150 Proof

Feeling the warmth creep down her throat a certain cyan Pegasus smacked a shot glass on the table with a somber look. She lowered her head and stared at the wooden bar, hearing the distinct sound of more whiskey being poured into the glass. She looked back up to the glass and without thinking, downed the shot in one gulp. She normally didn't turn to alcohol, but there was nothing else left. The bar was completely empty, save herself and the bartender. The whole place seemed to reflect her feelings...depression. The furniture seemed worn from years of age and the glass was faded from the burn of alcohol. She sat there, and suppressed her sadness with forced anger…

She’s just a stupid, close-minded earth pony. They’re all just stupid!

I can’t believe she would do this to me! I just can’t believe it…

Lost in her thoughts, she nearly didn't even notice the full shot glass in front of her…nearly. She grabs the shot and downs it once more, needing to feel the warmth of the liquor.

It’s not like I’ll feel it from anything else…

The bartender walks over and filled the glass once more. He seemed to reek with a certain wisdom and knowledge. His rough-spun tunic had stains from spilled drinks from nights before. But for some reason, his dirty clothes gave him an experienced look. As if he knew just what was wrong and how to fix it. He watched her down the shot instantly.

Should I say something?
I mean it’s been three drinks in just five minutes…

He decided to speak up, truly concerned for the pony in front of him.

“You should really slow down there, filly.”

She looked at him with a depressed look in her eyes, but immediately switched to anger.

“I’m not a filly ya idiot, I know what I’m doing!”

She immediately bit her tongue, and felt excruciating guilt toward the friendly colt. She knew he had meant well.

“I’m sorry miss, I meant no offense. I just don’t want you to drink your guts out and hurt yourself…”

“I know. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

She looked back at the bar thinking, “Well you certainly did that didn’t you…” She stared at the grains in the wood that seemed to reflect her feelings once more. The swirling grains mimicked the swirling emotions she felt.

“That’s quite alright, It seems to me like you’ve had a rough night.”

She looked up and smirked, thinking, “You can say that again…” She then shifted her gaze to the now full shot in front of her. She downed it without hesitation.

“So what’s a pretty mare like yourself doing down here at night?”

The friendly sage walked from behind the bar and, seeing as there was no other business, the colt drew up a seat, refilled her glass, and poured himself a shot as well. The Pegasus drank it and sighed, trying to bring back the memories she had wanted so desperately to forget…

***

The sun was beating hotly in Ponyville. The birds sang their sweet songs with a steady rhythm provided by the powerful noise of the waterfall and filled the fresh air with their gorgeous symphony. But with perfection comes disturbance…

A blue Pegasus blasts\ed through the meadow with a sense of pure thrill. She tore across the plains, causing lines of tall, green grass to fold, as if they gave the space to her. Her mind was full of pure excitement as the air traveled across her aerodynamic body, leaving complete destruction behind her. Rainbow Dash suddenly pulled up to a perfect ninety degree angle, and flapped her wings furiously to gain the speed she desired. The sudden force caused her to smile as the triumphantly took on the bombardment of G’s. High in the sky with her altitude climbing, she stopped her wings and slowed down to a near stop. Time slowed and Dash relished the few seconds of weightlessness, feeling complete bliss. She hadn’t a care in the world.

Her body slowly rolled over as she started her free fall. Dangerously, she closed her eyes, feeling the wind flare around her body and breathes. She divulged her mind to the pleasure of the crisp air. It’s not found anywhere else. She started hugging her body, pulling in her wings and tilted forward into a complete nose dive. She felt exhilarated. A wave of pure ecstasy in flight took her as she reached terminal velocity. She opened her eyes and noticed the ground was dangerously close…

She recomposed herself, waiting for the perfect moment. She focused on a single flower, holding an explosive purple color, to judge distance from the ground. As the seconds passed by, the ground came closer to meet her, threatening direct impact. She closed her eyes. Anyone watching would’ve stood like a deer in headlights and pure awe. Seconds before collision, instinct kicks in; she breathed and flared out her wings. They immediately caught the air and pulled her out of her nose dive instantly and only inches from the ground. Her head exploded in excitement and she couldn’t help but sigh. Both in relief and triumph. She completed the stunt with absolute precision. Her mind raced even as her body slowed down.

You did it!
Alright, get it together, we still have work to do.

She felt her mind groan at her and she slightly chuckled at herself.

Sweet Apple Acres slowly made its way into Dash’s field of view. The night before, she had promised Applejack to help haul some carts of apples over to Ponyville to sell. On a perfect day like this, Applejack was sure to get a lot of business. Dash kept moving, but suddenly looked down as a familiar voice called to her from below.

“Heya Rainbow!”

Dash swung around and dropped her altitude, landing perfectly next to her best friend.

“Hey Apples!” She noticed that her friend was holding two ropes in her mouth, hauling both carts. “You’re…starting without me…?” She frowned, feeling guilty and looked at the ground.

I’m not late am I? Ugh, she must be upset…

Applejack dropped the two ropes and said, “I was just hoping to get a head start ’afore ya got here, but it looks to me like I didn’ have to.”

“Sorry I didn’t get here sooner Applejack…” Her voice trailed off and she stared at the ground once more but she was not as sad as before. After all, you can‘t keep this pony down for long.

“Naw, no more uh that ’sorry’ stuff. It ain’t yer fault, I started early”

She bent down and picked up the rope with her mouth saying through the rope, “Now c’mere and take this.”

Rainbow, even with the new happiness she felt knowing it wasn’t her fault, hesitated for a moment. She stared at her friend wondering if she was serious.

It’s been in her mouth?
Aww who cares, Applejacks a simple pony. She doesn’t mean anything by it. Besides, nopony’s watching…

Dash went over and took the rope from her mouth. To her astonishment, even though she tried to prevent it, their lips touched as the rope was passed along. It was a simple brush and lasted shorter than any measurement of time but Dash feels color fill her face. She quickly pulled the rope away, hoping Applejack didn’t notice her face. But she did…

“…what?” Applejack asked.

“Oh…uhh nothing…”

“Rainbow don’ lie. How come you’re all red ‘n stuff?”

Dash knew that Applejack really didn’t mean anything by it. She felt stupid for not being able to say anything.

Come on Rainbow Dash, get it together. You can handle anything remember?

She looked up with an awkward look on her face. Try as she might, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.

Applejack thought a moment to herself.

I don’ understand. Was it somethin’ I did?
All I did was give her a rope. I even gave it to her m’self so she didn’ have to get it from the…

Her eyes grew wide as she instantly understood what had happened. She cursed herself for not thinking about that when she gave her the rope and for not noticing it sooner.

Aww man. It must be all sorts a awkward with me thinkin’ an’ her just sittin’ here.

Real words were of no use to Applejack. The only thing she could say at this sudden realization was a drawn out, “Ohhhhhh…”

Applejack instantly turned beet red from embarrassment. She was only trying to be nice. She hoped Dash would understand.

“I’m sorry Rainbow…”

“Oh, it’s alright…I’m sure you didn’t mean anything by it. It was just an honest mistake.”

Rainbow thought about what she just said, double taking her words. With hesitance, she added, “…wasn’t it?” She wasn’t sure why she asked it. She knew her friend didn’t have feelings for her and she didn't really know why she would think to ask it. Both Applejack and Dash blushed a little more at the absurd question. Applejacks heart started racing for some reason she didn’t understand. Her words choked up but she forced out, “What?…No, uh course it was…”

What in the hay’s wrong with me, why can’t I answer her properly?

Rainbow Dash didn’t give her much time to think about it as she said, “Alright, well we better get moving. We’re burning daylight here and I got other stuff to do.”

Applejack silently agreed and they both started moving. The trail flew underneath them as they walked; they talked about their week and shared stories with one another. Neither of them; however, had anything particularly interesting to talk about. After a few moments, they were left with their thoughts. Dash thought of the sky and the feelings of freedom she was able to experience while Applejack thought of the farm full of apples and her loving family. But slowly, their thoughts drifted over to what had transpired earlier that morning.

Dash didn’t understand why it bothered her so much. She knew Applejack didn’t mean anything by it.

I don’t understand, what’s wrong with me? I mean this is so stupid!
I know she didn’t mean anything. She was just trying to be helpful…

But no matter how many times she rationalized it, she still felt off. She felt weird…empty…

This is so silly, what the hell’s wrong with me!? I’m acting like I gotta crush on her…

She paused and replayed the word…

Crush…

Her thoughts lingered on that one word for a moment.

What the hell? This is Applejack we’re talking about here, my best friend!
I don’t have a crush on her!

Even though it was hard for her to admit, she did find herself attracted to her friend. She immediately dismissed the thought, it had to be something else.

Oh please Rainbow Dash, if you liked her, you’d have no trouble saying it. You never have before.

She chewed on what she just said. Of course she liked Applejack, she was her best friend. She didn’t enjoy anypony’s company more than hers, but she didn’t like like her anymore…

It’s true that she really cared for her friend, Applejack. Dash and Applejack have a unique bond between them. One that became stronger from all the hardships they faced and made it out from. Dash would give her life for that pony without hesitation.

***

Dash had always been there helping Applejack and has always been her loyal friend. Even though she sometimes complained, ‘a lot’ Applejack couldn’t help but think with a roll of her eyes, she had always been there to help Applejack, who in return was always at her friends side ready to pick up Dash whenever she fell down, ‘a lot’ Applejack thought again with a smirk. Even through the worst, Applejack had been there to dust off her friend and say, ‘Just try again when ya can Rainbow. I know you can do it an’ so do you!’

***

Dash constantly held those words to her heart. She couldn’t help but think of the last time she had crashed and Applejack was there to pick her up. It wasn’t even a month ago when her and Applejack had decided to go for a walk through the park and her life was almost cut short.

***

The day wasn’t as fair as it was today, it was partly cloudy with a slight drizzle, but that didn’t stop these two best friends! They walked and talked, sharing their thoughts, letting the rain cool their hot faces. Even though they were soaked, they talked…and they were comfortable. But Rainbow Dash is Rainbow Dash and she started longing for the sky, to feel the wind fly through her feathers…

She looked longingly at the sky and got an idea. Even as Applejack talked to her, Dash placed on her goggles and flexed her wings, preparing for flight. But Applejack wasn’t that oblivious; as soon as she noticed the goggles, she turned to Dash, telling her, her worries.

“Rainbow, you know as well as ah do that flyin’ in this here rain is dangerous. What on earth has gotten into you, you silly filly.” Applejack chimed. She wasn’t the least bit mad at her friend for wanting to interrupt her story with a flight. She knew Dash couldn’t be held to the ground for too long and Applejack understood and respected that.

“Don’t worry Apples, that’s why I’m wearing these.” She says, pointing at her goggles. “They keep the rain from pelting my eyes, I use them all the time at work.”

“Oh, well I guess thas alright. Just be careful Dash, I don’ want you getting’ hurt today, alright.”

“I’ll be fine Applejack, don’t worry about it, just sit back and watch the show. I got this. I’m Rainbow Dash, remember, the best flyer in all of Equestria!?”

Yeah, an’ yer the biggest bragger too.

Applejack couldn’t contain a small giggle which luckily was unheard by her friend. Even if she did brag just a little, Rainbow Dash deserved it. She had accomplished much in her short life that many can only dream of doing. And even through all that, she was still able to always be there for her friends…the epitome of loyalty. Dash reared up and took off from the ground, leaving a harsh torrent of air which flew past Applejack, knocking off her Stetson.

Oh yer gunna pay fer that. No one messes with my hat!

Applejack tried to resist the urge, but chuckled at herself again.

Like I could possibly hurt Rainbow.

Her mind at ease, she turned her attention to Dash, who was doing a nose dive at full speed. Even though Dash had done this multiple times before, it still put Applejack on edge to watch her friend endanger herself like that.

Naw, what am I worried about. Dash is a professional.
She knows what she’s doin’.

A few feet before she would’ve hit the ground, she pulled her wings out and came out of her dive instantaneously. What Dash wasn’t expecting, was the sound of rubber snapping.

Suddenly, Dash’s goggles flew from her face and she was immediately bombarded with heavy raindrops. She instinctively closed her eyes, which turned to be her undoing.

Dash flew at an incredible speed completely blind. She was thrown violently to the left as she felt the unbelievable sting of a tree hitting her outstretched wing. With her left wing out of commission, she started to corkscrew to the left uncontrollably, taking her straight into the fields of the park. She opened her eyes just enough to see the ground spiraling towards her. She immediately clenched her eyelids together, bracing for impact.

Before Applejack could comprehend what just happened, Dash smacked into the ground leaving a small cloud of dust that was immediately settled back onto the ground by the onslaught of rain. Applejack froze in place, staring at the horror in front of her. This hadn’t been the first time Dash had crashed into the ground right in front of her, but this was different, Applejack couldn’t move.

Come on legs, don’t fail me now! Not while Dash is hurt!

She forced her legs to move, even though they felt like lead. She pushed on, acting purely on instinct to help her friend. She ran as fast as her legs could, then a little faster as she pushed the limits on her body. And even when the limits started to take their toll, she kept running, ignoring the fiery pain in her legs. She was closing in on her now, that cyan Pegasus was just in sight, she couldn’t give up now.

As she approached the site, she called out to Dash at the top of her lungs, hoping that perhaps the crash wasn’t as bad as it looked. But when there was no response, Applejack jumped down to help her friend.

“Come on Rainbow, speak to me!” She yelled as she checked her vitals.

Her heart fell from her chest and crashed into her feet, shattering in pieces…she had no heartbeat…no life-giving pulse…

Applejack stood there for a moment in complete agony.

Wh…what…no…It can’t be true…

Applejack felt a sudden anger swell from the pieces in her feet. She screamed at the top of her lungs, “God damn-it Rainbow, Get The HAY UP!!” She started pushing on her chest, trying to put a rhythm back into her friends heart. She bent down and gave Dash the life-giving air she so desperately needed. She kept going bitterly, suppressing her sadness with pure anger. She had no choice; if sadness had taken over, Applejack would’ve bent over her friend and started sobbing.

I don’ think so. Yer not gettin’ away that easy Rainbow!

She hit her chest hard; suddenly afraid she may have hit too hard. Tears started forming around her eyes

God no! What if I just…

She wouldn’t accept it, she tried again desperately to give her friend the air she needed. Applejack covered her mouth with her own and pushed all the air in her lungs into Rainbow’s.

No reaction…

Applejack sat there and started to cry, her sadness took over her anger and she fell, sobbing to Dash, even if she couldn’t hear her, “Oh Rainbow no! Come back. Ya can’t leave me like this all by my lonesome. Come back please.” She fitfully begged her friend to come back to her and after what seemed like eternity, she just fell over onto Dash and broke down. She was alone. No other ponies were there to help her or Dash. She was broken, snapped. A part of Applejack just died on the inside. She had just lost the one pony that meant the most to her.

What Applejack didn’t know was that as she said those words, a small flicker of life found it’s way into Rainbow Dash…

***

Consciousness started coming back to Dash. She didn’t know what had happened or where she was. All she could hear was a voice calling to her to come back. She immediately recognized the voice as her friend, her most trusted friend Applejack. Dash became desperate and ran towards her voice. She didn’t want to be here, she didn't know where here was. She was in a place of every color and everything. And yet nothing…she wanted to be with her friend. She smashed her eyes shut and imagined her dear friend, Applejack. She never wanted to leave her. Applejack had always been there for her and Dash wasn't going to give up now. She could hear her now more clearly than ever. She knew she was so close and jumped directly at the voice, taking a leap of faith, not knowing what was going to happen but knowing she always wanted to hear that sweet voice. She broke through and found herself underneath a sobbing Applejack. Tears welled up in her eyes, and not just because of her friend. All at once, she felt the pain of the crash…

The pain that followed was indescribable, insurmountable by any means. She did not cry because for some reason, she didn’t know how. Her wing was out of place and her fore leg was shattered. Something primal rose from within and she let out a loud guttural and ear-splitting scream…it was all she knew.

Applejack jumped at the awful sound; it was too much for her to hear, too much for her to handle. It shook every part of her; she had to hold her hooves to her ears to try and cushion the sound…It didn’t help…

She looked down at Dash and started uncontrollably sputtering and sobbing. Her head was spinning out of control. Her legs gave way. She fell to the ground, nauseated by the scream. Afraid that Dash released something so primal and angry, but mostly so hurt. She vomited…her grip on reality slowly faded from fear, nausea, and happiness. She could make a out a purple form in the distance, followed by a large white form. She couldn’t see what it was, her eyes wouldn’t focus. But Applejack knew one thing, whatever it was wasn’t going to hurt her Rainbow without a fight!

The shapes closed in on them and Applejack attacked! She jumped through the air and flayed about wildly at anything that moved. She didn’t know what was happening but she knew that Dash was alive, and she intended to keep it that way.

In an instant, Applejack was immobilized. This only made her even more enraged and she bucked around trying to break free, her nose flaring and her eyes looked wild. She would not stop for anything. She would fight for her friend until the bitter end. Applejack suddenly tensed as her vision came back to her. Standing in front of her was Twilight with a Hospital Chariot and a doctor. All time came to a stand still as she realized that someone had seen and called for help. Rainbow Dash was safe. With that thought in her head, Applejack passed out, content with Dash in Twilights care…

***

Dash walked looking puzzled and lost. She just didn’t understand what was wrong with her. No matter how she tried to deny it, she couldn’t help but feel a slight affection for her beloved friend.

But she’s my best friend, why am I suddenly having feelings for her again…?

She looked over at Applejack and saw her deep in thought.

I wonder what she’s thinking…

***

Applejack looked to her left and saw a puzzled look on her face.

This must be about this mornin’

Applejack lowered her head in sadness and pity for her friend. She knew she made her feel really uncomfortable and Applejack felt just awful about it. She didn’t mean to put her friend through that. But the more she thought about it, the smaller of a problem it seemed.

Weirder things have ‘appened before. Why is Rainbow really chewin’ this one? I don’ understand…She’s actin’ like she fancy’s me er sumthin…

Just as Dash froze on the idea, so did Applejack. She couldn’t help but think about it as they continued walking…

Naw…it can’t be that. Rainbow don’ like me like that. She promised. I mean, we’re really good friends an’ all, but she don’ like me like that. She can’t, it don’ make no sense. She don’ like like me…she’s…a mare…

Applejack cursed herself for thinking that way. She had friends who weren’t into stallions, like Bon-Bon, but she never held it against her. She was stuck on two fields. “She can‘t like me” she thought once more. “That’s weird.” But at the same time, a part of her couldn’t help but accept it. She didn’t know why the thought of Rainbow Dash liking her felt weird and yet at the same time felt fine. As far as Applejack was concerned, she concluded that the reason a part of her thought it was ok was because Dash was her best friend. Mimicking Dash’s reaction, she immediately dismissed the notions of affection.

Naw…it’s gotta be sumthin’ else chewin’ at her…

She took another look at her friend and is shocked at what she saw. A nearly panicked Rainbow Dash moved her eyes around like someone was watching her. Even in motion, she fidgeted and can’t seem to…walk still?

Ugh, this here filly needs to take a moment an’ relax, she looks like she’s gonna explode…

Applejack let out a very tired sigh and came to a halt. Dash seemed to not notice her friend and kept moving forward, unaware that her friend had stopped.

“Hey Dash, yall can stop now!”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you stopped…”

“Don’t worry ‘bout it sugar-cube. I just thought we could take a lil’ break.”

Rainbow Dash turned her cart and came back to her loving friend with a look of forced understanding on her face. Applejack wasn’t sure if the look was just or not, but she didn’t give any thought to it. She was tired.

The minutes wore on as they refreshed themselves on a running stream nearby. The cooling water brought rest to their weary minds as they relished in the crisp taste of the flowing stream. With her thoughts at ease, Applejack looked to her friend, who had a serious, almost concerned look on her face.

***

Dash’s mind was racing, trying to understand all the things happening inside her head. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess.

I can’t like my best friend

Well you obviously do…

I can’t, why am I having these thoughts again? Why?

Perhaps because you never expected this…

Duh, I obviously didn’t expect it or I wouldn’t be freaking out.

Maybe it’s because you never expected it from her…

Dash thought about the conversation in her head. Applejack was a simple, farm pony who probably rarely thought about affection.

Oh please, she’s a normal pony! Of course she thinks about it…everypony does. She has to think about romance sometime.

But it made sense. The reason she never thought about her affection towards her Applejack was because she didn’t expect Applejack to be interested in any kind of romance. The more she thought about it, the more it ate at her. She has confessed her feelings to many ponies before Applejack, why was it so hard to realize her affection for her friend again. Her head sank in thought realizing what she had thought of.

Is it true? Do I love Applejack?

The more she thought about it, the more sense it made, and yet the less it made sense. She liked her friend, she was sure of that. Rainbow Dash is always sure. But that statement is what made her thoughts make less sense. If Rainbow Dash is always so sure about herself, why can’t she tell her friend how she feels.

Why can’t I tell her? I’ve never had this problem before…

Get it together Dash, you haven’t had this problem before and you aren’t going to let it bother you now. You’re Rainbow Dash! Apples is always telling you to be honest to yourself.

She made the resolution…she was going to tell her, her conflicting feelings. Applejack would understand…

She didn’t know how she was going to talk about it; she didn’t care. She just let whatever was going through her mind roll off her tongue.

“Hey Apples?”

“Yes Rainbow?”

Dash felt slightly uncomfortable asking Applejack her next question.

I hope I’m not out of line in asking this…

“Do you ever think about love?”

Applejack wasn’t sure how to immediately respond; she was stunned by the bluntness of the question.

Naw, you shouldn’t be surprised. It is Rainbow Dash after all…she don’t let nuthin back…

Of course she thought about it, everypony does. She admitted that perhaps she didn’t think about it as often as one should, but the simple farm life was all she knew. She didn’t have time for such trifles. Anytime she started thinking about it, she stored it away in the back of her mind, “There’ll always be a time for this stuff, but now ain’t it. I got more important things to deal with.” Her thoughts were interrupted with a call.

“…Applejack?” Rainbow Dash muttered. Applejack was taken aback. Dash didn’t sound like her usual self. She sounded timid and bashful, like Fluttershy.

“Huh?…Oh, sorry…I was just thinkin’ to m’self…”

“Well, do you?”

“Well a course I do…doesn’t everypony?” Applejack giggled slightly, then gave Dash an inquisitive look, “Why would you ask me something so silly?”

Rainbow Dash ignored her question, showing her assertive character, much to Applejacks relief, and asked her a different question, “How do you know you’re in love…?”

Applejack was stunned. She couldn’t comprehend why her friend would ask her such things. She didn’t know much about love.

Yall should be askin’ Rarity ‘bout that kinda stuff.

Applejack threw the notion away. It didn’t matter who she asked. It touched her heart to know that Dash trusted her with such a delicate matter. She wouldn’t let Dash down.

She sat there for a while, thinking about what it meant to be in love. The only real love she felt was her love for her family and the love for her friends. Love for someone else couldn’t be too different. She thought long and hard, thinking that being in love meant always wanting to be with a certain person. But something wasn’t right. The explanation didn’t make sense. She knew her thoughts were wrong and thought harder, skipping explanations that went along the lines of, “Ya just know…” or, “It’s something you feel on the inside…” The explanations were true but they didn’t seem to cut it. Something was missing. She thought long and hard about her family and friends and the things they did together; she thought about all the fun they had. Most ponies believe love is a sensation that magically, spontaneously generates with Mr. or Ms. Right . And just as easily, it can spontaneously degenerate when the magic "just isn't there" anymore. You fall in love, and you can fall out of it. But that’s not what real love is. Love is deeper than that and yet simpler than that.
.

It suddenly struck her. The reasoning seemed a little weird but at the same time, true…like it explained everything. She didn’t know if she was right, but she felt right…she let the explanation roll off her tongue as it formed in her mind.

“Ya know when yer in love when ya can’t picture yer life without ‘em. Ya know it’s true when you’d do anythin’ for ‘em. But the one that matters the most…ya know yer in love when every decision you make reflects upon the person; when you base yer thoughts an’ decisions around them…when ya think to yerself, ‘Hey, I’m goin’ to hang out with my friends!’ then think, ‘ I wonder if so-and-so would wanna go…’ That’s when you know yer in love. When ya passively think about ‘em, without realizing’ it. It‘s spontaneous yes, but passively spontaneous. Ya don’ even know that person makes such a difference in yer life till ya really think about it…love is peace of mind…”

Applejack smiled at her friend as she saw Dash’s face become brighter than the sun itself. She was very satisfied with her answer. But just as quickly as it appeared, her brightness vanished and Rainbow Dash was left with her thoughts once more…

***

Dash smiled as she heard the words.

Of course! It makes sooo much sense now! I knew it, I’m not in love with Apples…how could I be so silly! If that were true, I’d be thinking about her all the time even when I don’t realize it. I don’t base my decisions off her…

Dash’s heart skipped a few beats. A sudden thought smashed her understanding.

But I do think about her like that…

She smashed the thought to the back of her head, but it came coming back. No matter what she did, Dash could not get the thought out of her head. It was true!

Even if her mind didn’t want to believe it, her heart already did. Even today, when she wanted to go flying, she thought about her friend.

Well of course you did! She’s your best friend.
You were only trying to make sure she’d be ok with it…you didn’t want to be late…

It made sense if she put it in perspective to that situation. The problem was it didn’t explain all the other times she ever made a decision. Hell, she even passively thought about her friend when she ate food. Thinking to herself, “I bet Applejack would love this!” Dash felt a numbness enter her. She started going down the list of times she passively thought of her filly friend, but the number grew too high and she lost count…

A mass of conflicting emotions swept over her. She couldn’t possibly be in love with Applejack. She couldn’t! But her mind was already taken by the thoughts. She had to. She did love Applejack.

Even as she thought this, her legs grew stiff and her heart rate increased dramatically and she felt slight tears well up around the base of her eyes. A small drop of sweat creased from her face She started taking in short, desperate breaths. Color entered her face as she repeated the thought in her head.

I’m in love with Applejack

She felt butterflies in her stomach. She suddenly felt the urge to blurt it out at her friend, who was staring dumbfounded. Dash mustered up the necessary courage, her convictions realized. She was in love with her and she would make sure Applejack knew it…

***