As the sun was setting over the fields of Sweet Apple Acres Applejack was in her usual routine. Now that Sugar Belle was around to help a bit with the chores Applejack was able to finish her job much sooner before sundown. Having all of this extra time meant that she had more time to let her thoughts wander.
It had been a couple months since Twilight's second coronation and her move back to Canterlot. Falling into routine helped her deal a bit with the sadness of Twilight leaving and the travel to Canterlot each month also helped a bit. But the lack of Twilight in the town was something that everypony had been feeling somewhere in the back of their minds. Even with the sadness of her departure permeating there was still work to be done. And so Applejack did just that.
There were more and more orders throughout Equestria now that Twilight had ascended to the throne. The workload had been steadily increasing for a while as being part a ruler of Equestria tends to spread one's name further. All of her friends had been moving on to bigger and better places as all of their dreams began to be realized. But Applejack was a simple mare, not much for wanting. She had everything that she needed, minus one purple unicorn.
And so she worked as the sun began to pass behind the hills, spilling golden glory over the picturesque hills of Sweet Apple Acres. Unknown to the work pony there slowly appeared a dot on the horizon, growing larger by the second. Quite quickly the shape resolved itself into a rainbow blob, then a rainbow maned mare. Applejack had known Rainbow Dash for long enough to have developed a sixth sense about her approaches and subsequent collisions. So Applejack looked to the sky simply because, no deeper meaning to it. Spotting Rainbow Dash's contrail she put down her hooves from bucking and turned to face the mare.
Wonderbolt training had made Rainbow Dash a much stronger flier moving her past just simply her natural skill. The result was Rainbow bowling over Applejack at a much more reasonable speed. They flipped and rolled around each other until they rolled to a stop with Rainbow Dash on top.
“Well hello to ya too,” Applejack casually said, having grown entirely too used to this form of greeting.
Any further thoughts were squeezed out of her as Rainbow wrapped her hooves around her giving her an uncharacteristically tender hug. After a few moments of silence and a small nuzzle Rainbow backed off of Applejack sitting up and blushing.
“A mite bit grabby to it would seem.” Applejack looked up at Rainbow's growing blush with a small smile before switching gears.
“I wouldn't expect this kinda greeting if there went somethin' on yer mind,” Applejack said softly. “What's gotcha' in the cuddlin' mood?”
Rainbow didn't meet her eyes for a moment, looking around and inspecting the grass. After a pause she sighed looking back at Applejack and scratching the back of her head.
“Do I need to have a reason to snuggle one of my favorite ponies?”
Applejack shook her head, “I suppose not. I'm not one to deny a bit of affection.”
She looked at her with soft unjudging eyes, “But you aren't much for snugglin' right off the bat unless ya got somethin' weighin' on ya.”
She sat up and moved towards Rainbow before wrapping a hoof around her, “What's eatin' ya up?”
Rainbow looked into Applejack's eye before deflating into her, “It's about Twilight.”
Applejack nodded in immediate understanding, “Even though we meet up once a month it still ain't the same is it?”
Rainbow let out an exasperated breath. “That and the fact that I'm leading more Wonderbolt shows means I don't even get to see you girls that often. I'd gotten used to my routine, you know? I thought that we'd always be physically close to each other. Rarity is spending more time out of Ponyville in Manehattan and Canterlot, Pinkie is spending more time in Canterlot as a gala party planner, even Fluttershy is away looking for animals all across Equestria that need care. I love my job as a Wonderbolt but now spending so much time away I'm even missing out on my afternoon naps!”
Applejack gasped in faux shock, “Anything but yer naps!”
Rainbow elbowed her softly with a chuckle, “Jerk.”
Applejack returned the gesture with a smile, “I get what ya mean sugarcube.” She relaxed into the comfortable silence that stretched on with Rainbow not so subtly wrapping a wing around her side.
“Ah've been needin' to deal with the business expandin' with our higher profile. Bein' on the council mean a whole heap ah ponies wantin' what Sweet Apple Acres has. It's the first time I'm seriously considerin' expandin' the farm n' it's workers. Whole lot to worry 'bout on the business.”
Applejack paused for a moment before letting out a deep sigh, “I've been missin' you girls too somethin' fierce too.”
Both ponies relaxed into each other, letting their stress and worries partially melt away into their mutual affection. It was rare for Rainbow to open up like this so Applejack made sure to treasure every moment of vulnerability. Simply holding each other with no reserve and their hearts open was something Applejack wished Rainbow was open to more often. It definitely helped that even with her Wonderbolt training she retained an adorable softness that was hard to resist.
Holding her Applejack's mind was continually cast back to moments of their shared past. Their competitiveness, their drive, their bonds, their love. Applejack truly felt that the girls were part of her family. And she knew that they felt much the same about her. For all of their flaws and through all of their fights it wasn't even a question if they would be there for her. A truly unconditional love and friendship binding them together no matter the time or distance. Even if that growing distance was crouching in the back of their minds; subtle but unable to be forgotten.
We really need to have a shindig again. Something less official than the council of friendship, Applejack thought.
Through all of Applejack's thinking Rainbow Dash was the first one to break the comfortable silence.
“Um...” she sheepishly rubbed the back of the mane.
“I know I kinda showed up out of the blue but I was kinda wondering if I could stay with you tonight,” she half mumbled before quickly blurting out. “Over for dinner I meant!” Her blush from earlier returning with a vengeance.
Of course Rainbow or any of the girls were welcome over anytime; can never say no to family. But Applejack couldn't resist the deep-seated urge to give her a little bit of a hard time.
“Oh now yer gettin' to what ya' really want,” Applejack teased. “If I didn't know any better I would think ya' only like me 'cause of my cookin'. Ya' musta' shown up her lookin' for yer servin'.”
Rainbow simply laughed, used to her occasionally playful ribbing. “Nah, if I was only looking for a bite to eat I would just ask Soarin for a place to eat. He does eat pretty well for a Bolt even if he is a bit heavy on the pies for my taste.”
She nuzzled deeper into Applejack's neck in an almost cat-like gesture. “I'm here for my Apple this time. The food is only half the deal.”
It was Applejack's turn to blush, pulling her Stetson over her eyes. “Consarnit Rainbow. Why do ya' have to be so darn adorable?”
Luckily for Equestria Rainbow seldom used her hidden cuteness for anything nefarious. Only breaking it out for moments of adorableness to break her girls' guard. Despite how much she thinks she is hiding it Rainbow can't mask her cute just like she can't turn down her awesome.
Rainbow Dash pulled back from Applejack frowning. “I am notadorable. I'm the best, coolest and most awesome flier in Equestria. You must have got the wrong mare.”
Applejack merely chuckled as she pulled herself away from Dash as the moment was broken. “Sure you aren't sugarcube.”
She casually trotted towards the farmhouse knowing when Dash had decided to bring up her ego again. Over the years she had learned how to squeeze through Rainbow's ego to bring her back down to earth but it was always simpler to let her go through the motions on her own.
Rainbow Dash followed Applejack back to the farmhouse lazily gliding through the air all the while rambling about how she was most definitely not cute, adorable, or any similar adjectives. Applejack simply smiled a small knowing smile and let her go on her mini rant. As they reached the farmhouse Applejack turned back to look up at Rainbow.
“... and that is why my awesomeness and radicalness are stronger than any cuteness you might think I have. Furthermore...” she stopped looking down at Applejack's annoyed expression. “What?”
Even if Applejack was used to Rainbow's shenanigans it was always a struggle for her to just brush it off.
“Yer ramblin' more than Twilight and Sunburst nerdin' out over the history of Proto-Ponish languages,” she snorted. “Also ya used the word 'Furthermore'.”
Rainbow gave a pretty convincing impression of Rarity with her outraged gasp. “I'm not an egghead. There is no way I could ever be as nerdy as those two. Also awesomeness and radicalness are serious business, of course I can say a lot about it,” she protested indignantly. “Also also, furthermore isn't an egghead word, and if it was it's Twilight's fault her big words are rubbing off on me.”
Applejack just rolled her eyes at Rainbow Dash's huffing. “I never said ya were an egghead sugarcube, it was just a comparison,” she explained. “And I was just wonderin' when yer yappin' would be done so we can get along inside.”
“Yapping!” Rainbow exclaimed. “I'm not doing anything like that! What could...” she was stopped by the deadpan look on Applejack's face.
“Do ya want to eat or not?” she simply asked.
Instantly the words died in her throat and in a blur of motion she landed in front of Applejack snapping a strong salute. “Yes ma'am!”
A wry smile returned to Applejack's face. “That's more like it.”
She turned back to the door of the farm leading Rainbow inside with a bit of small talk.
“Applebloom is off with Sweetie Belle at Scootaloo's place so it will just be us, Granny, Mac, and Sugar Belle tonight.” She gave a small chuckle, “Unfortunately that means we won't get to deal with any Crusader antics.”
Rainbow gave a nonchalant gesture. “Come on AJ they are getting better as they get older. They are nowhere near as catastrophic as they used to be.”
“I suppose yer are right,” Applejack reflected. “But ya also haven't had to deal with them when they have a sleepover. Lucky for you they can't get to your cloud home.”
Applejack shuddered. “So much tree sap. Where do they even find it?”
“From a tree, duh.”
“Thanks for the information Dash.”
“You're welcome!”
Rainbow Dash flopped into the kitchen table kicking her hooves back and making herself at home. Although the farmhouse was basically her home anyway, Applejack made it very clear to all of the girls that her home was their home. Even if Rainbow had fallen right back into her brash personality, opposite from the tenderness she displayed when she first encountered Applejack. AJ couldn't be frustrated by it; okay maybe a little bit, but it was nice to she her back to her usual self. The normalcy of it all took their minds off of the little bits of sadness that had begun to pervade their lives. Applejack knew something that would keep the good mood up, a nice big meal with family.
So she got to it preparing tasty apple treats big enough for the family's large appetite. Of course making sure to keep the pie from Rainbow. Soon enough the kitchen was full of the scent of delicious apple delights drawing in Big Mac and Sugar Belle from outside. She greeted both Mac and Sugar Belle with a small hug before turning back to her cooking. Sugar Belle sat down at the table next to Rainbow Dash while Big Mac made room next to Applejack to help with the meal.
The kitchen was full of the clatter of pans, small talk between ponies and the lovely feeling of family. With the meal placed in the oven Applejack and Big Mac could sit down at the table to continue their conversations.
“I always feel bad that I can't help more with dinner here,” Sugar Belle lamented. “My skills in baking aren't too great for big family meals.”
“Don't worry nothing about it. Ya should have said somethin' sooner, it ain't nothin' sharing recipes with family.” Applejack proudly stated.
“Eeyup,” added Mac.
“Thank you so much!” she said with a huge smile. “Even though Mac and I are married it still always warms my heart how easily you call me family.”
Big Mac wrapped his leg around Sugar Belle to give her a kiss on the cheek. “We're Apples together forever.”
Somehow Sugar Belle's smile got even bigger as she quickly returned the gesture. Sitting next to Rainbow Applejack could clearly see how hard she was trying to keep a straight face so as to not ruin their moment. Despite being a full grown mare Rainbow still had a hard time dealing with lovey-dovey things. No matter how much deep down she enjoyed that type of affection seeing other ponies do it gave her a visceral reaction. Before Dash could make a fool of herself Applejack swooped in to catch the conversation.
“Family includes you Dash and I feel ya could use the cookin' lessons too.”
Rainbow Dash gave her a strange look before brushing her off. “I'm already awesome at cooking, thanks for the offer but I'm cool.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow at that before shooting a look at Mac and Belle. They shook their heads in unison before mouthing the word 'nope'.
AJ sighed before pushing on. “I love ya sugarcube but yer cookin' is...” Why's it so hard being the element of honesty. “Acceptable.” Nailed it.
“Acceptable!? My cooking is as awesome as I am!”
“Then what have ya been eatin' like these past couple months?”
“Only the best made especially for the Wonderbolts!”
“I meant when yer at home Dash.”
“I um...” she paused for a moment of thought. Every couple of seconds she would open her mouth to begin speaking before closing it and returning to her contemplation. After near a minute of silence she deflated, her whole body wilting.
“I guess you're right. I've been away from home so long that I can't remember the last time I made something. And when I have time off I usually am eating with one of you girls.”
Noticing the abrupt shift in mood Applejack leaned over and wrapped a hoof around Dash. “Whoa there Dash. I didn't mean nothin' 'bout it. I'm just worried 'bout yer eatin'.”
Rainbow fidgeted in Applejack's hug. “Sorry about being so weird today. The time off has given me too much time to think,” she muttered. “It's also a bit embarrassing realizing you've been mooching off your friends' food for a while.”
Applejack waved her off. “It ain't moochin' if Pinkie and I just love to cook for you girls. If yer off for the month it wouldn't hurt none to come by to learn from the Apples.”
Sugar Belle jumped in to add, “It would be lovely to have another beginner to learn alongside.”
“Eeyup.”
Applejack leaned in further with a teasing tone. “And it would be a good excuse to hang around the farm for a while.”
Hearing that caused Rainbow Dash to perk up. “I don't need an excuse to come bother you, AJ. But, learning to cook with you seems like not a bad idea.”
Applejack returned the comment with a smirk. “So it's a date?”
“Yeah it's a date,” Rainbow Dash took a moment for the words to register as a blush bloomed anew on her face.
“Yeah...” she meekly responded as she moved a wing to cover her face.
Her sudden shyness caused Mac and AJ to begin howling with laughter as even Sugar Belle couldn't keep her small chuckles at bay. Rainbow simply groaned into her wing sinking even further into her seat, nearly hiding under the table. Still gasping for breath, Applejack moved back to the counter top with Mac to finish preparing the food. After around half an hour of work in which Rainbow pulled herself out from under the table they were ready to eat. As the table was being set Granny Smith appeared from the living room joining the rest of the family at the table.
Apple fritters, salads, oats, and even pie the family tore heartily into the meal. With Rainbow Dash joining them Granny Smith made sure to tell a couple embarrassing stories from Applejack's youth much to her dismay. Applejack occasionally tried to steer the conversation away from that topic but Granny was sharp, chastising her for the attempts to her further chagrin. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on who was asking Rainbow was deeply enthralled by the stories if her uproarious laughter was anything to go by. Even with her pride in the dirt Applejack could confidently say that this was one of the most fun Apple dinners she'd had in a while.
As the food was eaten and the conversation wound down, Mac and Belle excused themselves for the night followed by Granny as her tale reached its conclusion giving Applejack and Dash space in the kitchen to clean up. They cleaned together in a comfortable silence only broken by the occasional clink of dishes. Given that Rainbow Dash was being strangely quiet Applejack decided to be the one breaking the silence.
“Do ya have much of a plan for this month of free time?” Applejack asked, returning a plate to the cupboard.
“I can't really think of anything right now,” Rainbow Dash said. “I just came to the orchard to relax and clear my head. I was expecting this break but with everything going on I haven't had much time to think about how to spend my time.”
“Hows about we get all the girls together?” Applejack mused. “It would be earlier than our monthly summit but I get the feelin' we all need somethin' a bit sooner. I doubt we're the only ponies feelin' a bit put-out.”
Pausing her washing Rainbow Dash looked at Applejack before letting out a surprising squee. “Oh absolutely. We can have an awesome time chillaxing with no official business over our heads. It's been so long since we were together like old times.”
Rainbow Dash's wings fluttered happily at her sides before she shot into a somersault with an enthusiastic woot. Applejack clutched her hat to her head from the sudden gust of wind before holding up a hoof at Rainbow. “As excited as you are, we still need to coordinate everypony's schedule. And I won't be havin' a whole lotta time until the orders done this week.”
Rainbow's celebration was cut short by the reality of the situation but before the disappointment could set in Applejack assuaged her. “However there ain't a chance in Tartarus the girls would say no to ya. Shucks, I bet they've been waitin' for any one of us to suggest it.”
Returning to the dishes she added, “I'm gonna be busy so ya could use the time to ask em'. I bet they'd love havin' ya drop by.”
Rainbow's chest fluffed up with happy determination. “Of course I could do that. Even more of an excuse to go around bothering the girls. Oh I'm so excited.”
Seeing the path forward, even if it was a small thing, burned away the subtle sadness that had clouded their lives. Just the thought of being together casually for just a moment was a much needed spark in their lives. With renewed vigor they finished up washing before heading up the stairs towards the bedrooms. Even in the dark of night the apple family home glowed with a welcoming light easing both ponies into drowsiness.
Stopping at her bedroom door Applejack noticed a bit of hesitation from Rainbow as she slowed down before reaching the door. Glancing back at her, a bit of the nervousness for earlier had returned as she pawed at the floor. Rainbow looked at the floor before glancing around refusing to meet Applejack's eyes. Having known Rainbow for so long Applejack didn't even need her to voice what was bothering her. She was worried about the bedroom.
“Now I know you aren't gonna say somethin' 'bout sleepin' on the couch, right?” Applejack turned to face Rainbow with a kind yet incredulous look.
Rainbow finally meet Applejack's eyes with a light blush. Even if over the years the girls had gotten closer to the point that many wondered if their friendship was romantic Rainbow still was touch and go with intimacy. She had slept in Applejack's before but the intimacy of the action still held her back. But she was Rainbow 'Danger' Dash there was no chance that something as simple as being with one of her girls was going to mess her up. So with a confidence she only slightly felt she strode up to AJ before wrapping her with a wing.
“No way am I giving up a night with my best friend,” her trademark bravado shone through brightly in her cocky grin. She was a lot easier to see through than she thought but AJ wasn't going to poke when she didn't need to. So instead of saying anything she just nuzzled closer into Dash before quietly opening the door.
It had been a long day of applebucking along with the emotions that Rainbow had brought so Applejack all but collapsed into bed with a deep sigh. Not one to leave a friend hanging Rainbow lightly flew over the bed before dropping in next to Applejack. With the darkness of the night surrounding them they swaddled into the covers relishing in each others warmth. With an uncharacteristic softness Rainbow removed AJ's hat and placed it on the nightstand. Applejack gave a sleepy smile at the care before wrapping Dash in her hooves and giving a deep yawn. Simply wrapping the mare tighter in her wings Dash gave her a small kiss on the cheek as they both drifted off into sleep, ready for the excitement of the days ahead of them.
