|
Post by Rarity on Apr 6, 2012 23:56:47 GMT -5
Her hoof slid playfully across the upholstery, giving her something to focus on. "Kale, isn't this divine?" She grinned, waiting for a complaint that never came, much to her surprise.
"Kale?" he was obviously fretting over her forced seating arrangement and must not have heard her, but before she could continue to pester him, she realized they were one short. "Kale! Where has Applejack gone? Certainly you did not just leave her out there! ...Did you?!" Rarity leaned up on her front legs, a dramatic look of fear on her face. "Well!? Where is she!"
It was then that the cowpony made her way through the door, nonchalantly, at that.
"Wow... this sure is fancy..." barely escaped through Applejack's clenched jaw. Rarity raised her brows, inspecting her thoroughly, and at the same time, Applejack returned a glance- a bit displeased with Rarity's shenanigans.
"Now Applejack, don't be so-", Rarity froze as Applejack's suitcase flew in her direction; It was nearly slow-motion in her eyes. She instinctively curled her hind legs up close and flung her tail upward. A little squeal of fear escaped as it came crashing down beside her. As Applejack let out a sigh of relief, Rarity followed suit. Both for two completely different reasons.*
Kale and Applejack rambled for a moments time as the train started on it's merry way, which gave Rarity the opportunity to apologize to her tail for all of the trauma. She cuddled it delicately, not wishing to scrunch any of the curl, the laid it back down onto the cushion lightly, as if it were a sleeping foal.
"Now!" she announced formally, attempting to call all attention. "There are quite a few things that need to be addressed, you see." She cleared her throat, fully preparing for what could be a long time of lecture. But, while looking between the two, she noticed she was losing Applejack, and fast.
Rarity was torn. Applejack needed to hear what she had to say! (Or so she thought.) There was no time to waste, what with going over proper etiquette, their trip itinerary, and of course- figuring out just how Kale would be introducing Applejack to her friends and family.
Kale! Of course! She brightened visibly and locked eyes with him. "Applejack looks like she could use some rest. And quite honestly, I believe she needs it... Oh!" She covered her mouth with a gasp, "You are still awake aren't you, darling? Where are my manners! Talking about you as if you aren't here; I hope you would forgive me." Flashing sorry eyes towards Applejack, she allowed her lip to quiver a few times.
"There is just so much that is still uncertain." She returned to Kale, "And you and I truly need to talk. Well, unless you, too, are tired, I suppose." She hadn't weighed that option until now... What if they were both to leave her alone, without a soul to talk to? No...They would have to sleep in shifts.
Her decision gave her a smile and she pressed on with Kale, "First of all, please tell me how you are feeling?"
[/size][/color]
[* Indicates some parts of the story were overly dramatized.
And my ending was more awkward and abrupt. We will get over it.]
|
|
|
Post by Kale on Apr 7, 2012 14:20:41 GMT -5
"Couldn't ya just... y'know... fly up? Or walk to the roof of one o' them tall buildings?"
Kale's immediate response was to blink, a rather blank look on his face. He'd never really thought about it; why didn't he do that? He supposed he just wasn't used to thinking with his wings. "Well...there aren't many pegasi there," he answered (rather weakly) after a moment. "I've never seen anypony flying, there..." It wasn't so much that the stallion cared about social norms, though. If he started flying around Manehattan, he'd draw a lot of attention--and the last thing he needed was everypony looking at him.
"Now! There are quite a few things that need to be addressed, you see."
Secretly, Kale was glad for Rarity's interruption. He had no desire to explain his last comment to Applejack, who would probably be rather less than impressed by his reasoning. Turning a mildly surprised look at the unicorn, he listened intently as she took charge of the situation.
Again.
Initially, the 'things' that needed addressing seemed to be Applejack's tenuous grasp on consciousness. He supposed it was a relevant topic; he just wasn't sure why Rarity thought it needed a great deal of discussion. Or, for that matter, why she was telling him. If he was keeping Applejack from sleeping, somehow, then it might make sense, but how in Equestria could he be doing that? Apparently, he was never going to find out, though, as Rarity turned her attention to Applejack, then moved on to a new topic entirely.
"There is just so much that is still uncertain." She returned to Kale, "And you and I truly need to talk. Well, unless you, too, are tired, I suppose."
First of all, please tell me how you are feeling?"
"Um...I'll live," Kale responded simply. Truth be told, he was rather tired, if not quite as much as Applejack. But it was quite obvious that that was not the answer Rarity wanted to hear. The way she was talking, it almost sounded like he was in trouble; the pegasus had never been forced to 'talk to the teacher after class' when he'd been in school, but he imagined this was the general tone it would have taken. "What did you want to talk about?" he asked, not sure he wanted to hear the answer.
*PLEASE don't let this be about what I think this is about...*
|
|
|
Post by Applejack on Apr 9, 2012 0:09:32 GMT -5
Applejack couldn't even focus on a thing that either of them were saying. Sleep was creeping up on her, and it was something that she knew better than to fight after last apple bucking season. And these seats were a bit too fancy for her liking... but too comfortable to pass up.
She didn't really even care to listen for a response to her question, it was a bit rhetorical after all... She just lied back in her seat, watching the empty seat in front of her slowly turn into the backs of her eyelids. These fancy seats really were comfy...
It wasn't long at all before Applejack was out like a light, sleeping where she sat, rather peacefully. The rumbling speed of the train didn't seem to bother her at all, in fact, she was fine even as the train rounded it's first sharp turn. Most ponies barely had to adjust for it, if at all. Applejack on the other hoof, was sent sliding, until her head gently came to rest against Kale. In fact, she wound up leaning up against the pegasus without even being conscious to realize it. She just stayed lost in her dreams.
|
|
|
Post by Rarity on Apr 11, 2012 1:29:00 GMT -5
"Um...I'll live." Was all he replied, leaving Rarity to question what he meant.
"I see..." she began, deciding that it would be best to go along with it and not lose him in favor of sleep like Applejack.
As she thought carefully about where to start with him, having little intention of talking about Applejack, she noticed said mare from the corner of her eye as she slipped easily into unconsciousness. A gentle smiled formed upon her face; Applejack looked so peaceful. Not to mention that she deserved to rest. They all had a long trip ahead of them.
"Kale!" She lightly exclaimed, more of the energy coming from her expression, as opposed to volume, wishing to keep quiet for her darling friend, "Why, you haven't even told me you parent's names!" She fluttered her eyes frivolously, with a bewildered look. "How could I have forgotten something like that!" Her dramatic episode made her more aware of herself- momentarily shifting her focus, and missing Applejack's slow drop onto Kale's unsuspecting shoulder.
"What else could I have not remembered?" Her eyes opened with fear, "How many bags did I bring? Did I happen to forget one?!" she began to doubt every moment of her morning, sinking deeper into herself. Rarity's ears fell back and her tail raised, twitching ever so slightly as thought by thought passed through her worried mind.
"Breathe, Rarity." she cooed, calming herself with a sequence of breaths. "There is no need to get-....." It was as if her heart had stopped beating. If she had been a color other than white, all of it would have drained from her body. There, before her very eyes, was Applejack, leaning the entirety of her body on Kale.
Rarity's hooves drew up to her mouth in alarm. Just how long had they been like that!? What was Kale to do!? She glanced between them, trying to understand what he might be feeling, and she- dreaming. Her mouth was squeezed shut, trying to seal in the squeal settling at the top of her throat. She breathed recklessly through her nose; eyes bulging. Why, she was reacting so heavily to their display- she completely forgot what she, herself, must have looked like.
"K-Kale." she managed, her voice a high, strained whisper, "Do you realize..that Applejack...she is on your arm!" Although the mare was asleep, this was no accident. In fact a part of Rarity believed her to be awake. Perhaps Applejack had concocted this plan the previous night! She had showed hardly any reservation in regards to sitting next to him... Oh how clever she was. Applejack thought she had Rarity fooled. But that was not the case. She saw through that rugged facade.
Rarity wiggled around in her seat, practically giggling with delight. She was so proud of her friend, putting her feminine charm into action. "Oh!" she exclaimed, her head examining every inch of the car for her purse. (Which had, of course, been stowed away with her other bags.) She locked eyes with Kale, "My purse, I forgot to keep it with me!" She hoped off of the seat, stretching her hind legs gracefully, "I brought my camera for moments just like THIS! Please excuse me while I go retrieve it." She took a few steps to the door before shooting a deadly glare back at Kale, "Do not. Move. A muscle." She kept her gaze fixed on him, locking her statement in, then smiled gleefully, followed by a swift exit.[/color][/size]
|
|
|
Post by Kale on Apr 11, 2012 18:27:31 GMT -5
"I see..."
And with that, Rarity seemed to fade off into her own thoughts. To be frank, Kale wasn't complaining about it; not that he disliked Rarity, but she'd become rather intimidating this morning. In fact, her mannerisms were uncomfortably close to those of the party guests he'd been forced to mingle with night after night--and who he'd be forced to endure again Saturday evening. The only difference was that Rarity was actually his friend, and that her slightly overbearing attitude was well-intentioned.
At least, he assumed it was.
Kale!" She said suddenly, causing the aforementioned pegasus to give a bit of a start. "Why, you haven't even told me you parent's names! How could I have forgotten something like that!"
"Oh! Um, right," he blurted. He hadn't really thought of giving that information in advance; not only was he rarely the one to be introducing anypony, but most of the other ponies he'd met already knew his parents. Whether it was personally or just by reputation, he was never sure, though. "Well, my father's name is..." he began, but as Rarity began talking herself into a breakdown, he faltered. Kale was about to try and calm her down, but before he could begin, a weight on his side distracted him.
He turned to see what it was...
...and every bit of him froze.
"K-Kale. Do you realize..that Applejack...she is on your arm!"
Nodding blankly, the stallion continued staring, wide-eyed, at Applejack. It was lucky for the earth pony that he'd apparently locked up; if he'd jumped, his wing might have hit her in the face. As he looked at her, lost in a sea of nerves and utter delight, he barely heard Rarity at all. In fact, had she not brought up a camera, he might very well have lost his hearing altogether, simply resting there with Applejack in a sort of timeless wash of ecstasy. As it was, though, the purple-maned unicorn broke off his reverie.
I brought my camera for moments just like THIS! Please excuse me while I go retrieve it."
Whirling his head to face her, Kale practically hissed in panic. "Wha--camera? No, I don't thi--"
Do not. Move. A muscle."
Rarity's interruption, combined with a glare that could wilt flowers, shut the pegasus up in an instant. She didn't say anything before leaving, but she didn't really have to. The 'or I'll break your wings' was fairly implicit, and Kale had little doubt she would come through on that unspoken threat. However, as much as he enjoyed remaining intact, the idea of Applejack waking up later to find a photo of her sleeping on him was rather more discomforting. So, his decision was easy to make.
He just preferred to find a way to do this without invoking Rarity's wrath.
Glancing helplessly about the compartment, though, Kale saw nothing of particular use. Groaning, he covered his face with one hoof. How was he going to get through this weekend? It was already awkward enough just trying to get to Manehattan, and he'd figured that would be the easy part. Maybe I should just fly back to Ponyville while Rarity's out... he thought to himself, looking out the window as though he might do it.
Though he had no real intention of acting on this thought, it did give him an idea. Glancing quickly at the door, he slowly spread the wing on the side Applejack was leaning on. Narrowing his eyes in focus, the stallion touched the tip of one feather to the mare's nose; with any luck, she'd shift, leaving him to shrug and explain to Rarity that she'd just adjusted and he'd done nothing.
With any luck, she'd buy it.
|
|
|
Post by Applejack on Apr 11, 2012 18:54:04 GMT -5
Applejack stayed in a peaceful rest for quite a while. She completely missed the antics of the other two ponies, and was surprisingly resistant to the wing-tickling. She did shift, but never off of him. Apparently, she subconsciously thought Kale made a good pillow. It wasn't until just as Rarity returned with her camera that Applejack finally moved. Unfortunately for her...
Gravity was doing the job, not Kale. The train came up to a sharp curve at that moment. The shift was barely a problem for anypony on the train. it was a rather smooth ride. Applejack, however, was obviously not very stable in her seat, and the slight curve was enough to make her shift and start leaning in the other direction... and into the aisle! THUD! She hit the ground. Her legs bucked out reflexively, probably waking from a dream. "AHM AWAKE! Just restin' mah eyes!" she blurted, putting on her worst lying poker face ever.
Slowly, and surprisingly well rested for the brief time she was sleeping, she found her hat and put it back on, slowly sinking back to her seat. "So... what were we talkin' about?" she asked, trying in vain to sound nonchalant.
|
|
|
Post by Rarity on Apr 16, 2012 0:50:22 GMT -5
It had proven to be easier to get into the luggage car, than originally anticipated. Rarity, of course, managed to flirt her way past the sleeper-car assistants, and then ultimately, the Chief of on-board services. (Who let her in to find her things. How kind.) But , much to her dismay, it was almost impossible to get through to her things.
The mountain of bright purple, pink, and blue pieces were immediately identifiable; the only problem, were the piles upon piles of items before them. Rarity stepped lightly, not wanting to break another’s belongings, but soon found that she had no where else to go. With a sigh, she stood up on her hind legs, trying to get a good look at he things. “Why, my purse could be anywhere in between all of those bags!” But, she had to try.
With a small grunt, she focused all of her energy on her luggage, lifting bags right and left, waiting for her purse to appear. “No…no, no, not that one either, no! Ugh! Where could it be?!” She held the majority of the bags suspended in the air; after all, putting them back down would only confuse her further.
At long last, the final bags were lifted from the ground. And there, at the bottom of the pile, sat her purse.
“Of course…”
Her trot was teetering on a canter as she made her way back to their car, purse in tow. It was no secret that she was excited to be back with the two of her friends, who, at this moment in time, were getting quite close. Literally.
With the help of her camera, she would always remember the moment. And so would they! A smile shone upon her face. She, Rarity, had been there for all of the defining moments in the creation of their relationship. A pleasant sigh escaped her as she stood before the door. This trip could only go up from here.
Gently, she slid the door open, revealing that the two were in the exact same positions from when she had left them. Or were they? Applejack looked as if she had cuddled a bit deeper into his side… She shook her head, there was no time to waste! She sat down across from them and shot a wink at Kale before opening her purse. “You two look positively perfect.” Her voice was hushed as she took out the camera, floating it before her face and turning it on. “On three!” she mouthed.
One…
Two…
The train quickly came to a curve, sliding an unexpectant Rarity in her seat. And…she wasn’t the only one. Applejack began to fall, and in a panic she clicked the camera multiple times. But it was too late. Applejack flopped off of the bench, hitting the ground with a sizeable noise. Rarity, however, was too busy flipping through the three blurry images she had obtained, to care. (None of which, were actually decipherable.)
"AHM AWAKE! Just restin' mah eyes!" The country pony exclaimed.
Rarity sat. Silent. Mortified.
"So... what were we talkin' about?" Applejack was obviously relentless.
"You did that on purpose didn't you!" she frowned, crossing her forelegs across her chest. "You did not want me to get a picture of the two of you! Just admit it!"
Her timing was so precise...it couldn't have been because of the turn. Or, at least, Rarity was not prepared to think so. [/color][/size]
|
|
|
Post by Kale on Apr 20, 2012 19:35:25 GMT -5
It was like a nightmare.
Instead of moving away from him, Applejack settled even closer to Kale, adjusting so that the curve of her body better fit his. Folding his wing, the pegasus bit his lip, desperately trying to come up with another way to get Applejack to shift. Before he could think of anything, though, Rarity returned, her purse floating alongside her. Sitting across from the hapless pair, the unicorn dug out her camera and aimed.
"You two look positively perfect. On three!”
One.
Kale gulped nervously.
Two.
This is a disaster...
On three, the situation (thankfully) resolved itself. As the train hit a bend in the rails, Applejack finally lifted off Kale's shoulder. For a moment, she seemed to have simply returned to an upright position, and the stallion breathed a sigh of relief. Soon, though, she leaned the other way, and before Kale could stop her, she slid right off the seat and landed on the floor of the carriage.
"AHM AWAKE! Just restin' mah eyes!"
Flinching in alarm at the sudden burst of noise, Kale watched uneasily as Applejack calmly returned to her seat. He could see Rarity's face out of the corner of his eye, and it didn't take a social genius to know the unicorn was not happy. They'd have to be careful about this. If he or Applejack said the wrong thing, then there was no doubt in his mind that it would set Rarity off.
"So... what were we talkin' about?"
Yep, that would do it.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you! You did not want me to get a picture of the two of you! Just admit it!"
And there it is, Kale thought to himself resignedly. However, sitting there and feeling sorry for himself and Applejack was going to get nopony anywhere, so, setting aside his fear for later, the pegasus spoke. "There's no need to accuse anypony of anything! She was asleep," he interjected. He looked a little too nervous to really be called 'assertive,' but for him, it might as well have been a violent outburst. Leaning back a bit, Kale continued in a more placating tone, "Don't worry, Rarity. I'm sure you'll have plenty of pictures to take in Manehattan."
|
|
|
Post by Applejack on Apr 22, 2012 16:15:52 GMT -5
Okay, AJ knew she had a bad poker face when she was telling even the smallest of lies... but she had hoped that Rarity would have been nice enough to spare her the embarrassment and simply let it go. Instead, she got mad at her... for what now? When did Rarity have her camera with her?
Then Rarity yelled... which only confused Applejack more. "Uhh... did what on purpose?" he looked to Kale, hoping for some kind of explanation... and got none, only that he looked very relieved for some reason, but also a little upset by Rarity's outburst.
Applejack had hoped that she wouldn't have to come clean, but it seems that once again, her usual policy of honesty was best. She opened her mouth to say something... and Kale suddenly took charge. Well, this was different. He was clearly nervous... but he was even more clearly sincere about it. Applejack was stunned... but in a good way. She opened her mouth to say something... then shut it... then opened it again... and shut it, finally mumbling "Uh... what he said..." still a bit in shock.
She was spared any additional commentary as once again, she found herself leaning with the train's movements. This time,(more stably than before) the motion was forward. A quick announcement through the train that they were arriving in Manehattan quickly explained things. "Well, looks like we're here!" the earth pony announced, hopping to her hooves, and hopefully interrupting any continued argument over... whatever she missed while she was sleeping.
|
|