Limestone trotted down the rock field, searching for her newly announced fiancee. It wasn’t exactly pleasant news- and after hearing it, Limestone felt a strange urge to try and comfort the mare. Especially once she found out by a very sudden letter from her sister Pinkie Pie that Applejack had to divorce her husband and leave their daughter due to this. Limestone never really cared much for having a special somepony, but she would imagine that leaving her child would be more than difficult. She carried a very small flower with her. She would’ve gone to the store to get a bouquet, but Pinkie Pie told her Applejack was a simple mare that appreciated a lot of small gestures rather than very rare but big ones. Limestone had to squint to see the orange mare as her coat almost blended in with the sunset in front of her. Limestone wasn’t the best at body language or even being able to tell if others were upset[-] but she guessed Applejack was far from okay. She coughed as she arrived by Applejack’s side.

“Uhm…Applejack?” Limestone greeted, sweating nervously. Applejack’s gaze was lifted as she turned to face the grey-hued mare.

“Hey Limestone.” Applejack responded with a weak smile. Limestone took this opportunity to take a step forward and sit down next to Applejack. Her face was blank but her eyes held sadness. Limestone could see that much. But despite the fact that she looked so sad, there was a beauty to the mare. One Limestone got infatuated with the moment she sat down beside her. She shook her head with another cough, remembering why she was there to begin with.

“I uh, got you something.” Limestone shifted, gesturing the flower towards the sunrise coated mare. Applejack’s emerald eyes widened in surprise.

“T-That’s a buttercup flower.” Applejack gasped in shock. She reached out for the flower, a small smile rising on her face.

“Yeah, and uh, I heard if you hold a buttercup under your chin, it’ll make your chin glow.” Limestone offered, holding Applejack’s hoof as she raised it to the mare’s chin. Applejack giggled.

“And does it work on me?” She asked, playfully. Limestone’s cheeks flushed and she nodded. The glow reflecting gorgeously on the mare’s orange coat almost made Limestone’s heart stop momentarily.

“It sure does, Jackie.” She reached forward to grab the flower and then placed it in between Applejack’s hair and ear. Applejack smiled in response.

“You know…my pa gave my ma a nickname after that flower. She used to be Pear Butter, but after meetin my pa she started goin by Buttercup. In fact, playin in buttercup bushes is how they met. Everypony always tells me how they were so crazy about one another. It was funny just how much everypony in town would get annoyed by their constant shows of affection.” Applejack spoke quietly, her gaze moving back to the ground.

“That sounds nice.” Limestone sighed, receiving a confused look by Applejack. “Well you know, just falling in love like that. Being able to be yourself and share love with that pony. It sounds..peaceful and just..loving I guess.” Limestone shrugged.

“Yeah, I guess it was.” Applejack sighed, fidgeting with the grass beneath her hooves. Limestone was taken aback by the sudden statement and was at a loss for words. Her eyes darted across the ground, looking for something to say.

“About that I’m..I’m really sorry.” Limestone exhaled. Applejack found herself confused at the sudden apology as she blinked at the other mare.

“Whaddya mean, sugarcube?” Applejack questioned and she could see Limestone’s face sour as she kept her eyes on the dirt ground.

“I just…you had that. You had a family, a daughter even. But..you were forced to leave them behind. And I know I didn’t make you, but I also know it must be extremely difficult for you to stay out here away from them. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.” Limestone exhaled, unsure of what else to say. An uncertain silence followed the two and while Limestone wished to look up and see what expression Applejack had, some drive of fear kept her eyes glued to the ground.

“You’re right.” Applejack said suddenly and Limestone found the slight courage to look at the taller mare. Applejack’s gaze was somber as she looked outwards to the rock farm. Limestone caught that again, Applejack looked…tired. Applejack bowed her head down as she closed her eyes with a sigh. “I love my Ginger Gold, but it would be a lie to say that me and Caramel were livin the best domestic life. We fought, and quite a lot too. This curse..it’s definitely put a damper on my plans, ‘specially on bein a mother for Goldie but..she’s my daughter. And while I can’t change what that choosin rock has done, I can easily still visit my family on the next train. This ain’t my farm. This ain’t my home.” Applejack opened her eyes once more as she met her gaze with Limestone. The sun reflected beautifully on the orange coat, and Limestone found herself flush as she stared at the farm pony. Applejack smiled. “But I’m willing to see if it can be. I know it’s a lot, and it’s confusing and stressful and feels like we don’t even got a choice in this but…” Applejack rested a hoof on Limestone’s. “I think we can give it a shot. Just for the heck of it if nothin else.” They sat there for what seemed like hours to Limestone- but the reality was it had only been a few seconds. Limestone recoiled her hoof in embarrassment and found herself pink in the face once more.

“Y-yeah sure.”