(The following story is set during the second season, but not between any specific episodes)

Fall had arrived in Equestria, and harvest time at Sweet Apple Acres. The various types of the fruit which gave the name to the farm, and the family of ponies that lived there, were ripe and ready to be collected. It was too much of a job for four ponies to do alone, more so with one being very young and another being enfeebled with age.

Fortunately, they were able to get help from friends who were close enough to be thought of as family. With a total of ten ponies -- and one young dragon-- working, the apples would be harvested quickly. Not as quickly as when the extended apple family were all working together to help, but quicker than the small family alone could hope to accomplish.

One particular pony, a white unicorn with a purple mane and tail, sat beneath one of the trees with a mostly filled basket in front of her. A white glow emanated from the horn as she pulled the apples from the tree one at a time and set them down gently. It was taking her longer than most of the others, but it was still effective in its own way.

"Miss Rarity," a deep baritone said, "Ah can take that basket fer ya." The speaker, a large red stallion, moved closer with a small smile on his face.

"Thank you, Macintosh," Rarity responded. With the use of her horn, she lifted the filled basket of apples and set them on the earth pony's back. She could feel the weight of the bushel as she strained to lift it magically. Big Macintosh did not seem to even be bothered when she released the magic and let it all settle on his back. The muscles in his legs did not even seem to tense under the added weight. With it -- as well as his own basket -- in place, he continued walking toward the barn. Rarity watched him as he walked away.

Big Macintosh did not seem like a very popular pony in Ponyville. Everypony knew who he was as he was the biggest, strongest stallion in town, but he seemed to have very few friends. Perhaps some of it was due to others being intimidated by his side, or perhaps it was simply due to how busy he was working on the farm. But he was very kind, a gentle giant. Macintosh was also a very polite and well-mannered pony, in his own way. He may not know all the rules of proper social decorum, but he had the basics: he would say please, and thank you. He also seemed to know how to treat a lady as a lady, as opposed to that Prince Blueblood.

Bluebood

Just thinking of the name that so-called "prince" was enough to make her jaw clench. How could such a rude, uncouth, selfish boor be considered royalty? How could a pony so selfish and arrogant possibly be related to the sophisticated, kind, and gentle Princess (princesses she corrected herself, though she knew very little about Luna)?

Rarity stopped herself from getting further worked up. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and slowly let it out. No reason to get worked up over the events of The Grand Galloping Gala when it was in the past.

Still, the events of the night could never be completely forgotten. Since that night, Rarity had been finding herself reconsidering what she was looking for in a potential suitor. Perhaps she should consider prospects less based on social class and more on personal sophistication. Perhaps she should try someone more down to earth, and who was more down to earth than an earth pony?

The thought was interrupted by the a shout of "Cutie Mark Crusaders: Apple Pickers!" At least now Rarity knew where Sweetie Belle and her friends had gotten to.

As the harvesting finished and the day grew dark, the other ponies all started back toward the house for a meal. As they walked, Rarity moved to stand beside an orange pony with a blond mane and tail.

"Applejack?" Rarity asked, "May I speak with you a moment?" Turning at her name, Applejack slowed down as she looked at her friend.

"Why sure, sugar cube," she replied with a smile. Turning to the others she told them "Y'all go ahead. Rarity and I will be there in a minute." As the others continued, Applejack turned back to Rarity. "Now what can I do for you?"

Rarity felt her stomach flutter with nervousness. She took a moment to collect her nerve. Once she felt her more like her usual self, she asked:

"Do you know if your brother is in a relationship with anyone?"

If Applejack had still been walking, the question would have made her stop in her tracks. One eyebrow quirked up as she looked at her friend, letting the question sink in.

"Big Macintosh dating?" Applejack repeated as she thought. "Not that I know of. Why do you ask?"

"Would you mind if I dated him?"

"You want to date Big Mac?" Her eyes went wide in surprise. "I never thought him as the type of colt you would go for."

"Understandable," Rarity replied, "but after all that has happened, it has become obvious to me that the type of male that would normally pique my interest in not the type of stallion I should be with. It has become necessary to reconsider some of my values in regards to a relationship, and I believe Macintosh to be a promising prospect."

"Well if you want to date my big brother, I ain't going to stop you." She moved closer, putting a hoof on her friend's shoulder. "But be careful. I don't want to see either of you get hurt."

"Aww." Rarity smiled and moved to nuzzle her friend. "That's sweet of you. And I promise that no matter what happens with your brother, it won't change anything between us." Applejack smiled and let out a small chuckle. The pair turned back toward the house and went inside to join the others and enjoy supper.