RariJack - The Compilation of Prompts

by Titanium Dragon

First published 6th of August, 2013

A collection of short stories centered on Applejack and Rarity. Each story is based on a one-word prompt, and after the story is written, the writer leaves another one-word prompt for the next writer to use.

A collection of short stories centered on Applejack and Rarity, written by a number of writers . Each story is based on a one-word prompt, and after the story is written, the writer leaves another one-word prompt for the next writer to use.

You can find the thread for this forum game on the RariJack forums. It is a non-exclusive project; anyone and everyone is free to join in.

The author of each chapter is listed next to their contribution.

1. Rodeo - by Jondor.

Rodeo

As the hot sun beat down on the rodeo arena just south of the town of Appleloosa, ponies throughout the crowd kept sneaking glances at a particular unicorn, making his way through the stands. Hundreds of earth ponies, dozens of pegasi and a smattering of unicorns all gawked at the tall stallion dressed in a frock coat, bowtie and monocle and clearly from Manehattan or even Canterlot. Finally catching sight of a particular unicorn, who seemed just as flabbergasted as the rest of the crowd, he made his way over to the empty bench by her side.

“Good afternoon, Miss Rarity. I’d heard a rumor that I might find you here.” The stallion smiled as he took his seat.

“Fancy Pants! This is quite a surprise.” Rarity’s look of shock turned to wonder. “I didn’t expect to see you all the way out here. What brings you to Appleloosa?”

“The rodeo, among other things. I confess, I usually take in the shows in Canterlot, but some rumors are worth looking into.”
Fancy Pants bought two large mugs of fresh, iced apple juice from a passing vendor while he allowed his comments to sink in.

“I had no idea you followed rodeo.” Rarity knew what the rumor was, but a game of cat and mouse with Fancy Pants was too good to pass up.

“For the same reason I follow the Wonderbolts, my dear. Just as they are the showcase of pegasus talents, the rodeo is the showcase of earth pony talents.”

“Mmm, yes. I never truly appreciated that until recently, though all the dirt and hard wear of the rodeo does make a fashion designer’s job more of a challenge.” Rarity allowed herself a smirk.

“Yes, I imagine so. Though I also wonder about the marketing angle. It can’t be easy to sell the idea of fashion to utilitarians.” Fancy Pants responded with a raised eyebrow.

Rarity simply pointed a hoof toward the center of the area where Applejack trotted out in an outfit skirting the line between the high fashion of Canterlot and the rustic utilitarianism of Appleloosa. Red and green gems glistened around the brim of her hat and on the cuff of each boot. Crisp geometric patterns were woven down the length of her chaps. Tucked just behind her ear, she wore a white and violet lily. The whole outfit served to amplify Applejack’s inherent charm.

“My wife is a great help in that department.” Rarity stated simply.

Judging by the cheers of the crowd, Fancy Pants had to agree.

Next Prompt: Horn

2. Horn - by Carnelian_ponyarchitect

Horn

Sweetie Belle stood still as Zecora was examining her horn that was suffering from the effects the Poison Joke that she fell into after the last attempt for the Cutie Mark Crusaders to earn their cutie marks. As Zecora was going back and forth between her giant pot and Sweetie Belle's horn, Sweetie Belle was engaged in a conversation with the zebra.
"So where is Rarity, for I have not seen much of the Element of Generosity," asked the witch doctor.
"She should be on her way back from Appleloosa with my sister-in-law Applejack. I think they said that there was a rodeo there or something."
"I heard about that rodeo, I believe that Applejack was planning on making a cameo?" Before Sweetie Belle could reply, Rarity came through the door followed by her wife.
"Sweetie Belle... Did you land in Poison Joke during your 'Cutie Mark Crusader Wilderness Survivors'?" asked Rarity as she face-hoofed. Sweetie Belle blushed in embarrassment of the situation as her horn drooped down in it's blue polka dot state.
"Yes... I'm sorry, I wasn't paying enough attention," the young unicorn sighed. Rarity hugged her and was joined by Applejack.
"It's okay little sister, after all I had suffered once from the affects of the accursed plant as well as Applejack,"
"Eeyup, and ah rather not speak of that awful time if ya'll don't mind." stated Applejack grimly as she remember the grueling events that had once occurred.
Sweetie Belle giggled at the thought of the two being affected by Poison Joke. "Look on the bright side Applejack, at least you never mistaken a giant boulder for-" she was cut off by the most menacing glare from her older sister, and not a moment sooner had she realized her grave mistake about mentioning the events of the subject-never-to-be-discussed-ever-again...
"I thought that we wouldn't mention that..." she grumbled as both Zecora and Applejack were desperately to not to laugh as they both feared their lives, not to mention one of them still wished to both remain living in the same house and participate in certain activities with her spouse not suited for still young ears.
Soon after, Zecora finished the cure for Sweetie Belle's horn and applied it. After a good few minutes the horn reverted back to its original state.
"Thank you Zecora, I hope there's a way I can repay you for this!" cheered Sweetie Belle as she started to walk out of the front door with both Rarity and Applejack in tow.
"Do not worry child, it's worth all the while!" called back Zecora as she was replacing all of the ingredients and tools that she used during the evening. It came to Zecora's mind that maybe she should settle down with that special somepony like those two had done.

Next Prompt: Kids

3. Kids - by Nints

Kids.

“Have you ever thought of having kids?”

Rarity watched as Applejack paused, a bite of sandwich halfway to her mouth. The orange earth pony straightened up, looked to the ceiling, and mouthed the words as if not sure she had heard them correctly.

When it was clear her love would not respond any time soon, Rarity casually went on, “I’ve always wanted at least one. It would be nice, to have someone to help out at the boutique…”

This seemed to snap the earth pony out of her stupor. “Help out at the boutique? Heck no. If’n we ever have a youngun they’ll work at the farm.”

Rarity waved a hoof. “I’m sure we can split their time between working at both, darling.” She paused, and glanced at her wife slyly out of the corner of her eye. “So… how many would you like?”

“Heck, I dunno, Rares.” Applejack rubbed her neck, a bit uncomfortable.

“I think we should have three.”

“Golly. That’s a lotta birthin’. Are you sure?”

“Absolutely,” Rarity said with conviction. Then, more quietly she added, “I think it would be quite fitting, since we both have threes in our cutie marks.”

Applejack gazed fondly at her. “Well if ya want three kids, then I guess that’s how many we’ll have.”

The grin on Rarity’s face was worth the awkwardness of the conversation. Applejack straightened up proudly, and went back to eating.

“Oh, one more thing, darling.” Rarity chimed in almost nonchalantly. Applejack looked at her, her chewing slowing down a bit.

“If we have a colt, his name will be Jasper.”

The look in her wife’s eyes told AJ that there would be absolutely no arguing the matter.

“Whatever ya want, sugar.”

Next prompt: Monster

4. Monster - by Jake R

Monster.

The bedroom door burst open (thank Celestia we weren't doing anything).

Sweetie Belle shrieked my name to the top of her lungs. I swear, the pipes on that filly. I, of course, was in a complete state of shock and confusion, as I was woken from my third Fancy Pants dream (we're parasailing through the streets of Manehattan, and he offers me to become his business partner). I start stammering and shaking about, tossing my sleeping mask with reckless abandon.

Applejack, meanwhile, is simply stirred awake, as she yawns peacefully, merely whispering, "What's goin' on?"

Sweetie Belle hopped onto the foot of my bed. "Rarity, it was a monster this time! I'm not making stuff up, it was really a monster!" She whimpered, clearly in distress. "C-can I sleep with you tonight?"

I rolled my eyes. Honestly, a filly her age shouldn't have to come running to her sist—

"C'mere, Sweetie Belle." Applejack tapped the space on the bed between Moi and herself. Sweetie crawled in between herself and settled in. Applejack draped a foreleg over her and brought me into this, well, for lack of a better word, cocoon.

"Feelin' better?" She asked with that beautiful smile of hers. Sweetie Belle sniffled and nodded. Some time passed before she was able to drift off into sleep.

I looked to AJ who was still awake. "You took care of that with no difficulty. How?"

AJ shrugged. She whispered, "Ya know what it's like to have a sister. It just comes naturally, I reckon."

I shook my head. "That took talent; talent I don't have." I leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Talent a certain cowpony needs to teach me."

Applejack grinned (that gorgeously kissable grin). "How do ya reckon I teach ya?"

"Spending more nights at the Boutique, of course."

"I reckon I can meetcha on that end." Applejack leaned over and tenderly kissed me.

And they say the two of us are bad at sleepovers.

Next prompt: Bust-It

5. Bust-It - by BronyLance57

Bust-It

“Oh bust it!” A voice shouted. Upon hearing a pony in distress, Rarity galloped over to see if she could help. The sound came from Sweet Apple Acres if her ears served her properly.

“What’s wrong darli-Applejack?” Rarity said. Looking back it did make sense, seeing as the sound came from Sweet Apple Acres.

“Hey Rarity. I can’t seem to fix this busted water shute. Ah was just about to give up, but seeing as you’re here could you give me a hand?” Applejack asked.

“Well of course darling, just one question.” Rarity replied.

“Shoot.” Applejack said.

“What does the term Bust-It mean?” Rarity asked.

“What do you mean?” Applejack asked.

“I’ve never heard it before, and was simply wondering what it meant.” Rarity replied.

“Well the way I use it it basically means screw it, I’m done with this bullshit.” Applejack said. “I just don’t wanna be swearing now that Applebloom’s old enough to understand it.”

“I see.” Rarity said, snickering.

“What’s with the snickering Rarity?” Applejack asked.

“I just find bust-it to be a humorous choice of words.” Rarity said.

“Well what’s wrong with it?!” Applejack asked.

“Why nothing darling, I just think that there are other ways to avoid swearing than to come up with rather humorous expressions.” Rarity replied.

“Ah think there’s something else goin’ on! Maybe you just don’t like the way I talk cause it’s not all fancy and proper!” Applejack shouted.

“Well if you’re going to shout there’s no need for false accusations!” Rarity shouted.

Applebloom was walking peacefully through the west orchard when all of a sudden, she heard shouting.

“What in tarnation is going on” She asked herself. She walked over to where she heard the shouting. The barn? She thought. She hid in the bushes to get a better view. It seemed that Applejack was arguing with Rarity. Again. Applebloom thought. She was too far away to hear most of it, but she could tell it was another heated argument. As the shouting got louder, Applebloom could see a hint of discomfort in her sister’s face. She tried to get closer to hear what they were saying, but the shouting stopped. Applebloom moved even closer, and was finally able to hear what they were saying.

“What’s wrong darling, you look uncomfortable.” Rarity said.

“It’s nothin, don’t worry about it.” Applejack replied, blushing.

“No it’s clearly something Applejack, you’re a terrible liar.” Rarity said.

“It’s just I... I mean it’s... Ah bust it.” Applejack said.

“Bust wha-” Rarity’s sentence got cut off when Applejack pulled her in for a kiss.

Oh mah gosh. Applebloom thought. “Ah gotta tell the crusaders!” She shouted, running off to ponyville, leaving two very stunned ponies staring shocked in Applebloom’s direction.

“What just happened? Rarity said.

“Heck if I know” Applejack replied.

“Do you think she’s really going to tell the crusaders?” Rarity asked.

“Bust it.” Applejack replied, pulling Rarity in for another kiss.

Next Prompt: Sugarcube

6. Sugarcube - by Jokie155

Sugarcube.

Rarity’s kitchen. At the table, Rarity, and one pony by the name of Applejack. The former holds a white mug in one hoof, filled two thirds of the way with a mixture known as ‘coffee’. The latter stares at a similar mug, not filled with coffee.

“I dunno. I’ve always avoided caffeine on account of gettin’ dizzy when apple bucking.” Rarity looks at Applejack. She is not impressed.

“I think you’ll find that this tea is quite relaxing.”

“Well, if you say so.” Blue magic takes a nearby teapot. The empty mug is filled with tea. Applejack peers down at the now filled mug. Rarity continues to look unimpressed.

“The purpose of ‘hot drinks’ are to drink them while they are hot.”

“Are you sure? Isn’t that gonna scald my insides if I just down it?”

“Applejack. You do not ‘down’ tea, you sip it gracefully.” Applejack continues to stare at the mug. She is confused.

“Fine, can I at least add sugar?” Rarity bats her hoof.

Applejack picks up a sugarcube. She drops it in the mug of tea. “One sugarcube.” She chuckles to herself. “Heh, sugarcube.”

She picks up another. “Two sugarcube.” And another. “Three sugarcube...”

“Applejack! Are you two or something? Must you count out every single sugarcube darling?” Applejack chuckles again.

“Sugarcube and darlin’. Pretty cute couple, ain’t we.” Rarity places her mug on the table in haste. She is embarrassed.

“Applejack, since when have we been a ‘couple’?”

“Since when I said so. And do you mind using those fancy air-quotes around every single word you don’t like of mine?”

Rarity resumes drinking her coffee. She mutters under her breath.

“I don’t recall agreeing to anything involving a relationship. And doesn’t having a marefriend require that both parties consent?”

Applejack reaches her hoof across. It takes hold of Rarity’s. “There’s nothing about being a marefriend that requires a lifetime commitment.”

Rarity removes her hoof from the hold. “Applejack. I outright refuse to enter into any sort of romantic relationship with you on a whim. For that matter, I may just refuse to enter a relationship with you at all!”

Applejack takes a sugarcube. She places it on Rarity’s nose. “We’ll see how long you can dodge the love train. Fact of the matter is, I got you blushing from that lil’ proposal already.”

Rarity examines her face. It is a bright pink. “For goodness sake, it’s just a little flushing from the coffee! Don’t try and pull anything from that.”

There is a shuffle. Applejack slides her mug to the side. She leans in, and holds Rarity’s face close.

“Sugarcube, don’t lie to me. I know there’s some smug part of you that just wants me.” Applejack extends her tongue. It catches the sugarcube, returning it to her mouth. “Or you can just sit there and be a wet towel while I do mah best at flirting. Your choice.”

Next prompt: Rope

7. Rope - by Drizzle Quill

Rope.

“Applejack, darling, I don’t understand why you need me to do this…”

“Just go with it, Rare. It’ll be over in a second, Ah promise you that…”

The elegant white unicorn fidgeted in place, every few seconds lifting up one of her hooves to avoid the mud she happened to be standing in. Blue eyes nervously watched as Applejack, who was roughly thirty feet away, gripped one end of a taut brown rope in her mouth and began to swing it around in the air; slowly it became a quickly whirling lasso.

Rarity realized what was going to happen a second too late – she shrieked as the rope landed around her neck, flicking a few violet curls out of place and tangling them in with the brown material. Applejack stopped, saw that she had hit her target, and let out a wild whoop of joy. “Perfect!”

“Perfect,” Rarity replied in a downcast grumble, shaking the rope off of her head and activating her magic to put her mane back into place.

But it was hard to stay angry for too long at Applejack, whose green eyes shone with radiance like twin emerald suns. “Did ya see that, Rare? Ya think that’ll be good enough for the rodeo next week?”

Despite her anger at being used for rodeo practice, Rarity smiled and nodded. “I think it shall be positively wonderful. Your aim is spot on.”

“Phew! Ah was worried there for a second, ya know,” the earth pony replied, wiping some moisture off of her brow in one quick sweep. “Thank goodness!”

A light blue aura enveloped the rope, laying it across Applejack’s back, causing her to tip her head in Rarity’s direction. The unicorn bit her lip, a question suddenly bubbling to the top of her head. “Um…Applejack, darling?”

AJ turned, an inquisitive look on her face.

“Why did you want me to come here for your rodeo practice? Why didn’t you just use some cow, or maybe somepony that doesn’t mind mud?” As if to prove a point, Rarity lifted her front hoof up high and shuddered as she watched said mud drip off slowly.

Applejack laughed; it was a nervous kind of laugh that told you that something deep was going on, and it intrigued Rarity. “Well…” She looked away, heat rising to her cheeks.

“Yes?” Rarity asked, tipping her head ever so slightly to the side.

“Well, Ah wanted to spend more time by you, Rare.”

“By me?” Now the heat was flooding to the unicorn’s cheeks, and as she had white fur, there was no way to hide it. “Why, Applejack, whatever do you mea—?”

Before she could finish, a quick twist of the rope and it was snared around Rarity’s neck, pulling her closer, closer, until her muzzle was less than an inch away from Applejack’s. She knew what was going to happen next, and yet she did nothing to stop it.

No, when Applejack kissed her, the only thing Rarity did was kiss her back.

Next prompt: Candy

8. Candy - by Titanium Dragon

Candy

"Well, that's done with," Rarity said as she swung the door shut after the departure of the baby dragon.

"I thought he'd never leave," Applejack said with a smile as she stepped over next to her marefriend, the orange pony rubbing her snout against Rarity's as the unicorn smiled and leaned back into the earth pony's warm side. "But you really should stop leadin' him on like that Rarity."

"I know. I just am worried it will break his little heart when he finds out we're together."

Applejack frowned slightly, shifting away. "We've been together for a month now. I'm sure he's going to find out eventually, and it'd be best if it was from us, not from somepony else."

"I know," Rarity sighed as she shook her head, feeling Applejack's warmth retreating as the orange pony stepped away from her. "I must admit I am rather flattered by the attention though. I never would have thought I looked as good to dragons as I do to ponies."

Applejack smirked. "Oh, I've got a pretty good idea of it. I bet its the same thing that made Lyra go after Bon Bon."

"Same thing? Whatever do you mean?"

"Oh, nothin," the earth pony replied as she leaned in close to the unicorn's ear. "Candybutt."

"I beg your pardon?"

Applejack laughed. "Well its like this. Bonbon has candy on her flank, and to a dragon, those diamonds you're sporting must look like the sweetest thing in all Equestria."

"Those diamonds represent my love of beauty and craftsmanship, not food!"

"I dunno Rarity, I reckon as far as Spike's concerned, the gems you find are the tastiest there are. I bet he's just itchin to get a taste of the sweetest gems of all. Might be I want a taste too."

Rarity swished her tail, her cheeks flushing. "Oh you're incorrigible!"

Applejack nuzzled back up against her marefriend's side, her chin rubbing against the back of Rarity's neck. "I dunno. I don't think its such a bad thing that I want to try gettin to know my marefriend a bit better. Might be that I'd like it if she wanted to do the same to me." She shifted foward, lifting her head to give the unicorn a kiss on the ear. "Besides, I know you've always wondered what mine tastes like."

The unicorn squeaked at that, her face red, but despite the heat in her voice, her body language betrayed her as she leaned back into the strong earth pony, her tail swishing behind her, brushing up against Applejack's own flank. "A lady would never be so uncouth."

"Oh, I dunno. I'd think that a proper lady would want her ladyfriend to be happy. I promise my mouth won't go anywhere you don't want it to."

"That's what I'm afraid of," Rarity replied, ducking her head slightly as Applejack laughed.

"Well that's a mighty fine invitation if I've ever heard one." The earth pony stepped alongside Rarity, rubbing herself up against her marefriend's shoulder as she walked around in front of her, letting her back rub against Rarity's neck as she brushed on by the unicorn, turning around to nuzzle slowly along her side, first her shoulder, then letting her chin slide along her flank until she was nuzzling at Rarity's cutie mark, her tail flicking up against Rarity's snout as she gave each of the brilliant blue diamonds on her marefriend's side a gentle kiss, making the mare tremble against her.

Applejack could feel Rarity's own face moving, the white mare's chin slowly rubbing over her partner's croup, the farmer arching her back slightly as she felt the warm breath slowly moving down to her side, smiling slightly as she felt the white mare's lips press against her own cutie mark. Applejack smiled to herself as she continued to nose at Rarity's side, before squeaking as she felt Rarity's warm tongue sliding out over one of the apples adorning her flank, a laugh following a moment later.

"Well that's mighty forward of you," the cowpony said, taking the gesture as an invitation to start nibbling at Rarity's cutie mark, eliciting more shaking out of the mare beside her. Rarity's tight voice came back to her.

"Applejack," she said, "I must confess something."

"Oh? And what might that be?"

"Your cutie mark... it doesn't taste like apples."

Next prompt: Sisters

9. Sisters - by Merc the Jerk

Sisters

“Aw, come on!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, throwing her arms to the side. “Why can't I get a turn?!”

“'Cause I jus' got the wagon from Scootaloo!” Applebloom loudly retorted, a breeze blowing across the field and rustling the bow in her hair. “I ain't even had a turn yet!”

“You'll have it all day! I'm only here until sundown!”

“An' a lotta good a wagon'll be when it's dark out!” She put her hands in her overall pockets and gave a roll of her eyes.

“Besides, you're bigger—it'll be easier to pull me!”

Sweetie Belle recoiled with a gasp, then stamped her foot in the grass, pointing a hard finger at the girl. “Are you suggesting I'm fat!?”

“I ain't even said that, sheesh!” Bloom said. Her expression turned devious as she rested a hand on the wagon's handle and glanced past the wooden fence, towards the house. “But if you're the one sayin' it, who am I ta argue?”

“Why you... you...” Sweetie's face contorted in thought. “Clamhead!”

Applebloom scowled, stamping a foot. “Porkface!”

“Dummy!”

“Tubby!”

“Malcontent!”

Applebloom paused. “A what?”

“A jerk!” Sweetie exclaimed.

“Girls!” a haughty, cultured woman's voice proclaimed. Rarity briskly marched from the backdoor of the house, Applejack a pace behind her. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle each shared a glance befitting a man heading towards execution.

“We could hear y'all all the way from the cotton-pickin' laundry room!” AJ said, glowering as she approached the fence. She glanced at both of the girls. “What in the name-a pete's gotten into the both of ya?”

They quickly gestured to one another and spoke at once.

“She won't let me—“

“I jus' got my—“

“Got called fat—“

“What the hay's malcontent mean—“

“That's enough!” Rarity barked, crossing her hands over her chest and tapping at her elbow with one of her well-manicured violet nails. “I have not a care in the slightest who started the bickering, simply stop. Now.”

They solemnly nodded. After a beat, Applejack rolled her eyes and tilted her worn stetson back. “How 'bout y'all grab a snack inside? Got some apple juice an' crackers with yer names on it.” She glanced at the wagon. “After that, maybe me an Rare'll tug ya 'round some.”

They broke into a wide grin, blowing past the two woman and sprinting to the house. Rarity gave a good-natured sigh.
“I have no idea how you can placate them so quickly, darling.”

AJ smirked, moving a bit closer and putting a hand on Rarity's shoulder. “Practice makes perfect, sug. Ya jus' keep drillin' it inta them that ya mean business, an' eventually it sticks with 'em.”

Rarity smiled, the sun all but radiating the beauty's violet hair and dazzling smile. “I suppose that stubborn nature of yours comes in handy on occasion,” she conceded, entwining her hand with Applejacks and giving a small, preditory half-smile. “However, it's not without its faults.”

Applejack paused, narrowing her brow. “Oh boy. This should be good.” She held back from going for the throat. “What kinda faults?”

“Why,” Rarity began, glancing towards the children running toward the steps of the house. “Think about where Applebloom got her stubborn streak. She just doesn't admit to being wrong, even when she's insulting—“

“Now hold on a dang minute!” AJ replied, taking a step back from the woman. “It's yer lil' 'me first' attitude that's rubbin' off on Sweetie Belle that's the problem! She ain't even given 'Bloom a turn at the wheel!”

“Oh, I suppose your sister calling mine 'fat' was the way to go there?” she questioned, her eyes holding heat.

“Yer the one with the sister that called mine 'malcontent!' The hay that even mean?!”

“A person who's dissatisfied or rebellious—a troublemaker.”

The farmer paused, the building tension all but vapor in the air as Applejack laughed. “Eyup. Sounds 'bout like me an' Bloom. We're like peas in a pod!”

Rarity's brow twitched. She wasn't sure if Applejack's nature made her want to kiss or slap the woman sometimes. Finally, she decided on grabbing the other by the waist.

“Come on, dear,” the tailor said. “I'm sure the girls are waiting for you to pull their wagon around.”

AJ complied, walking in-step with the other towards the house before frowning. “Wait. Are ya sayin' ya ain't gonna help me?”

“Well, there's all that dirt and I just got my nails done, dear...” Rarity trailed off, playing with the necklace she wore. “Besides. I know you'd enjoy it far more than me—I'm not built for such physical excursion, after alEdit: Forgot my prompt word, oh shi--
n—“

“Another day in paradise,” Applejack grumbled to herself.

Next prompt: Mirrors