50 Shades of Hay

Rarity is ecstatic.

“But what was she doing at Sweet apple Acres?” Her curiosity oozes through the phone. I’m alone in the barn, trying to keep my voice casual.

“She was in the area.”

“I think that is one huge coincidence, AJ. You don’t think she was there to see you?” My heart lurched at the prospect, but the reality is she was here on business.

“She was visiting her farming division in Manehatten. She’s funding some research,” I mutter.

“Oh yes. She’s given the department a 2.5 million bit grant.”

Wow.

“How do you know?”

“Darling, I’m a journalist, and I’ve written a profile on her. It’s my job to know this.”

“Well, excuse me Mary Sue, don’t git ya tail in a twist. So do you want these photos?”

“Of course I do. The question is, who’s going to do them and where.”

“We could ask her where. She says she’s staying in the area.”

“You can contact her?”

“Ah have her mobile phone number.”

Rare gasps.

“The richest, most elusive, most enigmatic bachelorette in Equestria just gave you her mobile phone number?!”

“Er… yes?”

“AJ! She likes you. No doubt about it,” Her tone is overbearing.

“Rare, she’s just trying ta be nice.” But ever as I say the words I know they’re not true – Rainbow Dash doesn’t do nice. She does polite, maybe. Maybe Rarity is right. I feel goose bumps shiver down my neck at the thought that maybe. Just maybe, she might like me. After all, she did say that she was glad Rare didn’t do the interview. I smile to myself with silent glee.

“I don’t know who we’ll get to do the photo shoot. Lyre, our regular photographer, can’t. She’s home in Phillydelphia for the weekend. I imagine she’ll be quite upset that she missed an opportunity to photograph one of Equestria’s leading entrepreneurs.”

“Hmm… what about Caramel?”

“Wonderful idea! You ask him – he’ll do anything for you. Then call Dash and find out where she wants us.” Rare is frustratingly casual about Caramel.

“Ah think you should call her.”

“Who?” Rare scoffs.

“Dash.”

“AJ, you’re the one with the relationship.”

“Relationship?” I squeak, “Ah barely know her!”

“At least you’ve met her,” she says bitterly, “And it seems like she wants to know you better. AJ, just call her,” she snaps and hangs up. Geez what was that about? I tuck my phone back under my hat and turn to leave.

“Everything okay here cousin?” Brae asks, standing in the open doorway of the barn.

“Yeah, just fine.” I reply, trying to avoid his gaze.

“So, how come you know Rainbow Dash?” Brae’s voice is unconvincingly nonchalant.

“Ah had to interview her for Rarity’s news column. Rare was ill.” I shrug, trying to sound casual.

“Rainbow Dash at Sweet Apple Acres. Go figure,” Brae snorts, he shakes his head as if to clear it. “Anyway, wanna grab a bite to eat or something?”

I seriously considered accepting Braeburns offer for lunch, however I still had just under a quarter of the orchard to buck and besides, I was far too preoccupied to engage in idle conversation. I wonder why that is, I can hear my subconscious whisper to me.

“Don’t ya’ll have the annual buffalo stampede coming up soon?”

“That’s tomorrow.”

“Ah’d love to catch up, Brae. But I still have a lot of work that needs doing, maybe some other time?”

He shakes his head. “I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, AJ, you work too hard. Ya need to remember to take some time off, like the rest of us.” He smiles as I pass him on my way out of the barn.

“But I do places, AJ, not ponies,” Caramel groans.

“Mel, please?” I plead. Pacing around the living room of the farmhouse. Clutching my mobile phone, I gaze out the window at the fading evening light.

“Give me that phone.” Rare grabs the phone off me, tossing her indigo mane over her shoulder “Listen here, Caramel, if you want me to cover the opening of your new barn, you’ll do this photo shoot for us tomorrow, understood?” Rare can be mighty direct sometimes… well, most of the time. “Good. AJ will call you back with a time and location. We’ll see you tomorrow.” She ends the call abruptly.

“Done. All we need to do now is decide where and when. Call her.” She holds out the phone to me. I feel nervousness rising in my stomach.

“Call Dash, now!” Her voice is forceful.

I sigh as I retrieve her business card from underneath my hat. I take a steadying breath as I dial the numbers. She answers almost immediately, her tone is calm and cold.

“Dash.”

“Uh… Ms Dash? It’s Applejack.” As hard as I try I can’t suppress my nerves, and it’s no doubt showing in my voice. There’s a brief pause.

“Miss Jack. How nice to hear from you.” Her voice has changed. She’s surprised, I think, and she sounds so… warm. I’m suddenly aware that Rarity is staring at me with her mouth agape, I turn my back on her to avoid her scrutinizing gaze.

“Um – we’d like ta go ahead with the photo shoot for the news article.” I take a deep, calming breath. “Tomorrow, if that’s okay. Where would be most convenient for you Ma’am?”

I can almost hear her smile through the phone.

“I’m currently staying at the Royal Equestrian in Manehatten. Shall we say, nine thirty tomorrow morning?”

“Okay, we’ll see you there.” I can feel a fresh blush wash over my face, and my breathing is slightly erratic. What is happening to me? Why is she affecting like this?

“I look forward to it, Miss Jack.” I can actually envision her seductive grin. I hang up, not realizing that in heat of the conversation I've subconsciously walked into the kitchen, I turn to find Rarity staring at me with a look of complete and utter disbelief on fer face.

“Applejack. You like her! I’ve never seen you so… so affected by anypony. You’re actually blushing.”

“Oh, Rare, Ah didn’t realize you’d scold me like school filly with a crush.” I snap. She blinks at me with surprise – and I instantly regret my quip – I relent, “Ah sorry Rare, Ah just find her… unsettling, that’s all.”

“That figures.” She mutters, “I’ll call the manager and negotiate a space for the shoot.”

“Ah’ll make some supper for us.” I can’t hide my remorse as I open the cupboard and gather the ingredients.

I’m restless that night, tossing and turning. I dream of smoky crimson eyes and dark, foreboding places.

Big Mac, Rare, Caramel and I take the Friendship Express to Manehatten, it's a short walk to the building we're looking for. The Royal Equestrian, it’s an olden Equestrian looking building with white faded marble stone making up almost the entire base of the structure, I’ve heard that it’s been around since Luna’s rebellion nearly one thousand years ago.

Rare never ceases to amaze me, she mentioned a photo shoot for Rainbow Dash, CEO, and they upgraded us to the largest regular size suite they had free of charge. Apparently Ms Dash is currently occupying the largest suite in the building. The room is large and spacious yet comfortable, green and yellow vertical strips make up the majority of the wallpaper. While the carpet is a dark midnight blue color, along the far wall is a window that stretches the entire length of the suite, outside is a balcony complete with furniture.

It’s nine. We have half an hour to set up. Rare is in full flow.

“Caramel, I think we’ll shoot against that wall, do you agree?” she doesn’t wait for a reply, “Mac, clear those chairs would you? AJ, could you please ask housekeeping to bring up some refreshments.”

She sure is something else. I smile as I nod and do as I’m told. Half an hour later, Rainbow Dash walks into our suite. Whoa. She’s wearing a white, open collar button up shirt. Her gorgeous tomboyish mane is still slightly damp from a recent shower. I have to try really hard to keep my mouth from hanging open. Dash is followed into the room by stallion with a pale blue coat and dark greyish blue mane; he is well built and dressed is a sharp dark charcoal suit. He stands in the corner, his emerald eyes watches up impassively.

“Miss Jack, we meet again.” Dash extends her hoof, and I shake it… yep, that strange electrical current is still there… I shake my head quickly, I turn away from her as I realize she’s making me blush.

“Ms Dash, this is Rarity,” I state keeping my head down, and waving a hoof at her, she squares herself up and looks Dash straight in the eye.

“The tenacious Miss Rarity. A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.” She gives Rare a small smile, “I trust you’re feeling better? Applejack informed me that you were unwell last week.”

“I’m fine, thank you, Ms Dash.” She shakes her hoof firmly without some much as batting an eyelash. Of course she’s so confident, she’s been educated in the best private school in Canterlot. Her family is wealthy, and she’s grown up knowing her place in the world.

“Thank you for taking the time to do this.” She gives Dash a professional smile.

“It’s a pleasure,” she answers, turning her attention back to me, this time I’m ready for her, I compose myself accordingly and smile politely.

“This is Caramel, out photographer," I say, grinning at Mel, he returns my expression with affection. His eyes cool as he turns his attention towards Dash.

“Ms Dash.” He nods

“Mr Caramel.” Dashes expression changes, to that of a vaguely threatening one.

“Where would you like me?” Dash asks him. Her tone. It’s almost like she’s challenging him, but Rare isn’t going to let him run the show.

“Ms Dash – if you could sit here, please? Be careful of the lighting cables. And then we’ll do a few standing, too.” She directs Dash to a chair set up against the wall. Mac switches on the lights, temporarily blinding Dash, he mutters an apology as we step back to watch Caramel take his pictures. Caramel takes several photos of Dash in various positions while she’s sitting down. At least I get to admire her from a distance, she really is the most beautiful mare I have ever laid my eyes on. Ours eyes meet and I immediately tear myself away from her gaze, pretending to take interest in the lighting cables on the ground.

“Enough sitting.” Rarity states. “Standing, Ms Dash?” she asks. Dash stand and Mac scurries to remove the chair, once clear of any obstacles Caramel resumes with his photographing.

“I think we have enough,” Caramel announces five minutes later. “Great! Thank you again Ms Dash.” She shakes her hoof, as does Rarity.

“I look forward to reading the article, Miss Rarity,” Dash mutters, she turn her attention towards me, “Miss Jack, may I borrow you for a minute?” she asks.

“Uh… yeah, sure,” I’m thrown off by the sudden request, I glance at Rare who shrugs back at me.

“Good day to you all,” Dash says as she opens the door to the exit, holding it open for me to leave first. What the…? What’s going on here? Did I do something wrong?

We step into the brightly illuminated corridor, Dashes bodyguard - or at least I assume he’s her bodyguard - follows us. Dash doesn’t speak until the door slams shut.

“I was wondering, if you would join me for some coffee this morning.”

My heart is pounding in my chest. A date? She’s asking me on a date? I stare back at her wide eyed and I can’t help a sly smile spread across my face, she however remains impassive.

“Ah would love ta, but...” I furrow my brow.

She tilts her head slightly, holding my gaze.

“It’s just, we took train here, and Ah would hate ta miss our ticket home.” I state apologetically.

“Soarin!” she calls unexpectedly, causing me to flinch. Soarin, who was idly standing against the wall half-way down the corridor, turns and advance towards us.

“You reside in Ponyville, correct?” her voice is soft and comforting.

I nod.

“Soarin can take them home. He’s my personal driver, and my carriage is more than antiquate for the equipment you brought with you.”

“Ms Dash?” Soarin asks when he reaches us.

“Would you be so kind as to take Caramel, Big Mac and Miss Rarity back to Ponyville?”

“Certainly Ma’am,” he replies.

“There, now we have time for coffee?” Dash smiles as if I’ve just sealed the deal.

I blink.

“Uh, s-sure just let me, uh, let the others know about the change of plans.” I laugh nervously, she opens the door to the suite and I hurry inside; Rarity is engaged in deep discussion with Caramel.

“AJ, I think she really likes you,” she blurts out with no pre-thought whatsoever. Caramel shots me a look of disapproval. “But I don’t trust her,” she adds. I raise a hoof to silence her, to my surprise it works.

“Rare, there’s been a change of plans. Soarin is gonna take ya’ll and the equipment back to Ponyville in Miss Dash’s carriage.”

She raises an eyebrow in surprise. “Really? May I ask why?”

“Miss Dash has requested mah to accompany her… fer coffee.” Rare’s mouth pops open and I can’t help but smirk at the sight, she flashes an unconvincing smile at Caramel and Mac before throwing her forehoof around my neck and hurrying me into the bathroom, just off the living area.

“AJ, there’s something about her.” Rare’s tone is full of warning, “I’ll admit, she’s gorgeous, but I think she’s dangerous. Especially for somepony like you."

“What do ya mean somepony like me?” my voice carries a defensive tone.

She rolls her eyes and scoffs, “An innocent like you, AJ. You know what I mean,” my ears flatten against my head as she emphasizes the word ‘innocent’. I blush.

“Rare, it’s just coffee. We start selling our harvest this week, so Ah won’t be long.” She purses her lips, like I’ve just asked her permission and she’s still mulling it over. She sighs and hugs me.

“I’ll see you later. Don’t be too long, or I’ll send out a search party, okay?”

I chuckle as I return her embrace “Okay.”

I emerge from the suite to find Dash leaning patiently against the opposite wall, she has her forehooves crossed and is gazing nowhere in particular.

“About that coffee?” I smile genuinely at her. She grins.

“This way, Miss Jack.” She corrects herself and trots down the wide hallway, I follow behind her at a reasonable distance, I can feel my heart fluttering in my chest and I can’t keep the smile off my face. We reach the elevator and the doors slide open almost immediately after Dash presses the call button. There is a young Pegasus and Unicorn locked in a loving embrace in the right-most corner of the lift, they quickly separate and cough nervously as we enter the elevator. I’m having a hard time trying keep my straight face, I glance over at Dash she has the faintest hint of a smile on her lips.

The elevator takes us down to the first floor, the doors slid open and much to my surprised shock, Dash extends her right wing over my back and leads me out of the elevator. I feel that same electric current as her wing makes contact with me, as we leave the lift I can hear the suppressed giggles of the couple behind us. Dash grins and turns to me.

“What is it about elevators?” She stares into my eyes, our faces are inches away, I smile politely back at her. We cross the expansive lobby and enter the street, Celestia’s sun is high in the sky and the city is bustling with traffic, we turn left and walk four blocks until we come across a starBucks; the entire journey Dash keeps her wing draped over my back. I’m not an expert on Pegasi body language, but this has to be some kind affectionate gesture. We receive several raised eyebrows and questioning glances from passer-by’s, I wipe the smile from my face and keep my head down, Dash however holds her neutral, unwavering gaze.

Dash retracts her wing and opens the door so I can step inside.

“Why don’t you find us a table while I handle the drinks? What would you like?” her tone is sickeningly sweet.

“Ah’ll have… uh – hay smoothie.”

She raises an eyebrow, “No coffee?”

“Ah don’t really drink coffee.”

She smiles again, “Very well, anything else?”

“No thank you,” I walk to the back of the shop and sit in one the booths along the far right wall. I stare at her while she waits in line to be served, she really is breathtaking; I know I keep saying that, and I must sound like a broken record but… I swear it’s the honest truth, I can’t even describe how I feel about her. Placing my hat on the seat next to me, I stare intensely down at my hoofs, I wonder what she sees in me? I’m just a common work pony, I don’t come from a rich background like Rarity.

“Bit for your thoughts?” I look up slightly startled, Dash is standing in front of me, she sets down the tray she was carrying on her wing and hoofs me my hay smoothie; she has bought a cappuccino and blue berry muffin for herself. She sits across from me, eying me curiously.

“Your thoughts.” She prompts.

“Just think’in, bout nothin.” I play with my drink between my hoofs.

“I see. Is he your coltfriend?”

Whaa?!

“Who?”

“The photographer. Caramel.”

I laugh a genuine, hearty laugh, “No. Caramel is just a good friend of mine, that’s all. What gave you that impression?”

“The way he smiled at you, and you at him.” Her gaze holds mine, almost as if she wants to make me feel unnerved; like she’s challenging me.

“He’s more like family,” I reply casually. Dash nods, she seems satisfied with my answer, she picks up her muffin and begins delicately unwrapping it, I find myself fascinated by the sight.

“Would you like some?” she asks not taking her eyes off the task at hoof.

“No, thank you.” I politely decline and take a mouth full of my drink.

“And the stallion I met yesterday, at your barn. He’s not your coltfriend?”

My eyes widen as I choke, I ram my hoof over my mouth to stop any fluid spraying Dash, she raises an eyebrow and has a look of concern on her face. I struggle to swallow my mouth full, I turn my head and cough.

“Ah already told you, he’s mah cousin!” My voice is hoarse and raspy.

She shrugs, “I know, but I can understand if you wanted to keep the apple gene pool… pure.”

I stare at her wide eyed, with my mouth hanging open; I don’t even know what to say to that.

“That was a joke.” She deadpans. I feel like I wanna punch her in the face, but at the same time I can appreciate the ‘stereotypical southern incest’ joke. I close my eyes and sigh, shaking my head as I do so. I refocus my attention on her, fixing her with a fierce gaze

“No, Ms Dash. Jokes are funny.” She stares at me for a second, almost as if she hasn’t quite comprehended what I just said, a small smile forms in the corner of her mouth and I can’t help my smile as I stare back down at my now, half empty drink.

“Why are you so curious about mah love life, anyway?”

“You seem confident around stallions, yet, you’re nervous around me.”

Is it really that obvious?

“Ah just find you… intimidating, is all.” I smile unconvincingly as I feel myself blush.

She chuckles and fixes me with a serous gaze “You should find me intimidating.” She smiles “You’re an honest mare, that’s a worthy trait.”

Keeping my head pointed down at my drink, I glance back up at her, she’s examining me carefully, my ears fold back against my head as we stare at each other, the silence is deafening.

“You are quite the mystery, Miss Jack.” She states finally.

I face her fully and cock and eyebrow, “Is that so?”

“I think you’re very self-contained,” she murmurs.

“Really? Do you always make such personal observations?”

“I didn’t realize I had offended you.” There is genuine concern in her voice.

“You didn’t.” I answer truthfully.

“Good.”

“But you’re very high-hoofed.”

She raises her eyebrows in surprise and the faintest of blushes touches her cheeks. “I’m used to getting my own way, Applejack, in all things,” She murmurs.

“Ah have no doubts about that. Why haven’t you asked me ta call you by your first name?” I’m surprised how serious this conversation has gotten.

“I only allow family and very few close friends to use my given name. That’s the way I like it.”

Really? Wow she is a control freak, part of me is now thinking that it would have been better if Rare did the interview, I can’t help but think that they would complement each other appropriately. I take a sip of my drink; now all I can imagine is Rarity and Rainbow, touching each other… Suddenly I don’t like the thought of them together.

“Are you an only foal?” she asks, she keeps changing the subject!

“No, I have an older brother and a younger sister.”

“Tell me about your parents.”

My face drops and I break eye contact with her, I stare down at my hoofs, “Mah parents died a long time ago; it’s just mah granny and mah two siblings.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she mutters, a troubled look crosses her face.

“You didn’t know, but Ah don’t really like ta talk about it. What about your family?”

She shrugs, “My dad’s a lawyer and my mom is a pediatrician. They live in Cloudsdale.”

She’s had an affluent upbringing. I wonder that’s why she’s become so successful. What drove her to be like that? Her parents must be proud.

“What do your siblings do?”

“My brother works in construction and my little sister is in Scoltland, studying under some renowned chef.” She seems irritated, I guess she doesn’t like talking about her family.

“Ah hear Scoltland is nice.” I murmur.

“It’s beautiful, have you been?”

“No, Ah’ve never left Equestria.”

“Would you like to?”

I’m taken aback “Leave? And go to Scoltland?” My voice is higher than I intended, “Ah don’t think so, mah home, mah family, mah friends are here. This is where Ah belong.”

She rubs her chin with her hoof “Interesting.” She states as she mulls over my answer. I glance over at the wall clock above the counter. Has it really been an hour already? I clear my throat.

“Well, Ah had better be going now.”

“You need to prepare for first sales?”

“Yes, we start this Tuesday.”

“How are you getting back to Ponyville?”

I hadn’t actually thought of that, I open my mouth to speak but she cuts me off.

“Soarin can take you in my carriage, I have no doubts he’s waiting for us back at the hotel, come.” She gets up and gestures for me to follow her, I grab my hat and do so. We emerge into the slightly less busy street and make our way back to the hotel, I thank her for the smoothie and pleasant conversation, she simply smiles back at me. For the most part we walk in silence, I’d like to say it’s a content silence, but it feels more awkward.

“Do you always wear that hat?” she asks out of the blue, less than a block from the hotel.

“Always, t’was mah pappy’s.”

She nods. We’re just across the road from the hotel now that sure was a random question, two can play at that game.

“Do you have a special somepony?” I blurt out. Her lips quirk into a half smile, she peers over at me.

“No, Applejack. I don’t do the ‘special somepony’ thing,” she states softly.

I wonder what that means, she looks as if she’s about to follow up her statement with some kind of explanation, but she doesn’t. I stare at her while we walk, not watching where I’m going I bump into a pair of stallions who were engaged in a conversation on the sidewalk. The force at which I hit them pushed me into the street and I’m temporarily dazed “AJ!” I hear Dash call out, I turn just in time to see the carriage heading towards me.

Time seemed to stop, or at least slow down, my pupils shrank as the carriage plummeted towards me. I would have died, or at least been seriously maimed, were it not for a blue blur that snatched me out the way just in time. It all happened so fast, one second I was staring down this oncoming force, the next I’m staring down at the pavement, I look up just in time to see the carriage fly past me. I’m suddenly aware that I’m standing on my hind legs. I turn my head, only to come face to face with Rainbow Dash. She has a look of immense concern plastered on her face as she looks me over for any injuries. I feel a burning warmth in my chest as I realize that our bodies are pressed together.

“Are you okay?” she whispers, I can feel her breath on my face; Suddenly, I can feel an overwhelming urge deep inside me. All I want to do is press her lips against mine.