The cold nighttime wind blew over the railway as Jack stared somberly at the train, frowning deeply as its single, lonely whistle shot across the nearly empty station. She brushed her long blonde hair from her eyes, stealing a glance at the only other person standing nearby.

“Guess it's time fer ya ta head out, ain't it?” Jack asked.

Rarity nodded with a disappointed sigh. “Yes, I suppose it is.”

It had been six months since Jack got released from the hospital, and life had moved blindingly quick. The world was moving on, faster than either of them knew. What Dmitri had fought so hard against—combustion-powered trains—became the norm across all of Cabello. What was once a day's journey became mere hours. That still didn't stop Jack's unhappy thoughts about Rarity leaving.

“So, when's yer next vacation?”

“Three weeks from now. We'll have a whole week to ourselves, dear,” Rarity replied, turning to clasp Jack's hand. “Plus you know I'll return this weekend.” She smiled. “I know if left to your own devices, you'd cause nothing but trouble.”

Jack gave a lopsided grin. Rarity always knew what to say. Every day with the woman was something special.

The marriage had been four months ago, another testament on how fast the world was moving on. All her friends had shown up, along with most of her extended family. She still had to laugh at how hard Mac and Will had cried when she said her vows.

Not that it was all sunshine and rainbows between her and Rarity. Like any couple, there were arguments, fights. But both of them were stubborn enough that the rough patches didn't last for long. They didn't go to sleep angry at one-another, that was their biggest rule. It had lead to some... interesting three AM conversations, but even then, Jack could look back on them and laugh.

“Who's watchin' the shop while yer away?” Jack asked, using her thumb on her free hand to roll her wedding ring's diamond around to inside her palm. She took to rubbing the violet gem absentmindedly, a habit she knew she needed to break, but still came to her when she wasn't thinking about it.

“You mean in St. Charles?”

“Of course not,” she replied. “I know Spike's takin' care-a that. I mean the one here.”

Rarity had opened a new shop here in Mansfield. At first it hadn't generated nearly the same amount of clients as her old place of business, but eventually, word spread that Rarity Apple-Belle had returned to the fashion world and, well...

Mansfield was already expanding thanks to the people flocking from every corner of Cabello to visit the fashion savant, which in turn had expanded Jack's own production. Her family's farm was making profits unprecedented for the place. If it wasn't for Zecora and a few hired hands they got from town, there would be no way Jack and Mac could handle the place by their lonesome.

“Oh. I hired an assistant to mind the shop while I attend classes. A Ms. Pommel.”

Jack tilted her stetson back. “Can't say I know her.”

“She's from Manhattan. She traveled all the way here to ask, no, beg me to take her on as an apprentice.” Rarity chuckled. “I have to say, it gave me quite the big head.”

“I didn't think you needed any help in that regard,” Jack answered, smiling. Rarity scrunched her face up in irritation, looking up at Jack.

“That's not the way to treat a lady, Mrs. Apple.”

“Ya ain't a lady.” Jack leaned forward, wrapping her arms around the soul-folk. “Yer my wife.”

Rarity allowed a moment to simply rest against the woman, feeling Jack's heartbeat against her ear. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder, dear. That's what I tell myself every time I'm away to a fashion show that you can't attend, or when you're away from the farm with Will...”

That was another big change for Jack. She still held on to the belief that she had lived through that nightmare at the mansion for more than just herself. There were people out there, communities that needed help from all forms of beasts, monsters and men that the police just couldn't contain.

She was more than happy to oblige whenever Will called for her. Jack the Ripper, Iron Will, Isabelle the Wall and Deadeye Gilda. Dash and her had something in common in the fact they both despised the monikers other people had given them, but despite their complaints, the names were effective. Very few people would risk continuing to pillage a village when they heard that the group was on the way, and the monsters...

Well, Jack knew how to go about fighting monsters nowadays. Nearly dying to one tended to teach you a thing or two.

“I know, sug,” Jack said quietly, not letting go of the woman. “An' I tell myself the same thing when yer at school. Jus' gotta make up fer lost time when we do have free time, ya know?”

Thanks to the injuries and extended hospital visit, Jack had quietly dropped out. They were more than willing to work with her, let her catch up, but, like she told Mac, she had learned all that she needed to from there. Going back was pointless when she had so much else to do.

“When I get back home, I hope you're ready to do just that, darling.”

“Always am fer ya, Rare. Always will be.” She finally broke the embrace and tilted her head down, kissing the tailor on the lips. “Love ya, honey.”

Rarity reached up, putting a hand over the scar on Jack's cheek. “I love you too, Jack.”

With that, she grabbed her bags and stepped onboard the train, giving Jack one more wave goodbye. Jack returned it and watched as the train took off across the night sky. She stood on the platform until it was well out of sight then turned to leave, looking forward to the next day of the rest of her life.

Author's Notes:

Holy shit, finally done with this. Only took me nearly two years. I write like molasses, apparently.

I want to give a BIG thanks to everyone who liked this, commented on this, favorited it, you guys really motivated me to finish the thing, seriously. I've been blown away by the positive reception on the story; considering my main goal with it was to show that not all humanized fics have to be about sex or self-inserts, and can tell a decent story on their own, I call this a huge success in my eye.

So, uh, yeah. I'd appreciate a comment telling me how I did, if it's alright. If not, it's cool too, I just appreciate you being here on the ride for so long with me. Thanks, and like Jack said, "'Til next time."