#gajin

[vertigoartgore]

Wolverine on the road by Olivier Coipel.

[sylphiesweet]

: ̗̀➛ Rarijack Fanfic - Ch1 ౨ৎ

- ͙۪۪̥˚┊❛ w/c: 6.5k ❜┊˚ ͙۪۪̥◌

a/n: hello !! this is my first real post on here. i don't typically use tumblr, and i don't typically write fanfiction ! but i love to write, and i figured i would rather write stuff that others will want to read than write stuff that will collect dust in my folders. constructive feedback is much appreciated :)

Summary: A humanized MLP:FiM alternate universe set in the 90s where Rarity- a now famous fashion designer living in Canterlot- visits Ponyville for a reunion with her friends. Centers on the Rarity x Applejack ship. Lots of fluff, only involves the mane 6, very wholesome.

enjoy ♡

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Under the warm lamp light of the Canterlot Carousel’s tailor shop fervorously work the delicate and nimble fingers of Equestria’s greatest designer. It is well past close, the streets just beyond the doors of the boutique are desolate, yet Rarity is intent on completing her remaining custom orders. Through her rubied cat eye frames this artist fixates on the precise stitching of her sewing machine. The fabric of the garment being constructed is ethereal, it possesses an otherworldly luster that practically lights up what is an otherwise pitch-black room. Nights like these, where this lady of refined elegance works her magic for hours on end, are what have gotten her so far in such a cutthroat industry. They are also, however, what tends to be the blockage between her and a healthy social life.

Under the obnoxiously loud whirring of Rarity’s sewing machine approaches the faint sound of heels clicking against the boutique’s shiny marble floors. She doesn’t hear the voice calling her name, too stuck in her trance-like state of work. It takes the sewing machine being turned off mid-seam for her to finally look up. “What do you think you are doing, Sassy?! I am in a time crunch here!”

In front of the dramatic damsel stood Rarity’s store manager, Sassy Saddles, with the unplugged cord to the sewing machine in hand. She had a partially amused, mostly concerned expression. “I was closing up the boutique when I heard you back here. You’ve been sewing for a while, Rarity. I haven’t seen you step away from your desk all day.”

She gave her manager an unamused expression. “Time crunch, darling. Pay attention. Now plug the machine back in, will you?” Rarity instinctively bent back into position, expecting Sassy to obey and the machine to resume.

Sassy sighed. She knew there was no use in arguing, not with Rarity of all women. “Before you continue, I came to give you this.” From her skirt pocket, she pulls a wax-sealed envelope addressed to Rarity.

This got her attention. “Oh? Give it here.” She held her hand out and received the letter. Searching for something on her desk to open it with, she glanced up briefly to her manager. “Who’s it from?”

“I believe your old friends from Ponyville. It has the Princess’s logo on the seal- see?” A well-manicured finger reached over the sewing machine and tapped on the crimson wax holding the envelope together. It did indeed have the insignia of their nation’s beloved princess pressed into it.

Rarity took her embroidery shears and sliced the parcel open. The letter inside contained the iconic calligraphy of a royal friend from a lifetime ago, she would recognize it anywhere. If the wax seal and the regal writing didn’t already give away the author of such a letter, it was the words themselves. Nobody else in all of Equestria wrote with such intellectual grace. The same level of attention to detail in each sentence could be achieved by no one other than the Princess of Friendship herself; Twilight Sparkle. Seeing the penmanship of a friend from her girlhood brought a smile to Rarity’s face. It sometimes still felt like it was only yesterday that they were having sleepovers together in her quaint library, giving each other facials and sharing the local gossip. That was back when she was still a small-town girl, running her first and only boutique with a head full of dreams and a heart full of passion. The more she reminisced, the older she began to feel. The gray hairs on her head were probably multiplying with each memory. She should just read the letter already.

As her boss read, Sassy discreetly began to wrap up the sewing machine’s cord and hook it onto the side of the desk. She loved when the boutique had plenty of business, but she also knew from past experience that an overworked Rarity could lead to catastrophic things. A sigh of disappointment from the tired designer came once she finished reading. Sassy looked up, quickly folding her hands in front of her to hide her crime. “What’s wrong?” she asked hesitantly.

”Nothing is wrong… Twilight is hosting a reunion.” Rarity set the letter aside.

Sassy smiled, yet still held that look of worry in her brows. “Well, that’s wonderful!… Is it not?”

”It’s all the way back in Ponyville. That’s a trip I simply do not have the time to take, I will have to decline the invitation.” She began searching around her desk for a pen and paper to write with.

”Now hold on, Rarity!” Sassy stepped around the desk to face Rarity, mostly so they could stop talking over the sewing machine. “You have been working yourself to the tips of your cuticles. There is not another lady in Canterlot more deserving of a break than you. Speaking as both your manager and your friend, you would be mad not to accept this invite.”

Rarity paused her searching. Sassy wasn’t a stranger to dramatic speeches, nor was she, yet it was surprising to hear her actively protest like this. “How deserving I am of a break doesn’t matter when we have New York Fashion Week rapidly approaching. My schedule is absolutely full! I have to go back up to Manehattan on Monday to fit the models for the line, and then down to Fillydelphia on Wednesday for a meeting with the design team coming from Milan, and next Saturday I am flying out to Las Pegasus for the opening of the Carousel Boutique on the strip.” She had begun to spiral into one of her fast-paced, extra-dramatic rants. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Rarity looked up at Sassy and took her glasses off. “Tell me, where am I meant to fit a trip to Ponyville in all of that?” The name of her hometown was spat out with a coat of contemptment, like it wasn’t good enough to be considered on her roster of Equestria’s top fashion cities.

Sassy sighed quietly, she never knew how to calm Rarity down. “I’m not sure, but you are great at making things work. When is the party?”

Rarity put her glasses back on and pulled the letter over again. “…This weekend it seems.” Well that invalidated most of her argument, and Sassy was quick to pick up on it.

”Perfect, you could leave for Manehattan straight from Ponyville. If you think about it, a relaxing trip home before your busy week would be a fantastic reset. We both know that you can’t avoid burnout.”

Holding the paper, Rarity chewed the corner of her lip as she stared at the date written down. She took a moment to think. “I’d have to book my train tickets first thing tomorrow…” It seemed she was genuinely considering this trip.

“I would be happy to do that for you,” she replied with a smile.

Rarity’s brow furrowed in deep contemplation. “I… will think about it. Thank you, Sassy. You can go home now.”

Satisfied with that answer, Sassy nodded and turned to head out. “Good night, Rarity. I will see you tomorrow.” Her heel clicks followed her out the door, with the ring of the storefront bell signaling her exit.

It was a few more minutes of silent thinking before Rarity sighed and set the letter down once more. The decision seemed obvious, Sassy was right in saying she needed a break, yet something in the back of her mind still worried about falling behind. The days before New York Fashion Week were always ruthless, yet if one managed to stay on top of it all it could boost their reputation tremendously. If they fell behind, the consequences could be dire. Rarity had worked too hard to build a name for herself just to let big opportunities slip away.

This was a choice that could be made tomorrow, she had orders to fulfill now. Getting back into sewing position, she tried to start the machine. When it didn’t start, Rarity finally noticed that Sassy had wrapped up the cord. “What- Oh, for Celestia’s sake!” She groaned and leaned back in her chair, defeatedly. Her persistent assistant had won. It was too late to continue, anyways.

Rarity took off her glasses, leaning back even further to stretch out her stiff spine. The silence of her studio consumed her. She stopped bringing Opalescence to work with her recently, the boutique gets overwhelmingly busy and she’s an old kitty now, little lady needs her rest. Ever since then, nights like these bring a strange sense of loneliness to Rarity. When she’s not working, work is all she has to think about. She is living her dream, so where is the fulfillment that was meant to come with it? Ever since permanently moving out of Ponyville, this lonely feeling has haunted her relentlessly… Perhaps this reunion will do her good.

She gets up and turns the lamp off, leaving everything as it is to be resumed in the morning.

—

Celestia’s Sun had yet to begin its rise over Sweet Apple Acres on the day of the reunion, yet Ponyville’s hard-working orchardist was already starting her day. As was usual, the farm was quiet in the morning. Only the songs of the earliest birds could be heard. By noon, the crickets and cicadas would join them. It didn’t get much louder than that around here, not since Apple Bloom went off to college. Big McIntosh and Sugar Belle had their second kid not so long before that, and they decided it was too much work to raise their family while living on the farm. Now, it’s just Applejack and Winona left.

While it was still the quietest it would be all day, AJ ran herself a refreshing shower. “Freezing” might be the more accurate word, or at least the word most would use, but there was nothing like a shot of ice-cold water at 4 AM to wake a gal up. Purified and straight from the same rivers that ran through the orchards, the water trickled down her long, golden locks. She let out a sigh, closing her eyes and running her fingers through her hair. No one would be able to tell, not with the naked eye, but AJ had grown plenty of grays amidst all those blonde strands. The stress of managing the farm without Big Mac to help her had probably only doubled them by now, she wasn’t the same spry and young girl she used to be.

A hearty breakfast is typically in order after her rinse-off. Three eggs sunny side up, four bacon strips, two sausages, and a slice of toast. All accompanied by a shiny red apple, plucked straight from a tree in her backyard. One doesn’t acquire the muscles she has by simply working on a farm, a diet full of protein is a must. Although, coming from a long line of farmers on both sides of the family, AJ’s natural 6 '1 stature did attribute to her well-toned physique.

Today, she would be needing this protein-filled breakfast. Not that she didn’t need it every day. The reunion Twilight was throwing would be held at her barn- a good old-fashioned hoedown. Her friends were meant to arrive this evening, so she had the whole day to get her daily chores done and set up for the party. It would be a bit of a crunch to fit all that into one day, but it was worth it for her friends. The only real social interaction she got these days was on her weekly trips into town to sell her apples. It would be great to chill for a night and catch up with her gals.

Mid-apple crunch, an unexpected knock came from the porch door. Winona started barking relentlessly without hesitation. Well shit, she wasn’t presentable in the slightest. Her hair was still wet from the shower, sitting on top of the towel draped over her broad shoulders. Aside from her not-so-fashionable accessory, AJ was in just a tank and shorts. The door had to be answered regardless! She set the half-eaten fruit down and got up. If she could make a list of the least expected guests to be showing up on her doorstep before 5 AM on a weekend, this girl would be dead last. AJ had to do a double take when she opened her door. “Rarity?? Huh! Well, I’ll be!”

The plum-haired beauty smiled up to her old friend. “Applejack, darling! Good morning, dear. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” She was carrying Opal in her mini bejeweled feline carrier, no bigger than a fashionable purse.

”Only breakfast. Come on in, gal!” AJ pulls Rarity in for a warm hug before stepping aside.

Their embrace, which was probably the first real hug either of them have experienced in some time, lasts enough time for their bodies to melt into one another, as if in an attempt to make up for all the time spent apart. It also lasts long enough for their pets to start bickering, with Opal hissing down at Winona from her carrier.

Rarity laughs apologetically, scolding her cat on the way into AJ’s house. “Bad kitty! This is not how we behave. You’ve known Winona for years, quit it!”

AJ chuckles, quieting down Winona as well as she follows Rarity inside. “I must say, I’m surprised as all get out to see you up so early. Are you finally past the point of beauty sleep?” She said this with an obvious joking tone, always loving to tease her “girly” obsessions.

Joining her host for a seat at the dining table, Rarity playfully scoffed. “One doesn’t simply stop needing beauty sleep, darling. Honestly, I would rather be getting said sleep now… My assistant- Sassy Saddles, you remember her right? Well, she booked the earliest train from Canterlot. Too early, in my opinion! So, here I am.” She smiled and pulled Opalescence out of her carrier and began stroking her fluffy white fur in her lap.

AJ couldn’t help but smile as she listened to the most elegant woman she knew speak her mind. It had been too long since they had spoken, her ears wanted to soak up every word she said. There was just something in Rarity’s voice, her cadence and tone and choice of words, that could hypnotize a girl like Applejack in seconds. “Well boy howdy it sure is good to see you again, girl. But, uhh… Why’d you come to my place? The party ain’t for ten hours.”

Rarity sheepishly giggled. “Who else in all of Ponyville is going to be up at sunrise on a Saturday?”

She got her there. AJ laughed wholeheartedly. “Y’ain’t wrong about that! Can I get you some breakfast? The trains serve nothin’ good.” Getting up from the table, she opens the cupboards like she already has an idea in mind of what to make.

“Oh, I’m quite alright. Thank you, dear. I will take a tea or coffee if you have any.” Rarity looked around the kitchen. It was amazing, hardly anything had changed. The only notable difference was the new pictures here and there. Their most recent family photo caught her eye. “Heavens! Is little Apple Bloom really that grown up?” She set Opal down to get up and look at the frame on the wall.

AJ, already brewing a pot of coffee, smiled to herself at the mention of her little sister. “Crazy, right? Feels like yesterday she was still runnin’ around in my old treehouse with their little crusader club… How’s Sweetie Belle?”

It took Rarity a moment to respond, still in shock at how much the Apple family had changed. “Oh, she’s just fine. I believe she’s coming home for winter break. Perhaps we could stop by to catch up with you and Apple Bloom when the time comes.” The bell on Opal’s collar jingled as she rubbed herself against Rarity’s ankles, purring at her to be picked up. Still examining the pictures, she bent down and scooped her kitty up to be held.

Sunlight had finally made its way over the hills and in through the kitchen window, streaking amber rays across the walls. The light bounced off floating dust particles, it reflected on the glass over hanging pictures, danced across the kitchen’s cutlery and crockery. Most notably, it illuminated Applejack in an enchanting halo. She turned around with a smile as bright as this early morning sunrise, pouring Rarity’s cup of coffee as she spoke. “That’d be mighty swell! Here ya’ are, darlin’.” She set the mug down and slid it across the kitchen island with a smooth wink.

Something caught Rarity in a trance. She seemed to be frozen, holding Opal in her arms and staring at AJ. The way her hair, all dewy from what she could only assume was a shower, was highlighted by the sun rays. Her gorgeously toned muscles had a glowing golden aura, as did every lash, freckle, and mark on her face. Her friend had suddenly transformed from the town farmer to a goddess sculpted by the sun. How come she had never noticed the beauty in all her chiseled features before? Sure, AJ was always a strong and tall lady, but she’s aged like a fine apple cider. She couldn’t help but continue to stare… for an uncomfortably long time.

”Uh… Rarity? Somethin’ wrong?” Applejack chuckled nervously.

”H- Huh?? Oh! Pardon me, nothing is wrong, darling. Thank you for the drink.” She set Opal back down and stepped over to pick up the coffee. One could tell from just the scent that it was as fresh as it gets, the beans were most likely hand-ground by AJ herself today. Everything on Sweet Apple Acres had that realness to it, that pure authenticity that the Apple family stood by. It could be tasted from the first sip Rarity took, rich and dense in flavor. “Mmm, it’s lovely.”

Applejack smiled, feeling the self-consciousness of being stared at wash away. “Oh! Glad to hear it.” She lifted the towel from her shoulders and wrung out her hair one last time before tossing it over the side of the sink. “So, what’ve you been up to lately? I heard the Canterlot Carousel’s doin’ swell.” In a small town like Ponyville, news of any resident’s success travels quick, doesn’t matter if they still live there or not. She walks back over to the dining table to sit with Rarity and chat.

Sipping her coffee and sitting down as well, she lets out an exasperated sigh. “Ohhh busy busy busy… I have just been eternally busy with my boutiques.”

”Wait- Boutiques plural? I thought your business in Canterlot was the only one you’ve got! Not since the Carousel Boutique closed…” Rarity’s first store location had closed not too long ago. Now it just serves as her home when she comes to visit.

She nodded, understanding the confusion. “I opened a second store in Manehattan when I closed that one. It has proven to be most successful, and I'm looking at real estate in Las Pegasus for a third store! My goal is to have one location in all of Equestria’s major fashion cities.”

Again, AJ couldn’t help her smile as Rarity spoke. “Well that’s fantastic! Congrats, Rare. Figures that a star-studded gal like you would make it so big, ain’t nobody in this town who had more passion and talent than yourself…”

While AJ had no intentions with such a compliment other than to speak the truth, it left Rarity pink in the cheeks. “Awh! Wh- why thank you, Applejack! How about you? The farm looks marvelous, I must say. Walking through the orchards on my way up here was absolutely scenic.”

She chuckled. “Scenic, huh? I appreciate it, but what you see ‘round here really is what you get these days. Those trees out front are the majority of what I have now. Had to cut a lotta acres since Big Mac moved out, it’s just too much work to handle all by my lonesome.” Applejack went quiet for a moment, looking out the window as the sun continued to rise. “Truth be told, I don’t want to lose the farm, but it just ain’t what it used to be. I ain’t what I used to be. I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout it an awful lot recently. That maybe I’d keep workin’ for a few more years, just enough to get Apple Bloom through college, and then sell it all once she’s settled…” Realizing she had gone on a little tangent, she scratched the back of her neck and laughed. “Pardon me, Rarity. That’s stuff that only Winona usually hears.”

The little border collie who was curled up under the table stuck her head up upon hearing her name. AJ bent down and petted her head as a painfully tense silence sifted between them. It took Rarity a bit to find her words. “…I’m… I’m terribly sorry, Applejack. That’s quite the burden to be carrying, especially for just one girl.” She reached out and placed her hand on top of AJ’s.

The difference in their skin was apparent not just visually, but even more so tactilely. One’s hand was tanned from the sun, calloused by years of hard work, muscular even down to the tips of the fingers. The other’s was soft, feminine, had a beautiful manicure, and only calloused where sewing needles prick. Yet, despite the polarity of their physical makeups, each one standing on the opposite ends of what society deems to be a woman, the intimate connection sparking between the colliding cells of their separate beings was undeniable.

Tender affection like this had been absent from Applejack’s life for longer than she could remember. The feeling of Rarity’s gentle skin on hers, the calming words of comfort she could give, they quickly made this a moment to savor. An urge somewhere inside herself began to crave more of this. She hadn’t even realized there was an absence of anything in her life, and a subtle taste of what she had been missing ignited a desire for more. Carefully, Applejack supinated her hand so that their palms were facing one another, and she held Rarity’s dainty fingers with her own. “Thank you, Rare. Sorry to toss all this on you, I know it’s kinda heavy.”

Rarity squeezed AJ’s hand back. “And yet you’ve been carrying it all by yourself… Both metaphorically and physically, my dear. I mean, good Celestia! You’ve really been running Sweet Apple Acres all alone? Not even a farmhand to help you?”

AJ chuckled and shook her head. “Nope, just Winona and I. But I could say the same about you! You’ve been runnin’ all these fancy stores across the country by yourself? No business partner or nothin’?”

”Oh don’t flatter me, a boutique is hardly comparable to a farm. And I have managers, assistants and such. As strong as you are, darling, you’re carrying the load of three… Have you discussed any of this with your brother?”

Talking wasn’t something she and her brother did much of recently. There wasn’t any animosity, they had a great relationship. Life had just gotten in the way. “Ah, he’s got his kids to deal with… We did have a long talk before they decided to move out, and he was worried about just this. In the end, we chalked it up to “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” And, uh…” AJ chuckled in a defeated manner. “I’ve gotten to that bridge. Now I just ain’t sure…”

Rarity also wasn’t sure. She hated seeing one of her closest friends in such a tough situation, but she was also in no position to give advice. What she could do was set her coffee down, let go of Applejack’s hand, and lean in for a hug. “I am not sure how much weight my words hold, but I am sure that whatever you decide to do will be the right choice, Applejack.”

Those words held more weight than she could carry, enough weight to knock some of the unbearable pressure off her shoulders. AJ returned the hug with a smile, squeezing Rarity gently in her arms. “Thank you…”

—

The barn at Sweet Apple Acres was lit up and lively that night. Atmospheric lighting emitted by the lanterns that hung from every pole post created a cozy environment, perfect for a long night of reconnecting with one another. Applejack and Rarity had spent the day cleaning the space up, shoveling hay out of the way and setting up tables. In between that, Rarity assisted with some of the farmwork that needed to be done. As per usual, all of the decorations credit goes to Pinkie Pie, who showed up around noon with a truckload of party supplies.

By sunset, everyone had arrived. The organizer of this party was the last to show up, as she got caught up with royal duties before she could leave. When she finally made her appearance, it was in an official royal motorcade. She embarrassedly had to command her guards to leave her there, not wanting tonight to be any different than the hangouts they all used to have in the past. If it were up to her, which it should be, she would have driven herself up here. Alas, official procedures say otherwise.

Still dressed in her formal blazer with her hair wound in a tight bun, Princess Twilight Sparkle joined her friends inside the barn. Only now, she wasn’t a princess. She was just Twilight. Almost instantly, she was wrapped in a hug of 10 arms and squeals from her 5 favorite girls.

“Thank you all for coming!! It’s so great to see you girls again.” There was a shared wave of ease that washed over the group as they were all together for the first time in years.

Attempts had been made at group reunions like this in the past, at least once a year. It was almost impossible for everyone to be free at the same time, someone always had to decline. That someone had typically been Rarity. Her surprise presence hadn’t gone unnoticed, and it was quick to be pointed out. They all moved to the lounge pit made of hay bales to chat.

“I was starting to think you hated us, Rare!” Rainbow Dash leaned over and elbowed Rarity playfully. “Your fancy Canterlot life too good for us?”

Rarity nervously laughed, pushing Rainbow off of her in an equally playful fashion. “Of course not! You know I love you girls.”

“Then how come you’ve missed our last, like, three hangouts!!” Pinkie Pie giggled from across the pit, sitting criss-crossed on her hay bale and sipping some cider.

She knew this was just friendly fire, but a part of her felt bad for being so absent. This invitation would’ve also been declined if it wasn’t for her assistant’s insistence. “The fashion industry is ruthless, darlings. Free time is nonexistent! Not if you want to survive...” Rarity was extra dramatic with this delivery, which got everyone laughing.

The ever-quiet Fluttershy took her own shot at Rarity. “Twilight is the ruler of Equestria and she can make time for us, that’s no excuse.” Everyone “oohed” at Rarity after that.

Twilight laughed this off, not wanting to draw attention to herself. “Hey now, it’s not her fault if she has a busy schedule! Besides, Canterlot is a far trip from Ponyville.”

Applejack chimes in, this time making a jab at Twilight. “Yeah, we can’t all travel in a limousine with a motorcade.” The whole group laughed, and it felt just like old times again.

The hours passed quickly, and the sky went from a peachy array of pinks and oranges to midnight hues of blue and black. The girls drank cider fresh from the orchards, snacked on pastries from the Sugarcube Corner, told stories from their lives over the past years, and laughed at jokes as old as their friendships. At some point in between all of the drinking and laughing, Applejack had snuck out of the barn. Rarity was the first to notice. She excused herself as well to go find where the party’s host had gone.

Just beyond the barn doors, under the spread of twinkling stars and Luna’s moon was a hard at work Applejack. The thud of her axe rang out through the silent field as it came down, splitting a log in two. She grabbed the fallen pieces and put them back together, taking another hard swing to split it into quarters.

Rarity cautiously stepped over to AJ, partially amused at this late-night wood cutting. “Needed some fresh air, did we?” She stopped far enough away that no stray wood chips would come flying at her.

Applejack turned and smiled at Rarity as she tossed another log onto her stump. “You think everyone would be up for a bonfire? It’s a beauty of a night out here, perfect weather for one.” She raises her axe once more and brings it down with a slight grunt, continuing to repeat the process from before. “I wish I had the idea for one earlier, woulda been convenient to do this before sundown.”

”That sounds like a lovely idea!.. Can I help you?” She asks this hesitantly, very aware of her lack of bonfire-making skills.

As the fresh quarters of wood topple over around the chopping block, AJ puts the head of her axe on the ground and leans on the handle. She wipes some sweat from her forehead with her arm as she turns to Rarity. “…You… You wanna help chop wood?…” Her words ended with a quiet chuckle. Who is this girl, and what has she done with the helpless damsel Rarity?

Taking offense to this, she crosses her arms and pouts. “Is that not what I just said?? I don’t understand what’s funny.” Actually, she does indeed see the humor in this. Normally she would pull up a chair and watch the hard work be done for her. Maybe it was all of the cleaning they did together earlier, the feeling of accomplishment a hard day’s work gave her that was incentivizing her to do more. Or maybe it was just the idea of being around Applejack.

Adjusting her leather Stetson hat to brush some blonde strands out of her face, AJ chuckled again before nodding to Rarity. She beckoned her over with two fingers. “Alright, gal. But I gotta teach you how to properly handle this thing first.” The axe handle was carved from an apple tree grown on the orchard, sanded and polished by AJ herself. She grabs a smaller, more easily choppable log and throws it on the stump.

“That’s fine! Looks easy enough. You just grab and swing, no?” She tries to take the axe from AJ, but it quickly gets pulled back.

”Whoa-ho-ho! Slow your roll there, sugar. You could pull a tendon or send this here axe flying buck wild without proper form, and I’m not tryna have any ladies hurtin’ on my farm tonight.” The axe gets placed up against the stump while Rarity gets her schooling in wood chopping. Placing her hands on her shoulders from behind, AJ guides her into position.

That same rosy pink blush from sunup today had found its way back to Rarity’s cheeks. AJ’s grip was firm yet gentle, and just one of her hands covered the entirety of her shoulder. The heat of her palms also felt nice on her skin in contrast with the crisp night air. More than anything, it was the way she effortlessly moved her to where she wanted. She couldn’t have tried to resist even if she wanted to, though she knows AJ would never actually use force on her in such a way. Regardless, the mere potential of being restrained by Applejack’s sheer strength… it made something deep within Rarity double over.

Maneuvering Rarity to the right distance from the stump, AJ then bends down behind her. She keeps one hand resting on Rarity’s waist while the other gently pushes on her thigh, manually shaping her stance. Although unusually flustered, Rarity lets herself be posed like one of her fashion mannequins. Her hand migrates from the top of her thigh to the back of her knee, using just enough pressure to force a bend. It’s taking Rarity more and more strength to stay standing, this is more touching than she expected wood splitting to warrant.

 Once AJ is satisfied with the stance, she gets up and grabs the axe, placing it in Rarity’s hands. It’s much heavier than she expected. ”Alright, now grip your left hand at the base of the helve like this… And then start with your right near the head…” As she explains, she places her hands on top of Rarity’s to guide them accordingly. AJ’s body is pressed right up against Rarity’s in doing this, with her head peering over her shoulder. A sewing needle couldn’t wriggle its way between them.

At last, this designer has been molded into the image of a lumberjack, with just an additional farmer hanging off her behind. AJ turns her head slightly towards Rarity’s and smiles. “You ready, gal?”

Still profusely blushing, Rarity nervously swallows and nods. She doesn’t feel ready at all, but she also doesn’t know how much more manhandling she can take.

Applejack, still guiding Rarity’s hands, steadily raises the axe above their heads. She then swiftly brings it down onto the little log. It splits with ease, tumbling off either side of the block. Rarity couldn’t help but smile. She got a rush of excitement at the power that chop had, even though it was almost entirely AJ’s doing.

They separated, and AJ finally let Rarity hold the axe by herself. She had the proudest grin on and gave her a pat on the back. “Well done!! Think you can handle one by yourself?” She grabbed another easy log.

Rarity nodded eagerly, readying her stance now that she knew what to do. She took a swing at the log and partially split it. AJ came over and helped unstick the head. “That swing wasn’t half bad! Give it one more go, you got it.” Her tone was encouraging in an almost motherly way. It was internally strengthening to receive praise and assurance from someone who knows what she’s talking about.

She took another swing, this time with a power-packed grunt. The log split on the second strike, sending the halves toppling to the dirt. She cheered, doing as much of a celebratory jump as she could while still gripping the axe.

AJ cheered with her, grabbing the log she split and assembling it again for a quarter split. “Hoo-Wee! That’s a clean chop, Rare! Didn’t think you packed such a punch.” That’s a lie, everyone knows Rarity is capable of going off the rails when she wants to. “Go at ‘er one more time, and we’ll have some good kindlin’ for the fire.”

”Oh no, thank you, darling, but I’ve had quite enough.” She gently sets the axe down on the stump and steps away, wiping her hands off. “I’ll give you motivational support from over here!”

Back to the same old same old. AJ chuckles and takes over, splitting the log again in one fluid motion. “Well, I appreciate the help. And I commend you for still tryin’ new things at our age. You’re always full of surprises, sugar.”

A few more split logs later and Applejack had gotten a roaring fire going. Everyone migrated outside, sitting down on whatever plank, bale, or barrel they could find. Faces were hot from the radiating heat of the fire, and backs were chilly from the cool air of Luna’s hour.

Pinkie Pie plucked an apple from the nearest tree and managed to skewer it. “I bet this will taste just like warm, sugary apple pie!” she giggled in excitement.

“I… don’t believe that’s how it works-” Twilight hesitantly watched, nervous about the fruit going up in flames.

Rainbow cackled from across the fire as she toasted a marshmallow. “You’re lacking a few ingredients, Pie.” Her mallow then proceeded to catch fire, to which she frowned and tossed it into the pit to watch disintegrate.

“No I’m not! See?” Miraculously, Pinkie held up a pie tin, already lined with crust dough. The rest of the girls took a moment to process her antics… and then all burst into laughter.

Toads chirped their song from the grass and trees, the cindering logs crackled harmoniously, and these six soulmates laughed with each other until their lungs were void of oxygen. Their riotous joy soon simmered into a quiet appreciation of each other’s company, watching the fire under the moonlit sky. Pinkie Pie shared slices of her freshly fire-baked pastry while Rainbow Dash munched on her first successful s’more, and Applejack brought her guitar over to play for everyone. It felt like an almost ceremonious closing to their reunion.

She sat on the haybale next to Rarity with her guitar, angling the neck away so as not to hit her with it. As she carefully checked the tuning of the strings, she quietly leaned into Rarity with a question. “What song should I play?”

Had she been more awake, perhaps Rarity would have gotten slightly flustered at yet another intimate moment with her shockingly gorgeous, strong, kind-hearted friend. But it was late, and the fire was cozy. Even the butterflies in her stomach were fluttering their way to sleep. She thought about the question for a moment. “...What’s that one slow song by Elvis? It’s the only thing coming to mind at the moment.” She yawned, covering her mouth with her hand.

AJ thought for a moment, a small smile curling at her lips. “I think I know which one ya mean… Does it go like this?...” She begins lightly picking the strings, and the song is instantly recognizable after just a few chords. It perks up the other sleepy heads sitting around the fire, as their attention is all directed to the music.

Rarity nods, her eyelids slowly growing heavy. “Mhm… That’s the one…”

“Alright, doll.” Applejack begins playing, gaining an audience of all her friends. The flames, dying down now, dance in a way that nearly matches the song’s rhythm.

The sweetness of her music quickly lulls Rarity into the sleep that has been prodding at her. As AJ begins softly singing the lyrics, Rarity lays her head on her shoulder and closes her eyes. The blush that had been haunting her all day transferred at the touch of their bodies, it was finally AJ’s turn. Her cheeks grew rosy, but she didn’t stop her playing. A smile brighter than the fire in front of them could be heard through her words as she sang…

“… Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you?...”

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

ending song reference:

thank you all for reading, even my friends who i begged to. chapter 2 will come if enough people enjoyed this one ! ( ˘ ³˘ )♡

[jareckiworld]

Gajin Fujita — Angelic Intervention (AI) [spray paint, 24K gold leaf, 12K white gold leaf, acrylic paint and paint markers on four wood panels, 2023]

[getwildbsexy]

a gyaru summer 🏖️🏖️

[princessvibess]

Gaijin Gyaru Ashley

[anamon-book]

極楽の鬼－マイ・ミステリ採点表　石川喬司 講談社 装幀＝徳野雅仁

[pinkushu]

Someone asked to see pics of me but not in my Charlie cosplay! Here’s a dump of some of my fave pics of myself!

[xkhoobsuratx]

MOOTS PLS

THE ONLY PPL THAT INTERACT WITH MY POSTS ARE P**N BOTS

im very new to gyaru but i want more gyaru friends

i also like kpop but i REFUSE to take part in the shitshow that is kpop fandom

[clairity-org]

Gajin Fujita, Ride or Die, 2005, Spray paint, paint marker, paint stick, gold and white gold leaf on wood panels, 10/26/23 #stlartmuseum by Sharon Mollerus

[lets-reblog-stuff]

It would be cool if someone made video essay about how each version of Kitaro basically has a different personality and made like a psychology profiles of them! I'd watch that.

there arent enough gggnk video essays

[vertigoartgore]

Logan (after a ninja fight) in a bar by artist Eddy Barrows (2023).

[smolwritingchick]

Smol Brainstorm: You'll be OK!

Author's Note: Another brainstorm I found! This was when Jungkook had to sit out during the London concert of the Love Yourself Tour and Jennie comforted him.

------

Accidents happen. She had hoped that Jungkook understood that. He just needed to sit and rest. Before their London show of their Love Yourself Tour, Jungkook had, unfortunately, injured his foot and had to sit out. So, he performed while seated. Jen knew how disappointed he was and she wished that he wouldn’t beat himself up over it because none of this was his fault. But during Anpanman, when she turned to see where he was, she noticed that he was crying and immediately jogged over to him after seeing Jimin trying to comfort him.

“Hey.” she placed a hand on his back and rubbed it. “I understand this is hard for you but please don’t think any of this is your fault or you let anyone down. Army understands and cares about your well being. They’re happy that you’re here on stage and want you to take it easy.”

“I-I know…” he murmured as she wiped his tears.

“I know how you feel because I’ve been there. You remember when I was hurt, you and the rest of the guys cheered me up at the concerts? I’m going to do the same for you. This is only temporary, okay? Please don’t cry. I want to see you happy,”

She held his hand and gave it a comforting squeeze while Taehyung walked over to comfort him, too. 

“I love you. Bangtan loves you. Army loves you. We are all here for you. Now come on. We won’t let you just sit here like this.” she said with a bright smile.

She wanted him to smile and laugh, so, setting aside the embarrassment, she goofily danced around him, making him and the 95 Liners laugh. 

Ah, there was that cute laugh of his…

Feeling better, Jungkook stood up and sang with Jennie hyping him up, dancing around him.

gyesok dollyeo dollyeo naye Anpan

“What!??” she shouted.

Keep ballin’ ballin’ still bangtan

“Let ‘em know!”

nun tteuni hero but still in miro

geu young man, young man, young man

“SKRRRRT SKRRTTT!”

gyesok mollae mollae sangcheo manttang

“WHOOOOOP!”

But ballin’ ballin’ still bangtan

“OW!”

apado hero duryeoumeun dwiro

Anpanman panman panman

“AAAAAAAAHHHHH!”

Jungkook burst out in laughter as he watched her. She had been hanging around G-Dragon too much to learn how to do some of his famous sound effects. Nonetheless, Jungkook thought she was adorable. After Yoongi’s verse, she rapped, grabbing Jungkook’s hand as they headed down to meet with the rest of the members. 

“I’m a new generation Anpanman!”

“Whooooop!” he playfully copied what she said earlier.

“I’m a new superhero Anpanman!”

“Say what!?”

“naega gajin geon i norae hanbang. Lemme say All the bad men, cop out!”

She felt his arms around her from behind as she received a big kiss on the cheek and a soft “I love you” in her ear while deafening screams from Army were heard when they witnessed the sweet moment.

[rice-ballin]

China: whats all this racket going on up here kiku? You listening to ur queer autist music again? Japan: its called goreshit, china. its not for autists AND its not gay. its some of the best breakcore from a producer superior to yours with deep intricate sampling and vocals that a BAKA GAJIN like you wouldn't understand. listen for a second... (insert Strawberry Cheesecake by Goreshit)

[princessvibess]

♡ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ Gajin Gyaru Chii ♡ ⊹ ࣪ ˖

[coleskingdom]

Mine Pt 2

This chapter has no smut or warnings but is the conference the following morning.

Same universe as the first part.

Pairing readers Jay white x Adam Cole x Adam Page x Matt Jackson x Tony Khan

.

The first rays of sunlight came through the window I shifted in bed not wanting to open my eyes. If I could just stay right here, in this bed , in Jay’s house, maybe I could shake the dread that was creeping in. “Wake Up Sleepyhead” an all to chipper New Zealand accent greeted me, as I pulled the covers over my head. “No, the dream is to good, I just want to stay here.” I pouted. “Well my sweet girl, while I’d normally indulge you, and want to know exactly how the good the dream was and show you how I could make the reality better. We have some business that must be taken care of.and before you even start about not having clothes, make up, and all of that stuff. Matt went to your apartment and packed you a bag, so up you go the shower is already running.” smirking and quite pleased with himself. “Do you want to join me?” I said hoping I could put off the inevitable. He leaned down to kiss me, “I’d love to, and I promise as soon as all of this is finished. We can go anywhere you like and stay there as long as you like. We can’t leave Tony waiting.”

I got up and into the most glorious shower in my life, my mind trying to understand what and why we were headed to see Tony. I got out of the shower, on the vanity was my phone and make up bag. I picked up my phone reluctantly I had 150 text messages. I skipped the ones from David, and my father. Choosing to ignore them, I assess myself in the mirror, I for the first time in a longtime like the me I see.

I come out of the suite and into living room, around the kitchen table sits a table of faces I adore, Page , Cole, Matt and in the corner stands Jay. I look into the living room and there sits Tony. “ I’m so sorry for causing this mess” I say “ I thought I was doing what was best for my Dad and his business. He’s been so angry since he couldn’t sign a single free agent. He wanted to see if making Finlay happy would make Gedo happy and finally give into working with him.”

Tony stood up “ I’m sorry it needs to be said, your father is trash, and if he thought marrying off his only daughter to a second rate fifth generation wrestler would get him somewhere he should’ve realized he was a horrible father and he had no head for the business . However, we are in a predicament, yesterday is all over the dirt sheets. Not only you being a run a way bride, but the incident at what only can be described as your reception.”

I opened my mouth to ask more questions. Tony put up his hand signaling he wasn’t done

“We have decisions and choices to try and come to and your opinion has equal weight to everyone else in the room. We either handle this heading into forbidden door in a controlled environment, or we let everyone here lay low and hope it blows over. Those three over there did no favors for any of us by fighting at the reception. You three know damn well the inferiority complex of Finlay, and Gedo is holding on for dear life to keep his job because of his trust in Finlay. I feel like this is the Bullet Club last stand in NJPW who knows who all they will allow to join them in this battle. This maybe the final bullet club civil war. United Empire is ready to be the gajins in power over there, with TMDK on their heels. There is money to be made but I don’t want it at the expense of your real life. It’s up to you, you have a head for this business, so you let me know. I’m headed to go see what information Romero has and just give me a call when you have your answer. For what it’s worth you made the right call yesterday.” Tony exited the room and a silence fell over the cabin.

“ I haven’t even had coffee yet” I try to joke as Jay pulls out a chair for me to sit at the table and puts a mug in front of me. “ what do y’all want to do? I need input, I dragged each of you into this. Page, Cole Matt what do y’all think? Jay what do you want to do?”

Jay spoke first glowering at the three men in front of me as he stood behind my chair. “What the fuck happened? Honest to God what the fuck were you thinking, we all knew that it was a hair trigger away from this whole thing blowing up.”

“Hold up” Cole said standing mood changing instantly “ You don’t get to suddenly be in charge, you were never our leader, it’s not going to be like the last time. So why were we there, honestly Finlay told us that if we had a problem with him to meet him at the reception hall. I do believe we called you, and that your exact quote was that you would deal with it tomorrow. So we decided to go deal with it.”

“Honestly I went to go talk” Matt said, but Gabe threw a chair at Adam’s head , and then it was on. I think regardless of how it goes the civil war is coming, we’ve known at some point this was coming especially since Gold has surpassed BC . We all have to be on the same page.”

“How far will this go? “ I asked looking around for answers.

“I don’t know honestly, we will need to see what the OC members are going to do, what the sub factions are going to do, if your father’s four members will be involved . What the end goal is. Is it remove Finlay, end Bullet Club in Japan or if it’s to unite under Gold? I’m an OC but will not fight for leadership” Matt said the weight of this all on his shoulders as he looked at the younger men.

Jay pulled a chair up beside me “ A face that launched a thousand ships.” as he kissed my cheek. I knew he was joking but I felt the seriousness of the situation. I’d always been in the background quietly working watching and listening.

“ For fucks sake Jay you can’t say shit like that to her. She thought she was doing what was right for her, and not a single one of us was man enough to stop it. Not one of us could’ve said that they’d cash in their chips with Gedo , Tanahashi or even Tony to throw her dad a bone. Collectively we had enough power even if it was a one off but all of us were selfish and now we are here. We all knew when we signed up that BC was for life, so whatever the decision is I’m in.“ his blue eyes set on Jay

“Guys, I can’t have my chosen family going at each other. I’m not okay but the only thing I need is to know how to help. Listening to all of this makes me realize that what I thought I was learning was so that i could be close to my father, what I learned is how to take down my father. That no matter what I do I’ll always be a pawn in his game.” I said the realization hitting me suddenly my head in my hands I could feel jays hand on my back soft circles as my breathing returned to normal.

“So we need to vote and then we can proceed? All in favor say yes.” Jay asked

Yes a unison of our five voices carried through the room.

“I think we all need to call our friends and contacts to find out what they’ve heard and if they have an idea of their alignment. As the OC of the four of us, and Cole I swear to God this is bigger than you, that Jay is the leader. I’m going to say this once and only once Cole, you were the first one of us out because you made the choice to go work for her father, Jay was the last one out, and we need his Japan contacts. Jay I’m only putting you in because Kenny is out, Devitt and Styles are compromised. Once we get that information and To u finds out what Rocky knows we will make a plan “ Matt’s voice held a tiredness to it. Looking at me “ We are going to take off, do you want to come with us? You have a lot to think about and I just need to make sure you’re okay. I packed you a couple days of clothes and toiletries. “

“ I’m okay, I want to stay here. I don’t want to be alone but I don’t want to put anyone out. I’ve already done enough of that .”

The three men on the otherside of the table rose and walked around. Matt pulled me into a hug “ it’ll be fine, I’m proud of you.” Page was next “Darlin this is just one of those things it’ll all be okay I promise. Have I ever let you down? “I shook my head no, “well I’m not starting now.” Then it was Cole “ He hurts you, I’ll end him myself..” he whispered as the hug grew tighter.

The guys all left and it was just Jay and I left in the cabin.

[evileyekabuki]

Rockstar of Skull Kabuki

Kyoko Suzuki, the rockstar, leader of Skull Kabuki & Jay White’s lover. There’s a well known saying “Behind every great man is a greater woman” & that saying applies to the “Rockstar” Kyoko Suzuki.

Kyoko Suzuki would be one of STARDOM’s original players such as Mayu Iwatani, Arisa Hoshiki, Kairi & Act Yasukawa. Kyoko was never seen as good as Mayu, she was good but never good enough & she couldn’t stand it. Over the years as the promotion would change as people would come & go, but Kyoko would stay & change for the better, she would begin to climb up the rankings in STARDOM becoming one of the best players on the roster, but something was still missing as she would still second place to Mayu. Kyoko hated every second of it, the constant reminder of Mayu being the ace of STARDOM, the “Stardom Icon”, she felt it shouldn’t of been Mayu it should of been her, hasn’t she done enough?

Kyoko would have always have a complex & complicated history with Mayu since their earlier years of STARDOM, both of them always being pinned against one another & it would result the same, Mayu Iwatani as the winner as Kyoko would be the one defeated being carried out to the back as Mayu would celebrate with STARS. With every defeat would cause an internal conflict & struggle inside of herself, which caused her to become depressed & doubt herself, she would take a break of STARDOM to think if this was the right occupation for her, she was even considered retirement but those thoughts would stop as she would be approached by the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion & leader of Bullet Club, Jay White. She could remember being backstage after another heartbreaking defeat to the Stardom Icon wallowing in her pity & sadness that’s when the “Switchblade”Jay White would tell her to stop crying, find the problem & fix it. He would even sit down next to her against the wall talking to Kyoko for hours, he would really get her attention when he mentioned her needing people like her, people who were seen as second place behind STARDOM’s top players, he would tell her she needs a group. Before she would know it she would become an unofficial member of Bullet Club & Jay White’s lover.

Kyoko would take his words to heart as she would begin to become friendly to gajins on the STARDOM roster including one specific woman, Rhea Ripley. Rhea would be seen as an outsider due to her muscular physique & her alternative appearance with her tattoos & piercings, Kyoko knew what it was like being seen as a outsider in STARDOM & Kyoko wanted to help Rhea. It would be 2019 when Kyoko would introduce Mayu & STARDOM to her new friend, The “Eradicator” Rhea Ripley. Everyone including Mayu would be shocked by Kyoko lining herself with someone like Rhea, she was strong, experienced, dangerous & everything Kyoko wanted for her new vision. Kyoko would be confident & sinister more than ever, something about her was different. It would be exactly what she needed & she loved every second of it. Kyoko would challenge Mayu to a specials singles match & Mayu would accept this time with some hesitation.

When they had their match, it would be the same but with a different result. Mayu & Kyoko would go for a while 30 minutes until Kyoko would hit Mayu with her new finisher, “Kabuki Driver 89” & would go for the pin, 1…2…3, she did it, she finally did it, she defeated Mayu Iwatani. After that night & victory she would begin having 5 star classics, winning tournaments, awards & championships, She would create Skull Kabuki. The most dangerous, popular & successful faction in all of STARDOM.