Rainbows and Apples

I woke up early, the sun was shining through my windows, normally this would have annoyed me, being up early and all, but today was my anniversary. Six months to be exact. I hopped onto my floor, hearing the light poof beneath my feet as I walked toward my vanity. I picked up my brush, putting extra effort into how it looked today, until no kinks were in my mane, making it look almost wet with how much longer it had become. Today my usual stray strands wouldn't be making my main look unbrushed showing the effort that Macintosh deserved. I sighed, flying would muss it up a little, maybe I should see Rarity? No, she'd make me wear a bunch of girly stuff and that was the last thing I wanted. I frowned, he loves me this way anyway right? Yes, just be yourself, the awesome pony you know you are. Giving my wings a quick shake I headed toward my door, to hear a few poofs as I got closer.

"Um, Rainbow Dash are you home? Or awake. Oh no, she wouldn’t be awake at this hour." I smiled, it was only Fluttershy’s timid voice behind the door, I went outside to greet her.

"Morning Flutteshy, what can I do for ya?" She shuffled on her hooves, looking baffled at the fact I was awake, or maybe it was my mane?

"I um, I know it’s really really early, but um ... can you help me find Angel, you see he's hiding in-" I put my hoof over her mouth, rolling my eyes. Though the bunny was evil, it loved her, as she did it, and her being as upset about him being lost to ask me for help, only made me need to help her.

"Sure I'll help get your evil bunny back." I stated, still acting as carefree as usual, though I hoped she’d notice why I was making the effort today.

"Oh thank you so much Rainbow Dash, and he really isn’t an evil bunny, just misunderstood." She took wing from my house, her gentle wing beats heading toward the last place she saw him. Following with ease, I ignored that nagging in my head to fly on the direction of Sweet Apple Acres to see Macintosh. I kept my focus on the demon bunny, he had to be found before Fluttershy goes crazy.

She landed by her cottage and began to walk toward the forest, I flew behind, looking around for any sign of the white fur ball. She muttered to herself while walking, probably quite plea's for his return. I yawned causing her to jump.

"Sorry, still waking myself up." She nodded, a small smile appearing on her lips, as she turned back around.

"That was silly of me, thank you for coming to help anyway Rainbow Dash." I shrugged, even though she couldn't see it, as she looked under a bush quickly. I decided to land, the rabbit wouldn't be able to fly so my wings are deemed useless in this task. I looked long and hard at every plant, rock or creature we passed, still no sign of this little bunny. Why had he run off anyway?

After what seemed like hours of searching we headed back to the cottage for a break, by now I was annoyed at the fur ball for making me wait this long to see Mac. I cursed the evil rabbit, ruining all my plans. If it wasn't to help Shy I would have been long gone by now.

"I'm sorry for dragging you out there with me Rainbow, he, um, he's never been gone this long" I gave my wings a long stretch, all the walking was stupid. She was starting to get a little hysterical so I tried to calm her down.

"Just helping a friend, even if this has taken way too. When I see him I’ll -" I was cut of by her loud shout, much more impressive than any of the times I tried to teach her to shout “Yay”.

"ANGEL!" She charged at the rabbit sitting in her cottage with a carrot, he frowned at her, oblivious to that face she'd been looking for him for that past few hours. She hugged him tightly, before letting him go back to his carrot. I glared at him, stupid little bunny, I lost so much time trying to find him.

"Well, you got him back, I got to go Shy." I flew out, hearing her say say bye, before I shot of in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, hoping that Mac wasn’t working when I saw him.

As soon as Sweet Apple Acres was in view, I sped up. Though I knew I’d need to slow down, because crashing today was not happening. I braced myself, letting my wings stop the air beside me, as I landed. I let out a breath, the relief of not crashing felt good. Though by now I bet my hair was set into its usual style.

“Howdy Rainbow Dash, what are you here for today?” I turned and rolled my eyes at her, she knew what today was. She rubbed a hoof over her brow, looking at me from under her hat.

“Looking for you brother, where is he?” She looked at me confused. I frowned, what game was she playing?

“Ah though he’d told you ...” I stood still, my eyes locked onto hers. I felt evey inch of my body freeze.

“Told me what?” I managed to keep any anger from my voice this better not be anything serious. She sighed, oh I guess this means I need to go and buck somepony's flank!

“He, uh … had to go out of town.” I lifted my head, my wings flying out as I looked at her. She took a step back, the look in my eye must have said something to her.

“Any why couldn’t he have told me? What was so important that he had to go?” I stomped, gritting my teeth, how could he have forgotten today … why? The anger soon turned into being upset as I fought back tears. She gave a small laugh.

“Don’t worry Rainbow he’ll be back later today, ah promise, and ah wouldn’t lie to you.” I started to calm down, but the fact he hadn't told me anything still made me doubt that his trip was anything but good. Giving a fake smile to AJ I decided to take a flight and clear my head, to make a logical reason for him leaving and not telling me … though, none were coming to mind.

I sat looking down into the lake, the place where we used to come just to chill out. I looked the same, my reflection like it always has been, but there was something different this time, I wasn’t smiling. He’d taken trips before, and he’d told me, and thats why I was upset, he took one today, and didn’t tell me!

I dipped my hooves into the water, before splashing it into my face, the cool water making me shiver. Letting out a sigh, I looked up, to see the sky beginning to darken. I guess the flight to clear my head took a lot longer than I though. Drawing in a deep breath, I looked up wondering if I should fly back toward the farm, in hope that he’d be waiting for me. Was I fooling myself? Uch, all this time with them and I’m getting girly. Maybe I should just end it, and making the hurting stop easier.

A gust of wind blew harshly into my face at the thought, was this a sign or a coincidence? Whatever it is, I better go, before the cold sets in. Though home was the place in my head I found myself landing outside AJ’s house. Before I could even put a hoof through the door I heard her shouting my name.

“RAINBOW DASH!” I frowned turning, to see her with raw eyes galloping toward me.

“AJ?” I questioned as she got close enough, though she was out of breath she wheezed out her sentence, before catching her breath.

“Where have you been, ah’ve been looking for ya all day!” I shrugged, sitting on her porch steps.

“Just thinking, what the problem anyway?” She sniffed, taking a deep breath.

“Mac’s gone, he came home a long while ago, and left all happy, then he came back a few hours ago and he was really upset, sayin’ you stood him up then he just left, ah was looking for you find find out what happened, but ah just couldn’t find you.” I looked at her, not even sure how I looked.

“How did I stand him up, he didn’t tell me he was going how was I to know what time he’d be back, or that he’d made plans!” Being upset was gone, now I was just filled with rage that he was blaming me for this. She must have noticed since she took a small step back.

“Now Rainbow ah-” I cut her off, I didn’t need to hear anymore than that.

“Save it, I’m going to find him, and set this straight.” I flew up, giving her no chance to respond before heading toward ponyville, if he passed through a number of ponies would be able to tell me. The flight was quick, and I’m sure if i’d gone any faster then there would have been a sonic rainboom. Though, as soon as I landed I didn’t even need to ask if he’d been seen.

“Mac went to the bar, in the doghouse?” I faked a laugh, before heading in the direction of the bar. Though I was still a fair distance away, all I could hear were cheers and oo’s, gritting my teeth I got ready for whatever awaits.

What I saw in front of me was not what I expected, Mac had sompony pinned to the floor. His red and black mane mussed up, and bruises were starting to form on his and the stars on his cutiemark didn’t look familiar. Though for the moment I watched them, this pony had gotten back up was way about to attack Macintosh. Anger flared through me as I flew between them, my wings flaring up with the rage. He looked at me, confused, as his eyes ran over my, obviously trying to work out what I was from his drunk state of mind. Once I was happy he wasn’t going to try anything I turned to the big red pony who stood shocked at the sight of me, as a glare reached my eyes.

I moved around to stare at him, he look pretty fine compared to the stallion on the floor. Though him being drunk wasn’t helping his case right now. I was just about to yell at him, when the pony got up, about to throw another punch. Not today! I launched forward and punched him instead, sending him onto the floor, with no signs of waking up just yet. Mac opened his mouth, about to talk when I punched him to.

“Get your flank out NOW!” He didn’t hesitate, and all but galloped from the bar, as I flew after him, ignoring the stares that followed us. As soon as I got out I didn’t bother taking, I bit into his ear and pulled him out of ponyville. I didn’t care any more, though anger still bubble within me. I let go and turned to him. My eyes level with his, he blinked, saying nothing.

“So, you lied to AJ.” He shook his head, his lazy face now being angry as mine.

“No ah didn’t you didn’t show up!” I growled at him, before turning away to land, kicking my hoof against the floor.

“Show up to what? Until this morning I didn’t even know you’d gone out of town!” I heard him snort, making me turn and glare.

“Ah didn’t tell you about me going, because ah didn’t plan on taking as long as ah did, ah left a note on your door about tonight when ah did get back!” I frowned.

“Well then i’m sorry, I was too busy being upset that you didn’t tell me that I haven’t been home since I got up this morning.” His face softened, as he looked down.

“Ah guess ah shouldn’t have relied on that note ...” I let out a shaky breath, the anger now became hurt again.

“You think?” I asked, on the brim of tears, though I managed to keep them away.

“Ah’m sorry Rainbow I over reacted, ah’m an idiot.” I looked at him, though the last part was definitely what he was saying to himself. I sighed, I guess we can tick off first fight on the guide to being a couple. I sat down, not even sure of what to do, it’s been a full circle of emotions since this morning.

I felt him move toward me, though he sounded a lot more sober now, maybe he wasn’t as drunk as I thought. I glanced up, and he stood over me. His hoof moved some of my mane back, as he leaned down and brushed his muzzle across my cheek.

“Ah am sorry Dashie, ah should have at least told AJ to tell you. Ah messed up.” I felt the tears spring back into my eyes as I stared into his eyes. In that moment I just wanted to kiss him, but I held back, just saying sorry wasn’t going to fix this.

“Ah am really sorry, but ah made some plans that were really important to me, and when you didn't show up, ah guess I just-" I stood and put my hoof against his mouth.

“Stop saying sorry.” He smiled, and gave my hoof a small kiss. Sending shivers up my spine, as I quickly put it back on the ground. He was never going to find out how ticklish I was. "What was so important, I would have been perfectly fine just ... being with you. Instead I was alone half the day worrying that you didn't want me."

He gasped, pulling my against his chest. I was shocked at first, but I nuzzled into him, I can't stay mad any longer. My wings folded against me, as I pulled away.

"No, don't even think like that, ah love you Rainbow, no matter how stupid ah am." His eyes bore into mind, forcing me to accept his words. Though I just sat, waiting for him to answer my question. He turned away from me, with his head down.

“Well, this is ah lot different to the way ah planned to do this.” I frowned, standing up to see what he was doing. When he turned around nothing was different, until he stood inches from me, and dropped down onto one knee. I gaped at him, unable to talk, as he smiled.

"Rainbow, ah have loved you for ah very long time, and even though today was a disaster, ah still need to ask. Will you please become my wife, and marry me?"

I froze, did he just ... propose? I felt dizzy with the thoughts going around my head as he looked up at me. I opened my mouth to speak and nothing came out, as he shuffled up.

"Ah guess this was-" Without a thought, I jumped into his hooves, kissing him deeply. If my body won’t let me speak, I guess I'll need to take another approach.  I felt his jump t the shock, but soon he kissed me back, with just as much passion.

“Is that a yes?” He asked as we caught our breath, I nodded rapidly, burying my head against his mane.

“Becoming your wife is going to be awesome.” I felt him chuckle beneath me, as he rolled onto his back, pulling me into him. I sighed into his fur, inhale his scent.

“This still doesn't tell me where you went...” I stated, as he looked down at me.

“Ah went to get the ring, and ah knew if I got it in town, news would spread before ah even had the chance to ask you.” I laughed softly against him, that was true.

“Hm, so what does it look like?” I asked, getting off of him, and looking down at his face. He smiled simply.

“Well, ah saved up to get one just for you.” I bit my lip feeling the blush spread to my face, he must have spent a lot of bits just to get it. He chuckled again, before rolling over and standing up.

“Why don’t ah show it to you instead?” I shrugged,trying to act cooler, since I was feeling like Rarity right now. He rolled his eyes, nudging me forward, as we made our way toward his home. The entire walk there we were quite, other than the occasional brushing against each others side, or a small kiss. Though I hated to admit it, some of the girlier things I do when with Mac are fun, and I love them.

"Home sweet home." He murmured, when the house was in view, the front porch light swinging in the light breeze.

"Oh yeah, AJ." I heard him let out a sigh, before he smiled at me.

"Ah'll explain everthin', you go on ahead to my room." He gave me a quick kiss before turning to see his sister, who stood watching us both confused. I held in a giggle as I flew passed her, straight into Mac's room. Even if I really did want to hear her reaction to us now being engaged. The first time I;ve said i and now I feel giddy. I really need to stop all this girly stuff.

I sat on his bed, getting more comfortable as I waiting, brief hushed words floating up the stairs. ‘Bloom must be in bed. I swing my hooved back and fore, as hoofsteps came up the stairs. Soon Mac was stood at the door, a smile on his face.

"How'd she take it?" I asked, wondering if she'd gone crazy, or was letting us have some privacy.

"Ah haven't told her that part, she'll see in the morning." I tilted my head to stare at him

"But I thought-" He shook his head silencing me.

"No, tonight I just wanted her to leave us alone, tomorrow we can worry about telling everybody we know. Now, your ring?" I felt childish, like on Hearth's Warming as a filly. Waiting for the gifts I’ve wanted to unwrap for weeks.

He opened his bedside drawer, taking out a small box. I look at him and smiled, when he offered it. Instead, I turned to my side and closed my eyes, waiting for him to put it on me. I felt a cold sting on my ear before I opened my eyes. He grinned at me, before going around his bed to get a mirror so I could see.

I smiled at him again before looking down into the surface, I couldn’t help but gasp. The ring was silver, and had a green apple diamond embedded within it. I started at him, amazed at how beautiful it was before the sound of him shuffling on the floor drew my attention away from the reflection. I blushed looking at him, the girly feeling flipping inside me again.

“Oh Macintosh I love it.” I said, before getting up and wrapping my hooves around his neck. He pulled me closer. His muzzle rubbing against the top of my mane.

“Ah’m glad you like it, now ...” I didn’t have chance to react as he lay me on the bed. Kissing my forehead. “How on earth shall we tell ma family?” I frowned, not liking how the subject had changed.

“Let’s worry about that tomorrow, for now why don’t you join me?” I asked patting the bed beside me, smirking up at him. His face changed from confusion to a happy grin, as he started to lean toward me.

“As you with M’lady” He said before kissing me once more. I could definitely get used to this.