Flower Crowns and Dinner Dates

Applejack had a reputation, one she could be proud of. She was honest, steadfast, down to earth, and above all dependable. A trip to Sweet Apple Acres usually meant finding her hard at work tending the farm, and she didn't mind being predictable. Having a routine simplified things, and Applejack liked life to be simple – the occasional attack from ancient evil beings notwithstanding.

She was not the type of pony who was late for things. Especially not important things. If she had made dinner arrangements, and she was supposed to be meeting a friend there, and the outcome of the dinner could alter both of their lives forever, well, that was the type of thing Applejack was on time for. And when she showed up – on time – she wouldn't be dressed in some sort of ridiculous get up. She wouldn't be wearing some fancy perfume. She wouldn't have two dozen assorted flowers awkwardly sticking out of her saddle bag. She wouldn't do any of these things, because that just wasn't the type of pony she was. Usually.

Applejack stared at the restaurant. She wondered if she should have picked a different place. It seemed like a good idea at the time. She had eaten there plenty of times, and knew their food was delicious, the waiters were friendly, and the atmosphere felt natural. It was almost like eating a home cooked meal. But now she wondered if maybe it was too simple. Surely she could have found somewhere more impressive.

Impressive or not, Applejack was already late enough, having greatly underestimated how long it would take to get ready. She sighed, then stepped through the door. She glanced around the room, quickly finding the table she was looking for. The table was set for two, and the owner had guaranteed Applejack it was the best seat in the restaurant. In the middle was an ice bucket with a familiar looking bottle sticking out, and there was one empty chair. In the other sat a yellow pegasus, and Applejack's heart beat faster when she saw her. Fluttershy was smiling and saying something to a waiter, whom Applejack recognized from the many times she'd eaten here before. The waiter smiled back and nodded, then walked away. Fluttershy's polite smile fell away once he was gone, and she occupied herself by straightening the table setting.

Applejack approached the hostess. "Hey, Applejack. That's an... interesting outfit," she said.

"Er, well, I'm meeting somepony actually."

The hostess glanced at the saddle bags. "Sweet Celestia, AJ, who are you meeting, a bumble bee? Never mind, give me those. I'll get them in water and have them brought to your table."

"Thank ya kindly," Applejack said, attempting to tip her hat, before remembering she wasn't wearing it.

"Do you want me to show you to your table?" the hostess asked as she took the flowers.

"No need, I know my way around." Applejack nodded her appreciation, then made her way to the table where Fluttershy was waiting. She forced a smile as she stepped over. "Evening, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy turned to her and smiled warmly, until she noticed what Applejack was wearing. Then she still smiled, but it was more of a awkwardly polite smile. "Hello, Applejack. I'm sorry, I didn't realize we were supposed to dress up."

Although Fluttershy hadn't dressed for the occasion, Applejack couldn't care less. She was, as always, beautiful all on her own. On the other hoof, Applejack was wearing an elegant red gown, with gold accents. Her mane braided, with a green ribbon holding it together, tied in a bow at the end.

"Aww, that's okay." Initially, Applejack hadn't planned on dressing up either, but over the days while waiting for this date, she'd convinced herself it was a good idea and had Rarity help her figure out an outfit. Speaking of Rarity, what was it she had suggested Applejack say? "You look positively divine already."