I'd Kiss Her

Chapters

Just a Little Awkward
Rarity's Meddling
Crush

Just a Little Awkward

Dares have a tendency to get out of control. They're much like fresh apple cider in that regard. One was fine, two wasn’t pushing any limits, but from three and up it devolves quickly. And, much like too many ciders, too many dares could lead to saying something stupid, doing something asinine, causing a rift between friendships, or all of the above.

As a stark silence fell between the pair of mares standing face to face in the park, Rainbow Dash chose not to ponder any of that. Instead, she was basking in what was very likely her moment of triumph. Before her, Applejack stood in shock. Her pupils resembled peas, shrunk and withered in the dead centers of her eyes. Her ears were folded down, and blood was rising under her cheeks. With a shaky, forced gulp, Applejack opened her mouth.

“Uh… Rainbow, could ya repeat that? Ah don’t think Ah heard ya right.”

Flashing a wicked grin, Rainbow Dash extended her hoof again, singling out a pony not more than fifty feet away.

“I dare you,” Rainbow Dash articulated each word slowly, just for the sake of discomforting Applejack more. “To march right up to Twilight, and make out with her.”

Applejack’s face slowly morphed into a rueful cringe. “B-but Ah…” Her eyes fell to the ground and darted about. She was struggling to comprehend what was happening, and seemed to be having a rather poor time of it. “Rainbow, please…” She looked back up, pleading with her eyes. “Anythang but that. Ah beg ya.”

“That’s the dare AJ. You, Twilight, and some good ole fashion lip wrasslin’.” Saying it again definitely didn’t ease Applejack’s nerves, and adding a country twang only served to fluster her more.

Applejack’s brows furrowed, and she struggled to say something. “B-but ya can’t... Ah… W-we…”

Rainbow smirked as her friend continued stuttering, blood flaring under her cheeks. Her head bowed slowly as she struggled to decide what to do. Applejack was stuck between her stubborn resolve to rise to the challenge, or her desire crumple at the thought of kissing her crush.

Rainbow, on the other hoof, was relishing every moment of this. Revenge was a dish best served cold, and right now Applejack had enough for three helpings. As she continued to battle internally over her course of action, it almost appeared like she might swallow her pride and forfeit. She even got as far as taking a shaky breath in to speak when Rainbow figured now would be a good time to deliver the final blow. “You know what? Don’t worry about it; you don’t have to do the dare.”

A rush of air escaped Applejack in a relieved exhale. “Thank ya, Rainbow, Ah–”

“But that does mean you’ll have to admit I’m the more daring pony.” Rainbow grinned. Hah! Got you now AJ!

Applejack opened her mouth to respond, and shut it. Her jaw clenched visibly, and a stubborn spark lit up in her eyes. Every muscle in her body seemed to tense up at once, repulsed by Rainbow’s suggestion. An uncomfortable, pride-fueled sigh escaped her. After swallowing some air, she finally responded. “Ah’ll do it.”

Rainbow’s smirk evaporated. “Wait… what?”

Applejack sucked in a deep breath, and turned around. Her legs were clearly as stiff as boards, but she forced them forward, what little confidence she had draining with each step. Despite this, there wasn’t a doubt in either of their minds that Applejack wouldn't back down from this; her stubborn pride wouldn’t allow her. In fact, it was probably propelling her every step, reminding her that she would never cave.

This was slightly different than how it had played out in Rainbow’s mind. She’d anticipated that Applejack would give up immediately, and she would secure the win and the bragging rights as the most daring pony. Instead, she’d just sent her friend on a collision course with disaster.

Rainbow was about to speak up and take the dare back, but the words got stuck in the back of her throat. Applejack was marching forward at an alarming rate, and probably wouldn’t hear her in time. Aside from that, there wasn’t a doubt in Rainbow’s mind that what was about to happen would be hilarious. She swallowed her unspoken words, and took a few steps into eavesdropping range.

This ought to be good.

“Twilight, it’s nice to see you.” Rarity stopped walking, and gave her friend a smile. It was immediately returned.

“Hi, Rarity, it’s great to see you too. How have you been?”

“I’ve been wonderful, despite a less than satisfactory morning.” Rarity’s gaze drifted to a large cardboard box Twilight currently held in her grasp. “What’s that?”

Twilight shot a quick glance to the box and smiled. “Oh, these are the parts for my new telescope. It just came in today and I couldn’t be more happy about it.” She let out a giddy squeal.

Rarity tilted her head, slightly confused. “Why’s that?”

Twilight beamed. “Princess Luna told me she was planning on a massive meteor shower tonight! And thanks to this new telescope it will be the first one I’ll be able to really enjoy since… well, you know.”

“Ah, yes…” Rarity stopped right there, not wanting to open the can of worms that was the destroyed library. “Well, it sounds simply wonderful. I hope you have a good time.”

“Same here.” Before Twilight could say any more, the sound of hooves stomping on the dirt interrupted her. The two of them turned to see Applejack forcing herself to walk over to them. Her legs were stiff and tentative with each step, sweat clung to her face, made more prominent against her beet red cheeks.

Rarity cocked her head, confused. Applejack slowed down as she approached, likely intending to talk to them. Instead, she should be in the middle of some sort of absurd dare; at least, that was what Rarity and Rainbow Dash had agreed on. Shifting her gaze slightly, she caught sight of a rainbow colored mane, and the pony it belonged to. What are you up to, Dash?

"H-h-h..." Applejack cleared her throat. "Hi, Twilight. Rarity." She gave a curt nod.

"Hello."

"Hey, Applejack. How are you?"

Applejack forced a smile. "A-Ah'm good. Sweatin' like a pig, but Ah'm g-good."

Twilight and Rarity's eyebrows arched simultaneously. Twilight spoke up first. "What?"

Applejack's eyes almost popped out of her head, likely just realizing her last sentence had been out loud. "Uh... N-no Ah mean... Ah'm fine..."

"All right." Twilight was more than happy with letting the subject drop. Rarity was less keen, and was making sure to take notice of everything Applejack was doing. Her forelegs quivered slightly, and her eyes would occasionally dart about, and seemed to have an exceptionally difficult time looking directly at Twilight.

This, accompanied by all the stuttering and blushing thus far, was helping Rarity form an interesting theory. A very interesting theory.

"Uh... Um..." Applejack was attempting to say something else, but the words were caught in her throat. Distantly Rarity swore she heard a snicker from Rainbow Dash.

"What's the matter?" Twilight tilted her head, concerned.

"Twi, please forgive me," Applejack whispered.

"Forgive you? For wha–" Twilight found herself cut off as Applejack grabbed her by the cheeks. She barely had time to squeak in surprise before Applejack pressed their lips together.

For a second, they all froze; as if time was standing still. Then things began happening.

The magic keeping Twilight's package afloat was snuffed out abruptly, sending it falling to the ground. Applejack deepened the kiss, likely trying to get as much out it as possible. Twilight's irises became pinpricks. Most noticeably, however, was the wild, rancorous laughter that erupted from Rainbow Dash.

Rarity's eyes widened in surprise. As the scene before her played out, she only had one thought. Theory confirmed... I suppose.

The kiss persisted for several more seconds; Applejack doing most of the work. Twilight was frozen in limp shock, unable to do anything except let the kiss happen.

Finally, Applejack pulled away, her face more red than orange. "Fer that," she answered.

Twilight didn't respond. She couldn't respond. She was as unmoving as a stone, face frozen in mid-kiss.

"Uh... Twi?" Applejack blinked, looking slightly concerned. Rarity got over her own surprise just in time to notice Twilight's paralysis.

"Twilight? Darling?" Rarity waved a hoof in front of Twilight face, only to get no reaction. "I think she's unconscious."

"Great, just great," Applejack lamented. "Ah screwed up her brain or somethin', didn't Ah?"

Rarity tapped Twilight on the forehead to no avail. "No, no, I'm sure it's nothing quite like that. But she does appeared to be a little more than shocked at what just happened."

Applejack bit her lip in shame, and pushed her hat over her eyes. “Ah… Ah’m sorry, Twilight.”

Before Rarity could blink, Applejack whirled around and ran. She rockted passed Rainbow Dash, who was rolling on the ground in laughter. Rarity watched as Applejack ran from the park and disappeared in town.

Rarity turned back to the still frozen Twilight. A steady rise and fall of her chest let Rarity know her friend was still breathing, but she still wasn’t too sure about consciousness. Giving her a little nudge, Rarity said, “Twilight. Snap out of it, darling.”

A second, harder nudge finally did the trick. Twilight blinked, and touched her lips with her hoof. “A-Applejack?”

“Twilight, I don’t–”

“Applejack!” Twilight’s wings flared out. She began running forward, and flapping. In a few seconds she was in the air, flying in the same direction Applejack had run off. Rarity noticed in Twilight’s hurry, she had left her new telescope.

The park was quiet now, save the howling of Rainbow Dash. Rarity thought for a moment, and then realized what must have happened. Her horn sparked to life and she grabbed the package with her telekinesis before going over to have a talk with her.

When she arrived, Rainbow Dash was still doubled over. Her breaths were short from laughing so much, but she at least seemed to be slowing down. She inhaled deeply, and stood up while grinning from ear to ear. “Did you see that? She actually did it! Priceless!”

“How could I not see it? I was right there!”

“I know, I know. So did you enjoy the front row view? Oh man, the look on her face must’ve been–”

“Rainbow Dash, are you mad?”

She blinked. “Uh, no. I’m actually pretty happy. Didn’t you see all the laughing?”

Rarity groaned. “I mean, what were you thinking?”

“What? You wanted AJ to pay a little bit, and so did I. I figured forcing her to kiss her crush would be hilarious and satisfying.”

“Well it– Wait a moment.” Rarity narrowed her eyes. “You knew that Applejack was infatuated with Twilight, and you still insisted on that dare?”

“Well, I didn’t know. I suspected. I guess you could say I was eighty percent sure about it. Good thing I was right though, it wouldn’t have been nearly as funny if–”

“I cannot believe you!” Rarity interrupted. Rainbow took a step back from the force of her voice. “Do you have even the faintest inkling of what you’ve done to poor Applejack?”

Rainbow lowered her brow and opened her mouth slightly, thinking. “What are you talking about? I thought it would be funny.”

Rarity sighed and shook her head. “Clearly you’ve never had a crush before.”

“Hey, come on, I didn’t think she’d actually do it! I figured she’d give up on the spot and I’d have gloating rights for eternity.”

“Really?” Rarity asked, astonished. “You thought Applejack, stubborn-as-a-mule Applejack, would just give up when issued a challenge?”

Rainbow rubbed the back of her head with her hoof. “Well uh… that was how it turned out it my head, yes.”

“Rainbow Dash, my front row view, as you so aptly called it, let me witness Applejack’s heart breaking!”

“What?”

“Do you have any idea how hurt she was when that kiss ended? And it’s not as if Twilight’s reaction helped any.”

“All right, I get it. I should have been twenty percent sure-er about AJ’s crush before I did something like that.”

“How about instead of something like that?” Rarity sighed. “Celestia, Rainbow, do you ever stop and think before speaking?”

“Not really, no.” Rainbow Dash cringed slightly.

Rarity groaned. “We have to fix this.”

“What? How?” Rainbow seemed to finally understand the severity of the situation. At least a little bit. “I mean, AJ we could probably track down, but I doubt she'll be willing to take any help from me.”

“And who even knows what could possibly be running through Twilight’s mind right now.” Rarity thought for a moment. “We should go find Applejack first. Whether she wants help or not, I intend to give her some, even if it's just emotional support. Do you have any idea where she might be?”

“Hmm…” Rainbow concentrated. “I think so.”

“Then we haven’t a moment to lose. Hurry, we need to find her before Twilight, otherwise we’ll have an even worse mess on our hooves.”

Nodding, Dash turned and started trotting. "Ok, follow me."

Rarity's Meddling

"Are you certain that she'll be here?" Rarity asked as she walked through the gates of Sweet Apple Acres uncertainly, looking around. To her left a grove of apple trees basked in the light of the early evening. To her right was the Apple household, as wooden and rustic as ever. Chips of paint were missing from the exterior, and slight termite damage could be noticed even at this distance, making the house look somewhat similar to the barn that was behind it. Even further back was a series of hills populated to the horizon with more apple trees, each of them yet to be bucked clean of their ruby colored morsels.

“Yeah, I am.” Rainbow flew forward, landing just ahead of Rarity. She pointed towards the barn that rested a few yards away. “Applejack always hides out in there when she wants to be alone.”

Rarity gently set the box of telescope parts on the ground to give her magic a slight reprieve. “But wouldn’t this be one of the first places Twilight would look for her? Surely Applejack wouldn’t just run home knowing that.”

“Relax, on the way here I flew up a little and spotted Twilight on Main Street. Besides, it’s not like Applejack would even be thinking about that considering what happened...” Rainbow trailed off and glanced anxiously at the barn. “"Look, we shouldn't waste anymore time, Rares. Just come on already.”

“Right behind you,” Rarity called as Rainbow began trotting over to the barn. Her horn then flickered, and she picked up the box again before following Dash.

I still can’t believe this is actually happening, Rarity mused to herself. Applejack really must be infatuated with Twilight. The notion was actually quite adorable when she thought about it. If it weren’t for the current situation, she would probably be shrieking with joy considering what it could mean for the two of them.

When they arrived at the foot of the barn door, Rarity noticed it was partially nudged open, as if somepony had recently gone in, but was in such a rush that they didn't make sure the door shut all the way. She looked to Rainbow, who was already pushing the her way in. With a shrug to herself, she followed.

The first thing to hit Rarity as they walked inside was the disgusting, musty odor. It's stinging, nearly palpable scent originated from several sources, and with just a tiny inhale she was able to discern them all. Rusty tools. Manure. Overripe fruit. Dried hay.

Instinctively she pushed a hoof over her nose to block the vile concoction of stenches. She wanted to gag as well, but forced that urge downward in exchange for the more lady-like reaction of holding her breath. When Rainbow Dash looked back to her, she saw Rarity's slightly swollen cheeks and rolled her eyes.

"Wuss."

About to offer a retort, Rarity found herself cut off by a muffled noise near the back of the barn. She shared a look with Rainbow, and then they both slinked over in the direction of the sound.

The barn was chocked full of hay bales and apple crates, each doing their part to hide them as they slowly crept closer to the sound. When they reached a corner, Rarity peered around first, poking as little of her face as necessary over the side. What she saw was worthy of an eye widening.

It was Applejack, with her face buried in one of the bales. From this angle tears were visible as they glistened down her cheeks. A spasmodic sob gripped her body, but was stifled by the sea of hay. One hoof ruefully pounded on the bale with the rhythm of a metronome, and another wrapped itself around her chest, cradling her heart.

Rarity turned back, feeling like an interloper for seeing Applejack in such a miserable state. She felt a poke on her shoulder, and turned to Rainbow Dash who was looking at her with a silent question: What’s going on?

“She’s crying,” Rarity mouthed, fearing the tiniest amount of volume would alert Applejack of their presence.

“What?” Rainbow mouthed back, her eyebrows furrowed with confusion.

“She’s crying,” Rarity silently enunciated, making sure to stress each syllable of her lip formations this time.

“What?” This time Rainbow spoke at barely a whisper. “I don’t…” she gestured to Rarity’s mouth and her ears.

Groaning internally, Rarity mouthed, “you’re an idiot.”

There was a brief pause as Rainbow Dash blinked a few times. “What?”

“She’s crying!” Rarity hissed.

Rainbow’s body stiffened at the words. Her head jerked up and she brushed passed Rarity. She was too fast to be stopped, which made Rarity cringe. She still followed after her, worried that whatever Rainbow was about to do would amount to little more than poking a nest of wasps with a stick.

“AJ, are you all right?”

Rarity wanted to smack Rainbow across the face. She’s sobbing into a hay bale for pony’s sake! How do you think she is? Cheerful? Perky? Delighted?

"Go away," she mumbled into the hay bale.

"Ah, AJ, come on." Rainbow made the mistake of putting her hoof on Applejack's shoulder in an attempt to comfort her.

Her head whipped around when she felt the touch, her bloodshot eyes still able to dole out icy glares. “Ya know, ya got some nerve comin’ here after what ya did, Rainbow.”

Releasing Applejack and digging her hooves into the ground, Rainbow was hit across the face with the accusation. “Look, Applejack, I messed up big time. But I’m sorry, okay?”

“Ya think Ah give a damn about yer apology?” Applejack’s voice was lost somewhere between anger and sorrow, but both were palpable as she spoke. “Do ya have any idea what ya made me do? Do ya even know what it felt like? Not only are whatever slim chances Ah had with Twi gone now, but mah friendship with her might as well be over too.”

“Well, probably…” Rainbow murmured. Rarity’s jaw went slack at the appalling lack of tact. In reply, Applejack reeled back and smacked Dash across the face. "Ow! Geeze you hit harder than Rarity!"

“Ya know what? At least one good thang came outta this. It’s mah turn!” Applejack jabbed her hoof on Rainbow’s chest so hard that she stumbled back. “And that means it’s payback time. Ah dare ya ta give Rarity a hornjob!”

Rainbow's mouth was agape. "Uh... n-now wait a minute... I-I, er..."

Compelled to intervene, Rarity cleared her throat. Loudly.

Applejack’s eyes bulged from their sockets when she saw her and she flinched slightly. “Uh… R-Rarity… hi… Ah didn’t hear ya come in.”

“Yes, clearly.” Rarity forced herself not to become angry, recalling the trauma that Applejack had just gone through. “We’ll have to move this discussion of your… overly sensual dares involving me to some other date. I believe a much more important matter is at hoof.”

“A-all right.” Applejack looked to the ground, unsure of how to proceed.

“Good. Now then...” Rarity took in a deep breath. “What exactly were you thinking?”

“Uh… what?”

“Applejack, dare or no, how could you just leave Twilight standing there like that without so much as a single explanation?”

Her lower lip curled into her mouth, and she bit down before responding. “Ah… Ah couldn’t face her after that because…”

“Because why?”

Applejack looked from her to the floor before responding. “Girls, ya might want to sit down fer this.”

Rarity and Rainbow Dash exchanged a glance. Rainbow shrugged.

“A’ight.” She plopped herself on the floor of the barn.

Looking at the ground herself, Rarity noted the dust, grime, shriveled up apple skins, and other health code violations. “I’ll stand, thank you.”

Applejack inhaled deeply and sighed. “All right then, but just know that what Ah’m ‘bout ta say is real shockin’”

“Very well.”

“Ah’m serious, Rarity. Ya’re not gonna expect this; ya might want ta take a seat.”

“Oh, just spit it out already!” Rainbow blurted. Applejack’s eyes narrowed.

“Fine.” She bowed her head and murmured something unintelligible.

Rarity leaned in, cupping a hoof to her ear. “What was that?”

Applejack swallowed as an anxious sweat formed on her forehead. “A-Ah... Ah have a crush on Twilight! There, Ah said it.”

There was a brief pause, as both Rarity and Rainbow Dash blinked, expecting more.

“Is that all?” Rainbow asked.

Her facial features compressed into an irate scrunch. “What do ya mean, ‘is that all’? That was everythin’. Ah have a crush on Twi… isn’t that even a bit of a doozy?”

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “Not really, no.”

“What she means to say,” Rarity interjected, noting the scowl forming on the farmer’s face. “Is that we already knew that.”

“Ya… ya did?” Applejack’s cheeks bloomed red. “H-how?”

“No offense, darling, but… you are not the most subtle of ponies.” Rarity waved a dismissive hoof on the subject. “That isn’t important though. This should be a happy occasion. You and Twilight… oh, I can picture it now!”

“Uh… thanks, Rares, but Ah don’t really see the happiness in what just happened.”

“Yes, we will need to address the elephant in the room, so to speak.”

“Are you calling me fat?” Rainbow asked.

Rarity rolled her eyes, choosing not to dignify that question with a response. “Before we do, I am quite curious. How did your little crush come about?”

Applejack moved her gaze to the floor, her blush intensifying. “Ta be honest, Ah couldn’t tell for the longest time mahself. Ah’ve always been so comfortable ‘round her that it never occurred ta me how much Ah’ve been fallin’ fer her. A few days ago when I was buckin’ some trees Ah let mah mind wander an’ well… it always seemed ta wander back ta Twi. It was then that Ah knew.”

“Oh, how romantic!” Rarity squeed a little to herself. “You know, the two of you would be so adorable together!”

“Yeah well… don’t get any ideas lodged in yer brain. Mah chances with her are farther south than a penguin without a compass thanks ta Dash.” Applejack fixed her with another glare. Rainbow looked away shamefully.

Rarity nodded, feeling her small burst of glee subside. “You are absolutely right, darling. We must do something about this little debacle.”

Applejack’s eyes darted from the ground to Rarity. “Anythang ya can think of ta fix this would be great. Ah just don’t want Twilight mad at me.”

“Oh I’m sure she isn’t mad in the slightest,” Rarity assured her. “Perhaps a tad bewildered–”

“A tad?” Rainbow interrupted.

“–But I’m sure it’s nothing that a good bit of talking it out won’t cure.”

It took her a moment, but Applejack nodded. “Y-yeah… maybe if ya just explain it was a prank, she’ll be fine with it... maybe.”

Something about her wording seemed off to Rarity. “What do you mean if I explain it? Surely you can…”

“No, Ah can’t!” Applejack quivered slightly. “What if she asks why Rainbow dared me ta do that in the first place? Ah couldn’t lie to her… Ah’d have to tell her!”

“What’s the matter with that?” Rainbow asked.

Both Rarity and Applejack shot her a look. Applejack shook her head, and said, “Clearly ya’ve never had a crush before.”

Rainbow groaned.

Applejack turned back to Rarity. “Ya get it, don’tcha? Ah can’t just tell Twi that Ah like her. What if she doesn’t feel the same? Or laughs in mah face? Or gits Princess Celestia ta banish me ta the moon so she doesn’t have ta look at me anymore?” Applejack sank to the ground, huddling up in a ball.

“Come on now.” Rarity offered a comforting hoof pat on her shoulder. “Do you honestly believe Twilight would do any of those things?”

“Well… the first one seems likely.”

Rarity sighed. “Applejack, I won’t lie to you. There is a chance Twilight will not return your affections, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. You two have an honest shot at happiness together.”

Applejack's ears perked up a bit. “Ya... ya really think so?”

“Totally,” Rainbow hopped in. “I bet you two could–”

Applejack whipped her head to face her. “Shut it, Rainbow.”

Taken aback by the angry demand, Rainbow Dash slowly closed her jaw and retreated a few steps. It seemed to Rarity that she had forgotten how enraged Applejack was, or at least had been hoping they had moved past it already.

Turning back to Rarity, Applejack asked, “So, do ya think Ah have a chance?”

“Yes,” she replied instantly, knowing she couldn’t afford to hesitate.

“Thanks.” Applejack stood back up. Tears still lined the rims of her eyes, but she was able to blink them back. “Ah owe ya one.”

Rarity waved a hoof dismissively. “Think nothing of it. Now, I suppose I should be off. Somepony’s going to have to stop Twilight from tearing apart the town to find you.”

“She’s really doin’ that?” Applejack asked, face paling.

“No, no.” Rarity gave a short laugh. “There’s no way she’s… well, at least, I don’t believe she’s currently, ahem, in the midst of that.” She glanced to the barn doors. “Perhaps I should find her before she does attempt something of that nature.”

“And ya’re gonna talk ta her… right?”

“I’ll explain everything,” Rarity promised.

“Not everythin’! Ya can’t tell her ‘bout mah crush, please!”

As Applejack’s desperate puppy dog eyes pleaded, Rarity felt her resolve dampen. “All right. I won’t inform Twilight of your feelings.”

“Thank ya, Rares.”

“I won’t say anything either,” Rainbow interjected, earning yet another glare from Applejack.

“I do have one question though,” Rarity said in an effort to prevent a potential outburst from either. Attention swiveled back to her. “What are you going to do regarding your crush?”

“Ah… Ah hadn’t put much thought in it. Ah’ve just been too nervous ta think 'bout that.”

"I see." Rarity thought to herself for a moment. Clearly Applejack is not going to make the first move on her own. Perhaps if I give her a bit of assistance... An idea bloomed in her head, and a giddy grin rippled across her face. Later, Rarity would admit her idea was less like assisting and more like meddling, but at the moment it seemed like a wonderful idea. "Well, I can explain the situation to her, without mentioning your feelings, of course."

Applejack breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank ya, Rarity."

"However," she continued. "You two still need to talk. I happen to know Twilight intends to go stargazing tonight. Perhaps the two of you can meet up then?"

Her hoof absently traced a circle on the floor. "Ah don't know..."

Sensing the need for a gentle nudge, Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash for a little help. It took less than three seconds before that plan turned sour.

"Relax, AJ, we'll be with you to make sure everything goes smoothly."

No! Rarity tensed in agitation as she heard the words. Rainbow Dash, are you dense? Of course, she knew the answer to her question was yes, but that didn’t soothe her anger. Applejack would have the perfect opportunity to court Twilight at such a romantic venue, but the atmosphere would be killed if more than two ponies were there. Especially if Rainbow Knows-Nothing-About-Romance Dash was going to be there.

Unfortunately, Applejack seemed inclined to the idea. “Yeah… Ah think havin’ y’all there would make it better,” she glanced at Rainbow. “Er… or maybe just Rarity.”

Rainbow’s jaw clenched visibly. “Look, AJ, it wasn’t cool of me to dare you to kiss Twilight, all right? I’m sorry. You can stay angry at me if you want, but I still want to help.”

Applejack’s mouth remained a folded line and she looked away. “Fine, Ah guess you can come to.”

Rarity realized that the decision that they would be attending had just been finalized, and she had yet to throw in her two cents. “Now wait a moment. Applejack, do you honestly think that having the two of us present would help you in anyway?”

“Yes,” Applejack said with no hesitation. “And Ah can’t thank you enough for agreein’ to come too.”

I hope you’re not this pushy when you finally ask Twilight out. “Very well,” Rarity relented. At the very least she could attempt to nudge things a little bit more in the right direction if need be.

“Thanks, that takes a real load off of mah shoulders.” Applejack wiped her eyes.

“I’ll send Rainbow over to tell you when the stargazing is all set up.”

“You’ll send me?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow. A quick glare from Rarity sent it scurrying down. “Er... Okay, I guess.”

“All right then, everything's settled. Let’s go now before Twilight really does rip up the entire town.” Rarity nodded a good bye to Applejack and headed for the barn door, eager to be able to inhale without the motley of stenches currently surrounding her.

Rainbow Dash followed her, ducking to avoid the box of telescope parts as it levitated up next to Rarity. As they walked outside, Rarity allowed the clean air to wash over, pausing to inhale for perhaps a bit too long.

Coughing awkwardly, Rainbow Dash drew her attention.

“Yes?”

“Do you think I can get some food before we talk to Twilight? Between the spa, the dares, and Applejack’s little make out session, I kinda sorta… haven’t eaten anything all day.” To emphasize the point, her stomach moaned like a beached whale.

Rarity was about to shoot down the request when she felt how hollow her own stomach was. “Come to think of it, I haven’t eaten since breakfast myself. I suppose a slight detour wouldn’t hurt…”

“Cool, but I’m picking the place.” Rainbow Dash hopped forward, taking the lead. Rarity was reluctant, but followed anyway, propelled by her own hunger.

Rainbow Dash tore into her hayburger, a ring of ketchup sticking around her mouth as she did. She chewed on the crisp hay and fresh bun for a few seconds and went in for a second bite halfway through swallowing the first. When that bite was also gone, she only had a mere sliver left. She popped it into her mouth and licked the savory combination of ketchup and grease from her hooves. To finish, she sucked in a deep breath, put a hoof to her diaphragm, and released a belch worthy of cracking windows.

She looked up to see Rarity across the table, face frozen in a look stuck somewhere between horror and disgust. Her eyebrows were at opposing heights on her forehead, her pupils mere specks, her nose wrinkled and curled up, and her jaw slack with a fork daintily levitating next to it with some salad in its grasp.

“Uh…" An aftershock burp escaped her lips, and Rainbow put a hoof to her mouth. "Excuse me?”

Rarity slowly blinked, returning to reality. “Dear Celestia, Rainbow, I had no idea your table manners were this atrocious!”

“Aw, cut me some slack, Rares, I was hungry.”

She scoffed. “If you were hungry, you wouldn’t have taken us to get some real food instead of a subpar fast food restaurant.” She stabbed her salad, impaling a few more of the soggy leaves with her fork.

The two of them were reclining in the open air seating area of The Sloppy Hayburger, a restaurant that Rainbow loved to help uphold its name. The prices were low, and the food quality was at the level of microwaveable pizzas, so as far as she was concerned it was the whole package.

They were the only ones opting to eat outside, at Rarity’s insistence. If she was going to be forced to eat fast food, she was going to distance herself from it at the same time; and that included ordering the only remotely healthy item on the menu, a feat that still baffled Rainbow Dash.

“This is real food. Processed to hell and back, but still, technically, real.” She grabbed a hoofful of fries and slathered them in ketchup before shoving them into her mouth.

Rarity shuddered at the action. “If you’re using an immensely loose definition of the word, I suppose so.” She poked at her salad some.

“So, do you know why Applejack doesn’t want us telling Twilight about her crush?” Rainbow asked when she swallowed.

Rarity’s fork hit the plate. “You honestly don’t know?” Rainbow shook her head. “She’s nervous, obviously. There’s no way to predict what Twilight will do when she finds out.”

“I still don’t get it.” Rainbow dragged a napkin across her face, smearing the ketchup rather than removing it. “I mean… hypothetically, say I had a crush on you.”

Chewing some salad leaves, Rarity narrowed her eyes. “Okay…”

“Well, wouldn’t I feel better to just come out and say ‘I love you’ as opposed to holding it in?”

She nearly choked on the leaves. “What? Rainbow, where did you get love from?”

"Isn't that what a crush is? You know, being in love and all that mushy junk?"

She gaped incredulously. "You've really never had a crush before, haven't you?"

Half of Rainbow's mouth smirked. "Do I look like the type of pony that gets crushes?"

Rarity rolled her eyes. "You don't need to be a certain type. No pony is more susceptible to get a crush than any other. And no, having a crush does not necessarily mean you are in love; it’s more of an infatuation than anything else." She paused. "Wait... You thought Applejack was in love with Twilight, and you still dared her to do the kiss?"

Rainbow winced. "It's not as harsh as it sounds. Like I said, I expected her to cave in a second later."

"It still sounds rather harsh if you ask me."

"Oh come on Rarity, it was just a little teasing. Good friends tease each other all the freakin' time."

Rarity glanced at her salad, then back to Rainbow Dash. "You've never teased me before."

She blinked. “Uh…”

“Girls, there you are!” Rainbow Dash was saved from having to respond when Twilight Sparkle ran up to there table. A mixture of sweat frazzled hair, and slightly labored breathing let them know she’d been running around for quite some time. “Please tell me you’ve seen Applejack somewhere.”

Setting her fork down, Rarity responded. “Oh, hello Twilight. We um… have run into Applejack, actually.”

“Really? Can you tell me where? I really need to talk to her.” Twilight bit her lip.

“Yes, about the… incident between you two.” Rarity looked to Rainbow Dash. “I believe she has something to tell you.”

Twilight turned her focus to Rainbow, trying to appear patient through her tapping hooves and constantly looking over her shoulder to see if she might spot Applejack.

Gee, thanks for putting the spotlight on me, Rarity. She cleared her throat. “So about the whole… AJ kissing you thing…”

“Yeah?”

“I kinda dared her to do it.”

Rainbow wasn’t really sure what emotion flashed across Twilight’s face when she said the words. It appeared and was masked within the span of a single second.

“I see.” Twilight chewed the inside of her lip. “So you’re the reason she kissed me…”

“Well she could’ve backed out of it, but–” She felt Rarity’s hoof kick her from under the table, a reminder not to say too much.

“Darling,” Rarity interjected, likely hoping to prevent her from pondering what Rainbow just said. “Perhaps it would be best if you and Applejack had an opportunity to talk.”

“Well, yeah, that’s why I’ve been trying to find her. I just…” she trailed off.

“How about the two of you meet up later tonight? You were planning on going stargazing weren’t you? She can just meet you at the spot and you two can have a chat.”

“And we'll be there too,” Rainbow added, remembering their promise to Applejack. She felt another swift kick.

Twilight’s eyebrows furrowed. “Why would you two come?”

“Because we… like stargazing,” Rarity poorly covered.

“Since when?” Twilight looked from her to Rainbow. “It’s been months since either of you came to a meteor shower with me, and that was only because everypony else came too.”

“Uh–”

“What Rarity means is, we’re trying to get into it, ‘cause we know how much you like it.” Rainbow offered a grin to Twilight and a wink to Rarity. “Right, Rares?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Rarity said, picking up on the lie.

Twilight blinked, giving the idea some thought. “All right... As long as you two don’t interrupt my talk with Applejack then I guess it won’t hurt.”

“Perfect!” Rarity clapped with delight. “We’ll see you there then. Oh, and one more thing.” Rarity’s horn sparked to life and the telescope parts levitated into view. “Here you go, darling.”

“Oh my gosh! I’d completely forgotten about this.” Twilight’s own magical aura enveloped the box. “Thanks Rarity.”

“Think nothing of it. See you tonight.”

“Bye girls.” Twilight trotted off, her hoof falls heavy with anticipation for later tonight.

Dash waited until she was out of hearing range before turning back to Rarity. “We like stargazing? Really? That’s the best you could do?”

“Forgive me for not being a master of impromptu excuses,” Rarity said.

“Whatever. So now that they’re going to be talking, what’s your plan?”

“My plan?” Rarity placed a hoof over her chest innocently. “What do you mean by that?”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I’m dense, but not that dense. You could’ve easily dragged AJ out of the barn, marched her up to Twilight, and had her rattle off that bullcrap dare excuse. But instead you want them stargazing? Come on, what’s the plan?”

Caught, Rarity folded down her ears. “Truth be told… I’m hoping a little romantic atmosphere will coax Applejack into admitting her feelings to Twilight. If that proves to be too little, I'll try something else to get her to admit them.”

Rainbow thought about that for a moment. “Ok, I’m in.”

“What?”

“I’m in,” Rainbow reiterated. “I want AJ to be happy, Rares… and to not be mad at me anymore. This should kill two birds with one stone, right?”

Her bottom lip curled into her mouth. “I suppose… as long as you do what I tell you to, then everything should go smoothly.”

“If it helps, I’ll do it.”

Rarity smiled. “Fabulous.”

Crush

Two hours later, the last vestiges of evening had long since bled away, allowing for the deep blue of night to take its spot. Dozens of stars were already twinkling away in the sky, but most found themselves outclassed by the moon, which provided enough light for anypony who happened to be walking about to see. That, combined with the abundance of street lamps, made for a relatively bright night.

Even so, all of the available light didn't mean ponies were still ambling about. Most had already shuffled off to bed, or were at the very least secluded in their homes intent to stay there until morning. Of the few that were still up an active, only two were taking the winding road to a hill on the outside of town.

Applejack and Rainbow walked side by side, the only sounds between them were the clopping of hooves along the dirt path. With each step, Rainbow could feel the nervousness radiating off of her friend grow, and occasionally she glanced over to make sure she hadn’t bolted yet. So far, so good.

“Relax, AJ, everything’s going to be fine,” Rainbow Dash insisted, hoping to ease the tension a little as Applejack broke out of her thought-induced trance once more. Throughout the walk from Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack had only said two words to her, and they rhymed with “duck stew”.

Thankfully, when Applejack opened her mouth to respond, she didn’t repeat the insult. “Ah can’t help it, Rainbow. If even the tiniest thing goes wrong tonight…" She shook her head and came to a stop for a moment, rubbing her temple with her forehoof. "Consarnit, if Ah say anythang stupid to her... “

“Well, that’s what you got me for, right?” Rainbow replied with a cheeky grin, hooking a foreleg around Applejack’s back. “I’ll say all the stupid stuff before you even get a word in.” She let out a small laugh, but Applejack’s face only tightened.

“That don’t make me feel any better, Dash.” Her eyes then darted by to the cyan hoof laying on her back, Rainbow taking a moment before she flashed a sheepish smile towards her friend.

“Er, my bad.” She removed her hoof before speaking again. “I just meant that I’ll, well, take the fall. If Twilight turns out to be furious about the dare, then I’m gonna make sure that I’m the one she goes off on, not you.”

“Well… thanks, Ah guess.” Applejack gave a shaky sigh as their destination came into view, mentally bracing herself for what was to come. Even with the moonlight, it wasn’t possible to see if anypony was on top of the hill yet. Looking over to Dash, she sighed again before hesitantly speaking.“Rainbow… can I, uh, tell ya somethin'?”

“Lay it on me.”

"Ah’m… Well, I gotta say Ah’m kinda glad ya're gonna be there with me.”

Rainbow blinked, coming to a complete stop as she struggled to process the words. “What… really?”

“Don’t git me wrong,” Applejack quickly said. “Ah’m still angry at ya fer what ya did… but, at least Ah know Ah can count on ya. Ya won’t abandon me tonight; ya’re too loyal fer that.”

“A-Abandon you?” Rainbow asked, a cold sweat forming on the back of her neck. “What do you mean?”

“Ah don’t think Ah’d be able ta talk ta Twilight by mahself without throwin’ up. As long as Rarity and ya are there, Ah might be able ta do it.” She gulped. “Talk ta her Ah mean… ‘bout mah feelin’s 'n all.”

Shit. Rainbow forced out a smile. “Yeah, I’ll make sure to stick around if that’s the case.”

“Thanks, Rainbow.”

Double shit.

Her conversation with Rarity not half an hour earlier drudged itself up in her mind.

“Now, if we want anything to happen between these two, it’s important that we give them space as soon as possible. Once you arrive with Applejack, I’ll give them a picnic basket and make up an excuse to leave.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

“Good, and the best part is there is no way you can mess it up.”

“Yeah I… hey!”

Rainbow gritted her teeth, pushing the memory down. She had to think fast. “But... uh, are you sure you need me and Rarity there?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. “L-Like, I mean, you're pretty level-headed, I'm sure you can keep your cool."

"That makes one of us, Ah guess."

Chewing the inside of her cheek, Rainbow weighed her options. It was clear to her that Applejack didn’t have the confidence to come clean to Twilight, despite Rarity’s insistence that privacy was what they needed. Yet, at the same time, if she bailed, Applejack probably would never forgive her for it.

As they reached the base of the hill, two ponies on top of the hill became visible. One was scurrying around a telescope, and the other seemed to be anxiously pacing.

“Okay… ready?”

Applejack looked up, and then away quickly. “Eenope.”

“Well too bad.” She slapped Applejack forward, and followed her as they climbed the hill.

“Wait!” Applejack turned around. “Maybe Ah should head home first an’–”

“AJ,” Rainbow said as she gave her a soft, yet serious expression. “You’ve got to at least try. Come on, what have you got to lose?”

“Mah self-respect, mah dignity, mah friendship with Twi, mah lunch.”

“Eh, you’d probably lose all those anyway if you bailed, now come on.” Rainbow turned Applejack around and gave her a slight nudge. They approached the top of the hill just in time to catch the end of rambling Rarity monologue.

“...and I just don’t know what could be keeping them. After all I specifically told Rainbow to–” She paused as their heads poked into view. “There you are.”

Twilight’s head ripped away from the telescope. “Applejack?” She asked, her voice overshadowed by eagerness. Whether it was anticipation for their talk, or gratefulness that Rarity had finally shut up, Rainbow had no idea.

“H-Hello, Twilight.” Applejack studied the blades of grass by her hooves, refusing the make eye contact.

Silence.

Twilight opened her mouth. “So–”

“Ah’m sorry!” Applejack blurted out, leaving no time for Twilight to talk. “T-the kiss. Ah’m sorry ‘bout the kiss. It was just… Dash and Ah… a stupid, stupid daring contest… Ah’m so sorry…” Her head bowed, a bright shade of crimson creeping onto it, barely hidden by the night.

Silence again, as Twilight processed what just happened. “...O-okay then.”

Rarity coughed, levitating a small brown basket into the air. “Well, I packed us all a picnic, but it seems I miscalculated a little bit.” She popped open the lid of the basket. “Yes, it appears there is only enough food – and, ahem, atmosphere – for two.” Her magic slammed the basket shut and she set it in front of Twilight and Applejack. “Have fun you two. Rainbow and I will just have to saunter off for now, I suppose. Ta-ta.”

Fear exploded into Applejack’s eyes as Rarity began to walk away. She turned to Rainbow for assistance, who in turn cringed.

Yep, Rarity’s going to hate me for this. “Hey, Rares?” She stepped in front of Rarity, blocking her path.

“Um… yes?” Her eyebrows furrowed together in confusion.

“We ate earlier, remember? AJ and Twilight can just split the picnic, but why don’t we hang around a little. I mean, there’s going to be that comet coming soon, right?”

“Meteor shower,” Twilight corrected.

“Yeah, some space crap. Why don’t we stick around for it?” She forced a casual grin that was debateably not casual at all and instead immensely awkward.

Rarity flashed her a look that said: What the hell happened to the plan?

“Ya should stay, Rarity,” Applejack chimed in. “It would be just awful ta miss it.”

A bright smile appeared on Rarity’s face. “Sounds delightful.” Shooting daggers at Rainbow, she asked. “Could you just give me a moment to confer with Dash?”

“Uh, sure?” Twilight shrugged.

Rarity grabbed Rainbow’s foreleg tightly and dragged her out of earshot.

“Ow, what the hell?” Rainbow swore she heard the crunching of bones under Rarity’s vice like grip.

“Just what exactly do you think you’re doing?” Rarity hissed. Rainbow opened her mouth to respond, but Rarity wasn’t finished berating her just yet. “I told you we were going to leave at the earliest opportunity! How could you just ignore me like that, and what’s worse, keep us here? What happened?”

“Applejack was getting cold hooves!” Rainbow said, wiggling free of Rarity’s grasp. “I had to say something to keep her from bolting, and she wanted us to stay. What was I supposed to do?”

Rarity sighed. “I don’t know. You should have just lied or something. You realize now it will be that much harder to get these two together?”

“Well, aren’t you the expert on mushy stuff? If we stick around you can probably nudge them in the right direction.”

“Maybe…” Rarity pondered the idea. “But it could just as easily backfire. And I’m not the expert on ‘mushy stuff’, Rainbow.”

“Are y’all done over there?” Came the nervous voice of Applejack.

“Totally,” Rainbow called back. She turned to Rarity. “Just do your best, a’ight? Come on, I believe you can do it.”

Rarity seemed surprised at her words. “Oh… well, thank you Rainbow.”

“Welcome, now come on.”

They trotted back over to Twilight and Applejack, who had been standing around awkwardly without much interaction at all. Rainbow felt confident that would have been the norm for the rest of the night if she and Rarity had decided not to stay.

“Well, even though we’re apparently going to be here for a while, you two can still enjoy the picnic without us. As Rainbow said, we did already eat.” Rarity indicated the basket at their hooves.

“Oh thanks, Rarity.” Twilight bent down to open the basket.

“Sounds fine ta me,” Applejack said at the same time, also reaching.

Their hooves met, Applejack’s landing on Twilight’s. She lingered for a moment, before pulling back as if she’d just touched a priceless artifact in a museum and an uptight guard just gave her the stink eye for it.

“Uh… s-sorry.” Scarlet bathed Applejack’s cheeks, and she looked away to hide it from Twilight.

“You’re fine, Applejack.” Twilight smiled softly.

Weakly smiling, Applejack reached for the picnic basket again, opening it uninterrupted. Igniting her horn, Twilight lifted out the contents. A picnic blanket sprawled over the thin grass, followed closely by a pair of daisy sandwiches, a bottle of sparkling apple cider, and some glasses.

Rainbow's eyes widened at the sight. She leaned over to Rarity. "You brought cider and didn't tell me?"

"Hush!" Rarity scolded.

Twilight removed the last item from the basket, a small, scented candle. "Um, what's this for, Rarity?"

"Oh, it's just for mood lighting." Rarity blinked. "Er... I mean, it's for regular lighting, of course. Silly me, I misspoke."

"Yep, it's not moody at all," Rainbow agreed.

Twilight looked from them to the candle. "Well, I don't think we'll need it; there's plenty of stars out for us to see." She was about to put it up when Rarity rushed over.

"Oh, but Twilight, you must admit that it would make a great centerpiece." Before an argument could be voiced, she levitated it to the center of the cloth and lit it with a quick spark of magic. "See?"

"Well... I guess." She inhaled through her nose. "At least it smells nice."

"Spiced apples," Rarity said, labeling the scent. "I knew you'd like it."

From the corner of her eye, Rainbow saw another blush creep onto Applejack's face. Twilight failed to pick up on the underlying context, however, and took a seat at one edge of the blanket.

"Well, if we're going to eat, we should do it now. The meteor shower will be starting soon." Following her lead, Applejack and Rarity each took a seat. "Uh, are you going to join us, Rainbow?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah." Suddenly realizing how excluded she was, Rainbow trotted over and took the empty spot near Rarity. Silence permeated their little picnic for a little while as Twilight and Applejack ate their sandwiches. The entire time, Rainbow stayed more focused on the bottle of cider opposed to helping Rarity try to jump start a conversation.

“Thirsty?” Twilight asked, noticing her staring.

Rainbow grinned. “Yeah, do you mind?”

In response, Twilight lifted up a spare glass and filled it to the brim. Rainbow greedily grabbed the cup before it finished floating to her, and took a long gulp.

Smiling, Twilight set the bottle down and looked at her. “So Rarity was telling me you went to the spa earlier today.”

It took all of Rainbow’s willpower not to spit out the cider in shock, her eyes bulging out further than she thought possible as she glanced between the three mares each stifling giggles. Swallowing, she looked at Rarity. “You promised you wouldn’t tell!”

“I said no such thing,” she replied, giving the most innocent smirk possible.

“Well… I figured it was implied.” Embarrassed, Rainbow huffed to herself as Applejack and Twilight continued to stifle giggles.

“Oh relax,” Rarity coyly said. She grinned to herself. “It’s not like I told her you actually enjoyed it.”

“Aw, come on!” Rainbow buried her face in her hooves.

Applejack and Twilight erupted into laughter. Rarity could barely hold back a few giggles herself, but was clearly saving the moment for everyone else.

“That’s hilarious!” Applejack choked out between laughs. “Oh Celestia, Ah can’t even picture it!” Rainbow’s face grew hot with embarrassment. “Ya’d have an easier time makin’ cats and dogs like each other, or findin’ a needle in twelve acre’s worth of hay!”

“No wait, I’ve got one!” Twilight calmed down slightly and cleared her throat, both Rarity and Applejack leaning in to hear. “You’d have an easier time getting helium and argon atoms to bond with each other!” She snorted with laughter at her joke, and then fell onto her back in the midst of the fit.

Applejack and Rarity’s laughter receded slightly at Twilight’s awful attempt at comedy, but they still chuckled a little longer. Rainbow just gritted her teeth and stuck it out, especially after she received Rarity’s don’t-you-dare-mess-this-up-Rainbow look.

You know, come to think of it, I’ve been seeing that look a lot today.

Eventually, Twilight sat back up, wiping tears from her eyes. “Oh, that was good.” She checked up at the sky really quick. “Girls, I’ll be right back, I just want to make a few tweaks on the telescope real quick.”

“Uh, yeah, sure thing, Twi.” Applejack watched her leave, sighing to herself when she was out of earshot. “She has the most adorable laugh, doesn’t she?”

Rarity giggled. “My, you are quite smitten, aren’t you?”

Blood rose under Applejack’s cheeks. “S-so what am Ah supposed ta do now?”

“I say just keep doing what you’re doing. It seems to be working,” Rainbow said, thankful that the spa subject was dropped. She reached for what remained of the cider while both Rarity and Applejack gave her a funny look. “What?”

“Well, it’s not that your idea doesn’t hold merit, Rainbow,” Rarity began, clearing her throat. “But, um… Applejack probably won’t advance beyond friendship if she doesn’t do anything more than casual conversation.”

“So what do ya suggest?” Applejack asked. She flashed a glance at Twilight, who was still fine tuning the telescope.

“Compliment her,” Rarity suggested. “Or make a grand gesture of some kind. And be sure to watch her reaction to see if she likes it.”

Applejack didn’t have time to give her thoughts on the idea. Twilight bounded over to them, an excited look on her face.

“Girls, did you see that?” She pointed up to the sky. “The shower is starting!”

All three of their heads turned towards the sky. Rainbow squinted, but couldn’t see anything remotely close to a meteor shower. It was the night sky was as static as it’d always been, and nothing seemed to be changing anytime soon.

“Whoa, there’s one!” Applejack called out. Rainbow shifted her line of sight just in time to catch the tail end of a silver streak dashing out of view. Peeved, she kept her vision fixed on that one position hoping to actually see the next one as the night returned to its quiet stillness.

About ready to give up, Rainbow caught two sudden blips of light flying high in the night sky. “Hey, there they are!” she involuntarily shouted. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Rarity’s ears fold down in annoyance.

They stared up at the sky for a little longer, until Twilight put her head down. “That’s probably all we’re going to get for a little while.”

“What? You mean it’s over?” Rainbow felt slightly cheated even though watching the meteor shower was far from top priority for her.

“Of course not,” Twilight said. “That was just Princess Luna getting warmed up. The real show will begin once she has enough meteors ready.”

“So what do we do till then?” Rainbow asked. Just as she said the words, she saw Rarity nudge Applejack.

“Oh… uh, hey Twi…”

“Yes Applejack?” Twilight turned just in time to see the blood boiling under Applejack’s cheeks.

Clearing her throat, the farmer stuttered out. “A-Ah think ya look real p-pretty in the… er, this here moonlight.” She bit her lip. “Not that ya don’t look pretty in the daytime too! It’s just… right now… it looks almost like ya’re glowin’ or somethin’. Like ya’re a firefly. Not that I think ya’re an insect or anythang like that! But… ergh…” Applejack looked like she wanted to strangle herself.

Twilight blinked. “Uh…"

The sound of Rarity hitting her own forehead rang out through the night.

“Thanks, Applejack… I guess.” Twilight looked away for a moment. “I’m just going to go and look at the telescope some more.” She hastily trotted off.

Applejack looked to the ground, groaning to herself as she face-hoofed herself. “Celestia, that was awful!”

“Like a firefly?” Rainbow asked. “Really?”

“It sounded romantic in mah head!” Applejack softly said for fear that Twilight might overhear.

“No offense, Applejack,” Rarity interjected. “But that shouldn’t have sounded romantic in anypony’s head.”

Applejack buried her face in her hooves. “At least tell me that her reaction means somethin’ good.”

“Sorry, darling.” Rarity patted Applejack on the back. “But I believe she was more confused than anything else.”

“Dangit!”

“Okay, so compliments aren't your strong suit,” Rainbow said. “What is?”

“Makin’ an idiot outta mahself.”

“Noted. Anything else?”

Applejack shot her an irate glance, so Rainbow held up her hooves in mock surrender and took a step back.

“Now wait just a minute,” Rarity spoke up. “Applejack, have just a little bit of self-esteem, won’t you? You’ll never woo Twilight with this attitude.”

“Ah’m startin’ ta think Ah’ll never woo her at all.”

Rainbow gritted her teeth. Seeing her friend so down on herself was agitating to say the least. “Hold on a second,” she told them, turning and walking towards Twilight.

“Rainbow, what are you doing?”

Not stopping to answer Rarity’s question, she marched right up to Twilight, who was adjusting the telescope. “‘Sup.”

“Hello,” Twilight said, her eye looking through the lens. She twisted a tiny knob near the top a little bit with her magic and looked again.

It was then that Rainbow Dash realized she didn’t have a plan. Considering anything short of revealing Applejack’s feelings would be fair game, she decided to go with the first thing that popped into her head.

When that turned out to involve too much Rarity, she modified it.

“So, have you ever noticed Applejack’s flank?”

“What?” Twilight flinched so hard that her eye jutted into the lens of the telescope. “AH!”

“Ooh!” Rainbow cringed as Twilight brought her face away from the telescope. Instinctively, she placed her hoof over her injured eye and rubbed. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah, I think so. My cornea suffered a little irritation, though.” Twilight brought her hoof away from her face and blinked a little.

“Uh… okay, well, while whatever egghead thing you were talking about heals, why don’t you answer my question?”

With one eye slightly watery, Twilight gave Rainbow a look. “Y-you mean… the one about Applejack’s… erm flank?”

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, I’d like an answer for that one.”

“Do you want me to talk about her... her Cutie Mark?”

Lowering her eyelids, Rainbow shook her head. “No. Twilight, just... describe AJ’s flank for me.”

“I don’t know, Rainbow…” Trace amounts of pink formed in the center of Twilight’s cheeks.

“Come on,” Rainbow nudged her. “You know what, just give me one word to describe it. It can be anything.” Though right now the preferred answer would be either sexy, smokin’, attractive, or literally anything in between.

“Uh… big?”

It took all of Rainbow’s willpower and then some to not burst out laughing. Holding back a snicker, she asked. “Alrighty then… anything else you can say about it? Anything at all?”

“It’s very… orange?”

Okay, this is just kinda pathetic. Resisting the urge to slam her head into the ground, Rainbow settled on a sigh. “Okay, you know what? I want to try an experiment.”

At the word experiment, Twilight perked up slightly. Probably due to the fact that they appeared to be moving away from the uncomfortable subject of their friend’s rear end.

“Sure, okay.”

“Look at Applejack’s plot.” Rainbow pointed to where Applejack was still being consoled by Rarity.

“...What?”

“Just do it... for science.”

Twilight bit her lip, but curiosity over where Rainbow was going with this soon got the better of her. She tilted her head to the right and down, eyes coming to rest on the apple-marked posterior in question. After two seconds, she started to turn back to Rainbow. “Wha–”

“Keep looking!” Rainbow snapped. She grabbed Twilight by her cheeks and forced her head in the direction of Applejacks buttocks. “Okay, take in a good look.”

“Uh... Rainbow Dash, this is making me really uncomfortable.”

“It’s called hormones, Egghead. Now, describe AJ’s flank to me.”

Twilight squirmed, the pink on her cheeks expanding. “I don’t–”

“Come on, just describe it. One adjective is all I'm asking for.”

“Uh… round?”

Rainbow groaned, releasing Twilight’s face. “Oh Celestia, this isn’t working.”

“Working? Rainbow, what are you talking about?”

She started walking back to Applejack and Rarity. “Nothing, Twilight. Don’t worry about it.”

Twilight blinked, watching Rainbow go. “But–”

“I said don’t worry about it.”

Rainbow reached the edge of the picnic blanket, feeling just a little defeated. Rarity seemed to have made Applejack feel a little better

“What was that all about?” Rarity asked, curiosity and anger slipping into her voice.

“I found out what Twilight thought of your flank, AJ. Big, orange, round.”

“Big?” Applejack embarrassedly maneuvered her tail so it covered her flank. “Wait, how did ya do that?”

“I’m assuming bluntly,” Rarity groaned.

“Hey, it’s not like you guys were being all that subtle to begin with,” Rainbow pointed out. “I was just trying to get a little progress.”

“Is your definition of progress one step forward, three steps back?” Rarity asked. “Because now I’m going to have to do damage control for you.”

“Girls,” Applejack attempted to interject.

“Oh come on, Twilight’s smart, but she’s dense too. She probably hasn’t even picked up on what we’ve been trying to do all night.”

“Hey, y’all,” Applejack spoke again, louder this time.

“And clearly you’re denser if you don’t think she’s noticed by now.”

“All right, that’s it!” Applejack shouted, getting their attention. “Girls, Ah appreciate y’all wantin’ ta help, really Ah do, but this is gettin’ ridiculous. Maybe we should just quit while we’re behind.”

“Absolutely not!” Rarity exclaimed, giving the mare a determined look. “Applejack, this might be your one and only chance, do you want to waste it?”

“Ah might’ve wasted it already,” Applejack replied with a sigh. An eerie silence fell over them.

“Can somepony please explain to me what’s going on here?” Twilight shouted from behind. All three of them flinched and turned to her. Twilight’s face was still red, though at this point that was likely from anger. She started pacing. “This day has just been one giant train wreck! First, out of the blue, Applejack kisses me, I almost break my new telescope, then I learn it was just a dare and I’m told we’ll get to talk about it tonight, but instead of that you’ve all been acting like a bunch of crazy ponies!” She stopped pacing and fixed them all with a stare. “Seriously, between making a picnic for only two of us, that weird compliment, Rainbow forcing me to look at Applejack’s plot, and now this? What is going on here?”

The three of them exchanged looks. Applejack’s was a mixture of quivering fear and well… not much else. Rarity’s was trademark don’t-you-dare-mess-this-up-Rainbow look again, mostly aimed at her. She turned to Twilight and cleared her throat.

“Applejack.”

“Yeah?” She tilted her head to face Rarity.

“It’s clear to me that you won’t be getting a perfect opportunity to tell Twilight the truth, so just go ahead. She has a right to know.”

Twilight’s pupils flocked from Rarity to Applejack, her curiosity growing. “Tell me what?”

Applejack swallowed shakily. “W-well T-Twillight… A-Ah kinda…” Immediately fed up with how long it was taking, Rainbow clapped Applejack on the back, forcing the words out of her. “Ah have a crush on ya!”

Twilight blinked. Her lips slowly parted, and she tried to say something. Unfortunately she only seemed able to mouth the words, and the three mares were left standing around awkwardly as she did so.

“Uh, hey Twilight... you’re not actually talking,” Rainbow finally said.

She shook her head, coming out of the daze. “Oh… sorry about that.” Twilight turned to Applejack. “Is… is it true, though? This isn’t a prank or anything?”

“Of course not,” Applejack replied, sounding just a little bit offended. “Ya know Ah always tell the truth.”

“Right, right, sorry. I’m still just trying to come to terms with it.”

“Ah don’t blame ya… Ah’m still kinda doin’ that too.” Applejack blushed and looked at the ground. “If… if ya want me ta leave, then Ah’ll go.”

“What? Applejack, you don’t have to leave,” Twilight quickly said.

“Ah don’t?” Applejack’s head perked up. Rainbow could hear Rarity take in a sharp breath and hold it with anticipation.

“No I… I’d like it if you stayed.” Twilight softly smiled.

“Really? Ah mean, ya don’t mind that Ah have a crush on ya?”

“No, I do mind.” Applejack’s head lowered. Twilight’s eyes widened. “Wait, that came out wrong! I mean, I won’t ignore it if that’s what you worried about.”

“What are ya sayin’ then?” Applejack said, unable to contain the hope that flooded her voice.

“Well… I don’t see a reason why we can’t give it a trial date.”

Applejack’s entire demeanor brightened, and she looked like she might explode. “Really?” she squeaked out. Dash’s jaw almost unhinged at the realization that Applejack had just squeaked. “Ya really mean it?”

Twilight had a grin forming on her face. “Of course. It’ll be like an experiment even! We could test out compatibility with each other, take notes, ooh, would you be willing to form relationship hypotheses with m–” Twilight was cut off as Applejack suddenly wrapped her into a powerful hug.

“Anythang ya want, Twi! Thanks so much!” She squeezed tightly, compressing Twilight’s already-struggling-for-air lungs. “If there’s anythang Ah can do, just let me know.”

“You could… stop strangling me… please…” Twilight wheezed out.

Applejack released Twilight immediately, a sheepish blush coating her face. “Heh… sorry ‘bout that.”

“Don’t worry,” Twilight managed a smile. “I guess I’ll have to get used to those if we start dating.” Applejack’s face brightened at the words.

“Oooh!” Rarity cried. “You two are already so cute together!” Both of them blushed.

“Oh hey, look!” Twilight said, her eyes turned upward. “The meteor shower just went into full swing!”

Everypony else tilted their heads up just in time to catch the early onset of dozens of streaks dancing in the night sky. As soon as they faded from view, a whole new set flew in to take their place. Rainbow watched the meteor’s chase each other’s tails overhead, and briefly wondered what it would be like to fly during a meteor shower.

“Hey, Applejack come with me,” Twilight tugged at her foreleg while pointing to the telescope. “You’ve got to see what the meteors look like up close. They’re beautiful.”

Applejack smiled. “Ah reckon Ah’m already lookin’ at the most beautiful thing Ah’ll see tonight.”

A blush creep onto Twilight’s face. She quickly looked to the ground and back up again. “All right, Cornyjack. Seriously though, you’ve got to see this.”

“Ya go on ahead,” Applejack told her. She shot a quick glance at Rainbow and Rarity. “Ah’ll be right there.”

Twilight gave an understanding nod and dashed over to her telescope. Applejack turned to them. “Dash, Rares… thanks.”

“Aww, you’re welcome, AJ,” Rainbow said.

“It was no trouble at all,” Rarity lied.

Applejack smiled. “Y’all really have no idea what this means ta me, though. Ah never thought Twilight would… and now…”

“Well, quit wasting time then,” Rainbow almost shouted. “You’ve got an egghead and some space crap waiting for you. Go on.” She waved her hoof to shoo her away.

Applejack’s lips didn’t want to stretch any further, but she forced them into a wider grin anyway. “Sure thing.” She turned and ran over to the Twilight, who was already repositioning the telescope.

Rainbow Dash leaned over to Rarity. "So... I take it you're already planning the designs for their wedding dresses?"

"What?" Rarity asked innocently. "No, of course not." Rainbow gave her a look. "Well... maybe just a teensy bit."

Dash laughed a little and sat down on the picnic blanket with a satisfied sigh, followed shortly by Rarity. “You know,” she said to the fashionista. “I think today has been one of the longest days of my life.”

Rarity nodded. “It has seemed to drag, but it was good. We did good… despite your tendency to mess up dramatically.”

“Hey,” Rainbow said. “Not cool.”

“In all honesty though, if it weren’t for you, none of this probably would have happened. I think it’s safe to say I owe you one.”

“Really now?” she grinned.

Rarity groaned, putting her hoof to her forehead. “Oh no. I knew I’d regret saying that.”

“Oh come on, I just have one favor to ask you.”

“What?”

Rainbow Dash smiled wryly. “Well, AJ and I are still in the middle of our most daring pony competition, and she did kind of dare me to give you a hornjob.”

Rarity’s eyes bulged. “Rainbow, the nerve! To even insinuate such a lewd act between you and me is–” She was cut off by the stifled laughter Rainbow could barely contain. “What?”

“I’m just teasing you, Rares.” Rainbow winked.

Opening her mouth to respond, Rarity remembered their earlier conversation and smiled slightly. “Thank you, Dash. ...But wait, if you aren’t going to do the dare, then…”

“Eh, I’ll tell AJ I forfeit.” She shrugged as nonchalantly as possible and hoped that Rarity wouldn’t pick up on her disappointment. “I mean, she’s definitely earned the title of most daring pony at this point. And besides, I think it’s time we stop sexualizing you for dare material.”

There was a heartfelt moment in there, but Rarity apparently refused to pick up on it. Instead, she harrumphed. “You should never have been sexualizing me to begin with!” She gave Rainbow a light slap on the shoulder, causing her to snicker.

“Yeah… you’re right. I’m sorry.”

Rarity sighed. “Well… not much you can do about it now, I suppose.” They each looked up at the meteor shower, which had begun to pick up speed, sending even more bright silver lines across the sky in a dazzling display. A chilling breeze swept over the hill, catching Rarity in the side. She shivered so hard that her teeth chattered.

“Cold?” Rainbow asked.

“No, I'm just dandy,” Rarity sardonically replied, crossing her forelegs to her chest for warmth.

Checking to make sure nopony was watching, Rainbow bit her lip and outstretched her wing, draping it over Rarity’s back. Preparing herself to be hit, she asked, “Better?”

“Actually… yes. Thank you, Rainbow.” Rarity turned up the corners of her mouth, and returned to gazing at the meteor shower.

“Yeah… no prob.” Feeling slightly cold herself, she scooted in ever so slightly. When Rarity didn’t push her away, Dash smiled as she felt some of Rarity's body heat on her.

The hundreds of meteors continued racing across the sky overhead. Not far off, the awestruck gasps of Twilight and Applejack could be heard as they each traded glances through the telescope. After some time, Rarity’s head leaned against Rainbow’s neck, and she realized that her friend had fallen asleep. Not wanting to be rude, Dash let her stay that way, pulling her close, and waiting for the shooting stars to finish dancing.