Seriously?!

Applejack and Rainbow Dash laid in bed with their wings overlapping.  Looking at the ceiling lost in thought about the night before they didn't know what to say to each other at the start of the day.

"Dashing?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't tell anypony I cried last night.  I mean it, Rainbow Dash.  I ain't cried since," Applejack stopped talking and closed her eyes.

"Applejack.  You can talk about it.  I've never heard what happened and I think-"

"I don't wanna remember it, much less talk about it, so leave it be."  Applejack turned over facing away from Rainbow.

"C'mon, tell mama all about it, AJ."

"No!  I ain't doin' it.  Not for you or anypony else," Applejack rolled out of bed angrily and yelped, "And buck these wings!"  Applejack stomped to the dresser and grabbed her hat.

Rainbow looked at the bed and at a few tan-orange feathers that she pulled out when she rolled off the bed.  "AJ, wait.  I'm sorry, I didn't wanna upset you."

"I got chores ta do, catch ya later Dashing."  Applejack opened and left the room in almost a gallop down the stairs.

"But, it's Sunday..."

Rainbow flew out the window and found Applejack arriving by a pile of rotten apples that needed to be composted.  "AJ, I know you're awesome and all but, ya know that's A.B.'s job on Sunday's.  What can I do to help?"

"For one ya can leave me be for a few.  I got a lotta chores to do so I won't have so much to do tomorrow."

"AJ, ya can't lie and ya can't lie ta me!  Look, I have a really important question to ask you.  Kinda really important, like, change our relationship big.  Can we meet for lunch today?  At the cafe we had our first meal at?"  Applejack looked at Rainbow for a second before Rainbow said, "goodbye and see ya there," leaving Applejack speechless.

Oh Celestia, is she really movin' this fast?

"Pinkie, I have to talk to you," Applejack said galloping into Sugarcube Corner.  Pinkie smiled wide and jumped over the counter past two customers and right in front of Applejack in one bound.

"What's up?"

"Pinkie.  I need to talk to you in private, soon."

"Okie dokie loki!  MRS. CAKE, I'M GOING OUT.  SEE YOU IN A BIT."

Mrs. Cake trotted from the kitchen and took a place behind the counter and began working, "Okay Pinkie Pie.  Have fun and don't stay up too late."

"Okay Mrs. Cake.  See ya laters!"  Bounding out the door she didn't look back as Applejack followed.  Going a ways out of town Applejack began to wonder where they were going.

"Pinkie Pie, where are ya taking us?"

"Oh!  I forgot you were there, sorry Applejack.  What'd you wanna talk about?"

"You seriously forgot about me?  Wow, Pinkie Pie.  Well, anyway.  I need you to keep this a secret, okay?"  Pinkie looked at Applejack with wide eyes and nodded.  Making her serious face she gave her Pinkie Promise.  "Okay," Applejack looked around, "I think I wanna marry Rainbow Dash," she whispered.

Pinkie jumped and stayed in the air for three seconds kicking her legs before landing and giggling.  "That's super dee duper news!  So, you want me to plan the party?  Or the proposal?  Or have a proposal party?  OR I can-"

"No, I think she's gonna propose.  Maybe today!  I just need to tell somepony.  This is a life changing event and ya know Dashing, she's gonna be all showie and flashy and it'll be a big display, so if ya hear anything big planned, let me know, okay?"

"Uh, but, what if she doesn't and you just think she is and you should and then you don't and she doesn't then neither of you do?  What then?"

"Uh, then we'll cross that bridge when we come ta it."

"Okay then.  I promise to tell you if I hear anything about Rainbow Dash planning to propose to you.  Wanna go visit Twilight with me?"

"No, I've gotta get some things done before I go to lunch with Dashing.  Thanks Pinkie Pie, I'll see ya later."  Separating they went their own ways.

"Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash called as she flew down to Pinkie, "Where ya headed?"

"Oh, I was just talking to, nobody.  I'm going back to town in a bit.  What's up?"

"I need to talk to you about something, but you've gotta PINKIE PROMISE me you won't tell anypony, EVER!"

Pinkie looked at Rainbow then nodded slowly.  "Pinkie Pie!  Pinkie Promise me!  This has to be a secret!  My reputation could be on the line."

Pinkie thought about it then decided it had to be something different.  Offering her Pinkie Promise Pinkie listened intently.

"Pinkie, I think Applejack is gonna propose to me!  What should I do!?!   I never thought I'd be happy with a mare but she's so much more!  She's awesome and fun and cool and totally like me only a little as awesome but then she can be totally awesome and make me all sappy then I-  Pinkie, you better not tell anypony what I'm about to say!"  Pinkie shook her head, her eyes wide and mouth shut extra tight.  "I got her to cry with me last night.  It was amazing and I thought marrying her would be so cool!  Flock what my family and Cloudsdale thinks.  Flock what anypony in Equestria thinks!  I wanna be with her.

But, what if she doesn't propose?  I totally thought she will but, I dunno.  I need your help, Pinkie.  If I decide to propose it's gonna have to be the biggest.  Hugest.  Most awesome proposal ever!  Can you do that for me, Pinkie Pie, but not let anypony know?"

Pinkie felt her body shake and her tail swayed nervously.  She was now in the middle of a double counter Pinkie Promise.  A place she hated to be because a little slip could make her lose a friend, forever.  "Okie Dokie Loki!  Your secret is safe with me and I'll help however I can!  Anything else, Dashie?"

Rainbow flew low to the ground and smiled.  "Pinkie, you're the best."  She gave Pinkie a hug before taking to the skies.  This is the start of a huge change to our relationship.

"Hey!  Applejack, over here!"  Rainbow Dash called and waved from a seat at an outdoor table at the restaurant the had their first meal at as a couple.  "Remember when I was so embarrassed sitting right there inside?"  She pointed a hoof at a couple snacking on a salad through the window.  "I never thought we'd be here like this, with everypony knowing about us, and us here with just us and you and me.  Here.  Again."

"Uh, yeah.  Dashing, what's up?  You're sayin' 'us' a lot?"  Applejack smiled and tried to hide her nervousness.  "Ya think of gettin' a bleu cheese and mushroom burger, or maybe a beet salad, I hear they're really good here."

"Uh, yeah.  Those sound great.  I'm totally hungry right now so, let's just order something.  I want to order this time!"

"Okay.  Go for it.  Here she comes!  Hey, Lime!  You're still here, that's great to see.  Yer lookin' fine and happy."

"Oh, I bet ya think I am," Lime flirted garnering a glancing glare from Rainbow Dash, "Just kidding!  I know you're inseparable!  So, I didn't see you at last Friday's party, I think you might have competition for the challenge.  And, since when did Applejack get wings again?"

"What, no way.  We're unbeatable!"  Rainbow was going to start a scene before she looked at Applejack who had tipped her hat up and was giving her a stern look.  "Oh, sorry.  Well, we were busy last week doing things.  Ya know."

"Oh, I bet I can imagine.  I heard somepony say they heard screaming from a mile away one night.  Better sound proof that barn, ladies," Lime giggled.  Clearing her throat she went back to work.  "What'll it be today?"

Rainbow didn't look at the menu in front of her.  "She'll have the number 1.  I'll take the number 2.  Two fruit smoothies and water for her with a cup of hot tea for me."

"Well, ya know what I like, huh, Dashing?  Lime, I got my wings to fly over the lake with sweetie here, right love muffin?"  Rainbow rolled her eyes at Applejack.  "Just kidding, Dashing!  Don't get all sappy on me."

"Oh, you're just the cutest couple in Equestria!  Okay, I'll put your order in right away."  Lime giggled and trotted to another table to take their order.

"Well, what's the big reason you wanted to meet me here for lunch?  Wanted me to pay this time?"  Applejack chuckled and looked at Rainbow Dash for a hint at what could be coming.

"Well, ya see.  I was thinking, that maybe we should do something.  Something kinda crazy but, that'd be good for us."  Applejack felt her eyes getting wider and her breath quickening.  She couldn't control herself as she tried to not smile ear to ear in antiscipation.  "Well, I-I think I need a drink first.  LIME?  Drinks please?!"

Oh my, this could be it.  The moment she proposes?  At the deli we started at.   She did order me a #1.  That's a lot comin' from her.  Where can this be going?  Where else besides-

"Here's your water.  And your tea.  You smoothies are being made right now."  Lime left and went to a table inside the deli leaving them alone again.  Nerves were tense while they sipped their drinks slowly while looking at each other.

"Applejack?"

"Yes, Rainbow Dash?"  Rainbow sat up straight in her chair and closed her eyes while breathing for a couple breaths.  Applejack couldn't blink.  She didn't want to waste a second missing this moment.

"Applejack.  Will you,"

"Yes?  Rainbow Dash?"  Ask me, damn it!

Rainbow cleared her throat and felt her wings opening.  Damn it.  I can't keep them down.  She knows I'm nervous now.  Just ask!  Do it, Rainbow Dash.  You're the best, just do it!  "Applejack.  Will you-"

"Here's your smoothies, ladies.  Am I, interrupting something?  I'll just go, sorry."

"Ya can leave the drinks.  Then git."  Applejack smiled her best but her eyes were locked on Rainbow.  Lime put the smoothies down and backed away.  Walking inside the deli she peeked out the door to watch and listen.

"Okay, no more wasting time.  Applejack?"

Applejack sat up in her chair straight and leaned onto the table slightly excitedly.  "Yes?"

"Will you, gotoCanterlotwithme?"  Rainbow shut her eyes and fell back into her seat.  That wasn't so bad.

"Ahm sorry, what was that, Sugarcube?"  Did she just ask me to open a lotta cans?

Sugarcube?  Why's she being so... old school?  "I, I want to go on a trip to Canterlot with you.  Just us.  Nopony else.  Alone.   Our first trip away, together."  Applejack thought for a minute about the 'proposal.'

Well, it's a proposal, Ah guess.  Maybe she's not gonna ask me after all.  "I, uh, think that's a nice idea.  When d'ya think we'd go?"

"Today at 1:30."

"WHAT?!  What 'r ya talkin about, Dashing?  I got mah chores, you got cloud bustin'."

"All taken care of!  Ya know how great I am with planning!  I requested the week off from work and Granny paid for the ticket, Twilight and Big Mac are gonna help do your chores and Applebloom is gonna help too.  All's taken care of!  I even have Rarity and Spike at the station with our bags."

"Wow, ya really planned this out?  What about-"

"Fluttershy's gonna watch Tank and Winona.  Let's eat and take our first vacation!"  Rainbow was beaming with pride and joy as she looked at Applejack.

"Sugarplum, I dunno, I have ta," Applejack looked at the table and sighed, Rainbow felt her joy deflate for a moment, "Say YES.  Hoo-doggie, I can't believe ya got this all done!  You're the greatest, Dashing!"

"Yeah, I know.  Thanks, AJ."

"We're in public.  Ya know what I wanna hear."  Rainbow rolled her eyes and smiled as she crossed her arms.

"I love you, Awesome Jack."

"Awwwe," Lime said as she stood in the doorway looking at them.  She felt herself getting weak in the knees.  "You are the cutest couple ever!"

"Hey, I'm not cute!  I'm awesome," Rainbow shouted as other customers smiled and stared at the duo, "Jeez, ya got everyone staring at us, Lime."

"No," a mare sitting two tables away said, "you are super cute, Rainbow Dash.  I think you and Applejack make a great couple.  Rainbow?  You're turning purple!"  A few ponies giggled as Rainbow blushed deeply and sank in her chair.

"This is the most embarrassing restaurant in Equestria.  Where's our food?"  Lime walked over smiling widely.

"It's only been a couple minutes, ladies.  It'll be ready in about 20 minutes."

"20 minutes!  What kinda place is this, Lime?"

"A busy restaurant, silly filly.  So, when's the wedding?" she mused then looked between Applejack and Rainbow.  The tension got so thick it could be cut with a knife.  "Um, sorry, I was joking.  I'm gonna just, go and check your food," Lime said as she backed away forcing a smile.

Rainbow and Applejack looked at each other, staring without blinking waiting for the other to make a joke, dismiss the phrase, anything.

They sat in silence until their meal arrived and ate quickly.  "Lime, that was another fantastic meal.  Worth the wait, here's a couple extra for you."

"Thanks, ladies.  Sorry about earlier.  I was only joking, ya know.  I didn't mean to upset you."

"Nah, Sugarcube.  We knew you were joking."

"Then, why were you sitting here without talking to each other for 10 minutes?"  Lime chuckled as she turned away.  Rainbow and Applejack smiled awkwardly at each other then got up.  Rainbow hovered beside Applejack as they went to the station.

All their friends were there except Granny, Big Mac and Applebloom, plus a pony they didn't recognize standing between Twilight.  "Hey girls!  Who's the new pony?"

"Rainbow Dash, don't be so rude," Applejack scolded.  She smiled at the brown earth pony with a grey mane.  "Hello, I'm Applejack and this' Rainbow Dash."

"Hi, I'm Lilli.  I'm a trader, nice to meet you."

"A traitor! Did you escape from prison?  You better not hurt my friends," Rainbow warned.  The others laughed and giggled.

"Rainbow, a trader is a pony who trades stuff for other stuff.  She lives, lived, out of her cart."

"Oh, that kind.  Where ya staying?"  Rainbow asked looking at the train, excited to leave.

"Well, dear.  I had an extra room and since she and Twilight had a date planned," Rarity stopped herself, looking to Twilight for a motion to continue.

"We've got a second date tonight, Applejack.  She's really sweet, we should double date in six and a quarter days!  You'll be back and we should have had our fourth date so you'll be here when we have our fifth."  Lilli half smiled and looked at Twilight.

"Twi, can Ah talk to ya for a minute?  Over there, quick?"  Twilight and Applejack walked to the other side of the platform.  "Twi, yer gonna lose her."

"What!?  You lost your chance so don't try to ruin this for me," Twilight said as she glared and lowered her head.

"You're gonna do to her what ya did to me.  I can see yer planning it all out and love ain't planned, it's spontaneous.  Just, don't be you and you can get what me and Dashing have."

"But, you planned this trip," Twilight retorted proudly.

"No, Dashing planned it all.  I just found out about it 20 minutes ago," she said smiling and looking at Rainbow, who was talking with Lilli.

"You mean she planned all this?  Rainbow Dash?  Alone?"

"Lower yer voice Twi, and yes.  That's what love is, unplanned.  You get to makin' lists and all that, she's gonna pack up and go before we get back.  Don't.  Be.  You."  she said as she poked Twilight in the chest.  "You can do it, just let it happen.  Okay?"

Twilight looked at her chest then smoothed her coat.  "Okay.  I'll do my best to not be me.  It's just, I don't know what I'd do without planning."

"That's the plan, Twi," Applejack turned and went back to the group as Twilight thought about what to do.  "So, let's get going, Dashing.  What ya got planned for when we get to Canterlot?"

"I dunno.  Figured we play it by ear.  We can either stay at the palace or we can get a room at a hotel.  We'll see when we get there."  Applejack looked at Twilight and sniffed.

"Sounds like a plan!  Let's git!  See y'all in a week, gals!"  Giving a round of hugs and goodbyes Rainbow and Applejack boarded the train and took their seats side by side and waved goodbye to their friends and Lilli.

"I'm so excited, AJ!  We're totally going on our first vacation together!  I'm so ready to do some major shopping and eating Canterlot food and fun with you," Rainbow whispered with a wink.  Applejack smiled slightly and nodded.

"Ya know, Dashing.  I'm not too big on eatin' them fancy vittles they have at them fancy places, right?  Can we just eat normal food?  And, I kinda talk to ya, when we get there."

"Well, why not now?  We've got a four hour ride there, plenty of time!"

"Nah, I think I should wait until we get somewhere private."

Private, secret.  Oh my gosh.  She could be proposing tonight!  What if she had a huge plan back in Ponyville and I messed it all up by planning this trip.  But, when we get back I'll totally get to show off my hoofring.  What color would it be?  Gold!  Cuz it's the best.

"Okay AJ, I can wait," Rainbow said casually.  Oh my gosh Oh my gosh Oh my gosh Oh my gosh Oh my gosh, I might get married next year!  With my best friend!  Awesome Jack!  Rainbow spent a second looking at her left foreleg hoof with a content smile.

"So, Sugarplum.  Where are we staying in Canterlot?"

"Well, I was thinking the castle, but I talked to Princess Celestia and they were having a cosumtation of diligence visit from the Griffin nation so she paid for us to have a room at a hotel in the Royal seat from the royal coffin.  I think it'll be a room with a throne in it.  Gonna be totally awesome."

Oh Celestia, she's so cute when she uses the wrong words.  I'll have to thank the Princesses when I see them next.

"I know, Dashing.  I'm so excited I can hardly wait to see what it looks like," Applejack said with a smile, "Ahm gonna get some shut eye 'fore we get there so I can have more energy for fun," she pulled her hat down and leaned back.

Rainbow climbed on her lap.  Lifting her hat up she gave Applejack a kiss.  "I love you and I don't care who knows it.  I love Applejack!"  Rainbow shouted to the other ponies in the car, "Now, isn't that awesome?"  Applejack felt herself blushing as she looked at Rainbow. "Now, get some sleep, we've got a long day coming up with shopping and the royal seat and hanging out with Princesses Celestia and Luna again."

Ponies in the car gasped when they heard.  "These two fillyfoolers get to see the Princesess??  Maybe I should do something crazy and I'll get to meet them," a mare said from behind Applejack.

"Maybe you will," Rainbow replied with a smile then climbed off Applejack.  "But, be careful, it's hard to find a pony you love that'll love you as much."  Rainbow sat next to Applejack and pulled her close then with a flutter of her wings she was by the window.  "AJ, you aren't gonna need this seat since you're gonna be snoozing.  Have a nice nap!"  Rainbow was looking out the window as she spoke watching the scenery pass.  Applejack pulled her hat back down and got comfortable.

Maybe I should propose, but, I wanna see what we'll do this week comin' up.  Maybe she'll surprise me again.

"I love you too, Rainbow."