Seeing Applejack hurt. It hurt a lot. The cyan Pegasus tried with all of her might to stay brave and not let her remaining love for the orange farmer ruin the ‘fixed’ bond they had currently. But nobody had told Rainbow that heartbreak could feel so strong.
How long had it been now? Six months since they broke up? She felt like she couldn’t even look at another mare without her mind drifting back to Applejack. She needed to see her again. Tell her she missed her. Anything for Applejack to give her another chance.
Without thinking; the cyan Pegasus dashed out of The Cloudominium’s front door as fast as her wings could take her, the iconic rainbow trail following after her.
It didn’t take Rainbow Dash long until she reached Sweet Apple Acres, hoping to spot the orange earth pony. “You can do this, Rainbow.. just tell her you miss her..”
Her magenta eyes scanned the farm before spotting her former girlfriend bucking an apple tree, the apples falling into an empty basket, the orange earth pony wiping the sweat away from her forehead. “Wow..”
Rainbow Dash took a deep breath before slowly approaching the earth pony, until she heard a new voice coming from the distance.
“Applejack!”
Within an instant; Rainbow Dash stood completely still when she saw the orange earth pony cease her apple farming and run towards something she had never seen before in all of her adventures.
The orange mane, the red horn, the cloven hooves running and her golden eyes glistening with joy as she and Applejack ran towards each other, wrapping each other in a hug.
“I’ve missed you, Applejack!” The newcomer said as she smiled at the apple farmer. “Missed ya too, Sugarcube!” Applejack said as she playfully nuzzled her associate.
‘Calm down, Rainbow..’ Rainbow Dash thought to herself, trying to remain positive. ‘They are probably just friends. Applejack calls everybody ‘Sugarcube’.. it’s probably nothing..’
“Ah can’t believe it.. mah familiar get to meetcha today! They will be surprised to see a Kirin in their home.”
A Kirin? What was a Kirin?
“I look forward to it, Applejack. I just hope they accept me.” The Kirin turned to Applejack and nuzzles her cheek affectionately.
“Autumn Blaze, you are a real treat. Ah sure hope mah familiar accepts ya as mah new girlfriend!” Applejack smiled lovingly at Autumn Blaze, kissing the Kirin’s cheek. “They’ll love ya!”
Girlfriend… girlfriend… That word raced through Rainbow Dash’s mind like an angry colony of flash bees.
“Wh-what…?” The pain started to settle in, her magenta eyes unable to look away from the couple as they walked into the farmhouse, somewhere Rainbow Dash had once been.
How could she? While Rainbow Dash was mourning the termination of their relationship, Applejack was nuzzling and loving her brand new girlfriend. It wasn’t fair.
The cyan Pegasus no longer felt the point of being here, when the mare she loved was with another. The tears trickle down her cheeks before landing onto the ground beneath her. Before the prismatic maned pegasus could dash back to her safe haven, she was met by a pink unicorn. Big MacIntosh’s wife: Sugar Belle.
“Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here? It’s been a while.” The unicorn smiled cheerfully before that bright smile instantly faded as she saw the tears running down Rainbow Dash’s face. “Oh… Rainbow, you-“
“Yeah.. I saw.. She’s with someone else.” Rainbow Dash said to the worried unicorn. “I’m too late..”
Sugar Belle sighed sadly, knowing how much Applejack had once and still meant to the cyan Pegasus. “I’m so sorry, Rainbow Dash..”
Rainbow Dash felt like she could hardly breathe, the cyan Pegasus taking a seat on a haybale, wiping her tears away from any prying eyes. “How long..?”
“How long what?” Sugar Belle said as she sat next to the distraught Pegasus. “How long have they been dating?”
Rainbow Dash couldn’t speak when the word ‘dating’ left Sugar Belle’s lips before she gave a nod.
“For a couple weeks now.. Rainbow, I know you’re hurt but-“ Sugar Belle couldn’t find the right words or any answer to soothe the Pegasus. “If she could move on, why can’t you?”
“I love her…” Rainbow Dash sniffled, trying her hardest not to choke on her tears, still facing the pink unicorn beside her. “I.. I don’t think I’ll ever move on from her..”
Sugar Belle gave a sad smile, her eyes never once leaving Rainbow Dash. “Do you want a hug?”
“No… I actually need one..” That statement alone made the pink unicorn wrap her forelegs around the cyan Pegasus who returned the favour, crying into her pink fur. “Shhh.. it’s okay to cry.. it hurts, I know..” Sugar Belle said, trying her hardest to soothe the heartbroken Pegasus, carefully rubbing her back. “You’ll be okay.. it just takes time..”
“I know someone who is in a similar situation. Do you remember Night Glider?”
The mention of the fellow speedy Pegasus mare made Rainbow Dash pull back slightly, looking at the pink unicorn, still devastated but with a hint of curiosity. “Night Glider lost someone she loved too?”
“Mhmm.” Sugar Belle nodded her head gently. “She used to date Party Favor until they broke up not too long ago. She still sometimes writes to me about her remaining feelings.”
“But.. what does this have to do with me?” Rainbow Dash questioned, the pink unicorn giving her a gentle smile. “I think you and Night Glider could find some common ground. She knows how it feels and maybe you’re the pony she needs right now. When you and your friends left Our Town after Starlight’s defeat, she spoke highly of you and your loyalty. If any creature could make her feel better, it’s you, Rainbow Dash.”
“I… I..” Rainbow Dash stuttered, trying to muster out any words. “Maybe.. does she like The Wonderbolts, Daring Do?”
“Oh she loves The Wonderbolts! She said her cousin, Fleetfoot is one of the top fliers.”
“Fleetfoot is her cousin?! Lucky! That’s so cool!” Rainbow Dash was so surprised. Fleetfoot did mention something about having a cousin being a fan of her. Now it made a bit of sense. “Wow.. I’ll definitely drop in to see Night Glider, I feel bad for not getting to know her better.”
Sugar Belle giggled lightly, the gentle smile never once leaving her face. Big Mac really chose the perfect mare for his life. “I think she’ll be happy to see you again. Do you feel a bit better?”
Rainbow Dash gave a sad smile, nodding gently. “Yeah.. it still hurts a ton but.. maybe talking to somepony who is also going through this will help. I’ll probably ask Starlight to take me there tomorrow..”
“No no, I’ll take you there! I need to see how my old shop is doing and if my wacky cousin is taking care of it. I’ll come with you and then you can go and see Night Glider, okay?”
“Yeah.. Thanks, Sugar Belle! Big Mac is so lucky to have you in his life..” Rainbow Dash smiled, gaining more respect for the pink unicorn then she did prior.
“Anytime, Rainbow. You’ll be okay.. it takes time..”
“I should probably get outta your hair. Applejack probably wants ya to meet… her..” A small hint of jealousy laced Rainbow Dash’s voice.
“Will you be okay?” Sugar Belle questioned, reluctant to leave the Pegasus alone. “Yeah, I’ll be okay.. in time..”
“Take as long as you need, Rainbow Dash.” Said Sugar Belle as she got up from the haybale. “If you need anything, just drop by Sugarcube Corner. I’m normally there with Mrs Cake.”
“Yeah, I will for sure..” Rainbow Dash said before she too got off from the haybale and prepares herself to fly up into the clear blue sky. “Thanks again, Sugar Belle. I’ll see ya.”
Sugar Belle nodded, waving to Rainbow Dash as she took off into the sky. “I’ll see you soon! Take care of yourself today!”
Rainbow Dash, despite the pain still lingering, smiled softly as she dashed back the way she had once come. “Tomorrow is gonna be awesome!”
A Dash of Sugar and Spice
The glowing sun rose over the horizon and shined down onto the small village. Rainbow Dash gave a low groan as she was stirred awake by the celestial glow shining in through the window, landing onto the cyan Pegasus’ opening eyes.
“Unngh..” Rainbow Dash groaned as her magenta eyes dart around the cloud built room before landing on the seeping tortoise in his bed. The sun never once bothering Tank thanks to his shell.
It didn’t take long until a shrill voice snapped both Rainbow Dash and Tank from their respected fatigue, the cyan Pegasus giving a quick jump at the surprise as Tank poked his head out of the entrance of his shell.
“Morning, Tank..” Rainbow turned to the sleepy tortoise, rubbing her eyes with her hooves. Tank gave a tired smile to Rainbow Dash in response alongside a yawn.
“What in Celestia’s name is going on out there?” Rainbow grumbled as she peaked out of the window, spotting Pinkie Pie talking Applejack’s ear off about Autumn Blaze.
“I’m so happy for you! This is the best news since Rarity started dating Maud! Beauty of The Rock explains everything about their love story!” Pinkie squealed happily, Applejack giving an awkward smile.
“Beauty of The what-now?” Applejack asked the bouncing pink pony before her.
“Ohhh never mind!” Pinkie giggled at Applejack’s confusion. The orange earth pony rolling her eyes before smiling softly at the pink mare. “Anywaaaaay… You and Autumn Blaze are gonna be Equestria’s top couple! You’ll get married, have a family, life together for the end of your lives an-“
Pinkie’s rambling was interrupted by the orange earth mare, who just have a chuckle. “Now now, Pinkie Pie. We haven’t been datin’ that long. ‘Sides, it’s a.. commitment that Ah’m not ready for just yet. Don’t worry, you’ll see plenty of Autumn Blaze and trust me, you will adore her!”
“Ohhh she sounds amazing! Like cheese sandwiches amazingly amazing! I can’t wait to meet her! Does Fluttershy know?” Pinkie’s question was answered by a shake of Applejack’s head. “Nuh uh. You’re the only one that knows about it so far. Ah might not tell Rainbow Dash since… well..”
“Oh don’t worry, Dashie will understand. You and her broke up ages ago.” Pinkie reminded, comforting the orange pony. “You should introduce us all to your new girlfriend, it’s only right that we meet the Kirin that makes you smile!”
“Ah guess so, yeah.. but.. Ah’m just worried it’ll y’know.. upset Rainbow..” Applejack sighed gently before spotting the cyan Pegasus peaking out of the window.
“Oh uhh.. hey, Rainbow..” Applejack awkwardly turned away from Rainbow Dash, who just grumbled. “Yeah hey.” Rainbow grouched as she left her residence and landed before Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “Hey Pinkie.”
“Hi Dashie, what are you doing here? Oh yeah, your house is here! Duh! Sorry if we woke you up, Applejack was telling me about her new-“ Pinkie’s rapid-fire speaking was paused by Applejack’s hoof. “Mah new.. uhh… barrel?”
“Barrel..?” Rainbow Dash gave a funny look to Applejack, her eyebrow raised as if she didn’t believe her former girlfriend.
“Yeeeahh.. barrel..”
The atmosphere in the air was thick as anything. Awkward and uncomfortable for the ponies minus Pinkie Pie.
“Yeah well, I got stuff to do today. I’m gonna see Night Glider!” Rainbow Dash bragged, folding her hooves, thinking this could make the orange pony jealous.
“Night Glider? The Pegasus from Starlight’s old village?” Applejack cocked her eyebrow at the cyan Pegasus before her.
“Yeah! She’s Fleetfoot’s cousin and if Fleetfoot is awesome, then so is Night Glider!” Rainbow Dash grinned, expecting any sort of jealous induced reaction from Applejack. “Just me, Glider and Derring Do books!”
“Glider? Well uhh.. have fun, Rainbow?” Applejack’s voice gave a slight hint of awkward. Celestia Dammit,
“Well, don’t wanna be too late, I bet Glider is just over the moon to see that I’m pretty much best friends with her awesome wonderbolt cousin!”
“Ah’ve nev- y’know what? Whatever, just do it. Ah got stuff to do today anyhoo. Even gonna see to Twi about somethin’..”
“Yeah, yeah! You’re gonna tell her about your new-“ Pinkie Pie was interrupted once again by Applejack’s orange hoof.
“New pie recipe! Yeahh… recipe..” Applejack gave an annoyed glance to Pinkie Pie who just returned a sheepish smile.
“Ehhh.. right..” Rainbow Dash said as she rolled her eyes. “Later!” The cyan Pegasus bid her farewell as she took off into the sky, towards Sweet Apple Acres to meet Sugar Belle.
“Hope she hasn’t forgot. She did say she would come with me..”
It didn’t take long for the Pegasus to reach the apple farm; seeing the familiar sight of Big Mac packing up crates of apple cider for the upcoming Cider Season.
“Night Glider should definitely try the Cider here, the Apples always make the best!” Rainbow praised as she landed on the ground beside Big Mac.
“Heya, Big Mac, Is Sugar Belle around?”
“Eeyup.” The hard at work earth stallion confirmed as he pointed towards the farmhouse.
“Cool, thanks.” Rainbow nodded, Big Mac returned the favour before focusing on his work.
The cyan Pegasus approached the door before knocking and listening in, seeing if she could hear anybody inside.
“Sugar Belle, you in there?” Rainbow Dash called, her ear twitching as she listened closely.
“One second, Rainbow Dash!” Sugar Belle called from the kitchen. “Sugar, remember what Applejack said, we can’t tell her..” the familiar voice of Apple Bloom reminded the unicorn.
Must be about Autumn Blaze.
“She’ll have to learn sooner or later, youngen!” Granny Smith told the young earth filly. “Applejack can’t be doin’ this to somepony she considers close!”
“Ah know but.. Ah’m worried about if we tell her, she’ll be all sad..” Apple Bloom said with a tinge of sadness in her voice. “It’ll break her heart..”
Sugar Belle and Rainbow Dash all that was true, she could still feel the pain in her chest.
“Ah know Applejack doesn’t wanna hurt the poor mare but she can’t keep ‘er in the dark.” Granny Smith sighed, her voice too laced with concern. “If Rainbow Dash still holds a candle for Applejack, ah understand it’ll hurt her but she can’t hold onto these emotions forever.”
It was true. Even though Applejack and Rainbow Dash were no longer seeing each other, it still hurt knowing Applejack found love with another.
“I’m going to take Rainbow Dash out for today. I’m sure if she finds common ground with Night Glider, she’ll be okay. I understand Applejack’s reluctance to tell her but I do agree she needs to be honest with Rainbow Dash. I’ll be back soon.”
As Rainbow heard Sugar Belle approaching the door, she stood a few inches back so she wouldn’t be caught eavesdropping.
The unicorn mare opened the door, smiling at the still lovelorn Pegasus. “Sorry for taking a bit, Rainbow Dash. Just had some things to sort out first.”
“Don’t worry about it, Sugar Belle. I’ve been looking forward to our trip today! Will ya tell me a bit more about her on the way?”
“Of course! Let’s get going.” Sugar Belle said as she exited the door and waved to Apple Bloom and Granny Smith who returned the favour. Once the door was closed, she gave a lovey dovey smile and wave to Big Mac.
“See you soon, Big Mac!” The unicorn giggled when she saw the familiar blush return to Big Mac’s face. “Eeyup!”
The two mares ventured down the pathway and down the hill towards Ponyville.
“Hey, isn’t that Rarity over there?” Sugar Belle pointed towards the familiar white unicorn and a gray earth pony at the local café.
“Yeah, she’s on a date with her fiancé. Can’t believe they’re finally tying the knot..”
Rainbow Dash still couldn’t believe Rarity and Maud were together and engaged to be married.
“So.. tell me a bit about Night Glider on the way, yeah?”
“Sure!” Sugar Belle smiles brightly as the two mares approach the distant train station.
