Rainbow Dash’s POV
Today, I’ve planned a special date for Applejack. I had a table booked at her favourite restaurant and then we were going to go to the cinema. The table is booked for 3 pm. I’m going to pick her up at 2:30.

2:25
I walk up to the farmhouse door and knock. It’s Big Mac who opens the door.

“Hey, Big Mac. Is AJ ready?” I ask.

“She’s upstairs at the minute with Maria,” he replies while moving out of the doorway.

Maria? Who is Maria? Is she a friend? A family member? Or something more?

“She should be ready. Just head upstairs.”

“Thanks, Big Mac,” I reply while trying to keep calm.

I walk upstairs and head for AJ’s bedroom. As I approach the door, I hear someone crying and someone else comforting them.

“It’s ok sugar, it’s ok,” I hear AJ say.

I open the door to see AJ hugging a red-haired girl. The girl is quite short, with long red hair. She, much like AJ, has small freckles across her face.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” I say, bitterly.

“No, of course, ya weren’t,” AJ smiles.

“AJ, can we talk? Alone,” AJ stands up looking back at the other girl.

“Go on, I need to head home anyway,” the girl says quietly, picking up a cowgirl hat.

“Goodbye sugar,” AJ hugs her before she leaves.

“Who was that?” I ask as soon as she is out of earshot.

“Maria,” AJ replies simply.

“I knew that,” I roll my eyes.

“Dash let me explain-”

“There’s nothing to explain Applejack. I thought you loved me!”

“What are you talking about? Of course, I love ya,” AJ argues.

“Then why would you cheat on me?”

“I never cheated on ya! If ya just let me explain…”

“You know what, we’re done!”

“Dash-”

“No Applejack. We’re done. I love you. I thought you felt the same way.”

“I do Rainbow!” She argues.

“If you did, you wouldn’t have cheated on me,” I don’t give her a chance to reply.

I run out of the farmhouse and out onto the street. I take my phone out of my pocket and go through my contacts. I click on the first one I think of and ring them.

“Hello?” She asks.

“Hey ‘Shy. Are you free? I need to talk to you.”

15 minutes later, Fluttershy walks into the cafe.

“Hello Rainbow,” she sits in the seat opposite mine. “What’s wrong?”

“Applejack cheated,” I reply, glumly.

“What?! Why would she do that?”

“I don’t know. I found her with a girl called Maria.”

“Oh Rainbow, I’m so sorry,” she hugs me as I start crying.

AJ’s POV
“Hello, darling, what is the matter?” Rarity asks when she picks up.

“Rainbow broke up with me,” I reply.

“Why would she do that? You two are perfect for each other,” Rarity says.

“Well, my half cousin was over at mine and she was upset so I was comforting her and Dash thought we were dating,” I reply playing with my hat.

“Did you explain that she’s related to you?”

“I tried to, Dash wasn’t listening,” I murmur.

“Don’t worry darling, I have an idea.”

“Wait-” My phone beeps signalling she hung up.

My phone starts ringing again. I glance down to see it is Maria. I answer it.

“Hey AJ. Look I’m sorry about earlier. I wouldn’t have come over if I knew you were going out with your girlfriend,” she apologises.

“It’s alright,” I reply.

Rarity’s POV
I walk into the cafe. Fluttershy and Rainbow are sat in a small booth in the corner.

“Hello darlings,” I say as I sit down next to Fluttershy.

“Hello,” the other two reply.

“Rainbow, I heard what happened,” I have to choose my next words carefully. “Don’t you think you were maybe a little too quick to jump to your conclusion?”

“Rarity, Applejack was cuddling her,” Rainbow rolls her eyes. “I’m going to the bathroom.”

“What did you hear Rarity?” Fluttershy asks me as soon as Rainbow is out of earshot.

“The girl that Rainbow found with AJ is her half-cousin,” I explain.

“Oh. Maybe you should call Applejack and let her explain to Rainbow.”

I smile before heading outside.

“Hello, Rarity. What do ya need?” She asks.

“Are you and your half-cousin free? We’re in the small cafe downtown. We’re going to help you explain what happened,”

“I’m not sure bringing Maria is a good idea.”

“I wasn’t saying she has to come, but she’s more than welcome to,” I explain. I was kind of excited to meet Maria.

“We’ll be down in about fifteen minutes.”

“See you then darling,” I hang up and walk inside the cafe.

Fifteen minutes later, Applejack walks in the cafe followed by a red-haired girl. Luckily Rainbow has her back to the door. The girl says something to AJ before walking towards the counter. AJ walks over to us.

“Oh hello Applejack,” Fluttershy greets her as she stands next to the table.

I stand up and gently grab Fluttershy’s arm.

“We’ll be back in a minute,” I lead her over to the counter and towards Applejack’s half-cousin.

Rainbow’s POV
Did Rarity really have to invite them here?

“Dash, I know you’re upset but please just let me explain,” AJ says.

“Ok. I’m listening,” I say, trying not to show any emotions.

“Maria is my half-cousin,” AJ starts. “She lost her father last year and she came over because she is grieving.”

“Oh,” I say quietly. “I’m so sorry AJ. I shouldn’t have jumped to my conclusion.”

“I’m sorry too. I should have told ya that I had my half-cousin over.”

“So can we start over?” I ask.

“Of course,” AJ replies before hugging me. “How about a proper introduction?”

I smile and nod as AJ waves the girl over to us.

The next day
After our misunderstanding yesterday, AJ and I had decided to meet up at the park. I sneak up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. She jumps and spins around in my arms.

“Hey Dash,” she says quietly.

I smile and kiss her. She kisses back and wraps her arms around my neck.

“I’m happy I let you explain,” I murmur as we pull away.

“Me too sugar,” she replies before kissing me again.

Author's Note

This was requested by iiiMills.

This story takes place when they are 15. It also takes place before the girls (excluding Applejack) meet Maria. Part of her backstory is explained in this chapter and how she already knows AJ.

I’m sorry I haven’t updated in a while. I’ve been busy with work while in lockdown. I hope everyone is staying safe and well.