Applejack's First Crush

Rainbow Dash stood by the window of Fluttershy’s cottage, her wings tucked neatly at her sides. The early morning light filtered in through the glass, casting a soft glow across her cyan coat and multicoloured mane. Her gaze was fixed on the horizon, where the first hints of daylight were just starting to colour the sky. For once, her usual restlessness seemed absent, her expression calm, almost serene.

Behind her, the gentle creak of wooden stairs broke the quiet. Fluttershy, still rubbing sleep from her eyes, trotted down into the living room. She yawned softly, offering a warm, sleepy smile to the figure at the window. “You’re up early,” she said, her voice gentle as always. “I thought after last night’s party, you’d be sleeping in for sure.”

Rainbow Dash turned, her magenta eyes bright with amusement. She chuckled, stretching her wings slightly. “Nah, I didn’t have too many ciders. Wanted to keep my head clear.” Her smile widened, a hint of playfulness in her tone. “Can’t have a hangover slowing me down on the big day, right?”

Fluttershy stepped closer, her sky blue eyes soft with affection as she studied her oldest friend. “You’ve really matured, Rainbow,” she said quietly. “I remember a time when you wouldn’t have thought twice about partying all night and dealing with the consequences in the morning.” There was a teasing warmth in her voice, but beneath it genuine pride.

Rainbow chuckled, her wings twitching at the compliment. “Yeah, well…” She gave a playful shrug, her smirk widening. Her gaze shifted to where her Wonderbolts formal uniform was folded over the back of a chair. “Guess I had to grow up sometime. Gonna be a married pony soon, after all.” Her words held a mix of humour and quiet awe, as if she was still wrapping her head around the fact. Quietly she added, “Today… I'm getting married today.”

Fluttershy giggled, the sound soft and soothing. “It suits you,” she replied, her voice carrying that gentle, reassuring tone she always had. “And last night was such a fun reminder of how far we’ve all come,” she added, shifting the conversation back to the memories of the bachelorette party. “You and Pinkie really know how to make an evening… unforgettable.”

Rainbow’s smile softened, and she turned her eyes back to the window. There was something different about her today, something quieter. “Yeah, it was great,,” she agreed, her voice low, almost thoughtful. “Even if Pinkie had to be at two parties in the same evening. But, y’know, it’s weird… I thought I’d feel more nervous about today. But I’m not. I just feel… I’m ready.” She glanced over at Fluttershy, who had settled onto the couch, watching her friend with curious eyes.

“I guess I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Rainbow continued, her tone losing its usual bravado. “Applejack and I… we’ve been through so much together. Now it just feels like the next step, y’know?”

Fluttershy smiled warmly, seeing the rare softness in her friend. “That’s how you know it’s right,” she said quietly.

Light filtered through draped curtains, casting a gentle glow over the Carousel Boutique’s guest room. Applejack stirred beneath silk sheets, blinking as she woke. The room felt unfamiliar—so much more elegant than the farmhouse she was used to—but there was a comforting stillness to it, a sense of calm before the whirlwind day ahead.

Rarity was already awake, of course. Applejack could hear the faint clatter of magic at work in the other room, followed by Rarity’s hushed humming as she fussed over the final details for the day. With a contented sigh, Applejack rolled out of the bed, stretching her legs and smoothed her tousled mane with a hoof.

As she made her way into the boutique’s main room, she found Rarity levitating a dozen fabrics and accessories, clearly deep in concentration. “Mornin’, sugarcube,” Applejack greeted, her voice still gravelly with sleep.

Rarity looked up from her work, her eyes lighting up. “Applejack, darling! Good morning! I trust you slept well? You went out like a light, after the spa yesterday.”

Applejack chuckled as she rubbed her eyes. “Slept better than Ah thought Ah would in that fancy guest bed of yours. Kinda miss mah own, but it was mighty comfortable.”

Rarity smiled, setting aside her fabrics. “Well, I’m glad to hear that! Today’s the big day, and we have a lot to do. But don’t you worry—I’ll have you looking absolutely stunning by the time we’re through.”

Applejack smiled warmly and stretched again. “Don’t think Ah need too much fussin’, but Ah’m in your hooves.”

Rarity giggled, waving a hoof dismissively as she moved toward the gown hanging neatly on a mannequin. “It’s not fussing, darling. It’s making sure everything is perfect. Now, let’s get you some breakfast before getting into your dress.”

As Applejack approached, she laid her eyes on the dress Rarity had designed specifically for her. The gown was simple yet elegant, a perfect blend of Applejack’s down-to-earth nature and Rarity’s refined taste. Subtle embroidery of apple blossoms lined the edges, with a delicate floral pattern woven into the fabric—a nod to Sweet Apple Acres.

Applejack’s eyes softened as she ran a hoof over the material. “Ya really outdid yourself, Rarity. Ah never thought Ah’d be wearin’ somethin’ this fancy, but it still feels like… me.”

Rarity smiled warmly, her pride evident in her eyes as she levitated a tray with coffee and pancakes over to Applejack. “That’s because it is you, darling. A wedding dress should always reflect who you are, not who others expect you to be. I wanted you to feel beautiful, but still like yourself.”

Applejack nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. “You sure nailed it, Rarity. Ah never was one for dreamin’ of mah wedding day but… its perfect.” She hesitated for a moment, then added softly, “Thank ya, Rarity. For all of this. I mean it.”

Rarity waved a hoof dismissively, even though her eyes shimmered with warmth. “Oh, darling, think nothing of it! I am the Element of Generosity, after all. It’s practically my duty to make sure my friends look fabulous!”

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head fondly. “Always modest.”

Rarity winked. “Modesty may not be my strongest suit, but seeing you so happy? That’s more than enough for me.”

Before Applejack could respond, Rarity’s eyes widened, and she sprang into action. “Oh my stars! We have only four hours until the ceremony! Come, sit!” she said, ushering Applejack to a plush seat in front of the mirrors. “That’s barely enough time to do your makeup, style your mane, and your tail!” Her voice took on a dramatic flair as her horn lit up, pulling a tray of beauty products closer.

Applejack chuckled, settling into the chair as Rarity fluttered around her. “Ya sure do like cuttin’ it close, don’t ya?”

“Applejack, darling, this is hardly a laughing matter! Four hours is practically a blink of an eye when it comes to bridal preparation. Now hold still while I work my magic.”

Rarity’s focus became laser-sharp as she began styling Applejack’s mane, each brushstroke meticulous. “We’ll keep things simple and elegant, just like your dress. You’re going to be the most radiant bride Ponyville has ever seen.”

Applejack grinned. “Don’t know about all that, but if anypony can make me look good, it’s you.”

Rarity smirked. “Oh, I’m not making you look good, darling. You already are good. I’m simply enhancing your natural beauty.”

The sun was shining bright over Sweet Apple Acres, its golden rays spilling over the apple trees and casting long shadows on the ground. The barn, decorated with garlands of flowers and ribbons, was abuzz with quiet anticipation as the wedding preparations neared their conclusion.

Rainbow Dash stood outside the entrance, her eyes flicking up toward the clear blue sky as Princess Twilight Sparkle approached her, a warm smile on her face.

"Thanks again, Twilight, for doing this," Rainbow said, turning her attention back to the alicorn. “I mean, you’ve got a lot going on being the princess and all, but it really means a lot that you’re the one performing the vows.”

Twilight smiled, her eyes softening. “Are you kidding? I’m honoured, Rainbow. You and Applejack are two of my oldest friends. Being a part of your special day is something I wouldn’t miss for anything.”

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her neck, her usual bravado softening for just a moment. “Yeah, I can't wait.”

Before Twilight could respond, Spike hurried up, nearly tripping over his tail in his excitement. Rainbow couldn’t help but notice how much the young dragon had grown—now standing as tall as her. His voice had deepened, giving him a maturity that clashed a little with the excitement in his eyes, and Rainbow knew it was only a matter of time before he’d be towering over her.

“Rainbow! Twilight! The bride—uh, I mean the other bride—is on her way! You two better get ready,” Spike said, still sounding youthful despite his deeper voice .

Rainbow Dash straightened, her frown creasing as she looked toward the horizon. “Thanks, Spike. But, uh, there’s just one thing I gotta handle first.”

Without another word, she spread her wings and launched herself into the air, the wind catching beneath her as she shot up into the sky. Twilight and Spike followed her gaze, spotting a single white cloud that had drifted over from the Everfree Forest, marring the otherwise perfect blue expanse.

“Of course,” Twilight said with a knowing smile.

Rainbow sped toward the cloud, her wings cutting powerfully through the air. With a sharp twist, she bucked the rogue plume, sending it scattering into harmless wisps.

Satisfied, she hovered for a moment, gazing out over the orchard below. Her eyes softened as she spotted the gathering of ponies, the decorations, the place where she would soon be standing next to Applejack.

With a final, contented sigh, she flipped through a backwards loop and zoomed back down to the ground, landing gracefully next to Twilight. “All clear,” she said, grinning.

Twilight chuckled. “You never change.”

Rainbow shrugged, her grin widening. “Weather pony forever!”

The barn was filled with the buzz of excited whispers and the warmth of familiar faces. On one side, the extended Apple family took up several rows, their familiar red and yellow hues dotting the seats. Cousins, aunts, uncles—all had gathered to witness this special day. On the other side, the Pies sat neatly, helping to fill the spaces left by Rainbow Dash’s smaller family. Pinkie Pie's sisters—Maud, Limestone, and Marble—sat quietly, their expressions ranging from stoic to subtly amused, while Pinkie herself bounded up and down the aisle, ushering latecomers into their seats.

Among the crowd were other familiar faces: Ponyville’s residents, including Mayor Mare, and even a few faces from Cloudsdale and Canterlot. Everypony had come together to celebrate the union of two of Equestria’s most beloved ponies.

At the end of the aisle, Rainbow Dash stood, her wings twitching at her sides as she tried to appear cool and collected. But the closer the moment came, the harder it was to ignore the nervous flutter in her chest. She locked her eyes on the barn doors, waiting.

Then, they swung open.

Big Mac walked his sister down the aisle, proud and composed. Applejack’s mane was braided with flowers, her simple wedding dress draped perfectly to highlight her figure. Behind them, the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed in step, each one smiling brightly as they scattered flower petals along the path.

As soon as Rainbow saw her bride-to-be, her wings shot up—springing out rigidly from her sides. Applejack caught Rainbow’s gaze, her green eyes soft and sparkling. As soon as Rainbow met that look her face flushed, and she bit down on her lip, trying desperately to force them down, but her traitorous wings weren’t cooperating.

“How ya doin’, sugarcube?” Applejack whispered, her voice gentle but amused as she stepped up to Rainbow.

Rainbow stammered, her heart pounding. “I... uh... wow, you look... you look beautiful.” Her voice wavered as she tried to keep her cool, but the reaction of her wings told a different story.

Applejack’s grin widened. “Well, thank ya kindly, Dash,” she said, her tone teasing as her eyes travelled over her partner, “Y’all looking mighty fine too.”

Twilight Sparkle, standing at the front, glanced over at Rainbow and noticed the display, but her smile only grew. She cleared her throat, addressing the gathered ponies. “With all of our friends and family here to witness this union, we’re ready to begin the ceremony... unless anyone has something to say.”

Rainbow, still trying to compose herself, shifted slightly, forcing one wing down, then the other, though they still twitched. The moment was almost enough to take her mind off her nerves—almost.

From the front row, Granny Smith hollered, “It’s about time somepony made an honest pony outta that mare!”

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head. “Granny, Ah pretty sure that Ah’m plenty honest already.”

Granny Smith waved her hoof. “I meant the other one!”

The barn filled with laughter, even as Rainbow’s wings began to settle back into place. Her cheeks flushed, but this time she managed to relax, her hooves still holding tightly onto Applejack’s with a tremble that only the farmer knew was there.

Twilight chuckled softly and then composed herself once more, her smile gentle as she began the ceremony. “Well, if that’s settled... let’s begin.”

As the laughter subsided, the barn grew quiet once more, save for the gentle rustling of the trees outside. Twilight’s magic gently lifted the scroll containing the vows, her voice steady and filled with joy as she began to speak the words that would join Applejack and Rainbow Dash in matrimony.

The barn erupted in cheers as Applejack and Rainbow Dash shared their first kiss as a married couple. The sound of stomping hooves and joyous whistles filled the air. For a moment, it was just the two of them, lost in each other. As they pulled away, their hooves pressed together, Applejack’s green eyes sparkled with happiness while Rainbow’s wings twitched, a smile still plastered on her face.

The cheering slowly faded as Twilight Sparkle’s voice carried over the crowd. “Fillies and gentlecolts, I present to you... Applejack and Rainbow Dash!”

The applause swelled again, but this time it was softer, more heartfelt, as their friends and family stood to honour the couple. Rainbow Dash grinned, leaning into Applejack. “We did it, AJ.”

Applejack smirked, firmly placing the hat her brother had just tossed to her back on her head. “We sure did, sugarcube.”

As they began to walk out of the barn, hoof in hoof, a familiar sound caught Rainbow Dash’s ear—a sharp whistling cutting through the sky. She looked up just in time to see the Wonderbolts swooping in, their figures silhouetted against the yellow glow of the afternoon sun. In perfect formation, they streaked over the barn, their movements swift and graceful.

Spitfire led the team, and with a quick signal, they broke into an arc, magical trails of shimmering light left in their wake. Each trail glowed in different colours—brilliant blues, fiery reds, and dazzling whites—fanning out across the sky like ribbons. They twisted and turned, spinning upward in a spiralling ascent, before meeting at the apex of their flight.

With a final flourish, the Wonderbolts looped around and painted a massive love heart in the sky, its glowing edges pulsing softly as it hovered above Ponyville.

The crowd gasped in awe, and Rainbow Dash’s chest swelled with pride as she glanced up at her teammates’ work. “Show-offs,” she murmured, a wide grin on her face.

Applejack nudged her playfully. “Ain’t that somethin’.”

Rainbow shrugged, her grin widening. “Didn't know my teammates were so romantic.”

As the Wonderbolts flew off, leaving the glowing heart lingering in the twilight, the married couple stepped into the open field. The applause and cheers from the crowd followed them, but for a moment, it was as if the world had slowed, just the two of them standing together beneath the heart-shape in the sky.

As the remnants of the Wonderbolts’ magical trails hung in the air, Applejack gazed up at the image they’d left behind. The shimmering lines traced the edges of the enormous symbol, still glowing softly against the blue expanse. With a warm smile, she turned to Rainbow Dash, her voice low but playful. “Go on, sugarcube. Do what ya do best.”

Rainbow’s ears perked up, and her eyes glinted with excitement. “You sure?” she asked, though the grin already spreading across her face gave away the answer.

Applejack chuckled, her green eyes sparkling. “Go on. Show ‘em what makes ya the best flyer in Equestria.”

Without another word, Rainbow Dash launched herself into the air with astonishing speed, her wings a blur as she shot straight toward the heart in the sky. Her rainbow trail followed behind her, streaking through the glowing symbol that the Wonderbolts had left. The crowd below gasped, watching as Rainbow climbed higher and higher, the colours of her trail slicing through the heart like a painter’s brush on the sky.

And then, at the peak of her ascent, Rainbow Dash curved sharply, spinning around with practised precision. She dove down, gathering speed, the air crackling with energy as she plummeted toward the earth. Her wings angled just right, she broke through the sound barrier with a BOOM that shook the ground.

A massive, radiant Sonic Rainboom exploded outward, the colours spreading across the sky in a dazzling display that illuminated the entire farm. The barn, the apple trees, and all of their friends were bathed in the brilliance of the expanding ring of colour.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, stomping their hooves as Rainbow Dash slowed to a glide, circling gracefully back down to where Applejack stood. She landed with a triumphant grin, her mane tousled from the wind, and her rainbow trail still shimmering in the sky above.

Applejack’s eyes reflected the rainbow above, her mouth curving into a soft smile. “Now that was a beautiful sight,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Rainbow Dash landed gracefully next to her, her chest puffed out with pride. “Yeah,” she said, catching her breath. Then she leaned in close, her voice softening. “But nothing’s as beautiful as my wife.”

Applejack’s heart fluttered, and she chuckled, a light blush touching her cheeks. “Aww, Dash, now you’re just sweet-talkin’ me.”

Rainbow grinned, nudging her playfully. “Nah, I’m just telling the truth.”

As the last glow of the Sonic Rainboom faded into the evening sky, the newlyweds stood side by side, soaking in the cheers of their friends and family, knowing that this moment would be one they’d cherish forever.