye before giving a resigned sigh. "I suppose it’ll have to do."

Applejack smirked. "While you’re at it, why don’t you take a shower? Might help you feel better."

Rarity perked up at the suggestion. "That… actually sounds divine. Thank you, Applejack." She took the clothes and disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Applejack alone in her room.

As the sound of running water filled the farmhouse, Applejack sat on the edge of her bed, her hat in her hands. She stared down at it, her thoughts a jumbled mess.

Why was her heart racing? Why did she feel like the room was suddenly too warm?

Applejack let out a frustrated groan, dropping her hat onto the bed. "Get a grip, AJ," she muttered to herself. "She’s just a friend. A… real pretty friend. With a smile that could light up the whole dang farm…"

She buried her face in her hands, groaning again. "Sweet Celestia, what’s wrong with me?"

The sound of the bathroom door opening snapped her out of her thoughts. Applejack looked up just as Rarity stepped into the room, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders, her cheeks glowing from the heat of the shower. She was wearing the flannel and sweatpants, the loose fabric somehow making her look even more stunning.

Applejack’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart thudded so loudly she was sure Rarity could hear it.

Rarity smiled softly, tilting her head. "Thank you again, darling. I feel so much better now."

Applejack stood, her legs moving before her brain could catch up. She walked toward Rarity, her face flushing redder with every step. She stopped just inches away, her gaze locked onto Rarity’s.

Rarity’s smile faltered, replaced by a curious, slightly nervous expression. "Applejack?"

Applejack didn’t answer. She didn’t think. She just acted.

Reaching out, she cupped Rarity’s face with one calloused hand and leaned in, pressing her lips against hers.

For a split second, Applejack panicked, but then she felt Rarity respond, her lips soft and warm as she kissed her back.

The world seemed to stand still, the only sound the faint creak of the farmhouse settling in the night.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless, their faces flushed.

Rarity looked up at Applejack, her eyes wide but filled with something unspoken, something warm. "Well," she said softly, a small, shy smile tugging at her lips. "That was… unexpected."

Applejack let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of her neck. "Yeah, uh… sorry ‘bout that. Don’t know what came over me."

"Don’t apologize," Rarity said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn’t mind."

Applejack’s heart soared at the words, and for the first time, she allowed herself to smile a true smile, wide and unrestrained.

Maybe this was the start of something neither of them had expected, but neither of them seemed to mind.

The room was quiet, the only sound the faint rustle of the trees outside the farmhouse window. Rarity and Applejack stood there, caught in the gravity of the moment, their breaths still uneven from the kiss they’d just shared.

Applejack hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching Rarity’s face as if looking for permission. What she saw made her heart ache, Rarity’s wide, sparkling eyes, her lips parted ever so slightly, and the faintest smile that hinted at something deeper, something unspoken.

"Rarity," Applejack murmured, her voice low and husky, filled with a vulnerability she rarely let show.

"Yes, darling?" Rarity replied, her voice barely above a whisper, her breath ghosting over Applejack’s lips.

Applejack didn’t answer. She leaned in again, this time slower, more deliberate. When their lips met, it wasn’t tentative like before, it was deeper, warmer, as if the floodgates had finally opened.

Rarity melted into the kiss, her hands instinctively reaching up to rest on Applejack’s shoulders. She tilted her head slightly, letting the kiss deepen, her body pressing closer as though drawn by an invisible force. Applejack’s hands found their way to Rarity’s waist, the strength in her grip steady yet tender.

Time seemed to blur, the weight of their shared emotions filling the room. Applejack tilted her head, her hat tumbling off the bed unnoticed behind them. Rarity let out the softest sigh against her lips, the sound sending a shiver through Applejack’s body.

Neither of them spoke, their thoughts overtaken by the intensity of the moment. Every touch, every gentle press of lips, every breath shared was a silent confession of feelings they’d both been too stubborn, or too scared, to admit.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling in the still air. Rarity’s cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly swollen, her eyes half-lidded as she gazed up at Applejack.

"You’re… quite good at that," Rarity said, her voice trembling slightly but laced with a hint of playfulness.

Applejack chuckled, her thumb brushing against Rarity’s waist absentmindedly. "Reckon I had some pretty good inspiration," she replied, her grin softer than usual, almost shy.

Rarity’s laughter was light, musical, as she leaned in and placed a small kiss on Applejack’s cheek. "If you keep that up, Applejack, I might never want to leave this farm."

Applejack felt her heart skip a beat, and for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to hope. "Well, sugarcube," she said, her voice steady but warm, "maybe I don’t want you to."

Their gazes locked again, and in that moment, the world outside seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, standing there, hearts full and defenses down. For the first time, neither of them felt the need to fight what was so clearly meant to be.

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