Missing Just One Thing

Chapters

1 - A Little Question
2 - That's What She Said
3 - Heart to Heart
4 - The Act (clop)
5 - They're Doing It!
6 - Preperations
7 - Mares Mares Mares
8 - Party Time, Excellent!
9 - Tied Knots

1 - A Little Question

Applejack slammed her hooves back against the tree, knocking every apple free in a sheet of fruit, the perfect harvest. They plummeted down into a row of buckets lined up perfectly beneath, where they thudded loudly into place.

Applejack took off her hat and wiped her brow. "I am on fiiiiiire today!" She smiled, her southern drawl crisp and loud. She trotted along the length of her family's orchard, inspecting her fine crop of apples. She looked up just in time for a pony to zip in at her.

"Hey AJ!" Rainbow waved even as she landed. "You about done? Need any help? I've got some time if you want."

"Not a one of them left up there! I've just gotta buck a few more trees and I'm all set!" Applejack grinned.

Rainbow smirked back. "Then you can count on me to set it up so you can knock it down." Before AJ could respond, Rainbow was gone, and back again with empty buckets. With a trail of a rainbow, she deposited them under the next tree. "Ta da!"

Applejack just rolled her eyes. "Alright, Dash. Thanks fer the help."

"Hey, no prob! When ya don't have much of anything else to do, ya tend to be generous with your time!" She clicked her tongue with a dramatic wink. Her multicolored mane blew gently in the wind, shimmering with its own little rainbows. "Besides, I want to hang out with my fave farm mare, so she has to get done with her chores."

The two working together brought in the last of the ready trees, stocking apple barrels high in the barn. Applejack nodded approvingly at their harvest. "Lookin' good! We'll have plenty to sell to all of Equestria. Plenty to fill our own bellies. And plenty fer cider!" She grinned widely.

"I call first cup!" Rainbow smiled, hooves rubbing together eagerly.

Applejack was surprised to hear that. "Well I wouldn't dream of cutting ya outta that, sugarcube." She turned to Rainbow. "Now, you were sayin' ya wanted to be here when ah wasn't so busy. Well, we're done now. What'd you want 'xactly?"

"Yeah, see... um..." Rainbow cleared her throat dramatically, doing a half circle in the air before hovering near Applejack. "Soooo, I figured, we haven't just hung out." She landed beside Applejack. "Just mare to mare." She put a wing over Applejack. "As friends." She waggled her brows with additional unspoken meanings.

Applejack pushed her hat down firmly and gave Rainbow a leery glance. "A'ight. We can do that." She started walking to her family's house, but felt Rainbow's wing pushing her away. "What?" She turned back to Rainbow. "You had somewhere else in mind?"

Rainbow Dash snorted and pointed up. "Up there." She grinned, giving a coy wink. "C'mon, you'll love it."

Applejack peered into the sky. "Well, ya see, only one of us happens to be a pegasus." She tossed her head at Rainbow. "That's you. We earth ponies usually prefer to keep our hooves on the ground, ya know?"

"That's where you're wrong, my little pony." Rainbow smirked. "I've already got it taken care of."

As Applejack continued to look upwards, Rainbow wrapped her forelegs around Applejack, keeping a hind leg hooked around her flank and wings beating furiously.

"Ack! Rainbow! What are ya-" Applejack could barely protest as they shot into the sky.

Rainbow leaned in, kissing Applejack's startled face. "Just trust me. I'd never let you go, ever. You know that, right? Now, you can watch, or you can keep your eyes closed." She grinned. "I know which one I'd prefer..." She chuckled again as she pressed her lips to Applejack's neck.

Applejack shivered at the touch. Though she was quite shocked at first, Rainbow's firm grip had her relaxing. "Ah do trust you." She nuzzled back at Rainbow. "Jus' be careful, kindly. Ah'm in your hooves, literal-like."

"Mmm," Rainbow mused against Applejack's cheek, blowing a soft wisp of breath. "A very rare opportunity..."

Before Applejack could retort, Rainbow kissed her on the mouth, deepening it as she carried her into the sky. Applejack found herself getting caught up in the moment, softly moaning back at Rainbow's attentions. Her eyes fluttered shut, and soon she found herself smiling and responding, giving over to Rainbow's strange impulse.

When she had the chance, Applejack let out a breathless laugh. "Ah swear, sugarcube, This is, mmm, fun. But also kinda scary." She touched noses with Rainbow Dash. "Ya know ah love ya, right?"

Rainbow pressed another kiss to Applejack's cheek. "Yeah. I do. You make me feel like I'm soaring. And it's not just when we're flying." She smirked playfully. "Speakin' ah that though, it's been a long time, when are we gonna get serious? We should be shouting at every pony! Why aren't we—"

Applejack got a hoof in Rainbow's mouth. "Shhh." As if there were any other ponies near them so far in the sky. "We ain't gettin' hitched."

"Why not?" Rainbow scowled at Applejack. "You like me. I like you. We get along. We hang out, like, all the time! It makes sense! And it's not just that." She smiled, pressing a soft kiss to AJ's cheek. "I love you too. So much. We have fun together."

Applejack relaxed into the affection, hugging Rainbow gently. "Yeah, yeah... But we're mares. Ain't got nothin' 'gainst that." She colored with memories of past times. "We've worked around how, um, that. But there ain't no foals in it."

Rainbow Dash pouted as they soared up into the sky. "Yeah? So? A lot of ponies get married and never have foals! Some can't!" She scowled, muttering under her breath. "Plus foals suck."

Applejack frowned at that. "Foals are the work a pony does fer the next generation! Granny would be real sore with me if ah didn't do mah part. A family without foals? Means ah'm lettin' down the whole Apple clan!" She stroked Rainbow's mane gently. "Ah mean, ah'm sorry you ain't keen on 'em, but ah am. And you should respect that."

"I... I do." Rainbow said softly. "I just thought... we'd be so good together." She huffed with rising irritation. "Okay! Just... I'll figure this out." She started to lower towards the ground, carrying Applejack along. "Just promise me, if I make a foal happen, we're getting married. We'll raise that foal so hard! Together!"

Applejack smiled sadly. "You don't make foals happen. Ya need a stallion fer that."

Rainbow opened her mouth to argue, but realized what Applejack meant. Her wings froze mid-beat and she tumbled through the air.

"Rainbow!" Applejack screamed, clinging onto Rainbow Dash's falling body.

Rainbow straightened out into a swoop, dropping Applejack gently to the ground. "Sorry. But promise! If I don't make it happen, then you're off scot-free, but if I do! If I do! Then we're getting together." She thrust a hoof towards Applejack expectantly.

Applejack sighed and nodded. "Sure thing, sugarcube. Ah'll let ya try whatever." She reached a hoof out to touch Rainbow's outstretched one. "But ah promise. If you can get me knocked up, we're makin' it official."

Rainbow inclined her head. "Technically, you just asked for a foal. We're both mares."

Applejack blinked at that. "What? But you—" Rainbow was already gone in a streak. "Dang it." She shook her head as she turned back for her homestead. "That mare. She's goin' so fast she don't care where she ends up."

Rainbow sped away from Sweet Apple Acres, her target the smartest, nerdiest, has-the-most-bookiest pony she knew.

"How do you make a foal?"

Twilight Sparkle gave Rainbow Dash a perplexed look. "Well, when a stallion and a mare love—MMMPH!" She clamped her mouth shut with magic as Rainbow laid a hoof over it.

"Not literally! I mean, if you have two mares, can a foal happen?" Rainbow waved her free hoof wildly. "Just asking for a friend."

Twilight turned up her nose at Rainbow's hoof, but was still silent, thoughtful. "Well, every living creature needs to reproduce to carry on its species. I suppose ponies are no different." She flinched at Rainbow's cross look. "Right, two females. Hm." She crossed her arms. "No. Females only produce eggs. Eggs do not become foals without sperm. That's just how that works. Unless one of those females were to somehow produce sperm, this cannot proceed." She tapped at her chin. "Technically... No, no! No."

Rainbow raised a brow high. "Tell me more?"

"No, no, no. It's a crazy idea. Never been tried before. The odds are tremendously small, and would require harvesting eggs. Getting viable eggs from a mare is extremely difficult! And then you'd have to do things with them, and then get them back into place. This is an incredibly complicated process that would face a tremendous failure chance. No, you'd be better off involving a stallion." She inclined her head at Rainbow. "Who's curious, by the way?"

"Uh, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash lied without hesitation. "Thanks for the info!" She bolted off again, leaving Twilight standing there bewildered.

Rainbow Dash soared over Ponyville, kicking up clouds in her wake as she considered all the options. She needed a stallion. The stallion would have to— She colored with the thought of that, a stallion covering Applejack or herself. A strange rush of feelings and memories swam in her head, making her stomach turn.

She landed outside Sugarcube Corner, taking a moment to collect herself. There was only one pony she knew who might be able to do this with minimum trouble. Well, maybe a few, but one felt like a sure bet. She nodded to herself. He was a family pony, he'd understand making Apples.

It would be perfect!

"What would be perfect?" Pinkie leaned in with a big smile.

Rainbow Dash yelped. "Nothing!" She turned and poked at Pinkie. "You can't ask me what nothing is! It's noooooooothing!"

Pinkie just laughed at Rainbow's pushing. "You're so silly, Dash. Did you come for a snack?" She waved at Sugarcube Corner. "It's late in the day, but they're still yummy-licious!"

Rainbow couldn't help smiling at Pinkie's exuberance. "Thanks, but I'm here for someone else. Do you know where Big Mac is?"

"Oh! Yeah, I saw him helping out in Carrot Top's field!" Pinkie pointed the way. "He's so nice!"

"Yeah, that's why I'm looking for him." Rainbow took off again, leaving Pinkie behind with her boundless smile.

Rainbow zipped around town, and soon came across the massive red stallion tilling fields. "Mac! Hey!"

Big Mac looked up as Rainbow came in for a landing. "Ayup?" He looked Rainbow over a moment. "Mm?" He could tell something was up with her.

Rainbow put on her best smile. "I was hoping to talk to you, privately. You might be able to save Applejack's entire life!"

Big Mac blinked at that. "Howdja figure?"

Rainbow began walking and gestured for him to follow. "C'mon, lemme explain." Once she felt like they were sufficiently out of earshot, she turned to him. "It's about family. You know family. You respect family, right?"

"Ayup."

"Applejack wants a foal." Rainbow watched Big Mac for his reaction.

Big Mac tipped his head slightly. "Uh-huh." He seemed to be waiting for more.

"And... well... She can't get one without you." Rainbow coughed into her hoof.

Big Mac scowled at Rainbow. "Nope." He thudded Rainbow right in the chest with a hoof. "Thought you were better than that. Ain't interested in mah own sister."

"I don't mean that!" Rainbow scurried to cut off his escape. "That's not what I'm asking! See, she wants to have a foal, but, uh, two mares can't do that. She needs a stallion." She smiled sheepishly at him. "I'm a mare. You're a stallion. Mare and stallion, right? You know the math."

Big Mac blinked, struck dumb a moment. "Ya know ah'm married, right?"

Rainbow applied a hoof to her face. "I'm not asking you to cheat, just help your sister have a foal." She fell back at his withering stare. "Not like that! With me."

"That's still cheatin'." He folded his forelegs. "Not even considerin' how hurt Sugar Belle'd be if she found out. Applejack doesn't need my help to get her with foal. If it's meant to happen, it'll happen."

Rainbow snorted at that. "It's up to us to make it happen, big guy. Look, I'm not trying to get you in any trouble with Sugar Belle. Why don't we go ask her? Like I said, this isn't for fun. We do what needs to happen, get a foal, the end."

Big Mac gritted his teeth. "Ya don't ask yer wife for permission to go around knockin' mares up!"

Rainbow looked confused a moment.

Big Mac sank to his haunches, realizing her confusion. "Ya don't. That ain't right."

"If she can't make foals, then doesn't that fall on you? Aren't you the family stallion?" Rainbow threw up her hooves. "I know the whole concept of family is important to you. Look, give me permission and I'll ask her. I won't tell her you were involved in asking unless she says yes."

Big Mac gazed away thoughtfully. "That's it, though? No trouble? Ya ask Sugar Belle if ah can make a foal with ya, and we do that and be done with it? Applejack's off the hook as soon as we get the job done?"

Rainbow held out a hoof. "For the good of the Apples." She crossed the hoof over her chest. "We're doing it for a foal, nothing else. I'm not trying to get between you two. Besides, you two are adorable."

Author's Note

Let's start a naughty little tale. I got a new patron, and they requested these words, and so it shall be! Let AppleDash live on!

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2 - That's What She Said

Rainbow soared over Equestria. "Just a quick question and we'll be done." She grinned as she banked over the rolling plains beneath her, empty of pony life. A lone oak tree sat at the edge of the horizon, far from any buildings.

Far ahead, she started to see the hints of Our Town, where she knew her target lived. It was a small place, its roads empty. Sugar Belle's home stood quiet, flowers growing around it. Rainbow felt a bit of guilt building in her stomach. What if Sugar Belle got super mad at what she was about to ask? Rainbow pushed those worries aside and landed lightly. "Let's just ask and get this over with."

Before she could knock, Sugar Belle opened the door. "Oh, Rainbow Dash! I was just heading out!" She smiled at Rainbow, brushing herself off as she stepped out.

"Sugar Belle! Just the mare I was hoping to see." She slid in aside Sugar Belle. "Where ya headed?"

Sugar Belle lifted her basket. "To help an old friend move some furniture! She wanted some hooves and I'm not too busy today." She nodded back to the house. "Feel free to stop by later, though."

"Oh, uh, I don't mind helping." She walked along with Sugar through their small town. "We can talk afterwards."

"Hmm? Talk?" Sugar Belle smiled. "What about?"

"Yeah, see..." Rainbow felt her words slowing in her mouth. "Y'know that whole family thing ponies do?"

Sugar Belle looked confused a moment, but it cleared. "Did you find a special somepony?! Congratulations!"

Rainbow raised her hooves defensively. "No! Well, yes, technically, but um, it's not about that, but it kinda is." She kicked at the ground with a huff. "Sorry, it's complicated. Did you want to help your friend? It can wait until we're all done with that."

"Ooh, it sounds important." Sugar Belle frowned, glancing up as they walked. "You know what? I don't need to help today. Let's talk!" She took Rainbow back to her house and put on a kettle. "For a friend in trouble, I can take the time."

"It's, uh, not really for me." Rainbow rubbed her cheek and muttered. "It's not really my problem, except it kinda is."

"Are you in trouble? Or, the other mare?" Belle sat down across from Rainbow at a small table, watching her with obvious concern.

Rainbow flashed a nervous smile. "The other mare is in trouble, which makes me in trouble. Okay, enough dancing around the point. That isn't my style. I'm just going to say it."

Belle sat up a bit straighter, leaning forward. "Okay. Say it. I'll listen." She reached out and held Rainbow's hooves reassuringly.

Rainbow tensed as Belle's hooves touched hers, but she took a breath and steadied herself. "Applejack wants a foal. I want to give Applejack that foal. Big Mac could give us that foal, um, not directly, but with me." She pointed to herself with the hoof not being held. "I am a mare and all." As if that needed reminding. "Um, but—"

Sugar Belle went from supportive to a state of confused shock. "Rainbow, did you forget we're married? You were at the ceremony. I don't think either of us forgot. We have photos." She leaned in, as if studying Rainbow's face for signs of illness or malady. "Are you feeling alright?"

Rainbow cleared her throat and blushed. "This wouldn't be cheating! That's why I'm here. I don't want Big Mac for love or sappy stuff. I just want to get that foal, then get out of your way. Simple as that." She laughed a genuinely as she could, which didn't come out nearly as authentic as she was aiming for.

Belle tilted her head back and gave Rainbow an odd look. "Well... this is a little out there. I mean, if you all were to..." She raised a brow at Rainbow. "Would you? For the good of Applejack?"

"Absolutely!" Rainbow found herself standing, placing her hooves on the tabletop with determination. "I would take a bullet for her. I can take, um, that, for her too." She colored at the thought of what was needed to make a foal happen. "If it made her smile, I'd do it and not even feel bad."

Belle nodded with Rainbow's exuberance. "That must be very important. Still..." She smiled at Rainbow softly. "I wouldn't like the idea of my husband putting his stallion bits in another mare, especially one as good a friend as you are."

Rainbow put her hooves on Belle's shoulders. "That's why I'm here. If you say yes, then it's not cheating. It's just an agreed on thing between ponies. No lying, no hiding things. This isn't about being all sneaky or something like that. Sugar Belle, may I borrow your husband?" That felt odd even in her own head. "I'll give him back, good as new, I promise!"

Sugar Belle looked thoughtful at Rainbow's pleas. She was quiet for a time, obviously thinking.

Rainbow started to speak again, but the kettle began to whistle. Belle got up to pull it off the fire, then put a tea bag in two cups and poured some hot water over them.

"Would you like sugar? Honey?" Belle set the steaming mug before Rainbow. "And milk?"

"Oh, yeah, sure." Rainbow shook her head, she wasn't here to be waited on. "Sugar, I don't want to hurt you. You're a friend! A friend I'd like to keep. If you say no, this is over. I'll never bother you about it again. This is a question, not a, you know, demand."

Belle smiled softly at Rainbow's nervous rambling. "Drink your tea, sweetie." She touched noses with Rainbow Dash as she offered her some sugar. "Don't worry, and give me a moment to think over some hot tea."

Rainbow slumped at the table, sipping her tea quietly as Sugar Belle sat across from her.

"Why do you want a foal?" Belle glanced at Rainbow. "Is it for you, or Applejack?"

Rainbow pointed. "For Applejack. I mean, once the foal's there, they're obviously my foal too. I'd do my part!" She suddenly sank onto her chair. "Wow."

"Wow?" Belle inclined her head. "Think of something?"

"It just hit me that I'd be a mom." She colored faintly. "I hadn't really thought about that, just how much Applejack wanted to be one. I'd be one too. Crazy."

Belle laughed gently. "You'd be a great mother. I've seen you care for others."

"Me? Maybe." Rainbow tossed a hoof as she finished her tea. "So, what do you say?"

Belle took a slow breath as she sat up straight. "This is a big ask." She put her hooves to her chest. "You want my husband to father a foal, but then to step back and not be involved. I'm—" She looked away. "As much as I don't want him being with another mare, the thought of him creating life, just to ignore it, that doesn't sit right."

"It's not ignoring it! It's being discreet!" Rainbow pointed a hoof. "We won't flaunt it in front of you. And Applejack wouldn't want to either. You two can stay besties!"

Belle put a hoof on Rainbow's shivering arm. "That wasn't me kicking you out, Rainbow. That was me saying that I can't do that. I can't allow my husband to create a literal bastard foal. They don't deserve that. He doesn't either. He would know, every time hey saw your foal, and wasn't allowed to say anything. If you want this to be an honest thing, we can't lie there."

Rainbow folded her forelegs and grumbled. "So what? I'm not supposed to make Applejack happy?"

"I didn't say that." Belle got up and looked around the room. "I'm saying if he fathers a foal, he can't run away. The foal should know who the father is, and he should be available for that foal." She put a hoof at her chest. "And I'd be their aunt." She flashed a nervous smile. "I'd be their aunt either way."

"Wait..." Rainbow narrowed her eyes at Belle. "Are you saying yes?"

Belle nodded, with some resignation. "I... I suppose so."

Rainbow felt only blinding joy in that moment. "Yes!" She pumped a hoof and only at that moment realized she was maybe celebrating a bit too loudly. She clamped her mouth shut and coughed into a hoof. "Cool! We cool."

"We are cool." Belle nodded slowly. "But not just because I said it was okay." She let out her breath in a sigh. "Thank you, for talking to me. If you had snuck this behind my back, I don't think I could have ever forgiven you." She gave Rainbow a prod. "Big Mac is mine. I'm lending him to you, if he agrees, and just for one specific thing. He's mine."

Rainbow held up her hooves. "I would never, ever take him from you! We'd never want that! We're friends. This isn't about hurting you."

Belle smiled at Rainbow's apparent sincerity. "You always were a loyal pony." She drew Rainbow in for a firm hug. "Now, I can see you vibrating. You want to go. I won't hold you here."

Rainbow immediately flashed over to the door. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" She almost was out the door before she spun around and pointed at Belle. "Oh! One last thing. You're right, this would be cheating, technically. If we didn't ask. Totes cheating. Glad we didn't do that." She laughed awkwardly, zipping away before she could say anymore stupid things.

Belle waved at Rainbow, then put a hoof on her chin as she watched Rainbow fly off. "Did... did she forget to ask Big Mac if he was okay with this?"

Rainbow was long out of earshot at that point, racing back towards Ponyville with whoops and cheers.

Big Mac looked up in surprise as Rainbow dashed past him.

Rainbow went skidding on her rear, clawing at the dirt to slow herself down. She almost ran right over a barn door before turning back towards Big Mac. "Have I got news for you!" She hopped back to her hooves and came trotting towards Big Mac with a smile that was a little too big.

"Ayup," Big Mac said dryly, his expression flat. "News is good."

"So, look." Rainbow sat down and wiped her brow. "More easy talking my way out of trouble than I thought, but yeah. She said yes."

"Ayup?" Big Mac went still a moment, processing that. "She did?!"

"Yep! I talked to her, we had some tea, and we're in business!" Rainbow held out her hoof. "Yer sister's gonna have a foal!"

Big Mac stared at the hoof, then looked up at Rainbow. "You really can convince ponies to do anything."

"Well, Applejack would say 'guh,' but yeah, I'm pretty good." She put a wing over Big Mac. "No prob. And she won't be mad or hurt. So, what now?"

Big Mac sat down on his haunches with a sigh. "So, yer serious then?" He reached with a quivering hoof to Rainbow's side. "Ya want me to put a foal in there?"

"Oh, she did have a condition." Rainbow Coiled to face him directly. "Any foal you make is yours, no hiding that. Me and Applejack will both be moms, but you'll still be a dad. The kiddo won't be wondering who their pops is. Sugar will be their aunt. That's what she said."

Big Mac blushed bright red, his face tightening. "So... I gotta father a foal. Which I didn't even know ya wanted." He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "Ya sure?"

Rainbow waved a wing dismissively. "Big Mac, you're practically a brother. I mean, technically, once AJ and me get married, you really will be one. So you're involved with my foal? Why would I be mad! Sounds good. A bro should be involved with any kid I have."

Big Mac fell back into the grass with a soft thump. "Ah'm gonna be a dad." He put his hooves over his face. "The Princesses protect me."

"Right, now!" Rainbow rubbed her hooves together. "Let's get on with this. Go ahead, put a foal in there."

Big Mac blinked with fresh confusion. "Um. Rainbow, do you think a stallion just, what, imagines a foal inside a mare?"

Rainbow raised a brow at him. "No! You have to do... you know. So let's get started."

Big Mac laughed at the notion. "Rainbow. We ain't gonna do that out here. That ain't proper."

"Oh c'mon!" Rainbow prodded at Big Mac. "This is private! No ponies here." She grinned at Big Mac. "Just go ahead and start with—"

Big Mac brought a hoof over Rainbow's mouth. "C'mon." He half dragged her towards the house. "At least let's do this right."

Author's Note

Sugar Belle is a good pony. She won't be part of anything that makes a poor confused foal.

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3 - Heart to Heart

Big Mac turned an ear back as they went. "One thin'. Ain't no expert on how mares work, not bein' one an' all, but there ain't no point plowing a barren field, as they say. Are ya in season?"

Rainbow stopped at that, crossing her forelegs over her chest. "In season? What?"

Big Mac frowned at Rainbow. "Are you fertile? Ya know. Can I even put a foal in you?"

Rainbow colored, her eyes darting away. "How would I know?! I'm a mare, so I should be, right?"

Big Mac sighed and chuckled at the same time. "That don't always go together none. Been talkin' with Sugar Belle about her cycles. Ya know mares are tied to the moon, don'tcha?" He could see the clueless look on Rainbow's face. "We should talk to a smarter mare, so we can figure it out. We ain't, um, doin' this fer fun. Let's make sure we do it right."

Rainbow stepped backwards, color rising in her cheeks. "But I already told Applejack!" She waved her hooves and flapped her wings anxiously. "I promised her a foal!"

Big Mac furrowed his brow at Rainbow. "Ah ain't sayin' no. Ah'm sayin' coverin' you every day for who knows how long until it sticks is bein' disrespectful t' Sugar Belle. We want to do it once and it'll stick, ideally."

Rainbow slumped slightly. "Yeah, but how long would that be?"

Big Mac shrugged. "Week or two, seems like? C'mon. Let's talk to Twilight. She'll know how mares work, sure as sugar."

Aborting their approach of the house, they turned about to head into town. Rainbow zipped around Big Mac like a flying jackrabbit, constantly changing direction to vent her nervous energy.

Big Mac smiled awkwardly at the occasional passing pony. He saw Sugar Belle down the road, in conversation with Carrot Top. His ears shot up and he hurried over to her. "Hey, um, ya visitin'?"

Sugar Belle said her goodbyes to Carrot Top and turned to Big Mac. "I was planning to come today anyway." Her eyes went to the flitting Rainbow Dash and she colored at those implications. "Are you two, you know?"

Big Mac darkened in return. "We were goin' to talk to Twilight. Rainbow don't know what a mare's cycle is, or where she is on it. Don't want to waste our time none."

Sugar Belle rubbed behind her head, her blush growing furiously. "Oh! Um, okay. Yeah, we should, uh, figure that out." She leaned in, brushing her cheek against his, whispering into his ear. "Let me talk to her. I don't know who you were planning to go to."

Big Mac reached over and took Sugar Belle's hoof gently in his. "Thanks." He watched as she hurried off after Rainbow.

Rainbow frowned at the sight of Sugar Belle chasing her. "What is it?"

Sugar Belle pointed to the ground. "Sit."

Rainbow crashed to her haunches, confused but compliant. "Yeah?"

Sugar smiled. "It's time to go over the wondrous life of a mare." She poked Rainbow gently. "Which you are, on the inside. It sounds like you've been ignoring those parts. Too busy flying around to care about them, hm? It's time to slow down and think about them."

"Why are you so invested in this?" Rainbow gave Sugar Belle a perplexed look. "No offense, but—"

"Because if my husband is going to be intimate with another mare, she's going to know exactly how that works." She hiked a brow. "And they're going to do it as few times as they have to, which means knowing your timing."

Rainbow pointed at Sugar. "Well, you're here. Why don't we use your timing?"

Sugar Threw up a hoof at that. "Every mare is different, Rainbow. I am happy to report that there isn't one day when all the stallions and all the mares need to get... busy... to make the next generation. Now, let's talk, calmly. This is an intimate and personal thing, which you should know."

Rainbow relaxed back into the grass, tossing her head in embarrassment. "So, what's first?"

"I guess we start with how a mare's cycle works." Sugar Belle settled down on her haunches as well.

And so the discussion began, going over how the estrus cycle worked for grown mares, ways to identify where one was in the cycle. "One thing to note, ponies are not shy. When we're deep in heat, we give a few signals. We get sensitive, for one. Ever have a day when every little touch felt like fire? When you wanted to be close, but also hated it. Maybe you snapped at ponies on days like that. Remember any?"

Rainbow shot up at that, almost slamming into Sugar Belle. "Wait! You mean Applejack— Ohmygosh I was such a jerk!"

Sugar Belle kept calm as she nudged Rainbow back to the ground. "So AJ's been in heat before? Good, than you know that hint. You'll both experience estrus many times. As mares, you can help each other through them. That's what special someponies do. Now, there are other, even less subtle, hints." She made sure there were no other ponies about, save Big Mac In the distance looking awkward. "Down there, we get redder, plumper. Around that special stallion, you may even feel the need to wink at them."

Rainbow winked an eye at Belle with a snicker. "Why would I do that?"

"Because it's a sign that we're interested in him. Think of it as winking back to tell a stallion they've got our attention." Sugar giggled. "We start dripping, as well. Mind, I'm talking about back there, not your eyes. Put them all together and you have a very good idea of when you're ready to get a foal." She took a slow breath. "Do you understand?"

Rainbow just nodded quietly. "I had no idea this was so... complicated."

"All nature is complicated." She went in to kiss Rainbow's cheek. "Be good to Big Mac."

Rainbow looked over at him with a sigh. "Ya know, we don't have to do this. You don't have to let us."

Sugar shook her head. "If it makes my husband happy to do a good deed, it makes me happy." She put a hoof at her chest. "And it involves Applejack too. I know you want it, and she wants it. I won't be the one mare sitting in the way. That wouldn't be fair to any of you." She squeezed Rainbow's shoulder. "Now go ahead. The sooner we get this started, the sooner it's over with."

"And the sooner I'll get to see a little Rainbow and an Applejack," Sugar added softly.

Rainbow snapped a sharp salute and flew in a streak back to Big Mac. "Okay! Got the talk."

Big Mac nodded. "So, is this a good time?"

"N-no..." Rainbow worried her hooves together. "But now I know what to look for. So, um, let's make it a date. When I'm feeling it, I'll come over, and then we'll do what needs to be done."

Big Mac furrowed his brow suspiciously. "Sounds like Sugar talked you out of it."

"No, no! I still want this. We'll wait until we can do it right." She turned back towards Sweet Apple Acres. "You said it yourself, we want to get this done on the first try, if we can, right?"

Big Mac clicked his tongue. "Sure enough." He followed along with her, silently, lost in thought.

Rainbow looked around at all the work they had ahead of them. "Hey, Mac?"

"Mm?"

Rainbow threw a wing over him. "You are a good brother."

Big Mac huffed and leaned into Rainbow Dash. "You're a good sister."

"Aw! See? We'll make great parents." She laughed softly. "Right now, let's get ready to finish our chores." She lifted into the air. "Which, for me, involved some cloud busting."

She launched into the air without waiting for replies.

Sugar Belle took her place, shaking her head. "One thing." She gently nestled at his side. "This got me thinking about our foal. I was ready to wait a little bit before, but..."

Big Mac snorted with a smile. "My thinkin' exactly. Let's talk 'bout that later."

Sugar grinned, running a hoof along Big Mac's barrel. "Do you have to be somewhere else?"

He threw an arm over her, drawing her close. "Ain't nowhere ah'd rather be than where you are."

"Aw! Are you talking to me, or—"

"Ah'm talkin' to you, silly mare." He kissed her, pulling her into a soft embrace. "Only you."

She leaned into his lips, her eyes fluttering shut. They smooched a soft moment of mutual delight. "I want to set the same appointment. When I'm feeling it, really feeling it, I'll come by."

Big Mac hiked a brow at that. "Just don't drop from the sky on me."

Sugar Belle smirked. "I thought there was no other place you wanted to be. That means wherever I am is where you'll be."

Big Mac tipped his head to her. "Touche, mare. Touche."

With dates set with both mares, Big Mac got back to chores around the orchard. The days ahead seemed full of things to do.

Elsewhere, Applejack huffed to herself. "Why am ah gettin' the feelin' somethin's goin' on?" She looked around, but could see no hint of the source of those notions.

She moved along the grassy knoll, stepping between apple trees as she made her way across the field. She paused to gently pat at one of many trees. "How ya feelin' today, little lady?" The little lady was much larger than Applejack, not that this seemed to bother her at all.

Applejack continued on through the fields, gently checking at each tree in her path. She only paused to make a note on a small notepad. She considered which tree looked healthy, which looked sickly, and everything in between. Being an apple farmer was an active job. She snorted at the ponies that thought they just planted them and magically apples appeared on shelves ready to buy. "Ain't nothin' good that don't come from work."

She spent several hours going through the trees, marking every few feet as she worked her way back to the farmhouse. Her family was not merely farmers, but also ecologists and caretakers. Each tree was as much a family member as anypony else.

She had little clue that other ponies were scheming to grow trees of a very different variety.

As she neared the end of her trip, Applejack stopped, puzzled by a half-open barn door. She flicked her ears, and felt the breeze flowing through the building. She stepped in and glanced around, finding nothing out of place. "Hm." She went about her chores, unable to entirely throw off that funny feeling.

Author's Note

Back from a convention(Everfree NW) and we get a new chapter. Could this day get better?

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4 - The Act (clop)

Big Mac was blushing, but that hardly felt like a big enough word. Rainbow had come when she had felt the need, and she was exuding it all over. "Hate ta ask, RD. Um, but how'd ya never notice this ever happenin' afore?"

"Like I said! It's all goopy, so I just washed it out." She shook her head. "Sometimes I feel really silly, knowing nothing about this stuff."

Big Mac covered his eyes with a hoof as he sat down in place. He took a moment to look anywhere else in his room. "Ya just ignored it?"

"Yep." Rainbow swished her tail. "Awkward, now that somepony actually told me what it was. So, let's get to it. Put a foal up in there. That's a stallion's job." She pointed at her own chest. "Which I am not. I can't give Applejack her foal, you can. No more delays."

Big Mac wanted to bolt out of the house. His mind had trouble getting past how blunt Rainbow was being. The rational part of his brain reminded him that they'd done things more intimate than this. At the same time, he felt awkward and uncomfortable. He took a slow breath. "Fer Applejack. Right. Rainbow, yer a damn good frien', and kinda awful at this." He chuckled softly as he rose up to his hooves, feeling a weight swaying beneath him.

Being next to such a thickly in-heat mare, knowing exactly what she wanted, and who from, had his body tense and ready. His thick shaft was already in the air, twitching with nature's growing demand that Big Mac give Rainbow exactly what she was asking for.

Rainbow wasn't blind, or naïve. She could see the protrusion under Big Mac, but he didn't seem inclined to go further. "Aw c'mon, do I have to?" She turned away from him, tail already raised. "Everypony already gave you permission. One ride on the Rainbow rollercoaster, just for you."

Big Mac advanced on her. "Y'ain't scared? It'll be yer first time, right?" He put a hoof on her hips, then another, slowly climbing up on her. Her scent became more powerful as he got closer. It wasn't exactly what he'd label as pleasant, but its message was intoxicating, and the way it made him feel counteracted it nicely.

"Pfft. As if. I can handle anything!" Rainbow's attitude seemed to soften at the same time her expression went tense. "But, um, hey, I know you're kind of used to Sugar Belle. I'm not her. Um, not trying to be. This'll be the one time, then I'll get out of your mane, promise."

Big Mac slid across her back and nipped at her mane, biting and pulling gently. Rainbow gasped sharply. She'd been bit before, even around there, but at that time, by a stallion, her body flooded her with new subtle angles on the whole experience. "Yeah... More of that. Don't stop. Stallions bite." She squirmed in place, ready to make her point very clear. "It's good."

"Nah, mares like it too." He continued to bite her gently, walking his hooves down her body. "Ya ready?" He needn't have asked, feeling her wet nethers winking against the very end of his shaft. She couldn't have been much readier if she tried. "Gonna start. Gonna go slow."

"Yeah yeah." Rainbow pushed her hips back towards him. "Can't make a foal from just standing there, cowpony." She had no clue why those words slipped out of her mouth, but she liked the way they felt, and the way Big Mac's weight felt pressing down on her. In that moment, she wanted him, badly. "Do it."

"Welp, ah did promise." He advanced, careful as he pressed at Rainbow's entrance. He hesitated a moment as the end of his shaft pressed harder against her lips, fighting the urge to continue immediately. Her opening flexed back at him, pushing hard against his tip. It only lasted a moment before giving in and sliding open. He sank several inches into her and both let out soft cries together with their different pleasures.

He hugged her close as he worked into her, pushing deeper and deeper into her heat. The odder part was that she really was pushing back on him, almost fucking herself in a way. "Ya don't, mmf, gotta do everythin' fast, ya silly mare."

"Oh I know." Rainbow groaned, pressing back into Big Mac. She lifted a hoof to bite on it as Big Mac continued to push in and fill her with himself. "It's just that, hah, my first time is supposed to be a wild ride, right?" A line of drool escaped her in her heaving gasps for breath. "I'm just making sure!" She shuddered around and under him. "Go on!"

Big Mac arched his back, feeling her grip clamping down on him already. He'd felt it before with other mares, but it had been a while since he'd even seen this sort of heat from one. Her body was begging him without words, ready to receive exactly what he had ready. His balls burned hot, roiling with seed to satisfy the mare he was working against. It only took a moment more before he could push no further, buried hilt deep in her.

Rainbow groaned softly, twisting back and forth. "I can feel you in there. So big! Ah!" She writhed and trembled as Big Mac ground into her, humping gently with his needs. "Yeah! Put that foal, mmf, in there!" She had come just for an insemination, to have a child casually placed in her, but nature had its demands, and it felt too good to take in any detached way. "Harder!"

Big Mac grinned, more at her reaction than her request. He was slow to start, thrusting in and out of Rainbow Dash, shaking her under him. Every motion from him dragged his prick in and out of her, pressing her tender walls open and making her grunt softly. He couldn't keep it slow for much longer, each push faster than the last. The two of them were becoming one smooth machine, pistoning against one another with rising passion.

"Yeah, yeah! More! Harder!" Rainbow slammed her rump back into Big Mac as he slid into her, meeting his thrusts with her own needy motions. He growled and grunted over her, sliding across her back as she bucked him. "Fuck! C'mon! You're doing it for your sister!"

Big Mac rolled his eyes at that, but grunted with renewed vigor.

Rainbow flexed around him, milking his pole with her entire passage as she called out. "Oh my gosh! That's amazing!" Her hooves kicked and scraped at the ground as she let herself go, blindly squirming and squealing as pleasure cascaded over her body. She trembled as her body slipped over some unseen bump, vision going hazy. She hissed as she trembled, pleasure exploding through her in climax.

Big Mac pushed through it, working his member through that wildly flexing passage. He could feel her heat flowing around him, beating on him with its' need for his seed. Rainbow continued to spasm and convulse, pressing on him with tight wetness. She seemed to only get hotter and more aggressive in her motions.

He bit her shoulder, holding her as he worked in a subtly new angle against her, feeling his own tension rising up towards its peak.

Rainbow swooned softly at the bite, mouth open but barely able to make a sound. "Mmf! Yes! Gimme!"

Big Mac suddenly hugged her, pulling her back tight until they were locked as tightly close together as they could be. He neighed as he twitched and spasmed within her, sending rope after thick rope of seed flooding into her, giving them both what they wanted in that exact moment.

Rainbow threw back her head with a soft gasp. "Ooh, hot! Feels good." She pressed her rump back into his crotch with a satisfied sigh. "Ah! Ah, yeah." Sense started to come back to her, as if the heat within her was just doused, literally really, with water. "Wow." She sank a little, huffing. "That felt like I just cleared the sky, a whole crowd cheering for me. You're not bad at this, big guy."

Big Mac climbed off her, nuzzling along her flank. "You're gonna be fine, Rainbow." He nipped her gently, enjoying her twitch. "But that's it. Ah'm still Sugar Belle's." His face colored. "If ya want to get naughty with somepony, go fin' Applejack."

Rainbow grinned. "I do like to hear her groan and grumble at me." She glanced back, seeing him, but only for a moment before it became awkward. "Heh, uh, so you know, this wasn't about my pleasure, right?" She pinned an ear back. "Even if that did kinda feel good. Um, thanks." She rubbed behind her head. "That was my first time with a stallion, and it was great. Um, so, if that worked, I'll let you know. Shoot, let you know either way. Either we celebrate a new foal, or we have to try again in the next heat, right?"

Big Mac made sure Rainbow was steady on her hooves as he sank down onto his own haunches. "Gonna hope that took. Felt fine, but also feel like ah'm cheatin', even if ah got permission." He laughed at the situation. "Should be fine, but gosh if this don't get weird for the both of us."

Rainbow grinned at Big Mac. "Well, maybe next time I should try it in the hay bales with Applejack." She laughed and dashed out of the room before Big Mac could reply.

Big Mac sat up and sighed, then lifted a hoof to bite at it. His prick stood out, hard and ready for more. "That ain't fair." He huffed softly. "An ya should really clean up." But she was already long gone. "Silly mare." He shook his head and headed for the bath for himself.

Elsewhere, Applejack set down a basket full of apples. "Phew." She nodded at the stack of them she had just gotten into position. "A hard day's work." He padded them all as she turned away. "But why does somethin' not feel right?"

"Sounds like you need a break," said Sugar Belle as she strolled over.

Applejack smiled. "Hiya, Sug! How ya doin' today?"

"I'm fine, thank you." The two met in a soft hug. "I saw my sister looking sweaty and happy and thought I'd come say hello."

Applejack laughed. "Shoot, jus' gettin' chores done, ya know?" She reached to touch hooves with Sugar. "Always good to see ya. Ah'm surprised we ain't seen much of each other lately."

Sugar gave Applejack a long look up and down. "We're sisters, family." She touched noses with Applejack. "And I'm thinking about moving here."

Applejack started at that. "Really?! Well! Yer welcome on this farm, ah can promise that. Thought ya were mighty attached to that bakery ah yers."

Sugar grinned. "My family comes first." She took a slow breath. "Rainbow Dash will always be my sister, but the foal isn't mine. It's yours. And as silly as it sounds, that makes you my family now."

Applejack blinked slowly. "Come again?"

Author's Note

They did it! They did the thing! Applejack is only just hearing about it. Sugar Belle, ya messed up! Or did she?

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5 - They're Doing It!

"Sugar. Ya sound a little loopy." Applejack gave Sugar Belle a suspicious look. "Fer one, we're already family. Ya done married mah brother! Ain't much more family than that, 'less ya married me personally." She snorted at the idea. "Really, what made ya think ya weren't already family?"

Sugar blushed softly. "Ah, well, yes, that's true." She smiled and touched noses with Applejack "Family it is then!"

Applejack tipped her hat to Sugar Belle. "Better be! But now wind up a bit. What foal were ya talkin' 'bout?"

Sugar nodded slowly. "Oh, I was just talking to Rainbow Dash, about the whole Big Mac thing."

Applejack's doubting brow was getting quite the workout. "Ah huh. What's wrong wit' Big Mac?"

"I don't think anything's wrong with him." Sugar smiled awkwardly. "But she wants to get pregnant, you know? Like mares do. But she isn't married to a stallion, and asked if maybe my husband could help her out."

"Um. Uh huh." Applejack stroked her chin, eyebrow still hiked up. "Okay, ah gotta give it to ya. That's a new one." She shook her head. "Mah brother? Ain't no way he'd say yes to that!"

Sugar laughed tensely. "Wait, she didn't talk to you about this?"

Applejack drew her hat down across her eyes. "It's soundin' more and more like ah need to be talkin' to her 'bout this." She turned away. "You have yerself a good day, sugar cube."

Sugar nodded as she stepped away. "If you're going to yell at Rainbow, come by my place and you can yell at me too. You know where I live." She trotted off, glancing back with some concern.

Applejack snorted softly at that, having a hard time imagining herself yelling at Sugar Belle for much of anything. "Rainbow Dash!" She bellowed out with more force than she usually mustered. "We gotta talk!"

Rainbow came flitting over the horizon, swinging around to land beside Applejack. "Yup! Talking's great!" She eyed Applejack. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Yer crazy," Applejack said simply, without any heat. She drew off her hat to slap Rainbow across the top of the head. "What's this ah hear 'bout you tryin' to get Big Mac, of all ponies, to give you foals? Yer crazy! Why ain't you at the hospital if yer that ready?"

Rainbow blinked, paralyzed a moment. "Hospital? AJ, I'm not sick. Why would I go to the hospital?"

Applejack tapped at Rainbow. "If ya ask nicely, they'd help a mare have a foal. Ah'd hope to be involved in that! We are, um, a thin' an' all... But still, ya go to the hospital and they help ya out. Now, throw out that Big Mac idea afore this gets more messy and let's head over there. Not like he's gonna wanna do what yer askin' noway."

Rainbow blushed at that, the color brightening her cheeks. "Um, yeah, uh, about that. I did already talk to him about it." She stood up straight. "With permission from his wife and all, who wants me to keep my bestie happy." She rubbed behind her head awkwardly. "We, uh, kinda... Look, um." She paced nervously in place. "We talked about this! You said if I got a foal, then we could get married. I did this for you, AJ."

Applejack shook her head as Rainbow explained herself. "You did, did ya? Yer own dang self convinced mah brother t' plant a foal in you, even made sure his own wife agreed?" She fell back on her haunches. "Part ah me wants to shout so loud right now. Other part's jus' plain impressed you managed to get this done. Yer a dang crazy mare!"

"Yes! You've been saying that forever." Rainbow sighed as she paced nervously in the field. "Now I need you to be true to your word! B-Big Mac did his thing, and my heat ended almost, snap, right then. I'm pretty sure it worked." She glanced back at her belly. "I will have that foal, and I want that foal to be our foal. Together..."

Applejack leaned to look back at Rainbow's flank, then hurriedly turned away. "Rainbow! Ah asked ya to be pregnant, but... But yer actin' like this is my fault, gettin' Big Mac, of all ponies, involved." She clopped a hoof to her cheek. "That foal'll be his too! You two are parents! I'd be raisin' mah niece or nephew!"

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Would it be better if I got one of those hospital foals?"

AJ crashed back, dizzy a moment. "N-No... No. Then ah'd have no blood at all 'tween me an' the foal." She scrambled to her hooves and moved in at Rainbow's side, peering at her belly and its promises. "Ya really went and did it." She reached out and placed a hoof gently there. "Ya know, if ya did, then ya gotta change a few things. Ya don't act like no expectin' mom in yer defaults."

Rainbow exhaled. "Yes! I said I'd change for you, so we'd be family, so you'd want to marry me, because I want to marry you. I even flew over there and did things with Big Mac to make you happy." She blushed faintly. "Felt good at the time, but I'm not into stallions that way." The contradiction seemed to make her fidget. "I'd rather spend my life with you, Applejack."

She sunk to a knee. "Will you marry me?"

Applejack blinked and covered her mouth in surprise. "I, I gotta say, that's real sweet. Like I didn't feel my heart already callin' ya special somepony, but hearing that took it another notch higher." She took a calming breath. "Ah'm right grateful to hear you really did try to cover all the bases. If you cheated wit' mah brother, don't think that'd be somethin' ah could ever forgive! But, ya didn't. Ya crazy thin' just wen' and did crazy things. Ah swear." She leaned in, brushing her nose along Rainbow's snout. "A deal's a deal. Ah said if ya got a foal, then we'd get married, and ah am a mare of mah word."

Rainbow threw herself around Applejack with a shrill squeak, trembling at those words. "Yes! Thank you!" She giggled with nerves, planting kisses everywhere on AJ.

Applejack patted Rainbow softly. The two crashed together and she drew Rainbow in closer, kissing lightly. The energy was too high, and Rainbow far too excited, and the kisses deepened into proper smooches.

The two embraced a long moment, warm and firm and comforting to the core. They soon relaxed together, sighing and soaking in each other's scent.

The warmth of their embrace sent a jolt of realization through Applejack. "Oh. Gotta tell ponies." Rainbow was gone, just like that. "Huh, figure she'll tell most ah Ponyville, knowin' her." She chuckled at the idea. "Or jus' Pinkie Pie and let her take care of it." She got to her hooves and went towards the house. "Ah can handle the Apple clan."

Back in Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie sat in thought. She had to consider Rainbow's words, carefully. "You have a foal coming. Congratulations, by the way, and also you and Applejack are getting married. Double congratulations! This doesn't call for a party though."

Rainbow sank with her jaw hanging. "What?! Of course it does! Pinkie, c'mon!"

"Nope." But she was smiling deviously. "It calls for two. We have to have a baby shower and a betrothal bash! We can try to moosh them together." She worked her hooves in the air as if compressing clay. "But they're still two things. Don't worry, I'm already on the case! You can go back to worrying about having a foal. Get well soon!" She bounced off. "I have some ideas!"

Rainbow lifted an eyebrow in a semi-arc. "Huh? Hm. Well, good!" She rubbed behind the back of her head and turned to go, just to thump into another pony.

Missus Cake stood in the way. "You're expecting?! Dear me. I know you too well to let you go rushing off if that's the case." She threw an arm around Rainbow, drawing her closer and also pinning her from fleeing. "There are things a future mother must know. They're things I wish somepony had told me before I went through it."

Rainbow turned about as Missus Cake gently pushed her in another direction. "W-Wait! Where am I going?"

"We have things to cover," the matronly Cake explained calmly. "Chores can wait. Come along." She nudged Rainbow into a back room and kicked the door shut behind them. "Have a seat. Now, inside you, a miracle is happening!" She paused. "Oh, you don't have to tell me, but who's the father?"

Rainbow blushed furiously as she looked away, sighing. "Big Mac." She swallowed dryly. "It was... a favor. For Applejack, for me, but you don't need to hear about it." She nodded as if making peace with this conversation. "We aren't getting married. Big Mac, that is. He's already married! Um, I did ask her first. No cheating!"

Mrs. Cake gave Rainbow a gentle squeeze. "Rainbow Dash, dear, you younger generation ponies sure have interesting ways to go about this. Still, there's a foal in there, maybe two." She laughed with the memory. "I was so surprised when I ended up with twins. The odds are low, so don't be expecting that. Still, I can say, once you have one out, the second really isn't so big of a deal."

Rainbow bobbed her head back and forth at the information. "Well, good! So I just, wait around, and..." Her voice died.

Mrs. Cake softened with a sigh. "Yes and no. Yes, you wait. But also, there are a few things you should do." She started tapping her hooves together. "The first thing is your diet. On the plus side, you're an athlete." Rainbow flexed at that. "Good. You know how to fuel your body. Focus on lots of proteins. That foal is made of it! Eat a well rounded and complete diet for two."

Rainbow frowned slightly, trying to look past Misses Cake to the door, which seemed to be just a little more tempting with every passing second. "Good! So, um, what's next?"

Misses Cake gently took hold of Rainbow's cheeks and turned Rainbow's head to face her directly. "Pay attention. Second, there are exercises you can do to help things along." She crouched in an odd way. "Ways to work out the right muscles in the right places to help that foal come right out of you when they're ready."

Rainbow hiked an eyebrow at the pose. "Huh. Right, exercises. Guess I do that every day anyways."

Mrs. Cake leered at Rainbow. "Exactly. Third thing. Activity! You don't really need to be told the first part, but don't be a coach potato. But also don't overstress yourself. That's the part I'm worried about. You have to step back from being a top tier athlete, for a little while. You're working for two, Rainbow. Let your body do its job."

Rainbow gave her a sharp nod, even though she didn't entirely understand what Mrs. Cake was saying. She slowly rose and brought Mrs. Cake into a gentle embrace. "So, no hard training until the foal comes out."

"Exactly!" She hugged back. "You understand. I'm not saying for you to laze around, just don't go all the way. That means don't strain. That includes the bedroom."

Rainbow blushed softly as she made a squeak. "Huh! Right." Her expression tightened at the subtle jab at Applejack. "Yeah, okay. Shoot, we, uh, aren't, um. Next?"

Missus Cake laughed gently. "I'm not prying into that. That's between the married couple. But one more thing. A lot of ponies whisper about it like it's some terrible thing, but it's not." She tapped Rainbow on the chest. "Look forward to it like the wonderful thing it is, and be open to embrace it, and the foal that comes with it. You're no wimp, Rainbow. I know you can handle this, and come out with a smile."

"The more ponies tell me I'm doing great, the better." She gave Mrs. Cake a grin. "And it's true! I'm no wimp! I can do this!"

Misses Cake watched Rainbow depart. "She'll be fine. I think."

Author's Note

That chapter was full of soft warm feels. Loved it. Applejack took that well, after she figured out what the heck actually happened.

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6 - Preperations

A gentle breeze blew by Applejack as she walked along. It had been weeks since her surprise chat with Rainbow about that whole foal business.

"AJ." She nearly jumped. She'd been too lost in her thoughts, too caught up in trying to figure out if she wanted a filly or colt. She turned about to see Granny Smith approaching quickly, at least for her.

"We gotta talk. This ain't somethin' small either. Ya'll wanna get married. Now that's just fine'n dandy." She lifted a hoof, pointing it accusingly at Applejack. "But marriage takes a lot o' work, especially fer farmers. We do things different 'round here, and a lot of those things won't seem fair ta y'all. An' ya gotta talk it through with Rainbow. Ah'm sure she ain't expectin' what ya need t' offer."

Applejack inclined her head with confusion. "Two ponies go stand in front of some officer, maybe we can get Mayor Mare? Awful romantic, gettin' married by the same pony what stood afore mah folks before." She smiled at the very idea of it. "What's so complicated 'bout that?"

Granny chortled. "Aw honey. Ya got such a lot to learn."

Applejack tossed her hat in the air. "Maybe ah'm missin' some pieces 'bout all this, but that's 'cause I haven't gotten hitched yet, so why don't you get to the explainin' then instead of just tossin' worry at me?"

Granny Smith reached to pat at her hip gently. "Well, ya know a farmer has t' pick her heir. Traditionally, the eldest son of the family. Well, not always traditional. It wasn't mah oldest, ya see, or even mah son. Ah ended up with the blasted orchard, and do ah look like any son to ya?!" She glared, as if challenging AJ to agree to that.

Applejack laughed at the idea. "Yer a mare, ah know that. We'll have to figure out if my foal or Big Mac's ends up with it, and ah don't think they bein' a colt or a filly will figure into it. Whichever of them loves the farm the most, and is devoted to it gets it."

"That ain't all," Granny warned. "Y'all can get married, sure, but not on your own accord." Applejack twitched. "Ya gotta convince me first." Granny put her hooves on her sides. "And Big Mac asked for his. Ain't heard not a word from you." She pointed a hoof accusatorily at Applejack.

Applejack breathed deep, unable to find her words. After several minutes she shook her head clear. "Ah... Really?!"

Granny bobbed her head. "Not one word."

AJ shrank miserably, realizing she really hadn't. "Shucks, ah'm real sorry. You already know Rainbow real good. It just skipped my mind that ah'd be talkin' 'bout it at all. Ah got excited! Sorry." She rubbed behind her head as she turned away. "Didn't mean nothin', honest. Granny, is it alright if ah—"

"'Course it is." Granny laughed, the tension suddenly defused. "She's a right fine pony, a little nuts sometimes, but which of us isn't?" Granny slapped a hoof at AJ's thigh and let out a boisterous laugh. "When do ya plan to ask?"

AJ inclined her head slowly. "Uh, the question's done been asked. She asked me, an' ah already said yes."

"And how many bits ya payin' fer the privilege?" Granny cocked an eye.

Applejack coughed with alarm. "B-bits?!" She waved a hoof. "Hold up!"

Granny tapped at Applejack's shoulders. "Ah'm playin' with ya. Wouldn't let her have you if she started offering to buy ya for no amount of bits." Applejack calmed down at that. "Still, it is customary to get the one join' the Apple clan a gift. A little somethin' to show they're welcome. Could be a flower bouquet. Could be a nice quilt. Just something that fits, to make her feel welcome." Granny tilted her head aside. "Got any plans? Should be doin' it soon. Even if it's not fancy, something simple's fine."

Applejack blinked rapidly as she thought. She lowered her hat back down, settling into some form of comfort with her headgear's touch. "Ah gotta do it soon. Any suggestions?" Granny just kept right on grinning. "Right, on me, as the Apple gettin' hitched." She grumbled softly, but her expression lifted just as fast. "Ah know! Somethin' any expectin' mother would 'ppreciate."

She sped away, aborting the conversation without a further word.

"Those youngsters are mighty impatient," Granny Smith muttered, watching AJ vanish into the distance. "But they always get it done, bless 'em."

Applejack thundered towards town. Along the way, she could hear Pinkie Pie calling out to everypony. Seemed that betrothal bash and foal shower was coming together nicely.

Applejack had things to do that weren't dancing or drinking.

She burst into the spa, making poor Aloe jump in surprise. "There ya are." Applejack stormed up to the mare. "Ah need a special package, but it's fer somepony else."

"Well, I guess so?" Aloe replied, confused by AJ's sudden arrival. She settled into her usual calm demeanor. "Of course, Applejack. Tell me what sort of treatments you want, and I can prepare them right away."

Applejack smiled. "Make it a pamperin'. But it's fer an expectin' mare, so ya gotta treat her gentle, but make her feel like the princess she is. Can ya do that?"

Aloe bowed with respect. "Of course. For one of my favorite customers, we'll ensure she receives the finest treatment."

Applejack fished around her person. Fetching her bag of bits, she littered the counter with a few. "Ah'll be sending Rainbow over here, and she'll be the one gettin' this."

Aloe swept the bits into her hooves and set them away with a slight smile. "If I may, what's the occasion?"

Applejack tipped her hat, still grinning broadly. "Our engagement."

Aloe clapped softly. "Oh, congratulations. This is a special day! We'll treat her extra special!"

Applejack headed outside and scanned the area, catching sight of Pinkie Pie. "Pinkie!" The mare's head swiveled around to look at Applejack as she raced over. "Tell Rainbow Dash she needs to hurry herself over to the spa immediately."

Pinkie saluted sharply and vanished off in the speed only she could manage at times, leaving behind a cloud form that finished the salute even as it vanished.

Applejack followed, but at her own pace. There was only one other detail she needed to address now, and that was with her brother.

Finding him was easy. He was out working in the apple fields with his new wife, taking a moment to nuzzle and flirt. "Oh, yer both here." She reared up on a fence near them. "Didn't figure you'd be here, but happy to see ya none the less, Sugar Belle." She paused. "No, ain't right. Sister. Happy to see ya, sis."

Sugar smiled and trotted up, bringing Applejack into a hug. "Congratulations! How are you holding up with the news, sis?"

Applejack brushed the brim of her hat. "Takin' it as it goes." She took a slow breath. "Still a little amazed you two went alon' with this. But here we are. Look." She rubbed one arm with the other hoof. "Ah'm super grateful. This is a big thin' you two did fer me. Not sure how ah could ever repay it."

Sugar smiled warmly. "Family. Always, sister."

Big Mac nodded with a smile. "Eeyup."

Applejack blushed brightly. "Thank you." She leaned and brought them both into a hug. "Now, ah'm gettin' to the details 'n all. Always thought 'bout it, but sure didn't expect to be no wife to the expectin' mother." She colored darker. "Reckoned ah'd be the one with a foal cookin' in her. But in fer a penny an' all. Gonna be the best wife ah can be!"

Sugar rubbed a hoof along Applejack's neck. "Good to hear. You better treat her right, you hear?"

Big Mac nodded firmly. "Eeyup."

Applejack coughed with embarrassment. "Ah'm takin' care of her today, treatin' her right." She stepped back, eyes on Sugar Belle. "How 'bout you? You two doin' alright?"

Sugar Belle had her turn coloring. "Well, actually, We're doing better than alright." She reached back to gently rub over her side. "I think Big Mac here was feeling his oats after his, uh, time with Rainbow. I have a little one on the way too. Not that anypony would know by looking at me, and certainly not this early."

Applejack was grinning so much it hurt her muzzle. "Now isn't that right nice!" She reached out to hug Sugar. The two mashed together joyfully. "Congratulations! Now this is right great news. Two new Apples. Maybe even three, all together like that? If that ain't a blessin', don't know what is. Now, yer my sister, so if ya need anythin' at'all, ya holler, and ah'll come rushin' over."

Sugar Belle trembled. "Thank you. This is a dream."

Applejack laughed softly. "Shoot. Hope it stays this pleasant."

Big Mac approached and rumbled deep in his throat. "Gotta give yerselves a chance, you two." He stepped aside, a hoof rising up. "Been meaning t' ask this anyway." He looked towards Sugard Belle. "Would you two join me in raising this child? I mean, not as its parents. That title belongs elsewhere." He rubbed along the top of his snout. "But we can all live under the same roof, teach our foals all about love and family."

Applejack looked right to Sugar Belle. "Now, see, Apples are Apples. Them all bein' raised together ain't so odd to me, but Sugar, ah thought you lived a bit far away. How are we gonna be raisin' foals all together-like if yer not here?"

"I've decided to move closer," Sugar Belle said simply.

Applejack cocked her head slowly. "Huh? Why for?"

"Closer to my husband and our new foal, and my sister-in-law." She let out a slow breath. "Worth giving up the store for." She dared a little smile. "Maybe I can make a new one here, but you already have Sugarcube Corner, so not sure that's a good idea."

Applejack hugged them both tight. "Shoot, that sounds fantastic. Bein' able to be part of all these new foal's lives. Raise 'em up like real Apples. Yee-haw!" She released them, considering Sugar's words. "Now, this ain't what you used to do, but consider talkin' to 'em? Maybe y'all could work together!"

Sugar beamed at AJ. "That'd be great! Maybe we can make treats, together, for all of the town."

"Speaking of treats!" Applejack declared. "Rainbow's s'posed t' be gettin' a mighty fine pamperin'. Ah should go check on her." She waved at the two of them. "I'll leave y'all to y'all then."

"Good luck, sis!" Sugar Belle called out with encouragement, then fell into her husband's embrace.

***

Applejack found Rainbow lying flat on her back in a mud bath, staring vacantly ahead. With a coy smile, she walked casually up alongside, just outside the bath. "Looks like we found the right thing."

Rainbow jumped in surprise, cracking open an eye to see who it was. "Oh, AJ! Look, why did you buy me this? You know I'm not a big spa pony. I don't do that 'girly girly' stuff. But you bought it, how was I gonna say no?"

"Yeah yeah." Applejack didn't look fooled a moment. "Suffer through it, fer me." She rubbed at Rainbow's belly, imagining the new life within it. "Yer a dan' silly pony, ya know that?"

"What, because I let myself be treated like some kind of Princess?" Rainbow shrugged weakly, barely managing to pull her body loose of the mud bath. "I'd do a lot of things for friends and family, and you're both now, so, tough luck. No spa day's gonna beat me!"

Applejack laughed softly. "This is all fer ya, sugarcube." She touched at Rainbow's side, nudging gently at that taut surface. "How do ya feel, with the foal 'n all?"

"Weird!" Rainbow leaned over, touching her nose to Applejack's. "Everything's a little off. I'm happy, don't get be wrong. Just feels like, hm. Like I'm a machine, and I'm used to sounding a way when I get humming, but now it sounds different. Not broken, but different. It's all busy, but doing something else."

Applejack lifted her brows at that. "Not the worst analogy I've heard, actually. Kinda sums it up real well. And kinda sweet to imagine that there." She leaned closer, pressing her nose into the side of Rainbow's muzzle. "My little Rainbow engine's busy making a new little pony for both of us to hug. Oh! Sugar Belle's moving into town, so she can raise her foal right wit' ours! Ain't that somethin'?"

"Really? I saw that one coming from a mile away." She winked playfully. "I already expected her to come stay on the farm."

Applejack stared at Rainbow blankly. "Why'd you think that? Who said anythin' 'bout movin' here?"

Rainbow patted Applejack's nose with a wing, chuckling. "Because that's what happens. Ponies meet, ponies get married, ponies have foals, ponies live together as a family. But, wait. Now? She's having a foal now?" Her brows fell as she smirked. "Big Mac got busy that fast? You have a real stud for a brother, just saying."

Applejack swatted Rainbow across the haunches with a hoof. "Hush up! Don't ya go startin' nothin' like that, not 'ere." She rubbed along her hat line where sweat had soaked in, clearing herself up. "But ya got the jist of it, right? We're gonna be one big Apple family." She clapped thinking about it. "Couldn't be happier right now. Now, you sit back, relax, and enjoy. Aloe and Lotus will be takin' right care of you."

"Forget them." Rainbow flashed a grin. "I scheduled some time with Bulk Biceps. He's the one with the strength to work out some kinks."

Author's Note

The whole family's preparing for the oncoming changes approaching them.

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7 - Mares Mares Mares

Later, Applejack settled down, brushing a hoof along Rainbow's hair. She sat close to the lounging chair, leaning against its legs with an awkward posture. "Kinda silly, but ah didn't think we'd be getting married like this."

"Yeah?" Rainbow curled her hooves to beckon. "Come on up. Cuddle me."

Applejack shifted over to sprawl half over her in the lounge. She hugged and nestled in closer. "Also, um." Applejack glanced away. "Havin' you in this state, thinkin' 'bout what's going on in you? Ah 'pologize if this bothers, but, um, it's kinda hot."

"Oh yeah." Rainbow stroked Applejack's neck and shoulders gently. "Me all laid up, helpless, your needy, desperate broodmare." She rolled over as she spoke, wrapping Applejack tighter in her embrace, licking across her neck slowly.

Applejack shivered at the affectionate touch. "Even afore that, jus' imaginin' you swelling up slowly with our future foal. It makes me purr."

Rainbow couldn't hold back her laughter. "Okay, yeah. That is weird, but kinda sweet. In a weird way." She leaned down to kiss Applejack's ears.

Applejack flicked those ears gently and nuzzled back at Rainbow. "We're both in this, together! Ah'm just feelin' extra together right now, ya know?"

Rainbow grinned. "Yes, I'm all yours! Together." She giggled to herself as Applejack held on tightly to her. "Mmh, together. Everything about our lives intertwined forever and ever."

Applejack nipped at Rainbow's snout. "Still, mah brother?! Ya daft mare." Not that this slowed her loving snuggles. "Ah love ya, even if yer a crazy dang fool. Yer mah crazy dang fool." She nuzzled in under Rainbow's chin, content to stay right there for the rest of the evening.

At least until Rainbow's hoof wandered down her belly. Applejack tensed. "I, uh..."

"Yes?" Rainbow's hoof traced along her thighs. "Too late. You told me your weakness, I'm totally taking advantage." She chuckled as she slid her hoof in, rubbing firmly right against Applejack's sex. "You said you thought it was hot. I'm just helping put out the flames, little apple mare."

Applejack nipped Rainbow's mane and groaned into her neck. She could smell Rainbow's scent rising and growing. Her hindlegs shuddered in reaction to that touch, making her tense and curl up even tighter against the source of that sensation. "N-not here! We're where too many ponies could come an' see! Wait fer home."

Rainbow laughed wickedly. "Fine. Let's go." She bounced onto all fours. "Time for phase two!"

Applejack cocked a brow. "Phase two?"

Rainbow pointed past Applejack into the house. "Upstairs, where we can close a door." She flexed her wings. "Better idea than cuddling out here." She kissed Applejack's lips, lingering on the edge of more before breaking off. "Sooner you're upstairs, sooner we can continue."

Applejack's mouth gaped open and closed. "But we gotta—" Her thought died as Rainbow headed up. "—Go." She glanced around, ensuring nopony else was present before following Rainbow inside. She skulked towards the stairs and peered up, finding Rainbow laying on her back upon a bed. She kicked the door shut behind her, giving them some privacy.

"You know." Rainbow flared her wings to either side, displaying for Applejack. "I was in the spa all day today. Been poked and prodded." She blushed darkly, tail kicking from side to side. "Now I come home for you to just keep it going. What a day."

Applejack huffed quietly at Rainbow Dash's antics, but joined her upon the bed nonetheless. "Aren't you enjoying being pampered? Getting your hooves, wings and all seen to?"

"Not that I'd ever admit."

"You just admitted it." Applejack kissed Rainbow's pouting lips. "An' thank you fer feelin' safe enough to trust me. Makes me feel so warm inside. It's wonderful that yer my mare. Ah wouldn't trade ya for the world."

Rainbow giggled, wings pulling back in slightly. She reached forwards with her hooves to press their chests together and to slip one hoof around between Applejack's thighs, gently brushing her farm mare as she gazed into Applejack's eyes. "And I'm glad that you're my mare."

Applejack bumped foreheads with Rainbow, sharing the embrace even as her thighs quivered with desire. "Yer beautiful," she whispered.

"Stop stalling." Rainbow thrust her hoof in deep, earning a cry out from Applejack as she suddenly drove pleasure through her, hooking against her flesh and pushing in until it made Applejack tremble. "Pampering or fucking, you're putting up with it like a good girl."

Applejack suddenly rolled over, pinning Rainbow to the mattress. "Don't you, mm, get no funny ideas!" She bucked her hip against Rainbow, still impaled on that hoof wetly. "Ya ain't the boss, 'round these here parts."

"Oh yeah?!" Rainbow pumped in deep again and felt Applejack tremble powerfully above her. "Try and stop me!"

Applejack curled over and groaned through gritting teeth. She squeezed tight, fighting her urges and desires for the sake of being obstinate. "What if ah like it, huh? Maybe yer the one doin' what ah want." She gave a cocky smile.

Rainbow just moved faster. "Who's obeying who now?"

"Keep that up and see what happens." Applejack grunted as she ground her hips down over Rainbow's hoof, soaking the limb while riding atop it.

"Ooh." Rainbow hooked her hoof, curling it against that inner softness. She tickled against especially sensitive flesh. "Look at the great, mighty, AJ." Rainbow bucked harder into Applejack. "Taking care of the foals and the family and everything!" She slipped her hoof free just to grab at Applejack's hips, dragging them up to position the earth mare above her face instead. "Raising strong Apples, right?"

Rainbow pushed up, kissing Applejack's lower lips with her own, then extended her tongue to lap teasingly along AJ's slit.

The slick friction brought a heavy blush to Applejack. "Ah am the great Applejack." She trembled, her facade breaking at the tongue lashing she was getting.

"Mare who's got a tongue stuck in her." Rainbow shoved her tongue right in, licking along the depths and feeling along the passage's sides with her firm appendage.

Applejack gripped Rainbow's mane tightly in her teeth, gasping heavily as she was serviced. The slow motions stirred up a whirlwind inside, sweeping her along and leaving nothing but that slick caress at the core. Her eyes were wide, but unseeing, everything a foggy haze beyond the mists.

Rainbow could feel the tension and went for the killing blow, nuzzling at Applejack's clit as her tongue thrust deep. "How does that feel?!"

"So, good..." Applejack's words dribbled out like drool, dripping onto Rainbow's face as she rested atop her upside-down lover. Her tension exploded with a loud yelp and a clench that locked Rainbow right in place until she finally released with a groan, flopping off to lay panting on the bed, drenched and satisfied.

Rainbow rubbed at Applejack's belly, wiping her hoof clean and caressing at the same time. "Look at this beauty."

Applejack mumbled incoherently, drifting into a stupor. She came to her senses moments later, shaking off the excess dampness. "Oh wow."

Rainbow giggled gently, pressing kisses along Applejack's neck. "What happens when two ponies in love get some space to be themselves, right?"

Applejack smirked faintly, relaxing beneath her fiance. "A whole lot of fun." She rubbed h7er nose to Rainbow's, laughing gently at how silly it sounded. "Lookit' you!" She flicked her tongue over Rainbow's nose. "Don't mean to ruin a good time, but we really should be considerin' the marriage. Settin' the date and such." She grabbed at her hat to fumble and worry at its edge.

Rainbow tossed her head back, mane rippling across her back. "Huh, yeah? When are you planning on that happening?"

Applejack focused on the hat. "As soon as possible. 'Fore our new foal comes t' join the family, if ya don't mind."

Rainbow bobbed her head, thinking on that. "That makes sense. Look, Big Mac and Sugar Belle are super involved. I vote they be the best ponies, if they're up for it.

"That'd be real nice." Applejack tilted her hat to get a look at Rainbow. "It'll be a special day no matter what, long as you're in it with me." Her grip tightened, drawing lines in Rainbow's sides. "Oh, you alright doin' it in front of mah parents' tree? Ah'd, um. Can't think of no better place. Ah'd want them to see."

Rainbow drew her hooves in close. "Of course I'm okay with that." Her wings wrapped around them both gently. "If you want me there, that's where I'll be." She looked down at Applejack, nuzzling close again.

The two snuggled quietly, at least until a knocking came at the door.

"It's Apple Bloom," the voice said outside. "Can I come in?"

"Nothin' to see, sugarcube!" Applejack cried out, falling quiet for a reply.

Apple Bloom spoke again, voice muffled by the door. "Ah wasn't comin' to see nothin'." The door opened, having not been told to avoid doing so. "Ah just." She paused, seeing the two cuddling. "Oh. Hey Rainbow."

"Hey kiddo." Rainbow waved with a laugh.

Applejack hopped free, blushing furiously. "What's so important, AB?" She stepped up beside her kin and peered out the door into the hall.

Apple Bloom blinked with surprise, glancing between the two. "Y'all know I knew 'bout this before ya ever started, right?" She snickered suddenly. "Ain't very subtle neither. Anywho! Filthy wanted to talk about 'when the Zap Apple Jam would be ready. Ah came to getcha."

Applejack rubbed her face with one hand, wiping down over her eyes. "How...?"

"Just go!" Apple Bloom shooed them out. "Talk to yer customer, ya bumpkin!" Laughing the whole way, she chased them down the stairs.

Rainbow landed at the base of the steps and looked about. "Where'd you want me while you take care of business?" She gestured to the main living room. "Hang out in here?"

"Aw, why not meet 'im proper? Ya met Filthy much?" Applejack paused long enough to wash herself off in a quick rinse to be presentable. "He's a nice stallion."

Rainbow nodded, pacing to fall in step at Applejack's side. "He seems like a nice guy. Why not?"

The two left the farmhouse. A couple of ponies lingered near the front of the orchards, waiting patiently. "Here she is!" Filthy Rich waved as he saw Applejack approaching, his wife next to him.

Spoiled Rich looked as offended at most things as she tended to do, looking down her nose at the two approaching her. "Isn't that Rainbow Dash? When did she start working here?"

"Spoil," Filthy murmured. "Please, this is important."

Applejack just huffed a quiet sigh and pushed onwards. "Howdy Mr. Rich! And to you too Missus Rich. Hope yer both havin' a right good day so far!"

Filthy offered his hoof out in greeting, and Applejack politely returned the gesture, as did Rainbow Dash after her. Spoiled kept her distance. Filthy cleared his throat. "Thanks, Applejack. I hope I didn't pull you away from anything important, but as I mentioned earlier, the harvest is coming up soon, and we're eager to be part of things. We know you're awful sensitive about letting any of the jam off the orchard, but we were hopin' for just a bottle or two, a special promotion of sorts!"

Rainbow scooted closer, listening to the discussion. While she was always willing to support Applejack, it seemed Filthy had an offer. "You seem nice, but AJ here is known to get pretty territorial about that sort of stuff."

AJ snorted softly with a smile. "It ain't just me. Apple tradition, but also a limit of the jam itself. It don't hold up fer long. Ya enjoy it, or it'll go bad on ya right quick. Never could find a way to store it."

Rainbow sighed softly, pressing her muzzle into Applejack's shoulder. "Then I guess he better come here often. Or send somepony responsible to collect the goods on the right day."

Filthy nodded towards Rainbow. "Exactly the idea! We'll send somepony around to collect it when you start harvesting and you just pass off a jar or two. We'll pay, of course. Quality goods get quality prices! That's a motto of mine." He winked conspiratorially.

Rainbow just nickered out a little laugh. "I'll leave you folks to discuss business." She leapt into the air and darted skywards.

Spoiled approached with Rainbow gone. "She isn't an Apple. Why were you alright with her here while you were talking business? Strange for you." She leveled a curious look at Applejack.

The earth mare glanced upwards where her mate had vanished off to. She turned back towards Spoiled. "Well, see." She coughed briefly. "We're engaged. So, technically, she is an Apple."

Filthy perked his ears. "Well I'll be! Congratulations!" He clapped heartily, extending his hooves in another round of happy greetings.

Spoiled simply narrowed her eyes. "That explains a lot. Don't let her make the farm soft, alright?" She groused, not even seeming to recognize what she'd said.

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Ah doubt she'll be causin' that. Look, Filthy. Ah think yer barkin' up the wrong tree, but if yer ready to pay for that jar even if ya never get to sell it, ah'll ask Granny to set one jar aside, jus' fer you. If ya don't sell it right quick, use it yourself."

"Deal." Filthy spat into his hoof and extended it out for Applejack. The earth mare repeated the process, smirking as she clasped hooves with Filthy for the pact.

Author's Note

These two deserved some time together, eh? Alas, business and sisters ruin things.

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8 - Party Time, Excellent!

Rainbow Dash took to the air in a slow circle around the farm, gliding lazily through the air. She looked down as she flew, keeping an eye out for anything of interest. She watched Applejack finish with Filthy Rich. She smiled warmly as Applejack retreated to other duties. Then, she spotted somepony else. A pony she recognized, walking through the farm.

"Hey, you!" She zipped down to land in front of Pinkie Pie. "What are you doing, roaming around here? You're not much on apple farming, last I checked."

"Nope." She leaned in, fluttering her lashes. "But I am big on parties, and you're due not one, but two. I just wanted to doublecheck on your schedule so I don't put it when you're busy doing stuff like getting married or getting-ready-for-foal stuff."

Rainbow snorted softly. "You're a nutty one, Pinkie. I don't have any big plans for the next week or so, that good enough?"

"Nope, but it's better than good! So, I'll keep checking in on you. I'll need to figure this party out. It's a big one. A big one!" She bounced into the air and came down facing away to pronk towards town. "Be ready! And tell Applejack!"

Rainbow shook her head and took off into the sky again. "That pony is so crazy sometimes." She scanned the farm below, then grinned and shot towards a blue spot near a red one.

Big Mac and Sugar Belle stood near each other, working the fields together. Big Mac could see the next batch of apples were going to be ripe in the upcoming days. He was already picking out the best trees and fruits, setting aside what needed to be harvested first and foremost.

"Hey there." Rainbow came for a landing next to Sugar Belle. "You two are looking nice and cozy."

The pair exchanged knowing smiles, then Sugar turned to greet Rainbow. "Hi there! Congratulations! The way you and Applejack are together is beautiful."

Rainbow laughed softly, scratching the ground. "Well, we kind of rushed into it."

Sugar waved that away. "The way I hear it, you two took plenty of time as 'just friends'. I heard some ponies started wondering if you were serious or not. Right?"

Rainbow bobbed her head slightly. "Yeah, some ponies wonder why we hadn't been dating the entire time. Some even thought we were already dating." She tossed her head slightly. "But we're serious now. With a foal on the way, partially thanks to you." She touched noses with Sugar. "And you." She nodded at Big Mac, still busy with the apples.

The big stallion just looked up and smiled slightly. "Eeyup. Y'all're welcome." He glanced between Rainbow and Sugar and then dropped his voice a little lower. "It ain't gonna be easy." He rubbed behind his head. "We all got foals on the way."

Rainbow blinked at that. "What?" She whirled on Sugar. "Seriously?!"

The mare blushed brightly and nodded. "Yes, I am. Not very far along, but yeah."

Rainbow stepped up and nuzzled under Sugar's neck. "Congratulations then! Another new filly or colt to play with ours." She clapped with building joys. "As your sister-in-law, you can count on me to be there if you need me."

"Right back at you." Sugar stick out her tongue mildly. "We'll be there for each other, and make it through this."

Big Mac took one more look at the orchards and then approached to stand near Sugar and Rainbow. "Y'all're both family. Yer both gonna be just fine."

Sugar Belle hugged Rainbow close. "Did anypony give you some basics about our, um, condition?"

Rainbow angled her head towards town. "Missus cake gave me a quick rundown of the basics. Why?"

Sugar colored faintly. "Mind sharing that with me? As you likely noticed, becoming a mother doesn't come with any instructions."

Rainbow twitched one ear, then nodded firmly. "Yeah. It's not much, but you should probably get it all the same. Here's the basics of it..."

***

Applejack trotted up to her room after finishing work. She found Rainbow Dash waiting for her, laying on the bed and looking up at the ceiling. "Howdy. Ya busy up there, or jus' hangin'?"

"Hangin'." She glanced over. "Did my weather work. Did some light exercise. Even got a good chat in with Sugar and Big Mac." She flopped over to her belly, watching Applejack. "Why does having a foal take so long?"

"Take so long?" Applejack mosied up with a smirk. "Ya barely even started." She tapped her partner on the nose. "Ain't even been a week, already lookin' fer the end. If that weren't so perfectly you, ah'd be wonderin'."

Rainbow snorted and patted her belly gently. "I'm impatient. I want to meet this pony!" She poked out her tongue. "And I'm also tired. My body is working hard!"

"Now that's true." She settled next to the bed and reached out a hoof to draw Rainbow closer. "And such hard work deserves some cuddles." She kissed Rainbow's ear softly. "An' some soft kisses."

Rainbow laughed warmly, leaning in for those kisses. "You are the best wife-to-be a pony could ask for!" She rubbed back gently against Applejack's touch. "Speaking of that, Pinkie just about has her party cannon ready. She'll be throwing us a bash in under a week. Be ready."

Applejack pressed into her, rubbing along the length of her lover. "If she's throwin' a party, ah'll be there with bells on. After all..." She kissed Rainbow's cheek slowly and sensually. "It's about you, an' that's a fine thin' to be celebratin'."

Rainbow half-pounced, tackling Applejack to the ground. "Sure is!" She buried her snout into Applejack's throat, nipping and hugging close to her. "Think all of Ponyville will show up, for, oh! Did you know Sugar and Big Mac are expecting? I wonder if their foal will be a twin of ours. Wouldn't that be something?"

Applejack laughed at the rambling Rainbow was getting herself into. "Slow down there. Yeah, ah knew 'bout Sugar's foal. Don't surprise me none. And, sure, maybe they will. Odds are 'gainst it, but that sure would be somethin' special. Twins with different moms, but the same pa." She clopped a hoof to one of her cheeks. "Knocks me silly just thinkin' 'bout it."

Rainbow leaned her head against Applejack's chest and snuggled into her warmly. "Love you, you silly filly." She kissed the underside of Applejack's chin, making her blush softly. "Now, you cheered me up, I want to do the same. How can I get a big happy smile out of my hardworking farmer mare?"

Applejack lifted a hoof and clacked it gently with one of Rainbow's own. "Ah'm already happy." She rubbed her hoof against the other's. "Yer happy. We're havin' a foal soon, which means a lot 'f stress, sure, but it'll be worth it." She nestled in warmly with Rainbow. "Couldn't ask fer too much more right now. How 'bout we get ready for Pinkie. She don't do things by halves."

Rainbow let her hoof drop into Applejack's own. She gripped the other's hoof and held it close. "Yeah. Pinkie's the best pony to celebrate with. We'll have to give her all we've got."

The party came in just a few days, with all of Ponyville called not for one, or even two things. Nope, it had become a triple bash! The ponies of honor were Big Mac, Sugar Belle, Rainbow, and Applejack. With two foals and a wedding approaching, the entire community was full of cheers and laughter. Everyone agreed it was a great time to have a party.

Pinkie Pie burst out from the top of a tower of balloons with a huge, exaggerated gasp. "It's party time!" She threw her arms around as many of them as she could capture, which ended up being the two moms-to-be. "With our two newest moms. Everypony's gathered to wish you both a great day and all the rest of them until the foals are in your arms."

Rainbow laughed and wrapped a hoof around Applejack, leaning against her. "Thanks everypony. You all rock. Now, let's get this party started!"

Applejack hugged Rainbow Dash back with a warm laugh. "Yeah! Time to party! Show 'em what they're here for!" She looked expectantly at Pinkie.

The earth mare bounced away to start the party going in earnest, leaving the expecting parents to chat with the many Ponyvillians and field their countless questions. It was only after several minutes of answering that the pair of them managed to escape the press.

Applejack sidled up to Big Mac as they got their chance to breathe. "How ya feelin', big brother?"

"Nope." Big Mac mimed zipping his lip, then walked away in silence.

Applejack snorted at that. "Wish ah had that excuse." She imagined trying to pull off that stoic routine a moment before she shook her head. "Ah'd never last."

"Hey," Rainbow Dash said, poking Applejack in the side. "We're the guests of honor, so you can have whatever you like." She gestured around to everything. "Food, drink, snacks, and games, or you could just sit and watch the whole thing go by. Me, gonna take a swing." She pointed to a bobbing doll ponies were slapping with a stick one by one. "I bet I'll break it." With a laugh, she trotted over to join the fun.

Applejack chuckled at the antics. "That's mah mare. She ain't 'bout to sit still." She glanced around, then headed over towards the food tables, sniffing for what she liked best. A pony came up alongside her. "Howdy."

"Hey." The elderly stallion sank to his haunches. "Jus' thought I'd give my well-wishes."

It was only then that Applejack recognized the pony. "Grand Pear! Don't see you too often. How ya doin'?"

He coughed gently into his hoof, then rubbed at his chest. "Not as young as I used to be, that's for sure." He laughed with a wheezing tone, then shook his head. "But that's just how it goes, right? I heard my grand-daughter was about to have a foal, came runnin'. Right pretty mare you're havin' it with, but, um." He glanced away. "How'd you pull that off?"

Applejack sputtered a bit at that. "Well, shoot." She rubbed behind her head, squirming with indecision. "She had help, from a stallion we both trusted fer the job."

Grand Pear sat still a moment before it clicked. "Oh. Oh!" He let out a laugh as it tumbled into place. "Well, if you're both happy, and we get a foal to love, that sounds great." He rolled his shoulders slowly. "This may be selfish of me, but, um. I'd like to be a part of their life. I didn't get to be in much of yours, still regret that. But, with your leave, that don't have to happen again."

Applejack nodded slowly, taking that in. "Ah think ah'd like that. Ah'm sure Rainbow would like that, even. An', shoot. Ah'd be honored to call y'all kin." She snorted at her own words. "Listen ta me. Yer already kin." She grabbed Grand Pear into a hug. "And if you wanna be a grandpa to mah foal, ain't gonna stop you. It'll be good fer both of ya."

He embraced Applejack, hugging her close. "You are a gift, Applejack." He stepped away with a soft smile. "I'm glad I got to talk with you today, but I should be going."

"What's the rush?" She got an arm around him, directing him towards where Rainbow was chatting with other ponies. "Meet my mare, enjoy the food. You're a part of this, ya daft stallion. No need to go runnin' off."

Applejack dragged him over, surprising Rainbow when she turned. "Applejack?" She looked to the stallion with confusion. "Grand Pear?"

Applejack introduced him. "Rainbow, this is Grand Pear. He's mah mom's dad. Ah know y'ain't seen him much, but that's somethin' we're both aimin' to fix."

Rainbow's eyes went wide with understanding. She waved gently with a small smile. "Good to see you, Grand Pear. Thanks for coming."

He chuckled warmly and returned the gesture. "Thanks fer invitin' me." He paused. "No, that was Pinkie, but thank you for welcoming me all the same."

Author's Note

Grand Pear couldn't pass up the chance to stop a cycle of hurt. He might have failed one generation, but maybe he can make up for it.

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9 - Tied Knots

Days passed as they prepared the wedding. There was much to get ready. Dresses and suits and flowers and catering all needed to be prepared, not to mention a venue had to be chosen. For all the talk of the Apple family tree, it just wouldn't fit the needs of so many ponies. For the vows, certainly, but they opted for the main orchard for the bulk of the before and after.

Applejack waved at the town. "Now, who we gonna have give the ceremony? Somethin' tickles me 'bout callin' fer Mayor Mare, just like mah parents had!" Then, she paused. "What would you say ta that? Mayor, fer the officiatin'?"

Rainbow shrugged from her position sprawled out on the bed. Her wings and mane drooped slightly. "Whoever you want, whatever you want."

AJ sped to her side. "Something' wrong? Yer lookin' harried. How's mah pretty, perfect mare?"

Rainbow Dash groaned softly and flopped over. "I feel off, and I feel heavy. My stomach hurts, too. It's like I can feel my body pulling energy away and using it to grow this baby."

Applejack let out a quiet oh. "Well, that's exactly what's goin' on, Ah'm afraid." She leaned in for soft nuzzles. "Want a hug? A cuddle? A roll in the hay?" She wiggled her eyebrows with the last one.

Rainbow giggled softly and nudged AJ. "You silly filly. Let me sleep."

Applejack smooched Rainbow's cheek. "Ah'll do that. Let this be the last question then. Are ya okay with Mayor Mare bein' the official?"

"Yep. Do that, please." Rainbow's eyes drifted shut. Sleep came swiftly upon the exhausted Pegasus.

Applejack settled on the floor next to the bed and watched her bride to be sleep. "A sight even when yer sprawled out." She let out a fond sigh and hopped back to her feet. Tired wife or not, she had work to do.

The day approached fast, with Applejack getting ready at a fast pace. The dress was beautiful and white, with pink flowers in the pattern, and she had her hat secured on top of her head, refusing to leave it behind, though a veil was draped from beneath, trailing down to conceal her from the sides and back, but doing nothing for the front. She took charge of arranging things, leaving Rainbow to focus on the life blossoming within her.

"You must be nervous," Applejack brought up over breakfast one morning, her eyes on Big Mac.

"Ayup?" He took another bite of the apple-chunked oatmeal before him.

"You have two moms of yer foals, gettin' ready for that big day, at the same time. Ah can't even 'magine bein' in yer hooves."

"Yep." He didn't sound bothered. In fact, he was smiling.

Applejack rolled her eyes, glancing towards the door where Rainbow was sleeping in late. She'd done so often the last couple days with how tired she was. "Kinda hopin' this phase don't last too long. Ain't like Rainbow to sleep in quite this much."

Sugar Belle took her role as a Best Lady seriously even before the wedding, with helping with the preparations, giving Rainbow tips on what to expect, and comforting Applejack as she fussed over her mare and future foal. She was already showing a small bump in her belly, but Rainbow wasn't far behind.

Ponies could hide their progress when they wanted to, but it was an effort. Not a great one, but more than nothing. Fortunately for Sugar, The Apples didn't mind if she just let it show, most happy to see it, and fawn over her when she came around.

She showed up with her belly on display, and Applejack greeted her with a hoof rub. "You look radiant." She leaned in, touching nose to nose with the pregnant baker. "They said it was a thin' with expectin' mares, and they weren't wrong none. Rainbow's showin' it too. She's startin' to feel better, but that glow she got, wow!"

Sugar smiled back at Applejack, leaning in to whisper softly, "Thanks AJ. I'm glad you're noticing that too."

Applejack gathered Sugar for a firm complete hug. "Now, let's get on with gettin' ready fer this here weddin'. Gotta be ready for the day, an' it's a comin' soon!"

The day approached faster and faster. Rainbow was getting excited about it, even through her exhaustion. "We're gonna be married, Applejack!" She threw a wing over Applejack. "Finally." She leaned in, pressing cheek to cheek. "All this work is worth it, for that."

The mare laughed warmly. "Ah know what ya mean. Ah think about it all the time. What's it gonna be like? Is it gonna be different? Will we act different? Ah can't wait." She danced in place, just considering it. "Oh! Are ya gonna take my name? Rainbow Apple? Rainbow Dash Apple?" She laughed, unable to even try to still her racing heart.

Rainbow laughed warmly. "We'll talk about that after we're married. Who knows? Maybe I'll be a new Apple! Or maybe not. But that doesn't matter as much to me as the promise we're making." She nosed against Applejack. "Besides, I'll be an Apple either way, name or not. To be honest, I think I'd feel odd if I wasn't Rainbow Dash. I do live up to that name. So, if anything, Apple after it would be better, but then I have this big name!"

"Maybe ya shoulda been Rainbow Bolt." Applejack winked. "Ah can't wait fer ya to be an Apple, no matter what ya do. Just glad yer mine, and gonna be fer a long while yet."

Rainbow snapped a sharp salute. "Hey, I was the element of loyalty for a reason. I'll be at your side for a nice long time. Minus when work calls me. Oh, shoulda seen the look on her face."

"Look on who's face?" Applejack chuckled gently. "Ya didn't go messin' up some poor pony, did ya?"

"Worse! Spitfire challenged me to a race, and I beat her again. The look on her face was priceless! She knows I'm expecting, and she was hoping for an easy win."

"Shoot, Rainbow. You shouldn't be doin' those sorts of stunts! Ya got a little foal growin' in there, no sense strainin' yerself. Ah don't want you hurtin', y'hear?" Her words ended as Rainbow kissed her full on the lips, pressing her back into a feathery hug.

"I have this." Rainbow licked Applejack's nose. "It was just a race, no stunts. I'm on break from the Wonderbolts until after the big day. So, there's no stunts, and I'll be safe."

Applejack rubbed their foreheads together gently. "Yer doin' all sorts 'a silly stuff." She nickered quietly. "But if ah wasn't ready for that, that's a bit on me fer not seein' it comin'." She took a slow and cleansing breath. "Alright, we're almost ready fer this thin'."

***

The day of the wedding came. The brides were both in flowing dresses, walking down the aisle with all of Ponyville, plus the Wonderbolts, plus a good portion of the Apples cheering them on from either side. Mayor Mare stood at the altar with the two Best Ponies, Big Mac and Sugar Belle. They were in front of the Apple Family tree, its branches laden with fruits for the occasion.

Applejack's heart raced. "This is it! Finally!" She couldn't stop her hooves from prancing.

Rainbow elbowed Applejack, other three legs carrying her forward at the proper rate. "Easy. Focus on moving with the music."

Applejack took a deep breath and tried to focus. Her hoofbeats slowed and evened out, matching Rainbow Dash's pace, and she let the rhythm carry her down the aisle to the altar.

They stood there as Mayor Mare announced what was happening. The crowd was silent as she did so. "Do you, Rainbow Dash, take Applejack as your lawfully wedded wife, to love, to hug, to adore and support in good days and poor for each of your days?"

Rainbow Dash nodded, speaking clearly, "I do." She grinned warmly at Applejack. "For each and every day."

Mayor turned to AJ. "Do you, Applejack, take Rainbow Dash as your lawfully wedded wife? To support, chase, and love for each of your days?"

Applejack, for her part, simply said, "Ah do." She grinned back at Rainbow. "An' that's a promise." Her heart hammered in her chest, but she kept her gaze locked with her mare's eyes.

Mayor Mare brought her spread hooves together. "Then, with honor and pleasure, I pronounce you two married." The crowd erupted into stomps on the ground, cheers, and clops of hooves together.

Big Mac and Sugar Belle both cheered as loudly as anypony there. Sugar Belle's yells may have come in a little slower, but her heart was just as much into it as anypony else's.

Applejack pointed, a few happy tears forcing their way free. "Now c'mon, everypony! The reception's back at the orchard, and ah bet ya got a mighty hunger after all that." She waved the crowd onwards and then galloped after them, laughing. She paused to look at her bride. "This is the start of the rest of our lives."

Rainbow Dash laughed back, eyes sparkling brightly. "About time!" She pounced Applejack, but not to the ground, instead grabbing tightly to hover in the air and hold her dressed wife as the two kissed in mid-air.

Applejack's tail swished rapidly. "This is gonna be a mighty fine day." She grinned warmly. "Now let's get this here part started. Ah know a bunch of ponies waitin' to party with us."

"Right." Rainbow released Applejack to the ground before landing herself, the two trotting side by side to the orchard.

"Huh." A stallion smirked with a chuckle as he regarded Rainbow at the party. "Guess you finally crashed into something you couldn't just stand up from."

Rainbow looked up with a frown, recognizing the pony after a moment. "Wow, it's been ages! When did you get in town?"

The stallion swatted at her shoulder. "As if I'd miss your big day. Congratulations."

The two laughed and caught up, which they hadn't since flight school so many years prior. He was a childhood friend of hers, one she had lost touch with after she'd left school and gone on her own ways.

Applejack's friends were all known to her, either Ponyvillians, Apples, or Wonderbolts, and she knew all of those. She nodded to each as they came up with their fond words, and she had a word or two to give back. Big Mac was among them, his congratulations firm and warm. "Eeyup!"

"Thank ya kindly, Big Mac!" Applejack laughed and hugged him back. "Now ah know how ya felt on yer big day. Glad you an' Sugar are here."

Big Mac simply ruffled Applejack's hair with a hoof, smiling brightly. "Yep!"

Sugar Belle approached slowly and wrapped them both in a hug. "Thank you. For having me here." She kissed either's cheek. "This is quite the party you've lined up here. Did Pin—"

As if hearing her name start to be said, Pinkie was there, smiling at them all. "Having fun?"

Big Mac just nodded, but Applejack smiled. "We're mighty glad that you're havin' a good time too, Sugarcube. And Pinkie, thank you kindly fer puttin' this all together."

Pinkie waved it off. "Much as I'd love to take credit, you did at least half of the putting, AJ. You could not be stopped." She bounced once in place. "Glad I could help though!"

Sugar Belle laughed softly. "I'm glad I could help with things too. Even if my help was only being the maid of honor to the bride."

Pinkie wiggled in excitement. "It's your day! She waved towards the thicker parts of the reception. "Don't be a stranger. Everypony's here for you and Rainbow."

Applejack nodded, stepping away with a smile and trotting to rejoin the crowd. A number of them greeted her with smiles and congratulations. "Hey," she said as she approached the table. It promised to be a long evening, but a good one, she reckoned.

Author's Note

That knot is formally tied. Which name do you think Rainbow should go with, or keep the one she has?

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