Applejack was mad. No, scratch that, she was far from mad. In fact, Applejack had left mad behind and progressed straight to thoroughly pissed.

“What in tarnation do you think yer’ doin’, Big Mac?”

Rainbow Dash and Big Macintosh sat across from Applejack on a spot of grass just below Rainbow’s cloud-home. It had been no small feat of strength for Rainbow to get Mac down from the cloud, although they both found to be somewhat enjoyable (at least for the physical proximity), and now the pair was sitting with their heads turned toward the ground. Rainbow had found a delightful tuft of grass to will into flame, and Macintosh was trying to discover all the little bumps on his hoof.

“Are ya even listenin’ tah me?”

Mac quickly moved his head to meet Applejack’s gaze. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. Now I asked, what wer’ you n’ Rainbow doin’ up in that cloud?”

Had it not been for the appearance of red, or at least a deeper shade of red in Big Mac’s case, on the cheeks of the two ponies, Applejack may have taken some time to think through what they could have done. But as she could plainly see what was written on their faces, the dots were, very quickly, becoming connected. Needless to say, Applejack was not amused.

“Oh no. No way. My best friend was sleepin’ ‘round with my brother?! Rainbow Dash, how could you?”

Dash lifted her head up in one fluid motion, “Wait. What? Why do you think it’s my fault?”

“Well clearly yer’ tah only pony who’d have it on the first date. I bet Big Mac probably stuffed it in there real nice too.”

There was a very awkward silence, complete with Applejack suddenly stuffing her hoof in her mouth. Sometimes, being the Element of Honesty could be a torturous thing. Rainbow Dash’s mouth was on the ground, her eyes shone wide with anger and a deep sadness, the kind of sadness that comes from being utterly betrayed by those who you are most loyal to.

“RD, I didn't mean…”

Big Mac rushed up and hugged Rainbow Dash, “Don’t listen to her Rainbow,” he whispered, “she’s just mad right now.”

It was too late. Tears had already started to form around Rainbow’s eyes, sliding down her muzzle and onto the grass below. Her breath came out in short gasps, her limbs had started to shake.

“What did you just say?” Rainbow could barely contain her voice cracking. She moved out from Macintosh’s embrace, slowly trotting towards Applejack. She took in a deep breath. “Is that what you really think about me?”

“Rainbow, you gotta know I didn't mean it.”

“No, AJ. I’m pretty sure you meant it, you are the bucking Element of Honesty.”

“Dash, come on, I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? You’re SORRY? How dare you! You call me a whorse and then you expect me to take your apology just like that?”

“Rainbow Dash, my sister didn't know what she…”

“Stuff it blondie, I don’t want to hear it right now.”

“Hey. Don’t tell mah brother ta keep quiet.”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t keep it in any longer, not when her own friend had told her such a thing. She flew straight at Applejack and pounded her hoof into the side of Applejack’s muzzle, knocking the farmer down onto her right side.

“Don’t tell me what I can’t or can do, motherbucker.”

Big Mac edged away from the enraged mare, trying to keep his hoofsteps silent and hoping to sweet Celestia that Dash wouldn't turn around.

But she did.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Panic struck through Big Mac faster than lightening, his entire body tensed, ready to bolt at any moment. “Let’s not do anything irrational Rainbow.”

“Irrational? You’re hoping I don’t do anything irrational? Your sister just waltzed up here and told me off, and you call me irrational?

“Applejack didn't know what she was doing. She’s just a bit overprotective, Rainbow, you can’t blame her for that.”

“So? She doesn't need to bury herself in other pony’s business. What you and I did last night isn't anypony else's concern. ”

“Well, uh…”

“Well what? Your sister can’t let her bucking brother off some leash or something? Who gives her the right to tell me who I can or can’t spend time with? She’s a bucking trougheater. You know what, don’t talk to me, don’t even come near me. Both of you, go. Now.”

“Rainbow Dash, please. We can all talk this out. There’s no need to be so hasty.”

Rainbow Dash looked straight into Macintosh’s eyes. He could see hurt there, a wide breadth of swirling emotions that flew about in a tempest of confusion. She wasn't angry, oh no, she was beyond anger, or any other half rational emotion. It may have even been a miracle that she had kept the conversation going, considering what she had done.

Rainbow could barely think through the whirlwind of thoughts flying in her head. “Bye.” And with that, she flew back towards her cloud, her fortress. She slammed the door and bolted straight towards her couch, letting loose a sea of sadness into the pillows. Why can’t anything go right? Why does my life always turn around and smack me in the bucking face? Why?

Just when life had started to look up for Rainbow, another thing came and ruined it. Applejack didn't make any sense! So she had sex on the first date, what about it? She had felt something with Big Mac, something she had never really felt with any other pony before. Sure it was arbitrary, but then again, love never seemed to be completely rational.

But then, what if Applejack was right? Dash had been so depressed lately, maybe she was just looking for another warm body to be with? Was that all Big Mac had meant to her, just an outlet to let off her stress and worry? She was an adult mare, yeah, but even she needed someone to be there for her every now and again.

It was too confusing, a topic that had cropped up a lot in the past few days. She couldn't think any of it through. She needed somepony to talk to, someone who possessed sufficient knowledge about love. Her friends may know her better, and perhaps Fluttershy could bring some light to the situation, but there was only one pony that knew more about love than any other.

Rainbow Dash filed in line behind a family of ponies. Her saddle bag had one round-trip to the Crystal Empire.

Hey Cadance,

I know that we may have never really talked, but I could use some advice right now.

Thanks,

Rainbow Dash

The response had been fairly swift, thanks mostly to Spike’s rapid ability to forward messages to Celestia, who then sent the letter to Cadance. Cadance had then sent the message backwards, up the line, to Spike. The whole process had Twilight utterly lost, but Dash wasn't too worried about that. Twilight would understand once she told her, unless Applejack told her first.

Rainbow swished her head, no time to think about that, and took a seat next to the window, hoping to catch some sleep on the way to the Empire.

Dear Rainbow Dash,

Please, if you have any trouble at all, I can help. Day Court should end sometime in the afternoon, but if you arrive sooner, I can make time.

Best Regards,

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza

The Crystal Empire was usually busy, but today matters seemed to have settled for the most part. A few nobles were worried about the season harvests, but a quick reassurance that the weather would not interfere too much was all they needed to ease their worries. Now Cadance’s schedule was clear, I hope Rainbow Dash hasn’t gotten into too big of trouble. She always seemed to be the most rambunctious of Twilight’s friends.

The pegasus in question came in through the main doors.

“Hey Cadance.”

“Oh, Rainbow Dash! How are you doing?”

“You may want to grab some tea, I got a lot to get off my chest.”

Cadance,even though puzzled, had some tea sent to her room. As she and Rainbow walked to her room, a silent storm hung over them. Cadance didn't want to pry; she figured Rainbow would tell her sooner or later, but the normally upbeat mare was abnormally quiet and sullen. It wasn't until the two were set in Cadance’s room, on a mat of pillows, that Rainbow took a small sip of her tea and let out a long-held breath.

“It all started a few days ago.”

Author's Note

So trougheater is totally going to catch on, I swear!

Many thanks to Corwin Freiss for the wonderful editing (his advice more or less pushed me to rewrite the entire "angry Dash" scene). And I actually kept up on my promise! Woo hoo!

Now time to write the next chapter, wherein Rainbow goes through a complete emotional catharsis and gets into wonderful sexytimes with Cadance. (Not really the last part, but the thought is hot, no?)

Thanks for reading!