Go Big AND Go Homeby OmegathystChaptersPrologueThe MakeoverThe Final TouchPrologueA mix of rusty red, bright orange, and rosy pink decorated the sky above the rusty red barn and its luscious green fields. While the stallion and his wife were bucking and levitating apples off the trees, an orange mare laid on the couch with a blue pegasus sprawled on top of her. The earth pony was struggling in place, glancing up at the pegasus’ long grin. “Told ya Applejack,” the pegasus ran her hoof down the mare’s blonde mane. “I’m not letting you do any apple-bucking on your day off. Give it a rest, will you?” “Ah...alright, Rainbow,” Applejack relaxed her muscles, gently resting her head on the couch. After several seconds, Applejack jolted against Rainbow Dash, only to feel her marefriend push back against her even harder. “Like I would fall for that trick,” Dash snickered. “Obviously my Wonderbolt training is superior to your farm body.” “You love this body,” Applejack winked, grazing her hoof over her hindlegs before her expression went blank. “I...what do we do then?” “Whadya mean?” Dash asked. “On our days off,” Applejack shrugged. “We got everything, so the marketplace is a no go. Most of our friends already have their hooves full with shipments, animal care, what have you. Heck, Pinkie’s thinking of starting a family…” Applejack looked up at Rainbow Dash for a split second before staring off into nothing. “Speakin’ of family,” Applejack drawled out the words. “Havin’ you and Sugar Belle around the farm has been a mighty help. Catchin’ apples in the air, or with magic. The apple farm has been in better shape now than ever…” “Thanks, Jack,” Dash’s shoulders loosened, as she tilted her head and gave a small smile. “I love you too.” “Can I ask you something?” “Shoot.” “Well, you spend more nights here than at the house in the sky,” Applejack pointed out. “Seems like an awfully lonely place to sleep.” “I suppose,” Dash smirked, her tail swishing back and forth. “What was it you were going to ask me, Applejack?” “Well, w-will you move with us? With me?” Applejack lifted her head till her nose was pressed against her marefriend’s nose, her bright green eyes blinking back at Rainbow Dash like a kitten that had a toy waved at her. Rainbow Dash’s ears flattened as a blush appeared through her blue fur. “Holy shit,” Dash whispered, glancing away from Applejack. “You think we’re ready?” “We’ve been dating for six months, and I’m pretty sure that house of yours is growing dust bunnies by now,” Applejack chuckled, slowly lifting a hoof to press against Dash’s left cheek. “Just think, having Hearth’s Warming and Nightmare Night with family again. Doesn’t that sound nice?” “It sounds more than nice,” Dash replied, her eyes meeting Applejack’s again. Her heart started a warmth within her chest that spread out through her whole body. “Maybe we can change the roof into a pad for me to launch into the sky, and land when I return from Wonderbolt practice.” Unable to fight the feeling inside her, Rainbow Dash closed the distance between her and Applejack, feeling the warmth sparked by a fiery hot electricity as she pushed her head against her marefriend’s. She placed her left hoof over Applejack’s right hoof, and they separated the long kiss with several short ones, before breaking away entirely. “S-Sorry,” Dash whispered. “I like the barn as it is, I just had a few visions for what it could be. Is that bad?” “Not at all, sugarcube,” Applejack kissed Dash’s nose. “Heh, maybe we can create more windowspace in the barn with bigger windows. That way, you can fly in and out from every room.” “Hey, I’m the one with the cool ideas!” Dash stood up from Applejack’s embrace, grinning from ear to ear. “We should paint over that dull chipped red, and replace it with a bright red!” “We have a whole stack of family pictures in the closet,” Applejack added. “We should buy frames, and take new pictures for the five of us!” “We should cut a hole into the roof, where I can fly into the house from the sky!” Dash smirked. “I…” Applejack pressed her hooves into the couch, her mouth hanging open like a fish. “Heh, don’t feel bad AJ. I’m the one who is 20% coo-” “You should put clouds around the roof!” Applejack grinned. “That way, you can hop on them and then take off to Wonderbolt practice!” Dash froze, staring at her marefriend. “Top that, Rainbow Dash,” Applejack winked, stepping off the couch. “I’m gonna start on blueprints before dinner. Tell the others what we got planned, we’ll need them on board. Got that, sugarcube?” Rainbow Dash nodded. “That’s a good marefriend,” Applejack pressed her lips against Rainbow Dash’s for a hot second before walking upstairs. “Knock on my door when dinner’s ready, if you could.” Rainbow Dash didn’t move a muscle until the click of the door upstairs snapped her out of her shock. Shaking her head like a wet dog, Dash jumped off the couch and flew towards the stairs. “You’re on!” Dash shouted. “By the time I’m through with you, you’ll have the best damn barn Equestria’s ever seen!” “Damn right!” Applejack shouted back. “Cause I’m in charge.” Dash felt a heat rolling through her veins and down her legs, one that brought two different options to her mind. One, telling the family about Applejack’s plans right away. Two, showing the orange mare who is really in charge. Shaking off the hot tension building inside her, Dash pushed the door open and flew outside, catching Big Mac and Sugar Belle in her sight. “Hey you two!” Dash shouted before flying up close. “Applejack and I want to give the barn a huge makeover, inside and out. You in?” “I...uh…” Big Mac stammered. “That could be fun! I’d love to raise foals in a renovated barn,” Sugar Belle closed her eyes and smiled, leaning into her husband. Big Mac looked down at his wife briefly, before meeting Rainbow Dash’s eyes and nodding. “Great,” Dash smirked knowingly. “Tell Apple Bloom as soon as she gets back from teaching. Applejack won’t know what’s coming, this barn is going to rock her world!” The MakeoverAfter two weeks, the two marefriends were ready to give the barn a makeover. All they had to do was find a day for all their close friends to pitch in with the help, and that day was today. Twilight, showing her long wingspan, flew towards the barn and ignited a magical spell with her horn. A line of purple magic surrounded the lining of the barn roof as it slowly broke off from the barn itself with several cracks. Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood right below her, watching with wide eyes and open jaws as she carried the entire roof with her magic. Just as Twilight turned away from the barn, Rainbow Dash flew to her side, whispering something in the alicorn’s ear. Before Applejack could speak, Twilight and Rainbow Dash flew off together, with the roof slowly floating behind them. “Where are they taking that roof?” Applejack looked over her shoulder to see her sister-in-law. Smiling and wrapping a hoof over Sugar Belle’s shoulders, Applejack shook her head. “Heck if I know, sugarcube.” The two mares jolted back as a bright light flashed, revealing Discord and a familiar yellow pegasus in his arms. Slowly stroking her mane with his lion paw, Discord smirked. “Really now?” Discord cocked an eyebrow, glancing at the barn. “You silly ponies are going to spend hours renovating an entire barn, when a certain draconequus can do it all with a simple-” “DON’T!” Discord froze, his talon fingers paused from moving as he stared at Applejack. “These ‘silly’ ponies prefer the joy of a job well done,” Applejack huffed, blushing as she looked at the sky. “And I want to make this barn look better than it’s looked in years, got it?” “Oh fine,” Discord rolled his eyes. “Can I at least replace the windows with my fingers?” “...okay, but nothing else,” Applejack decided. Discord nodded, snapping his fingers and replacing the occasional window on the barn with four pony-sized windows, all of them automatically open. “If you don’t mind me asking,” Discord said, eyeing the windows. “What if another pegasus flies in those windows? One you don’t know?” “We’ll keep them closed at night or when we’re all gone,” Applejack explained. “If they still fly in there, us Apples will be ready.” Discord glanced away. “Noted.” Fluttershy jumped out of Discord’s arms, hugging Applejack and Sugar Belle. “I’m glad you and Dash are moving in together,” Fluttershy grinned at her friend. “Thank you, sugarcube,” Applejack replied. “How are you and Discord doing in the cottage?” “Oh, it’s been going so well,” Fluttershy glanced at the draconequus. “His magic is a real help with the sanctuary, and all the animals love him.” “I’m sure they do,” Applejack smirked, seeing her brother arrive out of the corner of her eye. Behind him, she saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Rarity, all with buckets of paint. Rarity was levitating the most stuff out of anypony, trotting towards the barn. “Greetings, Applejack,” Rarity said, setting down all her stuff beside the barn. “Congratulations on the move-in, by the way. Where is the lovely new barn resident, darling?” “Off with Twilight,” Applejack shrugged. “She should be back soon though.” “Of course,” Rarity nodded, levitating two of the three buckets she brought with her. “I had some ideas for painting on the inside, if you don’t mind.” “Of course, but why a barn?” Applejack tilted her head, a laugh nearly escaping her lips. “I thought rustic areas weren’t your style, sugarcube.” “That’s just it,” Rarity batted her eyelashes, throwing her mane back. “A lady such as myself is always eager for the challenge. By the time we’re done with painting, this stylish barn will put all the other barns to shame!” The laugh escaped from Applejack’s mouth before she could stop it. “What is so funny, darling?” Rarity asked. Applejack stopped laughing, closing her mouth shut. “Oh, you’re serious,” Applejack deadpanned. "Why, of course I am! Do you want to win this competition against your lover, or not?" Rarity gasped. "How did you-" "I've known you two long enough to know what this is all about," Rarity responded, pressing a hoof against Applejack's lips. "No fret, dear Applejack. I've got you covered." Rarity trotted past Applejack with her buckets of paint alongside her. Applejack allowed a small laugh to escape her lips after she entered the barn. "Ah Rarity," Applejack snickered. "Still the same mare I loved, go figure." "Big Mac, can I talk to you for a minute?" Big Mac looked to his left, easing the paintbrush into the bucket of red. Following his wife up a hillside full of apple trees, Sugar Belle turned to look at him, grinning from ear to ear. Big Mac felt his heart beating like a drum as he stared at his wife, the spring wind blowing her bushy magenta mane around her face. As he took her in, he knew that this moment would change his life forever. “I’m expecting your foal,” Sugar Belle announced. Big Mac froze, only for a moment, before rushing over and closing his hooves around Sugar Belle’s shoulders in an embrace. “We must tell everypony,” Big Mac said, kissing his wife right below her ear. “This is the best day of my life, Sugar Belle!” “Maybe not yet,” Sugar Belle turned her head to look into Big Mac’s eyes. “Truth be told, I’ve never seen them act so passionate about a project. I want to see how this plays out, let them have their fun, y’know?” “Those mares,” Big Mac rolled his eyes. “Alright Sugar, but after a ‘winner’ is decided, we tell everypony. Is that okay?” “It’s more than okay,” Sugar Belle kissed him on the nose. “I love you, Big Macintosh.” “Oooh! I’m so excited to have my very best friends all in one place again! I can’t wait, I must take a photo now!” Pinkie allowed her camera to fall gently onto the grass as she propped up the camera, taking pictures of the Cutie Mark Crusaders as they painted. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were chatting away about the students in their classes, glancing at Pinkie out of the corner of their eyes. Pinkie looked at the photo, where Apple Bloom’s hoof was on Sweetie Belle’s shoulder, and smiled. “Hey cousin,” Applejack approached Pinkie and hugged her. “The others should be here soon, Rainbow went-” Applejack felt her body knock over and tumble onto her back, staring up at Rainbow Dash. “What were you saying about the coolest marefriend in all of Equestria?” Dash asked, winking at Applejack. “I wasn’t saying anything about her,” Applejack smirked. “I’m not that full of myself.” Dash rolled her eyes, climbing off Applejack and looking at the mares that joined in the barn makeover, giving each of them a subtle nod. Applejack saw Big Mac and Sugar Belle approaching, and waved. “Apple Bloom, get your butt over here. It’s time for pictures,” Dash called the earth pony. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, before looking at Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “Can Sweetie Belle be in the pictures?” Apple Bloom asked. “I know it’s only been a few weeks, but she already feels like part of the family.” “Aww,” Scootaloo cooed. “Of course, always an honor to have a new Apple,” Applejack felt her heart beating, tears springing out of her eyes as she looked at the growing Apple family before her. Before, they were mostly earth ponies. But now, she looked at two beautiful unicorns… ...and a bright blue pegasus that always made her heart stop when she entered the room. Applejack leaned against Rainbow Dash, kissing her cheek. “Hey sugarcube,” Applejack whispered in Dash’s ear. “Where the hay did Twilight go anyway?” “Oh, she's still taking care of the roof still,” Dash shrugged. “Must be hard to find a place for that junk.” “Uh-huh,” Applejack looked away. “Ready, Pinkie?” “Absolutely!” Pinkie held her camera, waiting for the ponies to gather together with their respective partners. “Great! Now some funny faces!” Dash pulled off the best one, dragging her eyelid down with a hoof and sticking out her tongue. Applejack laughed, her funny face facade broken. Each of the three pairs found themselves kissing or looking in each other’s eyes at one point during the pictures. After the last of the family pictures was done, Rainbow Dash turned around and gestured her hoof towards the others. “What are you all doing?” Dash grinned. “Get in the last pictures, you guys!” Discord teleported to the family’s side with Fluttershy in tow, while Scootaloo and Rarity walked over to the family. “I hope I didn’t miss anything.” Applejack saw Twilight and Spike flying down to the ground. Twilight stood behind the entire group of ponies and Spike, spreading her whole wingspan around them in an embrace. Using her magic, Twilight removed the camera from Pinkie’s hooves, and lifted it in the air. Pinkie galloped over to the group, crashing into them with several giggles. Twilight beamed at the camera as she took several pictures of her dearest friends, the Apple family, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, all the while using another fraction of her magic to gently place the new and pristine rooftop onto the barn. Twilight finally dropped the camera, turning to face the rooftop as it gently landed on top of the barn. “Woah Twilight,” Applejack gasped. “I can’t believe you were placing the new roof on during pictures.” “Oh, this is nothing,” Twilight winked. “I made sure there was a hole in the roof for Dash to fly in, just like you asked.” Dash jumped off the ground, and within several seconds, had placed several clouds above the white roof. “Now, time to test it out,” Dash flew into the barn, flying out of the hole and jumping onto the clouds before taking off into the sky. Several moments later, Rainbow Dash landed onto the roof in a pose, her head held high and her wings spread out. Applejack felt her heart racing as she drank in her marefriend’s pose. “I think Rarity did something with the walls!” Dash called out from the top of the roof. “Ah, let’s see what she did,” Applejack turned to her friend. “Twilight, you have a spell for turning camera photos into frames, right?” “Already done!”Twilight shot a magical spell at Pinkie’s camera, causing a pile of framed pictures to appear under it. Applejack, as well as several of the others, started picking up the framed pictures. Discord, knowing his skills weren’t welcomed with Applejack, started creating different cupcakes for Pinkie. The pink party pony gulped each and every one, commenting on the different flavors the chaos lord could concoct. Applejack gasped, dropping the framed picture as she entered the living room. Over the newly painted layer of beige, was a pattern of white apples, clouds, and cupcakes. Applejack saw the dropped picture as well as the other framed pictures levitating in the air with Rarity’s magic, landing and sticking to different areas on the wall. Applejack approached one of the frames on the wall, and pressed against it with her hoof. Sure enough, the framed picture didn’t budge. “Damn, has Twilight been giving you lessons?” Applejack chuckled. “We exchange letters sometimes,” Rarity smirked. “Suppose now is the right time to put that Lord of Chaos to good use?” “I-” “I’m just saying, we did everything that you and Dashie wanted us to do,” Rarity explained. “And Discord could make sure everything is as it should be!” “And not Twilight?” Applejack tilted her head. “Hey now, arguing is our thing,” Dash stepped in between the two mares. “Thanks for the tip, Rarity, but we got this.” “Very well,” Rarity nodded, glancing at an envelope resting on the table. “All the best to you and Applejack, but I must get go-” “Wait!” Dash blurted out. “You should stay and see the finished barn, y’know?” “Alright, just for a few minutes,” Rarity shrugged. “I mean, she does know that I won,” Applejack puffed her chest out. “Don’t know what could possibly change that.” “Okay, so you won at the best barn makeover ideas,” Dash rolled her eyes. “But I want all of you to follow me. Twilight can make sure the barn aligns with our blueprints, and she can meet up with us later. Got it?” “Damn, okay Captain Dash,” Applejack giggled. “Lead the way.” The Final TouchRainbow Dash flew onward, covering the distance between her and her destination with long flaps of her wings. Applejack raced forward in an attempt to keep up with her marefriend. The others glanced at one another as they continued walking forward. “Should...should we go after them?” Apple Bloom asked her big brother. “We’ll reach ‘em eventually,” Big Mac responded, staring at the blue and orange figures disappearing from sight. “We throw together this whole perfected barn, and they’re still worried about their little competition!” Rarity rolled her eyes. “Rarity, is there something you want to talk about?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Whatever do you mean? All I want is a simple thank you from Applejack, that’s all,” Rarity sighed. Sweetie Belle leaned forward, resting her hoof on her older sister’s shoulder as they kept walking. “Here it is!” Applejack felt sweat flying from her fur and her mane as she stopped and stared at the flower bushes surrounding the merged apple-pear tree. Blue, orange, and red flowers surrounded the tree in a diverse display. Applejack’s jaw hung open, as heat tickled her cheeks and flickered within her chest. “I forget what flowers Twilight said they were. Hi-dran-as? Something like that,” Dash rolled her eyes, before flying over to Applejack’s side with a forced grin. “Sorry for lying about where Twilight was. It was for the surprise, y’know?” Dash looked up at the sky, smiling as she saw Twilight steadily flapping her wings as she landed in front of her colorful creations. “They’re called Hydrangeas, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight smirked. “They were Dash’s idea in a way, she wanted to find flowers that symbolize true feelings. And I couldn’t think of a better type of flower to express that.” “Heh, I don’t think Applejack’s said a word since she got here,” Dash snickered, glancing back at her marefriend. “Well? You told me to top your plans, now I topped you! As usual, that is.” “I don’t need to know that…” Twilight covered her blush with one of her wings. “Oh my, this is lovely.” Applejack turned to look over her shoulder, seeing Fluttershy walk past her and stop to look down at the flowers. Pinkie came next, bouncing carefully over the bushes with wide blue eyes and an even wider smile. Big Mac and Sugar Belle arrived, the latter pointing to the red bushes and whispering in her husband’s ear. The Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived next, Apple Bloom chatting up the two about the history of the apple/pear tree. Behind Sweetie Belle, came Rarity. The white unicorn’s narrowed eyes widened as she stared at the bushes that she knew weren’t there before. Then, her sapphire eyes landed on the hoof Rainbow Dash had behind her back. Rarity froze. “Oh my, I really should be going, this is just astounding though darling, really,” Rarity waved her hoof at the pegasus. “Couldn’t have thought of it myself. The keys will be under the carpet for you, Sweetie Belle. I-” “Applejack, will you marry me?” Dash asked, taking the sapphire ring behind her back and holding it up in front of the farm pony. Applejack felt time itself freeze over as the other ponies stood speechless, like her. Oh hay, she’s right! I still haven’t spoke a peep! “Oh m-my…” Applejack gulped, staring at the blue ring gleaming at her. “Really, sugarcube?” “Of course, you goof,” Dash pressed her muzzle against Applejack’s. “I know my pranks can be a bit much sometimes, but this isn’t one of them. I promise.” “Ah’ll marry ya then,” Applejack felt her chest warming up, at this incredibly sculpted moment where her marefriend proposed to her at the tree her parents planted. Not only that, but she could hear their friends cheering and stomping their hooves around them. She felt Rainbow Dash crash into her, dropping the ring and kissing the side of Applejack’s face multiple times, embracing her. "The first marriage of Elements of Harmony!" Twilight stood on her hind legs, waving her front ones in excitement. "I'll have to send a note to the Sisters, I'm sure they'd love to attend!" "We should invite the whole Apple family to the wedding!" Sugar Belle added. Feeling a hoof gently prodding her own, she looked up at Big Mac's stare. A hint of a smile appeared on his face, Sugar Belle returned it, knowing very well it was time. "I have an announcement of my own," Sugar said as the cheering began to die down. "I'm expecting Big Mac's foal." Applejack looked over her shoulder while embracing Dash, her jaw dropping a second time. "Ah'm...ah'm gonna be an aunt?" Applejack whispered. Sugar Belle leaned closer to Big Mac and nodded her head. "Woohoo!" Applejack held Rainbow Dash tighter, nuzzling her mane. "This is just the best gosh-darn day of my life! We must celebrate!" "As much as your apple pies are delicious darling, perhaps this occasion requires a more...grand location," Rarity suggested, causing her younger sister to give her a look. "But I thought you were leav-" Sweetie Belle felt a hoof covering her mouth. "Nonsense, my sister. Clearly these two have their hearts set on having it all, so let them," Rarity whispered, while Sweetie Belle looked away. "I couldn't agree more, Rarity," Twilight nodded. "And what better location than the castle of the ruler herself?" Twilight closed her eyes, spreading her wings and enveloping the entire group of ponies and draconequus in her magic. Applejack lifted Rainbow Dash's face in her hooves, pressing her lips against the pegasus' lips before they all disappeared. Applejack and Rainbow Dash felt themselves land outside the castles of Canterlot alongside their friends and family. Applejack looked over at Rarity. Just as Rarity stood up and opened her eyes, Applejack looked away. "Hey, don't ya think Rarity's been acting a bit…" Applejack looked into Dash's eyes. "Off?" "Isn't she always?" Dash blew some strands of her mane out of her eyes. "I mean, if anything, she seems calmer than usual. She didn't even bring her fainting couch!" “That’s true,” Applejack shrugged. “Ah’m gonna check up on her later, I got a hot fiancee to be with.” “Is she as hot as me?” Dash winked, leaning forward and giggling. “Maybe~” Applejack pressed her lips against Dash’s nose. The orange mare chuckled as she noticed Twilight speaking to Spike, who was writing away with a quill pen on paper. “Heh, some things never change.” “You’re a lucky mare,” Dash winked, getting up and following the alicorn. “You get to be bride to the coolest wedding in all of Equestria!” “So do you,” Applejack smirked, trotting beside her flying marefriend. “With apple fritters, pies, cider, slices, and more, you’ll have the best damn food around.” “Y’know I can’t resist your apple pie,” Dash purred, leaning forward. “I was thinking, the best fall weather will be in four months. Maybe we can plan the wedding for then?” “That soon?” Applejack tilted her head, her ears perking up. “Ah, I remember our Iron Pony competition now.” “Don’t forget the Running of the Leaves,” Dash pointed out. “Twilight can grow some trees around our ceremony, and then she can marry us under the leaves.” “You’ve thought about this?” Applejack asked. “A little bit,” Dash replied as the two entered the castle. “And maaaaaybe I talked to Twilight about it too. Hey, when you get to chatting up Rarity, maybe ask her about wedding dresses.” “Who said anythin’ about wedding dresses?” Applejack chuckled. “Ah’m wearing a tuxedo to mah wedding, what about you?” “Maybe, I think we’d look pretty awesome in tuxes together,” Dash pondered, a hoof pressing against her chin. “Wait, are we going to have two Maids of Honor?” “Well, Rarity will be busy with our dresses, so we can make Pinkie and Fluttershy our Maids of Honor,” Applejack suggested. “Pinkie can be mine, cousin and all. Fluttershy can be yours, naturally.” “Maybe you can make Rarity your Maid of Honor! Extend the olive branch, I think it’ll ease the tension on ya,” Dash hugged Applejack, flying away to join Twilight. “Just think about it!” “Oh Celestia,” Applejack sighed, rolling her eyes. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Rarity trailing behind, watching her younger sister talking to Apple Bloom. When Applejack turned around and began trotting over, Rarity’s ears perked up as she stepped back. “Oh no, darling, go be with your fiancee,” Rarity pointed her hoof ahead. “Don’t mind me none, I’m just paying compliment to the castle renovations.” “You’re important to me, Rarity,” Applejack held her hoof. “It means a lot to me that you can be with us and help with the barn, but ah don’t want ya to do it at the expense of your feelins’. Ah’m not even sure I understand it, you ended it when I couldn’t make time as often as I did. We’re very busy mares with our businesses, ah don’t think it was ever gonna work out. But do you still think about what could’ve been…?” Applejack stared at the white unicorn, feeling time stop for the second time that day. Motion, her thoughts, snapped back into reality as Rarity laughed. “Oh darling, everypony thinks about what could’ve been. But fate is a cruel mistress, playing with our hearts and words like puppets on a string,” Rarity explained. “Celestia knows what ties your heart to that hot-headed pegasus, but it isn’t in my place to say really. Worry not Applejack, I’m surrounded by many lovely ponies regardless.” “Y-You sure, Rarity?” Applejack asked. “Ah want ya to find somepony to talk to about your problems, sugarcube. Letting it build up, it ain’t good for ya.” “Darling,” Rarity leaned forward. “Why do you fret so much about me? I’m not your fiancee. You made your choice, now carry on.” “I-” “I’m not asking you, Applejack.” Applejack’s words died on her lips, and she sighed as her head lowered. “Take care, Rarity,” Applejack nodded, turning away. Chills running down her spine as she heard the words creeping up behind her. “I always do.” “Ooh! I can make 68 flavors of cupcakes! How does that sound?!” “I dunno Pinkie, maybe one more flavor will make this wedding perfect,” Dash smirked at the hopping pink pony. “69 flavors of cupcakes!” Pinkie shouted, an extra hop in her step. “Nice,” Dash snickered before she looked over. “Oh hey, Applejack. How’d everything go?” “Um, could’ve gone a lot better,” Applejack sighed as Pinkie hopped ahead. “Ah told Twilight to have a word with Rarity, she won’t talk about what’s wrong. Ah hope she can make it to the wedding.” “Want me to talk to her?” Dash asked. “I can tell her that there’s way cooler stuff to do besides moping.” “It’s okay,” Applejack waved her hoof. “Ah don’t want this to take away from the life we’re building for ourselves and perhaps…” Dash stopped flying, landing on the carpet as she stared into Applejack’s emerald green eyes. “Perhaps our future foals, if you’d make me so lucky,” Applejack pressed her lips against Dash’s briefly, before pulling away. “No rush.” “Who am I to deprive you of a bunch of tiny ruffians running around the barn?” Dash joked, resting her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. “Foals that can buck trees and fly like the Wonderbolts? I’d be remiss if I didn’t let that happen.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat at the table, glancing at Twilight as she leaned over and spoke to Rarity. Pinkie bounced past all of them, sitting at the chair at the end. Fluttershy sat at the other end of the table while Discord stretched himself around her like an oversized scarf. Big Mac nudged one of the chairs for his wife, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders took their seats right next to each other. “Y’know sugarcube?” Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash, wrapping her hoof around the blue pegasus’ shoulders. “Ah think everything will be alright.”
PrologueA mix of rusty red, bright orange, and rosy pink decorated the sky above the rusty red barn and its luscious green fields. While the stallion and his wife were bucking and levitating apples off the trees, an orange mare laid on the couch with a blue pegasus sprawled on top of her. The earth pony was struggling in place, glancing up at the pegasus’ long grin. “Told ya Applejack,” the pegasus ran her hoof down the mare’s blonde mane. “I’m not letting you do any apple-bucking on your day off. Give it a rest, will you?” “Ah...alright, Rainbow,” Applejack relaxed her muscles, gently resting her head on the couch. After several seconds, Applejack jolted against Rainbow Dash, only to feel her marefriend push back against her even harder. “Like I would fall for that trick,” Dash snickered. “Obviously my Wonderbolt training is superior to your farm body.” “You love this body,” Applejack winked, grazing her hoof over her hindlegs before her expression went blank. “I...what do we do then?” “Whadya mean?” Dash asked. “On our days off,” Applejack shrugged. “We got everything, so the marketplace is a no go. Most of our friends already have their hooves full with shipments, animal care, what have you. Heck, Pinkie’s thinking of starting a family…” Applejack looked up at Rainbow Dash for a split second before staring off into nothing. “Speakin’ of family,” Applejack drawled out the words. “Havin’ you and Sugar Belle around the farm has been a mighty help. Catchin’ apples in the air, or with magic. The apple farm has been in better shape now than ever…” “Thanks, Jack,” Dash’s shoulders loosened, as she tilted her head and gave a small smile. “I love you too.” “Can I ask you something?” “Shoot.” “Well, you spend more nights here than at the house in the sky,” Applejack pointed out. “Seems like an awfully lonely place to sleep.” “I suppose,” Dash smirked, her tail swishing back and forth. “What was it you were going to ask me, Applejack?” “Well, w-will you move with us? With me?” Applejack lifted her head till her nose was pressed against her marefriend’s nose, her bright green eyes blinking back at Rainbow Dash like a kitten that had a toy waved at her. Rainbow Dash’s ears flattened as a blush appeared through her blue fur. “Holy shit,” Dash whispered, glancing away from Applejack. “You think we’re ready?” “We’ve been dating for six months, and I’m pretty sure that house of yours is growing dust bunnies by now,” Applejack chuckled, slowly lifting a hoof to press against Dash’s left cheek. “Just think, having Hearth’s Warming and Nightmare Night with family again. Doesn’t that sound nice?” “It sounds more than nice,” Dash replied, her eyes meeting Applejack’s again. Her heart started a warmth within her chest that spread out through her whole body. “Maybe we can change the roof into a pad for me to launch into the sky, and land when I return from Wonderbolt practice.” Unable to fight the feeling inside her, Rainbow Dash closed the distance between her and Applejack, feeling the warmth sparked by a fiery hot electricity as she pushed her head against her marefriend’s. She placed her left hoof over Applejack’s right hoof, and they separated the long kiss with several short ones, before breaking away entirely. “S-Sorry,” Dash whispered. “I like the barn as it is, I just had a few visions for what it could be. Is that bad?” “Not at all, sugarcube,” Applejack kissed Dash’s nose. “Heh, maybe we can create more windowspace in the barn with bigger windows. That way, you can fly in and out from every room.” “Hey, I’m the one with the cool ideas!” Dash stood up from Applejack’s embrace, grinning from ear to ear. “We should paint over that dull chipped red, and replace it with a bright red!” “We have a whole stack of family pictures in the closet,” Applejack added. “We should buy frames, and take new pictures for the five of us!” “We should cut a hole into the roof, where I can fly into the house from the sky!” Dash smirked. “I…” Applejack pressed her hooves into the couch, her mouth hanging open like a fish. “Heh, don’t feel bad AJ. I’m the one who is 20% coo-” “You should put clouds around the roof!” Applejack grinned. “That way, you can hop on them and then take off to Wonderbolt practice!” Dash froze, staring at her marefriend. “Top that, Rainbow Dash,” Applejack winked, stepping off the couch. “I’m gonna start on blueprints before dinner. Tell the others what we got planned, we’ll need them on board. Got that, sugarcube?” Rainbow Dash nodded. “That’s a good marefriend,” Applejack pressed her lips against Rainbow Dash’s for a hot second before walking upstairs. “Knock on my door when dinner’s ready, if you could.” Rainbow Dash didn’t move a muscle until the click of the door upstairs snapped her out of her shock. Shaking her head like a wet dog, Dash jumped off the couch and flew towards the stairs. “You’re on!” Dash shouted. “By the time I’m through with you, you’ll have the best damn barn Equestria’s ever seen!” “Damn right!” Applejack shouted back. “Cause I’m in charge.” Dash felt a heat rolling through her veins and down her legs, one that brought two different options to her mind. One, telling the family about Applejack’s plans right away. Two, showing the orange mare who is really in charge. Shaking off the hot tension building inside her, Dash pushed the door open and flew outside, catching Big Mac and Sugar Belle in her sight. “Hey you two!” Dash shouted before flying up close. “Applejack and I want to give the barn a huge makeover, inside and out. You in?” “I...uh…” Big Mac stammered. “That could be fun! I’d love to raise foals in a renovated barn,” Sugar Belle closed her eyes and smiled, leaning into her husband. Big Mac looked down at his wife briefly, before meeting Rainbow Dash’s eyes and nodding. “Great,” Dash smirked knowingly. “Tell Apple Bloom as soon as she gets back from teaching. Applejack won’t know what’s coming, this barn is going to rock her world!”
The MakeoverAfter two weeks, the two marefriends were ready to give the barn a makeover. All they had to do was find a day for all their close friends to pitch in with the help, and that day was today. Twilight, showing her long wingspan, flew towards the barn and ignited a magical spell with her horn. A line of purple magic surrounded the lining of the barn roof as it slowly broke off from the barn itself with several cracks. Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood right below her, watching with wide eyes and open jaws as she carried the entire roof with her magic. Just as Twilight turned away from the barn, Rainbow Dash flew to her side, whispering something in the alicorn’s ear. Before Applejack could speak, Twilight and Rainbow Dash flew off together, with the roof slowly floating behind them. “Where are they taking that roof?” Applejack looked over her shoulder to see her sister-in-law. Smiling and wrapping a hoof over Sugar Belle’s shoulders, Applejack shook her head. “Heck if I know, sugarcube.” The two mares jolted back as a bright light flashed, revealing Discord and a familiar yellow pegasus in his arms. Slowly stroking her mane with his lion paw, Discord smirked. “Really now?” Discord cocked an eyebrow, glancing at the barn. “You silly ponies are going to spend hours renovating an entire barn, when a certain draconequus can do it all with a simple-” “DON’T!” Discord froze, his talon fingers paused from moving as he stared at Applejack. “These ‘silly’ ponies prefer the joy of a job well done,” Applejack huffed, blushing as she looked at the sky. “And I want to make this barn look better than it’s looked in years, got it?” “Oh fine,” Discord rolled his eyes. “Can I at least replace the windows with my fingers?” “...okay, but nothing else,” Applejack decided. Discord nodded, snapping his fingers and replacing the occasional window on the barn with four pony-sized windows, all of them automatically open. “If you don’t mind me asking,” Discord said, eyeing the windows. “What if another pegasus flies in those windows? One you don’t know?” “We’ll keep them closed at night or when we’re all gone,” Applejack explained. “If they still fly in there, us Apples will be ready.” Discord glanced away. “Noted.” Fluttershy jumped out of Discord’s arms, hugging Applejack and Sugar Belle. “I’m glad you and Dash are moving in together,” Fluttershy grinned at her friend. “Thank you, sugarcube,” Applejack replied. “How are you and Discord doing in the cottage?” “Oh, it’s been going so well,” Fluttershy glanced at the draconequus. “His magic is a real help with the sanctuary, and all the animals love him.” “I’m sure they do,” Applejack smirked, seeing her brother arrive out of the corner of her eye. Behind him, she saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Rarity, all with buckets of paint. Rarity was levitating the most stuff out of anypony, trotting towards the barn. “Greetings, Applejack,” Rarity said, setting down all her stuff beside the barn. “Congratulations on the move-in, by the way. Where is the lovely new barn resident, darling?” “Off with Twilight,” Applejack shrugged. “She should be back soon though.” “Of course,” Rarity nodded, levitating two of the three buckets she brought with her. “I had some ideas for painting on the inside, if you don’t mind.” “Of course, but why a barn?” Applejack tilted her head, a laugh nearly escaping her lips. “I thought rustic areas weren’t your style, sugarcube.” “That’s just it,” Rarity batted her eyelashes, throwing her mane back. “A lady such as myself is always eager for the challenge. By the time we’re done with painting, this stylish barn will put all the other barns to shame!” The laugh escaped from Applejack’s mouth before she could stop it. “What is so funny, darling?” Rarity asked. Applejack stopped laughing, closing her mouth shut. “Oh, you’re serious,” Applejack deadpanned. "Why, of course I am! Do you want to win this competition against your lover, or not?" Rarity gasped. "How did you-" "I've known you two long enough to know what this is all about," Rarity responded, pressing a hoof against Applejack's lips. "No fret, dear Applejack. I've got you covered." Rarity trotted past Applejack with her buckets of paint alongside her. Applejack allowed a small laugh to escape her lips after she entered the barn. "Ah Rarity," Applejack snickered. "Still the same mare I loved, go figure." "Big Mac, can I talk to you for a minute?" Big Mac looked to his left, easing the paintbrush into the bucket of red. Following his wife up a hillside full of apple trees, Sugar Belle turned to look at him, grinning from ear to ear. Big Mac felt his heart beating like a drum as he stared at his wife, the spring wind blowing her bushy magenta mane around her face. As he took her in, he knew that this moment would change his life forever. “I’m expecting your foal,” Sugar Belle announced. Big Mac froze, only for a moment, before rushing over and closing his hooves around Sugar Belle’s shoulders in an embrace. “We must tell everypony,” Big Mac said, kissing his wife right below her ear. “This is the best day of my life, Sugar Belle!” “Maybe not yet,” Sugar Belle turned her head to look into Big Mac’s eyes. “Truth be told, I’ve never seen them act so passionate about a project. I want to see how this plays out, let them have their fun, y’know?” “Those mares,” Big Mac rolled his eyes. “Alright Sugar, but after a ‘winner’ is decided, we tell everypony. Is that okay?” “It’s more than okay,” Sugar Belle kissed him on the nose. “I love you, Big Macintosh.” “Oooh! I’m so excited to have my very best friends all in one place again! I can’t wait, I must take a photo now!” Pinkie allowed her camera to fall gently onto the grass as she propped up the camera, taking pictures of the Cutie Mark Crusaders as they painted. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were chatting away about the students in their classes, glancing at Pinkie out of the corner of their eyes. Pinkie looked at the photo, where Apple Bloom’s hoof was on Sweetie Belle’s shoulder, and smiled. “Hey cousin,” Applejack approached Pinkie and hugged her. “The others should be here soon, Rainbow went-” Applejack felt her body knock over and tumble onto her back, staring up at Rainbow Dash. “What were you saying about the coolest marefriend in all of Equestria?” Dash asked, winking at Applejack. “I wasn’t saying anything about her,” Applejack smirked. “I’m not that full of myself.” Dash rolled her eyes, climbing off Applejack and looking at the mares that joined in the barn makeover, giving each of them a subtle nod. Applejack saw Big Mac and Sugar Belle approaching, and waved. “Apple Bloom, get your butt over here. It’s time for pictures,” Dash called the earth pony. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, before looking at Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “Can Sweetie Belle be in the pictures?” Apple Bloom asked. “I know it’s only been a few weeks, but she already feels like part of the family.” “Aww,” Scootaloo cooed. “Of course, always an honor to have a new Apple,” Applejack felt her heart beating, tears springing out of her eyes as she looked at the growing Apple family before her. Before, they were mostly earth ponies. But now, she looked at two beautiful unicorns… ...and a bright blue pegasus that always made her heart stop when she entered the room. Applejack leaned against Rainbow Dash, kissing her cheek. “Hey sugarcube,” Applejack whispered in Dash’s ear. “Where the hay did Twilight go anyway?” “Oh, she's still taking care of the roof still,” Dash shrugged. “Must be hard to find a place for that junk.” “Uh-huh,” Applejack looked away. “Ready, Pinkie?” “Absolutely!” Pinkie held her camera, waiting for the ponies to gather together with their respective partners. “Great! Now some funny faces!” Dash pulled off the best one, dragging her eyelid down with a hoof and sticking out her tongue. Applejack laughed, her funny face facade broken. Each of the three pairs found themselves kissing or looking in each other’s eyes at one point during the pictures. After the last of the family pictures was done, Rainbow Dash turned around and gestured her hoof towards the others. “What are you all doing?” Dash grinned. “Get in the last pictures, you guys!” Discord teleported to the family’s side with Fluttershy in tow, while Scootaloo and Rarity walked over to the family. “I hope I didn’t miss anything.” Applejack saw Twilight and Spike flying down to the ground. Twilight stood behind the entire group of ponies and Spike, spreading her whole wingspan around them in an embrace. Using her magic, Twilight removed the camera from Pinkie’s hooves, and lifted it in the air. Pinkie galloped over to the group, crashing into them with several giggles. Twilight beamed at the camera as she took several pictures of her dearest friends, the Apple family, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, all the while using another fraction of her magic to gently place the new and pristine rooftop onto the barn. Twilight finally dropped the camera, turning to face the rooftop as it gently landed on top of the barn. “Woah Twilight,” Applejack gasped. “I can’t believe you were placing the new roof on during pictures.” “Oh, this is nothing,” Twilight winked. “I made sure there was a hole in the roof for Dash to fly in, just like you asked.” Dash jumped off the ground, and within several seconds, had placed several clouds above the white roof. “Now, time to test it out,” Dash flew into the barn, flying out of the hole and jumping onto the clouds before taking off into the sky. Several moments later, Rainbow Dash landed onto the roof in a pose, her head held high and her wings spread out. Applejack felt her heart racing as she drank in her marefriend’s pose. “I think Rarity did something with the walls!” Dash called out from the top of the roof. “Ah, let’s see what she did,” Applejack turned to her friend. “Twilight, you have a spell for turning camera photos into frames, right?” “Already done!”Twilight shot a magical spell at Pinkie’s camera, causing a pile of framed pictures to appear under it. Applejack, as well as several of the others, started picking up the framed pictures. Discord, knowing his skills weren’t welcomed with Applejack, started creating different cupcakes for Pinkie. The pink party pony gulped each and every one, commenting on the different flavors the chaos lord could concoct. Applejack gasped, dropping the framed picture as she entered the living room. Over the newly painted layer of beige, was a pattern of white apples, clouds, and cupcakes. Applejack saw the dropped picture as well as the other framed pictures levitating in the air with Rarity’s magic, landing and sticking to different areas on the wall. Applejack approached one of the frames on the wall, and pressed against it with her hoof. Sure enough, the framed picture didn’t budge. “Damn, has Twilight been giving you lessons?” Applejack chuckled. “We exchange letters sometimes,” Rarity smirked. “Suppose now is the right time to put that Lord of Chaos to good use?” “I-” “I’m just saying, we did everything that you and Dashie wanted us to do,” Rarity explained. “And Discord could make sure everything is as it should be!” “And not Twilight?” Applejack tilted her head. “Hey now, arguing is our thing,” Dash stepped in between the two mares. “Thanks for the tip, Rarity, but we got this.” “Very well,” Rarity nodded, glancing at an envelope resting on the table. “All the best to you and Applejack, but I must get go-” “Wait!” Dash blurted out. “You should stay and see the finished barn, y’know?” “Alright, just for a few minutes,” Rarity shrugged. “I mean, she does know that I won,” Applejack puffed her chest out. “Don’t know what could possibly change that.” “Okay, so you won at the best barn makeover ideas,” Dash rolled her eyes. “But I want all of you to follow me. Twilight can make sure the barn aligns with our blueprints, and she can meet up with us later. Got it?” “Damn, okay Captain Dash,” Applejack giggled. “Lead the way.”
The Final TouchRainbow Dash flew onward, covering the distance between her and her destination with long flaps of her wings. Applejack raced forward in an attempt to keep up with her marefriend. The others glanced at one another as they continued walking forward. “Should...should we go after them?” Apple Bloom asked her big brother. “We’ll reach ‘em eventually,” Big Mac responded, staring at the blue and orange figures disappearing from sight. “We throw together this whole perfected barn, and they’re still worried about their little competition!” Rarity rolled her eyes. “Rarity, is there something you want to talk about?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Whatever do you mean? All I want is a simple thank you from Applejack, that’s all,” Rarity sighed. Sweetie Belle leaned forward, resting her hoof on her older sister’s shoulder as they kept walking. “Here it is!” Applejack felt sweat flying from her fur and her mane as she stopped and stared at the flower bushes surrounding the merged apple-pear tree. Blue, orange, and red flowers surrounded the tree in a diverse display. Applejack’s jaw hung open, as heat tickled her cheeks and flickered within her chest. “I forget what flowers Twilight said they were. Hi-dran-as? Something like that,” Dash rolled her eyes, before flying over to Applejack’s side with a forced grin. “Sorry for lying about where Twilight was. It was for the surprise, y’know?” Dash looked up at the sky, smiling as she saw Twilight steadily flapping her wings as she landed in front of her colorful creations. “They’re called Hydrangeas, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight smirked. “They were Dash’s idea in a way, she wanted to find flowers that symbolize true feelings. And I couldn’t think of a better type of flower to express that.” “Heh, I don’t think Applejack’s said a word since she got here,” Dash snickered, glancing back at her marefriend. “Well? You told me to top your plans, now I topped you! As usual, that is.” “I don’t need to know that…” Twilight covered her blush with one of her wings. “Oh my, this is lovely.” Applejack turned to look over her shoulder, seeing Fluttershy walk past her and stop to look down at the flowers. Pinkie came next, bouncing carefully over the bushes with wide blue eyes and an even wider smile. Big Mac and Sugar Belle arrived, the latter pointing to the red bushes and whispering in her husband’s ear. The Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived next, Apple Bloom chatting up the two about the history of the apple/pear tree. Behind Sweetie Belle, came Rarity. The white unicorn’s narrowed eyes widened as she stared at the bushes that she knew weren’t there before. Then, her sapphire eyes landed on the hoof Rainbow Dash had behind her back. Rarity froze. “Oh my, I really should be going, this is just astounding though darling, really,” Rarity waved her hoof at the pegasus. “Couldn’t have thought of it myself. The keys will be under the carpet for you, Sweetie Belle. I-” “Applejack, will you marry me?” Dash asked, taking the sapphire ring behind her back and holding it up in front of the farm pony. Applejack felt time itself freeze over as the other ponies stood speechless, like her. Oh hay, she’s right! I still haven’t spoke a peep! “Oh m-my…” Applejack gulped, staring at the blue ring gleaming at her. “Really, sugarcube?” “Of course, you goof,” Dash pressed her muzzle against Applejack’s. “I know my pranks can be a bit much sometimes, but this isn’t one of them. I promise.” “Ah’ll marry ya then,” Applejack felt her chest warming up, at this incredibly sculpted moment where her marefriend proposed to her at the tree her parents planted. Not only that, but she could hear their friends cheering and stomping their hooves around them. She felt Rainbow Dash crash into her, dropping the ring and kissing the side of Applejack’s face multiple times, embracing her. "The first marriage of Elements of Harmony!" Twilight stood on her hind legs, waving her front ones in excitement. "I'll have to send a note to the Sisters, I'm sure they'd love to attend!" "We should invite the whole Apple family to the wedding!" Sugar Belle added. Feeling a hoof gently prodding her own, she looked up at Big Mac's stare. A hint of a smile appeared on his face, Sugar Belle returned it, knowing very well it was time. "I have an announcement of my own," Sugar said as the cheering began to die down. "I'm expecting Big Mac's foal." Applejack looked over her shoulder while embracing Dash, her jaw dropping a second time. "Ah'm...ah'm gonna be an aunt?" Applejack whispered. Sugar Belle leaned closer to Big Mac and nodded her head. "Woohoo!" Applejack held Rainbow Dash tighter, nuzzling her mane. "This is just the best gosh-darn day of my life! We must celebrate!" "As much as your apple pies are delicious darling, perhaps this occasion requires a more...grand location," Rarity suggested, causing her younger sister to give her a look. "But I thought you were leav-" Sweetie Belle felt a hoof covering her mouth. "Nonsense, my sister. Clearly these two have their hearts set on having it all, so let them," Rarity whispered, while Sweetie Belle looked away. "I couldn't agree more, Rarity," Twilight nodded. "And what better location than the castle of the ruler herself?" Twilight closed her eyes, spreading her wings and enveloping the entire group of ponies and draconequus in her magic. Applejack lifted Rainbow Dash's face in her hooves, pressing her lips against the pegasus' lips before they all disappeared. Applejack and Rainbow Dash felt themselves land outside the castles of Canterlot alongside their friends and family. Applejack looked over at Rarity. Just as Rarity stood up and opened her eyes, Applejack looked away. "Hey, don't ya think Rarity's been acting a bit…" Applejack looked into Dash's eyes. "Off?" "Isn't she always?" Dash blew some strands of her mane out of her eyes. "I mean, if anything, she seems calmer than usual. She didn't even bring her fainting couch!" “That’s true,” Applejack shrugged. “Ah’m gonna check up on her later, I got a hot fiancee to be with.” “Is she as hot as me?” Dash winked, leaning forward and giggling. “Maybe~” Applejack pressed her lips against Dash’s nose. The orange mare chuckled as she noticed Twilight speaking to Spike, who was writing away with a quill pen on paper. “Heh, some things never change.” “You’re a lucky mare,” Dash winked, getting up and following the alicorn. “You get to be bride to the coolest wedding in all of Equestria!” “So do you,” Applejack smirked, trotting beside her flying marefriend. “With apple fritters, pies, cider, slices, and more, you’ll have the best damn food around.” “Y’know I can’t resist your apple pie,” Dash purred, leaning forward. “I was thinking, the best fall weather will be in four months. Maybe we can plan the wedding for then?” “That soon?” Applejack tilted her head, her ears perking up. “Ah, I remember our Iron Pony competition now.” “Don’t forget the Running of the Leaves,” Dash pointed out. “Twilight can grow some trees around our ceremony, and then she can marry us under the leaves.” “You’ve thought about this?” Applejack asked. “A little bit,” Dash replied as the two entered the castle. “And maaaaaybe I talked to Twilight about it too. Hey, when you get to chatting up Rarity, maybe ask her about wedding dresses.” “Who said anythin’ about wedding dresses?” Applejack chuckled. “Ah’m wearing a tuxedo to mah wedding, what about you?” “Maybe, I think we’d look pretty awesome in tuxes together,” Dash pondered, a hoof pressing against her chin. “Wait, are we going to have two Maids of Honor?” “Well, Rarity will be busy with our dresses, so we can make Pinkie and Fluttershy our Maids of Honor,” Applejack suggested. “Pinkie can be mine, cousin and all. Fluttershy can be yours, naturally.” “Maybe you can make Rarity your Maid of Honor! Extend the olive branch, I think it’ll ease the tension on ya,” Dash hugged Applejack, flying away to join Twilight. “Just think about it!” “Oh Celestia,” Applejack sighed, rolling her eyes. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Rarity trailing behind, watching her younger sister talking to Apple Bloom. When Applejack turned around and began trotting over, Rarity’s ears perked up as she stepped back. “Oh no, darling, go be with your fiancee,” Rarity pointed her hoof ahead. “Don’t mind me none, I’m just paying compliment to the castle renovations.” “You’re important to me, Rarity,” Applejack held her hoof. “It means a lot to me that you can be with us and help with the barn, but ah don’t want ya to do it at the expense of your feelins’. Ah’m not even sure I understand it, you ended it when I couldn’t make time as often as I did. We’re very busy mares with our businesses, ah don’t think it was ever gonna work out. But do you still think about what could’ve been…?” Applejack stared at the white unicorn, feeling time stop for the second time that day. Motion, her thoughts, snapped back into reality as Rarity laughed. “Oh darling, everypony thinks about what could’ve been. But fate is a cruel mistress, playing with our hearts and words like puppets on a string,” Rarity explained. “Celestia knows what ties your heart to that hot-headed pegasus, but it isn’t in my place to say really. Worry not Applejack, I’m surrounded by many lovely ponies regardless.” “Y-You sure, Rarity?” Applejack asked. “Ah want ya to find somepony to talk to about your problems, sugarcube. Letting it build up, it ain’t good for ya.” “Darling,” Rarity leaned forward. “Why do you fret so much about me? I’m not your fiancee. You made your choice, now carry on.” “I-” “I’m not asking you, Applejack.” Applejack’s words died on her lips, and she sighed as her head lowered. “Take care, Rarity,” Applejack nodded, turning away. Chills running down her spine as she heard the words creeping up behind her. “I always do.” “Ooh! I can make 68 flavors of cupcakes! How does that sound?!” “I dunno Pinkie, maybe one more flavor will make this wedding perfect,” Dash smirked at the hopping pink pony. “69 flavors of cupcakes!” Pinkie shouted, an extra hop in her step. “Nice,” Dash snickered before she looked over. “Oh hey, Applejack. How’d everything go?” “Um, could’ve gone a lot better,” Applejack sighed as Pinkie hopped ahead. “Ah told Twilight to have a word with Rarity, she won’t talk about what’s wrong. Ah hope she can make it to the wedding.” “Want me to talk to her?” Dash asked. “I can tell her that there’s way cooler stuff to do besides moping.” “It’s okay,” Applejack waved her hoof. “Ah don’t want this to take away from the life we’re building for ourselves and perhaps…” Dash stopped flying, landing on the carpet as she stared into Applejack’s emerald green eyes. “Perhaps our future foals, if you’d make me so lucky,” Applejack pressed her lips against Dash’s briefly, before pulling away. “No rush.” “Who am I to deprive you of a bunch of tiny ruffians running around the barn?” Dash joked, resting her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. “Foals that can buck trees and fly like the Wonderbolts? I’d be remiss if I didn’t let that happen.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat at the table, glancing at Twilight as she leaned over and spoke to Rarity. Pinkie bounced past all of them, sitting at the chair at the end. Fluttershy sat at the other end of the table while Discord stretched himself around her like an oversized scarf. Big Mac nudged one of the chairs for his wife, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders took their seats right next to each other. “Y’know sugarcube?” Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash, wrapping her hoof around the blue pegasus’ shoulders. “Ah think everything will be alright.”
