What to say, what to do?

How did this happen? Rainbow Dash thought as she laid in the clouds wrapped in Applejacks forelegs as they both tried to catch their breaths after making out outside the door to Rainbow Dashes home.  It took me one day to fall in love with my best friend and make love with her two times in twelve hours.  How can I have more feelings for this mare next to me than for my last three stallions?  Is it because I know her so well and we've already been through so much or am I just lonely?  I love the way she holds me, it's like she's putting all her weight on me.  She's getting really heavy on my chest.  "AJ, can you loosen up, you're squeezing a bit tight.  I know I'm a great lover but you don't have to hug the life outta me."

"Dashalicious, Twilight..."

Rainbow Dash sat up ready to argue again as Applejack's grip tightened and she fell to Rainbows hips.  "AJ!  What's wrong?  What's happening to you?"

"Twilights spell.  It's gone, Ahm falling into the clouds!  Please help me, Ah can't go out like this, not right now," Applejack said with fear growing on her face as she locked her fetlocks together and shut her eyes.  As tears began to leave the corners of her eyes Rainbow looked down at her lover and smiled.

"AJ it's okay.  I have you and I won't let you fall.  You're too important to me," Applejack tried to open her eyes but feeling the pull of gravity made her tremble as she held on and let out a quiet whimper, "c'mon, I'll get you to the balloon.  Flock you're heavy when you're not laying down," she joked as she pulled herself up and began trudging to the balloon and joked, "Ya know you just don't appreciate how awesome it is to walk on clouds until your lover is holding onto your body for dear life."

Applejack tightened her grip around Rainbow Dashes hips making her cough from the pressure.  "Ya know Sugarcube if I fall ahm takin' you with me."

"How? I can't fall through the clouds."

"I have your heart."  Rainbow Dash stopped trudging and stared into the space ahead of her.  The balloon looked like it was getting farther away as she thought about the words she just heard, "Uh, Sugarplum?  Why'd we stop?  Everything okay?  How 'bout we race to the balloon, first one there wins.  GO!"

Rainbow Dash shook her head and felt her heart racing as she placed a hoof on her chest and breathed in deeply.  She's right, damn it she's right. Rainbow Dash began trudging again a little faster. If she's wants a race it's on.  I'm so gonna win.

Getting to the balloon Applejack grabbed onto the basket and climbed in with a sigh and looked at Rainbow Dash.  "You win this time Sugarplum.  Thanks for, ya know, savin' my life.  Ahm going to the ground now, ah can't stay up here another minute or Ah'll have a heart attack."  With a last kiss they parted ways and Rainbow watched the balloon descend.

There might go the mare of my dreams.  Rainbow Dashes eyes widened.  Oh my gosh what am I thinking?  It's only been a day!  Shaking her head she opened her wings and took to the sky to start her day of weather maintenance.

Landing the balloon Applejack hopped out and kissed the ground repeatedly. "Oh sweet Celestia Ahm never leavin' you again.  I missed you.  I can't believe I left you.  Please forgive me."

"Well why would I be mad at you?  You didn't leave me cuz I wasn't even here when you left.  I was getting ready for bed," Pinkie said looking at Applejack with a confused look.  Applejack stopped hugging a small pile of dirt she was forming and sat up.

"Pinkie, how long ya been sittin' there?"

"Oh I dunno, maybe an hour or so?  Why?  Did you miss me THAT much?  Thanks AJ!"  Pinkie said with a huge smile as she lunged a hug onto her friend.  "Oh I'm sorry, I guess Dashie will get mad if I hug you without permission now?"  Pinkie released her grip and moved a pace back, still smiling.

"Now why'd you go and say that Pinkie?"

"Because you spent the night with Dashie.  I remember you doing that with Twilight but you never stayed all night."

"I know and you said you'd keep that a secret so let's not talk about that in public, 'kay Sugarcube?  Now don't fret about me and Dash okay?"

"But-"

"No buts Pinkie, this isn't your thing to talk about."  Applejack was stern but kind in her words and Pinkie nodded slowly in agreement.

"Okie dokie.  I guess I'll just go back and visit some friends.  I have a couple parties to plan and a cutecinera too!  Later AJ."  With that Pinkie bounced toward Ponyville.

Applejack got back to Sweet Apple Acres to her brother Big Mac standing at the gates with a scowl on his strong face.

"Upset I was out late?"

"Yup"

"Wanna know where I was?"

"Yup"

"Out with a friend."

He squinted at Applejack.

"Time to get to work?"

"Eeyup,"  He said as he turned and walked back to the barn.

That stallion is such a blabbermouth.

Applejack followed him into the barn where Granny Smith was sitting in her rocking chair with her forelegs crossed.  Applejack knew Big Mac was upset but to see Granny sitting in the barn like that meant she was in deep.  "Heya Granny, you're up early.  I'm just gonna get my baskets and-"

"Doncha give me that.  Ya worried me halfway to the next life.  Goin' out as Luna raised the moon and then that fire breakin' out and then rumors bout that Rainbow Dash kissin' ya on the mouth."

"Now Gran-"

"I ain't done yet now SIT young filly."  Applejack sat where she was instantly with a straight back and eyes locked on Granny Smith.  "Now, I don't care if she's one of them filly lovers or whatever ya call 'em these days and believe me I done had a thing in my younger days," Big Mac coughed in surprise at her words. "Oh, that surprise you Big Macintosh?  A lot happens in a ponies life an the sooner you experience somethin' new the better.  Now where was I?  Oh yeah.  I don't care if she's one of them but I'm tellin' ya that I wanna great-granfoal and I ain't gonna make it 'til Applebloom's old enough."

"Granny don't talk like that, you're gonna-"

"Stop interruptin' me dangnabbit. Now I love you Applejack like you were my own daughter, Celestia rest her spirit, but, I wanna see you happy."

"Darn it Granny," Applejack stood up and gave Granny a defiant look, "If ah wanna be with anypony then I will be happy.  Ain't no pony gonna tell me otherwise and I know who ah am.  I may give you a great-grandfoal but I ain't gonna be doin' it the traditional way."

"Dangit Applejack you ain't listening to me are ya.  I want ya to be happy."

"Dangit Granny I am happy.  I fell in love with Rainbow Dash a long time ago and ah've never been happier in my life."  Applejack's eyes opened wide as she shouted at her Granny Smith and admitted her secret at the same time.

"Woah!" a crash came from outside the side window as Applebloom's Bow was partly visible through the window.

"Oh dangnabbit, now that little filly's prob'ly hurt peekin' on us.  Big Mac go check she didn't cut herself standin' on that barrel.  Plus we gotta talk.  Mare to mare."

"Yup."  With that Big Mac galloped out of the barn and around the corner.

"Now Granny-"

"My turn to talk, young'n.  I said I wanted you to be happy, I never said how.  Now, if'n ya wanna be with another mare I'd probably choose one better than that dang hothead Rainbow Dash cuz I can see her foolin' on ya in a Pegasus' heartbeat and leave you in the dust.  But, yer young and you gotta live.  I love ya young'n and always will and if ya gotta use that unicorn magic to give me a great-granfoal then so be it.  Just be happy for your parents and me."

Applejack felt her eyes starting to water as she mentally processed the acceptance her Granny had to offer.  "Granny, I-"

"Now c'mere and give me a hug 'fore ya get to workin' the farm."

Applejack ran into Grannies forelegs and knocked the chair over, cracking the wood and squeezing each other Applejack began to cry happily. "Thank you Granny, thank you so much.  You're the best and I love you."

"I love you too Applejack.  Now get to work 'fore I have ta show ya how it's done."

"I will Granny, soon as ya let me go."

"You let go first."

"Ah think Ahm okay for right now and sorry bout your chair."

"It's okay Applejack it was a piece of junk anyway.  I was waitin' for it to break so I could get a new one."  They both shared a laugh and kept hugging for another minute before Big Mac coughed.

"Yeah time to get to work.  Thanks Granny."  Applejack got off Granny Smith and looked at her brother and Applebloom who was standing behind Big Mac looking at her.  "So I guess y'all heard?"

"Eeyup"

"Yeah, but, Ah don't get it.  Applejack yer the strongest mare in Ponyville an ya got a dozen stallions knockin' at the door ev'ry month.  Ya go on dates all the time and now ah find out yer inta fillies?  Why'd ya choose Rainbow Dash and fillies?"

Walking over to Applebloom Big Mag moved aside and let them talk.  Applejack sat on her rump in front of her and looked at Applebloom.  "Sugarcube, Ah didn't choose to love mares it's how ah was born and how Ah felt since Ah was younger than you.  Rainbow Dash is a very good friend and Ah love her as a friend first and somethin' else second.  But, Ah'll never her as much as Ah love my family and Ah'd love to have your understanding at least."

"But, why'd you have all them dates with those stallions if ya weren't gonna do nothin'?  How ya gonna get me a little niece if ya don't have a stallion rut you?"  Applejack looked at the filly with shock and Granny gasped from behind at the language.

"Applebloom!  Who told you about all that stuff?"

"Ahm in the third grade not preschool.  It came up once with Miss Cherilee and Big Mac after we gave 'em a love poison."

Big Mac coughed loudly and shook his head at Applebloom.  "Ah guess Ahm not supposed to talk about the details, but, we learnt a lot."

Applejack glared at Big Mac as he shied away backing into the wall. "Now Applebloom ah went all them dates cuz I was expected to and it was fun.  Not always cuz ah wanted to.  Some of them were really good nice ponies but I couldn't love them and believe me I tried a lot of times."

"Even with Eagle Eye?  You two were so close ah thought you'd get married in no time."

"Well," Applejack glared at Big Mac again, "we tried but it didn't work out.  We still talk and're neighborly but that's the best Ahm ever gonna get with a stallion in this world."

Thinking for what felt like a minute as everyone listened in silence for Applebloom to speak she finally took in a deep breath, "No."

"What Sugarcube?"

"I.  Said. NO.  I don't understand and Ah don't know if Ah will, but, I wanna little niece and you can't do that with another mare.  Ah don't understand and Ah'll never forgive you or that Rainbow Dash ever!"  She turned and started crying as she ran for the house.  Applejack stood to chase after her little sister as she felt her heart break then stopped after a few paces.

"She's gonna be okay, right Big Mac?"

"Yup."

"Granny, will you help her?  I don't think she wants to see me right now and she needs somepony."

"Yeah, doncha worry none.  Now Big Mac can handle yer chores.  I can see you're hurtin' somethin' fierce so take yer time and come back when yer ready."

"Big Mac, you and me're gonna have some words later about what Applebloom was talkin' 'bout," Applejack said as she walked past Big Mac as she walked into the orchard to think.

Dangit I just didn't think it'd go this way so fast.  Applebloom is hurtin' almost as much as ah am, Granny and Big Mac are okay with my love life and Rainbow Dash.  I don't even know.  Maybe Granny's right and she'll fool around on me first chance.  Maybe Ah'll be with her forever and be happy.  Ya just can't tell with that one and that's why I fell for her, cuz she ain't like everypony else.  haha.  'Branches.'

Applejack smiled for a moment as she sat down and took in a deep breath and listened to the leaves in the trees rustle from the passing breeze.  This is the life I always wanted, so why aren't I as happy?

Rainbow Dash had her goggles on as she flew as quick as she could to her starting area.  She landed on a darker cloud and got to her starting position before dashing off leaving a rainbow contrail behind her.  She giggled as the air whistled through her ears as she got to the first area.  Being a Weather Maintenance Manager meant she had to start first and do more than other ponies but it also meant she did her own scheduling.

Working four days a week for five days bits was a job and position she loved, despite the paperwork.

Pushing a couple clouds into each other then moving them over town she turn to her tasks of cloud dispersal.  While bucking into a few clouds she noticed three Pegasus flying up to her as she worked.

"Hey Rainbow Dash, I heard you and Soarin broke up.  That's a shame.  Is he looking for a new mare?"

"I don't know or care.  Now get lost I've got a lot of clouds to bust and you're in my way."

"Well, I was just asking because it seems like we've got a lot more stallions to choose from since you're a FILLYFOOLER."  The three Pegasus laughed as they hovered in place until Rainbow Dash punched one of them in the face making her spiral almost 100 feet down before she recovered and flew to the ground.

"You wanna start bucking with me I'll show you some moves you've never seen.  Now get lost."

One of the other two remaining , a mare, giggled as she backed up, "I bet you'd love to show us some new moves.  *OOF*"

Rainbow Dash flew into the giggling mares chest before anyone could blink an eye and pushed her for several yards before stopping and letting the injured mare fall.  The last Pegasus dove after her friend catching her 20 feet from the ground as she coughed and gasped for the breath she lost.

"And stay shut up!" Rainbow shouted as she went back to work.

Rainbow Dash finished her work as quickly as she could before flying to Sweet Apple Acres and landing at the barn.  Looking around she didn't see anypony so she flew to the house to ask where Applejack might be.  Walking in she saw Granny with a foreleg around a sobbing Applebloom at the table.  "Hey, uh.  I'm looking for Applejack."

Looking up Applebloom sneered and threw a plate that was in front of her at Rainbow Dash missing her completely. "You stole my niece from me you bucking flyer.  AH HATE YOU."  Granny slapped Applebloom on the back of her head.

"Applebloom you ain't allowed to use language like that and we don't take kindly to race hatin' in this house.  Big Mac get the soap bar.  You can be sad but yer still fallowin the house rules."

Applebloom's eyes filled with tears as she tried to explain but Granny ignored her and went to Rainbow Dash. "You're a grown mare just like my Applejack and I hope you have a heart as good too.  She's in the orchard somewhere thinkin'.  I'm sure she'd appreciate a visit from her special somepony."

"You-You know?"  Rainbow Dash blushed and looked at the floor doing her best to ignore Appleblooms crying, accusations and excuses that were all a jumbled mix of words.

"Dear, we've known for a while but didn't really know until she told us she loved you.  You make her happy Rainbow Dash.  Go git her and if you hurt her Nightmare Moon will seem like a scratch compared to what I'll do to you," Granny Smith said with a kind smile.

Rainbow Dash took a step back as she looked into Granny Smith's face.  She means it, sweet Celestia what am I getting into?  With that she nodded and flew to the orchard.

There's a hundred million trees here.  How am I supposed to find her in this-  Oh there she is.  Rainbow turned and flew to the orange dot.  Landing right behind Applejack she stood in place for a minute while thinking of what to say or do.

"Heya Dashing what's up?"  Applejack asked without turning around.  Rainbow Dash didn't know what to say.  "Well, Ah guess Ah can start.  It's about us."

"Oh, I thought we'd have a talk about that too."

"Ah want you to be happy Dash and Ah hope you want the same for me."

"Of course I do AJ.  I wanted to talk to you about that."

"Me first, I've had a long two hours and I gotta tell you what happened,"  Applejack brought Dash up to speed about her day so far.  "So, that's what going on.  How's your day been?  I see you did the clouds fast as a whip.  All Ah saw was your trail in the sky.  Tickled my heart like always," she said as she looked ahead into the orchard.

"Yeah I had to get away from the jerks," taking a few minutes she filled Applejack in on her day so far.

"So sounds like we both're havin' a mighty fine day and so far and it ain't even lunch yet.  But Ah think Ah know what's wrong with me.  I don't feel happy cuz Ah wasn't honest sooner with you and my family.  I feel like Ah rushed into a relationship and you weren't ready.  Almost like I took advantage of you the first chance Ah got.  Did Ah rush it Dash?  Are you uncomfortable or unhappy with what Ah did?"

Rainbow sat next to Applejack looking into the distance of apple trees with her.  "No.  I needed it more than I knew.  I was always a fast thinker.  Not as fast as I can fly, but, still fast.  I thought of our night and what you did to me and how great it was.  I thought of how Soarin and Double Shot were when they used me for my body then left me and I realized that I've know you for a long time and you won't just leave me.  You're the best earth mare I've ever met and I know we'll always be friends.  But, I want more than that with you.  I want to try everything a real relationship has to offer and I want that with you.

I mean sure you may not be that fast and you can't fly or walk on clouds or control the weather or always smell that good and have really bad hooves that scratch a lot.  And I mean a LOT-"

"Is this gonna get any better soon?" Applejack asked starting to look somber.

"But, I really like all that about you," Rainbow said putting a foreleg around Applejack and pulling her in to lean on her, "and I think I can love that about you too.  But, I think we should go on a real date first and see how we feel... and next time we make love we have to have a place because I don't want Twi to have to cast a spell on you every time knowing exactly why."

"Yeah, Ah can see that going bad fast with that one.  She's jealous as any pony ya'd ever meet when she gets a way.  And I think a roll in the hay in the barn would be safest for after our date." Applejack giggled.

Rainbow Dash wrapped a wing around Applejack, "You may not be fast in a lot of ways but I love how fast you are at jokes."

They shared a giggle and held each other until Granny sounded the lunch bell.  "Time for chow, ya hungry?"

"Yeah, I can eat a whole Apple."

Applejack sat up and gave her best 'really' face.  "Seriously Dashalicious, leave the bad jokes to me."

"Nope, I'm too awesome to share them.  And don't call me that."

"Gotta make me stop Dasha-mmph." With a kiss on the lips Applejack stopped talking as she was once again staring into the deep ruby eyes of her mare friend.