Applejack was always hesitant to leave the farm in someone else’s hands, but an opportunity like this was too good to pass up. Besides, Big Macintosh owed her big time after the Apploosa rodeo affair. Rarity had invited her for a little getaway at her cabana, which she readily accepted.
However, the getaway was rather less private than Applejack had anticipated. Sweetie Belle had begged Rarity to take her along, which she had finally consented too. Then she asked if John could come, which he did, and of course word had passed along to Apple Bloom, who had pleaded with Applejack to come. Now that two of the Crusaders were coming, they wouldn’t hear of it if Scootaloo couldn’t join them, and somehow she had let their trip slip to Rainbow Dash. Applejack was confused at first why Dash of all ponies would want to come on a quiet trip like this, but she got her answer as Dash tossed the surfboard in the trailer.
So, the seven of them headed out for the trip for two. Amazingly, Rarity and Applejack hadn’t much noticed their extra guests. The Crusades were constantly on the beach, either hunting for shells, building elaborate sand cities, or once catching crabs, urchins, and whatever else the tide pools had collected with their bare hands. Whatever their idea for the day had been, towels, bandages, and Rarity’s sewing kit was always on hand. John kept to himself, usually leaving before anyone else was up for a morning jog. He’d return sometime in the afternoon, usually. As for Dash? It was like she wasn’t even there. She’d hit the waves all day and stop in for a few minutes to grab a couple power bars and a water bottle, then head back out.
But, Applejack didn’t care. She had her Rarity, all to herself for the most part. They were both workaholics, as Twilight had called them, and Applejack couldn’t deny it. But here, in the warm, salty breeze, with nothing more pressing than who was actually going to show up to the table that night, the two of them could finally enjoy each other. They were going on their third walk that day, and Rarity was happily chattering about a collaboration she had been working on with a few zebra designers. Applejack had lost the thread of the conversation, to be honest, but Rarity was happy enough about it, and that was good enough for her.