The Only Thing Better Than Flying

Chapters

Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22: Part 1
Chapter 22: Part 2
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 1
Chapter 8
Epilogue and Afterword

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Rainbow Dash awoke in her cloud home early in the morning feeling refreshed and a lot more cheerful than she usually felt when she woke up so early. She smiled at the fond memories she had of the previous night. She stretched and yawned lightly before slowly getting out of her bed. She smiled down at her pet tortoise Tank, got out of bed and walked over to him. She patted his head lightly a few times to wake him up. Tank, being a tortoise and slow by nature, opened his eyes slowly and lazily looked up at her. He gradually got up out of his bed, the whole process taking about twenty seconds. The pegasus smiled in adoration for her pet. She really had grown to love him since she had taken him in after he had proven himself to be loyal and caring, much like herself. She grabbed the reptile chow from her dresser and poured some in his little bowl.

"Morning, Tank." She said happily. He looked back at her for a moment while walking to his bowl, as if to say, "Good morning, Rainbow Dash." She giggled lightly and patted his head again before going to her bathroom to get ready for work that day. She stopped in her tracks as her stomach felt like it sunk down. She scowled as she grabbed a water-filled cloud from inside her shower and punched it a few times, coaxing the water out for a shower. The one thing Rainbow had regretted leaving weather patrol to go see Applejack at her get-together was the scowls and angry looks she would be receiving from her fellow weather patrol members, as well as the verbal abuse she was sure to receive from her boss.

She washed herself off, sighing occasionally, until she was clean and prepared to go to work. She brushed her teeth and gargled water noisily before spitting it down the drain. After her breakfast of hay oats and apple juice (The applejuice bringing a smile to her face.) she patted Tank on the head and left for another day of weather patrol, certain this day was going to be more miserable than most.

She flied through the sky in a relatively straight path, strangely absent of her usual flips, loops and tricks. Her thoughts drifted to the overtime she would most likely have to do for leaving. Then, her thoughts drifted to the actual reason she left. The actual reason she was willing to miss work and possibly get fired. Applejack.

Her beautiful face, adorned with adorable freckles, her mesmerizing bright green eyes and the loving way she looked at Rainbow Dash with those eyes the previous night after they had made love. Rainbow smiled widely as she did a horizontal spin and began to plummet toward the ground. After a long fall, she pulled up and did a gigantic loop in the air, letting out a happy shout as she flew at full speed toward the weather patrol meeting center, where her boss would undoubtedly be waiting for her. But she no longer was apprehensive of what would happen when her boss saw her. With Applejack on her mind, she felt like she could do anything, overcome any obstacle. She touched down in front of her boss' office and laid her eyes upon Cloud Kicker, her co-worker, who winked at her. Now slightly confused, Rainbow ambled toward the office door.

She opened it and walked in with her head held high and a serious look on her face. Her boss, Rolling Storm, was writing something down on a sheet of paper. He looked at her and frowned. This was not the disappointed, angry frown she had expected, however. This frown seemed to be one of sympathy. Rainbow raised an eyebrow at him. He didn't say a word to her, obviously waiting for her to speak first. Rainbow cleared her throat.

"Hey there, Mr. Storm...About skipping out on weather patrol last night..." Her boss raised a hoof and closed his eyes. Rainbow cringed slightly. This was not good. Her boss was known to have a temper.

"Say no more, Rainbow Dash. I'm not angry that you left." He said. Rainbow's eyes widened slightly as her head tilted slightly.

"Huh?" Was all she offered as a reply.

"I'm so sorry about your tortoise. Is he okay?" He said to her.

"Uh...He's...doing better now..." Rainbow said, still thoroughly confused, but now working to hide it from the stallion.

"That's amazing! I've never heard of a tortoise recovering that quickly from a broken shell." He said. "I'm very happy for you." Rainbow, now knowing enough to go along with the story smiled at him.

"Oh, well, it wasn't nearly as bad as it looked. He can still walk around and stuff. It was just a little fracture. But I'm here now, Mr. Storm, and ready to work!" She smiled at him. He shook his head.

"Oh, no, Rainbow Dash. I know how hard it is to nearly lose a pet. Take the day off and care for him."

"But sir, my day off is tomorrow..." Rainbow said.

"I'll give you half wages for today, how about that? It's a clear day anyway, you wouldn't really be doing anything if you stayed." He responded, looking down at his checklist. Rainbow, extremely happy at this new development, nodded.

"Okay, Mr. Storm. Thanks!" She ambled out of the office happily before stopping in her tracks. Someone had covered for her and lied to her boss. Her coworkers didn't seem to be angry at her either, so she assumed that whatever had been told had spreaded to them as well. She looked around to see any indication of who could possibly have told the story. Then, she saw Cloud Kicker again, she was smiling widely at Rainbow. Rainbow raised an eyebrow and walked over to her.

"It was you?" Rainbow said to Cloud Kicker. "You did it?" She nodded. "But why?"

"I saw you leaving, and since you never leave weather patrol, I figured you had a good reason. So, I made one up and told the boss. Plus we're cool, so that didn't make it any harder." Rainbow smiled and patted Cloud Kicker on the shoulder.

"Thanks a lot, Cloud Kicker. I owe you one." Rainbow smiled again and flew away from weather patrol, deciding to go spend a day in Ponyville to scope out possible places for her and Applejack to go on their date. She touched down in the market and looked around, searching for any ideas of what they could do. They could possibly get dinner at an eatery around Ponyville such as Sugarcube Corner or Cafe du Mane, then parhaps see a movie or sightsee. As she was contemplating what to do, she heard a familiar voice from behind her call her name.

"Rainbow Dash!" Rainbow turned to see her friend Twilight Sparkle ambling toward her.

"Oh, hey, Twilight. What's up?" She said with a smile.

"I was actually going over to your house." Twilight responded.

"What for?"

"I have a proposition for you."

"Okay. I'm listening."

"Well, it has to do with Applejack." Twilight said.

_____

Three Hours Earlier

The morning shot sunlight into the room of one sleeping Applejack. The sunlight causing the mare to stir slightly in her bed as her eyes drifted open. She slowly got out of bed and walked into her bathroom. She turned on the water and looked at herself in the mirror as she waited for the water to get hot. She looked very well-rested and smiled as she remembered the previous night with Rainbow Dash. Their dance, the tender kiss they shared and the passion that followed. The smile never left her face as she entered the shower and washed herself.

Applejack finished her shower, brushed her teeth and donned her stetson before going down the stairs to be greeted by her brother. He nodded at her.

"Mornin'." He said simply.

"Mornin', Big Mac. Sleep well?" Applejack asked her brother. He nodded.

"As well as Ah could on that 'ol bed of mine." Applejack snickered.

"Well, then, you ready to sort the apples?" She said.

"Actually, while you were walkin' Rainbow home last night, Granny said we could take today off if we wanted to, seein' as how the celebration was last night and it's a special occasion and all." Applejack nodded as they both sat in silence for about a minute before she spoke up again.

"You ain't takin' the day off, are ya?"

"Nope."

"Ah suppose Ah won't either." Applejack replied. "Let's eat up and get to it." Big Mac nodded and went into the kitchen and got out a plate of leftover pasta from the night before. They both ate some and went to the barn and began sorting apples. The work wasn't arduous, so much as tedious, as sorting the vast quantities of apples housed in the barn took a lot of time. Applejack huffed as she adjusted her stetson, raising an eyebrow at her brother.

"Ah think Ah would've preferred to take the day off..." Applejack said.

"You can still go back into the house if ya want to, sis." Big Mac said. "Wouldn't bother me none." Applejack smirked.

"What, and leave you here to do all the work by yourself? You'd be hopeless without me." Applejack said, obviously joking around with her brother. Her brother looked at her sadly, with his ears splayed back.

"Ah think Ah can handle myself just fine sis..." He said, his lip slightly trembling. He looked down sadly. "It hurts that you don't think so..." Applejack felt an immediate pang of guilt at hurting her brother's feelings.

"Oh, Big Mac...Ah didn't mean to call you stupid or anything...Ah was just jokin' around." He looked up at her and immediately smiled and winked, dropping the act that had fooled his sister so easily. Applejack frowned and threw an apple at him, which he dodged with a chuckle. They continued to sort the apples, seperating the bruised from the perfect, the fresh from the rotten, all to be sold at a later time in the market.

The task continued for hours, though neither Applejack nor Big Mac seemed to mind. They were perfectly happy doing what they were doing at the moment. After they had finished, Big Mac looked at his sister as they walked back to their farmhouse.

"You took an awful long time walkin' Miss Dash back to her house. What were y'all doin'?" He asked. Applejack gulped silently and struggled with the lie she suddenly had to tell her brother.

"W-well, uh...Ah, uh...We just talked a lot..." Applejack said nervously.

"It's none of my business, anyways." He said, looking forward again. Applejack nearly sighed out loud with relief. Just before they reached the front door of the house, Applejack noticed Twilight Sparkle ambling down the path toward her, followed by Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. She then noticed Rainbow Dash flying up to her as well. She smiled at the sight of her recent lover. Rainbow noticed this and smiled right back.

"Hey Applejack..." Twilight said, snapping the farm mare back to the situation.

"Hey there, Twi. What're y'all up to?" She looked over to her brother, who was already halfway through the door by now. Twilight smiled at her.

"Well, we all feel pretty awful about not coming to your hoedown last night..." Twilight said.

"So we figured that we'd all go and do some fun stuff together today!" Pinkie cheerfully interjected.

"Pinkie, Ah thought you were foalsitting for the cakes." Applejack said.

"I was, but they got home late last night. Apparently, the trip didn't work out." She said. Applejack nodded. Rainbow landed next to Applejack and put her hoof around her shoulders. Applejack's heart beat just a little harder at this motion, as she blushed slightly.

"Since, you know...none of us could make it last night." Rainbow said before walking back behind her friends. She turned around and winked at Applejack with a smirk, which none of the others noticed. Applejack blushed just a little more and nodded.

"Well, Ah just got through with work for the day, so Ah suppose we could do it." She said with a smile. "What did y'all have in mind?"

"Well, we figured we could all go to the spa for a while..." Twilight said.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa..." Rainbow Dash said nervously. "You didn't say anything about the spa..." Twilight looked up at the pegasus and said through clenched teeth,

"Get over it, Rainbow." Rainbow frowned and looked at Applejack, who was looking at her with an eyebrow raised, smirking.

"...Fine. But I'm not doing anything." Rainbow huffed. Twilight looked forward at Applejack to continue her description of the day's activities.

"Anyways, then we could go and get something to eat..." She continued.

"Then we could all go see a movie together!" Pinkie Pie interrupted Twilight, who simply sighed in slight annoyance and nodded. Applejack smiled.

"Sounds like a solid plan. Let's get goin'!"

The group departed from Sweet Apple Acres and walked down to Ponyville, chatting happily along the way. They all arrived at the Spa, ready to be pampered and cared for. Lotus Blossom sat at the counter and greeted them.

"Hello, my friends! Are you ready to be relaxed and made more beautiful?" She said.

"Darn tootin'!" Applejack said. "Where do Ah sign that little list or whatever it is?"

"You do not need to. Miss Sparkle has already arranged for your visit. All of you have been signed up for the mane and tail management, coupled with the hooficure massage special with a complimentary mineral bath." Lotus Blossom said happily. Applejack's eyes widened as she and her friends looked at Twilight, who laughed nervously.

"Twilight...you already paid for this?" Fluttershy said. "Thank you...I...I don't know what to say."

"How about thank you exactly five more times?!" Pinkie exclaimed as she took Twilight into a huge hug, squeezing her tight. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!"

"No problem, Pinkie...I was happy to do it." Twilight responded, strained from the hug. Finally, when Pinkie put her down, Applejack approached her and smiled happily.

"Thank you, Twilight. Ah really appreciate this." Twilight smiled back at her.

"I really was happy to do it. You're my friends and I want you to know that I really do care for all of you." She said. Applejack nodded before noticing Rainbow, who was still sulking. She elbowed Rainbow in the shoulder.

"Ow!" She exclaimed. "That hurt!" Applejack looked at her sternly. "Oh. Thanks, Twilight." She said. Twilight giggled as they entered the spa room.

"Rarity would go nuts if she knew we came to the Spa without her, eh, Fluttershy?" Applejack said to her pegasus friend. Fluttershy sighed, frowned slightly and nodded. Applejack merely patted Fluttershy on the shoulder before continuing on. Lotus Blossom and Aloe met the group in there, enticingly gesturing toward the comfortable looking chairs set up around the interestingly tranquil, calm room. They each layed down and relaxed, save for Rainbow Dash who was on edge and nervously looking down at her hooves. Applejack looked over at her and smiled. Rainbow's heart skipped a beat as she melted into her seat and relaxed finally, still looking at Applejack. Lotus Blossom approached Rainbow with lotion, oil and a file.

"Look, Rainbow, Ah know you don't like nopony touchin' your hooves, but it is very relaxing and worth the trouble. So, just for today, could you give em a chance? Let 'em do their thing for a little bit, and if you still don't like it, you can tell 'em to stop. Okay?" Applejack said to her. Rainbow looked at Lotus Blossom, then quickly back at Applejack, who still smiled at her sweetly. Rainbow sighed heavily.

"Okay..." She said, giving Lotus Blossom a "go-ahead" gesture. Lotus Blossom began to rub lotion on her hoof and slightly up her leg, massaging the muscles soothingly, and even though Rainbow jolted or cringed occasionally, she began to fully relax and get into the treatment. Fluttershy and Twilight went and got into the mineral bath and prepared for Aloe to wash thier manes as Pinkie Pie got the treatment Rainbow was currently getting. Applejack merely waited her turn, all the while watching Rainbow Dash enjoy her massage. Rainbow eventually closed her eyes and let Lotus Blossom continue to rub her hooves relaxingly.

"Okay, fine..." Rainbow said, slowly opening one eye to look at Applejack. "This is pretty relaxing."

_____

They all left the spa and walked through Ponyville to Cafe du Mane, the only other decent eatery in Ponyville other than Sugarcube Corner. The sun was beginning to set as the mares chatted cheerfully to each other as they approached their destination. Rainbow Dash, however, was noticeably silent among the group. Applejack moved closer to her.

"Hey." She said, slightly nudging Rainbow. "You okay?" Rainbow looked at her and nodded.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine." She said, smiling suddenly.

"You sure? Because you were just sulkin' like you lost a pet or somethin'." Applejack said to her.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Really."

"You're ashamed of lettin' yourself get treated at the spa, aren't you?"

"What? No, are you kidding? I loved the treatment." Her voice got noticeably quieter as she said the last part of her statement.

"That's not what Ah asked ya, Dash." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow slightly. Rainbow looked to the side and blushed slightly. The group arrived at Cafe du Mane and was seated inside at a rather large corner booth. Rainbow Dash, of course, sat next to Applejack. The others chatted happily as they looked over their menus. Rainbow leaned over to Applejack and whispered into her ear.

"Okay, fine, maybe I'm not really feeling much like myself after that, okay?" She said. "It's just not really my thing."

"Well, ya sure looked like you were enjoyin' it." Applejack said to her.

"Well, yeah, of course I did. Who couldn't?" She countered. "It was just kind of a big change for me...I never would have just...let that happen. But when you asked me...I dunno, it just felt like I had to do it." Applejack blushed at this statement and smiled at her.

"Well, now...you didn't have to do it just for little ol' me..." Applejack said, half giggling. Rainbow smiled at her as the waiter approached the table.

"Excuse me, are we all ready to order?" He said in a very peculiar accent.

"Ah, yes." Twilight said. "I'll have the Fillydelphia Je ne se Quoi."

"I'll just have an order of hay fries..." Fluttershy said, blushing in the presence of the waiter. Applejack and Rainbow Dash frantically looked over their menus while Pinkie Pie ordered until they finally found what they had wanted just in time for the waiter to ask them.

"I'll just have the grilled daffodil sandwich." Rainbow said.

"And Ah want the fruit platter with the dippin' yogurt." Applejack added. The waited nodded.

"Very good. Your food will be out shortly." The waiter said, taking the menus and returning to the kitchen. The mares resumed talking to each other about what was going on around Ponyville and how it was affecting it's inhabitants. Meanwhile, Applejack looked over at Rainbow and smirked.

"You were sayin' when the waiter arrived?" She said. Rainbow gulped quietly.

"Well, I was just saying that you have this...effect on me, you know?" She said. At this comment, Applejack's eyes widened slightly.

"What kind of effect, Dashie?" Pinkie Pie asked, throwing herself into the middle of the conversation. Applejack coughed into her hoof to avoid saying anything to the pink party pony, looking at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow thought for a moment. The truth could have a great and lasting happy effect on her and Applejack, but then again, it could ruin their friendship with the others. It could go either way, and judging by how nervous Applejack was looking at the moment, Rainbow guessed she didn't want their friends to know of their involvement with each other just yet.

"Well," Rainbow said, smirking at Applejack confidently. "Applejack threw the fact that she could take all the mushy stuff and I couldn't, basically challenging me. And you know me. I can't refuse a challenge." Pinkie nodded quickly and smiled.

"You two are so cute when you're arguing and whatnot!" She said before turning back to Twilight, who was giving a not-so-interesting speech about physics and how magic can defy it's laws. Rainbow looked at Applejack and winked, making Applejack blush and adjust her stetson slightly. They continued to wait for their food, becoming hungrier and hungrier with each passing second.

"Come on, where's the food?" Rainbow said impatiently.

"Rainbow, it's only been fifteen minutes." Twilight responded. Rainbow put her head down on the table.

"Well yeah, but I'm hungry now." She said despairingly. As she said this last sentence, the waiter approached with a large tray of food in one of his hooves. He smiled around at them, his curly moustache curling around his lips perfectly.

"Hello, ladies, my apologies for the wait. We have a shortage of cooks today due to sickness. Rainbow's head flew up as she looked up at the waiter happily, awaiting her platter. Fluttershy's plate came first, then Applejack's. After that, Twilights.

"It'll just be a few more minutes for the daffodil sandwich. Apologies." The waiter said before heading back into the kitchen. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened, she raised an eyebrow and her jaw dropped, earning the laughter of all her friends, namely Pinkie Pie, who was nearly in hysterics at this new development. Applejack merely patted Rainbow on the back, chuckling.

_____

After they left the restaurant, and Rainbow finally having had her dinner, they headed toward the movie theater, eager to see what new movies were playing at the relatively new cinemas. They all ambled up to the decently long line at the box office. They looked up at the queue above the front doors and looked at the movies currently available to purchase tickets for.

"Alright, everyone...what do we want to see?" Twilight asked her group.

"Ah'm good with anything, really..." Applejack said. "Except that documentary on forest life...Ah see anough of that every day." Applejack didn't notice Fluttershy bring her hoof down from it's raised position timidly.

"My vote is with Bone-Eater." Rainbow said. "I could use a good scary movie." Pinkie Pie jumped on Rainbow's back and squealed happily.

"Ooooh, me too!" She said. "It's soooo scary looking! I just might scream in the theater!" Twilight shrugged.

"Anyone opposed?" Twilight said, raising her own hoof. Neither she, nor any of the others noticed Fluttershy's front hoof, ever so slightly raised. "Well, I guess I'm the minority here."

"Excuse me, but-" Fluttershy said, just barely above a whisper. No one else heard her. They had gotten in line, prepared to pay the fee for a ticket in. Once the tickets were bought by everypony, (Including an extremely reluctant Fluttershy.) they all filed into the theater, none bothering to buy snacks, as they had just eaten a filling meal. They took their seats nearly in the very middle of the theater. There were a few other ponies, all either there with friends, or attending the movie alone.

The movie began with an instant jump scare, flashing a pony's corpse over the screen, nearly torn to pieces. The obvious work of the Bone-Eater. Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie all screamed, nearly in unison. Applejack jumped slightly with a small gasp and quickly put her hoof on Rainbow's, making the pegasus' heart beat like a drum in her chest. She looked over at Applejack, smirking coolly. Rainbow, even at this moment, was proud of the fact that Applejack got scared and she didn't. Applejack blushed, but did not remove her hoof, smiling at Rainbow. Fluttershy began to cry as Twilight helped her out of the theater to calm herself, leaving only Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rainbow Dash to watch the film. Rainbow looked over at Pinkie, who was engrossed in the film completely, then at Applejack. Rainbow winked at her and went back to watching the movie.

A tough-looking stallion was speaking to another stallion with a serious expression on his face. He locked a door behind him and grabbed a knife, looking out a window.

"Who are you?" The other stallion said nervously.

"I'm the guy who's going to save our flanks." The serious looking stallion said. Suddenly with an ear-splitting shriek, the Bone-Eater grabbed the stallion through the window he was looking out of and pulled the upper half of his body out. The other stallion screamed as the once-main protagonist of the film fell back inside without a head, spurting blood. This shocked Rainbow as she quickly buried her face in Applejack's shoulder. Applejack quietly chuckled and looked down at Rainbow with an affectionate grin. Rainbow looked up at her and smiled back, blushing. She began to inch her face closer to Applejack's, beginning to close her eyes. Applejack started to do this as well before she remembered one of their friends was still sitting right next to her. Applejack quickly stopped the movement and moved her eyes toward Pinkie and made a small head gesture. Rainbow sighed heavily and turned back to watch the movie.

'Come on, Pinkie...leave already!' Rainbow thought to herself anxiously. At that moment, however, Twilight entered the theater again and sat down next to PInkie.

"Fluttershy went home. She couldn't take it." Twilight said to her friends as they all continued to watch the movie again. Now, Twilight was also there, and she was far more observant than Pinkie Pie. Rainbow's chances of getting even a small kiss from Applejack now were virtually nonexistent at this point. She huffed to herself and continued to watch the movie again. She smiled,however, when she noticed that her hoof was still in Applejack's.

_____

The movie finally finished as all of the mares left the movie theater. It wasn't very late, but they all parted ways and went home for the night anyway. Applejack walked alone down the path toward Sweet Apple Acres, ready for a good night's sleep. As she walked, she looked up at the night sky, appraising Luna's bright moon and took a deep breath, feeling the cool air in her lungs. The cold, late-autumn air chilled her as she smiled. She didn't mind hot weather, but truth be told, Applejack loved the cold air of autumn and winter the most of all. She looked upon the first Apple trees of the farm and sighed. Soon, she would be in her bed asleep. She loosened her grip on her thoughts and let her mind wander. Not suprising to the mare, her thoughts drifted to Rainbow Dash. The moment they shared in the theater was one she looked back on both in fondness, and in regret.

"Ah shoulda kissed her..." Applejack whispered to herself. She continued to walk down the path, feeling slightly guilty, knowing that she had probably disappointed Rainbow when they could have easily gotten away with a quick kiss. A sudden shout and something grabbing Applejack from behind made her scream. In her fright, she bucked whatever had grabbed her, hearing a familiar voice cry out in pain. She immediatly turned around to see Rainbow Dash clutching her stomach, curled up on the ground. Applejack immediately rushed to Rainbow's side and leaned over her.

"Oh, my goddesses! Rainbow, Ah'm so sorry! Ah didn't mean to!" Applejack said, her voice laden with worry. Rainbow Dash coughed roughly and looked up at her with tears in her eyes. Applejack teared up as well. "Ah'm so sorry, Rainbow..." She said. Rainbow cringed as she slowly stood up.

"It's okay...I was just trying to...scare you." She said, looking at Applejack and wiping her tears. "Remind me not to hug you from behind again...ever. Holy hay, you buck hard..." Applejack still frowned, especially considering Rainbow Dash was just trying to play a small joke on her.

"You were tryin' to hug me?" Applejack asked. Rainbow slowly nodded.

"Well, that and scare you senseless..." Rainbow said. "I think you bruised some of my ribs..." Applejack immediately grabbed Rainbow into an affectionate hug. Rainbow cringed from the squeeze, but decided not to let Applejack know and hugged her back. They separated.

"How long have you been followin' me?" Applejack asked her.

"Since we all split up." Rainbow Reponded. "Figured I'd give you a little fright...my mistake." Applejack laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her head.

"Yeeah, sorry about that. You okay?" She asked.

"I'll be alright, AJ." Rainbow said. "Geez, that movie really must have bothered you. I've never seen you freak out like that."

"Well, yeah. It was pretty scary and Ah don't usually watch stuff like that. Besides, Ah seem to remember you buryin' your head in my shoulder at some point." Applejack retorted. Rainbow blushed slightly and looked down at her hooves. "But ya know what bothers me more than the movie?"

"What?" Rainbow responded.

"That Ah didn't kiss ya in that theater when I could've." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow at Rainbow, blushing. The pegasus blushed as well.

"Well, what's stopping you now?" Rainbow asked, scuffing her hoof on the ground. Applejack stepped toward Rainbow and brought her face toward hers, closing her eyes. Rainbow closed her eyes as well before closing the distance between them. They kissed lovingly, enjoying the feel of the other's lips. Rainbow moaned quietly, filling Applejack with adoration for the rainbow-maned pegasus. Applejack sat down and pulled Rainbow closer to her, wrapping her front legs around the pegasus' body. Rainbow did this as well as their kiss became more passionate. She slipped her tongue into Applejack's mouth, Applejack doing the same with her. Their liplock lasted nearly a full two minutes before they separated, breathing heavily. They touched their foreheads together as they looked into each other's eyes, both of their ears splayed back in affection. Rainbow smiled dreamily, eyes half lidded, as Applejack kissed her on the cheek quickly.

"I've been wanting to do that all day long..." Rainbow said. Applejack nodded and nuzzled Rainbow, Rainbow returning the nuzzle.

"Ah'm sorry Ah stopped it in the theater. Ah really should have just let it happen." Applejack said, stroking Rainbow's mane. Rainbow shook her head.

"No, AJ, seriously, don't worry about it. If you're still a little hesitant to tell our friends, I don't blame you." Rainbow said. "And besides...If we really did kiss in there, I don't know if I would have been able to stop." Applejack giggled.

"Thanks, Dash. Ah really appreciate that." Applejack said before giving Rainbow another kiss on the lips, standing up. Rainbow also stood as they began to walk side by side.

"So," Applejack said. "Why exactly did you follow me?"

"Oh, yeah. I was going to talk to you about our date tomorrow. I was thinking that we could meet and eat at Sugarcube corner or something, then go for a walk in the fields outside Ponyville." Rainbow said. "Maybe we can have a little race."

"Sounds perfect to me, Dash. Ah can't wait." Applejack said. "But don't think that since Ah'm sweet on ya now that I'll go easy on ya." Rainbow shook her head and smiled.

"Never thought so for a second." Rainbow said. "I'll see you tomorrow, Applejack."

"Ah'm definitely lookin' forward to it, Rainbow Dash." Applejack said, before giving her one last peck on the lips. Rainbow Dash smiled widely as she took off toward her cloud home. Applejack sighed as she began walking back toward her home, a happy spring in her step.

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: So, that is the end of that chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed it. The next chapter should be up in a few days, not a week as it's going to be usually. I'm feeling the writing spirit spurring me on! You all may remember Twilight eating at a french-like restaurant in the episode when her friends are trying to get her extra ticket to the grand galloping gala. A name was never expressed for this place, so I named it Cafe du Mane. Also, you may have noticed that I am not usuing the "fancy author's note box" anymore. That is because it leaves an ugly yellow bubble, and I don't really like it all that much. So, I will be doing the author's notes like this from now on. Please feel free to drop a like if you are enjoying this story and leave me a comment telling me what you think. Cheers!

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Applejack hummed light-heartedly to herself as she moved each apple in a large, wooden container into a sack for easy transportation. She had to act gingerly, to avoid bruising or harming the apples in any way. Nonetheless, she still bounced lightly and hummed to herself merrily. She was in a good mood because, of course, she had a date with Rainbow Dash that night. She had been looking forward to this earnestly since the night the two of them had embraced their passions for one another. Big Macintosh ambled into the barn and looked, confused, at his sister.

"Hey, sis. You alright?" He asked her. Applejack looked up at him and frowned slightly, puzzled.

"Uh, yeah. Why wouldn't Ah be?" Applejack responded.

"Well, whenever ya work, usually, you don't really do much other than the work. Now Ah'm seein' ya hummin' and dancin' and stuff. Just kinda different, is all." Big Mac elaborated. Applejack harumphed slightly.

"Ah'm fine, Big Mac. What, a mare can't just have a little fun around here once in a while?" She said, irritated.

"Ah didn't mean to anger ya, sis." Big Mac said, putting a hoof up. "Need some help?"

"No, Ah got it." Applejack said. "Thanks." Big Mac nodded.

"Eeeyup." He said before leaving the barn. Applejack continued in her work, now silent and motionless, save for moving the apples. Big Mac had ruined it for her.

'Just who does he think he is?' Applejack thought to herself, furrowing her brow as she moved yet another apple. This expression softened, however, as she realized what she must have seemed like to her older brother. He didn't mean any harm, of course. He was just concerned for his little sister. Applejack left the barn to see Big Mac entering the farm house. She gulped and followed him, intent on apoligizing for he uncharacteristic and rude behavior. Upon entering the house, she layed her eyes upon him, in the kitchen preparing something, most likely a small meal. She slowly walked into the kitchen.

"Hey, uh...Big Mac?" She said with a frown. Big Mac lazily looked at her.

"Eeeyup?" He responded.

"Ah'm uh...Ah'm sorry. Ah shouldn't have snapped at ya like that. You were just concerned and it was uncalled for." Applejack said. Big Macintosh nodded and turned back to what Applejack now saw was a sandwich.

"Ah forgive ya, sis. Ya got that natural Apple Family stubbornness, but ya know when to apoligize." He said with a small smile. He took his sandwich to the dining room table and sat down with it. "Wanna tell me what's on your mind?" Applejack gulped and sat down at the table as well. She pondered this for a second before looking at him.

"Well...Ah think I'm in love." Applejack said. Big Mac's eyebrows raised slightly and he nodded, but he said nothing. "And uh, Ah know Ah've had coltfriends in the past...but this...this is different. Ah actually really do feel for this pony. Now, Ah don't really know if it is actual love, or just a short phase, but it's showed no signs of slowin' down, and every time Ah see this pony, who'll remain nameless for now...Ah dunno, Ah just feel...warm inside...ya know?" Big Macintosh nodded slowly. He sighed before looking at his sister.

"Ah know exactly what ya mean. Ah'm in the same boat as you." He said.

"Ah seriously doubt that." Applejack said.

"No, Ah am. Ah'm feelin' feelings for somepony else too." He said. "Every time Ah see her, Ah get this light feelin' in my stomach....it's, uh..." He cleared his throat. "Cheerilee." Applejack brightened up significantly at this news. Smiling, she said,

"That's great, Big Mac! Ah'm happy for ya." She said. "Ah always thought there was somethin' there between the two of ya."

"Yeah. Whenever Ah go to pick up Applebloom from schoolin', Ah get to see her...Ah haven't really told her about my feelings yet. See, a while ago, Applebloom and her friends tried to set us up for Hearts and Hooves day with a love potion."

"Yeah, Ah think Ah remember that." Applejack said.

"Well, it failed, and me and Cheerilee parted ways as friends...but Ah didn't wanna be just her friend. So, Ah've been dealin' with these feelings, and they won't quit buggin' me. Every time Ah feel like I'm gonna finally tell her, Ah puss out." Big Macintosh said. Applejack was half sympathetic and half astonished. She had rarely seen Big Mac open up like this to Granny Smith, let alone herself. He was a stallion of few words, to be sure. She walked over to him and patted his shoulder.

"It'll be okay, Big Mac. Ah think she likes you too, from what Ah've seen." She said to him.

"Thanks, sis. Ah appreciate it." He said. She nodded and went back to the other side of the table and sat down once again.

"So, why won't ya tell me who your crush is?" Big Mac asked his sister.

"Well, somethin tells me that nopony here would be too pleased to hear about my crush..." Applejack said, looking down at the table.

"Ah...so you're a..." Big Mac said before leaning in closer to her and dropping his voice. "fillyfooler?" Applejack began coughing roughly, eyes widened. She looked to the side, blushing intensely. The coughing subsided eventually and she breathed heavily.

"Pssh...uh, no! Ah've had coltfriends, remember?!" Applejack said, slightly outraged. Despite her outrage, he was in fact telling half the truth. She was in love with a mare, but she wasn't only attracted to mares. Big Mac put up a hoof.

"Okay, okay. Ah just can't see why you'd want to hide whoever he is from me. Ah wouldn't judge ya over it, anyways." Applejack looked to the side and blushed. "So...who is he?" He asked her. Applejack opened her mouth to speak before shutting it again.

"He's..." Applejack began, but felt a noticeable tinge of guilt overtake her. Rainbow Dash, however tomcoltish she was known to be, was still decisively feminine. To lie to Big Macintosh about her made her feel like a coward. It felt like an insult to Rainbow, even. Applejack sighed and swallowed her shame. "He's the r-rough kinda type. Ah d-don't think y'all would appreciate him v-very much." She stuttered, trying her hardest to hide the lie. Applejack felt awful about herself. Not only had she principally betrayed Rainbow Dash, but she had broken her element of harmony on her own volition. She frowned as Big Mac nodded.

"Well, Ah'm not quite sure Ah know anypony from around here that's like that. But, if ya really have feelings for him, Ah say go for it. Just be careful." Big Mac said. "But if he hurts you in any way..."

"Don't worry about that, Big Mac..." Applejack said looking downwards in shame. "He won't."

_____

Rainbow Dash jumped out of her cloud bed and ran into her bathroom. She cringed slightly as a small pain in her ribs reminded her of her experiences the previous night. But, her date with Applejack was drawing near, and she could hardly contain her excitement. She went through her daily routine of a shower, then brushed her teeth. She combed her mane the customary one time a day to keep it looking the way it should. Rainbow then rushed into her kitchen and poured herself a bowl of hay oats, devouring them quickly. Tank came trucking into the dining room, his food bowl in his mouth. Rainbow Dash had forgotten to feed him. She saw this and mentally kicked herself.

"Sorry, Tank. Honest mistake. I just can't really seem to focus. I'm too excited!" She said, a large grin on her face as she poured reptile chow into Tank's bowl. He lazily began to eat as Rainbow put her bowl in the sink to wash later that day. She inhaled sharply, and walked toward her door. She was ready for her date. Her heart pounded as she began to open her door she realized one pure, simple, inescapable fact:

It was still the morning.

Rainbow had gotten so worked up and excited about her date, she had forgotten that it was that evening. She sighed to herself.

"Nice, Rainbow Dash..." She whispered as she closed the door. She walked back to the dining room table and sat back down. Tank looked up at her slowly. She frowned at him. "What're you looking at?" Tank went back to his food, ceasing to pay the slightly frustrated Pegasus any mind. Rainbow stood up from the chair and walked back to her bedroom. She eyed the new Daring Do novel on her bedside table. She had only read about a quarter of the story. She shrugged as she approached her bed.

"Eh, might as well." She began to read. The book was very interesting, as Rainbow Dash knew the Daring Do novels to be. She saw Tank approaching the bed, now finished with his meal. "You want up?" She said to him. He merely stood at the side of the bed, looking up at her. She smiled as she lifted him up onto the bed with her. He layed down next to her as she continued to read. Daring Do was always a nice distraction from the outside world, so fearless, so...daring. Much like Rainbow herself.

Her thoughts eventually wandered, however, the product of time passing and boredom getting a better foothold in the pegasus' mind as time did pass. Her mind wandered to Applejack, and the fun they would have that night. She blushed and smiled at the thought of her and Applejack together once again, roaming around Ponyville as a couple. She then thought of Applejack's hints of hesitancy to be seen publicly with her, which she understood, but was frustrated by nonetheless. She spontaneously groaned out loud, scaring Tank. Her tortoise instantly went inside his shell.

"Why can't it just be simple?" She said to herself. (And possibly Tank, if he was still listening.) She stood and walked back into her kitchen and looked at the clock. It was currently eleven thirty-two.

"Right." She said, looking behind her at Tank, who had just caught up to her from the bedroom. She nodded at him. "I'll just pace. Time always goes by faster when I pace around a bit." Rainbow Dash then began to pace. She paced back and forth through her kitchen, not once looking at her clock. She did not slow or relent, she endlessly paced, Tank watching her from her doorway. She paced for what seemed to be at least twenty minutes. She finally stopped and looked up at her clock. It was eleven thirty-six. She looked back at Tank briefly in disbelief before turning back to her clock.

"How is that even possible!?"

_____

Applejack cleared her throat as she put a red tie into her long flowing mane, keeping it together. She appraised herself in the mirror, examining herself for any imperfections or blemishes. She found none. Applejack definitely wasn't one to boast, but she was quite beautiful. She smiled at herself as she donned her stetson. The evening was approaching and she would have to get to Sugarcube Corner soon to meet Rainbow Dash. Applejack smiled even wider at the thought of Rainbow. She walked through her house, preparing to leave. Granny Smith raised a hoof.

"Where ya goin' Applejack?" The old mare asked her granddaughter. Applejack turned to her.

"Oh, uh, Ah was just goin' to t-town to see Twilight. Maybe check out a book. Just feelin' a little c-cooped up, is all." Applejack responded nervously. A white lie was still a lie, and she was terrible at lying. Big Macintosh looked at her slowly. She cleared her throat as she looked down and scuffed a hoof on the welcome mat. Granny Smith nodded.

"Okay, sweetie. But don't stay outside too long. It's chilly out there." She said. Applejack nodded.

"Ah will, Granny. See y'all later!" She said before walking quickly away from the house.

"Applejack!" She heard her brother say from the porch. She slowly walked back to the house, only for Big Mac to hold out a red scarf for her. "Forgot your scarf." He smiled. Applejack nodded and put the scarf on.

"See ya, Big Mac." She said.

"Be safe, sis." He responded with a wink as Applejack turned and walked down the path again. The cold air chilled her as the sun began to set for the day. Being late Fall, the sun set very early every day. Arriving in Ponyville, she waved to a few ponies she knew, smiling warmly. She ambled through the streets, quietly humming to herself. She adored Ponyville, to be sure. Everyone was so nice, welcoming and accepting of so many things. So accepting, in fact, it made her wonder whether or not the town would accept her and Rainbow Dash as a couple. She certainly cared for Rainbow a great deal, and she wanted her to be happy, but she wasn't sure what would become of herself if the town knew.

Applejack finally arrived at her destination of Sugarcube Corner. She entered the eatery, surveying the place for Rainbow Dash. Finally, she layed her eyes upon the Pegasus, sitting at a table, looking up at the ceiling. She smiled as she approached the table.

"Ah believe that this is the first time Ah've seen ya actually on time for somethin'." Applejack said. Rainbow Dash brightened up significantly at the sound of Applejack's voice. She stood and hugged her, Applejack returning the hug.

"Hey, Applejack." Rainbow said, separating from Applejack.

"Heya, Rainbow." Applejack responded, grinning.

"You look great." Rainbow said. Applejack chuckled and raised an eyebrow.

"That's the best you could come up with?"

"Well...I...come on, it's true." Applejack blushed and smiled. They sat down and looked at each other for a moment. Applejack looked around, seeing who else exactly was there. Aside from a few random ponies, they were alone.

"Pinkie Pie's off today. I checked. She's actually sleeping upstairs." Rainbow said with a small snicker. "She was up all night last night because of the movie!" Applejack laughed.

"Well, Ah don't exactly blame her. It was pretty scary." Applejack said.

"Pssh. It wasn't that scary." Rainbow responded, smirking and crossing her front legs cooly.

"See, you keep sayin' that like you didn't bury your face into my shouler." Applejack said, chuckling.

"I was just having a little fun. I wanted to get in close for a little kiss, but you stopped it halfway through." Rainbow said. Applejack's stomach jumped. Anypony could have heard what Rainbow had said. Rainbow noticed her nervousness, leaned in close to her and whispered- "You did make up for it, though." Applejack blushed at the thought of their kiss the previous night. At that moment, Mrs. Cake approached their table.

"Good evening, ladies." She said. "Are we ready to order?"

"Um, yeah. I'll have the daffodil sandwich." Rainbow said.

"Ah'll just have your fruits and caramel. Leave the pears out." Applejack said. Mrs. Cake nodded before leaving to prepare their food. Applejack turned back to Rainbow. "You really like your daffodil sandwiches, don't ya?" Rainbow smirked.

"I could say the same to you about fruit." The pegasus responded.

"Are you wearin' perfume?" Applejack asked, smirking. Rainbow turned beat red as she looked to the side.

"Uh...no. Come on, it's like you don't even know me!" Applejack raised an eyebrow and looked straight at the pegasus. "Okay, okay, fine. Yes, I'm wearing perfume. Yes, I know it's girly. It was a gift from Rarity for my birthday, okay? I should've known that you'd find it dumb."

"Ah don't, Rainbow." Applejack said.

"Huh?" Rainbow responded in slight disbelief.

"Ah think it's sweet. A little unlike you, but sweet." The farm mare said. Rainbow blushed heavily and rubbed the back of her head.

"It was just a couple of sprays anyway." Rainbow said. "I just figured I'd try it out."

"It's nice." Appleajack commented. Rainbow smiled.

"I'm glad you think so. I'd only do it for you." The pegasus said. Applejack smiled and blushed as they looked at each other for a few moments.

"So..." Applejack said. "Our first date...shapin' up alright so far, I suppose."

"You know, this could be considered our second date." Rainbow said. "Seeing as how we went to dinner and a movie last night, not to mention the kiss." Rainbow raised an eyebrow and looked at Applejack in a way that, if she was standing, would have made her weak in the knees. The farm mare didn't show it, however and continued to look Rainbow in the eyes.

"But Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie were there. It wasn't just the two of us." She responded.

"Yeah, but it might as well have been." Rainbow said. "We only really even talked to each other for most of the night." Applejack chuckled.

"Maybe so, maybe so." She said as Mrs. Cake returned with their food. The (literally) sweet-looking mare layed their plates before them gingerly.

"Enjoy, girls. Always a pleasure." She said happily before leaving them. Rainbow and Applejack began to eat, enjoying their food and looking at each other occasionally, enjoying lighthearted conversation. Applejack noticed a few pears in her fruit bowl.

"Well Ah'll be a..." Applejack said, slightly frustrated.

"What is it?" Rainbow asked her.

"Ah told her to leave out the pears." Applejack said. "Be right back, sugarcube." Applejack took the bowl and walked toward the front counter of the eatery and went to ring the service bell. She stopped when she heard the cakes talking in the back, believing they were unheard.

"Did you hear about Lyra and Bon Bon, dear?" Mrs. Cake said to her husband, who was undoubtedly cooking or baking some culinary item.

"No, I didn't. What about them?" He responded.

"They're...a couple." She said to him. Mr. Cake made a sound of disgust.

"No way! Ugh, that's horrible." He said.

"I saw them kiss for a second in the middle of town!" Mrs. Cake said.

"I might vomit in my mouth." He responded. "No consideration. It's so wrong."

"So unnatural." Mrs. Cake said.

"I saw Applejack and Rainbow Dash walk in here together. You don't think-"

"Noooo...we've both seen them here with stallions. They're just here as friends. They're not...like that."

"I suppose so. I guess I'm just being paranoid." He said. Applejack felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. She frowned as she turned away from the counter and walked back to their table quickly. Rainbow smiled at her.

"They didn't replace it?" She asked.

"No. Ah just didn't see it worth causin' a fuss over." Applejack said, looking to the side, the warm blush noticeably absent from her face. Rainbow frowned.

"Hey...are you okay?" She asked.

"Ah'm fine. Don't worry about me." Applejack said. "Let's just finish up here and go." Rainbow put a hoof on Applejack's, making the farm mare look up at her.

"Tell me." Rainbow said, worry lacing her facial features. Applejack sighed.

"Well, Ah was takin' this back up there, and Ah overheard the Cakes talkin' about Lyra and Bon Bon."

"What were they saying?" Rainbow asked her.

"Ah didn't know about this, but apparently, they're together." Applejack said.

"Well that's nice." Rainbow said. "They're pretty much made for each other." Applejack put a hoof up.

"And from what Ah heard, and Ah heard a lot, it seems like the Cakes aren't too keen on fillyfoolin'...at all." Applejack said. "Ah dunno, it just kinda hurt, Ah guess. They were sayin how disgustin' and horrible it was. Ah just didn't really want to see 'em at the moment." Rainbow's brow furrowed.

"Well then, we've got a problem." She said, standing up, undoubtedly going to confront the Cakes about their comments. Applejack quickly stood and put a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder.

"Please, Dash...don't do that. Ah don't wanna be startin' any conflicts." Applejack said.

"But th-"

"Please, Dash, for me." Applejack said, looking behind herself a moment to make sure noone was looking. She placed a small kiss upon Rainbow's lips. "Let's just go. We're obviously not wanted here." Rainbow huffed.

"Fine." The pegasus said. At that moment, Mrs. Cake walked in to see them standing there. Rainbow Dash scowled at her.

"Is everything okay?"

"We'll take the check." Applejack said. They received the check and approached the front counter with it. Mr. Cake went to the register and began adding up the different prices for their final total.

"Okay, that'll be eight bits, please." He said. Applejack paid the stallion and began to walk out of the small eatery. She stopped when she noticed Rainbow wasn't accompanying her. She looked back at Rainbow, who still stood at the counter, staring at Mr. Cake.

"Uh...is there something else I can help you with, Rainbow Dash?" He said nervously.

"Nope." Rainbow said, beginning to turn toward the door. She stopped and turned back to him. "Oh, yeah, right. Did you hear about Lyra and Bon Bon? I'm really happy for them." Mr. Cake frowned.

"Uhh..."

"I actually believe that there's love out there for everypony, and everypony deserves love, no matter who it's with." She said.

"Well, you are completely entitled to your opinion, Rainbow Dash, but I do not agree with you."

"Why?" She said, tilting her head slightly. "Well, the reasons are pretty obvious, but tell me anyway."

"It's not natural. It's immoral, and it's disgusting." He said. "They're deluded individuals looking for attention, is what they are. What they do...it's just wrong."

"Well, who are you to say what's right and what's wrong?" Rainbow said to him.

"I don't think of myself any higher than anypony else, but it's pretty easy to see." He said, furrowing his brow.

"That's not what you sound like right now. You sound like you think fillyfoolers are some subspecies to be looked down on. That they shouldn't exist. You sound like a bigot." Rainbow said, getting increasingly agitated. Applejack's stomach dropped again. This was not good.

"Why are you so interested?" Mr. Cake asked her.

"Because Lyra and Bon Bon are friends of mine, that's why." Rainbow responded. "And I don't want to listen to you verbally abuse them behind their backs. If you've got something to say to them, pony up and tell them to their faces."

"You may call me a bigot until you run out of breath, but I still don't approve of your friends' lifestyle." He said.

"You honestly think they care what you think?!" Rainbow yelled, slamming a hoof on the counter, making Mr. Carrot Cake jump. Applejack grabbed Rainbow by the shoulder.

"Ah think we'll just be leavin' now. Come on, Rainbow, we're late to meet the others." Applejack said, pulling Rainbow out of the building. They started to walk through Ponyville in relative silence. They exited Ponyville and continued to walk for a while.

"What were you thinkin'?" Applejack finally said to her as they entered the fields outside Ponyville, the last stop of their date. "You could have gotten us kicked outta there." Rainbow looked at her sadly.

"Applejack, don't you get it?" Rainbow said. "That was us that twig was talking about. Not just Lyra and Bon Bon."

"Of course Ah get it. That's why it hurt me. Let's just forget about it and move on. He ain't worth the trouble." Applejack said.

"That's my point. He hurt you. That's what gets me the most of all." Rainbow responded. "I don't want to see you hurt." Rainbow moved closer to Applejack. "That hurts me." She planted her lips on Applejack's. Applejack, however, immediately broke the kiss.

"Woah, Rainbow, hold on. It's still pretty early." Applejack said. "There could still be ponies out here."

"It's just a kiss..." Rainbow said. "It doesn't matter anyway...I saw you look to see if anypony was watching back at Sugarcube Corner. Let's just keep walking." Rainbow's voice was laced with sadness and disappointment, but she didn't let it show in her face. She began walking again, moving ahead of Applejack.

"Rainbow..." Applejack started.

"No, it's okay. I understand. You're still kind of hesitant to be together publically. Let's keep walking. No hard feelings." Rainbow said, turning to Applejack. The sadness was seemingly gone, and Rainbow was smiling. Applejack smiled back as she caught up to the pegasus.

"So," Applejack said to Rainbow. "Did ya always know you went both ways?"

"Kinda." Rainbow said to her. "I would feel attraction to mares as well as stallions, but I would always just ignore them. The night you kissed me, and we...you know, I just had a sort of revelation. Now I know it. What about you?"

"Ah was never really above sayin' a mare was pretty...perhaps Ah even really thought so myself sometimes, too. But, Ah can say with all honesty, the only mare Ah've ever really been attracted to is you." Applejack said. She looked in the corner of her eye to see that they were a decent distance away from Ponyville. "And Ah am really attracted to you." Applejack then kissed Rainbow, the pegasus returning the kiss. The kiss went on for half a minute. Applejack, feeling like she had to make up for hurting Rainbow Dash's feelings, intensified the kiss, pushing Rainbow onto her back and slipping her tongue into her mouth. Rainbow did the same, thouroughly enjoying it, but somehow feeling unfulfilled. Nonetheless, she continued to kiss Applejack, finding solace in the fact that the public would know about them some time or other.

Rainbow put her hooves on Applejack's shoulders and pulled her down until her body rested on top of hers. Applejack then began to kiss her neck, pausing occasionally to suck lightly, the smell of Rainbow's perfume spurring her on. Rainbow moaned, throwing her head back and closing her eyes. She mustered up all of her strength and resolve to fly out from underneath Applejack, making the farm mare fall to the ground. Hovering above her Rainbow snickered, despite how utterly turned on she was.

"How about that race?" The pegasus said confidently, smirking down at Applejack cooly and confidently. Applejack smiled and stood up.

"You little tease." She said before pointing a hoof at her. "You're on!" Rainbow Dash drew a line in the dirt with her hoof.

"From here to the other side of the field, up on that rise." Rainbow said, pointing to their distant destination. Applejack nodded.

"Let's do this, lightweight." She said. Rainbow scoffed.

"Puh-lease. I'm totally going to win! I even swear that I won't use my wings." Rainbow said. Applejack raised an eyebrow.

"Ah'll believe it when Ah see it." She said. They lined up at the start and looked at each other.

"Ready..." Rainbow said. Applejack bent down, prepared to sprint forward with all of her might. "Set...GO!" They both came out of the starting line blazing, running at top speed, eyes focused only on the finish. They sprinted mightily toward the finish, putting everything they had into the race. Rainbow Dash managed to get ahead of Applejack enough to run straight in front of her.

"How's the view from back there, Farm Pony?!" Rainbow teasingly shouted. Applejack smiled as she moved forward and kissed Rainbow's cutie mark. Rainbow gasped at the unexpected gesture as she slowed down slightly, allowing Applejack to take the lead. Applejack laughed. Rainbow couldn't help but laugh as well as she caught up to Applejack. They ran neck and neck, one not able to pull ahead of the other. They both looked at each other, no longer focusing on the goal, but each other. They looked into each other's eyes as they crossed the finish line, and as they slowed down and came to a stop next to each other. Rainbow kissed Applejack before they began to walk back to Ponyville.

"I totally won." Rainbow said.

"No you didn't." Applejack said. "Ah remember putting just a little bit more effort in at the end. Ah won."

"I did that too." Rainbow said. "But whatever did happen, it's kinda late, and I have to go to work tomorrow." Applejack nodded.

"Ah had a lot of fun." She said. "More fun than Ah've had in a long time."

"Definitely." Rainbow said. "I'll see you later." She began to fly away before Applejack stopped her.

"Rainbow, wait." She said. "Ah really am sorry for the way Ah've been actin'. Ah just...Ah'm not ready for us to be public yet, y'know?" Rainbow nodded and smiled at her.

"Yeah. I get it, Applejack. It's fine." She said. "It's kinda selfish to expect you to just be ready to reveal it to everypony. It's okay, really."

"Thanks, Rainbow. Ah really would like to do this again sometime." Applejack said to her. Rainbow nodded.

"Me too. I'll come visit you at the orchard tomorrow after I get off work and we can talk about it then." She said. She kissed Applejack before going into a hover. "Good night, Applejack."

"Good night, Rainbow." Applejack said to Rainbow Dash before the pegasus flew back toward her cloud home. Applejack smiled as she blew Rainbow a kiss.

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Alrighty then, guys, there is that chapter. Got kind close to the sex, eh? Well, I told you all it's not going to be that prominent in the story. This isn't just some clopfic. This is a romance with meaningful sex. I hope you guys have been enjoying reading it as much as I have been enjoying writing it. Drop a like if you feel like it and leave a comment telling me what you think so far! But please be civil. Remember, if you can't say anything nice, the clown demons will find you and make you sad...forever! HAAAAHAHAHAHA!!!......just...go ahead and disregard that. Cheers!

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Two Weeks Later

Rainbow Dash sighed as she looked into the eyes of her companion, Applejack. Applejack smiled as the cold wind blew her golden locks lightly. She smiled warmly.

"Somethin' on your mind, sugarcube?" The farm mare said. Rainbow shrugged lightly.

"Not really. I'm just happy to be here with you now." Rainbow responded.

"That makes two of us." The two mares had been dating for a while, getting closer and closer with each rondezvous they had. They enjoyed each other's company completely, jumping at the chance to see each other whenever the oppurtunity arose. They had been on several excursions together, including the movies, different restaurants and many others, but the one place the duo always managed to end up in were the fields outside Ponyville. Though both of them enjoyed it there for different reasons. Rainbow Dash enjoyed it because of it's pure scenic beauty. While the pegasus put on a front that she didn't enjoy such things, she honestly did enjoy the natural beauty of places. Applejack loved the fields for the same reasons, but mostly because she could be herself with her lover without very much fear that she would be seen with another mare.

The sun had began to set as the two mares prepared to depart for their homes. Their date had been a fun one, comprising of a nice picnic and a walk along a nature trail. Rainbow Dash had wanted to race more than anything, but Applejack turned down the challenge, much to Dash's suprise. The farm mare had wanted an easygoing day free of excitement for the two of them.

"C'mon, AJ. Just a race back to Ponyville. It'll be quick and fun!" Rainbow said. Rainbow walked up to Applejack and nuzzled her neck. Applejack's stomach tingled. "If you win, you can be on top the next time we-"

"Ah don't think so, Rainbow. Ah'm just not feelin' up to it today. Maybe next time." Applejack said as she began to walk. Rainbow Dash scoffed.

"Seriously? I've never known you to reject a challenge. Especially from me." She said. Applejack shrugged.

"Well, there's a first time for everything." Applejack said. "What's got ya so worked up anyways? Aren't ya content to just have a nice day with me?"

"Well, yeah, of course. But it's been a while since we had anything...how do I put it?...Amazing happen, you know?" Rainbow said.

"You said our time behind that big boulder was Amazing." Applejack quickly said, smirking slyly. Rainbow blushed and rubbed the back of her head.

"Yeeeah...You got a point there..." She said before raising an eyebrow at Applejack. "I guess you're okay with the fact that you're just scared." Applejack's brow furrowed slightly as she continued to walk.

"Ah ain't scared of nothin'." Applejack said, a slight tinge of annoyance in her voice. Rainbow snickered and hovered in front of Applejack as she walked, looking down at her condescendingly.

"I mean, how could you not be scared? I'm only the most awesome pegasus in Equestria." Rainbow said, putting a hoof on her chest, still looking down at Applejack, aware of her annoyance. "It's okay. I won't tell anyone."

"Listen here, Rainbow." Applejack said sternly. "Ah ain't scared of you, or anypony. We both know Ah can whoop ya in a hoof-race, so you have to overcompensate for it by bein' all smart-alecky and such. Ah'm just not feelin' like it right now."

"Geez, Applejack. You're making Fluttershy look brave."

"Alright, that's it!" Applejack exclaimed before jumping up and tackling Rainbow to the ground, earning a suprised cry from the pegasus. Applejack and Rainbow began to wrestle, turning over and over, struggling to see which one of them was physically superior. They both laughed as they competed, having a grand time. Every time Applejack would manage to get Rainbow into an inescapable hold, the pegasus somehow escaped and countered with her own attempted pin or hold. Applejack's raw strength eventually won out over Rainbow's stamina, however, and Applejack ended up on top, a small, confident smile on her face.

"Gotcha." She said.

"Don't think so!" Dash exclaimed before grabbing the back of Applejack's head and pulling her down into a kiss. Applejack's stomach felt as light as air. Suddenly, Rainbow jumped up and put Applejack on her back, successfully subduing her. Applejack struggled to break free of Rainbow's front hooves, but ultimately failed in her attempt. Rainbow Dash's level of strength was similar to Applejack's, so her holds were just as tough to escape when they were successfully executed.

"No fair..." Applejack said to her, blowing her hair out of her eyes. Rainbow smirked.

"We never said we couldn't kiss." Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow.

"Let's keep it that way. If ah'm gonna lose, Ah'd wanna lose like this." Applejack said, looking into Rainbow's eyes. Rainbow let Applejack free of the hold and began to bend her head down for another kiss, her eyes closed. Applejack began to close her eyes as well, before she heard the distant hoofsteps of two ponies on their way out of Ponyville. Applejack immediately got out from underneath Rainbow and stood up, putting her stetson back on. Her stomach sunk when she had noticed that the couple was looking at the both of them in a very peculiar way, perhaps even seeing their earlier kiss. Applejack blushed heavily and looked up into the sky, whistling a small tune, while Rainbow looked up at her, wide-eyed.

"What the hay-" Rainbow began, stopping when she noticed the ponies walking down the path. Rainbow's brow furrowed as she sighed heavily and stood up. Applejack began walking again, followed by Rainbow. She had done it again. They had been dating for two weeks, and Applejack still didn't want to be seen kissing or even hugging Rainbow in public.

Rainbow Dash had understood completely at first. She had supported Applejack and given her sweet words of encouragement when her lover was worried about what others might think. She had even previously asked Applejack if she wanted to stay with her. Applejack was quick to say "Yes." at that point, so she had assumed that Applejack would overcome her fears eventually. It still had not happened. She had understood Applejack's apprehension at first, but now, frankly, she was fed up. When they were clear of the other couple and had ample space for a conversation, Rainbow looked over at Applejack.

"Hey, AJ?" Rainbow asked.

"Whatcha need, sugarcube?" Applejack responded.

"Why did you just freak out back there all of a sudden?" The pegasus asked. Applejack gulped and looked up at the sky, away from Rainbow's gaze.

"What do ya mean?" Applejack said.

"Well, I was about to kiss you, and you just seemed to...well...freak out. You left me hanging back there. Not cool."

"There was a couple comin' down the path. It's indecent to be kissin' in public." Applejack said. Rainbow frowned.

"Really? Because, I see couples kissing around Ponyville all the time. Just, y'know, a kiss on the lips. That's all I was going to do, really. I wasn't going to have sex with you where anyone could just walk outside and see us." Rainbow said, annoyance lacing her words. Applejack put a hoof on her mouth and shushed her, sparking outrage in the cyan pegasus.

"Quiet! They coulda heard you!" Applejack said, looking down the path. Rainbow Dash shoved Applejack away and threw a hoof into the air.

"They're not even close to us!" Rainbow said. "What're you so scared of? What people think? That you might lose business?"

"Ah ain't scared of nothin'." Applejack said flatly, looking forward and continuing walking.

"Then why won't you even hug me or kiss me in public?" Rainbow said. "I've seen Lyra kiss Bon Bon in public, and nopony says anything to them."

"Ah hug you in public." Applejack said, taking a defensive stance.

"Yeah, the one-hoofed friend hug." Rainbow said.

"Look, Rainbow, Ah-" Applejack stopped when she noticed Rainbow Dash was beginning to tear up.

"Why are you so ashamed of me?" Rainbow said, her voice breaking ever so slightly. Applejack's heart beat in her chest as it told her to embrace Rainbow and hold her tight. Her mind told her not to notice. Applejack began walking down the path again.

"Ah'm not ashamed of you." Applejack said. She wanted to hit herself in the face for not comforting Rainbow.

"Yes you are!" Rainbow said, following her.

"No Ah'm not." Applejack said more sternly, stopping and turning toward Rainbow for a second before continuing down the path. Her heart ached.

"Yes, you are, so stop denying it!" Rainbow said, anger welling up inside her. "If you're not, give me a specific reason why you're just seeming to forget that we're together as soon as just anyone walks by, and I'll stop bothering you about this." Applejack thought for a moment. Her mind was racing, trying to find a believable reason for her behavior. Rainbow Dash wasn't very gullible.

"Ah'm..." Applejack said. "Ah'm...not ashamed of you." Rainbow looked down.

"See? I told you." She said. She wiped a tear from her cheek, to her suprise. "Look at this, Applejack!" The farm mare turned and looked at her lover. "See what you're doing to me? I never cry, and you know that!"

"Ya ain't got no reason to cry." Applejack stated plainly, continuing to walk. Rainbow's eyes narrowed as she clenched her teeth. She grabbed Applejack and turned her around, suprising her.

"You can't do that!" Rainbow said in an elevated tone of voice, fury lacing her words, further stunning Applejack. "You can't just kiss me and start all this and then hide me away like a dirty little secret!"

"Ah t-told ya Ah ain't a-ashamed of ya!" Applejack countered, still slightly stunned.

"Bull!" Rainbow yelled, moving up to Applejack. Applejack took a step back. "We both know that's a lie!"

"Ah'm serious, Rainbow..." Applejack began, trailing off.

"You really are an awful liar..." Rainbow said, lowering her voice. "I guess that really could be said...you're the element of honesty..."

"Rainbow, ah-"

"Applejack, this...this whole thing is killing me. It tears me up inside because what we have..." Rainbow stepped toward Applejack, eyes full of hope, a small smile on her face. "I love it so much. I haven't been this happy in a long, long time. Whenever I'm with you...I feel like I can do anything! I feel like I could overcome any obstacle. I want us to be together for the sake of being together, and not be scared of what anypony else thinks..." Rainbow's smile faded and she looked Applejack in the eyes, who looked down at the ground.

"Ah'm..." Applejack said, looking for something to say.

"I'm just...gonna go home." Rainbow said, beginning to fly away, a look of hurt on her face.

"Rainbow..." Applejack said, her stomach sinking with regret.

"I'll see you later." Rainbow said before finally speeding into the orange sky. Applejack looked on after her, wanting so badly to run and find her, to tell her how much she really did mean to her. Applejack sighed as she turned and left the fields outside Ponyville for Sweet Apple Acres. Upon entering Ponyville, Applejack laid her eyes upon Sugarcube corner, the domain of the couple who seemed to hate fillyfooling more than anything. A feeling of dread entered her as she thought about what could possibly happen if they were to know about her and Rainbow. Would they still even talk to Pinkie Pie, knowing she was a friend of two fillyfoolers? What would the general public think about the number one apple vendor in Ponyville if they discovered she was in a relationship with another mare?

Applejack somberly walked back into Sweet Apple Acres to be greeted by Big Macintosh, who was finishing up his load of work for the day.

"Heya, sis. How was your time with Fluttershy? Get all them rabbits rounded up?" He said, happy to see his sister.

"Uhh...yeah. It was pretty easy once the lil' varmits realized I wasn't gonna hurt 'em." Applejack replied, not stopping to make conversation with her brother. She loped up into the farmhouse, looking upon Granny Smith, sitting in front of the fireplace.

"Evenin', honey. Ya don't look so good." Granny Smith said.

"To tell the truth, Granny, Ah'm not feelin' so good right now." Applejack said, the feeling of dread still coursing through her.

"Wanna talk about it?" Granny said. "Ya can tell me anythin'. Applebloom's asleep, and Big Mac is still finishin' up outside." Applejack regarded her grandmother for a moment before subtly nodding. Granny Smith offered a satisfied smile. "So, sweetie, tell me what's wrong." Applejack sighed lightly before she began.

"Well, Ah'm kinda involved with this pony, who'll remain nameless for right now." Granny Smith nodded. "And this pony...well...not many would approve of our relationship, Ah think. And any time we're alone, Ah really just wanna hold this pony and spend all my time with her-him!" Applejack's stomach leaped as she quickly tried to cover herself. Granny Smith didn't seem to notice Applejack say "her", so she continued. "It's a...him. But whenever anypony even comes close to seein' us together, Ah just...kinda...stop lovin' on him."

"Well, does your time with 'im feel ill spent?" Granny Smith asked. "Like your doin' somethin' wrong?" Applejack considered the question for a moment.

"Uh....Ah...maybe?" Was all she offered as a reply.

"What it could possibly be, is that your gettin' excited by bein' with him." Granny Smith elaborated. "An' so that's why whenever you're alone, you're all happy to be with 'im, but ya don't wanna be seen by anyone else lovin' on 'im."

"Maybe..." Applejack said.

"Do ya feel bad or guilty whenever ya shun 'im in public?" Granny Smith asked.

'Yes.' Applejack thought.

"Uhmm...Ah, uh....no..." Applejack said, looking down at the floor.

"Well, then, what Ah'd say is that alla this is just a phase. It'll pass eventually. Sleep on it. Maybe go spend some time tomorrow with Twilight, or Rarity," Granny smith said. "or Rainbow Dash. Talk to 'em about it."

Rainbow Dash...the name reverberated in her head like a raquetball thrown by Iron Will. It made her elated, and yet sick to her stomach. It reminded her why she felt so awful about herself at that moment. She pushed these feelings aside and looked at her grandmother.

"Thanks, Granny." Applejack said. "Ah'm actually pretty tired...Ah think Ah might turn in early tonight."

"Alright. G'night, sweetie. Ah hope Ah helped." Granny Smith said kindly.

"Ya did. Night." Applejack said as she went to her room. She wouldn't be sleeping on this night however. She had entirely too much to think about.

_____

Rainbow Dash woke up the next morning and fed her tortoise. She had returned to her cloud home the previous night after her altercation with Applejack angry and confused. Applejack, as far as she knew, never really cared what other ponies thought of her, provided they were thinking negative things. How was it so different now? No matter the case, Rainbow cared for Applejack deeply and valued her immensely. She knew she had to make things right with her love. She was in love with Applejack and she would do anything for her, including support her, no matter how she felt about revealing their relationship to their friends and family. Rainbow Dash patted Tank's head and left her home, descending upon Ponyville to find Applejack.

When the cyan pegasus arrived in the market, she layed her eyes upon the apple stand, currently being run by Big Macintosh, Applejack's brother. As she approached, Big Mac nodded at her.

"Mornin' Miss Dash." Big Mac said politely. "What'll it be?"

"Hey, Big Mac. I'm not buying anything, but do you know where Applejack is? I have to talk to her about a big project we have coming up." Rainbow said to him.

"She ain't here. She's down at the farm for today. But Ah'm sure she'd be happy to see ya." He replied to her. Rainbow nodded.

"Alright. Thanks, Big Mac!" Rainbow said before flying in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

"Eeeyup." Big Mac said, even though he was certain that Rainbow could not hear him anymore.
Rainbow flied over the town before finally coming upon Sweet Apple Acres. She spied Applejack down in front of the barn, moving barrels of apples. Rainbow flew down and landed behind Applejack, who noticed her presence.

"Morning, AJ." Rainbow said. "Working?"

"Yep." Applejack said simply. She set the barrel up and turned to Rainbow, who was walking towards her. Applejack began walking toward the stacks of barrels outside the barn. Rainbow went to hug her, but received no reciprocation from the farm mare.

"Sorry, Rainbow. Gotta get all this stuff done." Applejack said, a slight deadpan tone in her voice.

"Oh...uh...don't worry about it. No problem." Rainbow said before sitting down to watch Applejack work. Back and forth she went, moving the heavy barrels of apples into the barn.

"So...you guys getting all of those ready to be sold at the market?" Rainbow asked her.

"Yep. Things go like candy." Applejack said. "Funny that we're still strugglin' to make ends meet." Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah, that's why it's pretty awesome to live in the clouds. I made my house." Rainbow said proudly, making Applejack roll her eyes slightly as she continued to work. Rainbow rubbed the back of her head nervously as she struggled to talk.

"Uh...um...Look, I'm just going to get to the Ursa Major in the room. Last night..."

"We ain't gotta talk about last night." Applejack said. "Nothin' needs to be said."

"Yeah, it does." Rainbow replied. "We do need to talk about this." Applejack sighed before standing a barrel up and turning to face Rainbow.

"Alright, fine." Applejack said. "Let's talk." Rainbow cleared her throat.

"Okay, look, I...I may have overreacted last night." Rainbow said. Applejack scoffed lightly. "I know you may be nervous about revealing...us to anyone right now. I just got a little impatient with it. I can wait for you." Applejack looked up at the sky for a moment then back to the pegasus, a sweet, genuine, hopeful look on her face. Rainbow moved forward and nuzzled Applejack's cheek, making the farm mare's stomach flutter for a moment. Applejack didn't respond to the nuzzle, however, and let Rainbow step back. Judging from her disappointed look, Applejack knew Rainbow had wanted a kiss. Applejack frowned as she got a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She sighed.

"Okay, Rainbow...Ah appreciate you considerin' me..." Applejack said. "But, uh...there's somethin' Ah gotta tell ya." Rainbow became nervous at this comment, but nodded anyway.

"Alright." Rainbow said, smiling at her sweetly. Applejack frowned and looked down. "I'm all ears, AJ."

"You an' me..." Applejack said, stopping for a moment to gain control of herself. She blinked away tears and adjusted her stetson. She looked to the side, away from Rainbow. "You an' me ain't uh...workin'." Rainbow's eyes widened slightly.

"What?" Rainbow asked.

"Ah think we should...y'know...break up." The pegasus' heart stopped and her mind went numb. The statement took a moment for Rainbow Dash to register. The fire that burned in her chest, created whenever she layed eyes upon Applejack, was extiguished and frozen over. Her bottom lip had begun to quiver. She sat down, losing strength in her back legs, producing a muted thump. Her mouth hung slightly open, astonished at what she had just heard.

Applejack's heart broke at the scene before her, seeing Rainbow like this. Something inside her screamed for her to stop this, to say it was a joke and hold her, to kiss her and reassure her of their love for each other. But what Granny Smith had said the previous night to her, that it was just a phase, and they would both get over it eventually, pushed it aside and took prescedence. Her fear had become dominant.

"Rainbow, look, it's uh...it's not you, it's me. And Ah know that sounds really chiche, but-"

"Why?" Was all Rainbow said, looking at Applejack. Again, the farm mare averted her eyes.

"Well, uh..." Applejack said. "Uhm...well...we're two of the Elements of Harmony."

"So?" Rainbow said, raising and eyebrow.

"So...it's a b-bond between you, me, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie b-based on friendship. Our l-love could p-potentially change that." Applejack looked to the side and scuffed a hoof on the ground, adjusting her stetson again.

"That's ridiculous." Rainbow said, outraged. "Love is the highest form of friendship."

"Ya don't know that." Applejack said.

"How could it not be?" Rainbow said. She stood. "You're lying to me, aren't you?"

"No, Rainbow, Ah'm not." Applejack said.

"Yes, you are. You know how I can tell?" Applejack said nothing. "Whenever you lie, you stutter and look away from whoever you're talking to." Rainbow said, stepping toward Applejack. "All those times you told me how much you enjoy my company, you were looking me straight in the eyes." Applejack sighed and looked at Rainbow, brows furrowed. Her heart pounded heavily in her chest as she felt a bead of sweat going down her temple.

"Ah ain't lyin' to ya."

"Oh, sure, now you look at me, when I've pointed out your tell." Rainbow said, anger lacing her words like a poison. "Why don't you tell me the real reason you're ending it? Like I don't already know." Rainbow's eyes narrowed. "You're scared."

"Ah ain't scared of nothin'." Applejack said, anger rising in her as well.

"Sure you are. You're terrified of what anypony else would think of you if they found out you were in a relationship with another mare." Rainbow said. "This is disappointing, Applejack. Especially coming from you."

"This was just a phase and you know it." Applejack said, stepping toward Rainbow, further closing the distance. Rainbow, further astonished at this statement yelled-

"Just a phase!? Are you kidding?!"

"No Ah ain't! We've both had coltfriends before, Rainbow!" Applejack said, raising her voice as well.

"And that changes anything how? This is ridiculous." Rainbow said, looking away and shaking her head. She looked back at Applejack. "You're ridiculous. You started all of this when you kissed me the night of your hoedown. I didn't ask you to lay one on me, but you did!"

"You sure as hay didn't reject it!" Applejack said.

"Why didn't you stutter when you raved about how much you love spending time with me, huh?" Rainbow demanded. "Why didn't you look away whenever we made love?!"

"Made love? Never thought Ah'd hear ya say that, Dash." Applejack said, with a sarcastic chuckle.

"Don't bucking change the subject!" Rainbow said to her. "This is all a big lie, and you know it. It all boils down to one simple fact." Rainbow got nearly nose-to-nose with Applejack. Applejack did not move back, instead looking Rainbow Dash in her eyes.

"What's that?" Applejack asked.

"You. Are. Scared." Rainbow said, eyes narrowing. Applejack shoved Rainbow back.

"Ah ain't scared of nothin'!" Applejack yelled. Rainbow laughed lightly.

"Sounds like denial to me." She said, this statement doused the fire that was Applejack's anger with gasoline.

"Oh yeah!?" Applejack said to her. "How about this?" She focused all of her willpower to grab each of Rainbow Dash's shoulders and bring her to look her in the eyes. She poured all of her effort into getting the words out perfectly. "Ah never felt anything but lust for you. You read too much into it." The gesture was like a sword in Rainbow Dash's stomach. Her eyes widened as she looked into Applejack's eyes. Her confident, smirking face morphed into an expression of hurt and heartbreak. If looking away and stuttering was Applejack's tell, it didn't show now. Tears flooded Rainbow's eyes as Applejack's hold softened along with her heart. Applejack's stomach turned as she realized what she had just done. She let go as Rainbow stepped back.

"I..." Rainbow said, a single tear falling down her cheek. "I don't believe it..."

"Rainbow..." Applejack said, tearing up as well. "Ah still want to be your friend..."

"That's what they always say, isn't it?" Rainbow said, wiping her tears and straightening up. "But then, what happens whenever you see your ex? You don't want to talk to them, right?" Applejack adjusted her stetson.

"It doesn't have to be that way, Rainbow Dash..." Applejack said.

"I still don't believe you...just yesterday...the look you had in your eyes was unmistakable. You're still lying to me." Rainbow said, brows furrowing.

"Ah'm not, Dash. It's best w-we just...end it now." Applejack said. "Look, a little while ago, Rarity told me that Caramel likes me. He's still single, so Ah'm gonna talk to him later. Ah'm serious about this." Applejack's head was overflowed with thoughts contradicting the statement. More tears fell from Rainbow Dash's eyes, but she stood firm, she did not sob, falter or break down. Seeing Rainbow like this made Applejack's chest hurt.

'Coward!' The farm mare thought to herself. 'Look what you're doin' to Rainbow Dash! Your sweet Rainbow Dash!' She pushed these thoughts away and sighed, looking at Rainbow. They stared at one another for a while, not moving, only stopping their eye contact to blink.

"Ah gotta get back to work." Applejack said.

"Fine." Rainbow said, unfurling her wings. "The element of honesty can't lie...at least not very well." Applejack merely sighed and returned to rolling the heavy barrel into the barn. Rainbow Dash began to fly away back to her cloud home.

Applejack finished with her work and after she shut the barn door, sat down and looked over Sweet Apple Acres. Her mind was buzzing with constant thoughts of Rainbow Dash and what had just transpired. Her insides felt rotten as she sat, frowning. Big Mac approached her, returning from the market.

"Sold out today." Big Mac said, a small smile on his face. When Applejack didn't reply, he looked at her, slightly worred. "Everythin' alright, sis?" Applejack looked at him for a moment before looking away again.

"Yeah, Big Mac. Ah'm fine." She said, looking down at the ground in front of her. Big Mac sighed.

"Alright, sis. Come inside soon. It's goldurned cold out here." He said. Applejack nodded.

"Ah'll be in in a minute. Just got a lot to think about." She said. Big Mac nodded. Her thoughts were uninterrupted by the small conversation she just had with her brother.

"She'll be okay." Applejack whispered to herself. "Dash is tough. She'll get over it." She turned to go into her house. "It's for the best..." She felt no less disgusted with herself, and no less sorrowful for the partnership she had just lost. A tear formed in her eye before she quickly wiped it away.

"Caramel's a nice stallion."

_____

Rainbow sniffled as another tear fell down the side of her face onto her cloud pillow. She moved slightly on her bed where she had fallen and stayed since she had arrived at her home. Tank was curled up next to her belly, reassuringly resting his chin on her side. Applejack had changed so radically since the day before on their date...well, she hadn't actually changed herself, just her behavior. Rainbow wiped her tear and hugged onto Tank, pulling him closer.

"Thanks, Tank. You're a good friend." Rainbow said. "I needed someone to hug onto." The statement was something she wouldn't want anyone else but her pet to hear her say.

"Maybe that's how Applejack feels..." Rainbow wondered aloud. "No, it's not. I wouldn't really care that much if Twilight heard me say that I like snuggling with you, Tank. Sure, I'd be a little embarrased, but..." Her voice lowered slightly. "I'm not scared like...Applejack." Tank looked up at her and blinked slowly.

"Goddesses, I wish you could talk, Tank." Rainbow said. She fluffed her pillow and layed back down on it. She sighed heavily as she wiped tears from her eye. "I mean, whenever we would go on dates, I could see that Applejack loves me...I could tell it from the way she acted, the way she looked at me, and everything else..." Tank rested his head back down on Rainbow Dash's side. She sighed and adjusted her laying position to where her legs were on the cool part of the bed. She hated it whenever her bed warmed up.

Rainbow's mind was a crass menagerie of different emotions, thoughts and feelings. Betrayal iced her insides and kept them chilled, making her want to stay in bed and not move, which we was currently doing. Hurt burned her mind and made anger contradict fear, which also staked a claim on the pegasus' thought pattern. However, confusion reigned supreme in the pegasus. Applejack had adored Rainbow Dash, that much was undeniable. Her happiness could be felt in the air whenever they were together, and now she was acting so cold toward Rainbow. The immediate contradiction to her previous thoughts drove Rainbow Dash mad with it's pure ridiculousness.

Applejack had been lying to Rainbow and herself the whole time. Even though she had momentarily fooled Rainbow when she purposefully hid her tell, Rainbow knew the truth. She loved Applejack, and Applejack loved her too. But Applejack was scared. She had been since the night of their first date when she overheard what the Cakes had said. Rainbow slowly closed her eyes and sighed.

"I'll get her back, Tank." She said. "I swear I'll get her back."

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Oh, mah GAHD! The plot thickens, yeah? Shit...is...going...down. Or it will later on. So, yeah, I noticed that whenever I'm typing a confrontation or argument, I tend to type really fast and intensely. Hmm. Strange, huh? Anyway, drop a like if you're enjoying the story so far, and I'd love a comment telling me what you guys think so far. Cheers! (Yes, I'm going to say "Cheers!" at the end of every author's note. Deal with it.)

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

"Well, I came to Ponyville some time ago to see what it was like to live the quiet life. And since I've been here for some odd eight years, it's pretty easy to see how much I love it here." Caramel, Applejack's date, said quite confidently as the mare looked at him from across the table. Applejack had approached Caramel two days previously, the day after the last time she saw Rainbow Dash, and told him that she liked him, obivously not without small, scattered touches of worry, regret and shame. Caramel was all too happy to ask her on a date at that moment, which Applejack accepted.

"That's nice." Applejack said. "Las Pegasus, huh? Tell me about that place."

"It's pretty cool, actually." He said. "I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but I used to be an avid gambler." Applejack's face moved into an expression of slight disapproval.

"I'm, uh... I'm not anymore...seriously. It was actually how I got my cutie mark." He said, gesturing to his flank. Three blue horseshoes stood out against his light brown coat. "I was just...I don't really know how to put it without seeming like a nutbar...luckier than anypony else there. The night I finally had my biggest score in a game of roulette, this cutie mark appeared. I was actually a blank flank until I was eighteen, can you beleive that?"

"My sister doesn't have her cutie mark yet." Applejack said with a frown. Caramel's eyes widened for a moment and he rubbed the back of his head, taking a sip of his coffee.

"I'm uh....sorry...I didn't know, I swear." He said. He actually did, as he had seen Applejack with her sister around town a few times. But being the forgetful stallion he was, it slipped his mind at that moment. Applejack chuckled.

"Ah'm just yankin' your chain, Caramel." She said. "Applebloom is still plenty young." Caramel sighed quietly and smiled.

"That's good. She's going to find her calling soon." He said genuinely. Applejack smiled back.

'He is a nice stallion, isn't he?' Applejack thought to herself. However...something...something was missing inside Applejack. This wasn't as fun and exciting as a coffee date with...her. Applejack preferred not to think about Rainbow Dash since their little confrontation two days before.

"Well, don't stop now." Applejack said. "Keep goin' with your story." Caramel seemed to be snapped out of a stupor.

"Oh yeah! Okay, so..." He stopped to think for a moment. "Where was I?"

"Still haven't changed since that Winter Wrap Up, huh?" Applejack said, referring to the time the stallion had forgotten his grass seeds at the Winter Wrap Up some time previously. He chuckled and rubbed the back of his head again.

"Yeah...sorry..." He said. "I hope that doesn't change your opinion of me so far? First impressions have always meant a lot to me."

He was cute...Applejack had no trouble denying that.

"Nope." She said. "You were talkin' about your big score and how you first got your cutie mark." He nodded.

"Okay. Yeah. So, I had just gotten my cutie mark, horseshoes...for luck, y'know? Anyways, I had won...get ready for this...ninety thousand eleven bits!" He said.

"Wow..." Applejack said. "Strange number..." Caramel nodded.

"I know, right?" He said. "Anyways, I had been so confident that I was going to win, I had already bought my house here in Ponyville. I knew I was going to have the money to back it up."

"That's a pretty risky move." Applejack commented.

"You say risky, I say confident." He said. Applejack nodded.

'Self confidence is nice...' She thought.

"So, I'm packing all my stuff, and the stallion who I promised to split the money with shows up." He said. "And, of course, I forgot to give him his share. I actually forgot about him entirely. I had a little left over besides, so I gave that to him and tried to explain the situation, but he wasn't having it. He was actually extremely angry. So he promised that I'd be sorry and he'd be back."

"That doesn't sound good." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, well, he was a rough-looking guy." Caramel explained. "But, he was so nice when he came to me with his proposition that he'd take half the winnings, invest it, and give me double what I had two months later. I decided to trust him. With the kind of hindsight a guy can get after eight years, it's pretty easy to see that I shouldn't have trusted him."

'Sweet and trusting...that's good.' The mare thought to herself.

"So, I'm hurrying to get all of my stuff packed up. I'm just about to leave for the train when he and two of his nasty-looking buds find me outside my apartment. Well, you know the whole schtick. They threatened to beat me within an inch of my life, yadda yadda yadda. What they didn't know, is I ran track in school, and I still had it." Applejack chuckled and nodded.

"So I was able to outrun them pretty easily, I had to leave my things, however, and they probably burned all of it, but hey, I got away. So I came to Ponyville and pretty much started my life here. Been here ever since." He said.

"Well, now..." Applejack said before taking a sip of her coffee. "That's quite the tale..." Caramel nodded.

"Yeah...I'm actually amazed that I got out of that alive."

"Ah can't help think that some parts of that may be a little fabricated..." She said.

"Wha...I am hurt!...Too hurt...and shocked...and offended!" He said jovially, extravagantly slapping a hoof on his chest, similar to the way Rarity would when she found something offensive. Applejack laughed.

"That's funny, now." She said.

"Well, living next to Rarity for eight years will to that to ya." He said.

"Ah still think that story's fake." She said. Caramel looked at her.

"Well, maybe a couple parts, but the core tale is true...maybe that guy threatened my life, maybe he didn't." He said, sending the mare a small wink. Applejack couldn't help but chuckle.

'Very cute...' She thought, storing a mental list of pros and cons. Caramel exclaimed in pain. Applejack was snapped from her thoughts, looking over at Caramel.

"You alright?" She said.

"Yeah, I just spilled hot coffee on my chest..." He said. "Goddesses...now I don't look cool anymore." Applejack giggled.

"You're stilll plenty cool, dontcha worry about that." Applejack said. She looked again at his cutie mark. "Sooo..." She said. "You're lucky, huh?" He looked at his cutie mark and then at Applejack.

"I found you, right?" He said suavely, raising an eyebrow. This comment would have made Applejack blush if she had not seeked him out.

"Ah actually came to you, remember?" She said, half laughing. Caramel's eyes widened before he dropped his face into his two front hooves. Applejack laughed heartily, nearly losing her stetson. Caramel blushed heavily.

"Oh, I can't get a break..." He said to himself, genuinely sadly this time. "I bet I look like a regular fool to you, right now, huh?" Applejack barely managed to get her laughter under control before she put a hoof on his.

"Oh, no, Caramel...Ah don't, seriously. You're actually really bright." She said. "Maybe just a bit forgetful." Caramel smiled at her.

"Thanks, Applejack." He said to her. "I appreciate that."

"No problem." Applejack said. "Ah'm just gonna tell ya, though, it was Rarity who told me that ya liked me." Caramel frowned.

"Seriously?" He said. "I told her to keep that a secret!" Applejack chuckled.

"Ah didn't know ya talked to Rarity that much." She said.

"Well, I am her next door neighbor." He said. "Sometimes she begs me to model some clothes for her." Applejack struggled to supress a laugh. "Guy clothes, okay? She's not putting me in dresses or anything." Applejack stopped and nodded. He smiled at her and she smiled back. Applejack could definitely see herself with this stallion. He was nice, charming, funny and attractive. She was having fun, to be sure, but something the mare couldn't quite place...was missing. Her stomach sunk slightly every time she expected to open her eyes and see a slightly scruffy rainbow mane, or beautiful Rose irises.

I've actually liked you for a long time, Applejack..." Caramel barely managed to utter. Applejack was snapped out of her pensive thoughts. She smiled at him. The stallion was struggling to look confident, but was failing miserably. A huge blush was present on his face.

"Well, that's awful nice of ya to say, Caramel. If Ah'd have known that, Ah would've approached ya sooner." She said.

"You really mean that?" He said, a happy spark in his eyes. Applejack nodded slowly. He smiled at her. Mrs. Cake brought their check to the table, a lousy two bits for both cups of coffee. Applejack's was only halfway drank, anyway. She had never been one for coffee...neither had Rainbow.

"Don't worry!" Caramel said, acting like the check was some exorbitant amount. "It's on me." Applejack chuckled at the little gesture. They paid for their coffee.

"Hi, Applejack. Good to see you here with a nice stallion." Mrs. Cake said sweetly, putting slight emphasis on the word stallion. Applejack's smile turned into a straight face as she looked at Mrs. Cake, slightly confused. The farm mare noticed the way she looked, however, and immediately smiled again.

"Good to see you too, Mrs. Cake." She said before leaving with Caramel. They walked down the streets of Ponyville toward Sweet Apple Acres, where Caramel would most likely say his goodbye to Applejack before going home himself.

"Gah, I love this place." Caramel mused. "It's like paradise in Winter." Applejack scoffed silently to herself.

"It's actually not quite Winter yet. Still got about two weeks to go." She said.

"Oh...sorry." He said.

"Ya ain't got nothin' to apologize for." Applejack said.

"Sure is cold enough to be Winter..." He said. "I wish I'd have brought my scarf."

"Yep." Was all Applejack offered as a reply. They continued walking in silence. The silence felt slightly awkward to Applejack. She looked over at Caramel and he looked back. He blushed. She didn't. Not like she did when she looked at Rainbow. 'No.' She thought to herself. 'All that's over. You like Caramel, remember? Dash was...just a phase.' She walked and looked into the sky. 'You wouldn't doubt Granny, now would ya?' The pair eventually reached the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack turned and looked at Caramel, who smiled warmly.

"I had a lot of fun." He said. "You're a really nice girl, Applejack." He blushed as he stood before her. Applejack's heart skipped a beat. She liked Caramel...right? She knew she did. Especially over Rainbow Dash. If she were to kiss him at that moment, she would have felt the same spark in her stomach that she did with Rainbow.

Applejack shot her head forward and kissed Caramel straight on the lips. His eyes widened heavily as he stood, paralyzed. Applejack kept the kiss going, desperately looking for some kind of fire or excitement, or spark...There was no fire...excitement was completely absent and no spark was felt whatsoever in the mare. After about half a minute, she seperated from the kiss and looked at him. His face was beat red.

"Where'd..." He cleared his throat. "Where'd that come from, Applejack?" Applejack feigned shyness and lightly skidded a hoof on the ground.

"Well, Ah..." She said, innocently, looking away from him. "Ah j-just like y-ya...A lot." He smiled widely at her.

"Wow...I really like you too, Applejack. I'd sure like to see you again sometime." He said.

"How about Saturday?" Applejack said. "We can go for a walk and go to dinner or somethin'." Caramel nodded.

"O-okay...sounds great..." He said. "I guess I'll see you Saturday, then..."

"Alright...bye." Applejack said, turning around and moving toward her home. Caramel turned and walked the other way, still a little too stunned to say anything else. Applejack frowned to herself on her way back to the farmhouse. She could taste the awkwardness in the air....still, she did like Caramel. He was sweet and attractive, if a little forgettable. She sighed as she entered her home to see her family.

In a tree in the apple orchard of Sweet Apple Acres, hidden by foliage and branches, Rainbow Dash's heart was breaking.

_____

Rainbow Dash frowned as she flew in a relatively straight path toward Sweet Apple Acres. She sighed to herself as she flew straight through a cloud. The cloud provided her with much resistance, but she broke through it anyway, the frown ever present among her facial features. She followed Applejack on her date the previous day, (After several self-affirmations that she was not a stalker.) and was not happy with what she saw. If Applejack really had been lying to her, she was going beyond the extra mile to hide it. The pegasus sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time that day.

"What to get..." Rainbow said quietly to herself, surveying the town of Ponyville below her. She had a small habit of talking to herself when she was alone. She adjusted her saddle bag to make sure that it wouldn't fall off in mid-flight.

"Flowers?...Nah, to sappy..." She said. "Applejack wouldn't really appreciate that...How about..." She eyed Sugarcube Corner's towering sweet looking frame. "Chocolate! She'll totally dig chocolate." Rainbow flew down and landed in front of Sugarcube Corner and ambled in happily.

'I wonder if Pinkie's-'

"Dashie!!!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed exorbitantly, interrupting Dash's thought process with a crushing hug. Rainbow coughed lightly.

"Urgh! Uh...Hey Pinkie..." The pegasus said. Pinkie Pie let Rainbow out of the hug and stood back, a huge smile present on her face.

"It's soooo good to see you!" Pinkie said.

"Yeah, nice to see you too, Pinkie." Rainbow said, rubbing her back slightly. "But next time...go a little easier on the hug, kay? You hug me that hard every time I see you and I'm not sure if my back can take much more..." Pinkie's ears splayed back as she frowned.

"Oh! I'm...so sorry, Rainbow Dash..." Pinkie said, beginning to tear up. Rainbow noticed this immediately and quickly gave Pinkie a light hug before stepping back.

"Don't cry, Pinkie! I appreciate the gesture, I really do, but you just squeeze so hard. Look, don't worry about me, I'll be fine. I just overreacted a bit is all." Rainbow said. Pinkie immediately smiled and nodded. Rainbow was completely unsuprised at how quickly Pinkie Pie was able to stop tearing up.

"So, what do you need, Dashie?" She asked happily.

"Oh, I just came to get some chocolate." Rainbow said.

"Chocolate?...You don't usually come in here alone, much less for just some chocolate..." Pinkie said. "You've got a special somepony, don't you?" Pinkie raised an eyebrow and elbowed Rainbow in the chest a few times. Rainbow sighed.

"Yeah, I do, okay? So, can I just get some chocolate?" Rainbow asked her.

"Come to the viewing case, Dashie! I've got just the thing!" Pinkie exclaimed happily. Rainbow followed Pinkie to the viewing glass that was full of different assorted chocolates, along with many other types of sweets and generally unhealthy things. Rainbow looked to the side to see Mr. Cake behind the counter, counting up the day's earnings. He smiled and approached them. The closer the yellow stallion came, the higher the disgust level in Rainbow Dash's gut rose.

"Okay, Dashie! Here it i-"

"Hey there, Rainbow Dash." Mr. Cake interrupted Pinkie, not seeming to notice that she was in the middle of showing Rainbow some chocolate.

"Oh, uh, Mr. Cake, I was-" Pinkie began.

"Hey, Mr. Cake." Rainbow said, not quite smiling.

"Oh, okay, fine...I can wait..." Pinkie said, sulking slightly.

"I just wanted to tell you that if I seemed too crass the last time we spoke, I apologize. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I didn't quite respect yours." He said, frowning. Rainbow nodded subtly.

"Alright Mr. Cake. It's cool. I shouldn't have yelled like I did." She responded.

"Okay..." He said with another smile. Rainbow Dash still couldn't quite smile back at him. The general feeling of loathing inside her forbade her from it. She knew he didn't mean a word of what he said, and that his wife was probably making him do it. He seemed like he was whipped, anyway. "Well, I'll be seein' ya." The gangly stallion walked back to his cash register. Pinkie exhaled heavily.

"Alrighty! Here's the one I was talking about." Pinkie said. She held up a massive chocolate heart. "It's filled with strawberry filling. Delish-a-swish!" Rainbow chuckled lightly at Pinkie's eccentric expression, but she shook her head.

"I don't think so, Pinkie Pie." Rainbow said. Pinkie Pie frowned and looked down into the case.

"Oh...that's too bad..." The pink party pony stated.

"What's too bad?" Rainbow asked, looking down into the case for a moment.

"Oh, hey, Applejack!" Pinkie exclaimed, looking past Rainbow Dash and smiling. Rainbow's heart stopped as she spun around quickly, wide-eyed, ears splayed back. Applejack was nowhere to be seen. Rainbow's brow furrowed in slight frustration.

"Alright, Pinkie Pie..." She said, turning around. "What's the big ide-" She raised an eyebrow in confusion at what she saw. Pinkie Pie was draped over the case, bits of chocolate around her mouth with a sickly look on her face. The chocolate heart held in one hoof.

"It looks like..." She gagged slightly, covering her mouth with her free hoof. "This is the only chocolate we have left...for...today..." She said with a weak smile. Rainbow frowned at her.

"Pinkie, I know you just ate all of the other chocolates..." Rainbow said. Pinkie gasped before covering her mouth again, a green hue appearing on her face for a moment.

"Whaaat?...I...I uh,....don't know what you're talking..." She gagged again. "about." Rainbow sighed heavily. She placed four bits on the counter.

"Alright, alright, just gimme the heart. Geez, Pinkie..." The pegasus said. Pinkie smiled through her apparent nausea.

"Okay....it's just three bits though..." Pinkie said, putting the bits in the register. "Oooohhhh....my tummy hurts..." Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"Well, of course it does! You just ate about ten times as much chocolate as a normal pony should eat-" Dash stopped in her speech. Pinkie Pie wasn't a normal pony, to be sure, but even that amount of chocolate was apparently too much for her. Rainbow placed a small bag full of bits on the counter. "Here. Just tell the cakes that I bought it all." Rainbow turned to leave.

"No, Dash-" Pinkie barely got out before another gag.

"Take care of yourself, Pinkie Pie." Rainbow said before leaving. Right before she took off, however, she was swept up into a small, sweet, noticeably lighter hug from Pinkie.

"I hope that lets him know how you feel..." Pinkie said, smiling in spite of her sick stomach. Rainbow hugged her back.

"Thanks, Pinkie. Now, go get some rest." Rainbow said. Pinkie Pie let go of her and nodded.

"Yeah...my-" She stopped as she gagged again. This time, she covered her mouth as her eyes grew wide. Rainbow Dash knew what that meant. Pinkie began looking frantically around, her puffy mane swishing about wildly. Rainbow quickly turned Pinkie around to face Sugarcube Corner.

"Go! NOW!" Rainbow exclaimed as Pinkie ran, top speed, inside. Rainbow Dash laughed quietly to herself before storing the chocolate heart, which was now packaged inside a neat box, inside her saddle bag. She began to fly toward Sweet Apple Acres when she stopped, suddenly worried about something. Pinkie Pie had fooled her to look away by saying that Applejack had walked into Sugarcube Corner. Out of all their friends, why would she pick Applejack? Did she know about them?

"Stop being paranoid, Rainbow Dash..." She said to herself before beginning to fly again. She zipped through the skies in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, looking for the orange farm mare she had come to love. She finally saw Applejack, picking up fallen branches around the orchard, a cart full of them behind her. Rainbow smiled before flying down and hiding in one of the trees. 'Now, to break the ice with some humor.' She thought. 'She always thought I was really funny.'

Applejack picked up yet another stick from the ground, tossing it into the cart. The task had become much more frequent, due to the Winter Season approaching. She sat underneath a tree for a moment and rested, looking around at all of the trees. Apple trees didn't lose their leaves until mid-winter, so the sight was still something to behold. Her heart nearly broke from her chest when a pair of hooves grabbed her from above and a scream echoed from the branches. With a scream, Applejack dashed forward, away from the tree and looked up to see Rainbow Dash, howling with laugher. Applejack's stomach jumped at the sight of the cyan pegasus.

"R-Rainbow Dash?! What're you doin' here?!" Applejack exclaimed. Rainbow fell from the branch and fell to the ground. The laughing stopped immediately.

"Ow..." Rainbow mutely mumbled.

"Serves ya right for lurkin' around in my apple trees." Applejack said, eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh, chill, Applejack." Rainbow said, standing up from her fall from the tree. She took off her saddle bag and put it down on the ground. "I just wanted to come and say 'Hey'." Applejack looked moderately suprised at this.

"Really?" She said.

"Yep." Rainbow said, smiling. "...Hey." Applejack couldn't help but laugh. Rainbow laughed with her, not closing her eyes like Applejack did, instead looking at the other mare fondly.

"Well, that's nice." Applejack said. "It's good to see that you've let go." Rainbow felt a slight tinge of dread course throughout her body.

"Yeah..." She responded. "Let go..."

"Ah'm glad that we can still be friends after alla this." Applejack said. Rainbow nodded slowly.

"So..." She said. "You've...got a new coltfriend, huh?" Applejack's smile disappeared from her face for a moment.

"How did ya know that?" Applejack asked.

"I saw you two in town." Rainbow said. "Just because you broke up with me doesn't mean I'm not gonna come to Ponyville anymore." Applejack nodded.

"Okay..." She said. "So...Ah'm gonna get back to work...feel free to stay if ya want." Rainbow nodded.

"I think I will...for a little while. Y'know, to make sure you don't hurt yourself without me." Applejack scoffed.

"Thanks, Ah really appreciate that." She said. Rainbow's heart sank as Applejack turned away from her. The farm mare didn't even show an inkling of affection toward her beyond friendship. Rainbow inhaled sharply. It was now or never.

"You appreciate me, right?" Rainbow asked. Applejack stopped working and put the stick she had picked up down. Her brows furrowed as she turned around. .

"Now Rainbow-"

"That's what you said..." Rainbow said. "Our first night together...That's what you said right before you kissed me."

"How'd Ah know you'd make some foolhardy attempt to get me back?" Applejack said. The question stung her inside as it came from her mouth.

"I'm not trying to get you back, AJ." Rainbow said. Applejack's stomach jumped lightly after she heard Rainbow's affectionate pet name for her. "I just want to know...what went wrong." Applejack turned to her.

"Alright, Rainbow. Here it is." Applejack said. "It wasn't anything you did. In fact, it really was all me. Ah just realized that you...us, was just just a phase for me. Ah realized that Ah got a little bit of excitement from being with you, but Ah didn't really want to be with you, y'know?" Rainbow sat and shook her head slightly.

"I don't really..." She said. "The way you looked at me the day before you broke it off was unmistakable. Then, the next day, you just...changed. I just see no reason for that to have happened..."

"Some things just...are. They don't have to have a reason, Dash." Applejack said, looking down to the side.

"That's not true..." The pegasus responded. "Everything happens for a reason. Just tell me what that reason is, and we can make it right..." Applejack looked up to see Rainbow Dash approaching her. She looked away from the pegasus. The urge to turn away crossed her mind.

"Together..." Rainbow Dash nearly whispered. She nuzzled Applejack's cheek tenderly. Applejack's steel resolve faltered as she looked into Rainbow's eyes. She really did miss those roses. Rainbow moved forward and lightly kissed Applejack, just barely touching her lips. Pulling away for a moment, Rainbow moved back in, completing the kiss more firmly. Applejack's eyes slowly closed as she began to kiss Rainbow back, moving her lips against the pegasus'. An immense feeling of satisfaction grew within Rainbow Dash as she pushed the kiss a little farther, brushing her tongue lightly against Applejack's bottom lip. The kiss intensified as Rainbow slid her tongue into Applejack's mouth. Applejack continued the kiss, barely suppressing a moan.

A spark ignited in Applejack. Many different feelings came rushing back to her all at once. She had definitely missed this. Rainbow pushed Applejack against a tree and put both front hooves on Applejack's shoulders. Applejack continued to kiss her back, wrapping her hooves around Rainbow Dash's waist. Rainbow's mind was buzzing with happiness and joy, barely able to contain all of her emotions and thoughts. Rainbow began to slowly slide her hooves down Applejack's chest. Applejack couldn't take it anymore and let out a small moan. The rainbow-maned pegasus began to slide her hooves under Applejack's rear. This was interrupted as Applejack pushed her off, making her stumble slightly. Rainbow blinked before looking at Applejack. The farm mare had a steel-hard look on her face.

"Wha-"

"Leave, Rainbow." Applejack said.

"Wait, Applejack, we just-"

"We just nothin'. Get outta here." Applejack reaffirmed. "And don't come back until Ah say you can. Y'hear me?" Rainbow's ears splayed back as a look of hurt crossed her face. Applejack had the look in her eyes. The look that broadcast that she was dead set on something, and wasn't going to be budged from it. Rainbow saw no other option, unless she wanted to get into another fight.

"Okay..." Rainbow said softly, reaching into her saddlebag. "I got you something..."

"Ah don't want it." Applejack quickly said, suprised by her own bluntness.

"Well, too bad, because I'm leaving it here." Rainbow said, putting the box on the ground. She began to walk away from Applejack, putting her saddlebag back on. A chilling fall wind blew on both of them, making Applejack feel suddenly cold.

"Ah'm just gonna throw it away..." Applejack said, barely keeping tears from flooding her eyes.

"Fine. Whatever." Rainbow said. "I don't even care anymore..." Applejack frowned and watched Rainbow take off into the sky. Applejack sat down, looking toward the ground wistfully. What had just happened had proved it...she really did feel something for Rainbow Dash still...

'No!' She thought to herself. 'It's just a phase, and you'll get over it eventually. You care about Dash, but as a friend. Just a friend. Nothing else.' She looked over at the box for a moment, considering opening it. She shook her head and turned for the cart, preparing to take it to a different part of the orchard.

"Ah, what the hay..." She said, moving toward the box. She opened it and her heart melted at the sight of the heart-shaped treat. Tears of regret fell from Applejack as she softly laid the small box in the cart for safe keeping.

_____

Applejack began pulling the cart full of fallen apple tree branches back to the barn where she would store them until they were ready to be put through the wood chipper in town. The uphill climb wasn't much of a hassle for Applejack, but she would have preferred walking on even ground, just the same. The paths through the orchard were never very well kept, and did not suit pulling a heavy cart uphill very well. It was all Applejack had to work with, however, so she continued to truck on. She looked back at the cart to make sure the precious box she had received from Rainbow Dash earlier had not been crushed.

Her stomach felt rotten every time she thought of the way she treated Dash three hours before. She had been nothing but sweet and courteous...and right. Everything did happen for a reason, including Applejack's hesitation. It was on account of her cowardice to face what she had commited to. And for this, her love was paying the price.

"She ain't your love, Applejack..." Applejack whispered to herself. "She's...she was...just a phase..." The more and more Applejack said that, the more sick of herself she got. "Ain't nopony gonna see or think otherwise...not anymore." She then remembered the box. That sweet little box with the adorable Chocolate heart in it. Rainbow Dash had thought about her enough to buy it for her...and she kicked Rainbow to the curb. So coldly, so heartlessly.

Applejack arrived at the barn and pulled the cart in, disattaching herself from it and pushing it into a snug little nook, ready to be taken to town the next day. She sighed as she left the barn and went inside. Granny Smith regarded her.

"Hey there, Applejack!" Granny said, smiling warmly. Applejack, too emotionally and physically tired just nodded at her. "Hard day today?"

"You could say that..." Applejack somberly stated. "Ah'm goin' to bed."

"Well, don't go yet." Granny said. "Ya never did tell me about your date with that Caramel colt. What's he like?"

"He's uh...really cute and funny. He's charming and he seems...loyal and trusting. The only drawback about him is he's a bit forgetful. But, that is somethin' Ah can get past. We're goin' out again Saturday." Applejack said with a small smile. Granny Smith nodded happily.

"Ah'm so happy you found somepony, Applejack." Applejack's grandmother said. They both heard a gasp from in the kitchen. Applebloom came bounding out, looking at both of them.

"Applejack's with somepony?!" Applebloom said with a wide smile. "Who is it?"

"Caramel." Applejack said flatly.

"But, Ah thought he was with Berry Punch..." Applebloom said.

"Yeah, me too. Ah'll have to ask him about it next time Ah see him." Applejack said. "Now, if ya'll will excuse me, Ah'm gonna go to bed. Been a long day." Her family nodded at her.

"Alright then, sweetie. Good night." Granny Smith said.

"G'night, Applejack!" Applebloom beamed. Applejack nodded at them and moved to her bedroom. Applejack removed her stetson and placed it on her bedpost. She then collapsed into her bed, not even bothering to remove her hair ties. She sighed as she slowly closed her eyes to try to get a good night's sleep, but sleep never came. Awareness remained a burden on her head for what seemed like an eternity. She finally opened her eyes with a frustrated groan.

She began to think about things...things that made her happy. Those usually calmed her down. She thought of Apple Bucking, and spending time with Applebloom playing ball and racing...and Rainbow Dash. Applejack quickly shook her head to try to lose these thoughts, but they remained in her head as if they were put there by some hideously strong outside force using strong adhesive. She tried thinking of Caramel to offset this, failing miserably. Thoughts of Rainbow Dash's sweet smile, her beautiful rose eyes, her eye-catching combination of a rainbow mane and a cyan coat reigned supreme, torturing her with her guilt.

She then remembered the heart. The chocolate heart given to her by Rainbow Dash earlier that day. The chocolate heart she seemed to treasure now, for some reason. She quickly stood up and quietly walked through her house, taking care not to disturb her slumbering family. She walked out of the house through the back door, (The front door always squeaked.) and ambled toward the barn. She was grateful for the cold temperatures that most likely preserved the heart in it's hardened chocolate state.

Applejack opened the barn door and walked toward the cart, full of lumber and somewhere inside it, the box with the chocolate heart. She dug through the branches and sticks, slowly becoming more and more panicked at the abscence of the box. To her great relief, she found the box under three sticks, in the same shape as it was before. Suddenly, Applejack heard the barn door shut. Startled, she spun around to see Rainbow Dash, brows slightly furrowed.

"R-Rainbow? What're you doin' here?" Applejack said, stunned. "Ah thought Ah told ya not to come back." Applejack wished she could take the words back as soon as they left her mouth.

"What can I say?" Rainbow replied. "I'm a rule-breaker." Applejack rolled her eyes.

"Seriously. What're ya doin' here, Rainbow? Ah told ya it's over." Applejack stated. Rainbow chuckled to herself.

"When are you going to get over yourself and just face facts?" Rainbow asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Excuse me?" Applejack responded, taking a step forward.

"You can't live without me." Rainbow said, taking a step forward. "You think about me every minute we're apart."

"Ah'm goin' back inside..." Applejack said. "Move, Rainbow." Rainbow smirked wickedly as she looked past Applejack to see the box on the cart.

"Oh! And look! You even kept the little chocolate heart! I knew you would."

"Rainbow, Ah said move."

"Or what?" The pegasus said. "You gonna make me?" Applejack shot toward Rainbow at alarming speed and shoved her, hard, into the barn door. Rainbow's eyes narrowed and she smiled as she ran at Applejack, pushing her into a wall. Rainbow put a hoof on each of Applejack's front legs, pinning her to the wall. Applejack groaned as she struggled against Rainbow's assault. The farm mare managed to push Rainbow Dash off enough to roll and have the pegasus against a wall. Applejack gritted her teeth in rage as Rainbow merely smirked. Applejack's eyes widened slightly.

'Ah'm just playin' her game...' She thought. Immediately, Rainbow shot her head forward and kissed Applejack, taking the mare by suprise. Applejack gasped slightly before feeling her resolve crumble into hundreds of tiny, insignificant pieces. She had been through too much and received so little today...damned if she wasn't going to get something out of this...and it felt so good.

Rainbow smiled as the kiss continued, growing more and more passionate as Applejack fell further and further into Rainbow Dash's trap. Rainbow quickly pushed herself off the wall, landing Applejack on her back. The pegasus came down on top of her. Applejack blushed wildly as she looked up at Rainbow. Rainbow merely smiled as she continued their kiss, slipping her tongue into Applejack's mouth, making the farm mare moan. Applejack's heart threatened to break from her chest. The connection had been made, and once it was in effect, there was no stopping it.

Rainbow Dash's wings slowly became unfurled as she undulated her body on top of Applejack's making her level of arousal skyrocket. Applejack then broke the kiss, moved and picked Rainbow up, putting her against the wall again, this time supporting and kneading her flank, moving the pegasus' back legs up around her sides. Rainbow smiled as Applejack began to kiss her neck, taking small oppurtunities to suck on the sensitive flesh.

"I knew you'd-nya-miss this..." Rainbow whispered sultrily into Applejack's ear. Applejack had supressed her passions long enough, and they exploded into a crescendo. If Rainbow wanted it, Applejack was going to give it to her better than she had ever gotten it. Applejack moved downwards, placing small kisses on Rainbow's chest, stomach and finally her lower lips. Dash was quite wet at this point, and Applejack wasted no time in taking the entirety of Rainbow's marehood into her mouth. Rainbow gasped. She moaned loudly as Applejack placed her legs over her shoulders and began massaging her flank arousingly while she went to work on her. Using her tongue, Applejack slid it in between the slick, wet folds and moved it around slowly, deliberately, stimulating it in all the right places in all the right ways.

Rainbow Dash's mind was in a haze. She threw her head back, her eyes half lidded, a heavy blush present on her face as she breathed heavily. Applejack continued her assault, sometimes stopping to swirl her tongue on Rainbow's clitoris before moving back to the main folds. Rainbow's breathing became more and more erratic and frantic, signaling the approach of orgasm.

Rainbow's ears splayed back as she climaxed, leaking her liquid arousal into Applejack's mouth. Rainbow squeezed slightly with her thighs, giving a kind of signal for Applejack to stop. Applejack didn't stop, however, as she continued to rub Rainbow's vulva with a hoof.

Rainbow's mouth hung open as Applejack brought her closer and closer to a second orgasm. She was not holding back whatsoever. Rainbow's mind became even foggier as her second orgasm approached, even more intense than the first. Rainbow's arousal built twice as fast this second time, and twice as explosively.

Rainbow climaxed a second time, her wings flaring out as her body went limp, putty in Applejack's hooves. Applejack let Rainbow Dash sink to the ground as she recovered from her world-rocking orgasms. Breathing heavily, Rainbow layed down on her belly, eyes half lidded. She was able to recover remarkably quickly as she sat up. Applejack knew what this meant as she layed down on her back.

Rainbow Dash went down between her legs and took a long lick up Applejack's flower, making the farm mare shiver. Rainbow sucked on Applejack's clit, making Applejack squirm, as she began rubbing Applejack's lower lips with a hoof. The combination of these two seperate forms of stimulation drove Applejack insane. Rainbow changed up her movements, switching from a circle pattern to a firm, pressing motion. Applejack moaned, closing her eyes and letting the feeling take her over. These motions continued over several minutes as the pleasure slowly built up to bringing Applejack on the very cusp of climax.

Applejack groaned as she felt her inner walls contract, showing that orgasm was near. Applejack began moving her lower body up to meet Rainbow's mouth, further increasing the stimulation. Rainbow redoubled her efforts in pleasing her love, making her moan with ecstacy.

Applejack threw her head back as her orgasm took her, sparks of warmth shooting through her body as her ejaculate leaked into Rainbow's mouth. Applejack quickly jumped up with a vigor that suprised even her. She pushed Rainbow Dash back into the wall, gripping her flank again. Then, without warning, Applejack smashed her sex against Rainbow's rubbing them together furiously with short thrusts. Rainbow spread her legs as much as she could to give Applejack full access. Rainbow moaned into Applejack's ear, spurring her on to continue. Every time Applejack thrust forward, rubbing their marehoods together, a spark ingited within the both of them, making them moan and squeal together.

Rainbow began counter-thrusting against Applejack to increase their stimulation as they both fell further into the vortex that was their arousal. Applejack continued rubbing against the pegasus as she started to massage Rainbow's flank, rubbing the smooth flesh, squeezing and rubbing. Rainbow responded to this by moving her body against Applejack's in such a way that her hips went along with Applejack's as well as rubbing their bellies and chests together. Applejack slapped Rainbow's flank slightly, earning a suprised squeak from the pegasus.

Rainbow Dash was swept up in an orgasm, making her moan loudly. To silence her, Applejack kissed her, shoving her tongue into her mouth. Rainbow was quick to reciprocate, rubbing Applejack's tongue with hers frantically to stop herself from being too loud. Applejack's pleasure was further enhanced by Rainbow's juices, soaking both of their marehoods, increasing friction and allowing Applejack to move slightly faster. Applejack disconnected from their kiss to throw her head back as she climaxed as well, sending even more juices into the arousing combination below. Both mares slowly rode out their orgasms, their thrusting decreasing in speed and number as they faded away. Both mares fell back on the floor and laid there, breathing heavily, in the afterglow of both of their orgasms.

Rainbow Dash could not have been happier. She had finally gotten Applejack to show how she really felt. They could finally be together again. Rainbow's heart nearly burst with joy when she turned to hug Applejack, but it sank when she noticed the farm mare wasn't there, instead, she was walking toward the door. Rainbow stood up and looked after her.

"AJ, wait..." Rainbow said. Applejack turned to her.

"What?" The farm mare said flatly.

"Well...I mean...what happens now?" Rainbow asked. Applejack frowned and looked away from her.

"Nothin'. Absolutely nothin'. We go our seperate ways, and this never happened." Applejack stated plainly. Rainbow's eyes widened in disbelief.

"You can't be serious..." Rainbow said. "But we just..."

"Ah did this so that you could be satisfied." Applejack said. "If it worked, great, but if it didn't, there's nothin' Ah can do." Rainbow's eyes narrowed in fury.

"What is wrong with you?" The pegasus said angrily. "Why would you do this, and then leave me again?"

"What, there's somethin' wrong with me with wanting to stay loyal to my new coltfriend? Ah mean, really, Rainbow! Ah'm with somepony now."

"You were with me first!" Rainbow suddenly screamed, slamming a hoof down and making Applejack jump. Applejack looked at Rainbow. She was trembling with fury, tears flooding her eyes. The pegasus' voice then softened significantly as she looked down to the ground. "Sometimes I think you forget that..."

"Rainbow, Ah told ya once, Ah'll tell ya a thousand times. We're over." Rainbow looked up at Applejack.

"You can't possibly mean that and believe it for yourself." Rainbow said. "I know better. You kept the heart..."

"Ah was hungry." Applejack stated. Rainbow's ears splayed back.

"Why are you doing this?" She asked. "Stop lying to me. Stop lying to yourself!"

"Ah'm doin' this because we ain't an item anymore! Can't you get that through that thick skull of yours?!" Applejack yelled.

"No!" Rainbow yelled. "No, I can't, y'know why?! Because it's a load of bull! You're just too stubbon to admit it!"

"You don't tell me what Ah am and am not! Ah know what the hay Ah am, and it's truthful! Now get outta here!" Applejack yelled.

"Fine. I'm done with this place anyway!" Rainbow said, walking to the door. She stopped in the doorway and looked back at Applejack with tears in her eyes. She spoke softly, sorrow and hurt lacing her words, like a poison in Applejack's blood. "...Bye, Applejack. I don't know when I'll see you next...So before I go...one last kiss." Applejack's expression did not change as she shook her head. Rainbow frowned as a tear fell from her eye. She looked down. "I'm tired of crying over you, AJ." Rainbow then flew out of the barn into the night sky.

Applejack stood where she was for what seemed like five minutes. Her heart shattered as her legs faltered as she landed on the ground. Applejack looked back at the little pink box laying on top of the cart. Feeling her resolve degrade into nothing, Applejack hung her head and cried.

Obligatory End-of-Chapter-Author's Note: Alright, alright, alright! There is a nice, hefty chapter. Finally got some more sex in there for you guys, assuming you wanted it that much. It's fun to write, I'm not gonna lie. Shit has only just started getting intense guys...or maybe it started last chapter...ah, whatever. Now, don't be afraid to like this story if you are enjoying it and leave me a comment to tell me what you think so far! Cheers!

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Rainbow Dash growled angrily as she slammed the door of her cloud home behind her. Due to the door frame being made of clouds, it made no loud noise of any kind. This only served to anger her even more than she already was. She had just returned home from her little secret rendezvous with Applejack in the barn, and Applejack had spurned her again. Tank happily got out of his bed and began to walk to her, but she payed him no mind. She was in no mood for comfort, or a hug. Tank looked into the kitchen, where his reptile chow sat, unused. He was hungry.

Rainbow tromped noisily into her room, her teeth clenched in anger. She jumped into her bed and simply laid there. She could not fall asleep, or rest, due to her overflowing anger at her current situation. After a half an hour of laying down and stewing in her own rage, Rainbow Dash jumped up again and paced around her room.

She wished she could say that she couldn't understand it. She wished she could just chalk it up to not knowing and begin on the path to forgetting and healing....But she did understand it and she did know. These facts were habanero peppers in the steaming hot stew that was her rage. The pegasus usually flew around her house a few times to blow off steam. It hadn't worked. She had done it fifty times before she entered the house, still as angry as she was when she left the barn.

The barn reminded her of Applejack. Applejack reminded her of why she was so filled with fury. She gritted her teeth as her pacing came to a stop in front of her bed. Her ears splayed back as she screamed. She threw the heavy concentrated cloud mattress off of her bed and across the room. Tank, who had just entered the room to comfort Rainbow, retreated into his shell in fear. Rainbow threw her new Daring Do novel across the room into a wall, which she proceeded to punch. The cloud wall, which was concentrated heavily, was very hard and hurt the pegasus' hoof every time she struck it.
She didn't care. She turned and bucked her bedpost, breaking it.

Rainbow turned around, breathing heavily and surveying her room. Her mattress had knocked quite a few things off of one of her bedside tables, even knocking a bedside table over. Her bedpost, of course, was broken, and her new hardback Daring Do novel was ruined. This disheartened her, but not nearly as much as the next thing she saw. Tank's shell, undoubtedly containing Tank, was trembling slightly in the doorway to her bedroom. Rainbow sighed as she walked over to the shell and picked it up. She stroked the top lovingly.

"Shhh...Tank, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you." She said, tears forming in her eyes. "I'm sorry I scared you." Tank, feeling a tad bit safer at the sound of Rainbow's soothing tone, came out of his shell and looked up at her. Rainbow smiled down at him, a tear glancing off her cheek.

"I'm gonna get this mess cleaned up..." She said, putting him down gently. Rainbow stood and sauntered over to her overturned mattress, straining as she lifted it up and let it fall back onto the bed. After making the bed and adjusting the blankets to her liking, she picked up her bedside table and set it right side up, replacing the lamp (that was miraculously unharmed) and other trinkets that had fallen. Rainbow then picked up her Daring Do novel. She cringed, as she had paid many bits for the book. The spine was bent badly and many of the pages were wrinkled heavily. At the very least, it was still readable. After struggling to straighten the spine and flatten the pages to no avail, she laid the book back upon her nightstand. Examining the bedpost, she realized that there was nothing that she could do about it being broken, except have it replaced.

Rainbow Dash sighed as she walked into her bathroom. Her head was aching and she was tired. A nice, cool shower seemed to be the right way to go at that moment. Taking one of the small clouds she had stored in the shower, she punched it a few times to coax a steady stream of nice, cool water from it. Not freezing, not hot, but just right. She stood in the shower and washed her body, utilizing her soap to wash any post-roll-in-the-hay dirt from herself after her romp with Applejack in the barn earlier.

She tried to growl again at the thought of the farm mare, but couldn't manage it for the life of her. She had flown around her house fifty times at high speeds just minutes before her explosion, and it was catching up with her now. After washing her mane, she used her hoof on the wall to support herself as she breathed heavily, letting the water run down her face. She was broken, emotionally and physically and it seemed as if there was no recovery. The feeling of dread that spread through her like a plague hindered her thinking.

Rainbow Dash began to cry. She knew she rarely cried. She knew it was out of character for her to take something like this the way she was, but she didn't care. Not anymore. The only thing she even really cared about at the moment was her pet tortoise Tank, who was undoubtedly waiting for her outside the bathroom. She sniffled and exited the shower, using a medium sized cloud as a towel to absorb the moisture. After wringing the towel out and storing it for later use, she left her bathroom and layed down on her bed, lifting Tank up with her.

Rainbow Dash sighed as she stroked his shell, letting him relax. As Tank began to close his eyes, the pegasus began to think.

'You and Applejack both know that she's scared. Nothing's gonna change that.' Rainbow thought to herself, taking care not to wake Tank up. 'She kissed you, Rainbow Dash. She owes you the truth...but how to get it...' She thought more and more, attempting to come up with a solution. Rainbow had already tried to get Applejack back by being sweet and understanding, then alluring and attractive. Both seemed to have a profound effect on the farm mare at the time of their execution, but ended up failing at the end. As far as Rainbow Dash could see it, there was only one more option.

Assertive and demanding.

The more and more Rainbow Dash went over the three words in her head, the more sure she became of their success. She had to be assertive and demanding this time. Catch her off guard, as it were, and demand for her to tell the truth. Applejack couldn't hide forever. Rainbow thought of the coldness with which Applejack refused her. She thought of the way Applejack lied to herself just to cover her own hide when she should take responsibility for starting the whole thing. Rainbow clenched her teeth again, but quickly calmed herself down.

'I'm gonna get to the bottom of this if it kills me.' Rainbow Dash thought angrily to herself. She tried to sleep, but she couldn't.

Not now.

Not until this horrible fiasco was over and done with.

_____

Applejack breathed heavily as she sat at the market, vending apples to the various ponies that traveled back and forth. No matter how much the mare told herself that it was for the good of her family, she couldn't shake the pure boredom and monotony of it all. Applebloom sat next to Applejack, bored out of her wits as well.

"Sis, how much longer do we have to be here?" Applebloom whined, sparking slight annoyance in Applejack. Applejack gazed upon the large clock on a building in front of the market entrance.

"Four more hours..." Applejack said, sighing. "Ah know it's boring, sugarcube, but we gotta do this. Ponies love our apples, so we gotta sell 'em so we can put food on the table."

"Ah know that." Applebloom countered, flopping her chin on the ground. "Ah just don't know why Ah can't go play at Sweetie Belle's or somethin'."

"So let me get this straight. Ya'd rather have Rarity make you try on a whole bunch of clothes than sell apples?" Applejack said, expecting her baby sister to be repulsed by the idea.

"Well, yeah. As long as Ah get to hang out with Sweetie Belle..." Applebloom said dejectedly. Applejack looked down at her, puzzled, and eventually sighed.

"Oh...alright." Applejack said. "Ah suppose Ah don't really need ya here." Applebloom jumped up, beaming happily at her sister. "But you go straight to Carousel Boutique, ya hear? Ah'll come get ya when Ah'm through here." Applebloom nodded quickly.

"Okay! Thanks, sis!" Applebloom shouted before sprinting in the direction of the boutique where her friend lived.

"Y'all be careful, now!" Applejack yelled worriedly after her.

"Excuse me, miss. A dozen of your finest apples, please." She heard a smooth, familiar voice say.

"Sir," Applejack said without even turning around. "Ah'd be happy to-" She stopped when she turned around and looked upon Caramel standing before her.

"Hey." He said with a smirk.

"Caramel!" She said with a small smile. "Ah wasn't expecting to see ya here."

"Well, I shop for groceries too." He said with a small chuckle. Applejack scoffed at herself.

"Of course ya do. Ah don't know what Ah was thinking." She said. "What did ya say ya wanted?"

"A dozen apples...Hey! I actually remembered this time." He said, poking fun at himself. Applejack chuckled, beginning to put the apples in a bag for him.

"Here ya go." She said warmly. "Hope ya enjoy 'em!"

"I'm really excited about tonight." He said.

"Tonight?" Applejack responded, raising an eyebrow. "What's tonight?" Caramel frowned slightly.

"Uh...Our date?..." He said, slightly worried. Applejack's eyes widened in suprise at her own capacity to forget.

"Oh, yeah!" She said. "Sorry, sugarcube. Ah just got a lot on my mind since yesterday." Caramel dismissed it with a wave of a hoof.

"Don't worry about it." He said. "Just shows that we have something else in common. So, how long have you been here?"

"Oh, just about two hours. The fun part of the job's over 'till next year." She said to him. He nodded.

"How much do you usually sell?" He asked her. Applejack adjusted her stetson, looking up to the left.

"Oh, usually half to the whole thing. Apples go like crazy 'round here." Applejack said with a small chuckle.

"I bet." He said. "Hey, Applejack, listen. I don't want to sound like a jerk, but that kiss after our first date a couple days ago...it just seems like we're moving a little too fast, y'know?"

"Yeah." Applejack said, nodding slightly.

"I just want to take the oppurtunity tonight to get to know you." He stated. Applejack nodded understandingly.

"Yeah, Ah get it." She said to him. "Ah'm sorry if Ah made ya uncomfortable." He shook his head.

"Quite the opposite, actually." He said with a small blush. "You're actually a really good kisser." Applejack blushed herself.

"Well, thank ya." She said. "Ah appreciate the sentiment."

"I gotta go. As you can see..." He said, gesturing to his overflowing saddlebags. "I've got a lot of groceries." Applejack laughed.

"Alright. Ah'll see ya tonight." Applejack called. He waved at her before walking away, leaving her, once again, alone at the apple stand.

'He really is a good guy.' She thought to herself. 'But what about Rainbow? You can't forget her.'

'Ah could forget her anytime Ah want...'

'No Ah can't...'

"What should Ah do?" She whispered to herself. She felt like she was running away from some great beast, and the only way out was to make up her mind and select the right passage to enter. She sighed as she dropped her face on the stand, frowning heavily. "You don't love her...you don't..." She reaffirmed this to herself several more times. She knew her friends wouldn't judge her if they found out about her and Rainbow, and she had seen no other signs of bigotry in Ponyville aside from the Cakes. But just because she didn't see any other judgemental ponies, didn't mean they weren't there...right? They could be important customers of hers, and if they were half as hateful as the cakes about fillyfooling, they would undoubtedly cease business with her.

"Ah miss her." She said. "Ah know ah do." The feeling of dread that seemed to be perpetual at this point flared within her.

"Okay...pros to bein' with Rainbow..." She whispered to herself, beginning to create a small list for herself.

"Hi, Applejack!" A cheerful voice said from in front of her, making Applejack shout out in suprise, only for her to behold Pinkie Pie, positively beaming, as always.

"Oh...hey, Pinkie." Applejack said, sighing.

"Are you okay?" Pinkie questioned, tilting her head slightly to the side, her puffy pink mane bobbing.

"Yeah. Ah'm okay. Ah just have a lot on my plate as of late." Applejack said tiredly. Pinkie Pie giggled happily.

"You made a rhyme!" She said. Applejack smiled.

"Ah suppose Ah did." Applejack said. "Ah'm a poet and Ah didn't even know it." Pinkie Pie burst into laughter, rolling around on her back. Applejack was sure the line had been used hundreds of times before, but Pinkie looked like she had just heard it for the first time.

"Oh! You kill me, Applejack!" Pinkie said, wiping a tear from her eye. "So, did you hear?!" Applejack raised an eyebrow and adjusted her stetson at the ambiguous question.

"Uh...hear what?" She said, confused.

"Rainbow Dash has a special somepony!" Pinkie exclaimed happily with a squeal. Applejack's heart beat heavily in her chest. She rubbed the back of her head and looked to the side nervously. "Love is in the air! I can smell it!...It smells like cake!...Wait, that's just Sugarcube Corner!"

"Uh...yeah, that's great Pinkie." Applejack said. "Uhm...any chance that she told ya who it was?"

"Nope." Pinkie said. "I just know he's a stallion!" Applejack sighed silently in relief. But this also struck a chord in Applejack. Had Rainbow Dash finally moved on to a nice stallion as well? The idea sent yet another feeling of dread through her, which she ignored.

"She came to Sugarcube Corner the other day and bought him a big, chocolate heart! She seemed so...happy to do it!" Pinkie Pie lied, but Applejack didn't know.

So Rainbow hadn't moved on...why would she think that? Of course Rainbow hadn't moved on. A pang of guilt assaulted Applejack as she sat behind the stand.

"I just thought I'd come over and say hi." Pinkie Pie said. "I guess I'll be leaving, now!"

"Where ya goin'?" Applejack asked the pink party pony.

"To go tell Twilight! I have to spread the good news!" Pinkie said, bouncing. "I would have done it yesterday, but I was sick from eating too much chocolate! Bye, Applejack!"

"See ya, Pinkie!" Applejack said with a smile. She flopped her chin down upon the stand counter and closed her eyes. She was already tired enough to go to bed. She opened her eyes and looked back up at the clock and closed her eyes, regretting it instantly. As if on cue, a cold wind blew and chilled her to the bone. Damned if it wasn't winter already, Applejack was cold.

"Three hours and forty-five minutes to go..." She said despairingly to herself.

_____

Rainbow Dash flew from the weather patrol office with the determination she had always been known for. The near-freezing air battered her and tried to hold her back, as if it was trying to prevent her from reaching her goal. Not even an angry dragon could keep her from accomplishing what she had set out to do. Rainbow Dash was going to find Applejack, the element of honesty, and get her to tell the truth.

'Why don't you just quit, Rainbow?!' A tiny voice in the back of her head screamed at her. 'It's not worth it! Why torture yourself?' The point was a solid one, to be sure. Any normal pony would have just stopped, gone home and begun on the path to recovery...But Rainbow Dash was no normal pony.

'I'm doing this because I love her!' The pegasus thought to herself. 'And I know she loves me too!'

She wouldn't be cheated, not when the mare cheating her was cheating herself at the same time. No, even if Applejack wouldn't get back together with her, just to get the farm mare to admit to the truth, would have been enough for her. Night and freezing cold were descending upon Ponyville quickly, so Rainbow increased her speed to Sweet Apple Acres.

It was time to find out the truth.

The pegasus touched down in front of the Apple Family's farm house and knocked promptly on the door. It was opened after some time by Applejack's little sister, Applebloom. She looked up at Rainbow Dash and smiled. Rainbow couldn't help but smile back, despite how she was feeling.

"Well, howdy, Rainbow Dash!" She beamed.

"Hey there, Applebloom." Rainbow responded. "Is uh, Applejack around?" The filly shook her head.

"She's on a date with Caramel right now." Applebloom stated. "Oh, speakin' of, Ah heard the good news from Pinkie earlier! Congratulations!"

"Huh?" Rainbow responded plainly, tiliting her head slightly to the side.

"On findin' a new coltfriend!" Applebloom said excitedly. "You an' Applejack are gonna have so much to talk about, what with the both of you havin' new coltfriends and all!"

"Oh yeah, we do have a lot to talk about." Rainbow said with slight venom in her words.

"Rainbow Dash, it's really cold. Why don't ya come inside for some cider?" Applebloom asked sweetly. Rainbow smiled warmly.

"Aw thanks, Applebloom. But I gotta talk to Applejack about a special project we're doing together." Rainbow said. "Could you tell me where they are? It's really important. She'd want to know about this." Applebloom nodded.

"Sure. They're at Cafe Du Mane." Applebloom said before shivering. "You sure you don't need that cider?" Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah. Thanks, Applebloom." Rainbow said before beginning to take off.

"What's the project?" Applebloom said, stopping Rainbow Dash where she was. Rainbow slowly turned to the filly and looked down at her.

"Uh...we're making something...for...Twilight. Yeah, Twilight." Rainbow said with a small, proud smile at the fib she had just created. Applebloom looked confused for a moment, but nodded.

"Okay! Bye, Rainbow!" She said before closing the door. With a newfound determination, Rainbow turned in the direction of Cafe du Mane. The cold wind chilled her to the bone, making her shiver, despite her previous disposition towards it. Rainbow Dash now wanted to reach Cafe Du Mane, not just to confront Applejack, but to get some warmth as well.

She flew against the wind toward Cafe Du Mane, looking down momentarily to see if any others were out at the moment, in the cold like she was. No other ponies walked the streets of Ponyville tonight, aside from a few getting from their respective point A to point B. Rainbow Dash finally touched down in front of the eatery, walking promptly inside. The hostess, an attractive Pink Unicorn with a blue mane in a fancy outfit smiled at her.

"Good evening, miss." She said. "How may I help you?" Rainbow Dash's frown remained in it's original position, not budging a centimeter.

"You can't. I'm meeting somepony here." She said. The Unicorn raised an eyebrow and frowed slightly.

"Alright then. Go ahead in." She said, sounding slightly offended. Rainbow Dash wouldn't usually be so curt or rude with someone she had just met, but she was on a mission and absolutely nothing was getting in her way. The pegasus entered the main atrium of the restaurant, looking around, not seeing Applejack. The fancy lights that always used to thrill her so glowed brightly in contrast to the night darkness coming in through the windows. Different groups and couples of ponies sat, chatting happily and making merry, possibly in celebration of the impending Winter months. Rainbow Dash, of course, was in no mood to celebrate tonight.

Slowly and methodically she walked through the restaurant, her eyes darting back and forth almost frantically as she searched for Applejack, most likely pretending to laugh at one of Caramel's not-so-funny jokes. A glimpse of orange made her heart skip a beat, but it turned out to be an orange stallion with a red mane. Shaking her head, she continued on through the place, continuing to search for the farm mare she loved. The back room was all that was left. Indeed, through a large window on the wall seperating this room from the rest of Cafe Du Mane, Rainbow Dash saw Applejack, smiling at Caramel as he carried on with one of his tales.

Rainbow Dash's heart beat faster than it ever had as she struggled to make her legs move to carry her closer to the door to the room. She slowly walked, not taking her eyes off of Applejack. The innate urge to run and fly away back to her cloud home struck her, but she stood firm and continued to walk, furrowing her brow. She stopped in front of the door and inhaled deeply, closing her eyes.

'Alright, Rainbow Dash...it's now, or never.' She thought to herself, putting a hoof on the door. 'One final shot...you can't mess this up. You can't lose her...not Applejack!' With this thought burning into her mind, Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and pushed the door open, walking into the room. She looked at Applejack, only seeing the back of her stetson.

"Applejack!" She said louder than she had planned. Nearly everyone in the room turned and looked at her. She did not falter or move, she only kept her eyes on Applejack. Applejack was the last one to turn around, a look of disbelief on her face. Applejack was completely suprised, and somewhat elated, to see Rainbow Dash again. Rainbow looked sternly into Applejack's eyes, never breaking her gaze.

"Rainbow Dash...Ah...What're ya-"

"What am I doing here?" She said. "I'm here to talk to you of course. Why else would I be here?" Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash with incredulity that matched the pegasus' determination. The farm mare frowned.

"Ah don't think now's the right time." Applejack said angrily.

"Oh, I disagree, AJ. I think now's the perfect time. Did you want to talk outside, or among everypony else here, including Caramel." Rainbow said, gesturing to Applejack's date for the night. "Hey, Caramel." Caramel waved back slightly.

"Ah'll meet ya tomorrow, and we can talk then." Applejack said through clenched teeth.

"We can talk now." Rainbow reaffirmed. Applejack narrowed her eyes at Rainbow and turned to Caramel.

"So, go ahead and continue, Caramel." Applejack said, choosing to ingnore the pegasus. She knew that there wasn't even a possibility for Rainbow to make such a scene in public.

She was wrong.

"Fine." Rainbow said, narrowing her eyes. "I know why you want to just keep trying to cover up the fact that we were in a-"

Rainbow was interrupted by Applejack sprinting across the room to put a hoof over her mouth. Rainbow, in outrage, slapped Applejack's hoof away roughly. Applejack moved her face closer to Rainbow's, Rainbow Dash doing the same, both of their eyes ablaze with fury, both clenching their teeth in anger.

"Your choice, Applejack." Rainbow said, words sharper than a spear of Celestia's Royal Guard.

"Fine. We can talk outside." Applejack responded, venom mixing in her words. Rainbow smirked and proceeded to turn around and head for the exit of the restaurant. Applejack quickly turned to Caramel and frowned.

"Ah'm really sorry, Caramel." Applejack said.

"Hey, by all means. You and Rainbow have always been good friends. If you're angry at each other, you guys need to hash it out." Applejack smiled at him before following Rainbow through the restaurant. Rainbow smiled to herself as she felt her stomach become light.

'Alright! It's working! Keep the pressure on, Dash...' She thought as they exited the restaurant and walked a small distance away. The wind had ceased to blow, leaving behind a chilling still air that made Applejack crave indoor heating, and making her all the more angry at her former lover for dragging her out here.

"What in the hay are you doin' Rainbow Dash?!" Applejack said angrily.

"I'm doing what's right." Rainbow responded. "Why are you hiding from the truth?!"

"You still on that, 'You're scared, Applejack.' Thing? Ah told you, no matter what, it's over, and Ah was never afraid of nothin'!"

"Goddesses, why are you so stupid?!" Rainbow exclaimed, raising a front hoof, eyes widening slightly.

"Excuse me?" Applejack said, again in shock at Rainbow Dash's pure audacity.

"You go parading yourself around like your above me, like you're too good to admit that you actually did love me at some point!" Rainbow yelled. Applejack felt shame shoot through her body. "But I know, and have always known, that it's nothing but a big, stupid cover-up for the fact that you're too much of a coward to face what others think of you!"

"You Take. That. Back." Applejack said, fury rising up inside of her. Applejack's mind was being assaulted with so many different emotions at this point. Suprise, anger, shame, sadness, dread. All coming together to make her feel generally unpleasant about this whole situation.

"No." Rainbow said flatly. "If you really are going to end it with me for good, then at least have the common decency to admit to me the true reason for this!"

"What's that?" Applejack said, a sweat breaking from her brow, despite the cold.

"That you're scared. You fear other's opinions, when they shouldn't even matter to you!" Rainbow said. "Don't lie to my face like you've been doing. Just at least be a good friend and tell me the truth!"

"Ah ain't gotta explain myself to you!" Applejack responded. "You don't own me!"

"But I did call you mine for a time, remember?" Rainbow said. "And you called me yours!"

"So what, you're gonna try to kiss me right now or somethin', right?" Applejack asked, half chuckling.

"No. I'm done with that." Rainbow said.

"You'll never be done with it!" Applejack yelled. "You'll never let go!"

"I will if you justtell me the bucking truth!" Rainbow screamed. They stood before each other, each in a defensive stance. Rainbow Dash noticed that Applejack was trembling. Whether it was because of the cold, or because she was truly getting to her was unclear, but the pegasus decided to press the assault.

"It looks to me like you're the kind of mare that just plays with other ponies hearts before throwing them away, huh? You can't just kiss me and start all of this and then throw me away when you get a little frightened! How long until you ditch Caramel for some stupid reason?!" Rainbow continued to press on. "Maybe I should go let him know!"

"Shut up." Applejack said.

"I always knew you were tough, Applejack, but I never knew you could change into a coward so easily when the pressures on!" Rainbow continued to shout at the farm mare. Applejack began to tear up.

"Shut up!" Applejack said again, her voice breaking slightly. Rainbow noticed this.

'It's working! She knows how wrong she is!' She thought. 'Time for the finisher!'

"You know, maybe you aren't the element of honesty! Maybe there was a mistake!" Rainbow yelled, stepping toward Applejack. Applejack's ears splayed back as she backed into a tree. "You sure don't have any trouble lying to me!"

"AH HATE YOU!!!" Applejack suddenly screamed in Rainbow's face, making the pegasus jump back in suprise. "Get outta my life!" Applejack herself was suprised at the statement.

It took Rainbow no time at all to register what Applejack had just screamed at her. She stumbled back, eyes wide as plates, pupils shrunk. Her mouth hung open slightly as her entire resolve, this huge tower built up over the previous weeks, crumbled into nothing. Her ears splayed back and her breathing increased in frequency as tears immediately began to flood her eyes and streak down her face. Applejack hadn't looked away. She hadn't stuttered.

Rainbow Dash merely sat and stared at Applejack in silence. Applejack stood, breathing heavily, tears running down her face as well. Rainbow Dash struggled to speak through her tears.

"F-fine!" Rainbow said with a sob. "You want me out of your life? You got it!" It was at that moment that Applejack realized that what she had said was going too far.

"Rainbow..." Applejack barely said before the pegasus turned and immediately took off into the sky. Applejack's heart dropped as she sprinted with all of her might after the pegasus. "Rainbow!!!" Applejack screamed, but Rainbow Dash was gone, disappeared into the night sky. Applejack's blood ran cold. She wished with every fiber of her being that she could take back what she had said.

"Rainbow Dash..." Applejack whispered, the tears on her cheeks stinging from the cold. Shame burdening her as she slowly walked back to Cafe Du Mane. The warm temperature or the company of Caramel could not console her, however, as she remembered Rainbow Dash...and how she had just lost one of her best friends.

_____

Rainbow Dash flew through the sky, freezing cold wind buffeting her as she continued to cry. Applejack said that she hated her. That she wanted Rainbow Dash out of her life. Despair eroded her insides as the statement continued to play over and over in her head like a sick, sadistic tape recorder. If Rainbow Dash were to fall, crash and freeze to death overnight, she didn't care. She couldn't care. She felt truly and immovably alone. For right now, the pegasus had one place on her mind.

Rainbow touched down in front of Swingin' Manes, the local bar-dance club. She heard no music thumping from outside, however, so it must have been a slow night. Perfect. Rainbow tromped in and stumbled to the bar. She wiped her nose and sniffled.

"What'll it be, sugar?" The bartender, a red unicorn stallion with an orange mane asked her.

"Vodka. Straight." Rainbow said. "Gimme the whole bottle." The bartender whistled to himself.

"You sure about that, sweetheart? Seems a little bit too much for ya." He said.

"I'm not going to drink the whole thing, stupid!" Rainbow exclaimed, a tear falling down her cheek. "I just...like to serve myself." The bartender noticed her sorrow and took pity on her. He put the bottle and a shotglass on the counter in front of the heartbroken mare. She immediately poured a shot and downed it without a single grimace or frown.

"Heartbreak, huh?" The bartender said, looking at her.

"I wonder what gave me away." Rainbow said flatly.

"Who was the moron stallion that dumped you?" The bartender asked.

"Are you hitting on me?" Rainbow asked him before downing another shot. She raised an eyebrow at him. He shrugged.

"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. But the question still stands." He replied simply. Rainbow looked around the club. Aside from another pony at the bar, no other soul occupied the club besides employees.

"Well, it was a mare, actually." Rainbow said. "And, uh...it's a long story."

"So you're bar door swings both ways, huh?" The bartender inquired. Rainbow nodded before downing another shot. "Well, I'm here until three. I've got all the time in the world." Rainbow chuckled.

"Hey, look, I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier. I didn't mean anything by it." She said to him. He put up a hoof.

"Don't worry about it." He said to her.

"Well, y'know, me and this mare...we were going steady for a while. Things were getting pretty serious, and I was loving it. I really...felt for her. Well, she was always scared to be seen with me in public." Rainbow took another shot. "I understand why she was at first, but then it got to a point where she wouldn't even really hug me in public."

"Sounds like she was ashamed of you." The bartender said. Rainbow pointed a hoof at him.

"That's exactly what I said!" Rainbow exclaimed. "So, she keeps denyin' it and sayin' that she isn't. So we get into a lil' tiff and go our seperate ways. The next day, she breaks up with me!"

"Harsh." He commented. Rainbow nodded as she poured and downed yet another shot.

"So, I keep trying to rekindle it with her, ya know? But she keeps lying to me and saying that she doesn't love me anymore. We even had sex after that and she said that it was just to get me off of her back!" Rainbow ranted, throwing a hoof into the air. "And so, after all that stupid crap, I went to her for one final try tonight and she told me that she hates me." Rainbow downed another shot. "And now I'm here..."

'That's 80 proof Vodka...she must be able to hold her liquor.' He thought to himself. Rainbow Dash buried her face in one of her front legs on the counter.

"I love her!" She said. The bartender patted her shoulder. He had seen many cases like this before. "She told me..." Rainbow raised her face up from the counter. "That she wants me to get out of her life...so that's what I'm doing..." She took the bottle of vodka. "Right now!" She began to drink from the bottle before the bartender took the bottle back.

"Okay, hon. I think you've had enough." He said. "My advice to you is try to forget about her. It can only add painful association at this point." Rainbow got up out of her seat.

"Just...put it on my tab." She said.

"Don't worry about it. It's on the house. You needed it." He said. Rainbow nodded at him before exiting the club back out into the freezing cold of night. "Don't drink and fly, hun."

_____

Fluttershy was stirred awake by a heavy knocking at her door. Her eyes grew wide in fear and apprehension. The timid pegasus barely made a sound as she got out of bed. Another knock rang through the house, startling her yet again. She walked slowly and quietly to the door and opened it. There stood Rainbow Dash, shivering and crying.

"Please..." Rainbow barely sputtered. "Let me in..." The yellow pegasus immediately stepped to the side.

"Oh, come in, Rainbow." She said. "Why are you in the cold, if you don't mind me asking?" Rainbow stumbled to the side before straightening herself again. She plopped down onto the couch.

"I'll tell ya what, Flutters..." Rainbow said. "You come sit here on this couch with me an' I'll tell ya all about it." Fluttershy nodded timidly before heading to the couch and lightly sitting down on it with her friend.

"Well, Applejack and me are done." Rainbow spouted.

"W-what?" Fluttershy said in dismay. "What happened?"

"Funny, I've already told this story once tonight..." Rainbow said. "Well, it all started out the night Applejack and I hooked up." Fluttershy silently gasped to herself. "We decided to start dating, and so we did. We had a lot of fun together. We'd go on walks, we'd have picnics, we'd go eat together...well, at first she was kinda scared to be see with me in public. But after a couple weeks, when she hadn't changed, I called her out on it. Of course, she denied it. Next thing ya know...she breaks up with me! Well, I tried to get her back a few times, but eventually it came to a pretty big argument tonight and she told me..."

Fluttershy looked at Rainbow Dash eagerly, awaiting her to finish her story.

"What did she say, Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked. Rainbow looked up into Fluttershy's eyes. Fluttershy noticed how Rainbow Dash's eyes looked slightly deadened.

"She told me that she hates me." Rainbow said dejectedly, dropping her head. Fluttershy covered her mouth and gasped.

"I...I don't-"

"Gosh, Fluttershy, you're so pretty..." Rainbow said randomly, looking up at Fluttershy, seemingly in a stupor.

"Oh, why, thank y-" Fluttershy was interrupted by Rainbow Dash's lips on her own. She squealed slightly as she pushed Rainbow Dash away. Her mouth tasted of alchohol. "You're drunk." Fluttershy said. Rainbow's eyes widened as she shook her head slightly, a look of terror on her face.

"Fluttershy! I-I'm so sorry!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, now much more aware than she was. "I don't know what came over me!"

"It's okay..." Fluttershy said. "You're under the influence and you didn't mean it. You're sleeping here tonight. Come on. Let's get you to bed." Fluttershy helped Rainbow up off the couch. Rainbow put a front leg around Fluttershy's shoulders. Halfway to the bedroom, Rainbow collapsed onto the floor. She sobbed.

"I'm so sorry..." Rainbow said hopelessly, crying. "I just...I lost Applejack...I couldn't get her back..."

"You didn't lose Applejack, Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said, stroking her multicolored mane on the floor. "She abandoned you."

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Oh, GAHD! It seriously hurt my heart to write this chapter. Will it get better for our heroes Rainbow Dash and Applejack?! Will old wounds finally heal?! Or will Rainbow Dash find a new lover? Will Applejack atone for her sins? Will I stop asking these annoyingly unhelpful questions?! Probably, at some point. (Seriously, take these with a big grain of salt, because they definitely could happen, and they definitely could not.)Don't forget to leave a comment and give a like if you guys are enjoying this story! Cheers!

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

"Ohh...my achin' heeaad..."

Rainbow Dash barely managed to utter the quintessential hangover phrase as she stirred in the spare bed in Fluttershy's quaint little cottage. She blinked slowly as the sunlight beat throught the blindless window seemingly right on Rainbow's eyes, rudely awakening the pegasus. Like all other times the pegasus had had a hangover, she was regretting drinking the previous night very much. Strangely absent of the usual nausea, the cyan mare slowly began to exit the bed. She accomplished this by mutely scooting her body inches at a time. Each movement of her body making her more and more used to the miniature atomic bomb currently going off in her head.

With a mighty grunt that rivaled one from Celestia's royal guard fighting a battalion of changelings, Rainbow Dash stood and managed to gain her footing. She felt a noticeable tinge of annoyance shoot through her being as she wished that Fluttershy had actually taken time to purchase some blinds for her windows. Rainbow tromped from the spare bedroom down the hallway, eyes half-lidded, mane most likely a horrid mess. Angel Bunny hopped across the exit of the hallway, taking a brief moment to look at Rainbow Dash before continuing on his present course. The smell of hotcakes filled Rainbow Dash's nostrils which, strangely enough, appetized her instead of making her vomit.

Fluttershy smiled warmly at Rainbow Dash's entrance into the main atrium of the cottage.

"Good morning." She said sweetly, closing her eyes and offering a pleasant little giggle. "Sleep well?" Rainbow rubbed her forehead and sighed heavily.

"Right about until the sunlight woke me up." She moaned. "What time is it?"

"About 10:30." Fluttershy said. "Thankfully, you woke up right around the time I estimated you would."

"That's nice..." Rainbow uttered as she plopped down at Fluttershy's dining room table.

"I made you hotcakes." Fluttershy said as she placed a plate of three of the small pastries in front of the pegasus. "And a special herbal tea that will stop that hangover you've got." The word "hangover" sent nervous chills down Rainbow Dash's spine. She closed her eyes for a moment before she looked up at Fluttershy, who was in the process of placing a small tray with a teapot and teacup in front of her. The sweet yellow pegasus poured some tea into the cup for Rainbow and placed it next to her plate.

"Yeeeah, about that..." Rainbow said, rubbing the back of her head and taking a sip of the tea. It tasted sweet and satisfying, and it slightly alleviated the massive headache she had. She brought the small mug back and looked at it in approval. "Mmm. Good tea." Fluttershy smiled shyly and blushed.

"Thank you." She said. "Now you were saying something about your hangover?"

"Oh, yeah. Look, uh...about last night..." Rainbow began, blushing heavily.

"Rainbow Dash, don't worry about it. It's okay." Fluttershy replied, a purely understanding look on her face. A wave of relief washed over Rainbow Dash.

"Ok. Thanks." Rainbow said. "I know I kissed you. But I can't exactly remember everything I said..."

"Well..." Fluttershy said. "You...kind of told me everything about you and Applejack..." Rainbow dropped her face into her two front hooves, only serving to make her headache explode.

"Okay..." Rainbow breathed, not looking up from her hooves. Her heart pounded in her chest, seemingly threatening to break through her ribs. "Now you know everything..."

"Yes, I do..." Fluttershy said calmly. "Including what she said to you last night." Rainbow Dash looked up at Fluttershy, tears suddenly flooding her eyes. She quickly wiped the away with a sniffle.

"Yeah..." Rainbow choked out, getting the words past the lump in her throat. "What she said last night..."

"Why did she say that, Dashie?" Fluttershy asked her friend as Rainbow began eating her hotcakes.

"Well..." Rainbow said after swallowing her food. "She had been hiding her feelings from everypony...pretty much ashamed of me. After she broke up with me because of this, I could tell she was lying to me when she said that she didn't love me anymore. So...I tried a whole bunch of different things to try and get back together with her. Nothing worked...she's just so darn stubborn, y'know?" Fluttershy nodded.

"And so...I figured I'd give it one last try. Confront her directly and demand that she tell me the truth. Well, it got out of hand and...." Rainbow stopped after her voice broke, tears streaming down her cheeks. She could still hear Applejack's declaration of hate for her as well as she did when she first heard it uttered. Rainbow Dash quickly wiped her tears away. "She told me..." She lost control again and sobbed once. Quietly.

"That she hates you." Fluttershy said, tears coming from her eyes at this point as well. Rainbow quickly slammed a hoof down on the table, making an extremely loud noise. Fluttershy jumped and flinched in fear. Rainbow quickly stood up, tears falling from her eyes, but her teeth were clenched and her eyes were filled with an unmistakeable fury.

"You know what?!" Rainbow screamed. Fluttershy trembled. "I hate her too!" Fluttershy slowly walked to Rainbow Dash and brought her into a small hug. Rainbow did nothing, only breathing heavily and shedding more tears. Fluttershy registered the pure negative energy that radiated from her cyan friend as they sat, locked in their embrace. Suddenly, Rainbow pulled Fluttershy closer and sobbed into her shoulder. Fluttershy simply began stroking her mane slowly, shedding silent tears. Fluttershy had rarely seen Rainbow Dash cry like this, and it had never even been this bad. Rainbow held onto Fluttershy as tight as she could, desperate for someone to hold onto.

"I would never do that to you." Fluttershy said to Rainbow before kissing her cheek. Rainbow opened her eyes in slight suprise. "I would never hurt you in such a way." Rainbow Dash came back from her hug with Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked into her eyes, undeniably nervous.

"Fluttershy..." Rainbow muttered.

"I know that when you kissed me last night...it was out of want and desperation...and if you truly need sompony that will be there for you..." Fluttershy closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. "Perhaps...it should be me." Fluttershy then kissed Rainbow Dash, making the cyan pegasus gasp slightly. Their kiss continued for a moment before Rainbow finally gave in and began to kiss her timid friend back. Rainbow needed this. She needed somepony to be with her. She couldn't take the feeling of truly being without someone. Fluttershy smelled delightful, something like wild daisies with a hint of strawberry thrown in. Most likely a perfume. This smell was suddenly overtaken by the smell of burning batter. Rainbow Dash quickly disconnected from the kiss and looked over toward the source. The hotcake that Fluttershy had put on for herself was now on fire.

"Fluttershy!" Rainbow shouted. "F-Fire!" Fluttershy let out a small 'eep!' and ran to her sink and poured a glass of water and quickly threw the liquid on the flaming pastry, extinguishing the flame. Her heart racing, Fluttershy turned off the burner and breathed heavily, looking over at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash looked at the stove and then at her friend, and collapsed into a fit of spontaneous laughter. Fluttershy blushed heavily, but began to laugh as well.

Goddesses, it felt so good to laugh. It was one of the many things that Rainbow Dash sorely needed at this moment. For a brief moment in time, everything seemed to be alright. Here she was, with one of her best friends who may have had become something more in a humorously awkward situation. She actually had someone now, and she was actually happy. As they laughed, however, Fluttershy still noticed that Rainbow's eyes were still brimming with tears. After the laughter subsided, Fluttershy began moving toward Rainbow Dash again, a warm smile on her face.

"Well, that was awkward, wasn't it?" Rainbow said, wiping her tears and rubbing the back of her head, smiling with her eyes closed.

"When I was in danger of being burned, I was scared, but I had you here." Fluttershy stated. "And I knew I would be alright. Would you like to come sit in the living room with me?" Rainbow Dash looked at her and nodded happily. They entered the living room area and both took a seat on the couch next to each other.

"Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy said, looking over at Rainbow and blushing.

"Yeah?" Rainbow responded, blushing as well. Her heart beat heavily in her chest.

"Can I tell you something?" Fluttershy said.

"Sure, Flutters." Rainbow said with a smile.

"I um..." Fluttershy said, her blush deepening. "I...I...I feel safe when I have you a-around...ever since flight s-school, really." Rainbow smiled and nodded slowly.

"You always protected me...and...I always felt just a little bit more brave when I had you around me. Because I knew you'd protect me..." Fluttershy continued, scooting a little closer to Rainbow Dash. "Now, I want to be there for you."

And with that, Fluttershy kissed Rainbow Dash again, a little more confidently. Rainbow was much more receptive to the kiss this time and began to kiss back. The kiss escalated and Fluttershy moaned adorably as Rainbow began to push her onto her back. Rainbow, despite the fact that she was kissing one of her best friends, didn't feel very much besides the desire to be with someone, and this was enough to spur her on in the kiss.

'AH HATE YOU!!!' Rainbow Dash heard again in her head, the statement pounding down on her like a massive mallet, making her stomach turn. Rainbow began to rub her body on Fluttershy's desperate for someone to love. Desperate for someone to hold.

'Ah appreciate you.' Rainbow heard Applejack's smooth, calm voice echo through her head, the polar opposite of the statement that was currently ailing her emotionally. The pegasus tried desperately to rid her mind of the much-loved voice and focus on the sweet, caring mare she was kissing now. Fluttershy smiled into the kiss and put her front hooves and Rainbow's shoulders.

'Don't think that since Ah'm sweet on ya now that I'll go easy on ya!' Rainbow heard Applejack's playful voice again in her mind. It tortured her so, bringing painful memories to mind and filling her body with dread when it should have been alive with a spark of affection.

Applejack was always so loving. She always cared so much when they were together, and even behind her seemingly cold eyes recently, Rainbow could tell that she still cared. She remembered Applejack's beautiful green eyes, her flowing golden mane and that adorable little way that she'd adjust her stetson when she was embarrassed. Rainbow slowly opened her eyes and remembered one thing that she had forgotten.

She was kissing Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash slowly disconnected from the kiss.

"Fluttershy..." Rainbow said, closing her eyes in slight shame.

"Hmm?" Fluttershy responded happily.

"I'm sorry...But I can't...I can't do this..." Rainbow said. "I...I..."

"You still have feelings for Applejack, don't you?" Fluttershy said quietly, sitting up next to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow looked down, feeling guilt shoot through her like a razor-sharp spear. "Don't worry, Dashie...I'm not hurt and I'm not mad. This was awful timing. I shouldn't have kissed you like that. Especially after what happened last night. I'm sorry...I just...thought you needed somepony." Fluttershy said.

"So...You're really not mad at me?" Rainbow asked, her rose eyes beginning to brim with tears once more. Fluttershy slowly shook her head.

"How could I be?" The yellow pegasus said. Rainbow quickly pulled Fluttershy into another hug which Fluttershy happily returned. Fluttershy was actually quite relieved. She knew Rainbow Dash needed somepony to ease the pain, and she was just trying to be there for her friend. She loved Rainbow Dash, truly she did, but as a friend. After a while, Fluttershy began to break the embrace before Rainbow pulled on her slightly.

"Don't let go...please..." Rainbow said, looking up at Fluttershy with tear-soaked eyes. "Please...I just...I need somepony to hold me..." Fluttershy nodded and continued to hug Rainbow Dash as she cried, stroking her prismatic mane softly, Rainbow's face buried into her chest. Occasionally, barely audible to Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash would moan through her tears-

"I love her..."

_____

One Week Later

Applejack wiped a tear from her eye as she ambled through Ponyville, the dark clouds blocking out the sun and seemingly any good emotions the farm mare could have. She kept a vigil eye on the sky, looking for any kind of sign of Rainbow Dash. Since the awful incident that had taken place a week previously, Applejack had been trying to find Rainbow Dash and make amends...to right the wrong she had done, so to speak. But Applejack rarely saw Rainbow Dash anywhere, and when she did, Rainbow usually noticed and sped away, keeping to her word to stay out of Applejack's life.

Obviously, Applejack hadn't meant a word of what she had said that night. Applejack was incredibly stressed, and to be completely truthful, frightened. She was backed into a corner and spouted out the first thing that came to her mind in pure defense. Everything Rainbow Dash was saying to her had at least some semblance of truth, and it got to her that night. She did lie and she did play with Rainbow's heart. (Although not intentionally.) Every day that had passed since then without seeing Rainbow Dash was another proverbial thorn in Applejack's side.

Golden Oaks Library was in viewing distance to the farm mare, and with her objective in mind, she quickened her pace toward the tree building. She saw Spike in the upper window, apparently organizing things for Twilight. Upon reaching the door, Applejack delivered three polite, curt knocks to the wood and waited patiently.

"Spike! Get that, please!" Applejack barely registered Twilight Sparkle say from the upper floor. Applejack blew some of her golden mane out of her eye and put on a pleasant smile to greet Spike when he answered. Surely enough, after nearly half a minute, the door opened and Spike smiled up at Applejack.

"Hey, Applejack! Come on in!" He spouted. "You wanna see Twilight?"

"If it ain't too much trouble for her, sugarcube. She sounds mighty busy." Applejack responded, following the baby dragon inside.

"Oh, she's just organizing some of her personal books. I'm sure she'd love to see you." Spike responded. Applejack nodded and followed Spike up the staircase. Entering the room, she looked upon Twilight, doing exactly what Spike said she was doing.

"Twilight, Applejack's here." Spike said. "I can finish that up for you if you wanna talk to her."

"No need, Spike. I'm already almost done." Twilight said to him. "Hey, Applejack! Let's go into the parlor so we can chat." Applejack nodded.

"Sounds good, Twi." Applejack said with a small nod, following Twilight out of the bedroom and down the staircase again. They reached the parlor and Twilight motioned toward a seat for Applejack to sit in. Applejack nodded with a smile and sat at the small table.

"Tea?" Twilight asked her friend, pouring a cup using her magic. Applejack shook her head.

"None for me, thanks." She said. Twilight nodded and sat down across from Applejack, taking a small sip. She closed her eyes, smiling to herself with a small sigh. She looked across the table at Applejack.

"So, how are you, Applejack?" She asked, smiling at her friend.

"Oh, Ah've been fine. Just...y'know...workin' on the farm. All that stuff..." Applejack said, rubbing the back of her head. She looked around. "Looks like you've been keepin' this place pretty clean."

"Yep." Twilight said before taking another sip of her tea. "All the perks of magic." Applejack smiled and cleared her throat, adjusting her stetson slightly.

"Yeah, so listen. There was somethin' Ah came here to talk to ya about, actually." Applejack said.

"Oh?" Twilight mused, curious about what Applejack needed to speak to her about.

"Have you uh...seen...Rainbow Dash, lately?" Applejack asked, a small blush appearing on her face. Twilight didn't look suprised in the slightest.

"Oh. I should have known that this was what it was going to be about." Twilight said.

"Wha-?" Applejack replied, confused.

"Well, I understand that you two have been fighting as of late." Twilight said.

"It ain't like that. Ah..." Applejack said, looking down toward the ground. "Ah hurt her feelings really bad, and Ah'm trying to find her so Ah can apoligize." Twilight nodded.

"What did you say to her?" Twilight asked.

"That ain't important. But what is important, is that Ah can't get that darn pegasus to stay still long enough for me to apoligize to her!" Applejack said, frustration evident in her voice.

"Is it really that bad?" Twilight said, raising her eyebrows in concern.

"It's worse..." Applejack said, dropping her face into her hooves. "Ah wanna apoligize so bad..."

"Well, I can get her together with the girls and invite you too." Twilight offered with a small smile. "We're all the elements of harmony, after all..."

"Thanks for offerin' Twi..." Applejack said, looking at her. "But Ah'm not feelin' too right about my element...y'know...honesty and such."

"What do you mean?" Twilight inquired.

"Well...it's...it's complicated." Applejack said. "Ah mean really complicated."

"Alright. I'm not going to pry." Twilight said. "If you must know, I saw Rainbow Dash two days ago. She seemed really out of sorts, so when I asked her what was wrong, she told me that the two of you 'Were done.' and that was it. I just assumed she was angry about some little spat the two of you had and that it would be okay."

"Well, it ain't." Applejack stated, her brow furrowing. "Do ya have any earthly idea where she could be?"

"I'm sorry, Applejack." Twilight said. "I haven't seen her since then." Applejack sighed and nodded before standing up.

"Thanks for your help, Twilight. Ah'll see ya later." Applejack said. She turned and headed for the exit of the library.

"If I see her, I'll tell her you're looking for her." Twilight said.

"Don't bother. Ah'm sure she already knows." Applejack said, tipping her stetson to the purple unicorn before leaving, shutting the door behind her. She walked through the streets of Ponyville once more, but in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, giving up on her search for her cyan friend for the day. Her mind reverberated with something over and over again that filled her with dread, that made her want to lay in bed and pretend she was sick.

She had a date that night, and everypony knew that Applejack had a great immune system.

_____

Applejack knocked on the door to Caramel's house her customary three times and waited on the stallion's front porch for him. She looked to the side to see Rarity smiling exorbitantly at her.

"You look beautiful!" She squealed before quickly retreating into her home, just in time for Caramel to open the door. Applejack offered up a tired smile.

"Hey, Applejack!" Caramel said happily. "Come on in! I've got a nice fire going."

"Sounds great, Caramel." Applejack said, ambling inside the house behind Caramel. He looked over his shoulder

"I'm really glad you could come tonight." Caramel said happily, stoking the flame that was raging in his fireplace.

"Well, Ah'm glad to be here." Applejack said with a small sigh.

"You can take your scarf and hat off, if you want." He said, gesturing to the small coat rack in front of his door. Applejack nodded and removed her scarf and her stetson, placing them upon the rack and turning to face Caramel. He sat upon the couch in the living area, in front of the fire, patting the spot next to him. Applejack smiled at Caramel, walked to the couch and sat next to him.

"Ah'm havin' a little bit of an easier time believin' that story of yours, now. This place is huge!" Applejack said. "Really fancy, too."

"What, this old place?" Caramel said to her. "You should have seen my place back in Las Pegasus. Dirty carpet, roaches in the walls and light brown water from the faucets. It was a regular paradise. Much better than this shack." Applejack giggled slightly and smiled at him.

"So, how are things goin' at the carrot farm?" Applejack asked him. "Carrot top treatin' ya alright?"

"Oh, yeah. She's really nice and understanding." He said. "Sometimes I'll forget things, y'know, because that's me, and she'll just...well...She'd just tell me not to do it again, or something. She's really cool."

"Well, that's nice." Applejack said. "Ah wonder what it's like havin' a boss..."

"What do you mean?" Caramel responded, leaning a little bit closer to Applejack.

"Well, Ah've been workin' at Sweet Apple Acres for a long, long time, and it's my home pretty much. Ah'm my own boss and everything." Applejack said. "Ah'm just wonderin' what it would be like to have someone to tell ya what to do."

"You have your Granny." Caramel said. "She's kinda like your boss."

"She's more of an advisor." Applejack said, flipping her golden mane to the side, not meaning to draw Caramel's eye any more than she already had. "Ah'm a free spirit. Ain't nothin' gonna tie me down."

"Is that a fact?" Caramel asked her. Applejack nodded. "Well, I guess I'm doomed then, because I'd really like to have you all to myself." Applejack raised an eyebrow at him.

"Is that a fact?" Applejack asked him, smiling. He shrugged as he leaned closer to her.

"Depends on what you make of it." He responded before placing a small kiss on her lips. Applejack waited for a moment before she began to kiss him back. Their lips moved against each other's as they moved closer to one another.

'He really is a good kisser...' Applejack thought.

'Just kiss me.' Rainbow Dash's voice echoed in Applejack's mind. She disconnected from the kiss for a moment. Caramel opened his eyes and looked into Applejack's

"Everything okay?" He asked her. Applejack nodded.

"Yeah...Ah'm fine..." Applejack said with a small smile. "Just rememberin' what a good kisser you are." Caramel blushed heavily and laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head.

"Thanks." He said. "Speaking of kissing, this is escalating kind of quickly. We have all night. I made us dinner." He stood up and walked into the kitchen. He returned seconds later with an amazingly delicious-looking platter of small sandwiches and grapes clutched between his teeth. He placed it down on the table.

"Two seconds..." He said, racing back to the kitchen. He quickly returned with a bottle of wine. Applejack raised her eyebrows, impressed that Caramel was going this far on their fourth date. She smiled at the platter before her. "You like what you see?" He asked her.

"Yeah, Ah really do." Applejack said to him. "Caramel, you shouldn't have." Caramel chuckled as he placed two wine glasses down on the table.

"Well...y'know...you're worth it." He said to her.

"You're sweet." Applejack said with a smile.

"Guilty as charged." He responded before pouring wine into the two glasses. After taking a seat next to Applejack, he grabbed his glass of wine and held it toward Applejack. She smiled back at him and grabbed her glass.

"To good health," Caramel said, assuming a facetious stately look. "and good fortune." Applejack touched his glass with hers, producing a pleasing noise that soothed Applejack and helped calm her frayed nerves. Both taking sips, Caramel smiled as he put the glass down and removed a sandwich from the platter. He took a small bite and marveled at the taste.

"How is it?" Applejack asked, half chuckling.

"Well, I hate to boast, but..." He held the small sandwich up and sang a small angelic tune. Applejack laughed before taking a bite. The pleasant-sounding little melody was not for nothing. The sandwich was quite delicious, a grilled combination of mozzarella cheese and what tasted like peppers and tomatoes with olive oil sprinkled on the top.

"Oh, wow. This..." Applejack took another bite, savoring the flavor. "Mmmmm....This is amazin'!"

"I know, right?" Caramel responded. Applejack supressed a small scoff.

"Well, how did ya make it?" She asked him. He cleared his throat and seemed to scour his mind for possible responses.

"Oh, I uh..." He put on a show of bravado momentarily, only for it to falter. "I...got it from...Cafe Du Mane...Truth is, I'm a pretty awful cook." He looked down to the side, sporting a small blush to show for his embarrasment.

"Aw, don't worry about it, Caramel. It's the thought that counts..." Applejack mentally kicked herself for not being able to come up with anything better than the grossly overused cliche. Caramel smiled at her before reclaiming his sandwich. The two of them ate in relative silence. Caramel, in his romantic stupor, keep tossing looks Applejack's way, expecting to get a look back from the farm mare at some point.

Applejack, however, was currently in the realm of her mind and absentmindedly eating on this date with Caramel. The mere mention of Cafe Du Mane brought back unwanted thoughts of Rainbow Dash, shooting through her mind like comets, filling her with dread and remorse that she had not yet apoligized for her spur-of-the-moment stupidity outside Cafe Du Mane that night. The mental image of Rainbow Dash, broken in the wake of her outburst nearly brought tears to her eyes as she imagined what Rainbow Dash could possibly be doing at that moment. Perhaps she was at her home, laying in her bed alone and unwanted, longing for somepony to lay in her bed with. Maybe she had moved on and was simply not talking to Applejack on general principle.

Applejack remembered what it was like to actually be with Rainbow Dash. She remembered what it felt like to hold her and stroke her soft mane in the fields outside Ponyville. She remembered the exhilaration of racing with Rainbow Dash, the wind in her face and the mare she loved beside her. She remembered what her lips felt like as they lightly touched her own in a gentle kiss.

"Applejack?" She barely heard Caramel say. Shaken from her deep thought, Applejack looked toward him slowly.

"Yes, Rai-Caramel?" Applejack responded, quickly catching herself as her mind struggled to adapt from thinking of the past to functioning in the present.

"Are you alright?" He asked her, a small look of concern on his face.

"Yeah, sugarcube. Ah'm fine. Don't you worry none. Ah'm just thinkin' about how good this food is." Applejack said, holding up her sandwich.

"Oh. Well, Cafe Du Mane is the best eatery in Ponyville..." He said to her. "The only eatery in Ponyville."

"There's Sugarcube Corner." Applejack offered before taking another bite of her sandwich.

"Well, I wouldn't really consider that place an actual 'restaurant'." He countered, raising an eyebrow. "Sure, they'll make you a sandwich or something, but the place is made to satisfy a pony's sweet tooth." Applejack nodded.

"Ya got a point there. They're food ain't really all that good anyway." Applejack said.

"I know!" Caramel said. "I mean, I realize that the cakes' purpose in life is to bake and all, and I'm not saying that they're food is bad...but I've tasted better."

"They're kinda rude, too, once ya get to know 'em." Applejack stated.

"Really? They've always seemed to be pretty nice to me." Caramel said, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, yeah, because you don't really hang around with 'em that much. Ah'm good friends with Pinkie Pie, so Ah've been around the cakes for a good while. Sure, they're nice until ya disagree with 'em. Then they get all ornery and...well...disagreeable." Applejack explained.

"I never would have known that." Caramel said.

"Why don't we just stop talkin' about 'em? It's kinda stressin' me out." Applejack spouted quickly.

"Fine with me." Caramel responded. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Ah dunno...stuff..." Applejack said, shrugging. Caramel raised an eyebrow.

"Care to be a little more specific?" He asked her. She sighed and looked to the side.

"Ah dunno...we can uh..." Applejack said, scooting closer to Caramel. "Not talk." Caramel scooted closer to her, further closing the distance between the two of them.

"Oh?" He said. "And what would you do, rather than talk?" Applejack smiled at him.

"Let me give ya one guess..." Applejack said, beginning to inch her face closer to Caramel's. Caramel smiled and closed the distance, meeting Applejack's lips with his in a kiss. The kiss felt slightly...off to Applejack, but his lips were warm and inviting so Applejack decided to lean into him, pushing him back on the couch. This, coupled with the warmth from the fireplace really helped Applejack enter into a calm state of mind. Caramel certainly wasn't the best kisser, but he had heart, and Applejack admired that abouth him.

She felt Caramel's tongue graze her bottom lip, essentially asking for entry.

'Eager, aren't we?' Applejack thought as she opened her mouth, allowing Caramel entance. He slid his tongue inside and proceeded to swirl it around. The gesture was noticeable for sure, but there was no style...no technique. Applejack moved her tongue against his sensually, trying to show him the ropes. She wasn't used to this because she was so used to Rainbow Dash taking the lead whenever they kissed.

'He's definitely not as good as Dash.' She thought to herself. The thought of Rainbow Dash sent feelings of despair shooting through her body. Her mind was wracked with questions about what she was doing and why she was doing it. The voice in the back of her head that had been so small and insignificant previously seemed to grow in volume and power at this moment.

'What are you doing?!' It screamed. 'You should be with Rainbow Dash!' Applejack struggled to keep the thought under control, to ingore it and focus on the current situation.

'Caramel's a nice stallion.' Applejack thought to herself. 'Ah could see a nice, quiet life with him.'

'Yeah, a life in the closet.' Applejack's thoughts changed. 'Rainbow Dash loves you! You love her! And you betrayed her! You broke her heart!'

'He's attractive...'

'She's adorable!'

'He's funny...'

'She's hilarious!'

Applejack's heart beat faster and faster as the thoughts fought an enormous battle inside the confines of her brain. Her guilt went toe-to-toe with her pride, and her guilt seemed to be winning. Unbeknownst to her, her kissing had increased in intensity with each passing second, further confusing Caramel. His eyes opened and widened slightly.

'Forget about her!' She finally thought. 'You've got to forget!!!' At that moment, Caramel disconnected from the kiss.

"Whoa, whoa there, Applejack. Moving a little fast there, aren't ya?" He said.

"Ah wanna go all the way!" Applejack quickly spouted at him, eyebrows raised and eyes closed. "Tonight!" Caramel was spellbound. The request had completely taken him by suprise and he was quite speechless. Applejack couldn't believe the words as they came out of her mouth. He searched his mind for the correct words as a bead of sweat formed on his temple he finally gulped and looked back up at her.

"A-are you sure?" He asked, blushing heavily. "Maybe you need a good night's sleep. You look a little tired."

"A-Ah'm sure." Applejack said. "Ah just f-feel...this connection with you. Like Ah'm...destined to be here." The statement tasted a lie above all else, but Applejack wanted...needed to forget her guilt.

"Applejack..." He said, bringing a hoof to her shoulder. "I feel the same way about you!" He kissed her again, more fervently and lovingly. He put everything he had into it as he rolled the two of them over and began to kiss Applejack's neck. Applejack closed her eyes and moaned, breathing heavily as she closed her eyes. He slowly dropped his body onto hers, moving it sensually in an attempt to make Applejack feel good.

The warmth of another...the presence of another was nice. It was enticing...but the passion, the heart...it wasn't there. At least not for Applejack. Caramel was most definitely in love with her, but she didn't feel for him the way she felt for her.

'Rainbow Dash...She was always there for me...whenever Ah needed her...And Ah threw her aside like a piece of trash...' She thought to herself. Tears flooded her eyes as she sobbed quietly. Caramel noticed this and immediately stopped his loving gestures.

"Applejack, are you okay?" He asked her worriedly. She looked at him and sniffled, smiling.

"Yeah...Ah just always saw my first time bein' this romantic..." She lied. This was not her first time, of course, but she lied about that anyway, making her feel even more rotten inside. Caramel smiled.

"Well just lay back and enjoy yourself." He said to her before kissing her on the nose. "Tonight is all about you." A new wave of tears found their way down Applejack's cheeks as Caramel went back to pleasuring her. His hoof rubbed up and down the side of her body.

'He's so sweet! Why are you doing this?!' Applejack thought to herself as Caramel gave her a peck on the lips. 'Stop leading him on for your own selfish reasons!' Caramel continued to rub his body on Applejack's, increasing his own arousal and increasing Applejack's shame. His engorged tool stood at the ready as he gently began to prod Applejack's entrance. The sensation, while providing raw pleasure for Applejack was devoid of any love. Applejack might as well have felt nothing.

"Are you ready?" He asked her, breathing heavily, ready to penetrate her. Applejack slowly nodded. He began to push his member against her lower lips, slowly gaining access. Applejack bit her lip as her heartbeat increased dramatically, pounding in her chest like a heavy reverberating drum.

'Buck up, you little coward...' She thought to herself. 'It's time to stop lying.'

Caramel's tool pushed slightly further into her, making the stallion groan in anticipation.

'You. Love. Rainbow Dash.'

"Stop." Applejack suddenly said. Caramel's eyes opened as he looked down at her. More tears streaked down her cheeks as she frowned up at him. "We...can't do this. You and me can't do this." Caramel slowly nodded and got off of her, sitting next to her.

"I knew something was wrong." Caramel said. "Please tell me so we can work on it together." The request sent a spear of guilt through Applejack's being as she closed her eyes.

"Caramel..." Applejack said. "Ah have a confession to make." Caramel's ears perked up and he looked at her, concerned.

"Okay..." He responded with a frown. Applejack sniffled and wiped her tears.

"Ah'm...Ah'm..." Applejack's heart pounded in her chest and her mind raced.

'Just do it!' She thought.

"Ah'm in love with somepony else." Applejack stated, finally looking at Caramel and furrowing her brow. Caramel's heart broke as his ears splayed back.

"I-I-I..." He gulped. "I don't understand..."

"Ah'm in love with somepony else and Ah've been too ashamed to admit it." Applejack said. "Ah love her with all my heart and Ah threw her away and dated you as a cover up..." She hung her head.

"B-but...why would you..." He said, a tear falling down his cheek. Applejack wiped her tears away.

"Because Ah'm a selfish coward, that's why." Applejack said. "Ah decieved you for my own personal benefit. Ah betrayed the mare Ah truly love, only to betray you as well." Applejack sniffled. "Ah'm so sorry..."

"Y-you..." Caramel started. He could barely speak. All this time, he had been falling in love with this mare, who never loved him back. He felt angry and betrayed as he looked down.

"So..." He said. "You're a fillyfooler?" Applejack sighed before looking at him.

"Not completely..." Applejack said. "Ah figure Ah'm bisexual because Ah've had coltfriends...And...she's the only mare Ah've ever loved...But Ah do love her."

"Well...I wish I could say that she stole you away from me..." He said somberly. "Get some of this anger out by having somepony to blame... But I suppose you were never mine to lose, huh?" He furrowed his brow, making Applejack close her eyes in pure shame.

"Ah'm aware of my crime." Applejack said. "It's only fair that you call me what I really am. Don't hold back. Ah deserve it."

"Okay..." Caramel said before standing up in front of her. Applejack furrowed her brow, ready for the verbal bombardment she was sure to receive from Caramel. "You really want me to call you what I think you are?" Applejack nodded.

"Yes." She said. He nodded.

"You're confused." He said simply. Applejack's eyes widened as she looked up at him from the couch. "That's what you are."

"Ah don't..." Applejack said, dumbfounded by his suprisingly understanding observation.

"I may be forgetful...but I'm not stupid." He said. "I went through the same thing...well, not quite the same thing, a while ago with the love of my life. Berry Punch. You know her, right?" Applejack nodded. "Well, I thought I could have any mare I wanted. I was awful. We had an argument one day and I seriously broke her heart. Little did I know I had lost the mare of my dreams. She won't even look at me now."

"Ah'm sorry..." Applejack said through tears. He looked down at her.

"Now, what's the deal with yours?" He asked. "Tell me. Because you lied to me this whole time. That's my price." Applejack gulped.

"Well...her name is Rainbow Dash." She said.

"Rainbow Dash, huh? I've seen her with stallions too." He responded.

"Well, we were together for some time. But Ah was ashamed to even be seen huggin' her in public. We got into an argument and broke up. After that is when I first started dating you. Ah ignored my feelings and pushed her aside. She won't even talk to me now..." Applejack explained. Caramel nodded his head and sat back on a chair in front of the fire. "Now, Ah've gotta go find her and tell her how Ah really feel!"

"Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hurt...and I certainly think you need to do some self-examining...I can't force you to love anyone." He looked up at her. "Now go find her." Applejack walked to him from across the room and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you." She said, shedding more tears. "Ah'll never forget you." He nodded as she turned around and walked to the coat rack beside his front door. She donned her stetson and put on her scarf before opening the door. She looked back at Caramel. He offered a single hoof as a goodbye as he sat in front of the fire, not bothering to look back. Applejack smiled as she closed the door behind her. A cold wind blew and Applejack shivered as she set out into the night.

She sprinted through the cold air, wind assaulting her face and wind chilling her to the bone. Any pony in their right mind would be indoors, either in front of a fire or under a thick warm blanket with the pony they loved. Applejack yearned to see the pony she loved, and she would scower Ponyville in the cold all night to find her.

She had to find Rainbow Dash. Now.

_____

Half an Hour Earlier

Fluttershy smiled as she opened the front door to her cottage to find Rainbow Dash standing there, scarf wrapped around her neck.

"Hey, Fluttershy. Wanna hang out?" Rainbow Dash said. Despite her confident tone of voice, Fluttershy could tell that Rainbow was shivering. Fluttershy nodded happily.

"Of course, Rainbow. Come in and warm up." Fluttershy said. "I just made a fire."

"Awesome." Rainbow said, removing her scarf. She looked at it, and then at Fluttershy. "Uh..."

"Oh, just put it on that chair. It'll be fine." Fluttershy said, gesturing to a small chair that Fluttershy's pet bunny, Angel was sleeping in. Rainbow shrugged and dropped the scarf on a chair handle before joining Fluttershy in her living room.

"Do you have any of that tea left?" Rainbow asked. Fluttershy nodded.

"Would you like some?" She asked, prompting Rainbow Dash to nod eagerly. Fluttershy giggled as she moved to the kitchen and put on some water to boil. Upon returning to the living room, she discovered Rainbow Dash splayed out in front of the fireplace in her usual fashion. Fluttershy smiled as she also sat down in front fo the fire.

"So, how was your day?" Fluttershy asked the cyan pegasus. Rainbow's ears perked up.

"Oh, it was okay." Rainbow said. "Weather patrol is always harder during winter, though. The clouds are so much thicker." Fluttershy nodded.

"What about you? Did you tame any bears with 'The stare?'" Fluttershy smiled.

"Oh, no...I would prefer not to come into contact with an untamed bear if I can help it. Their strength matches that of a manticore and their wit matches that of a cockatrice." Fluttershy explained. "In fact, there are three distinct subspecies of bear. There is the black-"

"Fluttershy, that's really interesting and all, but will I really need to know that at any time in my life?" Rainbow asked, looking up at Fluttershy.

"I guess not..." Fluttershy said. "So how is Wonderbolts training?"

"Awesome as usual. Lightning Dust has gotten her act together, so Spitfire has pretty much forgiven her for all that reckless behavior. Took long enough." Rainbow said before sitting up. "But neither of them have forgotten who the leader of the two of us is." Rainbow touched a hoof to her chest and smirked, making Fluttershy giggle lightly. The teapot in the kitchen began to scream as the water inside boiled, signifying that the tea was ready to be made.

"I'll be right back." Fluttershy said before standing up and ambling into the kitchen. Rainbow Dash nodded before laying back down in front of the fire.

'Maybe being with Fluttershy wouldn't be so bad after all...' Rainbow thought. She sighed as she layed down on her belly, resting her chin on her front hooves. Before long, Fluttershy returned with a tray and a teapot, two strings falling over the upper rim, a small tag attached to each.

"Tea is served." Fluttershy said with a smile. Rainbow Dash smiled as she took a cup and let Fluttershy pour the tea in. She licked her lips before taking a sip. She exclaimed in pain as the searing hot liquid splashed over her tongue. She barely managed to avoid spilling it all over herself as she put it down upon the coffee table. Fluttershy supressed a laugh.

"You should wait for it to cool down." She said. Rainbow raised an eyebrow at her yellow friend.

"You don't say?" Rainbow sarcastically stated. Before letting her tongue drop out of her mouth. The scalded appendage gaining immediate relief from the cool air. "Ow. This really hurts..."

"You look tired." Fluttershy said, noticing Rainbow Dash's worn appearance.

"Who me? Naah." Rainbow said, throwing a hoof in the air. "Just got done with a good days..." She yawned. "Work."

"I've seen you after a long day's work." Fluttershy said. "Please, tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong, Fluttershy." Rainbow said suddenly, taking a stern tone of voice. Fluttershy faltered under Rainbow's tone of voice. Rainbow sighed. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay..." Fluttershy said.

"I guess..." Rainbow began. "I guess I'm so tired because I spend a lot of nights wondering what would have happened by now if Applejack and I were still together."

"Rainbow Dash, you need to forget about her." Fluttershy stated worriedly. Rainbow Dash puffed out her chest and smirked.

"I already have. I don't need her. The thoughts just cross my mind at night and sometimes make it hard for me to sleep." Rainbow said before her bravado faltered and her ears splayed back as she looked down. "I want to forget her...I really do...but I can't..." Tears formed in her eyes. Rainbow wiped them and clenched her teeth in anger. "Goddesses! Why does this always happen?" Fluttershy stood and walked to Rainbow Dash, putting a hoof on her shoulder.

"You were just hurt badly by her recently. Sometimes these things take a long time to heal." Fluttershy offered.

"I know!" Rainbow yelled, her voice catching as more tears flowed. "I know that! But I don't feel any better! The more and more I think about her, the more it hurts! And I can't bucking stop thinking about her!" She began to cry, hanging her head as she sat in front of the fire. Fluttershy wrapped her front legs around Rainbow Dash in a heartfelt hug. Rainbow's tears dampened the fur on Fluttershy's shoulder as she held Rainbow in front of the fire.

"Goddesses, I hate crying!" Rainbow exclaimed before a sob leaped from her throat. "I never cry!" Fluttershy nodded as she continued to hold Rainbow Dash, offering all she could to make her friend feel better.

"I know, Dashie. I know. It'll be okay."

"Fluttershy..." Rainbow said to her. "Do you think I could stay here tonight? Please? I really don't want to be alone."

"Of course, Rainbow Dash." She said.

"Thank you..." Rainbow said before sniffling and laying her head on Fluttershy's shoulder. Fluttershy had rarely heard Rainbow Dash speak so sincerely before. She usually was so obsessed with looking cool or hip to her friends, but the pegasus seemed to really open up to Fluttershy recently. Rainbow Dash sat in front of the fire with Fluttershy, staring into the crackling embers as they slowly lulled her into a stupor. The tears had stopped flowing and Rainbow Dash's eyes began to slowly close.

Hearing Rainbow Dash begin to snore lightly, Fluttershy gently laid her friend in front of the fire before fetching some pillows. The sleeping Rainbow Dash took little notice as Fluttershy inched the pillow underneath her chin. Angel hopped into the room and curled up next to Fluttershy. She giggled as she layed down in front of the fire next to Rainbow, taking a deep breath before closing her eyes to sleep.

A loud knocking came from the front door, rousing Rainbow and Fluttershy from their respective slumbers.

"Don't worry. I'll get it." Fluttershy said as she stood and walked to the door. She opened it to find Applejack standing there, shivering.

"Howdy, Fluttershy." Applejack said, offering a weak smile.

The sound of Applejack's voice made Rainbow's stomach turn as she jumped up, eyes wide and her ears splayed back. She panicked as she looked for a way out, finally laying her eyes upon the staircase leading to the second floor of the cottage where a window undoubtedly was. Rainbow Dash ran up the staircase.

Fluttershy looked upon Applejack with nothing but a disapproving glare, which made Applejack even more nervous than she already was. Fluttershy barely registered a window upstairs being opened. She said nothing about it.

"Hello, Applejack." She said, struggling not to scream at the farm mare due to all she had heard about her.

"Mind if Ah come in for a sec? It's a might chilly out here..." Applejack said. Fluttershy's ears splayed back as she struggled internally for what to do. On one hoof, Applejack was her friend too and she looked absolutely freezing. On the other, she had broken Rainbow Dash's heart with a string of lies and fear. Fluttershy finally planted her hooves firm and looked Applejack square in the eyes.

"N-No." Fluttershy said, struggling not to break down where she stood. Applejack's eyes widened as she stepped back slightly.

"What?" She said, hurt at Fluttershy's coldness.

"Normally, I would let you in, Applejack. But I have heard many things about you. They weren't good things." Fluttershy stated, furrowing her brow. Applejack flinched slightly.

"W-What did ya hear?" She asked nervously.

"Everything." Fluttershy said. "Everything about you and Rainbow Dash. She's been confiding in me because you hurt her so badly. She's not herself, Applejack!" The sinking feeling Applejack experienced at that moment chilled her worse than the cold weather.

"Who else knows?" Applejack asked.

"No one but me." Fluttershy said. "And I plan to keep it that way. It isn't my place to tell everypony."

"Well, Fluttershy..." Applejack said. "That's actually the precise reason Ah came to ya. Ah've realized my mistake! Ah love Rainbow Dash, and Ah'm tryin' to find her so that Ah can actually tell her!" Fluttershy brightened up significantly before raising an eyebrow at the farm mare.

"Are you really?" She asked.

"Fluttershy, If Ah wasn't, Ah wouldn't be standin' here out in the freezin' weather." Applejack said. Fluttershy looked at her for a moment before stepping aside.

"Come in and warm up." Fluttershy said. Applejack nodded and walked inside, sitting in front of the fire. Fluttershy closed the door and sat across from Applejack as she rubbed her hooves together.

"So..." Applejack said. "Have ya seen her anywhere?"

"Yes." Fluttershy said. "I passed her in town earlier and we talked for a bit. She said she's going to be staying at her house for the rest of the night." Applejack quickly stood up and nodded, tightening her scarf.

"Thank ya, Fluttershy. Ah appreciate you lettin' me in to warm up." She said.

"I think it's a lost cause at this point, Applejack." Fluttershy stated. "She's angry. Hurt and angry and I'm not sure that you can get her to forgive you." Applejack sighed before looking at her, eyes watering.

"Ah know that, Fluttershy." Applejack responded. "But Ah've got to find her, apoligize and tell her how Ah feel." Applejack looked down. "Ah love her." Fluttershy gestured to the door.

"I don't mean to tell you to get out, but..." Fluttershy sighed. "Go and tell her!" Applejack nodded before walking out of the cottage back into the cold. She adjusted her stetson before taking off in a dead sprint in the direction of Rainbow Dash's cloud home. It was quite a walk, but Applejack was dead-set on her goal. This was it. The final rush.

And damned is she was going to give up now.

Every thirty seconds or so, a strong, frigid wind attacked Applejack with a devastating debilitating wave of cold. She payed no heed to her numbing hooves as she thundered through the fields toward Rainbow Dash's house. As the luxurious cloud dwelling came into her view, she doubled the speed at which she was running. She breathed heavily in a final, last ditch effort to gain some stamina for the rest of the run. This payed off as she finally reached her destination. She adjusted her stetson as she called her love's name.

"Rainbow Dash!"

No answer. Not even a sound. No lights turned on, and no movement was detected. Applejack stood still, catching her breath for a moment, the cold air burning her lungs. She gathered her breath and screamed again-

"Rainbow Dash!!!"

Still no answer came. No sign of any kind of reponse came for the orange mare standing in the cold. She stood firm however. If she had to get hypothermia, she would stand there with the affliction, waiting for Rainbow Dash to come flying down. Nothing would stop her. Nothing would hinder her. The only thing that could end her efforts to reclaim what she had lost was death. She stood, repeatedly calling Rainbow Dash's name every thirty seconds or so, making sure that her presence was established. After what seemed like hours, Applejack yelled again-

"Rainbow Dash, please come down!" A cry of anger and frustration came from the house, lighting a happy spark within Applejack. She brightened up significantly seeing Rainbow Dash flying down from her home. She touched down in front of Applejack, a look of anger on her face.

"What do you want?!" She said. "You've been down here half an hour screaming! I can't hear myself think!" Applejack smiled and scuffed her hoof on the ground lightly as she shivered from the constant cold.

"Hey, Dash. Ah haven't seen ya in a while." Applejack said, blushing heavily.

"That's because the last time I saw you, you told me that you hate me and that you want me out of your life." Rainbow said before going into a hover. "Now let me honor that request." Applejack grabbed Rainbow's tail between her teeth before she flew back into her home. Applejack pulled Rainbow back onto the ground before spitting her tail out.

"Now, Rainbow Dash, you know Ah didn't mean that! Ah was just caught up in the moment!" Applejack said.

"Sure okay." Rainbow said, lowering her brow and looking away.

"Ah'm bein' honest, Rainbow!" Applejack said.

"Yeah, because you've been so truthful lately." Rainbow said to her. "How's it going with Caramel by the way?"

"Ah broke it off with him." Applejack said. "And now Ah have somethin' Ah need to tell you." Rainbow continued to scowl at Applejack.

"Go on, then." Rainbow said.

"Ah...Ah love you, Rainbow Dash. Ah always have." Applejack said. "Ah just...didn't see it until tonight..." Rainbow looked at her, continuing to scowl.

"Are you bucking kidding me?" The pegasus narrowed her eyes in rage.

"Uh..." Was all Applejack could reply with.

"You think you can play with me like I'm some kind of love toy, then break my heart, ignore me and rebuke me, lie to me and poor Caramel, and come back and apoligize, tell me that you just didn't see it and that it'd be all hunkey-dorey?" She said. "You make me sick, do you know that?! You make me sick!!!" Applejack flinched slightly at Rainbow Dash's verbal assault, her ears splaying back.

"Ah made a mistake, Dash. Ah'm sorry." She said.

"Oh, you're sorry." Rainbow said, dropping her tone to mock Applejack's sincerity. "Yeah, well sorry isn't really gonna cut it at this point! Do you have any idea what you've done? Not just to me, but Caramel?! Did you even see that you'd have to break his heart when you got with him? Do you even have any consideration?! "

"Yes, Ah do!" Applejack said, tears beginning to fall from her eyes. She looked at Rainbow and planted her hooves firmly to the ground. "And Ah'm tryin' to end all of it now! Ah'm sorry! What Ah did was wrong! Ah'm sorry Ah lied to you! Ah'm sorry Ah decieved Caramel for my own personal gain!" Applejack's voice softened considerably. "Ah'm sorry Ah never told you how much Ah love you..." Rainbow Dash shook her head. Fear spread within Applejack as she teared up. "Ah love you, Rainbow Dash."

"Well, Applejack," Rainbow said, softly. Her tone filled Applejack with hope as she listened. "I don't love you...not anymore. It's over. You've lost your chance."

Despair coursed within Applejack. She had lost the mare she loved. The mare that had loved her so dearly, that had not given up on her, was giving up on her now. Honestly, could she be blamed? Applejack had treated her like dirt and halfway expected to get out of it scot-free. She finally understood how Rainbow had felt that cold night outside Cafe Du Mane, the absolute feeling of hopelessness that crashed down on her like a warhammer. Her ears splayed back as her eyes flooded with tears. Her legs shook, not from the cold, but from the true feeling of losing somepony so precious to her. At this point, she would've been blessed to have any kind of a friendship with the pegasus from that point on. In all likelyhood, she and Rainbow Dash were done. Applejack sat down and sobbed, tears soaking and chilling her cheeks.

"Rainbow, Ah-"

"You should have thought of this before you did what you did." Rainbow said. Applejack broke down and cried. She cried harder than she ever had.

"Rainbow, Ah'm sorry!" She said with a sob. "Ah was a stupid fool for leavin' you! Ah'm so sorry!"

"I know you are..." Rainbow replied.

"Please take me back! You're the best thing to ever happen to me! Please! Ah'm beggin' you!" Applejack yelled.

"No." Rainbow Dash plainly stated before turning around and flexing her wings for takeoff.

"Ah don't wanna lose you!" Applejack continued.

"You already have." Rainbow stated, looking back at Applejack one final time before walking back toward her house. Applejack began to run after her, but in her frantic stupor, tripped over a rock. She fell to the ground roughly but made no effort to get up. She couldn't get up. She couldn't stand anymore.

"Rainbow Dash!!!" She sobbed, reaching for the pegasus from the ground, blinded by her tears. "Ah need you!!!" Rainbow continued walking, paying no heed to the hysterical Applejack. Applejack sobbed again.

"Rainbow, Ah'm sorry..." She muttered, struggling to speak. "Ah love you. Ah love you...Ah know Ah deserve this." Rainbow stopped in her tracks, catching Applejack's notice. The pegasus slowly turned around to reveal her face streaked with tears as well. However, instead of matching Applejack's look of despair, her face had an expression of rage. Her eyes were narrowed and her ears were splayed back. She stomped toward Applejack. She looked like she wanted to hit her. Applejack accepted this and stood slowly, struggling to support herself.

"Are ya gonna hit me?" Applejack asked Rainbow. She recieved no answer from the pegasus as she neared. "Alright. Hit me as hard as you can. Ah deserve it." Applejack said as she wiped her eyes, closed them and turned her cheek. She waited to feel Rainbow Dash's hoof strike her face. "Ah love you."

Applejack felt Rainbow's hoof against her face, but it wasn't a slap or a punch. Rather, it was placed gently on her cheek before the pegasus moved Applejack's face to meet hers.

Rainbow Dash kissed Applejack.

Applejack's eyes widened before they filled with tears. Applejack closed her eyes and returned the kiss happily, wrapping her front legs around Rainbow Dash, pulling her closer. Rainbow disconnected from the kiss and looked into Applejack's teary green eyes with her own.

"I love you too." The reunion of their lips was one to remember as warmth flooded through the two of them. Rainbow escalated the kiss passionately, slipping her tongue into Applejack's mouth. Applejack moaned lightly as Rainbow slowly pushed her onto her back. Applejack slid her tongue along Rainbow's, taking in the pure love and passion of their kiss as it sent electricity flowing through her. The spark that had been missing with Caramel was back in full force, except now it was a supernova of pure emotion, shown in the love the two mares shared. Time around them seemed to screech to a halt. To Applejack and Rainbow Dash, the only thing that mattered in the world at that moment was their love. The two mares stopped occasionally to get a well-needed breath to continue the kiss. Applejack wrapped her legs around Rainbow Dash and pulled her down onto her.

The kiss was a breath of fresh air to Rainbow Dash. She was back with the mare she loved, and she couldn't have been happier. She stroked Applejack's golden mane, knocking the stetson from her head. Applejack payed it no heed, however, as they continued to kiss. Enjoying the feeling of Rainbow Dash's lips and her tongue in her mouth, Applejack moaned again. They continued to kiss for five minutes before they stopped, touching their foreheads together, both of their ears splayed back. They held each other as they never once broke eye contact.

"Ah've missed your beautiful eyes." Applejack said happily, looking up into Rainbow Dash's rose irises.

"I could say the same to you." Rainbow said, nuzzling Applejack's cheek.

"Ah'm so sorry, Rainbow Dash..." Applejack said. "For everything."

"You've been saying that for the past thirty minutes." Rainbow responded. "I think it's pretty safe to say that I forgive you at this point."

"Ah know, Ah know..." Applejack said. "Ah just can't get over how awful Ah was. Ah mean, Ah always did love you, even though Ah lied to myself about it. Ah always knew Ah did."

"Well, I never stopped loving you." Rainbow said with a smirk. "I loved you even when you showed up tonight."

"You really are the element of loyalty, aren't you?" Applejack said. "But why did you tell me that you didn't anymore?"

"Well...I'll admit that I was pretty angry at you...so I decided to give you a taste of your own medicine." Rainbow responded. "I figure we're square now." Applejack nodded.

"Amen." She said before placing a small peck on Rainbow's lips. She shivered. "It's so cold..."

"Oh, geez! I completely forgot!" Rainbow said, letting Applejack stand up. "I wish you could come inside..."

"Ah'll just come by tomorrow." Applejack responded, placing her stetson on her head. "We can spend the whole day together."

"I really don't want to go to sleep without you tonight..." Rainbow said with a frown. Applejack brightened up and smiled at her.

"Maybe you don't have to." Applejack said. Rainbow raised an eyebrow at her. "Come stay with me tonight. Ah got a nice, soft warm bed that'll take the two of us just right." Rainbow smiled.

"Well...Tank is already asleep..." Rainbow said. "Let's go." The two mares, rekindled in their ever-burning love for one another, walked through Ponyville, their bodies pressed together affectionately. Several late-night ponies saw them, but Applejack didn't care. Not anymore. Thankfully, when they arrived at the farmhouse, every other member of the household was asleep, so they snuck through the house into Applejack's room. Rainbow walked around the side of the bed and lifted the covers, climbing into the bed happily. Applejack joined her and wrapped her front legs around the pegasus. Rainbow Dash snuggled into Applejack as she kissed her on the lips and whispered into her ear-

"Don't you forget...Ah love you."

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: HOOOOOO-WHEE!!! YEAH, BABY! I'VE KNOWN THAT THAT WAS GONNA HAPPEN FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS AND I'M STILL F*CKING HAPPY ABOUT IT!!! I only hope that you're as happy as I am right now. Long chapter, I know, but a chapter with events of this magnitude demands it! I adore this couple and there is no way in hell that I'd end this story with the two of them breaking up! Now, it may seem like the end, my friends, but it is NOT! Far from it, in fact! You can expect another chapter sometime next week! I'm so happy to have you guys as my readers! Cheers!

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Rainbow Dash happily dodged several clouds as she flew through the sky toward Sweet Apple Acres to see Applejack. Weather patrol had been relatively simple and laid back that day, only calling for Rainbow Dash, Cloud Kicker and a few others to keep watch on the clouds, making sure to bump a straggler in the right direction when it separated from the main body of clouds. It had been a relatively short run, but it felt like an entire day to Rainbow Dash. Every second that passed seemed to multiply by three when she was thinking about Applejack and how she'd rather have been spending time with her.

Now that she was currently on her way to see Applejack, she was extremely excited. Flying forward at insane speeds, she flipped and jumped off of a cloud, spinning as she plummeted toward the ground. Just seconds before her body slammed into the dirt, she unfurled her wings and caught the air beneath them, sparing herself from death's grip. Rainbow Dash thought nothing of it. She lived to fly like this. Dangerously, irresponsibly...no matter what happened to her. Accidents for Rainbow Dash were quite rare, anyway.

She beamed as Sweet Apple Acres came into her view, one of the most beautiful places the rainbow-maned mare had ever seen. Truly, she could not think of a better place to be than at that farm with her lover. She touched down at the entrance and ambled along the path, eventually coming to the point outside the barn where Applejack was most likely working. The pegasus lightly pushed the door open and slowly walked in.

"Applejack?" She called, receiving no reply. The barn was quite dark, despite the time of day. "Applejack?" Still no reply was heard. She shrugged. "Eh, must be inside..." A sudden scurrying noise reverberated through the barn, immediately catching Rainbow Dash's attention. Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, Rainbow Dash moved silently further into the barn to investigate the noise. A knocking sound hit her ears next.

"Who's there?" Rainbow called. There was no answer.

Out of the darkness came a bounding shadow, moving extremely quickly. Rainbow screamed as it bellowed and grabbed a hold of her...

And proceeded to tickle her.

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but break out into a fit of giggles, rolling around as the shadow, now revealed to be Applejack, bent over her and continued to poke and scratch at her sides.

"APPLEJACK!!! Hehe- Stop it!" Rainbow said in between peals of side-splitting laughter. "Pleeease!"

"Say uncle!" Applejack said with a smirk. Rainbow's face straightened momentarily as she looked, stunned, at Applejack.

"Never!" She said before breaking down again. Applejack upped her tickling game and moved her mouth down onto Rainbow's belly and blowing into it. Rainbow's eyes widened as she struggled to fight Applejack's merciless assault. This was a battle she was losing and she knew it. "Okay! Okay!" She inhaled deeply. "UNCLE!"

"Now say aunt!" Applejack said before blowing into Rainbow's belly again.

"AUNT!" Rainbow exclaimed, convulsing on the floor with laughter.

"Now say second cousin twice removed!" Applejack said, her smile growing.

"What?!" Rainbow exclaimed, struggling to speak clearly. Applejack finally stopped tickling the cyan mare and moved her face closer to Rainbow's.

"Close enough." Applejack said before kissing Rainbow on the lips. Rainbow smiled and kissed her love back. Before quickly disconnecting from the kiss, looking up at Applejack and raising an eyebrow.

"What the hay...was all...that for?" Rainbow inquired earnestly.

"That was for scarin' me so bad the night we saw the 'Bone Muncher' movie, or whatever it was." Applejack replied.

"Well, you did buck me in the chest. I'm still a little sore from that." Rainbow said, smirking.

"Ah know, but that was a reflex." Applejack said before poking Rainbow in the side, making the pegasus jump slightly. "Gotcha good, didn't Ah?" Rainbow rolled her eyes before moving to get up. When they were both standing, the two mares walked out of the barn and sat down on the soft grass, feeling the cool air kiss their skin.

"How did you even know I was coming?" Rainbow Dash asked Applejack. Applejack chuckled.

"It's kinda hard not to notice a moving streak of Rainbow in the sky." Applejack responded. Rainbow rubbed the back of her head.

"Yeah...I guess that sounds about right." Rainbow said.

"You're off awful early, ain't ya?" Applejack said.

"Yeah...There wasn't much controlling to do. We just had to point the clouds in a direction and supervise them." Rainbow replied. "Soooo boring. Especially remembering every waking minute that I could be down here, talking to you."

"Well, we wouldn't really be talkin' much, Dash." Applejack responded. "All Ah've really done all day is sort the apples. The Red Deliciouses, the Honeycrisps...it goes on and on. Ah've been pretty bored myself. The fun part doesn't begin again until next spring."

"Well, yeah, but boring work would be better with you than doing it by myself." Rainbow said before nuzzling Applejack quickly. "So, how have things been here since I left seventeen hours ago?"

"They've been fine. Nopony's said anything bad about you an' me since you've left, if that's what your askin'." Applejack said.

"No, that's not it at all." Rainbow said. "I was kidding more than anything." Applejack nodded.

"Alright, then." She said. "So...Ah've been thinkin'...when should we tell the Twilight and the others?"

"Well, Fluttershy already knows...Whenever you would really feel like it, I guess. I'm good with anything." Rainbow replied. Applejack pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow.

"How about tonight?" Applejack asked. Rainbow raised her eyebrows and nodded.

"Yeah." Rainbow said. "But what're we gonna do? Go from door to door and be saying 'Oh, hey guys, were a couple.', or what?"

"Maybe we could all get together someplace under the pretense that we're just hangin' out." Applejack said, rubbing her chin. "We could tell 'em when everypony gets there."

"Sounds great." Rainbow responded. "But where exactly would we get together?"

"How 'bout Sugarcube Corner?" Applejack asked.

"Aren't they kinda anti-fillyfooler over there?" Rainbow asked. "Are you sure you don't wanna go somewhere else?"

"Ah ain't afraid of what they think anymore, Dash. Landsakes, we told my family last night. If Ah can take tellin' them, I can take tellin' anypony!" Applejack spouted confidently. Rainbow Dash smiled warmly as she nodded.

"Alright, then." Rainbow said. "We'll get together tonight at Sugarcube Corner with the girls and we'll tell them all then!"

"Sounds like a plan Dash." Applejack said happily as she scooted over until her body was in contact with Rainbow's. The pegasus sighed happily as she layed her head on Applejack's shoulder. Applejack smiled as the cool breeze lightly blew her golden mane, slightly intertwining it with Rainbow's multi-colored one.

"Ah gotta get back to work, sugarcube. The sooner Ah get done, the sooner we can actually have some time together." Applejack said. Rainbow frowned and looked over at her.

"Oh, okay." She said. "I guess so. I'll go home and feed Tank. Then I'll tell all the girls to come hang out at Sugarcube Corner tonight. We'll tell them together." Applejack nodded and kissed Rainbow before she stood up.

"See you tonight, AJ!" Rainbow exclaimed happily before she took off into the blue skies. Applejack nodded.

"Lookin' forward to it."

_____

"So, what's this all about, Rainbow Dash?" Twilight Sparkle asked Rainbow Dash as she, Fluttershy, Rarity and Rainbow Dash walked down the street to Sugarcube corner. Rainbow scoffed lightly.

"Whaaat, friends can't just get together anymore? They have to have some kind of reason?" Rainbow Dash asked rhetorically. Twilight rolled her eyes.

"You know what I mean, Rainbow." Twilight said. "I thought that you and Applejack were mad at each other."

"We were." Rainbow Dash said with a smile. "But we're all better now." Rainbow sent a quick wink in Fluttershy's direction. Fluttershy smiled at her.

"Well, that's so good to hear, darling." Rarity said happily. "I always hate it when two of us get into fights."

"No more of that." Rainbow responded. "We hashed it out. It's no big deal anymore."

"So, where is Applejack?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, she's meeting us at Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie's already there, so you know, it's kinda already set up for all of us to get there." Rainbow explained. "We figured that we'd get the gang back together to...how do I put it?...Celebrate us making up, y'know?"

"As good a reason as any." Twilight said. The four mares arrived at Sugarcube Corner and entered the eatery. Applejack and Pinkie Pie had been happily chatting in the lounge area when the rest of the group walked in. Applejack hurriedly walked to Rainbow Dash and wrapped her in a hug. Pinkie Pie took the oppurtunity to jump onto the two of them and squeal.

"I'm so happy you two are friends again!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Yeah...alrighty then, Pinkie." Rainbow said. "Your hooves are kinda digging into my wings, though."

"Oop! Sorry." Pinkie said, jumping off of Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"So, what was your little tiff all about, eh?" Rarity inquired. "Don't spare any details, you both know how much I love drama." Rarity sat on the lounge couch and batted her eyes expectantly.

"Ah'd rather not talk about it, Rarity. If ya don't mind. Ah'm pretty sure Rainbow doesn't wanna talk about it either." Applejack put a hoof around the cyan pegasus' shoulders. "All that matters in that we're friends again." Rainbow smirked and nodded. Rarity shrugged.

"Well, if it's really that uncomfortablee for you two...then I won't pry." Rarity said sweetly.

"Do I lose points if I say I was about to ask what it was about too?" Twilight asked half-heartedly.

"Don't worry about it, Twi." Rainbow said. "It's just kind of an uncomfortable subject for both of us."

As the fire in the louge roared, the six friends became more and more comfortable. They began chatting merrily about memories of times when they all went on different adventures and had several different mishaps along the way. Pinkie Pie rolled on the ground with laughter as she recalled how Rainbow Dash's face looked when she was fooled by their "Mare-Do-Well" fiasco.

"Alright, alright. Laugh it up, Pinkie Pie." Rainbow said, her eyebrows furrowing in slight annoyance.

"I'm...I'm sorry, Dashie!" Pinkie said. "It's just the way your eyes went-" The party pony make an exorbitant gesture in front of her eyes. "BLEUGH!!!" She continued to laugh heartily.

"It...It wasn't that funny!" Rainbow said, becoming flustered and crossing her front legs. Applejack gently placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"It's okay, Dash." She said quietly. "We all know it wasn't that funny. Just...let her have her fun." Rainbow sighed heavily and nodded. Pinkie Pie's laughter continued for a few seconds before she calmed down and sat down next to Rarity.

"Shouldn't you be working, dear?" Rarity asked. "I don't want you to get in trouble for leaving work early."

"Oh, I talked to the Cakes about it." Pinkie said. "They heard the situation and agreed to let me off early. Aaaaannnd..." Pinkie raised an eyebrow and smiled suspiciously before running out of the room and quickly returning with a plate of cupcakes and a pot of tea with six small teacups. "They let me make cupcakes for all of you!" The group marveled at the delicious-looking treats. Each of the five cupcakes was made with colors matching their respective owners. The cake bodies were made in the color of their coats, and the frosting was made in the color of their manes. Drawn in icing on the top of each were their cutie marks. Twilight marveled at the treat, picking up hers happily.

"Pinkie Pie...these are amazing!" Twilight said happily before taking a small whiff of her cupcake. "And they smell heavenly!"

"Yeah, it took me a while to get all of them just right. Not too long though." Pinkie said happily.

"How long, Pinkie?" Rarity asked her.

"Oh, just five and a half hours." Pinkie said. "They're still warm." Each mare's jaw dropped in utter suprise.

"Pinkie Pie, that's so thoughtful!" Rainbow Dash said happily.

"It's gonna be pretty hard to eat mine, it's so pretty." Applejack said.

"I'm trying to watch my weight..." Rarity said before earning the diapproving glare of every mare in the room save for Pinkie Pie, who looked at her with a hint of hurt in her eyes. "...But what the hay! This is too good to pass up!" Rarity took a massive bite of her cupcake. Her eyes widened heavily before glazing over as she sunk in her seat. "Ooooohhhh...goddesses...so good..." Rarity spoke with her mouth full. She never spoke with her mouth full. Pinkie Pie giggled sweetly.

"Pinkie, this is so good!" Twilight said after swallowing her first bite. "You didn't have to do this."

"But I wanted to!" Pinkie said happily. "And there's nothing you can say now. I already made them." Pinkie smiled widely as she watched her friends eat the treats, marveling at the taste and texture, making different comments on how incredibly amazing they were. They finished and all sat back, still amazed at the cupcakes.

"Seriously, Pinkie Pie, those were awesome." Rainbow Dash said. "How did you make my icing rainbow?"

"Oh, I just put a whole bunch of different flavors into it and stirred out very slowly making sure the velocity and trajectory of the whisk was juuust perfectly-"

"Alright, alright, Pinkie I get it..." Rainbow said, stopping Pinkie before she got too far into her exorbitant explanation. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. It was like a masterpiece artwork...that I could eat." Rainbow sat back next to Applejack and looked at her love. "So awesome." Something seemed to ignite inside Applejack as she smiled and stood up.

"C'mon, Dash." Applejack said quietly. "Now." Rainbow's eyes widened slightly.

"Oh!...Well, okay...it's kinda sudden." Rainbow said. Applejack nodded as Rainbow stood. The two mares walked to stand in front of their friends together.

"Girls," Applejack said. "We actually have gathered here tonight for a reason other than just hangin' out. We've got something to tell y'all." She smiled at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow gulped silently and nodded.

"Me and Applejack..." Rainbow said before rubbing the back of her head and blushing heavily. "We're in love!"

The two mares surveyed their spellbound friends. Twilight's eyebrows were raised and she was smiling. Rarity was purely astonished, her eyes widened, placing a hoof over her mouth. Fluttershy smiled sweetly at the two of them, being the only one of the other four mares who had previously known about the two of them. Pinkie's smile began small, but slowly turned to a face-encompassing grin as her eyes widened heavily.

All four of their friends erupted into various forms of response to the announcement. Not a word of it was negative or contradictory. Applejack looked at Rainbow and smiled happily. Their friends now knew about the two of them being together. Things finally began to quiet down slightly before Twilight spoke up.

"I'm honestly quite suprised, but I'm so happy for you two!" Twilight said. "Did your fight have to do with this?

"Yeeeah..." Rainbow said. "But we're past that, so let's not talk about it, okay?" Twilight nodded and smiled.

"I agree with Twilight." Rarity said. "I would most certainly be lying if I said I wasn't utterly astonished, but I couldn't be more excited for the two of you. I mean, you truly do make the perfect couple."

"Thanks, Rarity." Applejack said.

"I am very happy for the both of you." Fluttershy simply said. Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at her appreciatively before being jumped on again by Pinkie Pie.

"Oh. My. GODDESSES! You're so cute together! I mean, ohmygosh you have that cute little 'friendly rivals' thing going on and you have this whole 'don't mess with us' dynamic! And...wait...Rainbow Dash..." Rainbow Dash looked up at Pinkie Pie, who was still on her back.

"Yes, Pinkie?" She said.

"Is Applejack...the pony you bought that...chocolate...heart...for?" Pinkie's eyes grew wider with every word she uttered. Rainbow slowly nodded with a smile. Pinkie Pie exploded into an excited scream as she jumped off of Applejack's and Rainbow's backs and wrapped the two of them into an enormous hug.

"We've gotta stop standing so close together when Pinkie's around." Rainbow said, strained from the embrace. Applejack nodded an affirmative. Finally, after Rainbow Dash and Applejack felt as if they were going to faint from asphyxiation, Pinkie Pie let go and bounced backwards, beaming at the newly revealed couple, who couldn't help but smile back.

"Honesty and Loyalty...I couldn't say that there's a better match." Twilight said with a smile. "How long have you guys been together, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well, we've been together for a month and a half, but we've known each other for so long, it's like we've been together for a lot longer than that." Applejack said looking over at Rainbow.

"Yeah!" Rainbow spouted happily. "You guys know me and Applejack. We're not really ones to beat around the bush."

"That's some pretty sound logic." Twilight said. Rainbow Dash sighed with contentment. The next step was complete. She and Applejack were now established as a couple within their group of friends, and nothing could have made the pegasus happier. She and Applejack ambled back ot the lounge couch together and sat side-by-side.

"Applejack...Now that you have a..." Rarity said before clearing her throat and blushing. "Clearer power of persuasion over Rainbow Dash-

"What's that supposed to mean?" Rainbow Dash inquired incredulously. Rarity ignored her.

"You simply must get her to go to the spa more often!" Rarity said.

"Hey! I look just fine." Rainbow Dash said, quickly looking over herself with insecurity before straightening back up again.

"Of course, dear." Rarity reassured. "But you'd look so much better if you went to the spa perhaps...once a month."

"Once a month?!" Rainbow Dash said, already sure of what her answer was going to be to the ridiculous sounding request. "Maybe once every six months."

"Ah sure wouldn't mind it." Applejack said. "You're already darn good lookin', and somethin' that would make ya look even prettier..." Rainbow Dash blushed heavily as their friends giggled. "Oh, relax, Dash. Ah'm just givin' ya a hard time."

"Applejack, you-" The pegasus stopped mid-sentence, for something she witnessed completely stopped her train of thought. At the opposite side of the lounge, Mr. Carrot Cake looked around the corner at the group. He had been eavesdropping on them. When he noticed Rainbow Dash was looking straight at him, he instantly fled his post.

"Rainbow Dash?" Applejack said. "Rainbow, come on, don't tell me you're that sensitive. Ah was just foolin'-"

"Of course I'm not." Rainbow said, smirking at Applejack. "You could call me an ugly stump, and it wouldn't mean anything to me."

"Well, it's a good thing that you're about the farthest thing away from an ugly stump." Applejack countered sweetly. Rainbow blushed and giggled before realizing what she looked like and quickly straightening up and smiling confidently.

"Oh, come on, Rainbow Dash." Twilight said, half giggling. "You don't have to put up your little act. We all know what you're really feeling right now. Just let it out." Rainbow looked at the alicorn princess, then at Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and finally Applejack, who nodded. Rainbow Dash sighed and nodded. She immediately planted a kiss on Applejack's lips, suprising her lover, but not taking it too far. Applejack recieved the kiss happily before they disconnected.

"There." Rainbow said with a true, organic, confident smirk. "You happy, Twi?" Their friends cheered and applauded. Pinkie Pie burst into tears, grabbing Fluttershy tightly. Fluttershy smiled happily at the pair. Rarity fawned in adoration before falling over and Twilight nodded. Twilight poured some tea for each of them before raising her glass.

"A toast!" She announced. "To the new couple!" Everypony raised their teacups and smiled. "I wish you two the best." They all began sipping their tea before they all heard Mr. Cake's voice calling from the lobby.

"Pinkie Pie! Could you come in here for a moment?" He said, in a voice that seemed to be masked to sound pleasant. Pinkie Pie's ears immediately perked up as she hopped up happily and replied with a smile.

"Sure thing, Mr. Cake!" She looked at her friends and smiled. "Be right back!" Pinkie Pie bounced out of the room to speak with her employers. Rainbow Dash gulped silently and pulled Applejack closer to her.

"Mr. Cake was listening in on us the whole time, AJ..." Rainbow Dash whispered. Applejack's eyes widened slightly.

"You don't think this has somethin' to do with it, do ya?" Applejack replied, a hush to her voice as well.

"What's the matter?" Fluttershy asked them.

"Oh, nothing." Rainbow said with a small smile. "Nothing at all. We were just...uh..."

"Discussin' somethin' we heard the Cakes say earlier. It doesn't really mean anything." Applejack picked up Rainbow Dash's broken sentence. Applejack played off the potentially serious moment and had told the truth in the process.

"I wonder what he wanted with Pinkie Pie..." Rarity said. "I hope nothing's wrong."

"Oh, it'll be fine." Twilight said. "If something did go wrong, I doubt Pinkie's in very much trouble over it. The cakes are very understanding ponies." Rainbow Dash barely supressed a scoff.

"So..." Rarity said. "How did you two end up getting together?"

"Well," Applejack began, adjusting her stetson. "It all began that day when Ah invited all of you to that get together with my family, which y'all sadly couldn't attend, for your own reasons. Well, just when Ah thought nopony was gonna arrive, Ah see Rainbow Dash walk in. Ah was just so overjoyed to see her."

"A normal reaction to my awesomeness." Rainbow interjected. Applejack playfully slugged her shoulder.

"We ended up dancin' a little bit...and somethin' just clicked. There was a connection. Ah knew in my gut that Ah wanted to be with her." Applejack said.

"Yeah." Rainbow said. "When we danced...I felt like I could have done it forever. There was nowhere that I'd have rather been." At that moment, Pinkie Pie burst into the room, a look of pure hurt and despair in her eyes.

"We're leaving." Pinkie Pie said through tears.

"Pinkie, dear, what's wrong?" Rarity asked in concern.

"I don't work here anymore." Pinkie stated plainly. The other five mares were astonished. Speechless, they all struggled to get words out before Rainbow Dash finally spoke.

"What happened?" Rainbow Dash asked. "What did they say to you?"

"They..." Pinkie said. "They said that you...and Applejack...were disgusting...they asked me why I'm a friend of two fillyfoolers, and that the two of you are wrong and sick and they wouldn't serve either of you anymore...and...and..." Pinkie Pie could not finish her sentence. She broke down in front of her five friends, who watched Pinkie Pie cry. It was not wailing or sobbing. It was simply quiet sobs and sniffles. "I couldn't listen to them talk about you guys like that anymore...I quit, and I'm never coming back here again." Rainbow Dash stood up, her teeth clenched in rage. She began to exit the room as Applejack caught her and held her back.

"I think that it would be best if we all left." Twilight said. All in agreement, the six mares walked out of the eatery. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were standing behind the front counter, as if to take shelter from a potential assault. Rainbow Dash glared daggers at the Cakes. Neither of them could sustain eye contact with her for more than a few seconds. As they exited the restaurant, the anger and tension among the friends was palpable.

"Why the very nerve..." Rarity said in fury. "Those deplorable....awful..." Rarity could not supress a growl of anger leaving her throat. "I elect that none of us ever do business with the Cakes or Sugarcube Corner again!"

"I second that motion." Fluttershy said. "Those two are just...horrible..." The yellow pegasus managed to get what she meant out as she struggled to say bad things about the two ponies that had insulted her friends. Saying anything bad about anypony was certainly a difficult task for Fluttershy, but this was unexcusable.

"I should go back in there!" Rainbow yelled, still seething. "I should go back in there and destroy everything they have!"

"What would that accomplish, Rainbow?" Applejack asked her love. "What would that solve? It would just do nothin' but spread more hate. We've got to let it go." Rainbow frowned sadly at Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie Pie..." Rainbow said. "I'm so...sorry that happened...I know the Cakes were like second parents to you..."

"Yeah...they were." Pinkie said. "But you and Applejack are like sisters to me! I would never listen to them talk about you like that!" Rainbow Dash and Applejack hugged Pinkie Pie, quickly joined by Rarity, Fluttershy and Twilight. Applejack lightly squeezed Pinkie Pie.

"If you need some money, sugarcube..." Applejack said. "You can always swing by the farm."

"Thanks, Applejack." Pinkie said.

"I wish you could fly." Rainbow said sweetly. "Weather patrol with you would be awesome!" Pinkie Pie giggled and hugged her friends.

"I'd be glad to pay you for some help around the boutique, Pinkie Pie." Rarity said.

"And you'd probably be good at rounding up critters." Fluttershy added sweetly.

"You can stay at the library with me and Spike until you find a place, Pinkie. Okay?" Twilight said. Pinkie nodded.

"Thank you all..." Pinkie Pie said happily. "I don't know what I'd do without you..."

The six friends separated from their hug and stepped back, looking at each other.

"So..." Applejack said. "What do we do now?"

"You know..." Rainbow Dash said. "I think Cafe Du Mane is still open. You guys wanna swing by there for something to eat?"

"Sure." Twilight said. "Why not? But I'm not sure how much I can actually eat thanks to Pinkie Pie's amazing cupcakes."

They all laughed. In agreement, the six friends all agreed as they headed for Cafe Du Mane.

"Pinkie Pie. There's somethin' Ah noticed." Applejack said.

"What's that?" Pinkie responded with a smile.

"You made cupcakes for all of us, but not one for yourself. Why?" Applejack asked.

"Well...I've kinda been off sweets for a while." Pinkie said, trailing off slightly. "Mostly chocolate." Rainbow Dash looked at Pinkie Pie, who winked at her. Rainbow chuckled as Cafe Du Mane came into their view.

_____

After a nice, light meal at Cafe Du Mane, the group parted ways, saying sweet goodbyes. It actually felt difficult for Applejack and Rainbow Dash to leave the company of their friends. Walking back toward Sweet Apple Acres side by side, Applejack and Rainbow Dash both looked at each other.

"What a night, huh?" Rainbow said. Applejack nodded.

"Most definitely." The farm mare responded. "It had it's bad points, sure, but overall, Ah'd say it was very nice."

"I can't really argue with that." Rainbow said, looking down momentarily. Applejack nodded in agreement, continuing to walk on. The cold was striking, but it was not debilitating. There was no wind to speak of, and the sky was quite clear, revealing all the millions of stars accompanying Luna's moon to illumiate the land, even in the darkness of night. It was beautiful to Rainbow Dash. She looked up at the sky and sighed heavily. Applejack looked over at Rainbow Dash in slight worry.

"Somethin' wrong, sugarcube?" She asked. Rainbow shook her head.

"No." Rainbow said with a smile. "Absolutely nothing is wrong. I'm the happiest I've been in a long, long time. I get to share this moon with you, and not watch it from my room alone. Tank was my company for so many nights before now. I love him, but he's not exactly the best partner for conversation." Applejack chuckled.

"Well, he's a tortoise..." Applejack said. "Ya can't exactly expect him to talk to ya."

"I feel like he would if he could, though." Rainbow said. "Sometimes, I can just read him...I can kinda...tell what he's thinking. He's always been there for me."

"He's a good tortoise." Applejack said sweetly before sighing herself.

"You know, I knew the Cakes were bigots, but I never knew they'd be that bad." Rainbow said, frowning and furrowing her brow. Applejack frowned as well.

"There's gonna be ponies like that out there." Applejack responded. "Hey, Dash?"

"Hmm?" Rainbow responded, looking at Applejack and smiling.

"What the Cakes said tonight...What they did..." Applejack trailed off, frowning and looking down.

"Yeah." Rainbow said. "Go on."

"What they did...it was exactly what Ah was afraid of when Ah let you go." Applejack said. "Ah was terrified of havin' somepony judge me for who Ah am so harshly...and that it would come down on our friends. Ah guess, in a sense, I knew it would happen." Rainbow Dash's heart sank as her ears splayed back.

'No....' Rainbow Dash thought to herself in despair. 'Please, no...not again...'

"Ah didn't know what Ah would do..." Applejack said.

"W-what are you saying?" Rainbow asked. Applejack stopped at turned to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow's heart began to break as she tried to come to terms with what Applejack was most likely going to say next.

"Ah'm sayin..." Applejack said. "That you changed me. You gave me the courage to face what those two, or anyone else thinks of me. Now, thanks to you...Ah can truly be happy, and nopony is gonna tell me different." Applejack placed a hoof on Rainbow Dash's cheek. Rainbow's eyes moistened as she placed a hoof on Applejack's. "Ah love you, Dash."

"I love you too, AJ." Rainbow responded before kissing Applejack, wrapping her into a loving, passionate embrace. Applejack smiled into the kiss and moved her lips on Rainbow's, taking Dash's bottom lip between her own. Applejack slowly stroked Rainbow's mane as they separated and placed their foreheads against each other's, both of their ears splayed back in affection. They smiled contentedly at each other.

"Come stay with me tonight, Rainbow." Applejack said. "That bed's gonna be mighty cold without ya there."

"Sounds awesome." Rainbow replied, giving Applejack a small nuzzle. The two mares then walked back to Sweet Apple Acres together. However present the air of the Winter cold was, it did not matter to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Their love for each other made it feel like a clear summer's night..

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Allllrightly, then. There is that chapter. The reason it took me so long is I was scared of that yellow message that says to not count on FIMFiction to save anything important right now. Well, eventually, I couldn't take it anymore and I JUST...HAD TO WRITE!!! I discovered that it still saves fine. I figured that the Cakes were going to be EXTREMELY mean in this...so, yeah. Expect the next chapter soon! Cheers!

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

"Rainbow Dash..." Applejack said quietly, shaking her lover gently from her intensive slumber. Rainbow rolled over drowsily and pulled the warm blanket she was under completely over her head. Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Aw, come on, Dash. Wake up. It's three p.m. Ah've already gotten a shower." Applejack spoke in a much plainer, more audible tone of voice at this point.

"I'm sorry." Rainbow barely uttered. "I can't hear you. I'm sleeping." Applejack chuckled. A cruel idea struck her as she took the blanket between her teeth. With a rough yank, Applejack pulled the comforting thing from Rainbow Dash's body. Rainbow remained motionless...for a moment. Eyes still shut, Rainbow felt around for the blanket, a feeble attempt to regain warmth. She grunted, blindly moving her back legs around to find the blanket as if she thought it was pulled down but still in range. Rainbow Dash then thrashed once, a sort of mini tantrum without screaming. She thrashed about a second and third time, making the bed rock back and forth with a mute creaking noise.

The sight made Applejack giggle as she watched Rainbow struggle to find any sort of blanket. Finally, Applejack bunched the blanket up into a tight ball and took aim at Rainbow Dash, who had accepted the abscence of the blanket at this point and had contented herself to simply lay in place without it. Applejack let the blanket loose, scoring a direct hit on Rainbow's flank with the projectile, shocking her awake. Rainbow cried out in suprise, making Applejack burst into a fit of laughter.

"Oh...oh, yeah. Very funny." Rainbow said, furrowing her brows. "I'm so getting you back later."

"Ah gave ya fair warning, Dash." Applejack said.

"Warning? You asked me to get up, and then hit me in the flank with a blanket ball. Speaking of which..." Rainbow picked up the blanket and wrapped herself in it once more before sticking her tongue out at Applejack. "Thanks for this back." Applejack sighed and smiled in adoration at the sight of just Rainbow's content face sticking out of the mountain of warm cloth.

"Oh, alright, then." Applejack said with a small smile. "Ah guess you don't wanna go on a date with me today." Rainbow immediately leaped out of the blanket and stood before Applejack.

"Why didn't you just say that?!" Rainbow exclaimed happily. "Let me go home and freshen up a bit first. Then, I'll come back and we'll go! What did you have in mind?"

"Ah was thinkin' a picnic in the fields outside Ponyville, and then, maybe a walk together. Just you and me." Applejack said. Rainbow nodded happily and smiled sweetly, her wings becoming unfurled, preparing for takeoff.

"Sounds great." Rainbow said happily before placing a small kiss upon Applejack's lips. "I'll be back in about an hour and then we'll go."

"Ah'll see ya then, Dash!" Applejack said as Rainbow jumped out of her window and flew into the sky. Applejack sighed before nodding to herself.

_____

Rainbow Dash burst through the door to her cloud home happily, smiling as if she had just won the lottery. Tank, emerging from his shell, looked at her. Rainbow ambled through her home, putting away different things that were out of place, simply because she could. This was very much unlike Rainbow Dash, and Tank noticed this. Slowly, very slowly, he approached her, placing dishes into her cloud cabinets merrily.

"Hey, Tank!" She said sweetly before picking her tortoise up and rubbing her nose against his affectionately. "I know I haven't been around...but that's because I've been with Applejack! I..." She stopped when she saw that Tank looked rather unamused at her good fortune. She frowned in slight shame and sighed.

"That's still a pretty shoddy excuse for leaving you here all alone, isn't it?" Rainbow said. Tank merely looked at her. Rainbow nodded her head and looked down for a moment. "Well, look. I've got a date with Applejack today...so I'll be gone until later on. But I'll spend the night here with you, okay?" Tank nuzzled her. She giggled and put him down.

"What am I doing putting dishes away? I've gotta get ready!" Rainbow said to herself, and possibly to Tank if he was still listening. She ran to her bathroom and jumped into her shower. After punching one of the many clouds she had in storage a few times, water began to fall from it she immediately shivered at the cold feel of the water. That was one thing Applejack's house had over on this one for sure. Hot water.

Rainbow hurriedly washed her mane and tail, scrubbing in Shampoo and Conditioner. She then washed her body, taking special care of her wings, washing the sensitive appendages with care. When she was done, she exited the shower and dried off before performing her ritual of one comb for her mane and tail, and brushing her teeth. She cringed as she picked up the perfume Rarity had bought for her. She sighed heavily as she looked at it apprehensively.

"Applejack likes it...she likes it, so I'm gonna use it..." Rainbow reaffirmed to herself before spritzing some over her freshly-washed mane, as well as some on her neck. She had to admit to herself that it smelled very pleasant. Rainbow Dash exhaled as she put the small bottle down and turned to leave the bathroom. Walking out, she noticed the open, spine-up Daring Do novel on her bed, most likely put down when she had fallen asleep reading it.

"Why did I leave it like that?" Rainbow asked herself before closing the book, putting it on her nightstand and making a mental note to finish the adventure novel at a later time. Now that Rainbow's preparation was complete, she was ready for the date. She ambled into the kitchen and poured some reptile chow for Tank. He slowly began to eat as Rainbow Dash petted his shell. The pegasus then stood and walked through the front door before looking back at her tortoise with a smile.

"Bye, Tank! See you tonight!"

_____

Applejack smiled as she made her bed, pulling the strewn about sheets to evenly fit on the mattress. As reserved as Applejack usually attempted to keep herself in these instances, she could barely contain her excitement. She and Rainbow Dash had not been on a date for quite some time, and the opportunity to do it once again with no fears or reservations about being seen with Rainbow filled her with anxious anticipation. Her stomach fluttered as she finished making the bed. She sighed as she ambled into the living room where Granny Smith sat in her rocking chair, knitting some sort of cloth. Big Macintosh snoozed lightly on the couch.

"Heya, Granny." Applejack said happily, walking into the living room with a small spring in her step. Granny Smith raised her eyebrows and smiled.

"You're lookin' awful happy." The old mare stated. Applejack nodded.

"Yeah, Ah'm feellin' pretty good right about now." Applejack responded. "Didja have anything that ya needed me to do today?"

"And why exactly are ya askin' me this?" Granny Smith asked her Granddaughter. Applejack blushed as she rubbed the back of her head, tipping her Stetson slightly forward.

"Ah uh...Ah've got a date with Rainbow Dash today..." Applejack said, feeling moderately uncomfortable. Her discomfort was not due to talking about Rainbow Dash specifically, rather the feeling of slight unease was present even when she had discussed her coltfriends in the past. Applejack just became nervous when speaking of relationships in general.

"Oh. Well, Ah suppose that you can take a break for today. Nothin' really needs to be done that Ah can see. Go ahead and go on your date. Big Mac can pick up Applebloom today." Granny Smith said with a sweet smile. "Now go get all prettied up for her. Put on that perfume Ah got ya." Applejack smiled widely and nodded.

"Thanks, Granny." Applejack said before walking quickly back to her room. Once her bedroom door was securely closed and fastened in place, Applejack could not supress a small, happy giggle. She ambled into her bathroom and stood in front of the mirror, appraising herself and making mental notes of all the things that she had to fix in order to look presentable for the date.

Stray hairs poked out of the brim of her hat, sticking into the air in every direction. She looked back at her tail, and after observing the same phenomenon, Applejack sighed to herself.

"Might as well start there..." She said quietly as she removed her stetson and placed it on the counter. She slowly removed each of her red hair ties and set them down on the counter beside her stetson. She watched her long, flowing mane drop down freely around her shoulders. Her tail hung mere inches above the ground. Applejack, despite her hatred of boasting, could not deny the natural beauty of her mane and tail when they flowed freely. She tossed her head back and forth and flicked her tail, allowing the long, golden locks to fling minutely around. The earth pony briefly considered leaving her hair down for the date. Her hair suddenly falling over the front of her face rebuked this consideration.

"Nope." She said before taking a hairbrush to her mane, working to at least get the hairs paralell with each other. It was at times like this that Applejack truly envied Rarity. The prim white unicorn could easily use her magic to efforlessly move the brush through her mane, stroking it to perfection. Applejack had to awkwardly use both of her front hooves to hold the brush and precariously move it through her mane. She wasn't doing too bad a job, however, and succeeded in her task with both her mane and her tail.

Replacing the hair ties, Applejack smiled proudly at her work before placing her stetson on her head and looking back into the mirror. Applejack then grabbed her toothbrush and proceeded to brush her teeth. After a healthy rinse and spit, Applejack sighed.

"Hmmm...maybe some blush..." Applejack said quietly to herself. The orange farm mare rarely wore makeup, but this was a special occasion. This was Applejack's and Rainbow Dash's first date since their previous conflict, and Applejack wanted desperately to make it special. Slowly, deliberately, Applejack reached for her blush. At that moment, she heard her bedroom door open.

"Applejack?" Granny Smith said, pushing the door open. "What're ya doin' in here with the door shut?" Applejack, not feeling up to explaining to her grandmother that she didn't want to be seen mid-celebration, merely shrugged.

"Ah don't really know why Ah shut the door. But come on in, if ya want to." Applejack responded. "Actually...Ah might need your help a little..." Granny Smith giggled to herself as she slowly walked to Applejack's bathroom doorway.

"Do ya, now?" Granny Smith asked. "The pretty, young mare wants my help gettin' ready for her date, huh?" Granny Smith smiled sweetly to her granddaughter. Applejack smiled sheepishly and nodded. "Well, whatcha need?"

"Ah, uh...Ah wanna put on a little makeup." Applejack said nervously. Granny Smith raised her eyebrows, slightly suprised. "This is our first date in a while, so Ah wanna make it kinda special. You've always been pretty good at doin' makeup, so could ya help me?" Applejack's grandmother nodded.

"Well, let's see here..." Granny Smith said, pulling what little makeup Applejack had toward her and taking a seat on a stool. Granny Smith motioned for Applejack to sit down in front of her. Applejack complied, sitting on her haunches, and awkwardly looking to the side. Granny Smith grabbed some blush and patted Applejack's face lightly with it on different spots of her cheeks.

"Alright...a little bit here..." Granny said before grabbing Applejack's eyeliner. "Close your eyes." Granny Smith said. Slowly, unsure, Applejack closed her eyes and gulped. However much makeup her grandmother was using, it seemed like the old filly was piling it on. Once her Grandmother finished with her eyeliner, she sighed. "Alright, now. Ah think ya can look in the mirror now. Ah'm done." Applejack apprehensively looked over into the mirror and gasped.

She looked stunning.

Her cheeks were rosy and attractive, just light enough around her freckles to not appear too overdone. The eyeliner lined her eyelids and accentuated the natural beauty of Applejack's emerald irises. Her features were brought out so perfectly and without failure she looked over at her grandmother.

"Ah...Ah..." Applejack said, stunned.

"What? How do ya think Ah looked so pretty back in the day?" Granny Smith asked. "Ah used to have to pile that stuff on. You're so naturally beautiful, ya don't really need all that much...just like your mama." Applejack teared up at the mention of her mother and hugged her grandmother sweetly.

"It looks perfect..." Applejack said, her voice breaking slightly before pulling away from her grandmother. "She'll love it."

"Aw, don't cry, now!" Granny Smith teased, lightly slapping Applejack on the shoulder. "Ah just got all that done!" Applejack laughed heartily and nodded, smiling at her Grandmother, who could not remove the mile-wide smile upon her own face.

"Ah love you, Granny." Applejack said appreciatively. "If it wasn't for you...Ah don't know where Ah'd be now." Granny Smith lightly and slowly hugged Applejack.

"Applejack...Ah just wanna tell ya...Ah've watched ya grow up from birth, and durin' that time, Ah often wondered who ya'd turn out to be, what ya'd do with your life..." Granny Smith placed a hoof on Applejack's shoulder. "Ah just wanna tell ya that Ah could not be any more proud of you if Ah tried." Applejack placed a hoof on Granny Smith's and sniffled.

"Now, ya tell me not to cry, then ya go and say somethin' like that to me!" Applejack said before wrapping her grandmother in yet another hug, which Granny Smith returned. Granny Smith and Applejack both heard a light knocking at the door. Granny Smith separated from the hug.

"Sounds like that's you, sweetie. Go have fun for both of us." Granny Smith said. Applejack slowly nodded and smiled before hugging Granny Smith one more time. Applejack, followed by Granny Smith, ambled into the living room. The knocking had not roused Big Macintosh from his nap. Applejack rolled her eyes slightly before opening the door to reveal Rainbow Dash.

Applejack smiled at the sight of her lover standing before her, a rose clenched in her teeth. Applejack smiled widely as she stepped through the doorway.

"Oh, Rainbow, it's beautiful." Applejack said appreciatively. Rainbow took the rose from her mouth with a hoof and smiled, closing her eyes.

"Yeah, I had the thorns removed before I put it in my mouth." Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Hold on, a sec." Rainbow Dash raised the rose up and put it behind Applejack's ear in her mane. The stetson hat on the farm mare's head helped even more to keep the flower in place.

"You're so sweet." Applejack said, nuzzling Rainbow. She poked her head in momentarily and waved at her grandmother, who had just resumed knitting. Granny Smith winked at her. Applejack closed the front door and turned to Rainbow Dash.

"You look amazing." Rainbow said, smiling.

"Oh, well, thank you. Ah figured Ah'd spruce up a little more than usual today, seein' as how it's our first date in a while." Applejack said before placing a small kiss on Rainbow's lips. "Ready to go?" Rainbow gestured to her saddlebag, lined with food and drink for their picnic.

"Got everything here." Rainbow said. "Let's hit it!"

_____

"Ooohh, Goddesses..." Rainbow Dash said, exasperated, laying back on the quilt that she had packed for the picnic. "I don't think I've ever eaten that much in my life..." Applejack chuckled as she layed down next to Rainbow.

"Don't ya think that's a little bit of an overstatement, sugarcube?" Applejack said, raising and eyebrow. Rainbow rubbed her chin with her hoof slowly for a moment before snickering.

"Yeah...probably. I'm just really full." Rainbow said happily. "This is great...y'know...just you and me, out here...not a care in the world..." The pegasus sighed.

"Yep. This truly is nice. Ah don't feel like today should have gone any other way." Applejack said. As she said this, a cold wind blew, chilling the earth pony. Applejack slowly scooted closer to Rainbow Dash, who smirked as she wrapped her front leg around Applejack.

"Feeling chilly?" Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow at Applejack.

"Maybe just a little..." Applejack said. Rainbow scoffed slightly. "Maybe Ah just wanted an excuse to snuggle with ya." Rainbow shrugged.

"I'm good with either of those, really." Rainbow held Applejack, their respective body heats melting into each other, increasing the comfort of the two mares exponentially. They laid there, taking in the beauty of the day given to them to have each other. Time seemed to pass quite a bit as they breathed in synchronization. Applejack suddenly stood up.

"So, are ya ready for that walk now, Rainbow?" Applejack asked her lover. Rainbow, who had dozed off, blinked slowly as she looked up tiredly at Applejack.

"Sure, I guess." Rainbow said. "Just lemme get all this stuff together. I wouldn't want to leave it here." And so, after Rainbow Dash folded the quilt and put the food containers in her saddlebags, they began their walk. Side by side they strolled together, taking in the wondrous sights of the Equestrian countryside outside their hometown. The mountains surrounding Canterlot to the north demanded awe and respect with their regality.

"I guess that since we're walking back toward Ponyville now, that means that the date is getting closer to an end?" Rainbow said, somewhat sadly, looking over at Applejack.

"Only if ya want it to be. We could do somethin' else if ya like." Applejack said.

"I'm still a little bit tired, actually..." Rainbow said. "What would you say to putting this quilt down in the apple orchard and sleep together?" Applejack blushed and looked at Rainbow.

"Y-Ya mean...Applejack said, raising her eyebrows. Rainbow blushed as well when she realized what exactly Applejack was talking about.

"Oh! Oh...well...If you wanted to...I actually meant just a nap...I want to go to sleep in the Apple orchard with you..." Rainbow said, her ears laying back upon her head. "It just sounds really nice. But if you wanted to have a little roll in the hay, I wouldn't exactly be opposed..."

"Dash, that sounds wonderful...the nap, Ah mean." Applejack said, placing a small kiss on Rainbow's cheek. "There'll be time for that later." Rainbow smirked.

"Well, alright, then." Rainbow said. "Race you back to Ponyville!" Rainbow quickly took off into a sprint toward the town before Applejack had time to react. Applejack, completely taken by suprise, sped off after her marefriend.

"That ain't fair, Rainbow! Aw, come on!" Applejack yelled. Rainbow Dash laughed before looking ahead again. Applejack, determined not to come out of this competition the loser by any means, increased her speed until she was a foot behind Rainbow Dash. "Ah'm catchin' up to ya, there, Dash! Watch out!"

Rainbow looked back slowly and confidently. This confidence quickly turned to fear of defeat as her eyes widened and she clenched her teeth, picking up her momentum as well. Looking back at Applejack appeared to be an unwise decision on Rainbow's part, however. As the pegasus looked back, distracted by Applejack gaining on her, she failed to notice the rock lying straight in her path. She tripped and with a suprised cry, toppled forwards, end over end until she skidded on the ground to a rest. Applejack quickly stopped the race and ran to Rainbow Dash's aid.

"Rainbow! Rainbow, are you okay?!" Applejack asked frantically as Rainbow Dash slowly stood up.

"Yeah...Yeah, I'm alright." Rainbow said.

"Ah'm sorry!" Applejack said, making Rainbow Dash raise an eyebrow.

"What the hay for?" The pegasus asked, half laughing. "You didn't do anything!"

"Ah distracted you...Made ya look back. You would have seen that rock if you were lookin' forward." Applejack said.

"Applejack...don't worry about it. Seriously. It's my fault. You didn't do anything wrong." Rainbow said giving Applejack a nuzzle. "I appreciate your worry, though."

"Still...Ah can't help but feel guilty. Ah did distract you." Applejack said, returning the nuzzle. "Can ya walk alright?"

"Yeah, Applejack. I'm gonna be fine. Just a couple little scrapes, is all." Rainbow said, smiling, before beginning to walk back to Ponyville.

"So, what exactly was goin' through your head when you took me by suprise back there, anyways?" Applejack asked. Rainbow Dash chuckled and stretched her wings before folding them back down at her sides.

"I figured that I'd get us both tired. Y'know, in preparation for the nap." Rainbow said. Applejack shook her head slowly.

"We ain't takin' that nap until we get those scrapes cleaned off." Applejack said.

"Oh, come on, AJ. It's just a little dirt!" Rainbow said. "You've never had any kind of problem with dirt."

"That may be, but Ah do have a problem with infected wounds." Applejack said slightly sternly. Rainbow smirked at her.

"Well then, yes ma'am." Rainbow replied. Applejack pushed her body into Rainbow's affectionately.

"It's just 'cause Ah care about ya." Applejack said. Rainbow nodded. They entered Ponyville, completely unabashed at their current positioning in relation to their two bodies. They were stared at, mostly in purely inquisitorial manners, but the odd malicious stare was noticeable. Notably, Mrs. Cake, who had just finished putting up a "HELP WANTED" sign outside sugarcube corner. Applejack merely smiled at her. Mrs. Cake scowled at her and stomped up into Sugarcube Corner, where her bigot husband was most likely waiting for her. They noticed a local earth pony, Roseluck approaching them.

"Oop, prepare yourself. Roseluck's coming..." Rainbow Dash said. Roseluck stood before them silently for a few moments before offering up a small smile.

"I didn't know you guys were fillyfoolers, but I'm glad to see the two of you being yourselves. I'm happy for you!" She said. "Sorry if that was a little awkward. I just thought that I'd tell you guys. I don't know if you've been getting any mean comments." Applejack, slightly spellbound, nodded slowly at Roseluck.

"But how do you know we're fillyfoolers?" Rainbow Dash asked Roseluck with a small smile, raising an eyebrow. "We might just be close friends." Roseluck smiled back at her.

"I don't see you walking that way with Fluttershy or Rarity." Roseluck said, raising an eyebrow. "I've only seen couples walk that way. It's a known sign of affection here in Equestria. I just thought I'd let you two know how happy I am for you. You make such a cute couple!" Rainbow Dash nodded.

"I'm happy that you keep an open mind, Roseluck." Rainbow Dash said. "We'll be seeing you around!" Roseluck waved at the couple before returning to her flower shop.

"Did she just say what Ah think she said?" Applejack asked in disbelief. Rainbow Dash nodded.

"Yep. There's bigots everywhere, sure, but Ponyville's a pretty accepting place, it looks like." Rainbow Dash said. Applejack nodded and smiled.

"Ah gotta say, Ah'm a little suprised..." Applejack said. Rainbow Dash kissed Applejack on the cheek sweetly.

"Things are looking up for us around here!" Rainbow said happily. The pegasus spoke too soon, it seemed. Rainbow Dash looked up to see an old aquaintance of hers, Amethyst Star looking at them repeatedly and snickering. She whispered suspiciously to Twinkleshine, a friend of hers, before laughing to herself. Twinkleshine looked unsure at the phantom comment and frowned at Amethyst Star.

"Come on, Amethyst...leave them alone. They're both nice. We know them." Twinkleshine said. Rainbow Dash tilted her head slightly as he ears perked up after hearing the comment. Applejack looked in the direction of the conversation as well, her interest piqued. Rainbow Dash began to walk toward the duo. Applejack, in an attempt to stop her, placed a hoof on her shoulder, which Dash shrugged off.

"Oh, come on, Twinkleshine...I was just saying-" Amethyst Star began in rebuttle.

"Saying what?" Rainbow Dash interrupted the unicorn. "Sorry, I couldn't help but overhear."

"You heard?" Twinkleshine said worriedly. "I'm sorry, I don't agree with her-" She was silenced by a hoof placed over her mouth by Amethyst Star.

"Oh, it's nothing..." Amethyst Star said with a small scoff, rolling her eyes. "You wouldn't really care to find out, anyway."

"No...No, I really think I would." Rainbow said, narrowing her eyelids.

"Well, you're a fillyfooler with...what's-her-face over there?" Amethyst Star said, gesturing to Applejack briefly.

"Her name is Applejack, and yes, we're in love. So?" Rainbow said. Amethyst Star laughed and raised an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash.

"Do you really think that what the two of you do is okay?" Amethyst Star asked, causing a burning feeling to rise up within Rainbow Dash. The pink unicorn was getting under Rainbow's skin and she knew it. "What do you think Princess Celestia would think of this?"

"I'd like to think that she'd be okay with it. Princess Celestia doesn't seem to be the judgemental type, but if she was, that would be fine too! We don't need everypony's permission, especially not either of yours." Rainbow responded with a frown, her eyebrows furrowing. "Who do you think you are, to just sit back and make snide little comments about us? We never did anything to either of you." Twinkleshine slapped Amethyst Star's hoof away from her mouth, earning a scowl from her judgemental companion.

"You're disgusting, both of you." Amethyst Star said with an inherent sneer. "What you two do, it's unnatural. I heard that the Cakes fired Pinkie Pie for being your friend. Serves her right. And your marefriend back there? I'm not suprised you went for the country bumpkin." Rainbow was filled with complete, seething rage at Amethyst Star's comments. Rainbow Dash began to walk toward her menacingly.

"What did you just say?" Rainbow said. Amethyst Star chuckled nervously to herself as she stepped back slightly.

"I said that...I think you're..." Amethyst Star gulped. "Disgusting. You and your marefriend here."

"Rainbow, come on. Let's just get out of here." Applejack said. "She ain't worth it." Rainbow did not seem to regard Applejack's kind words, however, as she continued to tromp toward Amethyst Star.

"What're you gonna do anyway?" The pink unicorn asked, looking to the side. Rainbow huffed in anger.

Rainbow Dash said nothing as she made a beeline for Amethyst Star's position. The unicorn, in a panic, attempted to run away, but was blocked by a mailbox. This small delay in Amethyst Star's movement was all the time Rainbow Dash needed to close the distance between them. Rainbow brought her front hoof back and let it loose into Amethyst's face, sending the Unicorn stumbling. After Amethyst recovered, a flare of magic projected from her horn as she quickly levitated a potted fern and threw it into the side of Rainbow Dash's head as she moved in for another hit, making it shatter and stunning the pegasus momentarily.

Rainbow clutched the side of her head in pain as a small trickle of blood moved down to her cheek. She clenched her teeth in utter fury as she looked up at Amethyst Star, a wild look of hate in her eyes. Amethyst Star's eyes widened in fear.

"Rainbow, stop it!" Applejack said, moving toward her love quickly and wrapping her front legs around her in an attempt to hold the cyan mare back. This attempt failed as Rainbow shook Applejack off and charged for Amethyst Star yet again. Her cry of anger attracted a few ponies to spectate the current events. Amethyst Star madly threw different odds and ends at Rainbow, who easily dodged each one all while closing the distance between her and her target. Rainbow threw her shoulder into Amethyst Star's chin, making her stumble back. Rainbow kept up her assault and threw a hoof into the side of Amethyst's face.

Applejack was at a loss for words when it came to the scene before her. She didn't know exactly what to think of this unbelievable development that her marefriend had caused. On one hoof, she felt like cheering Rainbow Dash on, due to the awful and terrible things the pink unicorn had just said about them. On the other, she felt like she needed to stop her lover, before she dug herself a hole with the ponies of Ponyville. Applejack looked over at Amethyst Star's companion, Twinkleshine.

"Why aren't ya helpin' Amethyst?" Applejack asked the unicorn.

"Because what she said was awful. As long as I've been her friend, she needs to sort this out for herself." Applejack frowned at the reply and furrowed her brow before charging at the two dueling ponies.

It wasn't exactly a duel, however, as Amethyst star recieved much more of a beating than she was giving. Rainbow Dash was by far the physically superior mare, able to easily outmatch the unicorn in strength and speed, all without trying very hard at all. With a wound up punch, Rainbow sent Amethyst Star staggering back. Amethyst's legs trembled as the strength faded from them. Her eye had swollen shut and blood leaked from the side of her mouth. She groaned as she stumbled to the side, ready to fall. As Rainbow Dash ran in for another strike, she felt a pair of strong hooves wrap around her body from behind, successfully stopping her attack.

"What the hay?!" Rainbow exclaimed as Applejack pulled her away from Amethyst, who swayed seemingly with the wind. "Lemme go, Applejack!"

"No!" Applejack yelled sternly. "What is this solving, Rainbow Dash?! What are you fixing?!"

"I'm teaching that awful-"

"NO, Rainbow! You're not teachin' her anything! You're just making things worse!" Applejack let go of Rainbow Dash and jumped in front of her, effectively blocking her path to Amethyst, who had now fallen on her side, groaning. "You're not doin' anything but spreadin' more hate. Now, she's had enough. Let it go."

"But Applejack-"

"Let. It. Go." Applejack reaffirmed. Rainbow backed up a few steps and looked over Applejack's shoulder at Amethyst Star, seeing Twinkleshine checking on her friend.

"I thought we were friends, Amethyst!" Rainbow yelled before frowning in a look of sorrow, her ears splaying back. "Why?" Amethyst Star did not reply.

"Let's go, Rainbow." Applejack said simply. "We've got nothin' else to do here." Applejack looked around at the few spectators who had observed the altercation. What truly caught her eye about them is that most of them were nodding or even smiling.

"She deserved it." Applejack heard one stallion say to his marefriend, who were watching the occurence. "Did you hear what she said about them?"

"Yeah. I don't blame Rainbow." The mare replied. Applejack's eyes widened slightly as she turned and walked all the way through Ponyville with her love in silence, neither saying a word to one another. When they were out of Ponyville and nearing Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack looked at Rainbow, who still had her head hung in sadness and perhaps regret.

"What the hay were you thinkin' Rainbow?" Applejack asked her. Rainbow's ears perked up as she looked at the farm mare. She frowned, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.

"What was I thinking?" Rainbow said. "What was I thinking? Maybe I was thinking that I needed to give that peice of trash what she deserved!"

"Rainbow, that's not how it works! There's gonna be ponies like her everywhere we ever go!" Applejack said, raising her voice. "Ya can't just go beatin' the tar outta anypony who disagrees with ya!"

"She wasn't just disagreeing with us! Did you even hear what she said about Pinkie Pie?!" Rainbow yelled, anger filling her once again. "About us?!"

"Yeah, Ah heard her!" Applejack yelled back. "But that doesn't change the fact that what ya did was wrong!"

"I wasn't just going to let her say all that stuff about us! I wasn't just going to let it go!" Rainbow yelled, stomping a hoof to reaffirm her statement. "She deserved everything she got back there, and there's nothing that you, or anypony else can do to change it! I...I..." Rainbow's voice broke as tears flooded her eyes. Rainbow sniffled as she plopped her flank on the ground as her ears splayed back. Applejack's heart melted at the sight as she walked over to Rainbow and wrapped her in a sweet, loving embrace.

"Rainbow, darlin', Ah appreciate what ya did back there...and you're right. She probably did deserve it. But ya went about it the wrong way. Beatin' her down is just gonna make her hate us more. You need to let it go and not let what she said bother you." Applejack said.

"I don't care about what she says about me. I never did." Rainbow said, wiping tears from her eyes. "I care about what she says about you. I'll never let anypony talk about you that way. Ever." Applejack smiled and nuzzled Rainbow Dash. The pegasus sniffled again as a tear fell onto Applejack's cheek.

"It don't bother me." Applejack said sweetly, lightly placing her forehead on Rainbow's. "Ah can take care of myself. Don't you worry about me."

"I can't help it." Rainbow replied. "I just can't believe how quickly some ponies can snap when they hear something about you. Amethyst used to be a friend."

"Well, sometimes, you just need to watch out who you become friends with." Applejack said. "Roseluck was pretty sweet." Rainbow Dash nodded.

"Yeah, but that was the worst timing in the world. Roseluck came up to us and congratulated us, and then Amethyst Star goes and berates us." Rainbow said. Appplejack nodded, The farm mare smiled before standing up.

"Come on, sugarcube." Applejack said before kissing Rainbow on her forehead. "Let's get back to the house and get you cleaned up. Ah can't imagine that that potted fern to the side of your head helped your disposition towards Amethyst much." Rainbow Dash smiled as she stood up.

"Yeeeaah...It sure did hurt, though." Rainbow said, rubbing the side of her head gingerly as the two mares headed for the Sweet Apple Acres farmhouse.

_____

"Howdy, Miss Dash." Big Macintosh said as Rainbow Dash and Applejack entered the house. The large red stallion raised an eyebrow at seeing the dried blood on the side of Rainbow's face. "You alright?"

"Yeah. I'm fine, Big Mac. I just tripped and fell while me and Applejack were racing. Those stupid little rocks, y'know?" Rainbow lied as Applejack closed the door behind her. Big Macintosh nodded.

"Eeeyup." He said simply, moving the hay sprig in his mouth.

"Where's Applebloom and Granny Smith, Big Mac?" Applejack asked her brother. He nodded toward the back door.

"They went out for a lil' walk. Ah actually promised Ah'd join 'em after a drink. And seein' as how Ah'm done with the drink, Ah think Ah will. See y'all later. You probably want some time to yourselves." He said as he exited the farmhouse through the back door to join the rest of the Apple Family on their walk. Rainbow's eyes widened slightly in apprehension.

"Applejack..." Rainbow said nervously. "He didn't mean..."

"No, Rainbow. Knowin' Big Mac, he probably meant that we actually really did want time to ourselves and not just for sex." Applejack said with a smile. "C'mon. Let's getcha cleaned up. We still have to take that nap." Rainbow smiled as she followed Applejack to her bathroom.

"Applejack, did I ever tell you how awesome your bathroom is?" Rainbow asked her.

"Ah'm sure ya would've if ya weren't busy invading my shower." Applejack responded with a wink as she grabbed a washcloth. "Go ahead and sit on that stool there." Applejack turned on the water and soaked the rag. Applejack softly rubbed the cloth on the two scrapes Rainbow Dash sustained during their race. The cleanup was relatively simple.

Applejack then gingerly brought the rag to Rainbow's face and began gently rubbing away at the dried blood. The blood washed away easily enough, but the dirt from the fern was slightly tougher, requiring Applejack to apply more pressure to clean it.

"Does that hurt, Dash?" Applejack asked Rainbow slightly concerned.

"Sure, it hurts..." Rainbow said. "But when you're doing it, it's easier to take." With that, Rainbow planted a kiss on Applejack's lips, making the farm mare smile into the kiss. Applejack stopped wiping Rainbow's face for a moment to focus on the kiss. Rainbow moved her lips on Applejack's softly, breathing deeply. After Rainbow disconnected from the kiss, Applejack began to rub at the grime again, wiping it away as tenderly as she could manage.

"That actually feels pretty good, AJ." Rainbow said. "Could you just...do that for the next hour and let me sleep in here?"

"In a bathroom?" Applejack said, half chuckling. "Ah don't think so. The orchard will do just fine." Rainbow scoffed.

"Well then, get it done so we can get to it!" Rainbow playfully demanded. Applejack merely sat back and eyed Rainbow, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, if you're gonna tell me like that..." Applejack said, humorously crossing her front legs in front of her. Rainbow frowned.

"Oh, come on, AJ. I was just kidding. Could you finish wiping my face?" Rainbow asked, more politely the second time. Applejack smiled and finished her task. After the grime was washed away, Applejack grimaced at the core wound caused by the flying potted fern. A small gash was present on Rainbow's head, just below where her mane grew.

"Geez, Rainbow. She got ya pretty good." Applejack said while applying an antibiotic cream to Rainbow's wound.

"It looks worse than it is." Rainbow said. "You should see the other mare." Rainbow Dash snickered.

"Ah did." Applejack said, chuckling. "Ah think you did enough damage." Rainbow smirked as Applejack slowly put a small adhesive bandage on the gash. Rainbow sighed as she stood up and looked over at Applejack.

"Finally! Now let's go. The more and more I think about it, the better and better a nap in the orchard sounds." Rainbow said. "And a nap with you...it just can't be beat." Applejack giggled as she stood and nodded.

"Ah sure am glad Granny Smith gave me the day off today." Applejack said happily. As they walked out of the bathroom, through Applejack's room and into the living room. Rainbow quickly grabbed the quilt out of her saddle bag.

"Well, you do work pretty hard." Rainbow said raising an eyebrow. "You deserve more days off, if you ask me."

"And who exactly is gonna cover for me?" Applejack asked with an inquisitory smile.

"Uhm....Winona." Rainbow said. "Winona can cover for you." Applejack laughed at the statement as they walked out of the farmhouse and through the apple orchard, searching for the right place to lay down their quilt for their well-deserved nap. Finally, the pair came upon a clearing with just the right amount of sunlight and shade gracing it. Rainbow smiled at Applejack.

"Right here." The pegasus said, laying down the quilt. The pegasus quickly leapt onto it and patted the spot next to her. Applejack happily accepted the invitation and sat next to Rainbow, giving her a small nuzzle.

"Okay...So, how ya wanna do this? Ya wanna just lay next to each other, or do you want me to lay on you, or-" Applejack said.

"I'll lay on you." Rainbow said. "You're really warm." Applejack shrugged and layed on her back, removing her stetson and placing it next to her head. Rainbow eagerly dove into Applejack, burying her face in Applejack's chest before finally snuggling in with an exorbitant sigh. Applejack giggled.

"Comfy?" Applejack asked her lover. Rainbow nodded contentedly.

"Yep." She said before looking up at Applejack, who looked down at her, smiling. Rainbow adjusted the rose that she had stuck behind Applejack's ear earlier. "It makes you look even prettier." Applejack smiled.

"Does it? Ah don't usually wear flowers in my hair." Applejack responded before kissing Rainbow on the nose. Rainbow Dash happily snuggled into Applejack and closed her eyes. The cyan mare felt a hoof run gently through her rainbow hair as Applejack stroked her mane. The effect was extremely therapeutic and relaxing.

"Rainbow." Applejack said soothingly to the already-drowsy pegasus.

"Hmm?" She responded.

"Ah love you." The farm mare said, giving Rainbow Dash a small squeeze. Rainbow Dash quickly shot her lips to Applejack's and gave her a peck on the lips.

"I love you too." Rainbow said, hugging onto Applejack, while Applejack held onto her. Applejack closed her eyes as well as both mares fell into a peaceful slumber, with only each other to worry about.

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: D'AWW. There's some fluff for you guys! The fights scene was actually extraordinarily fun to write. Ah, well. THANKS FOR READING! If you're enjoying the story, give it a like. Feel free to leave a comment telling me what you think of the story so far! Cheers!

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Three Months Later

Rainbow Dash grunted as she delivered a mighty blow to the tall apple tree in Sweet Apple Acres' apple orchard. A heavy amount of apples fell from their branches into their receptacles, but a few still remained steadfast. Rainbow growled subtly as she blew her mane from her face. Applejack winked at her as she walked by, moving on to buck her own tree not too far away. Every single apple fell into the buckets she placed seemingly perfectly. Applejack sighed with satisfaction.

"Show off..." She heard her marefriend grumble. The pegasus then bucked the tree again, making the rest of the red fruit actually fall.

"Oh, come on, Rainbow. Ya got most of 'em on the first try." Applejack said, attempting to reason with the frustrated pegasus. "It's better than ya did last week."

"Yeah, well not by much." Rainbow said. "I just don't get it. Is there a certain angle you have to buck it at to get all of them in one go, or am I not using enough power?..." Applejack walked over to Rainbow Dash and kissed her on the cheek, making Rainbow Dash smile and blush even more than she was.

"You'll get it Dash. Ah know ya will." Applejack said sweetly. "You've been workin' really hard and it's showin' in your results. You got most of 'em. Sooner or later, you're gonna get an even better grip on applebuckin' and you're gonna be gettin' 'em all in one buck. Ain't no doubt in my mind." Applejack smiled at Rainbow as she nodded, furrowing her brows and smiling.

"Okay!" Rainbow said. "I'm officially issuing you a challenge. By the end of this month, I'll be able to buck more apples than you." Applejack raised her eyebrows and smiled.

"Will ya now?" Applejack asked, giggling slightly. "Ya know that almost all the time, Ah get all of 'em in one buck, right?" Rainbow nodded and narrowed her eyelids.

"Yep. I meant the bigger trees! The one's that take even you two bucks to get all the apples." Rainbow replied confidently. Applejack chuckled and pushed Rainbow playfully.

"You're on, sugarcube." Applejack said before walking over to another tree where she had her buckets set up underneath. Applejack stood before it and turned, eyeing Rainbow smartly, eyes half-lidded with an eyebrow raised. After performing a swift, powerful buck to the trunk of the tree, every single last apple fell from it's perch, into the buckets. Rainbow Dash gulped silently, eyes widening slightly before ambling over to a tree of her own.

The pegasus matched Applejack's position perfectly, down to the locations of the hooves in relation to her body. Rainbow Dash swiftly bucked the tree. Expecting a shower of apples, the pegasus' ears splayed back and her brows furrowed as only roughly half the apples fell. The pegasus promptly plopped her flank onto the ground and pouted before being momentarily stunned by an apple falling straight on her head.

"Oh! Ow..." Rainbow said, rubbing her head. "Oh, Goddesses, that hurt!" Applejack couldn't help but laugh at the misfortune of her poor marefriend as she ran toward her. Applejack lovingly grabbed onto Rainbow and brought her down to the ground, to where she stood over the pegasus. Applejack quickly planted a kiss upon Rainbow's lips, slightly surprising the pegasus even more than she already was. After disconnecting from the kiss, Rainbow smiled up at Applejack and raised an eyebrow.

"What was that for?" Rainbow asked her. Applejack merely giggled and nuzzled Rainbow Dash's cheek.

"Ah just couldn't help it. Ya looked so cute just pouting there...Ah had to do it." Applejack explained with a wide smile on her face. Rainbow smiled back up at her.

"Oh, well in that case..." Rainbow said. The pegasus quickly made a pouting face and closed her eyes. Applejack raised an eyebrow.

"Yeeeah, it's not so cute up close." Applejack said. Rainbow opened her eyes and furrowed her brows.

"Oh, go jump in a lake." Rainbow said flatly. Applejack laughed before kissing the pegasus on the cheek.

"Come on, sugarcube. Let's get back to it." Applejack said, helping Rainbow Dash off the ground. The farm mare regarded her love with gratitude. "But hey, listen. Ah'm really grateful that ya chose to come here and help me out on your day off from weather patrol. It means a lot." Rainbow smiled at Applejack and looked over into the orchard.

"Are you kidding? Tank practically begged to come see Winona....well, as much begging as you could expect a tortoise to do." Rainbow Dash said as she watched Tank and Winona playing. Tank had shrunk into his shell either from fear or jovialness, and Winona happily pushed the shell around, jumping back and forth around it energetically, letting loose a happy bark on occasion as the shell rolled back and forth. It was true that the two pets had become thick as thieves. This was confirmed to Rainbow Dash and Applejack as they glimpsed them one night the previous Winter, curled up in front of the fire together.

But Winter was no longer upon Ponyville. Winter had relaxed it's icy-cold grip and given way to the up and coming, much more tender Spring. Over the course of the Winter, Rainbow Dash had spent more and more time at Sweet Apple Acres, spending time with Applejack and her loving family. She brought Tank with her most of the time, allowing him to see Winona whenever he could. She playfully chatted with Big Macintosh and Applebloom as if they were her own siblings, but most of all, she had come to see Granny Smith as the mom she never really had. The old mare would be incredibly kind, generous and welcoming to Rainbow Dash. The entire apple family had come to see Rainbow Dash as one of their own and they treated her as such in any situation.

"Rainbow Dash?" The pegasus heard Applejack say. Rainbow snapped from her train of thought and looked over at Appleajck, who had just bucked another tree free of apples. "Ah'm ahead of ya, sugarcube." She said. Rainbow smirked.

"Not for long!" Rainbow responded before moving into action, quickly bucking the rest of the apples from her current tree and moving on to the next one. From that point on, it had become a sort of racing-relay competition where the bucked the apples into the buckets and quickly took said buckets to the wagon and loaded them up, ready to be taken back to the barn. Rainbow Dash ran to her next tree and bucked to powerfully, making all the apples fall into their buckets. Not one apple remained on the branches. Rainbow saw this and flew into the air momentarily doing a quick spin.

"Yes! Applejack, did you see that?" Rainbow said happily.

"Rainbow..." Applejack said, seemingly fixated on something in the distance.

"I got all of them in one go! I've so got you beat at the end of this month." Rainbow said before beginning to push her first bucket to the cart, not letting fatigue get the best of her.

"Rainbow." Applejack said.

"I'm beating you!" Rainbow said with a confident smile, beginning to run back to the tree for her next bucket.

"Rainbow!" Applejack said, louder than she previously had.

"What?" Rainbow said, raising her eyebrow at Applejack. Applejack nodded toward something in the fields, entering Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow looked through the trees of the orchard to see none other than Amethyst Star, the pony she had had an altercation with three months prior. The unicorn looked intimidated as she softly stepped through the front gate, entering the orchard.

"No...way..." Rainbow said, her eyes widening slightly. "What do you think she wants?"

"She looks scared." Applejack said. "Maybe she wants to apoligize..."

"Seriously, AJ? Apoligize? Her?" Rainbow said. "I'll be beaten in a sparring match with Fluttershy when that happens."

"Well, why don't we go see?" Applejack asked.

"Or, why don't we let her get lost?" Rainbow retorted. Applejack frowned at her lover before beginning to walk toward the uneasy-looking unicorn through the trees.

"Come on, Dash." Applejack said. Rainbow huffed and blew her mane out of her eyes as she walked after Applejack, catching up to her. When Applejack and Rainbow Dash came into the clearing, Amethyst Star looked at them and immediately began to look even more scared than she previously was. This made Rainbow Dash smile.

"Well, well...look who showed up." Rainbow said, her smile almost immediately turning to a frown.

"Hey, Rainbow...Hey, Applejack..." Amethyst said, looking to the side.

"Don't ya mean country hick?" The farm mare asked, letting some of her inner anger show slightly. The unicorn mare looked away from Applejack nervously.

"What do you want?" Rainbow asked her. Amethyst skidded her hoof on the ground, frowning to herself as she looked away from both the mares currently confronting her.

"I um..." Amethyst Star said. "I...I..."

"Out with it." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow. Amethyst star sighed heavily and looked Rainbow Dash straight in her eyes, furrowing her brows.

"I said some awful things three months ago...Things I don't believe I ever should have said." Amethyst Star said to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The unicorn frowned heavily. "I know that the last thing either of you want to do is listen to me talk, but please, I'm begging you...hear me out." Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash. The pegasus sighed and nodded toward Amethyst Star.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for what I said to both of you. Rainbow, I've been your friend for a while-"

"Not since that day, Amethyst." Rainbow interrupted her, her eyes narrowing.

"I know, Rainbow. That's what kills me. I never should have said what I did." The unicorn said, penitence detectable in her voice.

"Well then, why'd you say it?" Rainbow asked. The unicorn frowned and looked down.

"A good friend of mine turned out to be a fillyfooler. I supported her through thick and thin. I defended her against ponies like me. We were basically sisters. She ended up falling for the wrong mare, and this mare convinced her to ditch me. We grew up together, and I haven't seen her since that day. From that point on...I don't know, I guess my view of fillyfoolers in general was ruined." Amethyst explained before furrowing her brows and looking at the two mares before her.

"But that's no excuse for what I said. Rainbow, I've known you for a while, and I know you're a sweet and loyal mare. And Applejack, I could not tell you right now how sorry I am for calling you that awful name. I know how you really are, and I know that you're one of the best and most respected ponies in Ponyville. It has taken me three months to work up the courage to come to you two. And if you could find it in your hearts to forgive me...and start fresh...I would appreciate it greatly. But I wouldn't blame you if neither of you ever spoke to me again." Amethyst Star said, looking at the ground, shame ever-present on her face.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow and looked at Applejack. The farm mare was just as spellbound as she was, a confused look on her face. Rainbow Dash looked at Applejack inquisitorially, and Applejack shrugged, adjusting her stetson.

"It was never my place to judge either of you...I promise you I am aware of that now." Amethyst said, closing her eyes.

"You're right, Amethyst." Rainbow said sternly, her eyebrows furrowing. "It wasn't your place...but it looks like you've learned it." Amethyst's eyes opened and brightened significantly at Rainbow Dash's words. "I forgive you, Amethyst." Rainbow smiled at the unicorn. Amethyst teared up and jumped slightly in joy and threw her front legs around Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, thank you, Rainbow! I promise, I'll be there for both of you guys, no matter what!" Amethyst said, her voice brimming with happiness. Rainbow returned the hug briefly before letting the pink unicorn go. Amethyst turned to Applejack. "Uhmm..." She said unsure of how the farm mare would react.

"Aw, heck! If you've got the humility to apoligize, Ah'll definitely forgive ya!" Applejack said genuinely, slapping Amethyst Star's shoulder, making the unicorn stumble forward slightly. Amethyst Star smiled happily and backed up to where she stood before the two mares again.

"Thank you...both of you. I don't deserve your forgiveness." Amethyst said.

"Don't worry about it, anymore, Amethyst. Let's just put it all behind us." Rainbow said with a small smile. Amethyst Star nodded and stood for a moment, an awkward silence falling over the three ponies standing in Sweet Apple Acres.

"Okay...so I think I'm gonna go. I'll see you guys later." Amethyst Star said before beginning to walk off of the farm. Applejack smiled and waved at her.

"Alrighty then, Amethyst. See ya!" Applejack said sweetly. Amethyst looked back at them for a moment and waved at the two mares, who returned the wave. Applejack looked over at Rainbow and kissed her on the cheek quickly.

"See?" Applejack said. "Ah told ya it'd work out eventually."

"Yeah. I guess you did, didn't you?" Rainbow said, unable to keep from smiling to herself. "I'm not gonna lie, that brightened up my day a little bit."

"Well, Ah'm happy for ya." Applejack said sweetly before the two mares returned to the apple cart. "Go ahead and get that bucket loaded up, Dash, and let's get these apples back to the barn." Rainbow nodded and moved to the bucket that she had pushed halfway to the wagon. After pushing it to the wagon, She lifted the large bucket and loaded it onto the wagon's bed. She then closed the back door, hooked Applejack up to the wagon and slapped Applejack's flank playfully.

"Alright. All set to go." Rainbow said with a smirk.

"And just what was that for?" Applejack asked Rainbow. Rainbow snickered.

"Do I really need a reason?" Rainbow said saucily.

"Oh, wait until Ah get ahold of you...Just you wait." Applejack said, furrowing her brows and smiling at Rainbow Dash.

"I can't." Rainbow whispered into Applejack's ear, making Applejack shiver subtly. Rainbow pecked Applejack on the lips before beginning to amble in the direction of the barn. Applejack followed, tugging the wagon behind her, smiling as her eyes occasionally drifted to Rainbow Dash's flank, swaying back and forth as she walked down the path. Applejack failed to notice Rainbow Dash catch her mid-stare.

"What're you looking at, Applejack?" Rainbow asked her lover, mock-innocently.

"Nothin'." Applejack said, quickly looking away. Rainbow Dash knowingly smirked and slowed down until she was right next to Applejack, walking beside her. The two mares walked in comfortable silence until they reached the barn and began unloading the buckets and putting them down in the corner of the barn.

"Hey, AJ." Rainbow said.

"Whatcha need, Rainbow?" Applejack responded.

"Did you know that DJ PON-3 is DJing at Swingin' Manes tonight?" The pegasus said, letting a basket slide off of her back onto the floor.

"DJ PON-3, huh?" Applejack said.

"Yeah! You've heard about her, right?" Rainbow said happily.

"Yeah, Ah've heard of her." Applejack said.

"Alright! So let's go tonight! It'll be a blast and we haven't really been on a date for a while." Rainbow said. Applejack pursed her lips as she loaded another bucket onto her back.

"Ah dunno, Rainbow...Swingin' Manes ain't really my kinda place..." Applejack said, unsure of how their night would go if she did indeed go that night.

"But Applejack! It's DJ PON-3! Vinyl Scratch! Only the best and most awesome DJ in Equestria! They say that she can read a crowd pretty much as soon as she sees them, and that she'll select the whole night's playlist in a second!" Rainbow said. Applejack smirked.

"She's that awesome, huh?" Applejack said.

"Yeah! Come on, Applejack, pleeease? I'm not gonna go there alone!" Rainbow said before dropping her voice to a sultry, alluring tone as she raised an eyebrow. "She plays some pretty sexy stuff for couples only, too." Applejack blushed at the statement and sighed.

"You really wanna go that bad?" Applejack asked Rainbow, to which the pegasus nodded eagerly. Applejack nodded and raised an eyebrow. "Alright. Fine. Ah suppose it could be really fun." Rainbow threw a hoof into the air.

"Yes! I knew you'd want to go!" Rainbow said before kissing Applejack on the cheek. "This is going to be a night you will never forget." Applejack smiled at her.

"Ah'm already likin' the sound of it." Applejack said. "Let's get this done so we can rest for a little bit, and we'll leave at some time around six or seven, okay?" Rainbow nodded.

"Sounds good to me. With the way we're going to be dancing, we'll need it." Rainbow said with a smirk. The two mares finished unloading the buckets and pulled the cart into its holder.

"Ah'm already feelin' a little tired." Applejack said.

"Ohhh no, AJ. I already got you to say that you're going to Swingin' Manes tonight. I'm holding you to it." Rainbow said. "I'll drag you there tonight, if I have to."

"There'll be no need for that Dash, Ah promise. Ah'm goin' tonight. But for now, a nap is soundin' mighty fine to me." Applejack said with a sigh. "Just think about it, Rainbow...my big, comfy bed...the pillows, the sheets..."

"Okay, okay. I get it. A nap does sound good, especially seeing as how we're going to dance to Vinyl Scratch's tunes tonight!" Rainbow Dash let out a small, excited squeal. Hearing this, the pegasus immediately stopped herself, her ears splaying back and her eyes widening. She looked at Applejack. "If you ever tell a soul..." Applejack laughed and shook her head as they neared the front door of the farm house. Applejack whistled for her dog.

"Winona! Come on, girl! And bring Tank with ya!" Applejack called. Not before long, they spied Winona happily running up the path toward them, Tank's shell clutched in her mouth. The dog reached them and wagged her tail in earnest. "Alright, girl. Drop him...drop him." Winona placed Tank's shell on the ground, allowing the Tortoise to emerge and walk slowly toward Rainbow Dash. Rainbow happily picked her pet tortoise up and nuzzled him affectionately.

"Alright, then." Applejack said, allowing Winona to run into the house. Rainbow placed Tank inside the door. "Let's get in there, take a little nap, then wake up, freshen up, and head for the club." Rianbow Dash nodded happily.

"Sounds like a plan to me!" Rainbow said excitedly. As they entered the house, Granny Smith sat in her usual spot, knitting what seemed to be yet another cloth to add to their already limitless cloth collection.

"Well, that sure was fast! Ah guess the power of two really can't be matched by any one pony." Granny Smith said. "So y'all got a good amount of apples bucked, I gather?" Applejack nodded.

"Six wagonfulls, Granny. This year's lookin' better than last year. Big Mac still watchin' over the girls?" Applejack said with a smile. Granny Smith nodded.

"Ah sure hope Applejack didn't leave ya in the dust too bad, Rainbow." Granny said. Rainbow chuckled.

"Are you kidding? I'm a natural!" Rainbow said with a smirk.

"Yeah, a natural failure." Applejack said, shoving Rainbow lightly.

"Good one, genius. You're just scared that I'm gonna beat you at the end of the month." Rainbow said before leaning close to Granny Smith. "It's a little competition we're having. I've got her shaking in her hat." Granny Smith giggled.

"Y'all just be careful, now." Granny said sweetly. "Ah don't want this to turn into another Iron Pony competition or whatnot."

"Don't worry about us, Granny." Applejack said. "But, Ah was actually just gonna let ya know, me and Rainbow are gonna go into town tonight. There's some performer that Rainbow really wants to see, so Ah'm gonna go with her." Applejack didn't bother to mention that they were going to a dance club where sex would be in the air and the smell of alchohol would be on ponies' breaths.

"Oh alright, sweetie. Any idea when you'll be back? Ah don't want Big Mac attackin' y'all in the middle of the night by mistake." Granny Smith said.

"Uh...probably around 11:30 to 12:00." Applejack said.

"Well, now! That's awful late. But Ah'm not gonna tell ya what to do too much. You are a grown mare after all. When're y'all leavin'?" Granny Smith said.

"We're actually gonna take a little nap and head out at around 7:00." Applejack responded.

"Yeah. There's going to be a lot of dancing and fun, so we're gonna get some rest in preparation." Rainbow said excitedly. The pegasus had to stop herself from literally jumping up and down in pure anticipation of the night ahead.

"Y'all gonna be cuttin' a little rug, eh? Well, y'all go ahead and get to it. Ah'm just gonna go ahead and finish my knittin'." Granny Smith said with a smile. "If y'all get to perpetratin' any heathen acts in there, be sure to shut the door." Applejack's cheeks turned red in a heavy blush. Granny Smith erupted into a fit of laughter.

"Granny!" Applejack said, embarrassed, looking over at Rainbow who was also blushing, her eyes widened.

"Ah'm just kiddin' around with y'all." Granny Smith said sweetly. "Y'all go on, now. Before ya give me cooties." Rainbow walked with Applejack to her room as she listened to Granny Smith laugh heartily at seeing Winona playing with Tank. As they entered the room Rainbow turned and looked at the door, which was standing wide open, before turning to Applejack, who was already approaching the bed.

"Umm...I think we should close the door anyway..." Rainbow said nervously, gesturing toward the doorway. Applejack nodded.

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea." Applejack replied. Rainbow Dash closed the door as quietly as she could before ambling back towards the bed.

"Same position as always?" Rainbow asked Applejack, who nodded and smiled at her as she removed her stetson and hair ties and laid them on the nightstand. Rainbow smiled and allowed Applejack to get into the bed first before she jumped in and snuggled into the upper part of Applejack's chest. Applejack sighed as they finally settled down and began to breath slowly together. Rainbow Dash cleared her throat momentarily before looking up at Applejack.

"Hey uh...AJ?" Rainbow said to her lover.

"Whatcha need, darlin'?" Applejack replied, looking down at the pegasus. Rainbow looked away from the farm mare, blushing, her ears splayed back.

"Will you...will you...uh...I, uh..." Rainbow said before clearing her throat again. "Oh, that spring pollen, huh?"

"Out with it, Rainbow." Applejack said with a smile. Rainbow sighed heavily.

"Will you stroke my mane? You do it a lot and it feels really nice." Rainbow said quickly, her blush intensifying. Applejack giggled and kissed Rainbow on the cheek.

"Oh course, Ah will." Applejack said. "Oh, you're so cute when you get all embarrassed and flustered." Rainbow's eyes narrowed, but she couldn't hold back a smile.

"Oh, be quiet." Rainbow said before laying her head back down on Applejack's chest. The pegasus intertwined her legs with Applejack's, making their embrace even more personal. Just the way they both liked it. Applejack ran her hoof through Rainbow's mane, making her ears lay back on her head almost immediately. Rainbow sighed before closing her eyes and letting sleep overtake her.

_____

"Applejack! Come on, get up! Get up, get up, get up!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed happily, attempting to awaken her slumbering lover. "Time to go!"

"Mmmmm...just...five more minutes..." Applejack said, beginning to roll over in the bed. Rainbow immediately grabbed her and turned her back over, shocking her awake slightly.

"Nope. You said we'd leave at 7:00. It's 7:00 now, and we still have to get ready. So come on! Let's go." Rainbow said. "Do you want to shower first, or do you want me to?" Applejack, still coming out of her sleepy stupor, barely replied.

"You go first." Applejack said. Rainbow turned around and eyed her suspiciously, raising an eyebrow. Applejack raised a hoof and sat up. "Ah'm up, okay? Ah'm up." Rainbow nodded.

"Okay." Rainbow said. "We're gonna have so much fun!" Rainbow closed the door behind her and turned on the shower. Applejack briefly considered doing what Rainbow did almost every morning after they slept together, but decided against it. She was going to stay true to what she said. So Applejack got out of bed and stretched before looking out the window. The sun had set almost completely, and Luna's darkness began to overtake the land. Applejack sighed as she looked upon the freshly revealed moon. She had no trouble believing that this was going to be a night to remember, for one reason or another.

At that moment, Rainbow Dash came out of the bathroom, a towel draped over her midsection. Applejack couldn't help but gawk at the pegasus. Her mane and body were wet, her lithe, appealing frame brought out by the water.

"Geez, that was fast." Applejack said. "Ya couldn't have gotten yourself completely washed." Rainbow nodded.

"You bet I did. I want to be as clean as possible for tonight, seeing as we're gonna be being so close." Rainbow said alluringly. Applejack smiled and raised an eyebrow as she stood, grabbing her stetson and hair ties.

"You do know that Ah have no idea whatsoever of what exactly that kinda dancin' entails, right?" Applejack said, half chuckling.

"I think that's a bit of an overstatement. You'll see what I mean when we get there." Rainbow said, drying off her wings. "But we actually have to get there first." Applejack nodded.

"Okay, okay. Ah'm goin. So impatient." Applejack said as she went into the bathroom. She laid her hairties and hat on the bathroom counter and stepped into the shower, closing the curtain behind her. She went through her routine of washing her mane and tail with shampoo and conditioner, lathering and rinsing thoroughly. Applejack then washed her body and got out of the shower and began to dry herself off. When she finished, she replaced her stetson and her hairties and left the bathroom to find Rainbow waiting for her.

"Ready to go?" The pegasus asked, standing up.

"You're gonna ask me that until Ah really am ready, aren't ya?" Applejack asked Rainbow Dash, who then nodded.

"Yep. Seriously, you'll see why I'm so gung-ho about getting there when we actually get there! Now come on!" Rainbow said happily. Applejack nodded and smiiled.

"Alright, then. Let's get to it." Applejack said. As the two mares began to leave the house, Big Macintosh looked up at them from the dining room while he made a sandwich. He raised an eyebrow slowly.

"Where y'all goin?" He asked them.

"Uh, we're just goin' to see a performer in town. We'll be back later on tonight." Applejack said.

"It's that DJ at Swingin' Manes, ain't it?" Big Mac said, making Rainbow Dash's and Applejack's stomachs jump.

"Yeeeah..." Rainbow said, rubbing the back of her head. "How did you know?"

"Ah ain't deaf. Everypony in town's talkin' 'bout it." Big Mac said. "Don't worry. Ah ain't gonna tell Granny or nothin'. She's sleepin' anyway. Y'all have fun." He said before going back to his sandwich. Applejack and Rainbow looked at each other, confused.

"Uh, okay. Thanks, Big Mac." Applejack said before she and Rainbow left the house. Rainbow jumped up and down excitedly before slowing down to a brisk walk, Applejack watching her with admiration.

"I'm so excited!" Rainbow said. "This is gonna be...so...awesome." Rainbow said. "You're gonna love it!"

"Ah hope so, Dash." Applejack said. "Ah've never really been into the whole 'club thing', so don't get your hopes too high." Rainbow leaned close to Applejack, rubbing her body against the farm mare's affectionately as they walked.

"No, no, no AJ, you don't understand. One night in the club with me," The pegasus said before whispering in Applejack's ear. "And you'll never want to leave."

_____

When Applejack and Rainbow Dash came into view of Swingin' Manes, they could hear the thumping bass coming from inside the building very well. The large, lit up sign with two dancing ponies on it announced that there was most certainly fun to be had in the club. Luckily for the two mares, everypony who was going to be there that night had already arrived, so the line wasn't very long at all. Two or three ponies waited patiently outside the door. Rainbow Dash inhaled deeply and exhaled through her mouth.

"Alright! Let's go!" Rainbow said as she ambled down the pathway to the entrance of the club. Applejack gulped silently and chuckled nervously as she followed Rainbow Dash to the large building, illuminated by spotlights. Applejack could not deny that she was a tad bit intimidated by the unfamiliar grounds of Swingin' Manes, but she was there, and that meant everything to Rainbow Dash.

After a short wait in the line, Rainbow Dash and Applejack entered the club and immediately the music of Vinyl Scratch made itself known to them. The thumping bass vibrated through their bodies as an enormous crowd of ponies danced on the dance floor. Multicolored lights flashed in synchronization with the music and the dance floor seemed to tremble from the pure power of the music. Vinyl Scratch stood on a tall pedestal in front of her turn table, her purple shades and electric blue mane noticeable above all else, bobbing her head to her dance music and smiling widely at the massive party she had orchestrated. Applejack's eyes widened as she turned to Rainbow Dash, who looked at her with an excited expression.

"Come on! Let's go get a drink!" Rainbow said. "Get ourselves a little loose for the dancing!" Applejack nodded as they walked around the dance floor and moved to the bar. Applejack could not wipe the smile from her face. She was a down home country mare, to be certain, but she could not deny that the club, while uncertain and intimidating, made her more excited than anything she had ever seen before.

"So, what do you think?" Rainbow asked, sitting at the bar.

"Ah like it." Applejack said. "It's...different...and loud."

"Isn't it?" Rainbow said. "Just wait until we get out on that dance floor!" The statement sent chills of fear shooting through Applejack. The farm mare had never danced in the way she saw all the other ponies on that dance floor were. She gulped as she smiled at Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah..." Applejack said.

"Two ciders, please." Rainbow said to the bar tender. The red unicorn stallion nodded and went to get the drinks, but stopped in his tracks. He looked back at Rainbow Dash and smiled.

"Well I'll be a...I remember you." He said to Rainbow Dash. "You came in here about three months ago."

"Oh yeah!" Rainbow said, recalling the awful night. "How're you doing?"

"Oh, I'm alright." He said before looking at Applejack and smiling. "Is this..."

"Her? Yep." Rainbow said. "We made up, and we've been happy for the past three months."

"Well, now! I see you didn't take my advice! That's fantastic! I'm really happy for you two." He said to them with a wide smile. Rainbow nodded at him and smiled as well.

"Thanks so much!" She said. He nodded at her and went to get their drinks. Applejack looked at Rainbow, an eyebrow raised in confusion. Rainbow giggled nervously.

"What was that all about?" Applejack asked Rainbow Dash.

"Well uh...remember that night you told me you hated me and to get out of your life?" Rainbow asked. Applejack frowned sadly and looked down to the side.

"Ah'm tryin' to forget, sugarcube." Applejack said. Rainbow immediately put a hoof on Applejack's shoulder.

"No! AJ, please, don't get sad. Not tonight. That's all over, okay? Remember? We're happy now." Rainbow said. Applejack nodded.

"Yeah...You're right, Rainbow. Sorry." Rainbow nodded and kissed Applejack on the cheek.

"Well that night, after that little debacle, I came here in my sadness and got a little more than drunk." Rainbow said. "I kinda told that bartender everything, and he...well, he talked to me." Applejack nodded.

"So that's why he seemed so happy for ya." Applejack said. "He must think Ah'm awful." Rainbow shrugged.

"I didn't really make you sound bad at all. I just pretty much told him you were in denial." Rainbow said, just as the stallion returned. He placed the mugs before the mares and looked at Rainbow.

"Enjoy." He said happily, looking at Applejack momentarily and smiling widely. The look he gave her sent Applejack positive vibes about what he really thought about her. Rainbow picked up her mug and began to drink, as did Applejack. The beverage burned their throats as they drank and made their blood pump in their veins. Rainbow sighed happily.

"Oh, Goddesses...Applejack?!" The two mares heard a familiar voice say from behind them. Applejack turned around quickly to lay eyes upon Caramel. "I can't believe it!" He said with a wide smile. Applejack smiled as well as she got off of the stool and gave Caramel a friendly, one-hoofed hug.

"How ya doin', Caramel?" Applejack asked. He nodded.

"I'm great! I'm back with Berry Punch!" He said happily as he watched Rainbow Dash walk up beside Applejack and smiled.

"Ah'm so happy for you guys!" Applejack said.

"Yeah, I went and found her after you and I split up, and she was willing to take me back." He said. "And I see you got your happy ending too. Hiya, Rainbow Dash." He smiled at Rainbow Dash, who sent a courteous smile back his way.

"Hey, Caramel. Good to see you." The pegasus replied.

"Yep. We've never been happier." Applejack said happily, putting her front leg around Rainbow's shoulders.

"That's great." He said. "Hey listen, Berry Punch is waiting for me on the floor. I'll see you guys later!" He waved at them and entered the dance floor, searching for his date. Rainbow Dash and Applejack returned to the bar to finish their drinks.

"Wow. Didn't expect to see him here." Applejack said. Rainbow Dash looked at her and smiled.

"Looks like we're just reuniting with everypony tonight, aren't we?" Rainbow said. Applejack laughed before taking a swig of her cider. Rainbow Dash followed suit. Before long, both ponies had finished their drinks and had more. They had both polished off two mugs of cider and while they were both far from drunk, the feeling of euphoria was ever present within both mares.

"Alright, ponies! DJ-PON3 here!" Vinyl Scratch said over the microphone, her voice amplifying in the room. "We're coming up on couples dance only after this song! For all you lovers in here, I'm about to turn up the heat!" Seeing as how exactly nopony had gone to the club alone, everypony on the dance floor cheered wildly. Rainbow smiled at Applejack as she got off of the bar stool.

"Shall we?" The pegasus said alluringly, her eyes half lidded. Applejack, while extremely nervous to dance on the dance floor in a way she never really had before, could not say no to the pegasus. Applejack nodded as she followed her love to the main dance floor, Vinyl Scratch presiding proudly over the massive party.

"This is now couples only! Let me spin a little somethin' somethin' to get your bodies moving and your blood pumping!" Vinyl Scratch announced. A song began to reverberate throughout the building, the heavy bass pounding, the groove going along perfectly with it. Rainbow Dash ambled out further onto the dance floor, and began to dance.

Her legs, her body, her flank, all moved in synchronization with each other, to create an arousing display that made Applejack's legs tremble. Rainbow moved her hoof in a "Come Here." gesture toward Applejack. Applejack watched as Rainbow Dash moved her body to the music, alluringly calling to her. The more and more the farm mare observed Rainbow's sensual movements, the more she wanted to put her hooves all over her.

'Well,' Applejack thought to herself. 'Let's do this.' The farm mare walked out onto the floor, braving the unfamiliar conditions and walking up to Rainbow Dash. Applejack began to moved her body awkwardly, trying as hard as she possibly could to match Rainbow Dash's movements. Rainbow noticed this and giggled. Rainbow stood on her back legs and pulled Applejack up with her. Rainbow put her hooves on Applejack's sides.

"Just let your body flow, AJ." Rainbow whispered into Applejack's ear. "There's no set pattern, no instruction. There's just the music..." Rainbow pulled Applejack closer to her to where their bodies touched. "and our bodies." Rainbow then began to move herself on Applejack, making the farm mare blush heavily. Rainbow closed her eyes and began to dance again. Applejack, hopelessly confused, looked around the room to see if any other ponies were dancing in such a vulgar way. And as it turned out, they were. The couplings of mares and stallions, and the few homosexual couples, were all moving to the music, sexual energy completely emanating from the crowd.

Applejack sighed and began to move back and forth with Rainbow Dash, moving their bodies against each other. The beat of the music was definitely pleasant, and before Applejack knew it, she found herself moving her body in synchronization with the thumping rhythms. The more and more Applejack listened to it, the better she got at moving her body to it.

Applejack looked into Rainbow's eyes, blushing heavily as she panted lightly. Rainbow stared right back into her's as they moved their bodies to the beat. Rainbow moved her hooves up Applejack's sides, making the farm mare gasp in suprise and arousal. Rainbow nuzzled Applejack's cheek and moved her mouth up to Applejack's ear, breathing sensually into it. The two ponies lost themselves in the music, feeling each other, moving with each other.

Applejack's mind was in sensory overload. Rainbow Dash rubbed herself against her as they danced, while the hypnotic music thumped through the club and their bodies, and the lights created an amazing display as Applejack moved her head back and looked at Rainbow. Except Rainbow Dash wasn't there. Rainbow had disappeared.

'Oh, Ah am gonna get her for this!' Applejack began to frantically look around for the pegasus, until she felt a pair of hooves slip under her front legs and caress her body. Rainbow moved up behind her and kissed Applejack's neck, making Applejack moan. Applejack felt Rainbow Dash grind into her as the pegasus moved her hooves softly up and down her body.

"Ah thought ya -ah- had left me hangin' for a moment there." Applejack said nearly breathlessly. Rainbow Dash giggled sexily in Applejack's ear and nipped it lovingly.

"Now why do you think I'd do that, when I'm enjoying this almost as much as you are?" Rainbow said before she kissed Applejack's cheek.

Applejack was hard-pressed to disagree with Rainbow Dash on that statement. She was enjoying this immensely. It was reminiscent of their first night together at the Harvest Celebration Hoedown. The connection was the same, there was dancing, this was just much...sexier. Applejack quickly moved her hoof back and held the back of Rainbow's head as she looked back at her lover. Rainbow was breathing arousingly, a thin layer of sweat glistening in the light.

Applejack grinded herself back into Rainbow, moving her tail against her lover's body. Their bodies undulated together to the music, arousing them to no end, making them want to drop down and take what they were doing so much further. Rainbow leaned closer to Applejack's ear and said-

"Consider this a preview of what's coming, AJ." Rainbow said before planting a kiss on Applejack's lips. Applejack moaned as she began to kiss back fervently, moving her tongue into Rainbow's mouth. Rainbow did the same as they danced and kissed, the music doing nothing to calm their complete euphoria. Rainbow grinded into Applejack yet again as Applejack pushed back against her. They separated from their kiss as they once again focused on the music, moving their bodies together.

Rainbow Dash's heart pounded like a drum in her chest, threatening to break free. The pegasus had been in Swingin' Manes several times before, but she had never felt this way when dancing with anypony...ever. Applejack had adapted so well to the situation and was moving her body against Rainbow's in a way that made her sweat. The pegasus, laughed subtly to herself as they continued to dance, the base and groove lines flowing through them, urging their bodies to continue their glorious dance.

WIth one final bass line, the song ended. Without much of a break, another song began, prompting Applejack to turn around and come muzzle to muzzle with Rainbow Dash. Applejack now had her hooves on Rainbow, moving them sensually against the pegasus' body. Rainbow placed her front hooves on Applejack's shoulders and moved them down the earth pony's front legs. As the music commenced yet again with an even faster beat than the previous song, they began to dance again, their faces inches from each others'. The pegasus smiled devilishly, making Applejack weak in the knees yet again.

"Told ya."

_____

"Alright now, everypony! That marks the end of my shift tonight! I hope to see you all here again the next time I come around! Peace!" Vinyl Scratch announced happily into the microphone. The multitude of ponies that were dancing to her music, including Rainbow Dash and Applejack, cheered. Most ponies in the building recognized this as the end to their fun night, and began funneling out of the building through the front door to get their well-deserved night's rests. Rainbow Dash, still panting, recieved a kiss from Applejack. Rainbow smiled into it, leaning forward against her lover before Applejack separated from the kiss, smiling widely.

"That. Was. So. Awesome!" Applejack said happily, adjusting her stetson. Rainbow nodded.

"See? What the hay did I tell ya? I knew you were going to love it here!" Rainbow responded as they both began to walk towards the door.

"It was so...so..." Applejack began, at a pure loss for words at the awesomeness of this glorious place.

"Crazy? Electric? Addictive?" Rainbow said, looking up at a clock momentarily. It was 1:15 in the morning.

"Actually, the word Ah'm lookin' for is sexy." Applejack said, pressing her body into Rainbow's and nuzzling the pegasus. "Ah've actually never had so much fun in my life." Rainbow nodded as they left the club and walked out into the breezy night air. The nights had been far from miserable since Winterhad ended.

"The club...it's a different place." Rainbow Dash said wistfully. "Everypony's letting loose and forgetting about their lives back home for a little while. It's so freeing." Applejack smiled.

"Yep. Ya got that right." Applejack said. "But there's only one thing that's been on my mind since that first dance, Dash." Rainbow looked at Applejack and smiled saucily, raising an eyebrow. Rainbow kissed Applejack on the lips and whispered into her ear.

"Gee, I wonder what that could be?" The pegasus smiled at Applejack.

"Ah'll give ya three guesses." Applejack said with a smile. "It took everything Ah had to not tear into you on that dance floor." Rainbow Dash snickered.

"Well, you got a few little tastes here and there." Rainbow said. "Where did you want to do it?"

"Since Applebloom, Granny Smith and Big Mac are home, Ah'm thinkin' somewhere in the orchard will do just fine." Applejack said. "Maybe go inside real quick and steal a blanket..." Rainbow smiled and sighed just thinking about it. The two mares began to pass the Everfree Forest on the path they were walking on. They were almost back.

"That sounds perfect." Rainbow said. "You know, you still owe me." Rainbow said. Applejack raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Oh, do Ah? For what?" Applejack asked. Rainbow smiled.

"Remember that day in the shower, and the absolutely awful timing of your little sister?" Rainbow said. "You told me that you'd make up for it." Applejack laughed heartily.

"Ah remember, all right. But why didn't you mention this last time we did it?" Applejack asked. Rainbow smirked.

"I was feeling generous." Rainbow said. "But I'm calling it in tonight." Rainbow nuzzled Applejack's cheek.

"Alright, then. Ah'm a mare of my word. Ah'll be sure to make it up to ya." Applejack said. "I'm gonna make ya feel like a queen." Rainbow giggled as they continued to walk. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash's ears perked up as she registered a sound coming from behind them. It was deep and guttural, and it seemed to creep from seemingly nowhere. It sounded like a growl.

"Applejack-"

A timber wolf pounced from the darkness, colliding with Applejack and delivering a massive blow, knocking the farm mare on her back. She screamed.

"Applejack!" Rainbow screamed as she ran to the confrontation before her.

The timber wolf snapped and snarled at Applejack, attempting to bite her jugular and end her for it's own sustenance. Applejack barely managed to hold off the beast with her front hooves, but it was a losing battle as the timber wolf edged closer and closer to Applejack's neck. Rainbow Dash wasted no time in bucking the timber wolf as hard as she possibly could off of her marefriend, sending the animal reeling, rolling back until it came to a standing position with a bestial snarl. Rainbow, seething with fury, shot forward at amazing speed, and immediately collided with the timber wolf and carried it into the trees in mid flight. Applejack stood up as fast as she could possibly have managed.

"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack yelled in fear as she sprinted in the direction of Rainbow's flight into the forest. Broken tree branches and skid marks in the soil marked the path. Applejack ran as fast as she could, and not before long, she came upon a scene that sent despair through her body.

Scattered around a clearing, were the remains of the timber wolf, destroyed entirely by Rainbow Dash in a fierce struggle. Rainbow Dash layed to the side of the remains, soaked in blood, attempting to get up. Slowly, shakily, the pegasus stood. Her wings hung limply from her sides, no signs of life within them. She stumbled forward slowly and looked up. Blood leaked from her sides.

"A-Applejack..." She said before falling forward onto the ground. Applejack gasped and ran to her lover's side.

"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack said, looking over Rainbow as blood seeped from the pegasus' deep lacerations. "Rainbow, come on. Come on, Rainbow!" Applejack yelled, beginning to pick Rainbow up. The pegasus gritted her teeth and whimpered in pain, making Applejack put her down in concern.

"Rainbow! Are you okay?" Applejack said frantically.

"Applejack...Applejack, you have to...pick me up." Rainbow said, breathing deeply. "I...I can...take it." Tears fell from Applejack's eyes as she sobbed.

"Ah don't wanna hurt you, Rainbow." Applejack said.

"It's okay, AJ...trust...me." Rainbow said, obviously strained through her pain. "You can...do it. I know you can." Applejack cried as she began to slowly lift the pegasus off the ground once more. Rainbow attempted to use her legs to help, but it was no use. One of her front legs looked heinously swollen, most likely broken. Rainbow cried out in agony.

"Ah'm sorry, Rainbow!" Applejack cried, as she let Rainbow Dash get situated on her back. When Rainbow settled down on her back, Applejack looked back at her. "Try to hold on as much as you can." Applejack immediately took off into a dead sprint towards the hospital, Ponyville General. She knew that that place was the only hope for Rainbow Dash's survival at this point. Applejack sobbed again, tears burning her eyes as she felt Rainbow Dash's blood leak down her sides. It flowed copiously.

The path to the hospital seemed to go on forever with no end in sight. Every second that passed for Applejack felt like an eternity as she ran to get Rainbow to the hospital. Applejack's lungs burned and her legs ached completely, but she was not going to give up. She would not stop. She would not slow until she got Rainbow Dash into that hospital. She barely registered the pegasus say something into her ear.

"Save your breath, Rainbow!" Applejack said between heavy breaths. "Don't talk!" Applejack felt Rainbow move slightly to where she could get better access to her ear.

"I...love you, AJ." Rainbow barely managed to say. The pegasus' eyes were closed and she struggled to even speak as her consiousness dwindled. Applejack's breath caught in her throat as a fresh wave of tears began to flow.

Finally, as if it was a gift from Celestia herself, Applejack arrived at Ponyville General. The lights in the lobby glowed like the entrance to Canterlot Castle. Applejack ran to the doors as quickly as she possibly could. Rainbow Dash had now completely lost conciousness at this point. The automatic doors slid open and Applejack continued to sprint until she reached the lobby. A lone pony stood behind the counter, signing different papers. She froze as she looked upon Applejack, and her heavily bleeding cargo.

"Help...Please..." Applejack barely got out. The mare, too stunned to move, looked at Applejack silently.

NOW!!! Applejack screamed, snapping the mare behind the counter out of her stupor. She picked up a phone on the counter and dialed a number extremely quickly. Her voice sounded over the intercom.

"Emergency! Emergency! Get the ER team down to the lobby right away! Emergency!"

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Hello once again, readers! I'm glad that I've been able to churn this chapter out in a week. Pretty crazy surprise at the end ther, huh? Yeah. This chapter was a blast to write, from the club scene to the ending scene that you just finished reading. If you're enjoying the story, leave an upvote and possibly leave me a comment telling me what you think! Cheers!

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Despair.

A great, sinking feeling of despair was all Applejack felt course through her as she watched Rainbow Dash's unconcious body on a gurney being rolled back into the ER of Ponyville General. She had been held back from walking alongside the gurney by Nurse Redheart, who tried as hard as she possibly could to assure Applejack that everything was going to be okay. Applejack never listened to a single word the nurse said. Dried tears streaked her face as the mare fruitlessly attempted to calm her down.

Applejack finally stepped back and attemped to wrap her head around what had just happened. Just under an hour earlier, she was at Swingin' Manes with Rainbow, having what was quite possibly the best time of her life. The attack seemed to come out of nowhere...so random, so unwarranted. The only reason she had been standing there, attempting to get back into the ER with Rainbow Dash was because Rainbow had acted so quickly and saved her from heinous injury or certain death, with only Applejack's safety in mind.

"Miss Applejack. Are you alright?" The farm mare finally registered the nurse say to her. She looked at Redheart, exhausted and stricken with a myriad of awful, fearful emotions. "You look pretty banged up." Applejack slowly looked over herself, finally seeing just how awful she really did look.

Dried blood caked her sides, and scrapes ungracefully appeared on her legs and body. The sight of Rainbow's blood, brought fresh tears to her eyes as she looked at the nurse.

"Ah...Ah..." Applejack struggled to speak. Her legs trembled beneath her as the pure shock from what had just happened took precedence within her. The tears broke free of their prison and ran down Applejack's cheek once more as she let out a choked up sob as she moved her head down. Nurse Redheart frowned and turned to the mare behind the desk, still slightly in shock at what had happened.

"Applejack..." Nurse Redheart said. "We've dispatched a messenger to your home to retrieve your family. Is there anypony else that you would like to have here?" Applejack's legs continued to tremble as she slowly nodded and looked up at Redheart.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle...Pinkie Pie...Rarity...Fluttershy..." Applejack said, her voice catching in her throat as she sniffled. "Bring them here." Nurse Redheart nodded slowly and looked to the mare behind the counter. She nodded and proceeded to call a messenger to the lobby for his orders. Nurse Redheart put a front leg around Applejack and began to lead her away from the lobby, where janitors were currently cleaning up droplets of Rainbow Dash's blood.

"Okay, Applejack...your friends and family will be here soon." Nurse Redheart said in a calm, reassuring voice. "Let's get you cleaned up." Applejack said nothing as they walked through the white, intimidating hallway to the washrooms, where the showers were located. The kind, gentle nurse led Applejack to one of the shower stalls and put a towel on the counter for her.

"Here's some soap and shampoo for you." Nurse Redheart said, reaching into the sink cabinets. "Do you need help?" Applejack, who had at least regained partial control of herself at this point sniffled as she shook her head.

"No ma'am." The farm mare said, removing her stetson hat and hair ties. "A-Ah can do it. Thank you." The nurse nodded and smiled sweetly at Applejack.

"I'll be right outside if you need me." She said. Applejack nodded. The earth pony turned on the shower and stepped inside, feeling the warm water coursing down her body. It was a small solace in the deep torrential abyss of fear and worry she felt. She slowly used the rag provided for her to lather up her body with the soap, effectively cleaning the blood, before rinsing it away. She slowly washed her mane and tail and let the warm water run down her face. Applejack suddenly recalled a previous moment she had shared with Rainbow, and what had taken place afterwards. Applejack's legs began to shake beneath her again as she braced herself on the wall. She felt breathless, weak, helpless. Her mind went foggy as she began to sway in the shower, despair completely took the place of worry as she quickly turned off the shower and got out. She dried off and after replacing her hat and hair ties, she walked out of the bathroom to find Nurse Redheart, true to her word, waiting for her.

"We need to get those scrapes bandaged up." Nurse Redheart said, removing some bandages and antibiotic cream from the lower cabinets of the bathroom. "Here. Let me. Hop up on the counter for a minute." Applejack nodded and sat on the counter, letting the nurse apply the ointment before covering her superficial wounds with bandages.

"There we go! All set. Ready to go to the waiting room, Applejack? Your family is already here for you." She said with a smile. Applejack nodded and walked with Nurse Redheart to find her family sitting in the waiting room for her. Big Macintosh, Granny Smith and Applebloom all laid their eyes upon her and immediately jumped up to embrace her, Granny Smith being helped by Big Mac. The family said nothing until they all disconnected from the hug.

"Is...Is she..." Applebloom said through tears. "Is she gonna be okay?" Applejack looked down at her little sister and could not hold back a fresh wave of her own tears from falling. The farm mare hopelessly shrugged.

"Ah don't know, AB." She said with a sob. "Ah don't know."

"Rainbow's a tough mare." Granny Smith said. "She'll pull through, and don't you think otherwise."

"Eeeyup." Big Mac interjected. Applejack wiped her eyes and smiled at her family.

"Thank y'all." She said as she sat down next to her familiy. Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie and Spike were the first to arrive, being caught awake in the middle of their nightly duties by the messenger. Pinkie Pie cried, wiping her eyes and sobbing. Spike hugged Applebloom comfortingly.

"You alright?" He asked her. The filly nodded.

"Ah'm just scared..." Applebloom responded.

"What happened?" Twilight asked Applejack.

"We need to wait for the others, first." Applejack said. "I'll explain when we're all here." As she said this, Nurse Sweetheart entered the room and regarded everypony.

"Miss Applejack." She said. "We need you to come and make a report for hospital records, when you're ready."

"Alright." Applejack said. The nurse, looking worried, frowned at Applejack and opened her mouth for a moment before speaking in reply.

"You don't have to do it now if you don't want to." She said. Applejack shook her head and began to walk toward the nurse pony.

"No, Ah can do it." Applejack said as she turned to Twilight. "Tell the others where Ah've gone when they get here. Ah'll be back soon." The young princess nodded as Applejack left the room and followed the nurse into a room with a desk and a chair across from the desk for Applejack to sit in. Nurse Sweetheart regarded Applejack with sympathy.

"I just need you to give me the name of the patient." She said.

"Rainbow Dash." Applejack said. The nurse nodded as she scribbled on the hospital form.

"Now, I need you to tell me what the cause of injury was." Nurse Sweetheart said.

"Timber Wolf attack." Applejack responded. The nurse frowned as she copied the information down on the form.

"And any close family she has..." The nurse said.

"She never knew her parents, and she doesn't really know any members of her extended family." Applejack said. "Ah'm the closest thing she's got." The nurse looked at her.

"And you are..." The nurse said.

"Her partner." Applejack said. The nurse nodded as she wrote down the information. Applejack was mildly suprised that the nurse showed no sign of disbelief or uneasyness. After sliding the paper into a file, the nurse looked at Applejack.

"You must care for her very much." She said with a small smile.

"Most definitely." Applejack confirmed with a small nod. "She actually saved my life. The timber wolf jumped on me first. She bucked it off. If it wasn't for her, Ah probably wouldn't be here now." Nurse Sweetheart nodded as she closed the file into the small cabinet behind the desk after writing down the rest of the official information. The nurse looked at Applejack and smiled once more.

"If you ask me, that was an extremely brave thing she did. You're lucky to have her." The nurse said. Applejack nodded and smiled back at her as they stood and exited the room, heading for the waiting room. Upon her return, Applejack layed her eyes upon Fluttershy and Rarity, who had arrived while she was away. Fluttershy still was crying, and Rarity's mane was out of order and disheveled. The two mares approached Applejack and wrapped her in a hug.

"W-what h-happened?" Fluttershy asked, her eyes red and filled with tears. Rarity sniffled and nodded.

"All they told us was that Rainbow Dash was badly injured and that it was an emergency." Rarity said. Applejack looked at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who had seemingly tagged along with Rarity. The white unicorn noticed this and turned back to Applejack. "Scootaloo was actually spending the night with Sweetie Belle when the messenger arrived." Applejack nodded and sighed.

"Ah suppose Ah oughta tell all of you now." Applejack said. "Rainbow and Ah had gone to Swingin' Manes for a good time...ya know...dancin', and alla that. After it was all over, we were on the way back to the farm and passin' the Everfree Forest. Out of nowhere, a Timber Wolf jumped on me. Neither of us could have ever suspected it...but Rainbow acted so quickly. She bucked it off of me, tackled it and flew into the Everfree with it fightin' with it. Ah followed the trail and found the two of 'em in the woods. Rainbow had defeated the Timber Wolf...but it fought back, apparently. She was cut up really bad and Ah think her leg's broken...She was losin' so much blood..." Applejack's voice caught in her throat as more tears began to fall down her cheeks. Big Macintosh walked up to her and put a front leg around her.

"Shh...it's okay, sis." Big Mac said soothingly. Everypony in the room was crying, most notably Scootaloo, who had buried her face in Sweetie Belle's shoulder.

"She was bleedin' so much...she was in so much pain, but she took it so well. She took it so well... Ah was doubtin' myself, saying that Ah couldn't go on, but she told me Ah could. It was like even when she was in the state she was in, she had no fear." Applejack said before realizing she was going into a small rant. She sniffled and looked at Everypony in the room. "Excuse me. Ah'm gettin' ahead of myself." The farm mare went and sat down next to Big Macintosh as he rubbed her shoulders.

They waited. Everyone in the room waited for what seemed like an eternity. To state that time passed by at a snail's pace was a complete and unmistakable understatement. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom had all fallen asleep together. Twilight, adjusting her wings slightly, moved in her seat as she seemed to be in deep thought. She looked down at Spike, who seemed to be repeatedly nodding off.

"Spike...you should go to sleep too. It's okay." Twilight said. Spike brightened up for a moment before hunching back down.

"It's okay, Twilight...I'm alright." He mumbled, his eyes opening and closing slower with every passing second. Twilight contented herself with the knowledge that the baby dragon would fall asleep involuntarily eventually. Pinkie Pie sat in her chair, her mane straight, continuing to cry as Rarity put a front leg around her shoulders.

"It's alright, Pinkie Pie." Rarity said through residual tears. "I'm sure Rainbow will be alright. She's always been a fighter. We all know that." Pinkie Pie nodded.

"I know, I know." Pinkie Pie said dejectedly. "But I can't help it. I keep thinking about what it would be like if she...she...sh.." Pinkie Pie could speak no more as she buried her face in Rarity's shoulder. As Rarity held onto the crying Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy had seemingly shut down where she sat. She didn't seem to react to any stimuli or situation around her. She simply stared forward, a look of fear in her eyes. Every so often, she'd shiver slightly indicating she was still aware of the events taking place around her.

Twilight stood up and walked over to Applejack before sitting in front of the farm mare. Applejack looked at her, tired and beaten down by her emotions. Twilight frowed at Applejack as she placed a hoof on the farm mare's shoulder.

"Applejack..." Twilight said. "I would like to tell you something." Applejack nodded as she looked at Twilight. The alicorn princess sighed before beginning.

"Regarding the Timber Wolf...I would like to tell you that you were most likely attacked by it not out of predatory instinct or spite, but rather out of desperation. Whenever a Timber Wolf is alone...it, in all proabability, has been ostracized from it's pack. This Timber Wolf was an outcast and it was probably starving. This usually makes the Timber Wolf venture into unfamiliar territory in search of food." She said. Applejack slowly blinked at her and frowned.

"Thanks for the info, Twi, but how is that supposed to help?" Applejack asked her. Twilight, mildly hurt, looked down for a moment.

"I just wanted to tell you that what happened was not through either you or Rainbow's fault. It wasn't anything either of you did. It was just bad luck." The princess said. Applejack, not in the mood to talk anymore nodded slowly. Twilight frowned before walking back to her seat. Time passed by for what seemed like hours. Pinkie Pie had cried herself to sleep, along with Fluttershy who slept soundly in her seat, leaning back. Suddenly, the door to the waiting room opened as a unicorn doctor walked in levitating a clipboard with his magic.

"May I see a Miss..." He scanned the clipboard, looking for the appropriate name to announce. "Applejack outside for a moment?" Applejack's stomach lurched as she jerked out of her seat, and looked back at everypony in the room. The doctor had woken up all who were sleeping. Turning back around, Applejack followed the doctor outside the waiting room.

"How is she, doctor?" Applejack asked him as he scanned his clipboard for a moment before looking at her.

"Well, let me just say first that I am extremely impressed with Miss Rainbow Dash." He said. "Not everypony would take on a timber wolf in a fight like that. That was very brave of her." Applejack nodded before reaffirming her previous question.

"How is she?"

"Oh, my apologies. She's stable for now..." Applejack sighed with complete and utter relief. "We closed up all the lacerations. Her wings are remarkably unharmed, save for a few minor scratches, but the radius in her front right leg is fractured, so we went ahead and put that in a cast. She's lost a very large amount of blood. She had actually almost bled to death by the time we were able to perform a blood transfusion. Just how well her body will take it is difficult to say at this point."

"So, she'll recover?" Applejack asked the doctor, a glimmer of hope in her voice.

"Well, I can't say for certain. It all depends on how her body adjusts to the transfusion. She was without a stable blood supply for so long, her body...acclimated to it. That's not to say that there's no hope. At this point, I'd say it could go either way." The doctor said.

"So...basically what you're tellin' me is that she has a fifty-fifty chance to survive?" Applejack asked the doctor. He nodded.

"Yes ma'am, by my estimation." The doctor said. "She's actually awake. She's been asking to see you." Applejack's eyes lit up.

"Could Ah see her?" Applejack asked.

"I'm not sure that's the right thing to do...she's very weak." He said, sympathetically raising his eyebrows. Applejack looked down, not feeling up at causing a confrontation over the subject. "But...under the current circumstances...I think I could make an exception." Applejack nodded with a grateful smile on her face.

"Thank you so much, Doctor..." She said.

"Pulse. Life Pulse. But please, for her sake...keep it brief. She needs her rest." He said. Applejack nodded. "Room 249. Take a right, walk down the hall and it'll be near the end on your left." Applejack took off in a quick trot toward the door, followed by the doctor. Nurse Coldheart, who was walking away from the room, attempted to stop the farm mare.

"Let her pass, nurse." Doctor Pulse said. The nurse nodded as Applejack continued to the room. Ever so gingerly, Applejack nudged the door open and walked inside. What she saw nearly made her break down where she stood. Rainbow Dash layed back in the bed, a cast encasing her front right leg. Her face was covered in cuts and bruises. Her wings were folded neatly at her sides over the massive, bandage that covered her bodily lacerations like some ridiculous anatomical oxymoron. Rainbow, who was currently doped up on anesthetic, brightened up as much as the pain-numbing drug allowed her to. Applejack silently sobbed to herself.

"Applejack." She said, smiling brightly, her voice weak and raspy.

"Hey, darlin'." Applejack said, walking across the room to her marefriend. "How are ya?"

"Oh...I'm...fine..." Rainbow said. "I don't need these...stupid bandages." Applejack stroked her mane. Even drugged, Rainbow Dash layed her ears back. "Are...you okay?" The pegasus asked, her words slurring as if she was drunk.

"Look at you, askin' if Ah'm okay." Applejack said. Rainbow lazily smiled.

"I know I'll be fine." Rainbow said before looking around the room. "Goddesses, I hate hospitals." Applejack nodded.

"Ya gotta be here right now, sugarcube." Applejack said. "But we'll be leavin' soon, don't worry."

"Yeah..." Rainbow said, her eyes beginning to droop sleepily. "I'm...tired..." Applejack wiped her eyes.

"Then go to sleep, Dash." Applejack said. Rainbow looked at her momentarily.

"Stay..." Rainbow said. "With me."

"Ah can't sugarcube...ya need your rest." Applejack responded.

"Please..." Rainbow said before falling completely asleep. Tears flowed down Appleajck's cheeks as she sniffled, stroking Rainbow Dash's mane once more. Applejack leaned over Rainbow and placed a small kiss on her forehead. Applejack sobbed silently as she turned and walked out of the room, leaving Rainbow Dash to slumber.

_____

"What did he say?" Granny Smith said. "You were out there an awful long time." Applejack stopped for a moment and considered the many possibilities of what to say. To describe the delicate situation to her friends and family was a very slippery slope to be certain. Passions were high and malleable as molten steel. She could have told the truth, and sent many of her friends into a state of intense worry.

Or, she could have said something else.

"They got her gashes closed, and her front leg cast, because it's fractured. They had to do a blood transfusion, because of the blood loss, but the doctor said she has a good chance and that she'll proably be fine." Big Macintosh and Granny Smith smiled widely and nodded.

"Ah told ya, sweetie." Granny Smith said, winking at her. Applejack put on a fake-feeling smile.

'Fifty percent is a good chance...isn't it?' Applejack thought.

"Oh, that's a relief." Twilight said, Spike hugging her neck as a state of relaxation fell over the room. Pinkie Pie, who had been woken up by the doctor, shook her head momentarily, her mane popping back up into the curly, adorable mess everypony was used to. Rarity smiled wider than she had in a while and nodded. Scootaloo threw a hoof in the air and jumped over her friends, her small wings fluttering, and landed in front of them, making them giggle.

"YES! I knew that stupid Timber Wolf couldn't beat Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo boasted for her idol. Fluttershy shed tears of joy, each tear sending pangs of premature guilt shooting through Applejack. Nurse Redheart stepped into the waiting room and regarded the different celebrating ponies. Applejack quickly walked to her and whispered in her ear.

"Ah'm uh...tryin' to keep their spirits up." Applejack said. Nurse Redheart, getting the situation immediately, nodded at Applejack.

"How is everypony doing?" Nurse Redheart asked the group. She recieved various versions of "Better." from all the ponies, Pinkie Pie's version going on about three times longer than everypony else's. "Well, that's wonderful." Applejack looked up at the clock, and silently gasped at herself at seeing how it was 4:45 in the morning. Applejack looked around at all of her noticeably tired friends.

"Alright, everyone." Applejack said. "It's almost five in the morning. Y'all should go home and get some rest." All of her friends reacted with suprise.

"Has it truly been that long?" Rarity said, astounded. "My word, that seems impossible!"

"Indeed." Twilight said. "Spike has been nodding off for the past three hours. I'd better take him back home. Come on, Pinkie."

"No I haven't!" Spike argued as they walked over to Applejack.

"Rainbow is strong. She'll be back to normal in no time." Twilight said with a genuine smile before hugging Applejack. Pinkie Pie joined in the hug before the three left the room. Rarity stood as well.

"Alright...now that we know Rainbow Dash will recover, I simply must catch up on my beauty sleep." Rarity said before wrapping Applejack in a tight hug. "Everything worked out, dear. I'm happy for you. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, come along." Applebloom's friends stood before the farm filly stood as well and looked up at Granny Smith.

"Can Ah go with 'em?" Applebloom asked. "Pleeease?" Granny Smith raised an eyebrow before smiling.

"Aw, what the heck!" Granny said. "Ah don't mind it. But y'all get to sleep as soon as ya get there. There'll be plenty of time for playin' tomorrow...or uh...later on today..." Granny Smith trailed off slightly as Applebloom nodded.

"Thanks, Granny!" Applebloom said before running in the direction of her friends.

"That is..." Granny Smith said, making Applebloom stop in her tracks and look back at her. "If your sister's okay with it." Applebloom looked at her sister and widened her eyes seemingly to the size of dinner plates.

"Pleeeease?" She begged. Applejack smiled at her little sister and nodded. Applebloom happily followed her friends out the door.

"All of you listen to Granny Smith. Go to sleep when we get to the boutique." Rarity said, a slight stern tone lacing her words. "I don't want to wake up to the disasterous results of 'Cutie Mark Crusaders dress makers.' or something of that sort..." Granny Smith, who looked on after them, looked back at Applejack and smiled at her.

"It must've been quite a shock ya've gone through tonight." Granny Smith said. "That kinda stuff doesn't usually happen." Applejack nodded and sighed.

"Ah'm just happy that everything's gonna be okay..." Applejack said, smiling at her grandmother.

"What a fighter Rainbow is, eh?" Granny Smith said. "You should be proud."

"Ah couldn't be prouder if Ah tried." Applejack said. "Y'all gonna head home or stay here?"

"Ah'm thinkin' we'll head back to the house for now. This chair ain't doin' nothin' good for my back." Granny Smith said before hopping up. "Besides, Ah need one of you to help me home, and Ah don't think you're gonna want to be leavin' Rainbow." Applejack shook her head.

"No ma'am. Ah'm gonna stay right here." Applejack said.

"Applejack." Big Macintosh said. "Ah just wanted to tell ya that Ah'm proud of how ya handled this. You're stickin' it out for Miss Rainbow, and Ah wouldn't expect any less from you." Granny Smith and Big Macintosh hugged Applejack, making the farm mare feel temporarily soothed.

"Thanks...Love y'all. Be safe on the way home." Applejack said. Granny Smith smiled back at her.

"We will." The old mare said. "Give Rainbow our love when ya see her. We'll be back to visit very soon." Applejack's smile faded to a frown as she sat down in a seat, a dejected look on her face. Applejack buried her face in her front hooves as Nurse Redheart sat down next to her.

"I don't mean to pry...really, I don't." Nurse Redheart said. "But...why did you sugarcoat it to them like that?" Applejack looked at the Nurse, her eyes half-lidded in exhaustion.

"If Ah told them the truth...If they actually knew the real chances... Well, they might lose hope. And Ah know everyone says that...but it holds so much truth, it can't help but be repeated. Hope is such a dangerous thing to lose, and Ah just didn't want 'em to be heartbroken." Applejack said.

"But Rainbow still has a decent chance to make it." Nurse Redheart said.

"The chance is also just as decent that she won't." Applejack said. "And it's always best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best in these situations." Nurse Redheart nodded.

"I can definitely see where you're coming from." Nurse Redheart said before standing up. "Are you sure you'll be alright here? Maybe you should go home and rest and come back tomorrow."

"Ah'm not leavin' her!" Applejack said a little louder than she had planned, making the nurse step back slightly. Applejack brought a hoof to her forehead. "Ah'm sorry...Ah'm just...so tired. But with all due respect, Nurse Redheart...Ah'm not leavin' her." Nurse Redheart nodded.

"It's alright...I understand." She said. "If you ask me...I know she'll make it....I'll be back in a moment." Nurse Redheart stepped out of the room leaving Applejack alone. The farm mare then sat in that suddenly uncomfortable chair in the waiting room, solitary and filled with worry and fear. Before long, Nurse Redheart returned with a pillow and a blanket.

"I was able to snag these for you." She said. "That chair may not be very comfy, but these will help." Applejack smiled and nodded appreciatively at Nurse Redheart.

"Thank you, nurse. Ah appreciate that." Nurse Redheart nodded and smiled, handing the blanket and pillow to Applejack before leaving the room, most likely to perform her other duties. Applejack removed her stetson and placed it in the chair next to her, resting her head back on the pillow and covering up with the blanket. They were a generous and thoughtful gesture by Nurse Redheart to be certain, but compared to Applejack's current situation, they were mere trifles that helped only slightly.

Applejack wished that she could cry it out, just to sob, bawl and heave until the sorrow went away...but she had cried as much as she possibly could all throughout the night, and the sorrow did not leave her being. No longer able to shed tears, Applejack merely repositioned in her chair and got as comfortable as she possibly could. Her sheer physical and emotional exhaustion helped tremendously in pushing her closer and closer to sleep.

But, in a sense, Applejack didn't want to sleep, for she feared with every fiber of her being what she may have discovered when she would wake up.

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Here, have a sad chapter. Yeah, yeah I know, It's all heavy on the dismal and depressing, but hey, that's how I roll, jack. I've actually been watching Duck Dynasty an awful lot lately. It's an incredibly charming show about a redneck family who have become millionaires selling duck calls, but make sure not to part with their southern ways. Oh, man, the things you come to love when you live in the southern U.S. Also, I have noticed that Rainbow Dash getting hurt in the previous chapter has been getting some relatively mixed reviews, due to it apparently being a cliche in Appledash stories. I read quite a lot of Appledash and I haven't really seen much of it, but maybe that's just me. Oh, well. I'm just gonna continue to write. Cheers!

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

"Applejack, come here, quickly!" Nurse Redheart exclaimed, shocking Applejack awake. The nurse's eyes were widened and fearful, indicating a situation of urgency. "It's Rainbow Dash." Applejack immediately stood up as Nurse Redheart sprinted out of the room. Running at top speed, Applejack followed her down the hallway. The white walls were no less intimidating than they had been the previous night. The fluorescent lights beat down on her mercilessly. Doctor Life Pulse stood outside the room Rainbow Dash was housed in. He shook his head hopelessly at her. Applejack's heart dropped and the feeling seemed to drain out of her legs. The doctor opened his mouth to speak.

"She's not doing too well." He said. "Her body couldn't keep up with the blood loss. She doesn't have much time left."

"No." Applejack said, completely heartbroken. "Please, no." The doctor shook his head one more time.

"I'm sorry." He said as he walked away from Applejack down the hallway.

"It's time to say goodbye, Applejack." Nurse Redheart said. Her face was uncharacteristically straight and seemingly emotionless. Applejack sobbed as she entered the room, finding Rainbow Dash on the bed, breathing heavily.

"Rainbow...Ah...Ah..." Applejack struggled to speak, putting her hoof on Rainbow Dash's shoulder.

"Applejack." Rainbow said weakly as the EKG slowed down with every passing second. "You did all you could. I'm so proud of you."

"It wasn't enough, baby." Applejack sobbed, her body wracked with sorrow at what she knew was coming. Rainbow widened her eyes and smiled at Applejack, making her jump slightly.

"DJ PON-3's tunes were pretty sweet, weren't they?" Rainbow asked randomly, slightly shocking Applejack. But nonetheless, the farm mare nodded.

"They sure were, Dash." Applejack said. Nurse Redheart quickly poked her head in the room, making Applejack turn around to see her.

"I'm sorry, but you only have five more minutes." She said. Applejack raised an eyebrow at the nurse.

"What?" She said before the EKG began to flatline. The single-toned sound brought Applejack back around to lay eyes upon Rainbow Dash's lifeless body. She was dead. Rainbow Dash was dead. Applejack sobbed over Rainbow Dash's passing, but something else also caught her attention. At the window, scratching and clawing, attempting to get in, was a timber wolf. It slavered and snarled in an attempt to reach it's prey....

"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack shrieked as she woke up from her nightmare.

She struggled to catch her breath as she looked around to get her bearings on where she was at that moment. The pleasantly painted walls of the waiting room reassured her that everything that had just taken place was purely a dream and nothing more. She sighed heavily before placing a hoof on her forehead. The waiting room was still completely empty, devoid of anypony but herself to occupy it. Applejack looked at the clock and frowned. It was eleven thirty in the morning.

Applejack layed back upon the pillow that Nurse Redheart had so graciously provided for her the previous night and attempted to get back to sleep. Sleep never came, and the ever increasing weight she felt on her chest did not lessen. So, resigning herself to the fact that she was not gettting any more sleep for at least some amount of hours, she sat up in the chair and replaced her stetson, sighing once more. Applejack prepared herself to spend more hours waiting for the next bit of news from the hospital officials on Rainbow Dash's condition.

This turned out to be a gross overestimation as Nurse Redheart opened the door and walked into the room. Applejack straightened up and looked at her. The nurse mare had an unmistakable smile on her face. It did not seem to be one of solace however, rather, it was one of happiness.

"Any news, Nurse Redheart?" Applejack asked with bated breath, worry lacing her facial features. Nurse Redheart nodded.

"Applejack..." Nurse Redheart said. "Rainbow Dash has made a full recovery from her blood loss." A spark ignited within Applejack at the utterance of the words. Applejack's eyes widened as she stumbled for a moment, before being caught by Nurse Redheart just as it seemed she was about to fall on her side.

"So...so that means..." Applejack said, tears brimming in her eyes. Nurse Redheart nodded happily.

"Yes. She's going to be fine." The nurse said, tearing up as well. Applejack sat back as the tears fell down her cheeks. She laughed slightly as intense relief flooded through her body. She quickly stood and looked at the nurse.

"Ah gotta...Ah gotta..." Applejack said, the tears not ceasing their flow. Nurse Redheart simply smiled and nodded, moving away from the doorway, letting Applejack race out of the waiting room in the direction of the hospital room Rainbow Dash occupied. Applejack nearly collided with a doctor, who she dodged and let out a quick-

"Sorry!" Applejack finally arrived at the door to Rainbow's room and stepped inside. She layed eyes upon Rainbow Dash, who layed in the bed, chatting with Doctor Pulse as he returned his stethoscope back around his neck. Rainbow, upon seeing Applejack smiled widely and snickered.

"Hey, AJ!" Rainbow said happily, albeit raspily and quietly. She looked remarkably better than the previous night, but she still seemed slightly frail. Applejack sobbed as she darted across the room to Rainbow's bed.

"Rainbow, you're okay...You're okay!" Applejack cried as she gingerly wrapped her front legs around Rainbow Dash's upper body, where no bandages were present. Rainbow smiled contentedly as she returned Applejack's hug and nuzzled her. Applejack gently placed her forehead on Rainbow's and laughed as tears continued to fall from her eyes.

"Of course I am. There's no way I was gonna leave you." Rainbow retorted.

"Ah'm just so...so..." Applejack sobbed again as Rainbow looked into her teary eyes. "Relieved." Rainbow smiled as she hugged Applejack once more. The doctor raised his eyebrows at the scene before him.

"Who are you exactly to Rainbow Dash, Applejack, if you don't mind me asking?" He asked the farm mare. She turned to him and smiled.

"No, Ah don't mind." Applejack said before wiping her tears and turning back to Rainbow Dash before uttering proudly- "She's my marefriend." The doctor chuckled and nodded, smiling widely.

"Ah. The paper just says 'partner' so I was was just wondering. I am extremely happy that it worked out for the both of you. I suppose you've heard the news about Rainbow's recovery from the blood loss?" He said. Applejack nodded. "If you could come outside with me momentarily, we can discuss further arrangements to do with Rainbow's recovery." Applejack nodded again.

"Alright." Applejack said before turning back to Rainbow. "Ah'll be back in a minute." Applejack kissed Rainbow on the forehead.

"Don't be long." Rainbow said, smiling at her love. Applejack followed the doctor outside the room and smiled at him.

"Alright. What's gonna happen now?" Applejack asked the unicorn Doctor. The happy look had faded from his face, replaced with a more serious expression.

"Well, I would just like to tell you that we're not quite out of the woods yet." He said. Applejack raised an eyebrow and her heart skipped a beat.

"W-What do ya mean?" Applejack asked him. "Is she not gonna be okay?" The doctor shook his head.

"No, I never said that she won't be alright. But there are several conditions we must discuss before we continue on with her treatment." The doctor said. Applejack nodded and gulped silently.

"Go on." The farm mare said. The doctor sighed and closed his eyes before looking at Applejack.

"Rainbow Dash will be in severe pain within the next three hours. Shortly after your visit, she began to feel acute pain in her sides where her lacerations are. I gave her a pain killer that seemed to work nicely, and it should be wearing off soon." The doctor said. "Just the slightest movements of her body irritate her lacerations and cause her a very significant amount of discomfort." Applejack frowned.

"Well, what are we gonna do?" Applejack said. "Ah don't want her suffering."

"Well, the drug I gave her worked like a charm. But it can only be used in small doses, because it is addictive." He said.

"You gave her an addictive drug?!" Applejack said in outrage, narrowing her eyes and raising an eyebrow.

"As long as it is used within the correct dosage limits, she won't develop an addiction, I assure you." He said. "I would like to prescribe some to her, if I could have your permission. Her pain can get so severe, it is the best action to take at this point if we don't want her to just take the pain."

"Well, what are the details?" Applejack said.

"The pain-killer I want for Rainbow Dash is remarkable in it's ability to dull intense pain due to broken bones and lacerations. Both being the case with Rainbow. However, it can only be taken when needed and within the doseage parameters, because as I said before, it is addictive." He said. "There are several common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness among others, but they're not too serious." Applejack looked at the doctor and considered what he had just told her. Rainbow Dash could take pain quite well, but if the pain truly was as severe as the doctor had said, she didn't see any other option.

"Are you sure it's the only drug we can give her?" Applejack asked the doctor.

"No, there are others. But they're not nearly as effective. They're usually used for sprains and headaches." The doctor said. Applejack sighed, nodded and looked him in the eyes.

"Alright, then." Applejack said. "You're absolutely sure she won't get addicted?" The doctor nodded.

"As long as you use the correct dosage, yes, I am certain." He said.

"And those side effects?" Applejack asked him.

"Side effects of these kinds of medications are more common in Pegasi due to their natural light weight and thin body frames. Rainbow is in extremely good health, however, and that usually points to a possibility that the side effects won't happen. The nausea and vomiting, should they occur, will be quite unpleasant for her. But they will be nothing compared to the pain she'll suffer if she is not on the medication." The doctor said. "Please, Miss Applejack. I only want what is best for Rainbow Dash. I wouldn't have prescribed the drug if there was a better option." Applejack nodded.

"Okay, doctor." Applejack said. "How long until she can come home?"

"At this point, I would say that she can go home in two days, four days at the most. She needs to recover a bit more before we can let her go." He said. "With your help and the drugs, Rainbow Dash will make a full recovery within three months. She can't fly until the lacerations heal, and that could take up to a month and a half. You'll have to change the bandages every day and apply the antibiotic ointment that I have prescribed. She'll have to wear the cast for two months for the bone to heal completely. The cast is waterproof, though, so she can get a shower."

"Okay, doctor." Applejack said. "Thank you so much for all of your help." He nodded.

"Applejack, I actually want to apologize to you." The doctor said. Applejack raised an eyebrow.

"Apologize?" Applejack said. "What for?"

"Last night...when I described Rainbow's condition to you, it appears now that I had made an overestimation of her chances to survive." He said.

"What do you mean?" Applejack asked, confused.

"Well, before we performed the transfusion, she had lost a lot of blood." He continued. "So much blood, in fact, that her chances of surviving were not actually fifty-fifty. They were much closer to thirty-seventy." Applejack's eyes widened at this news.

"Ah...don't know what to say." Applejack uttered. "She looks so much better now than she did last night." The doctor nodded.

"That's exactly what I'm trying to say." The doctor said. "I don't think Rainbow Dash pulled through so well just because of what we've done. She had a low chance of survival after we did what we could. She's got so much strength and so much willpower... She pulled through, despite the poor chances that she would...you're lucky to have her." Applejack smiled at him.

"Thank you, Doctor." Applejack said. "Ah know Ah am." The doctor nodded.

"If you'll excuse me, I have some other matters to attend to." The doctor said. "Feel free to stay in there with her for as long as you please." As the doctor walked down the white hallway that once was so intimidating, Applejack walked back into Rainbow Dash's hospital room. The pegasus smiled at her.

"Took you long enough." Rainbow said.

"Oh, you hush up." Applejack said. "Ah was just talkin' to the doctor about some stuff."

"Such as?" Rainbow inquired, raising an eyebrow. Applejack smirked.

"Well, first of all, no flying and nothing but bedrest for at least a month and a half." Applejack said. "You can only get up when ya need me to help ya to the restroom or to get a shower." Rainbow's eyes widened and her jaw dropped.

"What? Seriously?!" Rainbow exclaimed in complete disappointment. Applejack chuckled.

"Rainbow, ya got serious lacerations going all down your body. Do ya really wanna risk reopening them by flying?" Applejack said. Rainbow raised an eyebrow at her.

"Well, you've always been a pretty heavy sleeper." Rainbow said. Applejack furrowed her brows at Rainbow. "I'm kidding, okay? Sheesh, so serious. Just trying to lighten the mood here." Applejack smiled and sat down next to the bed, looking Rainbow Dash straight in her eyes.

"The doc says that you can leave in two days." Applejack said. "They just wanna fix you up a little more." Rainbow groaned.

"I hate hospitals." Rainbow said. "I'm fine now. Really, I am." Applejack nodded.

"Ah know, sweetie, Ah know. It's just to be on the safe side." Applejack said. "You'll be stayin' at the farm house with me so that Ah can keep an eye on ya, change your bandages and such." Rainbow nodded and sighed as Applejack stroked her mane. Rainbow nuzzled Applejack's hoof.

"Ah treasure you so much." Applejack said. "Do you know that?" Rainbow Dash looked back at Applejack and smiled sweetly, holding Applejack's hoof against her cheek. The pegasus nodded.

"I know." Rainbow said. Applejack stood and leaned over Rainbow and softly connected her lips to Rainbow's in a tender kiss, making both their hearts flutter in their chests. The kiss was soft and loving and went on for some time before Applejack disconnected from it, earning a small disappointed whine from Rainbow Dash.

"Why'd we stop?" Rainbow Dash asked her lover longingly. "That was so nice." Applejack smiled and kissed Rainbow's forehead.

"Ah think Ah'm gonna go and get my room all ready for ya." Applejack said sweetly. Rainbow frowned.

"Aww...Come on." Rainbow said. Applejack smiled as she began to walk out of the room.

"Ah'll only be gone for about an hour or so. Then Ah'll be right back here with you, okay? If the nurses'll let me, Ah'll even sleep in here with you." Applejack said. "Ah'm just gonna go and make it a little more...homey." Rainbow Dash sighed and nodded.

"Okay." Rainbow said. "But I'm timing you!" Applejack laughed.

"With what stopwatch, sugarcube?" The farm mare inquired. Rainbow's eyes widened slightly as she pressed the assistance button on her bed remote. Applejack smiled widely as she left the room.

"Is everything alright, Miss Rainbow?" A nurse asked over the small speaker.

"Yeah, I'm alright. But could you bring me a stopwatch?" Rainbow's voice began to fade as Applejack walked further and further down the hallway.

"But Miss Rainbow, I don't belie-" The nurse responded, her voice fading to unhearable conditions as Applejack passed the waiting room and left the hospital. Applejack happily walked down the path away from Ponyville General toward the cottage of a certain yellow pegasus. Unexpectedly, Applejack passed Derpy Hooves, who was struggling in her daily task of delivering mail to all the different ponies of Ponyville.

"Hey, Derpy!" Applejack called the dim-witted but sweet pegasus. Applejack smiled as Derpy shot her wall-eyed face in her direction. "Need some help?" Derpy nodded quickly.

"Heya, there, Applejack. I sure do!" Derpy said galloping toward the farm mare, coming to a stop just in front of her. "Could you tell me who this pony is? I don't really even know her." Applejack, not bothering to point out to Derpy that she could just read the mailing address, looked at the envelope.

"That's Roseluck, Derpy." Applejack said. "She has a flower shop down the street from Sugarcube Corner." Applejack's spine tingled at the mention of the place owned by such hateful ponies. Derpy, appreciating the tip off, smiled at Applejack.

"Okey dokey then, Applejack. Thanks!" Derpy took off into the air and flew towards Ponyville. Applejack wished safety over the pony that would undoubtedly be in Derpy's landing trajectory. Applejack continued to make her way to Fluttershy's cottage on the outskirts of Ponyville. The walk was a decent one, but nothing the well-conditioned farm mare couldn't handle. Upon arriving, Applejack delivered the standard, polite three knocks to Fluttershy's door. The pegasus opened it almost immediately and smiled at the sight of her friend.

"Oh, Applejack." Fluttershy said. "It's good to see you. How is Rainbow Dash?" Applejack smiled and nodded, tipping her stetson at the timid pegasus.

"She's on the straight and narrow road to recovery." Applejack said. Fluttershy stepped to the side, offering entrance to Applejack.

"Would you like to come in for some tea?" Fluttershy asked her. Applejack politely shook her head.

"Maybe some other time, Fluttershy." Applejack said. "Ah was actually wanting to ask a favor of ya." Fluttershy's ears perked up at the mention of a proposition.

"Oh?" Fluttershy said. "What kind of favor?"

"Well, the hospital is gonna let Rainbow Dash go in a couple of days, and so she's gonna be stayin' in my room until she recovers enough to fly home for herself. And Ah was thinkin' Ah'd do a little decoratin' for her, since she's gonna be in there for quite a while." Applejack explained as Fluttershy nodded.

"That's understandable." Fluttershy said. "What can I do to help?"

"Ah was wonderin' if you could come with me and fly up to Rainbow's house for a couple of things."

_____

"Oh, I'm so excited!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, jumping up and down, an enormous smile covering her face. "Dashie's finally getting out of the hospital!" Rainbow Dash's friends and newfound family waited outside the front doors of Ponyville General as the sun set over Ponyville, relieving Celestia of her duty.

"I think we're all very happy, Pinkie." Twilight said to her friend. "Rainbow Dash always pulls through in these kinds of situations. This time is no different."

"Ah'm still tryin' to wrap my head around it!" Applebloom said to her friends, who smiled back at her.

"I know! It's crazy how tough she is." Sweetie Belle said.

"Rainbow Dash is so cool!" Scootaloo said. "She beats a timber wolf with her bare hooves, escapes death and gets out of the hospital two days later!"

"Y'all calm down now." Granny Smith said to the three fillies who were sitting inside the wagon Rainbow Dash would ride back to the farm in. "Ah don't mean to put a damper on your good time, but Ah doubt Rainbow's gonna wanna listen to three yellin' fillies on the way home."

"Eeeyup." Big Macintosh added. The fillies nodded at the old mare.

"There really was no time for me to find the proper hat for the occasion, so I had to improvise." Rarity said as she flashed the enormous diamond necklace she wore around her neck with a fashionable smile.

"Uhm, Rarity?" Fluttershy asked her fasionable friend. "Is that really necessary?"

"But of course, dear!" Rarity said with a small scoff. "Rainbow Dash is finally leaving the hospital and the occasion simply demands that I look my best for her."

"I don't think Rainbow Dash will appreciate it as much as you think she will, Rarity." Twilight said. Rarity furrowed her brows and stuck her nose up into the air.

"Well, if I had anticipated that I would get such negative reception from my friends, I wouldn't have even-"

"Y'all hush up, now!" Granny Smith said atop the wagon Big Macintosh was connected to. "Here they come!" All the friends watched the hospital doors with bated breath as they opened to reveal Applejack, helping Rainbow Dash walk out of the large medical building, accompanied by Nurse Redheart. Rainbow Dash had her good front leg wrapped around Applejack's shoulder as they walked out the doors. They were greeted by the happy cheers of their friends and family.

"Oh my gosh, Rainbow! I'm so happy you're okay!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "How have you been?"

"Pinkie, you guys visited me yesterday." Rainbow said with a smile. "I'm alright, thanks for asking."

"I want to hug you right now, but I don't wanna hurt you..." Pinkie said sounding slightly disappointed.

"You can hug me, Pinkie. Just, uh...be gentle." Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow and letting go of Applejack for a moment. Pinkie Pie giggled as she gingerly wrapped her front legs around Rainbow. Pinkie let go and made way for Rarity, who happily approached her.

"It's so great to see you back in your old spirits again, dear." Rarity said, offering a hug to Rainbow which she accepted.

"Thanks, Rares." Rainbow said. Twilight smiled sweetly and hugged her.

"I knew you'd make it." Twilight said. Fluttershy flitted up to her and looked to the side.

"Rainbow...uh...I...um..." The shy pegasus said.

"Come here, Fluttershy." Rainbow said. Fluttershy happily hugged Rainbow Dash before letting Applejack help her over to the wagon.

"Alright, Dash. Ah'm gonna lift ya up into the wagon. Get ready." Rainbow nodded as Applejack lifted the lightweight pegasus and placed her upon a cushion they had set up for her. Applejack then walked over to Nurse Redheart and gave her a hug, slightly suprising the mare.

"Thank you so much for all you've done." Applejack said. "Really, you helped us out so much." Nurse Redheart smiled and nodded at Applejack.

"I was all too happy to do it." Nurse Redheart responded. "Have a safe trip home." Applejack nodded at her and turned back toward the wagon.

"Alrighty, then. We all set to head home?" Applejack said as she approached the wagon. Rainbow nodded at her. Applejack hopped up into the wagon and held Rainbow in place as Big Macintosh began to pull them all back in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

"I love you guys! And I'm gonna be waiting for you guys to come visit me. Have you heard? Two months in bed! It's ridiculous!" Rainbow exclaimed to her friends making them laugh as they all waved goodbye.

"I just cannot believe she didn't notice my necklace..." Rarity pouted as she watched them ride away. Twilight sent a disapproving look in the prim white unicorn's way, which she pretended not to notice.

_____

The wagon that Rainbow Dash rode in bumped mutely as Big Macintosh pulled it briskly down the path to Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow Dash sighed happily as she looked at the gorgeous scenery of the fields outside Ponyville, the Spring breeze blowing the grass just enough to create mesmerizing patterns in the millions of green blades, illuminated by the pale moonlight. Rainbow Dash looked to her side momentarily, laying eyes upon Applejack, who layed in the wagon bed beside her. Applejack nuzzled Rainbow Dash sweetly. Rainbow Dash, after returning the sign of affection, looked to her other side to behold Scootaloo sitting in front of her two friends, an abnormally large grin on her face.

"Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo said. Rainbow, smirking at the beaming filly, slowly ruffled her purple mane.

"Hey there, squirt." Rainbow said. "I'm guessing that you, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom are all gonna meet in your treehouse tonight." Scootaloo nodded.

"Yeah, we are, but that's not as important as what's happening now." Scootaloo said.

"And what exactly is happening now?" Rainbow Dash asked her number one fan. Scootaloo cleared her throat and looked to the side as Applebloom and Sweetie Belle joined her in front of Rainbow Dash.

"Could you...uh...tell us how it went that night?" Scootaloo asked. "Y'know...how you fought the Timber Wolf with your bare hooves?" Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows and looked over at Applejack momentarily who shrugged. Rainbow smiled and looked back at her admirers.

"Yeah. I guess I could tell you all." Rainbow said before clearing her throat. "Just know that I am telling you the Celestia's honest truth." The three fillies all nodded excitedly before laying down on their bellies in front of Rainbow Dash. The tone of Rainbow's voice dropped to a menacing narration of an adventure.

"Now, it was a dark knight, just like this one. Applejack and I were out walking in the pale moonlight completely oblivious to the world around us. Little did we know...we were being followed. Hunted. As we're passing the Everfree Forest, I hear a growl behind us. I try to turn around to see what it is when BAM!" The sudden onomatopoeia shocked the listening fillies, making them jump. "A timber wolf comes out of nowhere and tackles Applejack to the ground! 'Help me, Rainbow!' she said. 'Help me, please!'" A very audible chuckle was heard from Granny Smith at Rainbow's awful imitation of Applejack.

"Hey, wait a minute! Ah never said-" Applejack began to say.

"So I had to think fast! I bucked the timber wolf off of Applejack, giving her the opportunity to get up. I charge in, hooves blazing and I collide with the timber wolf. I flied into the Everfree Forest fighting it, getting my good licks in. But the beast was quick to strike back, which is why I have these bandages on here." Rainbow Dash gestured to the bandages that currently covered her lacerations. "So, we hit a tree and I broke my front leg, but I was still able to fight. I bucked it in the chin as it charged for me and WHAP! I crushed it with a final double-stomp to it's body!" Rainbow threw her chin into the air triumphantly as she spinned her extravagant yarn. "The beast was no more and I was..." Rainbow looked over at Applejack momentarily, who had an eyebrow raised. Rainbow Dash sighed.

"I was pretty beat up. If it wasn't for Applejack coming to save me...I probably would have died out there." Rainbow said. Applejack smiled and nodded at Rainbow, who nodded back. The pegasus quickly looked over at the three fillies and added- "But I did take a timber wolf apart with my bare hooves!" Scootaloo whooped and threw a hoof into the air as her friends cheered as well.

"Rainbow Dash, this just proves once again that you are the most awesome pegasus in Equestria!" Scootaloo said with a gigantic smile. Rainbow snickered.

"Thanks, squirt. I appreciate that." Rainbow said before looking out of the wagon to see that they were already passing through the Sweet Apple Acres orchard. After they parked at the front of the farmhouse, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom hopped out of the cart, ready for a night of crusading.

"Now y'all stay in that treehouse! Ah don't want to have to send Big Mac out after ya!" Granny Smith said.

"Don't worry, Granny. We'll stay in the treehouse." Applebloom said. Scootaloo looked up at Rainbow Dash who was still laying up in the wagon bed, shuffling from side to side, blushing. Quickly, Scootaloo gave Rainbow a gentle hug.

"Bye, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo said.

"Glad you're feelin' better, Rainbow!" Applebloom said as the three friends charged in the direction of their treehouse. Applejack stepped down out of the wagon and began helping Rainbow out of the bed.

"Go check on 'em in about an hour or two." Granny Smith said to Big Macintosh. "Ah don't want 'em gettin' too crazy with tryin' to get their cutie marks." Big Mac nodded.

"Need any help with Rainbow, Applejack?" Big Mac asked his sister. Applejack, who had Rainbow's front leg around her shoulders shook her head.

"Naah, Ah got it." Applejack said. "She only weighs about forty pounds."

"Hey!" Rainbow said before the apple family cracked up. The three ponies moved inside, Applejack gently kicking the door closed behind them.

"Alrighty, then, Rainbow." Applejack said. "Time to get ya to your new room for the next two months." Rainbow groaned and closed her eyes in despair.

"Don't remind me." Rainbow said as they walked down the hallway to Applejack's bedroom door which was closed. Applejack had a seemingly stationary smile on her face as they approached the bedroom, making Rainbow raise an eyebrow questioningly. Rainbow saw why Applejack smiled as the farm mare pushed open the door to her room. Applejack's room had been completely overhauled with materials from Rainbow Dash's bedroom in her cloud home. The bed was adorned with her rainbow lightning strike comforter, several Daring Do novels lay on the nightstand, waiting to be read, the curtains from her room hung on the window and even one of the rugs graced the floor. A poster of the Wonderbolts added the final touch to this awesome menagerie of items from Rainbow Dash's room. Rainbow's jaw dropped and she smiled widely.

"Applejack, I...I..." Rainbow said.

"Seein' as how you're gonna be stayin' a while, Ah want ya to feel at home as much as possible." Applejack said. "Ah just figured you'd like it, is all."

"Like it? Applejack, I love it!" Rainbow exclaimed happily, placing a kiss on Applejack's lips. "I just don't know how you managed to get up to my house and get all this stuff."

"Fluttershy was kinda an instrumental part of my plan." Applejack retorted. "And now ya know why Ah couldn't tell ya exactly why I was three hours late back to the hospital. And there's actually one part of the room you're not quite seein' yet anywho." Rainbow surveyed the room, looking over the dressers and the remade bed before she saw what she had missed. Upon the bed, looking at her happily, was Tank.

"Tank!" Rainbow exclaimed ecstatically. "Oh, Tank, I missed you, buddy!" Applejack helped Rainbow to the bed. Rainbow looked at Tank as they moved slowly towards the bed. "Y'know, Tank. I'm actually starting to get how you feel." Applejack chuckled and let Rainbow go at the bedside. The pegasus nuzzled her pet tortoise lovingly. Rainbow stood and turned to Applejack and smiled happily.

"Ah take it you're not too disappointed with your livin' arrangements?" Applejack said, raising an eyebrow.

"Thank you." Rainbow said, moving her head forward and placing a kiss upon Applejack's lips. "Thank you so much. I love it." Applejack smiled back at her.

"Now, let's get you into bed." Applejack said. "You need your bedrest."

"Are you kidding?" Rainbow asked her. "It's only nine!"

"Yeah, but ya didn't sleep at all last night." Applejack said. "Good health is important for your recovery. That includes a good amount of sleep each night." Rainbow groaned and looked at Applejack.

"I guess I'm not in any position to deny that, am I?" Rainbow said before looking out at Granny Smith who was walking down the hall. The old mare entered the doorway and approached the two mares. She promptly placed a kiss upon Applejack's forehead before turning to Rainbow and doing the same to her, slightly suprising the cyan mare.

"Goodnight, y'all." Granny Smith said. "Ah'm off to bed. Blast this old age. Ah can't stay up worth a dang anymore!" Rainbow Dash and Applejack giggled as Granny Smith made her way out of the bedroom and began to move back down the hallway. Applejack walked to the door and shut it, the room only illuminated by the light of Luna's moon.

"Alright, now. Come on, Dash. Time to get you to sleep." Rainbow Dash sighed and nodded before moving her comforter to the side and allowing Applejack to help her up onto the bed. Applejack pulled the covers over Rainbow and sat, looking down at her with adoration. Tank moved to the foot of the bed and retreated into his shell to sleep.

"Where are you gonna sleep?" Rainbow asked Applejack. The farm mare looked down to the floor.

"Oh, Ah'll just make a little pallet. Ah'll be fine." Applejack said. "There's no way Ah'm leavin' ya in here alone."

"You know I'd want you in here with me." Rainbow said before smiling at her. "I just want to thank you again. Everything you've done...it just really means a lot to me." Applejack began to stroke Rainbow's mane.

"Rainbow, Ah should be thankin' you." Applejack said. "If it wasn't for you, Ah would probably be dead right now. You saved my life." Rainbow Dash smirked.

"Well, seeing as how I couldn't live without you...it was something I just had to do." Rainbow said with a smile. "Applejack, I love you." Applejack teared up and smiled down at her.

"Ah love you too, Rainbow. So much." Applejack said, her voice breaking. Applejack leaned down and placed her lips upon Rainbow's lovingly, kissing her and showing her affection. Rainbow was quick to reciprocate the kiss as a fire of passion and contentment blazed within the two mares. Applejack moved her lips upon Rainbows, taking one of her lips between hers before she disconnected.

"Lay up here with me." Rainbow said quietly, full of need. "Please."

"Rainbow, Ah don't think so." Applejack said. "Ah don't wanna hurt you. Your wounds..."

"Hang the wounds, AJ, I don't care." Rainbow said. "You gave me the stupid little pill. I can't really feel much pain."

"Rainbow...Ah-"

"Please, AJ." Rainbow said. "I need you here with me." Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash and smiled before climbing up into the bed. Applejack's added weight to the bed made Rainbow's body shift, causing a small flare-up of pain in her sides. Ignoring this, Rainbow pulled Applejack into her with her good front hoof and kissed her again, much more longingly. Applejack removed her stetson and placed it on the bedpost, falling deeper and deeper into the passion of their kiss.

Rainbow Dash gently slid her tongue into Applejack's mouth, Applejack mimicking her, sliding her tongue against Rainbow's. Both their ears splayed back as they let the kiss overpower them and take control of their situation. Rainbow Dash moaned and continued to kiss Applejack, a significant feeling of elation flowing through her. Suddenly, due to some unprecedented motion, a significant amount of pain erupted in Rainbow Dash's sides. Rainbow's eyes leaked tears from the pure magnitude of the flare-up. Rainbow did not care, however, and continued kissing her lover. She did not show any sign of suffering, nor did she tell Applejack. Applejack would only stop their loving liplock and worry some more. Moments later, Applejack disconnected from the kiss and lovingly nuzzled Rainbow.

"Ah haven't gotten to do that since that night." Applejack said. "How Ah've missed it." Rainbow giggled and pecked Applejack on the lips once more before laying her head on Applejack's chest.

"You're the best thing that's ever happened to me." Rainbow said as Applejack stroked her hair. Applejack kissed her on top of her head and smiled. "As long as you're here, this won't be so bad."

"Ah'll never let anything like this happen to you again." Applejack said. "Goodnight, Dash."

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: There's a nice chapter of D'AWWWW. I felt like I had to make up for the previous chapter's overwhelming sense of despair and hopelessness. So, there you have it! I'm pretty tired, so I'm gonna end it here. Cheers!

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The pallet on the floor that Applejack had made out of blankets was not very comfortable. It actually prevented the farm mare from getting sleep as she tossed and turned throughout the hours of the night. Well, that and her constant worry over Rainbow Dash. The pegasus slept soundly on Applejack's bed, still probably thinking that Applejack was still up there with her when in reality, Applejack had managed to worm her way out of Rainbow's loving grasp night after night, to avoid any late night bumps into her injuries. Rainbow Dash had reported to her that falling asleep was difficult, and that it was easier to fall asleep when Applejack was there with her. Applejack, despite the request, could not bear to risk hurting her love.

Constant worrisome thoughts plagued Applejack as she layed on her less-than-suitable pallet, looking up at the ceiling. Had she administered the proper dosage of Rainbow's painkillers? Were Rainbow's bandages changed at the right time the previous day? Applejack knew these questions to be ones of a trivial nature, but they bothered her nonetheless. Applejack gulped silently and rolled over on her belly, attempting in vain again to get comfortable.

"Applejack?" She heard Rainbow say before letting out a small, adorable yawn. Applejack sat up and looked at her. "What time is it?"

"It's six p.m." Applejack said. "You slept for an awful long time." Rainbow snickered.

"I don't know if you've noticed in the past, AJ, but..." Rainbow looked up at Applejack. "I love sleep."

"Yeah, Ah know it." Applejack said with a small giggle.

"I love it almost as much as I love flying." Rainbow continued.

"Ah do know how ya love to fly, now." Applejack said, nodding and smirking.

"But I don't love it nearly as much as I love you." Rainbow said with a small smile, blushing at Applejack.

"Look at you gettin' all sappy on me, Dash." Applejack said with a small chuckle, raising her eyebrow. Rainbow Dash blushed heavily.

"Oh, shut up." Rainbow said. "I mean it."

"Ah know." Applejack replied, giving Rainbow a kiss on the lips, making the pegasus smile. "And Ah love you too."

"And what the hay are you doing out of bed?" Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow. "Is that a pallet? You said you'd sleep up here with me." Applejack chuckled and put a hoof on Rainbow's cheek.

"Now, Dash. We both know that Ah don't wanna hurt ya accidentally." Applejack said. "Speakin' of which, we should get those bandages off so you can shower. Ah'll clean the wounds and put more bandages on when we're done."

"Applejack, you don't have to help me shower anymore." Rainbow groaned as she put a front leg around Applejack's shoulders as the farm mare helped her out of the bed. "I can do it myself."

"Then how come ya can't get outta this here bed by yourself, hmm?" Applejack retorted. Rainbow, seeing Applejack's point, stopped speaking and merely blushed. "Game, set and match." Applejack quipped. Rainbow, in an intense internal struggle for a rebuttal, was able to come up with nothing as they neared the bathroom.

Applejack let Rainbow sit on the bathroom floor as she turned on the water. As they sat, waiting for the water to heat up, Rainbow smirked at Applejack.

"Staring contest. You and me. Right here, right now." Rainbow quickly said, pointing her free hoof at Applejack.

"Seriously? Is that whole fiasco about me helpin' you really gettin' to you that much?" Applejack said. "Why can't ya just be content to accept assistance for once without provin' yourself?"

"I just issued you a challenge, Applejack." Rainbow said. "Are you really going to refuse and let me win?"

"Now, Rainbow, Ah ain't playin' your little foal's game." Applejack said, rolling her eyes. "Now let's get you showered."

"One..." Rainbow said.

"Come on, Dash. Ah don't wanna-"

"Two..." Rainbow continued, ignoring Applejack's requests.

"Rainbow, it looks like the water is warm." Applejack said in a last ditch effort to distract Rainbow.

"Three!" Rainbow finally said. Both mares immediately engaged in a staring contest to end all staring contests. Applejack, giving in to her natural competetiveness, took part in the contest, staring straight into Rainbow's rose irises with an intensity that rivaled the sun's heat. Rainbow Dash smirked.

"You're going down, AJ."

"Ah warned ya, Dash." Applejack said. "Ah didn't wanna do this, but you've gone and dug your own grave." Applejack and Rainbow Dash continued to stare, the accumulating mist in the bathroom doing nothing to improve either of their situations. Rainbow Dash winced slightly as her eyes began to water, the tears spilling down her cheeks. Applejack smirked confidently and continued to look down at her. Rainbow clenched her teeth in a smile, noticing Applejack's unchanged expression, attempting to look like her eyes weren't burning like fire. After a minute and a half, Rainbow's willpower was draining fast. Applejack's eyes had only begun to overflow with tears. Rainbow Dash groaned as she finally blinked her eyes, giving her sweet relief of the pain she had been suffering.

"You're good at that, Rainbow." Applejack said. "But Ah'm the best starer in my family. Nopony's beaten me yet!"

"Gee, I'm so happy for you." Rainbow said unenthusiastically as she wiped her eyes.

"Come on, sugarcube, let's get these bandages off of you." Applejack said as she stepped toward Rainbow, who nodded as she stood up. Very cautiously, Applejack began to unwrap Rainbow Dash's bandages that concealed her wounds from her fight with the Timber Wolf. The pegasus felt small spikes of pain that would have surely been much worse, had it not been for her medication. The process was long and drawn-out, as Applejack had to unwrap the bandages slowly to not harm Rainbow any more than she already was. Once all the bandages were off, Applejack sat back and appraised the currently healing damage to Rainbow Dash's body.

The wounds looked better, as the healing process had begun to set in. While the wounds seemed to be on the track to recovery, the stitches holding them together made the wounds uglier still. Applejack nodded subtly as she stood back a moment.

"They look good?" Rainbow Dash asked Applejack. The farm mare nodded and smiled at Rainbow.

"Lookin' better already." The farm mare said happily. "Now come on. In ya go." Rainbow Dash frowned slightly as she stepped into the shower, letting the water begin to mat her mane and tail down. Applejack chuckled and walked up to the open shower.

"Do you have to laugh every time?" Rainbow asked Applejack.

"Ah can't help it, sugarcube." The farm mare replied. "You just look so cute when you get in and start poutin'." Rainbow sighed and sat down, letting the water play down her face before she smoothed her mane back to get it out of her eyes.

"I'm glad my discomfort gives you such joy." Rainbow said. As much as the pegasus liked to act frustrated with the process, she actually liked letting Applejack help her shower. The water was always perfectly nice and warm. Not too hot to aggravate her injuries, and not too cold to freeze her. She was able to let her injuries breath, which almost always exterminated that awful itch that would develop on them over a night's sleep. But most of all, Rainbow liked these times because Applejack, the very attractive mare she was in love with would lather her and rub her body down with soap. But Rainbow would never admit that to Applejack.

"Okay, now." Applejack said, squirting shampoo in Rainbow's mane before beginning to lather it up, creating a sweet-smelling soapy foam. "If only Ah had a camera." Applejack said wistfully as she backed up for a moment, appraising her lover with a mountain of suds atop her head. Rainbow, immediately shot her head under the falling water, rinsing the soap away, making Applejack pout slightly.

"Party pooper." She said as Rainbow opened her eyes after shaking her mane out, flinging water everywhere. Rainbow Dash smirked.

"Just get on with it, huh?" Rainbow said, turning to the side, offering her body to be washed by Applejack. Applejack removed her stetson and placed it on the bathroom counter and returned to Rainbow Dash with the soap. Applejack began to rub the soap on Rainbow's body, moving up and down her torso slowly, seemingly deliberately. Of course, the slow pace at which she was washing Rainbow could have been due to her attempting to avoid Rainbow's injuries. After applying the layer of soap, Applejack began to use her hooves to spread the soap around to the hard to reach places.

Rainbow supressed a moan by biting her lip as Applejack's hooves moved extra slowly over her flank. They stopped and scrubbed small circles on her cutie marks before moving down her inner thighs. Rainbow Dash gasped and blushed at the gesture.

'Okay...that was definitely intentional. Just hold out. She's obviously just messing with you...' Rainbow Dash thought to herself. Still, she couldn't help but pant, trying as hard as she could to be silent. Despite this, she was confident that Applejack could hear her. Applejack moved further into the shower as she wrapped her front legs around Rainbow's lower back to gain access to her lower belly, tantalizingly close to her sex. 'Buck it.' Rainbow thought, her heart beating against her chest as she turned to Applejack.

"AJ-" Her words were cut off by Applejack's lips, silencing her with a kiss. Rainbow Dash moaned with need into the kiss, making Applejack smile. Applejack had always been aware that Rainbow enjoyed these times for different reasons than getting clean. Rainbow quickly separated from the kiss and looked at Applejack.

"Applejack, did you-"

"Lock the door? Yep." Applejack smiled as she returned her lips to Rainbow's, sliding her tongue into the pegasus' mouth. Rainbow reciprocated the motion as their kiss escalated in intensity. Their ears splayed back as they moved their tongues together, both mares blushing heavily. Applejack moved her hooves along Rainbow's body, her breathing beginning to escalate as she lost herself further and further in her passion for her lover. Rainbow sucked on Applejack's bottom lip for a moment before moving her tongue against it. Rainbow felt Applejack's hoof move lower and lower down her body until it connected with her already aching marehood. Rainbow disconnected from the kiss and gasped before putting her forehead to Applejack's, both mares taking in the feeling of each other's bodies and the water playing down the both of them.

Rainbow, amidst the euphoria of the pleasure she was experiencing felt Applejack's other hoof move up her side before feeling a sudden, unexpected blinding pain shoot up her body. She let out a cry and gritted her teeth. Applejack immediately threw herself off of Rainbow and landed outside the shower, falling onto her back. Rainbow, recovering from the pain quickly, looked up at Applejack. She beheld her lover, breathing heavily, her eyes widened and filled with terror.

"Rainbow! Are you okay?" Applejack asked as she stood up and frantically looked her over.

"I'm alright, AJ." Rainbow said.

"Ah hit one of your injuries, didn't Ah?" Applejack asked, still dripping with water.

"Yeah. But it's fine. Seriously." Rainbow said. "It was an accident. You didn't mean too."

"But Ah still did." Applejack said. "Ah shouldn't have started that. It was selfish of me. Ah didn't consider that Ah could hurt you." Applejack's eyes brimmed with tears and her ears splayed back, making Rainbow's heart ache for her.

"AJ, it's alright. Really. I'm okay." Rainbow said comfortingly. Applejack continued to breath heavily as she let out a small sob.

"It just scared me so bad..." Applejack said. "Ah thought Ah had reopened one of 'em." Rainbow wrapped her free front leg around Applejack and pulled her closer to her in a hug, nuzzling the farm mare's neck. Applejack wrapped her front legs around Rainbow and wiped her eyes. Rainbow disconnected from the hug to turn off the water before returning to it.

"Ah won't do anything like that again until you're better, Rainbow." Applejack said. "Ah couldn't take it if that happened again." Applejack moved away from the hug and looked at Rainbow.

"But you didn't mean to Applejack." Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow. "I'm not angry or anything, and in case you didn't notice, up until that point, I was enjoying myself...a lot."

"It's just the fact that Ah caused you physical harm." Applejack said. "My heart's still poundin'."

"I know. I felt it when we hugged." Rainbow said before looking down at herself. Rainbow mentally opted to stop her attempts to return to what they were doing. Once Applejack set her mind to something, there was no swaying it. "Could we uh...get me dried off now?" Applejack smiled and nodded.

"Sure, Dash. Although Ah still think Ah'm a little too petrified to do anything." Applejack said with a sniffle and a small laugh before grabbing a towel and drying off Rainbow's mane before pulling it extremely gently over her body and finishing up by drying off her flank. Rainbow smiled.

"For what it's worth." The pegasus said with a smile. "Those minutes were pretty awesome." Applejack laughed as she grabbed the antibiotic ointment and gently applied it to Rainbow's lacerations. The pegasus felt small spikes of pain, but supressed a groan to spare Applejack a heart attack. After applying the ointment, Applejack slowly and carefully wrapped Rainbow's torso in bandages. The cyan mare sighed and looked at her lover.

"How do I look?" The pegasus asked satirically. Applejack smiled.

"Good enough to eat." The farm mare replied. Rainbow saucily raised an eyebrow at her. "Soon." Applejack corrected herself. Rainbow rolled her eyes, sighed and nodded before moving closer to the bed. Applejack helped Rainbow up and pulled the covers over her slowly and gingerly.

"I'm not very tired..." Rainbow said. "Could you, uh..." Rainbow finished her sentence with quiet, embarrassed mumbling.

"Come again?" Applejack asked her, leaning closer to her.

"Could you read to me?" Rainbow asked, blushing heavily and looking away from her. Applejack laughed and nodded.

"Of course Ah will." Applejack replied with a sweet smile. "Which one do you want me to read?" Rainbow shrugged.

"Any one of them is fine, really." Rainbow said. "I just like listening to your voice." Applejack giggled and blushed before grabbing a book. Rainbow looked up at her, smiling as Applejack appraised the cover.

"Alright, then." Applejack said. "Daring Do and the Revenge of...Ahooitzootle?" Applejack raised an eyebrow and looked at Rainbow Dash, who giggled.

"Ahuitzotl. He's her arch nemesis." Rainbow Dash explained. Applejack sighed.

"Ah, alright. Daring Do and the Revenge of Ahuitzotl." She said before turning to the first page. "Chapter 1..."

_____

"Applejack..." Rainbow Dash said, jarring Applejack from her already unsteady slumber. "Applejack...please wake up..." Applejack immediately stood and looked down at Rainbow Dash with worry. The pegasus layed in the bed, her eyes squeezed shut, curled up slightly.

"What's wrong, Dash?" Applejack immediately asked. Rainbow Dash clutched her stomach before looking up at Applejack.

"I'm feeling really nauseous..." She said. "I think I might throw up..." Applejack immediately went into action, helping Rainbow Dash fromt he bed. Rainbow cried out in pain quietly through clenched teeth.

"You shouldn't be feelin' pain unless..." Applejack looked at the clock on her bedroom wall, seeing that it was 12:45 A.M. She had given Rainbow Dash her last pill more than twelve hours ago. "You're pill has worn off." Applejack helped Rainbow Dash to the bathroom. The sick mare bent over the toilet and heaved into it, her body tensing up, before allowing her to breath heavily.

"Ah know it's bad, sweetie. Just let it out." Applejack said. "It's just a side effect of your pain-killers." Rainbow Dash heaved into the toilet again before looking at Applejack incredulously.

"That...stupid pill is causing this?" Rainbow said in between heavy breaths. Applejack slowly nodded as Rainbow continued to gag into the toilet. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Ah knew you wouldn't take it if Ah did." Applejack said. "Would ya rather deal with blinding pain in your sides all the time?" Rainbow continued to breath heavily.

"I...take your point." She said before heaving into the toilet once more, groaning from the pain of her body tensing up so much in it's attempts to vomit without the actual release of the vomit. "This...is awful..." Applejack nodded, rubbing Rainbow Dash's back.

"Ah know." Applejack said understandingly. "It's just something we gotta deal with. Just two more weeks." Rainbow frowned as she looked back at Applejack, her tired eyes brimming with tears.

"Applejack...I don't wanna take it anymore." She said.

"Ya have to, Rainbow." Applejack said. "You may think you can take the pain...but Ah know better. Ah don't wanna see ya suffer."

"Please AJ, I-" Rainbow's sentence was cut off by her finally vomiting into the toilet, her body tensing up greatly before finally going limp over bowl. She groaned.

"Feelin' any better?" Applejack asked Rainbow, rubbing her back softly and comfortingly. Rainbow breathed heavily for a moment before nodding subtly.

"A little." Rainbow said. "I don't need to puke anymore...I just wanna go back to bed." The pegasus slowly stood up as Applejack flushed the toilet.

"Well hold on, now. Lemme help ya." Applejack said.

"Before we go back," Rainbow said. "Could you get me...some mouthwash?" Applejack nodded before grabbing the mouthwash from the bathroom counter and pouring some into the cap. Rainbow Dash sipped the blue liquid from the cup and swished it around in her mouth for thirty seconds before spitting it into the sink. Rainbow nodded at Applejack before they began their venture back to the bed. Rainbow Dash exhaled heavily from the pain of getting back into the bed.

"Now we need to give you your next dose." Applejack said. Rainbow Dash nodded.

"AJ, I...I understand that I have to take the medicine." Rainbow said. "It's a necessary sacrifice."

"That's true, Dash." Applejack said. "This probably won't even happen again. And even if it does, it's just two more weeks. Ah'll be back in a flash." Rainbow Dash nodded as Applejack kissed her on the forehead and trotted quickly to the kitchen. Applejack poured a cup of applejuice for her and swiftly returned to the bedroom. Upon her return to the bedroom with the cup, Rainbow Dash smiled.

"I assume that I have to take the pill with that?" Rainbow said. Applejack chuckled.

"Well now, you're smarter than you look." Applejack responded. "Just take your pill." Rainbow Dash dropped the small pill into her mouth before taking a sip of the applejuice to swallow it. Rainbow Dash sighed as she layed back in the bed.

"Now try not to move until the pill sets in." Applejack said. Rainbow smiled.

"I know that, AJ. I'm the one who's in pain, remember?" Applejack frowned and raised an eyebrow at the pegasus who snickered weakly. "I"m just kidding. Geez." Applejack sighed and shook her head at the pegasus.

"What am I gonna do with you?" Applejack said with a small smile. "You're feelin' all sickly and you're still jokin' around."

"Look, AJ...I wanna thank you..." Rainbow Dash said, looking at Applejack. "Truly. You've been doing so much for me lately." Applejack shook her head.

"No, Rainbow." Applejack said. "You don't have to thank me. Ah love you too much to not take care of you like this."

"Seriously, Applejack." Rainbow Dash said. "You've been losing sleep every night over me. You always talk to me when I can't sleep, even if you're sleepy...You never hesitate to help me out of bed whenever I ask you to. You even decorated your room to accomidate me."

"Rainbow, Ah'd do all this for you every day until Ah die if Ah had to." Applejack said. "Ah want to do this. Ah want you to feel at home here." Applejack said.

"It's just...I'm sorry that you're missing so much sleep and getting yourself exhausted over me." Rainbow said, her ears splaying back. "You mean so much to me. Please...get some sleep. I'll be okay."

"You sure?" Applejack asked. Rainbow Dash nodded. "If there's anything you need..."

"Go to sleep, AJ!" Rainbow Dash said with a small laugh. Applejack nuzzled Rainbow Dash's cheek before placing a small kiss upon her lips. "I love you."

"And Ah love you." Applejack said before laying down on the pallet next to the bed Rainbow layed upon. "Sleep sweet, Dash."

_____

Three Weeks Later

"Come on, Applejack!" Rainbow Dash said as she sat at the kitchen table for breakfast. "Just a couple of minutes. If it starts to hurt, I'll stop. I swear!" Applejack regarded Rainbow Dash with a small chuckle as she placed the small baked apple pie before the pegasus.

"Ah don't know, Dash." Applejack said. "You could still hurt yourself pretty bad, and you still got your cast on." Rainbow groaned loudly.

"It's been three weeks, AJ. My wounds are pretty much healed and I'm virtually pain free now." Rainbow stated.

"Ah love how ya said 'pretty much' and 'virtually' there so ya can't be held fully responsible if ya do hurt yourself." Applejack said with a smile. "Eat your pie, it's gonna get cold." Rainbow eyed the small pastry in front of her and frowned.

"I don't need your permission, you know." Rainbow said, looking up at Applejack and raising an eyebrow. Applejack nodded once.

"Ah don't reckon ya do, but you're a little impaired with that cast there. Shouldn't be too hard to hogtie ya." The farm mare said with a wink. Rainbow rolled her eyes, furrowed her brow and dropped her chin onto the table. She looked at her pie, ever approaching cooling down to room temperature.

"Fine. If you don't let me fly, I don't eat the pie." Rainbow said.

"Did ya mean for that to rhyme?" Applejack asked, smiling as she returned the different ingredients to their respective cabinets and drawers. "It's fine if ya don't eat it. Ah guess Ah'll eat it and you'll go hungry."

"Applejack, please." Rainbow pleaded. "Why would you just not let me without even thinking about it?" Applejack chuckled subtly before she shrugged. "It's so unfair."

"Life ain't fair, Rainbow." Applejack said. "Ah don't want you to hurt yourself again."

"I've flown carrying you before!" Rainbow spouted. "I just don't get why you won't let me."

"Ah never said that Ah wouldn't let ya." Applejack said. Rainbow brought her head up from the table and beamed at Applejack, who had just finished cleaning up the mess made from preparing breakfast. Rainbow, not satisfied at the rather ambiguous statement the farm mare had given, gestured her hoof in a circle and nodded.

"Go on..." She said. Applejack cleared her throat and moved down to where she was looking down the hallway toward all the bedrooms.

"Breakfast is ready! Come and get it!" She yelled. Applejack returned to the kitchen and placed the rest of the small apple pies she had made at different seats at the table before sitting down herself. Applebloom came bounding into the room first, smiling at her sister and Rainbow Dash.

"Mornin' y'all!" She said happilly.

"Mornin' AB." Applejack said with a smile.

"Morning." Rainbow Dash replied, also smiling at the happy little filly. She looked tired, and her mane was unkempt, but she was as adorable as ever. Big Mac sauntered into the dining room with Granny Smith in tow. He nodded at Applejack and Rainbow before sitting down.

"Well, now! Look at you, Rainbow, up all bright and early in the mornin'!" Granny Smith. "You're feelin' better than yesterday, Ah take it?" Rainbow nodded and smiled at the old mare.

"Yes, ma'am." Rainbow said. "Getting better every day." Granny Smith giggled before taking a small bite of her pie.

"Now, Ah heard y'all bickerin' from my bedroom. Woke me up, actually." Granny Smith said. "What's the problem?"

"I'm feeling so good this morning, that I feel like I can go outside and fly again. But Applejack won't let me." Rainbow tattled, looking over at Applejack, who shrugged her shoulders.

"Ah never said that Ah wasn't gonna let ya." Applejack stated once again before taking a bite of her pie. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"Or so she says." The pegasus said to Granny Smith. The old mare giggled to herself.

"Ah think you should let her give it a go, Applejack." Granny Smith said. "Ah'm sure she would stop herself if it started to hurt her." Applejack looked at her grandmother, and then her marefriend, who wore a look of victory on her face. Smiling, Applejack sighed and nodded. Rainbow Dash cheered and threw a hoof into the air.

"One condition, though." Granny Smith said. Rainbow nodded.

"Alright. Anything." Rainbow Dash said happily. Granny Smith looked at her slyly.

"Ya have to eat that pie Applejack slaved away to make ya." Granny Smith said. "And ya have to thank her for gettin' up so early to make it." Rainbow, feeling slightly guilty looked down at the pie and over at Applejack, who raised an eyebrow at her, challenging her momentary victory. Rainbow Dash nodded.

"No problem." Rainbow said before taking a bite of her pie. The pastry, while lukewarm, was delicious and warming to the mouth and soul. Rainbow Dash marvelled at the taste and looked at Applejack. The flavors of the apples, the breading and the cinnamon blended perfectly in her mouth, creating an explosion of warming flavor.

"Applejack, it's awesome." Rainbow said. Applejack nodded and smiled as Rainbow continued to tear into the small pastry appreciatively. "You could partner up with Pinkie Pie and run the Cakes out of business." Everypony laughed as Applejack nodded at Rainbow.

"Don't wanna fly on an empty stomach, now do ya?"

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: There is the shortest chapter that will probably ever be in this story. I promise the next one will be longer, so please don't find me and kill me. This chapter was good to write, because it chronicles the different stages of Rainbow Dash's recovery. Yeah, I came dangerously close to (romantic) sex, I know. So my apoligies to you readers who were wanting some (romantic) sex. You'll just have to wait a little while longer. How much longer, you ask? Could be next chapter, could be the end of the story. You'll just have to see. Cheers!

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Five Months Later

Rainbow Dash cheered loudly as all the apples in a single tree fell into the buckets she had placed after only one buck to it's thick trunk. The pegasus did a small little dance and spun around in the air before landing and looking at Applejack, who was busy with a tree of her own.

"I did it again, Applejack! I'm on a roll!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed throwing a hoof in the air. Applejack smiled and rolled her eyes slightly.

"You've been doin' it all day, Rainbow." Applejack said, softly tossing an apple into its bucket. "What makes this time so different?" Rainbow Dash, in the midst of moving one of her buckets toward the wagon they had brought with them, shrugged at the question.

"I don't know. Nothing really, I guess." Rainbow said. "It was probably built up from all the other times I did it." Rainbow, after loading the bucket onto the wagon bed, sighed and sat for a moment. Rainbow Dash slowly looked down at her foreleg that had been broken previously, then at her sides, where small scars layed on her sides. Every day when she got out of bed or did a chore, she remembered her injuries, how they changed her life, and how they were no more. Even the attack itself seemed to be a distant memory at this point.

"You're supposed to be miserable right now." Applejack said. Rainbow raised an eyebrow at Applejack and scoffed.

"I'm supposed to be miserable? Why?" Rainbow Dash asked her with a smile.

"You lost the race. You're supposed to be my lackey for a day, and here ya are enjoyin' it like it's some game!" Applejack said before leaning in closer to Rainbow, and raising an eyebrow. "Why don't ya give me a cry of anguish or somethin'?" Rainbow laughed and shoved Applejack playfully.

"I'll do your lackey chores however I wanna do them, thank you very much." Rainbow Dash said with a smug smile. "Me not enjoying it was never part of the deal. And I only lost the race because I tripped on a stick." Applejack shook her head and scoffed.

"Yeah, right." The farm mare said as she moved closer to a tree.

"I was ahead of you!" Rainbow said. "If I hadn't tripped on that stick, you'd be using Twilight's cloud walking spell and cleaning my house right now in a skimpy little maid's outfit." Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash and raised an eyebrow. Rainbow Dash looked away from Applejack and began whistling innocently.

"Hmm." Applejack said. "Interestin'."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Rainbow asked her with a small, nervous smile.

"Oh, nothin'." Applejack said. "Don't worry about it...it's nothin' for you to stress over...for now." Rainbow blushed a deep shade of red and followed Applejack as she moved to pick up another bucket of Apples.

"Oh, come on, AJ. Don't be like that!" Rainbow said. Applejack laughed.

"You're a trip, Dash." The farm mare said. "Now go and get those other buckets so we can take the wagon back to the barn." Rainbow sighed and nodded before retrieving the other buckets and loading them into the wagon bed. Since she had begun helping Applejack out on the farm, she had grown to be a lot stronger. "Let's get ya hitched onto the wagon now." Applejack gestured to the front of the wagon. Rainbow Dash breathed and let Applejack hook her up. Rainbow huffed as she began to pull the heavy cart up the large hill to the Apple Family barn.

"How do you make this look so..." Rainbow wiped beads of sweat that were forming on her forehead away. "Easy?"

"Years and years of doin' it tends to make ya a little sturdier." Applejack said. "It's kinda like how you are with flyin'."

"I guess that makes sense...but this is a nightmare." Rainbow said as they came closer and closer to the barn. That sweet wooden building that would alleviate Rainbow's apple-carrying burden. Big Macintosh sat on the front porch, watching the two mares approach the barn. He raised an eyebrow and moved the hay sprig in his mouth at the sight of Rainbow tugging the heavy cart behind her and Applejack. He cantered toward them, nodding at the two of them.

"Howdy, y'all." Big Mac said before gesturing at Rainbow Dash. "What's goin' on here?"

"Oh, Dashie here lost a race yesterday-"

"I tripped on a stick!" Rainbow quickly exclaimed, interrupting Applejack mid-sentence.

"And the loser has to be the other's lackey." Applejack said. "So Ah'm gettin' Rainbow to help me out with the chores...quite a lot." Applejack chuckled before looking over at Rainbow Dash, who grumbled before blowing her mane out of her eyes.

"Y'all get so competitive." Big Macintosh said simply. "Maybe both of you should loosen it up a bit." The large stallion then turned and entered the house, most likely to take a midday nap. Rainbow pulled the wagon into the barn where Applejack unhitched her and smiled.

"You ready to go back, Rainbow?" Applejack said.

"You're going to milk this dry, aren't you?" Rainbow said. "I wouldn't have made you work half this hard."

"True, but you would've made me work twice as long, cleanin' that house of yours...that place is huge." Applejack said.

"Speaking of you walking on clouds, AJ...I've got an idea." Rainbow said with a small, happy smile.

"Oh yeah?" Applejack replied. "Lay it on me. But if this is some stupid joke, you're workin' until nightfall."

"Seriously, Applejack. Hear me out." Rainbow said before sighing. "When was the last time we went on a date?" Applejack thought to herself for a moment before looking back at her.

"Last Ah remember is when we went to Swingin' Manes the night that...that happened.... Wow, has it seriously been that long?" Applejack asked. Rainbow Dash nodded and smirked at her.

"I have a proposition for you, AJ. Why don't we go on a date today...to Cloudsdale?" Rainbow Dash asked. "The last time you were there was when I won the Best Young Flyers Competition, and then you really didn't see all that Cloudsdale has to offer." Applejack nodded slowly and smiled.

"Yep...Yeah, that could be really fun." Applejack said. "We'll have to get Twilight to do that Cloud Walkin' thingy on me, though." Rainbow Dash shrugged nonchalantly.

"Well, yeah. But I don't think she'll mind really." Rainbow replied. "It's just one little spell."

"Well, Ah don't wanna inconvenience her." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow.

"Has she ever inconvenienced you when she's needed a favor?" Rainbow asked the farm mare. "Come on! We should go and ask her now!" Rainbow, in the midst of speeding off, was stopped in her tracks by Applejack taking a hold of her tail. Rainbow looked back at her. "What the hay?"

"Not so fast, Rainbow." Applejack said. "You still got more Apples to buck." Rainbow Dash groaned and threw her head back, making Applejack chuckle.

"Oh, come on, Applejack. Why are you doing this?" Rainbow asked her before flopping down on the floor. "I'm too bushed."

"We both know that's a load of bull, Dash." Applejack said with a smile. "Look, you get this last section of the orchard finished with me, and you get to pick dinner tonight." Rainbow immediately shot up from the floor and ran over to the wagon.

"Well, what are we waiting for?!" Rainbow Dash asked excitedly. "Hitch me up! Let's do this!" Applejack didn't bother to point out that Rainbow was the only one out of the two of them who knew what the restaurants in Cloudsdale were like.

_____

"Alright, y'all!" Applejack called to her family. "We're headin' out! Be back in a little while!" Applebloom came bounding down the hallway and out to hug Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"Bye, y'all!" Applebloom said with a large smile. "Try to get back in time to come swimmin' in the lake tonight! It's gonna be a hoot!" Rainbow Dash snickered and ruffled the little filly's mane.

"We'll be there. And I'll tell you what." The pegasus slammed five bits down onto the table by the front door. "I'll bet five bits that I can beat you in a swimming race." Applejack quickly put down five of her own.

"Five more says Ah smoke ya both." Applejack added, raising an eyebrow at her sister and her marefriend.

"You're both on!" Applebloom said confidently. "Hold up a second." The yellow filly ran into her room and brought back five bits and placed them down as well. "Ah'll see y'all there!" Applejack and Rainbow Dash smiled at her before leaving. Rainbow shook her freshly washed mane as it dried in the sun. She sighed and looked at Applejack.

"You know...for what it's worth..." Rainbow Dash said to her love with a small smile. "That workload wasn't that bad. I mean, I'm not even sore. I'm actually feeling pretty good." Applejack looked over at her and raised an eyebrow.

"Well, if ya wanna get back to work..."

"NO! I mean....no, I'm good. Let's just keep going." Rainbow Dash said before letting out a small breath that had caught in her throat. The pegasus looked up at the clear sky, thankful that Wonderbolts Academy was currently on break and that it was her day off from the Weather Patrol. The sun sent glorious rays of warmth down upon the couple merrily moving along the pathway to Ponyville. Applejack suddenly and unexpectedly kissed Rainbow Dash on the cheek and giggled to herself.

"Well, what was that for?" Rainbow asked her, smiling widely in suprise, blushing.

"Stolen kisses are always the sweetest." Applejack replied knowingly with a smirk on her face. Rainbow Dash blushed even more as she looked at the ground.

"Goddesses, I swear you are the only pony who has ever made me feel this way so much." Rainbow said, looking on as they entered Ponyville. "No matter how much it happens...it always feels so...unreal." Applejack chuckled.

"No charge." Applejack replied simply. Before moving in for another suprise kiss on the cheek. Rainbow Dash, however, quickly turned her head and met Applejack's lips with her own, suprising Applejack this time.

"I was ready for it that time." Rainbow Dash said with a small wink. It was Applejack's turn to blush. "Oh look, it's the house of bigots." Rainbow Dash looked at Sugarcube Corner.

"Ah wonder how they've been doin' since Pinkie quit." Applejack said. "If Ah remember right, Pinkie made more than half their treats they ever sold."

"Well then, they shouldn't be doing too well." Rainbow Dash said. "Hopefully they're living in a dark hole with only pony-pox infested water to drink."

"Rainbow." Applejack said with a small frown. "Come on. Ain't that a little harsh? Ah mean, at least make the hole in the middle of Saddle Arabia." Rainbow Dash burst into laughter as they left the confectionary behind them and approached Golden Oaks library, where Princess Twilight Sparkle was most likely taking care of some business with her assistant, the baby dragon they all knew as Spike. Roseluck, who was in the process of watering her flowers, waved sweetly at the two mares. With appreciative smiles, Applejack and Rainbow Dash waved back at the flower vendor. It was a gorgeous day in Ponyville, and everypony was out and about in their daily routines. Finally, after a rather drawn-out walk through Ponyville, they arrived at Golden Oaks library. Rainbow Dash cleared her throat as she delivered three curt, polite knocks to the door and stepped back to wait.

"You really think she won't mind us comin' to ask this of her? Ah mean, she's a princess, so she'll probably have a lot to do." Applejack said. "If this doesn't work out-"

"Oh, it'll work." Rainbow Dash said with a smile. "Just a little sh-boom and ka pow you'll be able to walk on clouds. You'll see." The humorous onomatopoeia succeeded in making Applejack smile. The farm mare nodded before the door opened to reveal Twilight Sparkle, in place of Spike, who usually opened the door.

"Oh, hello Rainbow! Applejack!" Twilight said happily. "Come in! Come in and take a seat. I've just finished a pot of Fluttershy's herbal tea." Rainbow Dash brightened up signinficantly and licked her lips at the thought of drinking Fluttershy's delicious tea once again. Twilight folded her wings at her sides since she was in the presence of such close friends. She kept the wings unfurled constantly to appear regal to the rest of the community, but often they developed an extremely uncomfortable ache.

Twilight led them to the parlor of the library, moving with an air about her that projected beauty and grace. Twilight had not changed emotionally since she had become an alicorn, but she had changed physically. Applejack and Rainbow Dash both sat down in the quaint little room before Twilight poured them both a small cup of tea.

"Uh, Ah appreciate the gesture, Twi, but Ah don't really drink tea." Applejack said, smiling at the small cup.

"I didn't drink tea either until I tried this stuff." Rainbow said to her. "Go on, try it." Applejack slowly brought the cup to her lips and looked at Twilight and Rainbow, who both looked at her expectantly. Applejack took a small sip before marveling at the taste.

"Oh, my...wow." Applejack said, looking at the small cup. "If it wasn't so hot, Ah'd guzzle it." Twilight and Rainbow both laughed at the comment before the young princess settle down before her friends.

"So, where's Spike, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked the alicorn.

"Oh, he's just getting some extra sleep. He voluntarily stayed up with me last night to help me out on a project." Twilight looked up at the direction of her bedroom, where Spike undoubtedly slumbered. "I'm so proud of him. He's growing up every day."

"Hopefully not too fast." Rainbow replied to Twilight. Twilight, who giggled at the comment, looked back at her two friends.

"So," She said. "What inspired you two to come around here today?"

"Well, Twilight, we're not going to beat around the bush or anything, but-" Rainbow began.

"We actually didn't wanna bother ya, seein' as how ya've proabably got some princess-y thing to do..." Applejack interrupted her pegasus marefriend. Twilight slowly looked down at herself, and then around the room before addressing the couple again.

"I'm actually free for today. Pinkie Pie is running a small errand for me, but that's it." Twilight said. "I honestly have nothing to do." Rainbow Dash smiled at her.

"Well, we were wanting to go on a date today...to Cloudsdale, and we were wondering-"

"If I could place the cloud-walking spell on Applejack so you two could make a day of it?" Twilight asked her with a small smile.

"Yeah. Exactly. How did you know? Some kind of alicorn mind-trick?" Rainbow Dash asked her. Twilight smiled once again at the pegasus before shaking her head.

"No, Rainbow." Twilight replied. "It was pretty easy to figure out." Rainbow's eyes widened slightly as she blushed before bringing a hoof to her forehead in emarrasment. Twilight and Applejack both laughed heartily.

"It seems like a very reasonable request." Twilight said as she stood before them. "Applejack, would you please stand?" Applejack obliged the request and stood before the princess, whose horn lit up with a bright purple aura the surrounded Applejack's physical body momentarily before fading away.

"There." Twilight said. "It's done. The spell I put on her should be potent enough to last until tonight." Applejack nodded appreciatively and sat down once again.

"We really appreciate it, Twilight." Rainbow said. "If you ever need some help taking care of some kind of princess duties, we're here for you."

"Oh, don't worry about it." Twilight replied before sitting down once again. "So, what did you two plan on doing?"

"I'm just gonna show her everything she didn't see last time she was there. There's a lot more to Cloudsdale than the few things I showed you all." Rainbow said. "It's gonna be great."

"No doubt." Twilight replied.

"What about you, Twi?" Applejack asked her. "What do you plan on doin' for the rest of the day?" The princess shrugged rather nonchalantly.

"I'll probably just relax, enjoy myself. Maybe read a book." Twilight said. "If nothing else comes up, this day is completely free for me."

"Speaking of books, Twilight, do you know when the newest Daring Do book is coming in?" Rainbow Dash asked her the alicorn giggled at the inquiry and nodded.

"It should be in sometime next month." Twilight said. "Derpy isn't exactly the most reliable mail mare, but she tries." Rainbow Dash and Applejack both stood before the princess and smiled at her.

"Alright." Rainbow Dash said. "We're going to go ahead and leave, then. It was good to see you, Twilight. We should go flying one day next week."

"That sounds great, Rainbow." Twilight replied. "I'm free Wednesday."

"Perfect coincidence! My day off from weather patrol next week is Wednesday." Rainbow Dash replied. "I'll swing by here that afternoon." Twilight nodded.

"Sounds great." Twilight said. "Bye Applejack." The farm mare politely nodded to Twilight and smiled.

"Bye, Twi." Applejack said. "Enjoy that rest today. You deserve it." Twilight nodded as the two mares turned to leave.

"You two have fun!" She said with a small smile. Rainbow Dash and Applejack both looked back in momentarily and smiled.

"Bye, Twilight." They both said, nearly in unison. Rainbow Dash sighed heavily as they left the library and walked briskly away from the tree building.

"See?" Rainbow Dash said. "I told you it'd go off without a hitch." Applejack looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, excuse me for bein' worried about whether the princess was going to feel like casting a spell on me." Applejack said with a small smile. "But all of this just leaves one final question."

"And what's that, AJ?" Rainbow Dash asked her marefriend.

"How exactly are we gonna get to Cloudsdale?" The farm mare said. Rainbow raised an eyebrow and cocked her head slightly.

"Uh...I'm gonna carry you..." Rainbow said before fluttering her wings briefly, expecting a small reaction from Applejack. The orange mare frowned at her. Rainbow Dash, filled with sudden concern looked worriedly at Applejack.

"What?" She said. Applejack sighed before looking away from Rainbow briefly, a sign that something negative was amiss.

"You...you know...got injured recently-" The farm mare began.

"Five months ago." Rainbow replied flatly, furrowing her eyebrows, making Applejack purse her lips.

"And Ah'm not exactly the lightest mare around..." Applejack continued. Rainbow Dash, feeling slightly hurt, stepped back once.

"Wait, you don't think I can carry you?" Rainbow said. "Are you kidding?"

"Now, Dash, Ah-"

"Don't you trust me?" Rainbow asked her.

"You know Ah do, Rainbow." Applejack said. "Ah just...don't want you reawakenin' anything serious." Rainbow Dash looked down at the scars that were only really noticeable to her and Applejack. The scars that, physically, would go away over time, but would always be there for the two of them. Feeling slightly defeated, she layed her ears back and frowned, making Applejack regret what she had just said intensely. Before the farm mare could apoligize or offer words of encouragement, Rainbow Dash suddenly straightened up and furrowed her eyebrows, her stance eminating determination.

"Applejack." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm not going to hurt myself, and I'm not going to drop you."

"But how do you-"

"How do I know?" Rainbow said. "Because I do. Now come on. We're going to be safe." Applejack nodded slowly and walked toward Rainbow Dash. She climbed onto Rainbow Dash's back and kissed her on the cheek. Rainbow, empowered by her newfound determination, flexed her wings.

"Hold on tight." Rainbow said.

"Why?" Applejack said nervously.

"Because if you hold on loosely, you'll probably fall off." Rainbow said. "Duh." Applejack laughed. The sound of the laugh brought a warm feeling to Rainbow as she smiled and prepared to take off. She started to canter and flap her wings and as soon as she was able, she lifted off the ground and began to fly. She had flown plenty of times since she had recovered from her injuries received from the timber wolf that night, but Applejack was right. It had been so long since she had flown with the weight of another burdening her wings as well. While Applejack was by no means the heaviest mare around, she also was not light as a feather. However, Rainbow Dash was strong and quickly adjusted to the difference and flew with ease, even with the added weight.

"Ah see you've proved me wrong." Applejack said.

"Oh, I'm surprised you haven't figured that out yet." Rainbow said. "It's kinda been happening on a daily basis." Applejack laughed as they got ever closer to Cloudsdale.

_____

As the couple touched down in Cloudsdale, Applejack slowly looked around at the splendor encompassing the pegasus-inhabited city. Rainbow Dash merely smiled widely at the sight of her hometown. Ever since she had moved into her cloud home that was closer to Ponyville than it was to Cloudsdale, Rainbow Dash had come to miss the cloudy city.

"Well, here we are." Rainbow said happily. "What did you want to do first, Applejack?"

"Get used to walkin' on these clouds." Applejack replied, lookind down at her hooves. "It's so...different from the ground."

"Different bad, or different good?" Rainbow asked her lover, to which the farm mare replied,

"Neither, really. Just different." Applejack sighed as she walked back and forth momentarily on the cloud.

"You know, we do have solid surfaces up here, right?" Rainbow Dash said. "It's not all just clouds." Applejack nodded.

"Alrighty, then. Let's go." The two mares walked side-by-side into the beautiful city. The glorious architechture was never once short of stunning to either mare, although Rainbow Dash was much more used to it, as her house's architechture was very reminiscent of Cloudsdale's. Applejack's smile seemed to be cemented on her face as she marveled at the beautiful buildings constructed by clouds. Rainbow Dash looked over at her marefriend and snickered.

"Yeah...it's no wonder that this place produced a pegasus as awesome as me." Rainbow Dash said, snapping Applejack out of her stupor.

"It certainly is somethin'." Applejack said. "Ah know Ah've been here before, but somehow, it just seems so...new." The different vendors stood at their respective stands, trying to hock their inventory to the passing ponies, most of whom simply walked past. Few actually stopped, and when they did, the vendor would begin a desperate bid for their patronage.

"We just have to get through the market here, then we can get to looking for a nice restaurant." Rainbow Dash said. "Everywhere here is pretty moderately priced." Applejack smiled.

"Well, Ah guess that means that Ah can splurge, 'cause Ah brought enough for some fancy restaurant that served those little appetizers that don't really do much but make ya more hungry..." Applejack said as she attempted to remember the name of the food she was speaking of. Rainbow Dash laughed and raised an eyebrow at the farm mare.

"You mean hors d'oeuvres?" Rainbow said.

"That's the stuff! Hors d'oeuvres...Can we not get those? Ah'm actually pretty hungry." Applejack said. Rainbow threw a hoof around Applejack's shoulders as they walked onto a street that seemed to be laden with restaurants.

"Don't worry, babe. We'll find somewhere where we can eat until our stomachs burst." Rainbow said before looking to the side. "If we wanted them to...not that we would want them to..." Applejack giggled as they began to look for a restaurant to dine in. Several places seemed to supply the dining experience they both desired, but they finally settled on a medium-sized restaurant with a quaint little rainbow fountain. They entered and were immediately charmed by the happy atmosphere and warm lighting. Comforting music played and many ponies sat and chatted with each other at their tables while they ate.

"Hello, there." The hostess, a tan pegasus with a dark brown mane and tail, said. "Just the two of you this evening?" Rainbow Dash nodded.

"Yeah. A booth if you have one open." Rainbow Dash said. The hostess consulted the chart on the podium before her and smiled.

"Ah! It seems that one just opened up." She said with a smile before grabbing two menus between her teeth and placing them in the small pouch on her side. "Follow me, please." Applejack and Rainbow Dash followed the hostess through the restaurant, while appraising the look and feel of the place. It had a similar feel to Cafe du Mane, but it felt...different. Pleasantly so. Perhaps it was the different structure, or the music or the lighting, but there was something in this restaurant that made it feel fresh. As they arrived at their booth, Applejack and Rainbow both took a seat before the hostess placed the menus in front of them.

"You two enjoy!" The hostess said sweetly before returning to her post.

"This is a nice place." Applejack said.

"Yeah. It is." Rainbow Dash said. "I don't think I've ever eaten here, though. I'm sure it'll be fine." As she said this, a waiter approached and smiled at them.

"Good evening. Would you like to start out with your drink orders?" He said, placing his small notepad on the table and taking a pen between his teeth to it.

"Yeah, I'll have an apple juice." Applejack said.

"Bring us a bottle of wine, would you? Whatever is the best of the day." Rainbow Dash said. Applejack raised her eyebrows at Rainbow Dash, who winked at her. The waiter returned the pad and the pen to their pocket and nodded.

"I'll be right back." He said before leaving them.

"Apple juice?" Rainbow Dash said, leaning forward slightly.

"What? Ah'm a sucker for the classics." Applejack said. "You're the one who decided to order wine. Was there any sort of specific thinkin' behind that?" Applejack asked the pegasus before raising an eyebrow. Rainbow Dash giggled.

"That is for me to know and for you to find out." Rainbow said.

"Oh, please." Applejack said. "That's been used a million times before." Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong with it?" The pegasus asked. "It fits the situation perfectly."

"Come on, Dash." Applejack said. "Gimme somethin' better." Rainbow Dash sighed and closed her eyes momentarily.

"Fine." She said. "How about 'You'll see'?"

"Hmm..." Applejack said. "Alright, alright...gettin' better." The waiter returned with the drinks and set them down upon the table with a small smile.

"Are we ready to order?" He asked.

"We actually haven't even looked at the menus yet..." Rainbow Dash said before offering up a small, nervous giggle. "Sorry..."

"Don't worry about it." He said. "Take your time. I'll be back in a bit." As he left Applejack and Rainbow Dash picked their respective menus up and looked at them.

"That four-cheese lasagna is soundin' pretty good." Applejack said. "Ah just might have to get some of that."

"Why don't we split the twenty-inch pizza?" Rainbow Dash said. "We'll both probably get more food that way, and we'll save money."

"And it says that for five bits more, we can add an appetizer." Applejack said. "Sounds good to me. But which appetizer?" Rainbow Dash turned to the appetizer list of the menu and looked down one.

"How about the stuffed mushrooms?" Rainbow suggested.

"Ah'm actually feelin' the spinach dip." Applejack said. Rainbow looked up over her menu, as did Applejack. They both made eye contact. Rainbow, raising an eyebrow, said,

"The mushrooms are healthier."

"The spinach dip'll last longer." Applejack countered, laying down her menu on the table. Rainbow did this as well.

"The mushrooms are cheaper." The pegasus quickly said, smiling.

"The spinach dip is easier to share." Applejack said just as quickly, smiling as well. Both mares got a small thrill from this stare-down, both of their natural competitive spirits coming to light.

"Alright, AJ." Rainbow said. "Hoof-wrestle, right here. Whoever wins, we get their appetizer." Applejack nodded and smiled at her, placing the elbow of her right foreleg on the table.

"You're on." Applejack said. Rainbow set up in the same postition and waited for the starting signal from Applejack.

"Okay, before we start, no cheap moves. You tickled me last time." Applejack said.

"Yeah, well before that, you got Applebloom to distract me." Rainbow replied. "But we're both doing this straight up this time. No holds barred." Applejack nodded.

"Begin!" The farm mare said and they both went to work, pitting their strengths against each other's, the hoof-wrestle coming out to a relatively even match. They both strained as they both tried with all their might to put the other over on the table. To Applejack's complete suprise, the competition began to turn in Rainbow's favor, Applejack's hoof slowly moving back toward the table. Applejack strained heavily and brought it back to an even position.

"You've gotten..." Applejack breathed. "a lot stronger!"

"Thanks." Rainbow said. "I'm gonna win this. I can outlast you." Applejack chuckled.

"We'll see about that." Applejack said. In her effort, the farm mare looked up slightly for a moment and layed her eyes upon the waiter who was watching them with an amused look on his face.

"Rainbow..." Applejack said, suddenly timidly.

"What, giving up already?" Rainbow said.

"Rainbow...seriously...we should stop now." Applejack said. Rainbow looked up for a moment.

"Are you kidding? I think that you're...just..." Rainbow Dash trailed off as she looked at the other ponies in the restaurant, including their waiter, who were watching their competition. "...Oh."

"Ah think now's a pretty good time to call it even." Applejack said. Rainbow nodded as they stopped their hoof wrestle."

"Yeah...okay." Rainbow said with a small gulp before she rubbed the back of her head and laughed nervously.

"Am I..." The waiter said with a wide grin on his face. "Interrupting something?" Applejack cleared her thoat and shook her head.

"Oh, no. We were just havin' a little fun. Uh, we're gonna have the twenty inch pizza...and..." Applejack looked over at Rainbow Dash. "Which appetizer did you want to get?" Rainbow shrugged quickly.

"Uh...the spinach dip sounded pretty good." Rainbow said.

"Yeah, but the mushrooms are cheaper..." Applejack said.

"The spinach dip will probably stay warm longer..." Rainbow continued. Applejack looked down at the menu then up at the waiter.

"Ah guess we'll just take both."

_____

The rest of Rainbow Dash's and Applejack's date in Cloudsdale went along fantastically for both of them. After they finished eating their marvelous meal at the restaurant, they simply went for a stroll, watched some different street performers on a particularly wacky street, and wound up on the very edge of Cloudsdale, overlooking the beautiful countryside of Equestria, the stunning landscape going on and on into the horizon, seemingly endless, and amazing in spectacle. The mountains eminated beauty and inspired a sense of tranquility in the two mares. Rainbow Dash looked over at Applejack and smiled.

"This has been really fun." Rainbow said. "I doubt it would've been half as fun if I brought somepony else." Applejack kissed Rainbow Dash on the cheek and stroked her mane.

"Ah feel the exact same way, sugarcube." Applejack said. "Today has been perfect." Rainbow smirked at Applejack and stood slowly.

"Who says it's over?" Rainbow said. Applejack raised an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash and stood as well.

"What do you mean?" Applejack inquired.

"Applejack...do you trust me?" Rainbow asked Applejack. "I mean really...do you trust me?"

"Rainbow, is this about earlier when Ah wasn't feelin' too keen on flyin' on your back?" Applejack asked.

"That's part of it, but that's just my pride. Just answer the question." Rainbow said.

"Rainbow, that was a really stupid thing to say." Applejack said. "Ah should have remembered that you saved Rarity, and three of the Wonderbolts all while doin' a sonic rainboom."

"Answer the question, Applejack." Rainbow said. "Please."

"Rainbow, Ah trust you with my life." Applejack said. Rainbow, smiling widely and furrowing her eyebrows, flexed her wings and stood in front of Applejack.

"Get on." Rainbow said.

"What are ya plannin' to do?" Applejack said. Rainbow snickered and nodded at Applejack.

"Just get on." Rainbow said. Applejack, not seeing another option, approached Rainbow and climbed aboard her back, wrapping her forelegs around Rainbow Dash's chest.

"Okay, Dash." Applejack said. "Whatever it is you're plannin'...Ah'm ready." Rainbow Dash, without saying another word, took off into flight, Applejack securely, albeit nervously, holding onto Rainbow Dash's body. Rainbow Dash turned her trajectory of flight upwards as they ascended further and further into the sky. Applejack's heart pounded against her chest as she looked around apprehensively, but she calmed herself knowing that no matter what happened, Rainbow Dash would keep her safe. The two ponies were thousands of feet above the ground at this point, and Applejack gulped upon looking down at the ground, so far below them.

"Okay, Applejack." Rainbow said. "You may want to hold on a little harder than that." Applejack's stomach jumped as she looked down at Rainbow, her eyes widening.

"Wait, Rainbow, Ah-" Was all Applejack managed to utter before Rainbow began plummeting toward the ground, picking up speed. Applejack's heart began beating faster than a snare drum as they continued to fall faster and faster and faster toward the ground. Applejack screamed in terror. But within this terror lied an exhilaration that grew more and more with every passing second.

"Rainbow, are ya crazy?! What the hay are ya doin'?!" Applejack screamed as they fell faster and faster. Rainbow Dash said nothing, a confident smile taking a seemingly permanent spot on her face. The ground was getting closer and closer, and Applejack gasped, knowing that Rainbow was not stupid enough to kill them both. Just before they hit the ground, not one hundred feet away from the grounds of the grassy field below, Rainbow Dash pulled up in her flight, ending the pulse-pounding plummet. Applejack, after realizing exactly how much fun she was having, let out a massive,

"YEE-HAAAW!!!" Rainbow Dash laughed at the exclaimation. Applejack, cried out when Rainbow unexpectedly threw her into the air, spun around and caught her to where she was looking straight into Rainbow's rose irises.

"Applejack." Rainbow said as they flew straight up vertically, yet noticably lighter than before. "I love you." Rainbow Dash then kissed Applejack, the farm mare melting into the kiss lovingly. She had to give it to Rainbow Dash. This was damned romantic. Rainbow dropped from Applejack's grasp and came back up, catching the farm mare on her back once more. Rainbow then began to fly on a relatively straight path toward a lake. The very lake they were supposed to meet Applebloom and the rest of the family at later that evening.

Applejack smiled as Rainbow Dash flew lower and lower until they were both just above the water. Every flap of Rainbow's wings skimmed the surface of the water, creating ripples in the still lake. Applejack reached down and touched her forehoof to the surface of the water, also tracing a trail along the lakes surface. Applejack let out an adorable laugh as Rainbow ascended once more. The farm mare's stomach dropped however as her hat, which had miraculously stayed put during their plummet, managed to finally come loose from her head and fly in the wind behind them.

"Dash!" Applejack exclaimed. "My hat!" Rainbow Dash swiftly looked back and turned, making a beeline for the falling article of clothing. Rainbow managed to catch the stetson just before it hit the surface of the lake. Handing the hat back to Applejack, who replaced it upon her head, Rainbow Dash could not hold back a smirk of accomplishment.

From the lake, Rainbow Dash flew the relatively short distance back to Sweet Apple Acres before touching down on a large cloud above the apple orchard. Applejack jumped off of Rainbow's back and hooted.

"Rainbow, that was...Ah mean..." Applejack said.

"Yeeess?" Rainbow said, a smile growing ever larger on her face.

"Awesome." Applejack said. "You are awesome." Rainbow Dash smiled and shrugged.

"Yeah, I try." Rainbow said.

"But for future reference..." Applejack said. "Never pull a stunt like that again without telling me first."

"I told you to hold on tight." Rainbow said.

"Yeah, a half a second before ya just dropped." Applejack said.

"You had fun." Rainbow said. "Don't you try and deny it."

"Ah ain't denyin' nothin'." Applejack said. "Ah'm just sayin' that ya nearly gave me a heart attack, that's all." Rainbow Dash's ears layed back as she frowned.

"Oh...well...I'm sorry. I just wanted you to know that you can trust me. With anything." Rainbow said. "I had a plan set aside even as we were falling. If one of my wings just decided to magically stop working, I'd throw you into the branches of a tree before we hit the ground." Applejack giggled and brought her hoof to Rainbow Dash's face.

"Dash, Ah ain't mad. Ah had a great time." Applejack said. "And Ah do trust you." Applejack kissed Rainbow Dash tenderly on the lips before laying back on the cloud, patting the spot next to her for Rainbow to rest as well.

"Ah have to give it to ya." Applejack said. "The way ya got the hat back just before it hit the water was pretty cool."

"Yeah." Rainbow said. "I was actually freaking out a little bit. I really didn't want you to lose your hat on account of something I did." Applejack nodded before sighing.

"Hoo whee! This cloud really is comfortable." Applejack said. "No wonder ya sleep on these so often. Ah'll have to stop chastisin' ya so much about it." Rainbow Dash snickered.

"Well, now you know." Rainbow said, smirking proudly at the farm mare, who turned over onto her side and placed one of her forehooves on Rainbow's chest.

"Ya know, we don't have to meet Applebloom at the lake for another couple hours." Applejack said. Rainbow's heart skipped a beat as she nodded at Applejack.

"Yeah..." Rainbow said simply as Applejack began to rub Rainbow's chest in a circular pattern, exciting the pegasus.

"And Ah'm still..." Applejack said as she neared Rainbow and placed a small kiss on her cheek. "Feelin' the effects of this cloud walkin' spell." Rainbow's breath hitched in her throat as she turned to face Applejack, whose eyes were half lidded. A blush gracing her freckled cheeks.

"Mmmhmm..." Rainbow said, a heavy blush developing on her own face.

"Perhaps we can..." Applejack said quietly as she moved her face closer to Rainbow's. "Utilize it a bit more." Applejack then placed her lips upon Rainbow's in a deep kiss that eminated passion. Applejack moved her lips upon Rainbow's as Rainbow groaned in anticipation of coming events. Applejack slipped her tongue into Rainbow's mouth, moving as far back as she could, stroking the pegasus' tongue with her own. Rainbow let out an uncharacteristically adorable high-pitched moan into the kiss. Applejack separated from the kiss and smiled down at Rainbow, stroking her sides with a forehoof.

"Woah, now, Rainbow. Haven't heard that from you before." Applejack said.

"Just shut up and kiss me!" Rainbow exclaimed, her blush intensifying as she rolled over on top of Applejack, hugrily kissing her mouth, moving her tongue around Applejack's in an interesting fashion. Applejack slowly moved her hooves further and further down Rainbow's sides until they finally ended up on the cyan mare's flank. They began kneading her firm, well rounded hindquarters, deliberately, pleasurably. Rainbow Dash separated from the kiss and moaned loudly, panting at the arousing massage she was currently receiving.

"Oh, Applejack..." Rainbow panted as she rolled over, pulling Applejack over to where they were both on their sides again. Applejack moved a hind leg forward and brought it to Rainbow's wet marehood, making Rainbow Dash gasp. Applejack grinned as she moved her leg against Rainbow's lower folds. Rainbow, in the midst of her ecstacy, also moved a hind leg forward and rubbed it on Applejack's sex, exciting the farm mare so much she cried out. They brought their lips together again and kissed passionately as they moved their legs against each other's marehoods, increasing both of their desires for each other dramatically. A wind blew and took Applejack's stetson with it, making it float downward off of the cloud toward the ground.

"AJ." Rainbow said, disconnecting from the kiss. "Your hat."

"Ah can go get it later." Applejack quickly said as she returned to their kiss. Their kiss didn't continue for long before Rainbow Dash disconnected and began to move down Applejack's body, placing small kisses down her belly as she flashed Applejack a seductive look that, had she been standing, would have made her knees tremble. Rainbow finally came down to Applejack's lower lips and smiled up at Applejack. The cyan pegasus opted to skip the teasing and go straight in for the kill. She brought her tongue to Applejack's marehood at the base and brought it up to the clitoris, swirling her tongue on it momentarily before kissing it. Applejack threw her head back and moaned.

Rainbow Dash, since they had started doing this, had become quite skilled at this action indeed. She shoved her tongue inside and swirled it around momentarily before removing it and torturously licking up Applejack's thigh before returning to the folds. As the pegasus continued in her loving attack, Applejack's breathing patterns became more erratic and frantic as she approached her peak. Rainbow took a moment and sucked on Applejack's clit while applying pressure to the lips with her hoof. With a small popping noise, Rainbow let Applejack's clit out of her lips and removed her hoof, making Applejack cry out loudly.

"Rainbow!" She cried as she felt her walls begin to contract. Rainbow, sensing what was about to happen, took Applejack's entire flower into her mouth and moved her tongue on the lips rapidly, basking in the euphoria of pleasuring her lover. Applejack finally reached her climax, her walls convulsing gloriously as her ejaculate flowed into Rainbow's waiting mouth, which the pegasus swallowed happily. Rainbow Dash sat up, feeling the aching desire in her own lower lips, and sighed.

"Beat that, AJ." Rainbow said as she raised an eyebrow. Applejack shot her head up and smiled at Rainbow wickedly.

"Oh, you're so gonna get it, you fine thing." Applejack said before tackling Rainbow Dash onto her back. The farm mare hurriedly shoved her tongue between Rainbow Dash's folds and moved it up, in between the folds until it eventually came out and landed on Rainbow's engorged clit. Applejack picked Rainbow up by the flank, bringing her marehood to her lips before going to work on the pegasus while massaging her hindquarters. Rainbow dropped her legs on Applejack's shoulders as she smiled up at Applejack and moaned,

"Oh, AJ. You really know how to...get me going." Rainbow said before she closed her eyes and fell deeper into the bliss she was experiencing. Applejack's skilled tongue probed her folds and moved up further and further. Before Rainbow had realized exactly where Applejack's tongue was moving, it was already too late. Applejack's tongue rubbed her G-Spot fleetingly and made Rainbow buck her hips into Applejack's face as she cried out loudly. Applejack worked harder and harder to fully reach Rainbow's G-Spot before finally succeeding in her task. She tongued the smooth area gently, making Rainbow Dash's body writhe in pure pleasure.

"Applejack...Oh Goddesses, Applejack!" Rainbow exclaimed. "I'm getting close...I'm..." Rainbow let out a cry of pure pleasure as her lower lips contracted in an explosion of passion and intimacy. Rainbow Dash rode out the remainder of her orgasm, moving her hips and her lower lips against Applejack's mouth, feeling her fluids leak into the farm mare's mouth. Applejack moved up and kissed Rainbow on the lips, moving her tongue into the pegasus' waiting mouth. Applejack tasted herself on Rainbow's tongue and vice versa. The sensation was undoubtedly arousing. In the middle of the kiss, Rainbow opened her eyes and smiled before turning Applejack onto her back and moving her leg beside her chest, lining both of their marehoods up with each other. Rainbow Dash wasted no time in mashing her flower against Applejack's, both of their residual liquids acting as perfect lubricants for their grinding.

"Rainbow, you're so amazing." Applejack said, leaning up and placing a kiss upon Rainbow's lips. "Ah'm so...lucky to be with you." Applejack breathed heavily in pleasure, a heavy blush covering her face. Rainbow snickered and nuzzled Applejack's cheek as she continued to thrust her lower lips against Applejack's.

"Applejack." Rainbow said. "There's nowhere I'd rather be right now than here with you. That's the way it's always been." Rainbow, to show her love, moved her lips down to Applejack's neck and kissed the sensitive skin, sucking on it slightly. This, in combination with the amazing amount of pleasure she was receiving from their tribadism, sent Applejack over the edge as she climaxed once more, her ears splaying back. She breathed heavily as the liquids produced from her second climax flowed onto Rainbow's groin, allowing her to grind into Applejack with more allowance for friction.

"Hold on for just a couple...more seconds..." Rainbow said as she finally climaxed as well, her juices mixing with Applejack's as they both rode out their orgasms, moaning together as their sexual encounter came to a happy and satisfying close. Rainbow rolled off of Applejack before wrapping her forehooves around the farm mare, Applejack doing the same. They stared into each other's eyes happily and contentedly, both out of breath from their interaction. Applejack happily nuzzled Rainbow Dash's neck and smiled.

"Ah love you so much, Rainbow." Applejack said with a sigh.

"You know, Applejack..." Rainbow said. "Being with you is my favorite thing." Applejack looked up into the cyan pegasus' eyes with a smile. "It's the only thing that's better than flying."

_____

"Y'all are late!" Applebloom exclaimed as she saw Rainbow Dash and Applejack approaching the lake. "It's already almost completely dark! Where were y'all?"

"Dinner ran a little late." Applejack explained.

"Yeah, and the fly back from Cloudsdale is a complete drag." Rainbow said with a small smile. "But we're here now! So let's get this started!" Applebloom jumped for joy and ran toward the water. Rainbow followed, laughing as well. Both began to splash each other happily in the knee-deep water. Applejack sighed as she followed them toward the water.

"Do Ah even have to ask?" Big Macintosh said quietly to his sister, who smirked at him.

"Nope." Applejack said with a wide smile before she sprinted into the water to meet her sister and her lover. Big Macintosh chuckled as he layed back on the chair he was on.

"Okay, y'all! Get ready to lose!" Applebloom exclaimed with a competitive smile.

"Oh, please!" Rainbow responded. "I've got both of you handled!"

"We'll just see then, won't we?" Applejack said as she hunkered down in praparation of the swim. "Ready...Set...GO!" All three ponies jumped into the water and began swimming frantically across the lake. Applebloom, though falling behind, was quite the impressive swimmer for a filly her age. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were in a dead tie before Applejack slowed down dramatically suddenly.

"Oh! Ah got a leg cramp! Oh, darn!" Applejack exclaimed, feigning a loss. Rainbow Dash merely snickered and continued to swim. Applejack furrowed her eyebrows and swam forward enough to grab Rainbow's tail and pull her back.

"Hey! What gi-" The pegasus said before Applejack dunked her. Applebloom neared the end of the lake faster and faster as Rainbow Dash came back up for air.

"Applejack! What the hay?!" Rainbow said with a raised eyebrow.

"Just let her win, Dash. It's only fifteen bits!" Applejack whispered. Rainbow raised her eyebrows and nodded.

"Oh...okay." Rainbow said before exclaiming- "Oh, darn it!" Applebloom finally made it to the end of the lake and looked back at her sister and Rainbow Dash, who were a decent distance behind her.

"Good job, Applebloom! You won!" Applejack said. "All those bits at the house are yours!" Applebloom cheered and swam back to Rainbow and Applejack, slower this time.

"That was awesome!" Applebloom said. "Why'd you guys fall so far behind, though?"

"Oh, Ah got a leg cramp." Applejack explained to her little sister.

"Yeah, and my tail caught on a stick." Rainbow said. "You won, though, it looks like." Applebloom nodded.

"That was great!" Applebloom exclaimed. "What should we play next?" All three ponies sat and thought for a while before Rainbow Dash finally piped up.

"Ooh! How about marco pony?" The pegasus suggested.

"Sounds good to me." Applejack said. Applebloom nodded enthusiastically.

"Alright!" Applebloom said. "Big Mac! Come in and join us."

"Ah don't think so, AB." Big Mac said. "Ah'm a little sore from today."

"You're never sore, Big Mac." Applejack said. "You're always talkin' about how you never are. Now get your red flank in here!" The large red stallion sighed and stood up before walking toward the shore of the lake.

"Alright. One game."

It turned out to be much more than one game as Big Macintosh became very invested in this game of marco pony they played. He turned out to be it most of the time, due to playing the game with much smaller, faster females. The festivities went on for what seemed like two hours before they all had to finally head back to the farm house.

"Goodnight, everypony!" Rainbow Dash said, smiling at the group.

"Night, Rainbow!" Applebloom said sweetly. "Sleep good!"

"G'Night, miss Dash." Big Mac said, nodding at the pegasus.

"Night, Rainbow." Applejack said, before giving Rainbow Dash a quick kiss on the cheek. "Love you."

"I love you too." Rainbow said before beginning to fly away. "See you all later!" Applejack sighed with contentment as she watched Rainbow fly away toward her cloud home, where she would be sleeping...alone. Suddenly, an idea flashed through the farm mare's mind as she walked with her family toward her own home.

'Yeah...' She thought as she continued to consider this new idea. 'That's good...'

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Bada bing! Bada boom! Did you fall for the previous author's note? Huh? Didja, didja, didja? Ah, well. It's late. This chapter's finished. I'm tired. Bye bye until next week...

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Rainbow Dash huffed as she landed outside the market area of Ponyville, saddlebags around her body, ready to shop for the groceries she would stock her house with that week. She was expected at the Apple Family household for dinner, as was their established weekly routine. Rainbow Dash had become, quite frankly, a member of their family and they absolutely adored having the pegasus over for dinner once, twice or even three times a week. She got along perfectly with Big Macintosh, Granny Smith and Applebloom, able to speak jovially and freely around them. Her opinions had even become more and more valuable to them when making some decisions.

But nevertheless, as much as the Sweet Apple Acres farmhouse felt like a second home to her, Rainbow Dash still had an actual place to call her home. Even though the house itself, even with Tank there with her, could get a little lonely for her. She would yearn for the presence of her love, Applejack, even though she saw her nearly every day. Half the mornings she woke up in her bed, she expected to look into a pair of beautiful green eyes. This was a result of her becoming acclimated to spending the night at Applejack's house and waking up with the farm mare. The apple family enjoyed having Rainbow Dash over for a night, but the two mares had almost been caught multiple times in their late-night exploits together.

Rainbow slowly trotted into the market and looked around for her favorite edible treat. She finally laid her eyes upon a clump of daffodils at Roseluck's flower stand. Rainbow walked up to the flowers and sniffed them, gaining a large smile on her face from the aroma. Roseluck giggled at the look on Rainbow Dash's face.

"Hi, Rainbow Dash. The usual, I take it?" The gardener asked. Rainbow Dash nodded happily.

"You bet, Roseluck!" She said with an appreciative smile. "How have things been lately?" Roseluck laid a bushel of Daffodils on the counter of the stand in front of Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, they've been pretty great. I've been getting more business as of late. Perhaps it's the approaching Autumn weather, but this happens at around this time every year." Roseluck said. "Have you heard the news?" Rainbow Dash tilted her head slowly after placing the customary seven bits on the counter for Roseluck to collect and placing the daffodils in one of her saddlebags.

"News?" Rainbow Dash said. "Uh, no. I don't think so." Roseluck leaned forward and smiled at the pegasus.

"Well, it's no secret around Ponyville anymore that you and Applejack are...together." Roseluck said with a small, cute giggle and a blush.

"Yeah, I know that. Pretty much everypony does now." Rainbow said. "What's this got to do with us?"

"Well, you know how the Cakes bad-mouthed you two and Pinkie Pie quit her job there because of it?" Roseluck said.

"I didn't know everypony knew about that." Rainbow said.

"Well, you know Pinkie Pie." Roseluck said.

"You've got a point." Rainbow Dash said, nodding and raising an eyebrow before leaning back in closer to Roseluck. "What's happening with the Cakes?"

"Since the word has spread around about how they're pretty much bigots and since they lost Pinkie Pie's awesome sweet-making talents, their business has begun to drop. A lot." Roseluck explained.

"Has it, now?" Rainbow Dash said. "Can't say I'm suprised. Pinkie is pretty awesome at making treats."

"Wait, wait. I didn't even tell you the best part!" Roseluck continued. "There's been a rumor that Sugarcube Corner is going to go out of business." Rainbow Dash's eyebrows raised in suprise.

"Really?" Rainbow Dash said with a small smile. "Wow...that's..."

"I know, isn't it great?" Roseluck said. "They're finally getting what they deserve. More and more ponies have boycotted them for how awful they were to you guys. We all know how great you two are, and many of us don't see you any differently. I'm just saying...stay strong, you know?" Roseluck smiled happily at Rainbow Dash, who smiled back and nodded at the gardener.

"Roseluck, I hope your business keeps doing so well. You deserve it." Rainbow Dash said. "See you around!" Roseluck waved at the cyan pegasus with a smile. Rainbow Dash, despite hearing the good news, couldn't supress an unsure frown on her face. Rainbow Dash had wanted Sugarcube Corner to go down in flames with every fiber of her being previously, but didn't know what to think now that it was...figuratively. She and her friends shared so many fun memories at the confectionary, and it felt slightly like a shame to see it fade away like it was.

Rainbow Dash forgot this relatively sad thought as she continued to amble around the market. She gathered some carrots from Carrot Top and some assorted vegetables from a grocery stand, run by a stallion whose name always managed to escape her. She usually labeled him "Red" because of his bright red mane. Passing through one of the aisles, she layed her eyes upon a couple that she renowned for their bravery before she and Applejack had become official. Lyra Heartstrings and Bon Bon. They were looking through the celery aisle and seemed to be chatting jovially about something they had experienced earlier. Rainbow Dash smiled as she walked toward them.

"Lyra! Bon Bon!" She said. When the couple looked at her and smiled, the cyan mare waved at them.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash." Lyra said with a smile. "How have things been?"

"Pretty good." Rainbow said. "Couldn't complain. It's pretty crazy that we haven't talked in so long." Bon Bon nodded.

"I know. We heard about you and Applejack, you know." Bon Bon said. "Congratulations." Rainbow smiled and nodded at her.

"Thanks!" Rainbow said. "Congratulations to you guys too. Although it is a little late. I can't believe we haven't really spoken, y'know, seeing as how we're...well..." Rainbow Dash blushed as the words struggled to leave her lips.

"The only two official fillyfooler couples in Ponyville?" Bon Bon said. Rainbow Dash laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her head.

"Heh heh...yeah. Sorry, I'm just not used to talking to ponies that share my lifestyle choice." Rainbow said.

"It's okay, Rainbow." Lyra said. "I looked almost exactly like you do half a year ago. It'll pass." Rainbow Dash nodded.

"I guess so." Rainbow Dash said. "So, you guys are living together, huh?" Bon Bon nodded.

"Yep. We split the rent, so it's pretty easy living. It's great." The earth pony said. "We actually heard about the way the cakes reacted to you guys. And now they're getting shut down by the majority of Ponyville." Bon Bon smiled widely.

"Goes to show that Ponyville is a pretty accepting place, I guess." Rainbow said with a smile. "Well, I didn't mean to bug you guys. Just wanted to say hi!" Bon Bon and Lyra smiled at her as she began to walk away.

"Don't hesitate to say hi again in the future." Lyra said.

"See ya later, Rainbow!" Bon Bon said before they went back to their shopping. Rainbow went to the check out counter and placed her desired food products before Red. He looked them over and accounted for each item.

"Alright, miss Rainbow. That'll be ten bits." He said. Rainbow Dash fished out the money from her saddle and placed it on the counter before the stallion.

"Alright...uh...uhm..." Rainbow Dash blushed heavily at her failure to remember the stallion's name.

"Lucky." He said, raising an eyebrow and smiling slightly. "I get it. It's easily forgettable." Rainbow Dash nodded and smiled at him.

"Alright, Lucky. Thanks!" Rainbow made the rest of her rounds in the market before lifting off into the sky to head back to her cloud home. She dodged the clouds, taking care not to spill her aquired groceries into a money-wasting plummet to the ground. Even though she was confident that she could recover most of her groceries as they fell, undoubtedly a few items would not be recovered and would be destroyed upon inpact.

Touching down in front of her cloud home, she nudged open the front door and walked inside before yelling.

"Tank, I'm home! Come get your food!" Rainbow opened the can of reptile chow she had on her kitchen counter and poured some in the small bowl she had set aside for Tank. The tortoise flew down the staircase and touched down before his small bowl. He looked up expectantly at Rainbow Dash who looked down at him for a while in confusion before realizing what she had forgotten to do. She smiled and leaned down and kissed him on top of the head. The tortoise smiled as he started munching on his food. Rainbow giggled. There was no way she'd do anything like that in front of anypony except Applejack, but Tank always recieved some form of affection from Rainbow Dash before he ate.

Rainbow Dash put her groceries away in the kitchen at a slow and leisurely pace. When she finished, she moved into her bedroom and removed her saddlebags, haphazardly throwing them across the room, not caring where they landed at that moment. The day of work at Weather Patrol had been a long and hard one. The clouds were much more solid than usual, offering up more resistance than the pegasi were used to. This left Rainbow Dash exhaused as she shopped for her groceries. Rainbow entered her bathroom and began punching one of the small storm clouds she had magnified under the sun for hot water for a shower before moving back and noticing her bathtub. It had not been used in quite a while. Rainbow considered using the large tub for a moment.

"Maybe...nahh..." Rainbow said, moving back toward the shower. Rainbow Dash once again considered a bath over a shower. Her muscles ached and her mind was frazzled after her long day. She still had to eat dinner at the Apple Family's house, and that involved a good bit of flying back and forth.

"I guess...just this once...couldn't hurt..." Rainbow said as she moved several hot storm clouds over the tub. She punched each one hard enough to coax most of the water out of each one, allowing for a decent amount of hot bathwater to flow into the tub. As she waited for the tub to fill, she turned and looked into the mirror she had in the bathroom. She didn't mind what she saw. For such a long, difficult day, she still looked rather good, considering the circumstances. The water eventuallycleared from the clouds as they faded to invisible water vapor.

The tub steamed as Rainbow Dash turned around and looked at the tub, a small smile forming on her face. She slowly approached the tub and stuck a hoof in slowly. She gasped slightly at the hot water, but smiled as she stepped fully into the tub and began to lay back, feeling the water flow over her body as she layed back fully in the tub. The water had a near-immediate effect on her muscles, relaxing them and allowing them to loosen. The steam helped to air out her sinuses. Her body slowly devolved into a state of complete and total relaxation. She was so used to showers and their invigorating effects, she had never really considered the effects a bath could induce.

"Okay...I've got to do this more often..." Rainbow said, closing her eyes and sighing. "Maybe Rarity was right..."

Rainbow Dash remained in her bath for longer than she had originally intended, almost falling asleep in the water. She woke just as her nostrils hit the surface of the water. She cried out in suprise as she jumped up, flinging water all over the floor of her bathroom and caught herself on the sides of the tub. She breathed heavily, her eyes widened. Tank walked slowly into the bathroom to investigate the commotion. Upon looking at him, Rainbow sighed as she relaxed in the tub again.

"It's okay, Tank. I'm alright. Just freaked out a little is all. I'll be out in a second." Rainbow said before beginning to wash her body, mane and tail with care. After rinsing, Rainbow stepped out of the bath and grabbed a towel from a shelf. She dried herself off and left the bathroom. She jumped onto her bed with a large, happy sigh, appreciating the blast of cool air she got from entering her bedroom from the steamy, warm bathroom. She lifted Tank onto the bed with her before laying back and staring at the ceiling of her room. The happy tortoise snuggled into Rainbow Dash and let out a small, barely audible sigh through his tiny nostrils.

"Yeah, we have some time before I have to head to Applejack's, Tank." Rainbow said as she looked at her bedroom clock. "I guess we can take a little nap."

_____

Rainbow Dash awoke from her deep sleep and looked at her bedroom clock. It read eight fifteen, fifteen minutes after she was supposed to be at the Apple Family household for dinner. Rainbow stood out of the bed with a small gasp, flipping Tank over onto the back of his shell. He struggled to get back to a proper position as Rainbow Dash ran into her bathroom quickly to get ready.

"Oh, no. Oh, no." Rainbow quickly spouted before she brushed her teeth. After spitting and rinsing her mouth, she cringed as she applied a spritz of perfume to her neck. Rainbow disliked wearing it, but Applejack loved the smell of the aromatic liquid. She brushed her mane back to it's natural position before she ran out of the bathroom. She layed her eyes upon the still-struggling Tank and put him back in his normal positiion on the floor.

"Sorry, buddy." Rainbow said. "I'm late! I'll walk you as soon as I get home, okay? Bye!" The pegasus placed a small kiss on top of her pet's head before she ran out the front door of her house. She sprinted to the edge of the clouds and took off into immediate flight toward Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow internally debated whether or not she would fly at full speed toward Sweet Apple Acres, get there before too long, but not without ruining her mane, or whether or not she would fly at a moderate pace, get there later, but keep her coiffure in order.

"Who am I bucking kidding?!" Rainbow said to herself, realizing with self-disgust that she was debating on whether her hair would remain in order. Who was she, Rarity?

Rainbow Dash immediately sped toward Sweet Apple Acres, picking up speed rapidly, leaving a bright rainbow streak of light behind her, as was usual when she flew at high velocities.

"Come on...come on...Almost there..."

At the Sweet Apple Acres farmhouse, Applejack sighed as she looked at the clock. It was eight fifteen P.M. and Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be seen. The farm pony stood and looked back at Granny Smith and Applebloom, who were setting the table and having a good time. Granny Smith looked back at Applejack as her granddaughter continued to fret over Rainbow Dash's current abscence.

"Whatcha worryin' fer, Applejack?" Granny Smith said with a small smile. "Rainbow'll be here soon. Maybe she just forgot to feed her pet turtle or somethin'."

"He's a tortoise, Granny." Applejack said.

"Oh, same difference." The old mare said with a small chuckle as she placed a fork next to one of the plates on the table.

"But Dash is never late, Granny." Applejack said with a small frown. "Ah'm just a bit worried, is all. What if she hurt herself flyin' or somethin' like that?"

"She's fine, Applejack." Applebloom said, smiling and raising an eyebrow. "You're just nervous 'cause tonight's the night you're gonna make the offer."

"Well yeah, that certainly ain't helpin' none." Applejack said with a small roll of her eyes. As she stood and moved toward the front door and opened it, feeling the cool Spring night air blast her face. "Ah'll be back in a sec." Applejack closed the front door behind her. She sighed as she looked up into the dark sky, illuminated by Luna's moon, awaiting Rainbow Dash to touch down in front of her for dinner. The farm mare sat down and frowed, contemplating where the pegasus could be. She was interrupted by a cry of fear.

"Whoa, AJ! LOOK OUT!" Applejack's eyes opened as she looked up just in time to see Rainbow Dash barreling toward her at high speeds.

"What in tar-" Rainbow collided with Applejack, sending them both tumbling backwards into a large haystack, effectively cushioning their bodies.

"Applejack! Oh, Goddesses, are you okay?" Rainbow said, immediately jumping up in front of the farmer. "I'm so sorry!" Applejack looked up, frowning at the pegasus, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Yeah. Ah'm alright." Applejack said before letting her head fall back onto the hay. Rainbow sighed heavily in relief. "Where in tarnation where you?"

"I went home after work and fell asleep after my ba-shower." Rainbow said. "And I uh...overslept a bit. Sorry." Rainbow giggled nervously.

"What were you about to say?" Applejack asked Rainbow Dash.

"Come again?" Rainbow said nervously.

"What were you gonna say instead of shower. Ah noticed you correctin' yourself." Applejack said. "Ya said Ba-Shower...You were gonna say bath weren't you?" Rainbow blushed heavily.

"What? No, of course not!" Rainbow said. "I hate baths, remember?"

"Ah remember you sayin' that, that they're all girly and fru fru, but Ah'm not sure if Ah believe it anymore." Applejack said with a predatory grin. "You took a bath, didn't ya?" Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head.

"No, I didn't! Why would you-"

"Raaainbow..." Applejack said. "Ah know you're hidin' somethin'." Rainbow looked at Applejack for a moment and hung her head.

"Okay, okay. So I took a bath instead of a shower, okay? Big deal." Rainbow said. "I didn't even like it that much anyways."

"Really? Ah've always loved a good bath after a long day's work." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow.

"Okay, it was awesome." Rainbow said quickly. "Just don't...y'know...tell anypony, okay?" Applejack shrugged and stood up from the haystack to join Rainbow Dash.

"Alright, that's fine. Ah won't." Applejack said. "We're lucky that haystack was there." Rainbow chuckled nervously.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I just wanted to get here as soon as possible." Rainbow Dash said with a small smile. "By the way, how's my mane?" Rainbow Dash blushed at the question that came from her mouth. Applejack shrugged.

"Looks fine to me." Applejack said before giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Come on in. Dinner's ready." Rainbow Dash licked her lips as she followed the farm mare inside the house.

"Well Ah'll be." Granny Smith said, laying her eyes upon Rainbow Dash. "'Bout time you showed up! You're never late, Rainbow." Rainbow Dash nervously scratched the back of her head and blushed.

"Yeah...I'm sorry, everypony. I...kinda took a nap that lasted longer than I thought it would." Rainbow began to walk into the living room. As the cyan pegasus looked away for a moment, Granny Smith shot a quick wink in Applejack's direction, making Applejack smile.

"So what's on the menu tonight, Granny Smith?" Rainbow Dash asked happily.

"Carrot and celery stew." Granny Smith responded. "Ain't quite done yet. It's gotta simmer a bit more."

"Sounds awesome." Rainbow said with a small smile. Applejack walked into the living room and sat down next to Rainbow Dash, who had taken a seat on the couch just as Applebloom bounded into the room, followed by Big Macintosh.

"Evenin', Rainbow." Big Mac said with a curt nod in the pegasus' direction. "You're late. 'Lil odd." Rainbow Dash sighed and looked away.

"I know, I know." Rainbow Dash said, blushing even harder. "I slept-"

"Slept longer'n you thought you would? Ah know. Ah heard ya." Big Macintosh said. Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow at the red stallion.

"Wait, then why did you..." Rainbow asked before witnessing Big Macintosh flash her a small, sly grin. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Oh come on." Big Mac chuckled at the comment.

"Rainbow, how was weather patrol today?" Applebloom asked her. "Were there any big storm clouds that shot lightnin' or was there a tornado y'all had to stop?" Rainbow looked to the side for a moment.

"Uh...you bet! The biggest storm cloud you'd ever see showed up. Lighting was striking everywhere. It was on a path straight toward Ponyville!" Applejack looked at Rainbow incredulously, seeing through her tall tale, signifying this with a raised eyebrow. Rainbow decided to ignore this, choosing to focus on the fascinated response she was getting from the little filly before her. "So, I flew at it with top speed. Nopony thought I was going to be able to make it on my own, but they were all too scared to come help me. So, I flew at it so fast, I did a Sonic Rainboom! It broke that cloud up like it was nothing. They all wanted to give me a bunch of awards and stuff at Weather Patrol Headquarters, but I refused. It was just all in a days work." Rainbow finished her tale with a satisfied smirk, hearing Applebloom cheer. The pegasus, upon seeing Applejack's unimpressed look, chuckled nervously.

"Alright, y'all!" Granny Smith said. "It's time to eat, so park your flanks at the table so we can get to it! Ah'm an old mare and Ah need my food!" Everypony jumped up and happily moved into the dining room and sat at the table.

"This is gonna be great! I've been so hungry all day!" Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her hooves together happily. Applejack nodded with a small smile.

"Yeah, it's uh...gonna be really good." Applejack said nervously. Rainbow Dash sensed this and tilted her head slightly in concern.

"Hey...What's wrong, Applejack?" Rainbow Dash asked her marefriend. "You okay?"

"Yeah, Ah'm fine, sugar. Don't worry 'bout me. Let's dig in." Applejack said to the pegasus with a smile. "Ah'm feelin' a might hungry as well." Granny Smith brought the tray to the table and began handing out the bowls of stew.

"Applebloom, Big Mac, Applejack..." Granny said as she passed out each bowl to the pony that would eat from it. "Rainbow." Granny Smith placed the bowl before Rainbow Dash. She gasped. Inside the bowl of stew were several daffodils.

"Wha...Granny, how did you know daffodils are my favorite?" Rainbow Dash said.

"Oh, a little orange birdie told me." Granny Smith said. Seemingly not noticing the obvioius reference by Granny Smith to Applejack, Rainbow Dash continued to marvel at the daffodils she had just recieved.

"Whats the occasion, guys?" Rainbow Dash asked. Granny Smith shook her head slowly and looked at Rainbow Dash with a smile.

"No occasion, really. Just a nice little thing we figured we'd do for ya." Granny Smith said. "Now enough talkin' let's get to chowin' down!"

"Amen!" Applebloom said before diving into her stew. The filly cried out in suprise as she brought her muzzle back out of the stew. "Ah! Ah! It's hot!" Everypony in the room laughed, save for Applebloom, whom the laughter was at the expense of.

"Didn't ya ever learn to blow on hot stew, darlin?" Granny Smith asked. "Looks like that Cheerilee down at the schoolhouse isn't that good of a teacher, after all." Big Macintosh's eyebrows furrowed at his Grandmother after she made the comment.

"Now, Granny, Cheerilee is a great teacher." Big Mac said, as if defending the schoolteacher. Rainbow Dash elbowed Applejack's shoulder and raised her eyebrows at the farm pony. Applejack giggled quietly.

"Ah was just foolin' around, Big Mac. And you watch who you're talkin' to, young stallion." Granny Smith said.

"But Ah'm full grown." Big Mac responded, raising an eyebrow.

"Maaac..." Granny Smith said, waving her spoon at him and raising an eyebrow producing a facial expression that, even for her size and age, was intimidating.

"Yes ma'am." Big Macintosh said, looking down at his stew. Applejack and Rainbow Dash barely supressed intense fits of laughter. They soon were all enjoying their stew, letting the warm, inviting medley of flavors incite their tastebuds to impressive tastes. Rainbow Dash, who was saving her daffodils for last, looked at the flowers with a smile as an idea popped into her head. She took a small bite of daffodil, and immediately ate some stew with it. Rainbow nearly sunk out of her seat at the mesmerizing clash of conflicting flavors in her mouth. These flavors eventually intermingled, however, and provided a taste that ranked among the best Rainbow Dash had ever enjoyed before.

"Wow..." Rainbow Dash said happily. "This...is awesome..."

"Figured you'd like it." Granny Smith said, finishing her stew with a sigh. Even though Granny Smith was the oldest by a long shot, she always managed to finish her food before anybody else at the table...always. She'd always just sit, content and full, as the others finished their food. Some nights, Applebloom, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash would engage in an eating contest, which Applebloom would always lose in. It would almost always come down to Rainbow Dash and Applejack tied until one of them was brave enought to take just one more bite.

Neither mare was feeling too competitive this night, as both leisurely sipped on their stews, Rainbow taking the occasional bite of daffodil. It was not long before everypony was finished and satisfied with their meal, sitting back and smiling contentedly.

"Now, if everypony could come into the livin' room," Granny Smith said. "There's somethin' we're gonna do together." Rainbow Dash brightened up at hearing these words from the old mare. This usually meant that they were all going to do something fun together or play a game like charades. But as they all moved to the living room, the Apple family sat upon the couch, with Rainbow Dash being the only one standing before everyone else.

"So...what are we doing?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Charades? Twenty questions? I spy?" Applejack shook her head at the pegasus.

"Rainbow, we need to talk." Applejack said, standing before Rainbow Dash. "This is something we've all been discussing lately." Rainbow Dash, feeling a slight nervous twitch flow through her body, nodded and gulped silently. The family was gathering around her in the living room and saying that they needed to talk. There were definitely possibilities for heartbreak flowing through Rainbow Dash's mind at that moment.

"Rainbow, you've been comin' over for dinner quite a lot lately. Everypony here agrees, that everytime we look up, you seem to be there with somepony else." Applejack said. Rainbow nodded slowly.

"Okay..." Rainbow said.

"When you're here, you make everypony's day brighter. You're never a burden to have around and you just give this place a happier feel. Like Ah just said, you come around here a lot, and spend a lot of your time here with us, and we love it when you do. We'd all actually like you to stay...permanently." Rainbow Dash's heart skipped a beat as she struggled to process what Applejack had just told her.

"W-What?" Rainbow said quietly.

"You're here so much, and ya always try to help out around here when ya are...We all love ya so much Rainbow Dash." Granny Smith said. "You've been a blessing to this family." Big Macintosh nodded and offered a wide, genuine smile to the pegasus.

"Eeeyup." He said simply.

"Ah just love it when you tell me all about your adventures, Rainbow. It's kinda like you're another sister to me." Applebloom said. "Ah definitely want ya around." Applejack nodded and took a step toward Rainbow Dash.

"You're so special to me." Applejack said to her. "You've changed my life for the better. You're the one who inspired me to be myself. You set me free. You deserve better than to just live alone all the time. We all consider you a part of the family already, but we wanna make it official."

"I...I..." Rainbow stuttered, at a loss for words.

"Ah've...never seen Applejack as happy as she is when she is with you, Rainbow." Big Macintosh said. "You really are a great gal, and it's always nice to have ya around."

"Ah know this is a lot to consider, and if ya don't want to, we understand, but we'd like ya to move in here and live with us. We want ya here, as a true part of this family." Applejack said. "So, Dash...What do ya say? Would you want to move in?" Rainbow's eyes widened as she looked at Applejack, then at Granny Smith, Applebloom and Big Macintosh.

"W-What do I say?" Rainbow said, looking down for a moment, considering her options. This filled Applejack with worry. She desperately did not want Rainbow Dash to go home and sleep alone that night. Rainbow Dash suddenly looked up at them, a huge smile present on her face as tears ran down her cheeks. "What are you kidding? Of course! Of course I would!" Rainbow cried in joy before bounding toward Applejack and wrapping her into a massive hug. The Apple family watched in happiness as Rainbow embraced Applejack and sobbed into her shoulder. Rainbow quickly looked up at the three ponies watching them and smiled at them before gesturing to them with a hoof.

"Come on, get over here!" Rainbow Dash said, still crying. Applebloom raced over and hugged onto Rainbow Dash as Big Macintosh helped Granny Smith up out of her chair. They all hugged onto Rainbow Dash as she continued to cry and laugh at the same time. Pure joy raced through the pegasus' body as her new family separated from the hug.

"Ah gotta say, Rainbow." Granny Smith said. "Ah didn't really expect ya to react so strongly."

"Oh, no, Granny. This goes much farther than me just being happy." Rainbow said. "Since as long as I can remember, I never really knew my parents. I got to know Fluttershy from an early age, and I met everypony else as my life went on. As soon as I was able to get a job, I had created my cloud home and began living there alone. Since I got Tank, that has been helping a lot, but I can't really have a conversation with him...I always slept alone in my bed. I would never really have anypony to talk to unless I was out and about. You guys are just...the only actual family I've ever really had." Rainbow Dash said with wide smile.

The Apple family all smiled back at her warmly. Granny Smith wiped a tear from her eye and cleared her throat.

"Well, you're livin here with us now, sweetie. Now, we'll have to get the big 'ol room in the back of the hallway that we use for storage cleared out. Applejack," Applejack looked at her Grandmother. "I'm guessin' you're gonna want to room with Rainbow." Applejack smiled and looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Wouldn't have it any other way." Applejack said. Rainbow returned Applejack's smile.

"Alrighty then, it's settled." Granny Smith said. "We'll clear out the room tomorrow. Rainbow, you can just bring your stuff whenever ya feel like it."

"Why don't we play a game to celebrate?" Applebloom suggested. "Seems only fittin'."

"Sounds good to me." Rainbow said. Granny Smith nodded down at the little filly.

"Applebloom, what do you wanna play?" The old mare asked her Granddaughter. The yellow filly took no time in replying with,

"Charades!" Applejack groaned.

"Applebloom, we played that last time." Applejack said.

"You got a better idea?" Applebloom said. "Come on, AJ, we all had so much fun last time." Applejack sighed.

"Well there's no arguin' that point...Alright, Ah suppose." Applejack said. Applebloom cheered as she ran up in front of everypony and stood in the living room.

"Alright, Ah'm first!"

The game went better than anypony could have anticipated. The fun of the game increased tenfold, since everyone who was playing now stayed together as a family unit. Rainbow used her wings this time to potray herself as an angry manticore, and Applejack stood stone faced and silent when her turn around. After a moment, Rainbow Dash quickly guessed correctly with Celestia's Royal Guard. The light hearted air that the game brought to the room was fun and jovial, and a perfect welcoming party for Rainbow Dash. After it was all over and done, Big Macintosh stood slowly and began walking to the hallway leading to his room.

"Ah think Ah'm gonna turn in, everypony. Applebloom, you get to bed too. Ya got school tomorrow." Big Macintosh said. "Good to have ya here, Rainbow." Applebloom jumped on Rainbow's back, suprising the pegasus, and snuggled into her Rainbow mane.

"It's gonna be so great!" Applebloom said. "Do ya think you could help me, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo out with gettin' our cutie marks?" Rainbow Dash chuckled.

"Well, I don't see why not." She said with a warm smile.

"Awesome!" The filly said, giving Rainbow Dash a hug around the neck, momentarily cutting off her air supply. Applebloom then jumped off of Rainbow and walked in the direction of her room. Granny Smith then approached the duo.

"Now Ah know you're both happy about this and everything...But if y'all decide to get goin', don't forget to close the door." Granny Smith whispered. Applejack and Rainbow Dash both turned a deep shade of red, their pupils shrinking to pinpricks. The old mare laughed sweetly. "Ah'm just foolin' with y'all. Goodnight." She said with another short cackle. Rainbow Dash gulped and looked over at Applejack.

"Did you shut the door last time?" Rainbow asked her, eyebrows raised in fear. Applejack nodded.

"And we always stay as quiet as we can in there..." Applejack said before clearin' her throat. "Just...try not to worry about it, Dash. You know Granny Smith. She's always messin' with somepony." Rainbow nodded as they moved to Applejack's bedroom for a well deserved night's sleep. Applejack hopped into the bed and patted the spot next to her for Rainbow to join her. Smiling, Rainbow hopped in as well and kissed Applejack on the cheek.

"This is so awesome." Rainbow said. "It's just so unexpected."

"Yeah, sorry for dumpin' all that on ya at once." Applejack said. "But Ah suggested it to everypony else and they loved the idea. We love you here, Rainbow." The farm mare placed a small kiss on Rainbow's head.

"Oh, have you heard the news?" The pegasus said. Applejack looked down at her for a moment.

"Ah don't think so." Applejack said. "Tell me."

"Sugarcube Corner is gonna shut down. It turns out Pinkie Pie is the one who got them all of their business." Rainbow Dash said. Applejack looked down at Rainbow Dash in suprise.

"No way." Applejack said. Rainbow nodded.

"Way." Rainbow said with a small snicker. "They're really paying for their choices now, it looks like."

"Well, the way Ah see it, they're gettin' their just desserts." Applejack said. "But let's just forget about all that, sugarcube, and go to sleep. We got a big day tomorrow." Rainbow smiled and nodded before snuggling in, laying her head on Applejack's chest. Sleep began to envelop the pegasus before her eyes shot open and she sat up quickly.

"Oh, Goddesses." She said. Applejack looked up at her in confusion, half asleep.

"Wha? What is it, hun?" Applejack asked her.

"Tank. I completely forgot about Tank." Rainbow responded. "I promised that I'd walk him when I got back." Applejack nodded.

"Go on, then." Applejack said.

"I'll be back soon. Keep the window unlocked." Rainbow said as she silently withdrew herself from the bed and gave Applejack a long, drawn out kiss on the lips. "I love you."

"Love you too, darlin'." Applejack said. "Now go get that done so you can come back here and Ah can hold ya again."

"You got it." Rainbow said before opening the window and flying out quickly. Applejack sighed and smiled before rolling over and closing her eyes slowly. Sleep overtook the farm mare, and before she knew it, she once again felt a pair of forelegs wrap around her body and a pair of lips kiss her ear lovingly.

"Miss me?" Rainbow Dash asked. Applejack turned around and smiled at her lover.

"Always."

_____

Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked through Ponyville in the direction of Rainbow Dash's cloud home the next morning. It was relatively early, but neither mare was getting back to sleep since Granny Smith woke them up. Rainbow Dash had requested a week off work since she was moving, and Rolling Storm did not hesitate to give her the free days, since she did so much for the weather patrol team on a day-to-day basis. They walked to Rainbow Dash's house with a wagon to haul the few things that Rainbow owned that weren't made of clouds. Rainbow Dash had actually recently sold her cloud home to an aristocratic pegasus for a large sum of money, so the couple was feeling rather prosperous.

Before long, the pair came across Sugarcube Corner, the sweet themed building looking more destitute than ever. Mr. Carrot Cake was placing a sign on the front door that read "CLOSED" in bold, capital letters. Mrs. Cup Cake cried as he put the sign up. Rainbow Dash felt a brief twinge of sympathy shoot through her as she gestured to the two ponies, lamenting the loss of their confectionary. Applejack looked at her marefriend, raised an eyebrow and shrugged. Rainbow sighed as she approached the married couple. Carrot Cake looked upon Rainbow Dash and Applejack in contempt as they neared.

"Are you two happy?" He said to them. "Are you happy now? I suppose you've come to gloat in our faces, eh?" His raised tone of voice attracting the attention of many passing ponies.

"We have nowhere else to go." Carrot Cake said. "You both have won. You both got what you wanted. Now kindly leave us alone." He said as he continued to comfort his wife.

"No..." Mrs. Cake said. "I have something to say to them."

"Honey..." Mr. Cake murmured. "It's all over now." She pushed him off of her.

"I have something to say, and I will be heard!" Mrs. Cake cried out at him. He backed away, his eyes widening slightly.

"What we've said to you...both of you...hasn't sat right with me since it came from our mouths. We hurt Pinkie Pie so badly, and we realized this immediately, but we never took the time to realize how what we said might've hurt the both of you." The mare said. Applejack and Rainbow Dash couldn't believe what they were hearing. "You two are some of the greatest ponies Ponyville has ever seen, and what we said was stupid and insensitive." Mrs. Cake said before kneeling down in front of the two of them. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry." She said as she cried. Rainbow Dash, feeling sympathy for the mare stepped forward, closing the distance between her and Mrs. Cake. She looked up at Rainbow Dash, tears falling from her cheeks.

'Yeah, that's right, Dash. Let 'er have it.' Applejack thought.

"Now the way I see it, you could be crying and blubbering here in front of me for two reasons." Rainbow said. "It could just be because you and your charming husband here are losing your jobs and you want to save face...Or, it could be because you are truly sorry and feel bad for the things you've said." Applejack, brows furrowed, nodded.

"And while I feel guarded saying this, I think it's the latter." Rainbow said. Mrs. Cake's eyes widened. "I forgive you." Mrs. Cake burst into tears and grabbed Rainbow in a hug, which the pegasus awkwardly returned.

"I'm going to give you enough money to get Sugarcube Corner back on it's feet." Mrs. Cake, along with her husband and Applejack, gasped. They were all at a complete loss for words. "On two conditions."

"Yes, yes! Anything!" Mrs. Cake said happily.

"One, since I'm pretty much buying both of your employments back, you're going to hire Pinkie Pie again and make her co-owner of Sugarcube Corner, and she'll receive one third of all income." Rainbow Dash said. Mrs. Cake nodded. "And two, you never discriminate against anypony again." Mrs. Cake nodded happily.

"Yes, of course!" She said happily, looking back at Mr. Cake. Her husband was still completely speechless, his eyes widened and filled with tears at this incredible and unprecedented show of generosity and forgiveness.

"Thank you..." He said, just above a whisper. Rainbow Dash nodded and turned around to leave, but was surprised upon seeing how many ponies had gathered around the redeemed confectionary. Lyra and Bon Bon stood among them, smiles on their faces. They all began applauding and cheering for Rainbow Dash, a thunderous cacophony of commendations. Rainbow Dash's stomach lit alight in joy as she descended the small, short staircase to meet Applejack, who was a little too stunned to speak at that moment.

"Shall we?" Rainbow said. Applejack, slowly nodding, followed Rainbow through the crowd as they again began to walk toward Rainbow's old home.

"And Ah suppose you'll be using the money you got from sellin' your house for that?" Applejack asked the pegasus walking beside her.

"Yep." Rainbow said. "That rich Pegasus gave me so much for the house, I'm still gonna have a lot left over besides. And all of that's going to the farm." Applejack kissed Rainbow on the lips.

"But why?" Applejack said. "Why did ya do that? Not that Ah'm not happy ya did, Ah just can't figure out why. All the awful things they said about us..."

"Because, Applejack." Rainbow responded looking over at Applejack and smirking. "I wanted to show them that they were wrong about us."

"Well, Ah'm pretty sure ya showed that to the whole town." Applejack said. "Ah'm pretty sure you're some kinda hero now." Rainbow snickered.

"Well yeah," Rainbow said. "I'm awesome."

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Well, this chapter was certainly interesting to write. WHOO HOO! Rainbow has moved in with the Apple Family! I wrote it and I'm still happy! I actually added that last part with Rainbow Dash forgiving the Cakes because I was inspired by something I actually witnessed. I have a gay friend (who I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before.) who was mercilessly ridiculed by a bully at our school since the sixth grade, for obvious reasons. When this bully finally wised up and apoligized to him a week ago, my friend forgave him. The guy actually broke down in tears, as did many others who were watching, including my girlfriend. It was actually quite touching. It just goes to show that the power of forgiveness over one's enemies is truly a force to be reckoned with. See you guys next week. Cheers!

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Several weeks had passed since Rainbow Dash moved into the Apple Family household, and life could not have been any sweeter for the pegasus. She now lived in a house where she was greatly accepted and loved by her first actual family. The Apples treated her like one of their own, even though she was currently dating a member of the same sex, and was a pegasus on top of it. She smiled wryly as the sun hit her eyelids through her new bedroom window. Applejack, who had fallen asleep in Rainbow's embrace, had somehow managed to slip out of the bed without waking her lover up. The bedsheets were noticeably messy and disheveled, making the bed look like a destroyed battlefield.

Rainbow yawned loudly as she stretched, sitting up, and letting the sheets play off her body back onto the mattress. Rainbow sighed as she looked out the window at the Sweet Apple Acres orchard and recognized that she had, in fact, slept in quite late. She stood from the mattress and smacked her lips lazily as she looked around and began walking out of the room. As she exited the hallway and entered the living room, nopony was anywhere to be seen. She stumbled through the living room, still half-asleep, and entered the kitchen, where she poured herself a small mug of cider and downed it quickly before pouring herself some more. The pegasus heard the front door open nearly silently, and looked through the kitchen into the living room, laying her eyes upon Applejack, who wiped her forehead.

"Whew!" Applejack saidto herself. "Harvest season is a tough one this year."

"Do you always talk to yourself like that?" Rainbow Dash said, making Applejack jump and let out a small squeak. Rainbow exited the kitchen, raising an eyebrow and holding her mug of cider.

"Geez, Dash." Applejack said with a small laugh. "Don't do that to me. Darn near gave me a heart attack!" Rainbow smiled at the farm mare.

"What time is it?" Rainbow asked.

"There's a clock right there in the kitchen, sugarcube." Applejack said, smirking. Rainbow looked at the clock slowly, then looked back at Applejack.

"One thirty..." Rainbow said. Applejack raised an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash and smirked. "Huh...I just woke up, okay?" She took a small sip of her cider.

"Ya slept in quite a bit." Applejack said.

"It's my day off, AJ." Rainbow said. "I'm suprised I didn't sleep until three." Applejack chuckled.

"Well, Ah'll tell ya, it took a little while to get outta your grip in the bed without wakin' ya. Ya had me gripped like a vice." Applejack said as she moved into the kitchen to get herself a cup of cider.

"You know you love it." Rainbow Dash said with a smile.

"Oh, Ah ain't denyin' that, darlin'." Applejack said before she quickly downed her cider with three swallows and sighed happily. "Ah've just been out buckin' for a while. Harvest season is hittin' like a train."

"Well, I'll tell you what." Rainbow said. "Let me go ahead and finish my cider here and get a shower, and I'll come outside and help you out." Rainbow Dash moved past Applejack and sat in the living room on the couch, smiling as she took a small sip of her cider.

"Usually ya guzzle the stuff." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow. "Why're ya gettin' all dainty this mornin'?" Rainbow jumped slightly and looked down at her mug.

"I'm not being dainty!" Rainbow Dash said immediately, her eyes widening as she looked at Applejack incredulously. "I'm...just, uh...savoring it. I just woke up." Applejack raised her eyebrows and threw her hooves up.

"Okay, okay..." Applejack said. "It's no big deal." Rainbow frowned as she took yet another sip of her cider.

"I just like the flavor..." Rainbow said, blushing as she put her cider down on the small table next to the couch.

"There ya go again, gettin' all flustered. It's so cute." Applejack said before leaning in close to Rainbow and kissing her on the lips. Rainbow Dash smiled into the kiss before pulling back slowly. The pegasus sighed and placed the mug of cider on the table next to the couch. She pushed Applejack onto her back and layed down, her cheek resting on Applejack's cheek. The farm mare stroked Rainbow Dash's mane slowly and lovingly.

"I'm so happy to be living here." Rainbow Dash said. "It got so lonely up in that house. Celestia knows that playboy is making better use of it than me." Applejack chuckled and kissed the top of Rainbow's mane, making the daredevil's ears splay back.

"Ah love havin' ya here, Dash. Ah actually was considerin' it for a while. Ah just hated seein' ya fly back to that house to sleep alone...well, with the exception of Tank. Speakin' of which, where is the little guy?" Rainbow nodded back toward their bedroom.

"Still sleeping with Winona. He spends about eighty percent of his time in that shell of his." Rainbow said with a small giggle. "I think he's enjoying the change of scenery too. Cloud walls can get pretty boring to look at."

The two mares continued to lay on the couch lazily, holding each other, content to simply lay there and take in the other's presence. Applejack sighed as she slowly got up, earning a small groan of disapproval from Rainbow Dash, who sat up and pouted slightly before taking her mug of cider back from the small table beside the couch.

"Sorry, Rainbow. But Ah have to get ready to head back out." Applejack said. "Those Apples ain't gonna buck themselves." Rainbow nodded and took a solid gulp of her cider before gushing at the perfect flavor.

"So good...You go on ahead. I'll finish up here, grab a shower and join you. That way we can get it done twice as fast," Rainbow Dash said as she stood and walked saucily in front of Applejack and flicked the farm mare's chin with her prismatic tail. "and I can have you all to myself."

"Sounds good to me." Applejack said. "How 'bout the shower this time?"

At that moment, a fast, somewhat frantic knocking came from the front door to the farm house. It was slightly frightening to the two mares as they looked at each other.

"Where's Granny Smith?" Rainbow Dash asked, raising an inquisitorial eyebrow.

"Out runnin' errands." Applejack said. "It's probably just Big Mac with Applebloom." Rainbow Dash nodded, but she was still slightly unsure, as was Applejack. Big Mac never knocked like this.

"Why is the door locked?" Rainbow Dash asked. Applejack sighed as she looked at the door

"Ah sometimes just lock the door behind me. It's just kinda an automatic protective thing that Ah do...Ah can't exactly help it." Applejack jumped slightly as another round of banging came from the door. This time, it was coupled with a voice.

"Applejack, Rainbow! Open up!" They heard Big Macintosh's deep, resonating voice say somewhat frantically, much unlike the way the large stallion usually spoke. Concerned, Applejack quickly opened the door and let her older brother and younger sister into the house. Big Macintosh bounded inside, his eyes widened. The stallion was covered with sweat. His look immediately put Applejack and Rainbow Dash on high alert. Applebloom merely trotted inside and sighed upon looking up to her brother.

"What's wrong, Big Mac?" Applejack asked him.

"It...It's, uh...It....It's Ch-Ch-" He stuttered nervously.

"It's Ms. Cheerilee." Applebloom said with a raised eyebrow and a small smile. Applejack let out a slight gasp.

"Oh! Well, is she okay?" Applejack asked her brother.

"Ch-Chee-Cheerilee-" He tried to say.

"He thinks Cheerilee actually likes him." Applebloom elaborated for her tongue-tied brother. Applejack smiled and looked at her brother.

"Is it true, Mac?" The farm mare asked. Big Mac slowly nodded, trembling slightly. Rainbow jumped up, a huge smile present on her face.

"Oh, no way!" Rainbow said. "That's awesome, Big Mac. You should go for it." Applejack put a hoof up in Rainbow's direction.

"Get ahold of yourself." Applejack said calmly to him. "Then tell us what happened." Big Macintosh nodded, closed his eyes, and breathed deeply and slowly, allowing for him to calm himself efficiently. He nodded gradually as he opened his eyes and spoke.

"Ah w-went down to the schoolhouse to p-pick up Applebloom. Ah got to talkin' to Ms. Cheerilee some s-so Ah was already pretty nervous...We started...crackin' jokes, y'know, the usual stuff...but before Ah left, s-she...l-looked at me in a way that set my pulse racin'." Big Mac explained, still sweating.

"Are you sure she really meant to look at you that way?" Rainbow Dash said. "Maybe something got in her eye or something. Here, show us how it looked." Big Mac looked up at Rainbow slowly and frowned. "Well, we can't really know unless you show us." Big Mac sighed heavily and emulated what was most certainly an affectionate looked from Cheerilee, but looked like something out of a comedy movie coming from Big Mac. Rainbow couldn't help but burst into laughter, making Big Macintosh blush. Applejack stopped Rainbow's laughing by slugging the pegasus in the shoulder.

"Ow!" Rainbow said. "Geez..." Applejack looked at Big Mac.

"So you're absolutely sure that she meant to wink at you?" Applejack asked. Big Macintosh nodded. "Do you feel very confident around her?" Applejack was already sure of the answer, but figured she'd ask her brother anyway. Big Mac shook his head, and looked down at the floor.

"Then we're gonna help you!" Rainbow said with a confident smirk. "We're gonna get you a date with Ms. Cheerilee, and it's gonna go great!"

"B-But how?" Big Macintosh asked. "Ah don't really see how Ah can go about it other than just askin' her without messin' it up." Applejack shook her head and patted Big Macintosh on the shoulder.

"That's what sisters are for, big brother." Applejack said. "Me and Rainbow are gonna teach ya."

"By the time we're finished with you, Cheerilee will be begging you to take her!" Rainbow said excitedly. Applejack quickly nudged Rainbow and gestured toward Applebloom. "On a date! She'll be begging you to take her on a date!" The pegasus added to cover up the rather adult-natured comment she had just made. Big Macintosh gulped.

"Okay..." He said, unsure, as Rainbow and Applejack smiled intimidatingly at him. "So what do we do first?"

"First things first." Rainbow Dash said, raising an eyebrow at him. "Lose the whole 'I'm too nervous to talk to her' thing."

"But Ah am nervous...Ah don't know if she'll say yes or no..." Big Mac said.

"She's right, Big Mac." Applejack said. "If you're nervous, Cheerilee's gonna smell it on ya and lose interest in ya."

"Be confident. Know that you can get her, and you probably will." Rainbow said with a small smile. "Give us your best confident face."

"Oh, come on, girls. Do Ah really have to?" Big Mac asked, apprehensively. Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at Big Mac expectantly. He sighed heavily.

"Oh, okay..." He said. He inhaled deeply, puffed out his chest, smirked and raised an eyebrow. For a first try from a stallion who never really cared much for self image, it was impressive.

"Wow, Big Mac." Applejack said. "Nice job." Rainbow nodded, stroking her chin with a forehoof.

"Yeah, not bad, not bad." Rainbow said before zipping up to the stallion and making small adjustments to his posture and placement of his legs. The finished product practically eminated calm, cool and collected. "There! Now it's perfect." Big Mac promptly sighed as he returned to his normal posture.

"Second, act like ya don't care what she says. Make it a suggestion, not a request." Applejack said. "And don't be a jerk about it neither. She'll get hurt if ya insult her." Rainbow Dash nodded.

"Yeah. Be cool about it. Don't giggle and freak out if she says yes, don't get angry and say something mean if she says no." Rainbow Dash said. "Save all that stuff for behind closed doors." Big Mac nodded.

"Ya need to look and smell good too. Ah can't believe ya went to the schoolhouse lookin' like that." Applejack said. "Did ya leave straight from the orchard after buckin'?"

"Ah had to go get Applebloom on time." Big Mac responded.

"Ah really wouldn'ta cared if ya showed up a little late." Applebloom said. "Ah could smell ya when ya walked in."

"But she still looked at ya that way, so at least we know she probably doesn't care about smell too terribly much." Applejack said. "Still, wouldn't hurt to be lookin' your best."

"Yeah, that's true. Anything else?" Big Macintosh asked the two mares advising him.

"Above all, keep it casual." Rainbow Dash said. "This isn't a special thing, or anything. You're just asking her if you could buy her lunch sometime, or something like that. So be normal and calm. Don't get nervous and start stuttering and stuff. Now, I've noticed that Cheerilee sits on her porch a lot in the evening. Usually right at dusk. You'll just be passing by, and if she truly likes you as much as you think she does, she'll call you over!" Rainbow said excitedly. The stallion nodded.

"Ah think you'll do fine." Applejack said. "Ah'm pretty happy you're actin' on it." Big Mac nodded and smiled.

"Thanks, you guys. Ah feel a little better about it now." Big Macintosh said with a small smile. "Do ya really think it'll work?" Rainbow and Applejack nodded, both smiling happily.

"Like a charm." Applejack said.

_____

Big Macintosh, Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked in the direction of Cheerilee's small house. Big Macintosh, who was freshly washed, brushed, and groomed to ook irresistible to any mare in Ponyville, was nervous under the acting facade he currently used. He was certainly garnering the hungry stares of many of the females they passed as they moved through town. Applejack looked over at Rainbow and winked at her. Rainbow smirked, knowing all the attention Big Mac was getting from nearly the entire single female population. Big Macintosh could not focus on this, however, as the nervousness and fear coursing throughout him kept him constantly on edge, and therefore fixated on his goal.

"Okay." Rainbow Dash said suddenly, making the large stallion jump slightly. "You need a story. You're on your way to the market to buy some last minute supplies needed for dinner." Big Macintosh raised an eyebrow and looked at Rainbow.

"But Ah don't have any bits on me." He said with a frown.

"That's a problem." Applejack said with a small sigh.

"You're getting the stuff on credit." Rainbow said with a smirk.

"Ah don't think anypony in the maket does credit..." Big Mac muttered.

"That doesn't matter." Rainbow said quickly. "You just need something that sounds believable for that time."

"And if she asks why Ah'm all gussied up?" Big Mac asked. "Ah see her every weekday when Ah pick up Applebloom."

"Just tell her that you just like to look good sometimes." Applejack said. "But you have to believe it, or she won't."

"We're getting close." Rainbow Dash said. "There she is! On the porch!" Cheerilee indeed sat on her porch, looking out into the sky, colored orange and pink from the setting sun. She looked slightly lonely. Rainbow Dash and Applejack trotted to hide behind a fence.

"We'll be watching you." Applejack said. "You're gonna do great!"

"Remember, keep it cool." Rainbow added before they both hid. Big Macintosh nodded slowly before looking at Cheerilee's house with a gulp. Slowly, steadily, he stepped toward the small quaint house, where the object of his desires sat. She seemed to sigh and rest her head on her left forehoof, a gesture of boredom...and perhaps longing. Big Macintosh's mind raced a mile a minute, searching for the pieces of advice Rainbow Dash and Applejack had given him previously which for some undescernable and maddening reason, were eluding him now.

His heart raced, sweat began to bead on his forehead, which the stallion quickly wiped away. He searched his mind frantically for one of the pieces of advice he recieved, and found one.

'Confidence.' He thought to himself as he puffed out his chest and walked with a grace that was completely manufactured on the spot. Rainbow Dash and Applejack watched him, their eyes barely poking over the fence.

"There ya go, Big Mac." Applejack whispered. "Show some confidence." Rainbow snickered.

"This is either gonna go extremely great or extremely badly." Rainbow whispered to Applejack. "Best to be prepared for both."

"But let's hope it's the first one." Applejack said. "Ah really don't wanna see Big Mac get his heart broken again." Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.

"Again?" Rainbow Dash said. "What broke it the first time?"

"Well, she was a-"

"Hi guys!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, suddenly appearing behind Rainbow and Applejack. Making both their stomachs jump before Rainbow silenced her by putting a forehoof on her mouth.

"Shhh!" Rainbow said slightly frantically. "Be quiet, Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie Pie nodded, looking at Rainbow and Applejack before moving the pegasus' hoof away from her mouth.

"Okay. But why?" Pinkie Pie whispered.

"Look over the fence here, sugarcube." Applejack said. Pinkie Pie did this and saw Big Mac slowly walking towards Cheerilee's house.

"What's Big Macintosh doing?" Pinkie asked.

"Well, he's gonna ask Cheerilee on a date." Applejack explained. Luckily, Applejack had the foresight to silence Pinkie in time to muffle her excited squeal. After removing it, Pinkie giggled nervously.

"Heh heh...sorry." She said.

"Well don't get too excited yet, Pinkie." Rainbow said. "First, Cheerilee there's gotta take the bait."

Big Macintosh continued to slowly approach the house where Cheerilee sat. She hadn't noticed him yet, but it was getting dark, so he continued to walk toward the house. Suddenly, he remembered the set plan. He was supposed to walk by the house, no to it. Rapidly changing course, he began moving again. He gulped for what seemed the one-hundredth time as he got closer and closer to the small, cozy-looking cottage. The moment eventually came when he began to pass by the house.

'Okay...This is it...the moment of truth.' Big Macintosh thought to himself before he slowed his walking speed as he began passing the house. Step after small step he took, with seemingly no inkling of interest from the teacher pony sitting not even ten feet from him. He continued to walk, his heart beat faster with fear and apprehension. She still had not noticed him. It was over. The moment of truth had passed, and Cheerilee could not have cared any less. He sighed, defeated, as began walking at normal speed again.

"Big Macintosh?" Cheerilee called. "Is that you?" The stallion's heart stopped and he supressed a gasp as his eyes widened. He breathed heavily as he turned to the mare that was addressing him.

"Like clockwork." Rainbow Dash said to Applejack and Pinkie Pie behind the wall.

"W-Well, hello, Miss Cheerilee." He said, nodding his head.

'Confidence.' The word reverberated in his head, reprimanding his already poor progress. He cooly looked to the side.

"How you doin' tonight?" He said, the change in his voice noticeable.

"Oh, I'm alright." She said. "What are you up to?"

'Keep it casual." He heard in his head before looking up at her. He smirked knowingly at the mare.

"Oh, nothin' special." He responded. "Granny Smith is just missin' an ingredient for dinner, and Ah'm goin' to the market to pick it up for her." Cheerilee nodded.

"You look like you're going for a night out in Las Pegasus." Cheerilee commented with a small smile. "I must say, the look fits you quite well." Big Macintosh nodded, his confidence-building smirk not leaving his face.

"Well, thank you." He said. "You're lookin' quite nice tonight, as well." Cheerilee blushed.

"Oh, well, I just got a shower." She said. "Well, I won't keep you held up. It was nice talking to you, Big Mac." She said his nickname with a smirk of her own before turning to move back into her house. Big Mac nodded and turned to leave.

'Wait a minute. What the hay am Ah doin'?! She's goin' back inside!' He thought frantically. He turned back quickly to see the door shutting.

"Miss Cheerilee!" He yelled in a voice that suprised him with it's pitch. The teacher came back out, thouroughly confused.

"Yes? What is it?" She said, eyes slightly widened, with a eyebrow raised. Big Macintosh's legs began to tremble as he struggled to get the words out. The lessons he had learned back at the farm house were escaping his mind as he looked back and forth quickly. He cleared his throat.

"Could Ah uh...um...Well, uh...Well, ya see..." He said. "Maybe we could...Ah mean, possibly....maybe get lunch together some time?" He smiled widely, but his eyes were filled with fear and worry. Cheerilee chuckled quietly at the nervous stallion before her.

"Big Mac, are you asking me out on a date?" Cheerilee asked, already knowing the answer, but for some reason delighting in seeing the stallion squirm where he stood. He hung his head with a sigh, defeated, and nodded.

"Yes ma'am. Ah am askin' you to go on a date with me." He braced himself for the hated, "I don't like you like that." excuse.

"I was actually wondering when you were going to ask me since that Hearts and Hooves Day a while back." Cheerilee said with a genuine smile. Big Macintosh looked up at her, eyes filled with hope. "I'd love to." Big Macintosh suppressed a happy cry as he nodded and smiled widely. Both ponies barely registered a muffled, excited scream come from down the street.

"Well, when can Ah pick you up, and where do ya wanna go?" He said excitedly, barely keeping his overflowing happiness bottled up.

"Why don't we go on a picnic? I'm sure we've both been to Cafe Du Mane several times, and that's pretty much the only good dating place to eat in Ponyville." She said. Big Macintosh nodded with a seemingly permanent smile on his face. Cheerilee's words alerted Pinkie Pie, who was still hiding behind the fence with Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Offended that Cheerilee had left Sugarcube Corner out, Pinkie jumped up to climb the fence before Rainbow Dash and Applejack barely managed to pull her back.

"Sounds good." He said.

"I'm free Saturday. Pick me up at three?" She requested, coming down the stairs to her front porch and walking toward him. With every step she took, Big Mac's heart rate increased. He struggled to speak as she approached.

"P-P-Pick ya up at three." He affirmed. She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. Big Mac wished that the kiss was a little further to the left.

"I'm looking forward to it." She said before moving back up to her front porch and opening her front door. She waved back at him, and he returned the wave before she went back into her house. He turned and began moving down the street toward the spot where Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie Pie where hiding. As they left the hiding spot, Big Mac smiled at all of them, even Pinkie Pie, who he had no idea was there.

"We heard everything!" Applejack said with a large smile. "Congrats, Mac!"

"You killed it!" Rainbow said, slugging Big Macintosh in the shoulder. He was suprised at just how much the blow hurt, and Rainbow wasn't even really trying. "There were a couple slip-ups here and there, but for the most part it was great!"

"I'm sooooooo happy for you!" Pinkie said. "But...Sugarcube Corner is nice...we have little plants and stuff hanging on the walls..."

"Sorry, Pinkie Pie." Big Mac responded. "We'll come over there if we go on a second date."

"Okay! I actually have some stuff to do." Pinkie Pie said as she began moving down the street. She promptly turned and trotted backwards. "Rainbow! Applejack! We need to hang out soon!"

"We'll come and grab some sweets sometime this week." Applejack said. "We'll see ya then!" Pinkie Pie smiled.

"Alright! Bye!" She said before turning back and trotting the regular way.

"When did she show up?" Big Macintosh asked.

"She could have been there the whole time." Rainbow Dash said with a small smile. "You never know with Pinkie Pie. But who cares about that?! You got a date with Cheerilee!"

"Ah'm so proud!" Applejack said.

"Ah honestly probably couldn'ta done it without you two." Big Mac said with a smile as they turned around to return to the farm house for dinner. "Ah owe this to you guys. Thanks."

"Don't mention it, big guy." Rainbow said.

"That's what family is for." Applejack added.

_____

Rainbow Dash yawned as she, Applejack and Big Macintosh returned to the house. Applebloom quickly trotted out of the kitchen and looked up at them with a large, expectant smile.

"So? How did it go? Did ya ask her?" Applebloom asked her older brother. He smirked down at her.

"Don't tell me ya wussed out, Big Mac!" Granny Smith exclaimed from the kitchen as she worked on dinner for the family. "Applebloom told me all about y'all's little exploits, and Ah couldn't help but get excited myself!"

"As a matter of fact, Ah did, ." Big Mac responded, pride echoing through his tone.

"And? What did she say?" Applebloom asked him, the suspense killing her. Big Mac laughed quietly to himself before looking back at Applejack and Rainbow momentarily.

"She said yes, little sis." He said. "Ah'm takin' her out on a date this Saturday." Applebloom squealed happily and did a small jig.

"Ah gotta tell Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo! Ah knew y'all were gonna end up gettin' together!" Applebloom exclaimed. She quickly stopped in her excitement, her eyes widening slightly. "But, uh...wait a minute...If y'all get married...Cheerilee will be my sister-in-law..." Everypony, including Granny Smith, burst into laughter.

"Now, Applebloom..." Applejack said, placing a hoof on the filly's shoulder. "It's way too early for him to be thinkin' about marryin' her."

"What do ya mean?" Applebloom said. "Ah thought ya just fell in love with whoever and married 'em. They looked like they were pretty in love when Big Mac picked me up today."

"It doesn't work like that, Applebloom." Rainbow Dash said. "You gotta get to know whoever you're dating, you eventually go on more dates...and, you know, it just goes from there." Rainbow couldn't stop herself from looking at Applejack for a moment who, as it turned out, had been looking at her as she spoke to Applebloom. Applejack blushed heavily and looked back at Applebloom, as did Rainbow.

"Ah see what you're sayin'." Applebloom said. "That does make a lot of sense..."

"Enough of this talk! She's too young!" Granny Smith said jovially as she entered the living room.

"Granny..." Applebloom said. "Ah can handle it...Ah'm growin' up..."

"Yeah, but not that fast." Granny Smith said simply as she winked at Applejack.

"Granny, this ain't nothin' Ah haven't heard before." Applebloom said.

"Would you like to discuss the somantics of this here subject, little filly, or do ya wanna chow down on some grub? Ah got a heapin' pot of cowpony stew waitin' in the kitchen, so come and get it!" Granny Smith said before turning and heading back into the kitchen.

"Sounds great!" Rainbow Dash said happily, clapping her forehooves and rubbing them together. "I'm starved."

"Don't eat too much, Dash." Applejack said with a sly smile. "Ya might put on more weight than ya already have." Rainbow Dash immediately jumped up on her hind legs and frantically looked her body over, her eyes widened in fear. After noticing no change in her lithe physique, the pegasus looked at Applejack, unimpressed.

"You're awful." Rainbow said simply.

"Just messin' with ya, sugar." Applejack said. "Let's eat."

Dinner, as usual in the Apple Family household, was fantastic in the highest sense of the word. The home-cooked feel of the meal was unmistakable and the flavors were rich and satisfying. Everyone was content to sit with each other at the dining room table and chat merrrily about their days and how things were getting better, thanks to Rainbow's funding of the farm using the leftovers from when she sold her house. They had been living quite comfortably, especially in comparison to the tight ways they used to. They were not restricted to having most of their diet consist of apples, and foods consisting of the fruit. Nopony complained, of course, because even then the food was delicious. But, it was nice to get away from apples sometimes and eat a nice different dinner.

As they polished off nearly half the entire pot of cowpony stew, Big Macintosh stored it for leftovers the next day. After saying their goodnights, everypony headed off for bed, ready for a good night's sleep. Applejack took a short time to get a shower before joining Rainbow Dash in bed. The pegasus marked her place in Daring Do: The Curse of the Blood Sapphire and accepted a kiss on the lips from Applejack before embracing her lover.

"You smell really good." Rainbow Dash said with a small smile. "You should shower more often." Applejack blushed and looked to the side, embarrassed.

"O-Oh...Ah didn't know Ah smell sometimes." Applejack said.

"Just kidding. You always smell nice." Rainbow said. "That was just payback for earlier." Applejack chuckled and nodded slowly.

"Yeah...Ah suppose Ah had that comin'." Applejack said with a small smile. "You know...we did some good work today. We got my brother his first date since...Ah don't know when. Ah haven't seen him this happy in a long time." Rainbow nodded.

"It did feel good to see him turn around with that smile on his face." Rainbow said. "It's gonna turn out good. I can tell."

"Ah sure hope you're right." Applejack said. "He's so head over hooves for her, and Celestia knows he needs somepony."

"He'll be fine." Rainbow said. "He'll follow our instructions on the date, she'll wanna go again, et cetera..." Applejack nodded and snuggled into Rainbow Dash, who nuzzled her lovingly. After sharing a long kiss they laid there, breathing in synchronization, content with the comfortable silence they currently shared. The moon shone through the bedroom window, serving as the only source of light illuminating the room. Time passed and Applejack felt a low, nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach.

"Hey, Rainbow..." Applejack said quietly, testing to see if the Pegasus was awake.

"Hmm?" The cyan mare responded drowsily, half-asleep. Applejack sighed.

"The Harvest Celebration Hoedown is comin' up pretty soon." Applejack said. "It's in Appleloosa this year, so we won't have to travel very far." Rainbow snickered.

"As long as we do that switching-dance, and you end up the last pony I dance with, I'll be absolutely fine." Rainbow Dash said before letting out a small groan. "I don't want to do weather patrol tomorrow..." Applejack snuggled into Rainbow Dash's embrace.

"You know, you could have a full-time job here on the farm if you wanted it." Applejack said. "Ah sure as hay wouldn't be opposed." Rainbow smiled.

"I know. But all the same, I can't leave all the pegasi at weather patrol hanging. They all count on me as the captain." Rainbow said. "But I'll still buck apples part time if you'll have me." Applejack squeezed Rainbow before kissing her on the lips lovingly and nuzzling Rainbow's cheek. They settled down and closed their eyes for a unified slumber.

"You know Ah will."

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Well, well, well, lookie here. A chapter that isn't completely centered on Rainbow Dash and Applejack! I figured a cutesy little follow-up to my hint at Big Mac/Cheerilee earlier in the story was necessary. I just feel like it provides for a nice, light, comedic break from the main plotline of the story. But I still couldn't write this without putting some AppleDash fluff in there. What can I say? APPLEDASH F*CKING ROCKS Now if you guys'll excuse me, I'm going to play Slender: The Eight Pages and shit myself. See you all next week. Cheers!

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Rainbow Dash smiled widely as she began packing her things for the long trip to Appleloosa for the Harvest Celebration Hoedown. She could hardly believe that it had already almost been a year since that amazing night when she fell in love with Applejack, the mare beside her who was also packing her things, who also just so happened to be the love of Rainbow Dash's life. Applejack smiled sweetly at Rainbow Dash before giving her a quick peck on the lips.

"You excited? It's time for the hoedown!" Applejack said happily. "Time for endless amounts of cider and the Switch-'Em-Up dance that you love so much." Rainbow Dash nodded with excitement.

"Stoked is an understatement, AJ." Rainbow Dash replied. "I've been spending the last three days getting psyched up for it."

"The only bad thing is that ya had to use your vacation week for it." Applejack said with a small frown.

"Don't worry, Applejack." Rainbow said. "It's fine. I get a week. We're only gonna be down there for three days."

"Two and a half." Applejack corrected. "And ya get the rest of the week?"

"Yep." Rainbow Dash said simply as she looked down at Tank, who was just coming out of his shell from his slumber. Winona was curled around his shell, still sleeping peacefully. "Uh, AJ? One quick question." Applejack looked over at her.

"What's that, sugarcube?" Applejack responded.

"What about Tank and Winona? What are we going to do with them while we're gone?" Rainbow Dash asked. Applejack looked down at their pets and frowned slightly, perplexed at this proposition.

"Ah don't know." Applejack said. "Haven't really given it much thought. Geez, that's some bad plannin' on our parts, huh?"

"We could leave them with Twilight." Rainbow Dash suggested. "She's the most responsible pony we know." Applejack nodded slowly.

"Yeah, she is. But she's probably got a whole bunch of princess-y duties and stuff." Applejack said. "Ah don't wanna inconvenience her. How about Fluttershy?"

"Fluttershy already has a lot on her plate with all those other critters she cares for." Rainbow Dash said. "So all that leaves is Pinkie Pie and Rarity."

"Yeah, but Pinkie Pie has a lot of responsibility now, what with partly ownin' Sugarcube Corner." Applejack said.

"Well, I guess it's Rarity, then." Rainbow said, with an unsure look on her face. "Uhm...yeeeah."

"Oh, come on, she's not that bad, right?." Applejack said. "And besides, she owes us for movin' those crates for her."

"I don't know." Rainbow responded. "She doesn't like dirty things much and Winona...well..."

"Winona's not dirty." Applejack said before looking down at her dog. Applejack frowned at the fact that she did indeed look quite dirty. "Oh, my..."

"Why don't we give her a bath?" Rainbow Dash asked. Applejack immediately looked over at the pegasus with fear in her eyes. "There's a good chance Rarity will take her if she's clean."

"Do you not remember the last time we tried to give Winona a bath?" Applejack asked. Rainbow nodded.

"I know, Applejack." Rainbow Dash said. "But it's really the only way. Think about it." Applejack sat for a moment, sighed and nodded.

"Okay." Applejack said. "But let's have breakfast first." They left their bedroom and cantered into the kitchen. Big Macintosh was sitting at the table, eating a re-heated apple fritter.

"Mornin', y'all." Big Mac said with a small nod.

"Mornin' Mac." Applejack said as she watched Rainbow move into the kitchen to dish up their food. "Where's Applebloom and Granny Smith?"

"They're both just gettin' ready." Big Mac said. "They'll be a little while."

"We don't exactly have much time to waste." Rainbow said after placing a tray with two plates of apple fritters on it on the table. "We have to...wash Winona so she can stay at Rarity's while we're gone." Big Mac stopped eating and immediately looked up at the two mares as they sat at the table.

"Been nice knowin' y'all." The stallion said before returning to his apple fritter.

"Ha ha. Very funny." Applejack said after swallowing an apple fritter. "How was your date with Cheerilee last night?"

"Can't complain." Big Macintosh said. "Went pretty well. We saw these street performers and went to eat. We're doin' it again sometime, Ah know that for sure."

"Well, this is you guys' third date." Rainbow Dash said. "Didya get any sugar? Huh?" The pegasus elbowed the Stallion in the shoulder, making him blush. "Oh, he did! He totally did!"

"Knock it off, Dash." Applejack said. "Come on. Let's get eatin' so we can get this bath over with." Rainbow groaned and threw her head back before eating another apple fritter.

After eating their breakfast, Rainbow and Applejack moved back into the bedroom and looked down at Winona, still cuddling with Tank.

"Winona..." Applejack called. "Here, girl. Let's go play!" The dog enthusiastically jumped up and wagged her tail with enough force to move her rump along with it. She barked and bounded up to Applejack, jumping up and licking the farm mare's face. Applejack supressed a gag at the dog's rancid breath.

"Okay." Rainbow said. "Let's go!"

They walked outside, Winona running circles around them, barking happily. The small dog stopped in her tracks when she layed her eyes upon the tub of water waiting for her. She looked back at Applejack, who was standing right behind her.

"Now, Winona. Let's just calm down, and get you into the-" Applejack was not able to finish her sentence because Winona sprinted away at top speed, suprising her. "Rainbow she's gettin' away!"

"On it!" The pegasus said, using her superior speed to catch Winona in mid-stride and hold her below, barely escaping Winona's frantic struggles. Rainbow quickly flew toward the tub, where Applejack stood ready, and dropped Winona in. She let out a frightened yelp and attempted to flee, but Applejack caught her and held her in place. Winona trembled in pure fear.

"It's okay, girl..." Applejack said as Rainbow landed next to her. "Hold her in place, Dash." Rainbow gulped as she placed her hooves upon Winona's body, employing her strength to keep the stressed dog in place. Applejack quickly squirted shampoo down Winona's trembling body and proceeded to lather her down. Winona whimpered in terror as the water washed away the grime and dirt caking her skin.

"Don't worry, Winona...you'll be okay..." Applejack said soothingly. "It's just some-" Winona suddenly began to struggle violently in an attempt to break Rainbow Dash's hold. She succeeded for a moment by catching Rainbow by surprise and in her fear-fueled strength, managed to headbutt Rainbow Dash while attempting to flee. Rainbow quickly grabbed hold of Applejack's pet by the waist, wrapping her forelegs around the terrified animal's midsection.

"Ow..." Rainbow said through clenched teeth as her head throbbed in pain. Her entire front section was completely soaked with shampoo suds and lukewarm water. Applejack began to wash Winona again.

"You okay, Dash?" Applejack asked.

"She's a lot stronger than she looks..." The pegasus stated with a sigh before attempting to blow her matted mane out of her eyes. "Let's just get this over with." Applejack nodded and began to rinse Winona off, effectively clearing her of shampoo and soap. Winona whimpered and cried in fear as the water played down her body, but before long, it was all over and she was being dried off. This constituted an immediate swing from terror to elation as Winona wagged her tail and yipped with joy when Applejack ushered her into the wagon to sit with Rainbow Dash.

"You'd think she thinks the stuff is acid." Rainbow said with a huff. Applejack smiled up at her. "I still have to get a shower before we leave for Appleloosa." Applejack nodded.

"You can get your shower when we get back from Rarity's place." Applejack said as she ambled to the house. As she watched Applejack enter the farmhouse, Rainbow sighed once more before feeling a wet, sloppy tongue lick up her face. She grumbled as she turned to Winona. Her heart melted however, at seeing the sweet little dog looking up at her, affection evident in her expression. Rainbow could not supress a giggle as she wrapped Winona in a hug.

Applejack walked into the house, grabbed the bag of dog food she kept under the kitchen counter, the reptile food and after retrieving Tank from the bedroom, walked out of the house. She gave the tortoise to Rainbow to put into the small wagon bed with Winona, and dropped the food containers in as well. The two mares hitched themselves to the wagon and began to trek to Rarity's boutique.

"I just hope she doesn't try to...accessorize Tank." Rainbow said, earning a laugh from Applejack.

Upon arrival at Carousel Boutique, they unhitched themselves from the wagon and knocked on Rarity's door. After a short wait, Rarity opened the door and brightened up significantly upon seeing her two friends.

"Rainbow Dash! Applejack! Hello!" Rarity said before shrinking back from a certain odor coming from the two of them. "Oh, dear. What is that stench?"

"Wet dog." Rainbow said flatly. Rarity raised an eyebrow and looked past the two mares at the wagon holding their pets. Winona's tail wagged quickly and Tank lazily stared at her. Her mind connected the dots, and she immediately giggled nervously.

"Could you uh...watch over Tank and Winona while we go to Appleloosa for the weekend?" Applejack asked her.

"Oh my, would you look at the time." Rarity said. "It's been great seeing you two. Bye!" She began to shut the door, but it was stopped dead in it's motion by Rainbow Dash's powerful, determined forehoof.

"Uh...Rarity? You owe us, remember?" Applejack said. "For movin' the crates?"

"I don't precisely recall..." The unicorn said.

"Rarity. I have been soaked to the bone in dog-dirt-filled water, headbutted and scratched by Winona's claws." Rainbow said. "Now, I really hate to impose, but you owe us."

"A little harsh, Dash." Applejack murmured to the pegasus. Rarity looked at the two of them, sighed and nodded.

"Alright." Rarity said. "Bring them in."

"Thanks, Rarity." Applejack said appreciatively.

"What are friends for?" Rarity said before turning back into the boutique and shouting. "Sweetie Belle! Come down and meet your new roomates for the weekend!"

_____

Applejack and Rainbow Dash finally arrived back at the farm house to find Applebloom, Big Macintosh and Granny Smith waiting for them. The old mare threw a hoof up into the air.

"Where y'all been for the last half hour?" She said. "We've all been waitin' for ya!"

"We had to take Winona and Tank to Rarity's place so that she could take care of 'em." Applejack said.

"Ah, alright." Granny Smith said. "What's that smell?"

"Wet dog." Big Mac said promptly. "They gave Winona a bath before they left."

"Well, it's a wonder they're both still alive." Granny Smith said. "Now come on! Let's get goin', we're gonna miss the train."

"But we still have to shower." Rainbow Dash said. Granny Smith looked at them and sighed.

"Well, y'all had better hurry!" She said. "We got fifteen minutes!" Rainbow Dash and Applejack sprinted inside and ran to their bathroom. They turned on the shower and jumped in immediately, both of them letting out a shout upon feeling the cold water, still in the process of warming up. They both promptly went to work washing the other's mane with shampoo at the same time.

"AJ, your hairties are still in." Rainbow said.

"Just take 'em out and toss 'em over the curtain." Applejack said.

"If only we had some more time to waste..." Rainbow said while removing the red bands. Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Just get your head under the water." Applejack said as she began rinsing Rainbow Dash's mane. "But Ah will admit, some alone time in here with you would be pretty nice." Rainbow, her mane freshly rinsed, traded places with Applejack.

"Well, let's not completely discount the possibility that Braeburn has a shower at his house." Rainbow said before taking a bar a soap and handing it to Applejack. The pegasus turned away from Applejack, looked back momentarily and raised a saucy eyebrow at her lover. "Now, lather me up." Applejack felt a fire in her belly as she rubbed the soap along Rainbow's lithe frame.

"Now, Dash...we...can't be welcomin' ourselves to Braeburn's home..." The farm mare said with a gulp. "Rinse yourself off." As Rainbow once again traded places with Applejack, she smiled and whispered into the farm mare's ear.

"Fine. But as soon as we get back...This shower...you and me...I'm gonna make you feel like royalty." Rainbow kissed Applejack's ear softly before grabbing the bar of soap.

"It's a done deal." Applejack said. "Now wash me up so we can get the hay outta here." Rainbow did this and moved Applejack under the water. After they were both completely rinsed off, they stepped out of the shower. Rainbow slipped on the hard floor and fell onto her flank.

"You okay Dash?" Applejack said, stopping to make sure she was alright.

"It doesn't matter!" Rainbow said. "Let's get dry!" They dried themselves off as quickly as they could. Rainbow slipped Applejack's mane and tail into their respective hairties while Applejack donned her stetson.

"How's the mane?" Rainbow Dash asked her marefriend. Applejack moved the prismatic hair a bit to one side and then another until it had it's usual scruffy, yet neat look.

"Like a million bits." Applejack said. "Now come on!" They sprinted through the house and jumped outside in front of their family. Big Mac, Applebloom and Granny Smith's eyes widened in suprise.

"Well, dang." Granny Smith said. "Five minutes...What'd y'all do, shower together?" Applejack blushed and opened her mouth to respond, but was interrrupted by Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, no. I used our shower and Applejack used yours, Granny Smith." Rainbow said.

"Yeah." The orange mare added, going along with Rainbow's fib. "Ah hope ya don't mind." Granny Smith shrugged nonchalantly.

"Ah don't really care much." The old mare said. "Now let's get goin'!"

"Ah'm so excited!" Applebloom said happily. "Babs is gonna be able to make it to this year's hoedown too!" Granny Smith hopped onto Big Macintosh's back and smiled down at him.

"Now don't be afraid to run, Big Mac." Granny said. "Ah can take it."

"Eeeyup." The stallion responded with a nod. Rainbow clapped her hooves together a few times.

"I got it!" The pegasus said. "Why don't we race to the train station?"

"That sounds great!" Applebloom said.

"Oh, why not? Ah'm in." Applejack said. "But Granny-"

"Big Mac, we're gonna win this thing!" Granny Smith said to her grandson, interrupting Applejack. Rainbow quickly drew a starting line in the sand.

"No wings, Dash." Applejack said. Rainbow nodded.

"Oh, come on! Who do you think I am?" Rainbow said with a raised eyebrow.

"A pony who really, really hates to lose."

"What makes you think I'll lose?"

"Enough of this chit-chat!" Granny Smith said. "Let's race!"

"On your mark..." Rainbow said. Everypony got down and prepared to sprint as fast as they could. "Get set..." Rainbow looked over at Applejack for a moment before smiling confidently. "GO!"

_____

The race ended like it usually did. Rainbow and Applejack blazed ahead, while Big Macintosh and Applebloom struggled to keep up with them. Though to their credit, Applebloom and Big Mac held their own for a much longer time than either mare had anticipated. Big Macintosh and Applebloom came running up to the train station, both completely out of breath while Rainbow and Applejack waited on them patiently, only mildly winded.

"What took you guys so long?" Rainbow Dash said, raising an eyebrow.

"Ya tend to lose when you're goin' up against two of the most fit ponies in Ponyville." Applebloom said in between breaths.

"Eeeyup." Big Macintosh agreed, while Granny Smith sat on his back.

"Ah think ya coulda gone faster." The senior said with a small laugh before hopping off of Big Mac's back and landing unsteadily. "Now, let's get on this train."

They moved up to the ticket booth and addressed the clerk behind a window. He was a scrawny little stallion with a monocle and a funny little handlebar mustache. He smiled at them warmly. Applejack smiled back at him as he nodded to them.

"Good day to you." He said. "How may I help you?"

"Five tickets for the two thirty train to Appleloosa, please." Applejack said with a smile as she put the money needed for the tickets throught the small hole in the window. The clerk nodded.

"Very well, very well..." He said. As he retrieved their tickets, his eyes widened slightly. "You all had better hurry! The train leaves in five minutes."

"Ah thought we had more time!" Applejack looked over to her Grandmother atop her brother. "Granny!"

"What?" She replied. "Ah'm old! How am Ah supposed to know what time it is exactly?"

"Maybe you should look at a clock." Big Macintosh said genuinely, earning a raised eyebrow from Granny Smith. He looked away and blushed.

"Well, it looks like we made it just in time!" Rainbow said before heading in the direction of the train. "Come on, guys."

The little clerk nodded at each member of the family as they passed by.

"Enjoy your ride!" He called to them.

"Thank you!" Applebloom shouted back as they left him in his box. They walked across the wooden deck and entered the train as it waited for them, handing their tickets and luggage to the stallions taking them. They moved through the train cars until they found a nice, double-sided booth with two wide seats facing each other. Applejack and Rainbow Dash took a seat next to each other while Big Mac placed Granny Smith down in the opposite seat and sat down next to her. Applebloom finally came trotting to the seat and placed herself beside Big Macintosh. The conductor's booming voice sounded throughtout the train,

"All abooooard!"

The train whistle blew loudly, sending reverberations throughout the interior of the family's train car. With a small jerk, the train began to move forward onto their goal, Appleloosa.

"Well, we're on our way!" Rainbow Dash said.

"You're tellin' me." Applejack said with a sigh. "Here we go. Nothin' but sittin' here for the next three hours."

"Oh, it won't be that bad, Applejack." Applebloom said. "Granny Smith can always tell us stories to pass the time, right, Granny?" Applebloom looked over at her Grandmother, who was fast asleep on Big Macintosh's shoulder. He offered a small shrug, to which Granny Smith mumbled something harsh in her sleep.

"How does that even happen?" Rainbow said. "We've barely even left the station yet..."

"She just needs her sleep." Applejacks said. "C'mon, let's think of something to do."

"Besides sit here and do nothing?" Rainbow asked rhetorically. Applejack furrowed her brows at the pegasus and frowned slightly. "Alright I'm in."

Applebloom, Applejack and Rainbow Dash all sat in their seats and attempted to think of anything they could possibly do that could pass the long train ride ahead. Several suggestions were brought up by Applebloom, but were quickly shot down by either Rainbow Dash or Applejack, seeing as how many of them required all players to be excessively loud and disruptive. At this point, Big Macintosh had fallen asleep next to his Grandmother.

"Well, Ah'm fresh outta ideas." Applebloom said with a sigh. "What about y'all?"

"I'm kinda hungry." Rainbow said. "Maybe we could go over to the dining car for a snack." Applejack's eyes widened slightly at the suggestion.

"Ah can't believe that none of us thought of that before now." Applejack said. "That actually sounds really good. Let's go eat a little somethin' somethin'."

They stood and made their way to the dining cart. They sat down as a server moved up to them and smiled warmly.

"And what may I get for you?" The tall, thin unicorn mare said.

"I'll have a daffodil sandwich." Rainbow said. "Grilled. And a water." The mare wrote down the order in her small notepad.

"Alright. Anypony else?" She said.

"Yeah, Ah'll have the hay fries." Applejack said. "Double portion. Me and my sister here are splitting it." The waitress nodded.

"And would you two like waters as well?" The server asked. Applejack nodded and smiled at her.

"Please." The farm mare said. The server took the menus and nodded at them.

"They'll be right out." She stated warmly before moving into the car where the food was most likely being prepared. The server was true to her word, it turned out, as their food was out for them in what seemed like five minutes. This extremely fast serving time, however, attested to the overall quality of their food. Rainbow's sandwich was barely grilled while Applejack and Applebloom's fries were soggy with grease.

"It smells...funny." Applebloom said. "Ah'm not sure if Ah wanna eat this."

"Yeah, Ah know." Applejack agreed. "This stuff looks pretty bad. Even for Hay Fries."

"I say we just ditch the place and leave the food." Rainbow said.

"Ah'd agree if the waitress wasn't so dang nice." Applejack said, looking around. "Ah don't wanna hurt her feelings."

"Well then, what do we do?" Applebloom asked.

"Ah'm thinkin', Ah'm thinkin'..." Applejack said as she looked around for ideas. "How about we dump the food in that there trash can and split? We won't have to eat it and that waitress won't be offended." They all stood and one by one, and dumped their food into the trash can.

"I'll never understand why you try so hard to make everypony happy." Rainbow said. "She didn't even cook the food."

"Sometimes, ya just know, Dash." Applejack said as the waitress came from the kitchen car.

"Wow, you all got through in a hurry." She said sweetly. "How was everything?"

"Uh...It was...nice." Applejack said with a smile. "Y'all did good." The waitress smiled happily and nodded.

"Thank you. That means a lot." She said to them. "Come on back if you get hungry again!" They all nodded as they left the dining car.

"Great!" Rainbow said as she looked at a clock. "We managed to waste fifteen minutes."

"There's gotta be somethin' else!" Applejack said.

"Why don't we play hide and seek?" Applebloom suggested. "We don't really have to be that loud." Applejack considered the option for a moment.

"That actually doesn't sound too bad." Rainbow Dash said. "There aren't many ponies on this train, and we could be pretty quiet." Applejack looked at the pegasus and raised an eyebrow.

"Ah dunno." The farm mare said, unsure. "Maybe this isn't the right place..."

"Aw, come on, Applejack!" Applebloom said. "This train is huge! It'll be so fun!"

"Yeah, AJ. Live a little." Rainbow said, nudging Applejack playfully. Applejack adjusted her stetson and sighed.

"Alright, alright fine. Just under one condition..." Applejack said before looking at her little sister. "Not. It."

"Not it!" Rainbow quickly shouted before Applebloom could release a syllable.

"Wha...Ah...Y'all...Oh, fine." The filly said.

"Alright." Applejack said. "No hidin' in any cars that have anypony in 'em and no hidin' anywhere outside the train. Now go back to our car and count to a hundred."

"But that's too looong." Applebloom said with a large frown, looking up at her sister.

"Ah let you go last time ya lost the whole 'not it' thing." Applejack said, ruffling the filly's mane. "Time to take responsibility, little sis." Applebloom grumbled and began to walk down to their car. Applejack immediately began looking for a place to hide. The car they were in at that moment did not harbor any suitable hiding places, so Rainbow and Applejack moved on to the next one.

"So, where we hiding, AJ?" Rainbow Dash asked, hovering above the farm mare. Applejack looked up at her with an amused smile.

"Aren't ya supposed to hide in different places?" Applejack asked. Rainbow Dash shrugged in the air and snickered.

"I guess so." The pegasus said. "I guess I'll go find somewhere else." Rainbow Dash then quickly flew into another car, away from Applejack. The farm mare immediately began to miss her presence, but pressed on to find the oppurtune car. She moved from car to car, attempting to find an adequate hiding place, but none seemed to fit the bill. They were either too cramped, to open, or too confusing to move in and out of. She finally came to a cart labeld "Luggage Hold". Applejack cautiously entered the car and closed the sliding door behind her. Darkness mostly enveloped the room, and as her eyes adjusted, Applejack saw that all the luggage on the train was strapped in securely on several long shelves on either side of the cart, including theirs. The large suitcases stood on the floor, strapped down as well.

"Perfect..." Applejack said to herself as she nestled down behind one of the larger rows of suitcases. As Applejack sat alone, in the near-pitch-dark room, she began to hear her heart beating. She jumped slightly as her ears barely registered a movement in the room with her.

"H-Hello?" Applejack said nervously. "Anypony-" She was interrupted by a scream and a pair of hooves wrapping around her waist. Applejack herself screamed, but in terror at this startling development. The mystery scream turned to laughter lined with adoration.

"Oh, Goddesses, AJ, you're too easy..." Rainbow Dash said slyly.

"Rainbow!" Applejack said, turning around to face her lover. The earth pony took note that Rainbow's forehooves never broke their embrace. "What the hay are you doin'?"

"Well, I was scaring you senseless, but now I'm sitting here in the dark with you." Rainbow said with a smart-alecky tinge to her voice. Applejack scoffed.

"How did ya get in here?" Applejack asked her.

"Well, when I left the cart, I really flew out of the upper exit and flew alongside the train, watching where you were headed. I guessed that you'd get in the luggage car." Rainbow said. "I just figured I'd have a little extra fun for myself." Applejack immediately kissed Rainbow square on the lips, catching her by suprise. Rainbow was not opposed in the slightest, however, and returned the kiss. She moved her lips upon Applejack's for a few moments before Applejack slipped her tongue into her mouth. Applejack bravely moved her tongue along Rainbow's with admirable skill, making the pegasus moan with want. Applejack then brought a forehoof to the back of Rainbow's head and pulled her even further into the kiss as she continued to explore Rainbow's mouth. Applejack slowly disconnected with one more quick, extra peck on the lips.

"How's that for a little extra fun?" Applejack said.

"I'd say that it fits the bill." Rainbow replied before pulling Applejack down onto her in the dark car. Their bodies moved against each other's sensually as they connected in yet another kiss. Applejack disconnected and moved down to kiss Rainbow's neck, knowing that it was one of Rainbow Dash's most sensitive spots. Rainbow's loud moan of desire when she made the contact confirmed the suspicion.

Suddenly, the door to the car opened.

Applebloom was the first possibility that popped into Applejack and Rainbow's heads. The small filly was searching for them, because as they both had forgotten, they were playing a game of hide and seek. The heavy hoof falls changed their mindsets and let them know that it was an attendant, most likely checking on the multiple different sounds coming from the car. He stood for a moment and looked around with a flashlight. Fortunately, he didn't take a step into the car.

"I told 'em this train was buckin' haunted..." He said in a deep gruff voice before shutting the door to the cart behind him. Rainbow Dash and Applejack both sighed in relief before Rainbow rolled the two of them to where she was straddling Applejack's midsection.

"Now..." Rainbow said, before kissing Applejack's lips lightly. "Where were we?" As she sat up, a bump in the train track caused a not-so-securely-strapped suitcase to become unstowed.

And fly straight into Rainbow Dash's head.

Rainbow fell, unconcious, onto Applejack, alarming the farm mare heavily to the situation.

"Rainbow?" She said. "Rainbow! Rainbow Dash, wake up!" Her yelling became more and more frantic as she stood, laying Rainbow down on the floor gently. Rainbow slowly brought her head up from the ground. She groaned in pain and looked around the dark car, confused.

"Ugh...What the hay happened?" Rainbow asked.

"We we're foolin' around in here and you got hit in the head by a loose suitcase." Applejack said. "Talk about killin' the mood."

"I think it might have killed some brain cells..." Rainbow said before rubbing her forehead. "Ow...I've been hit in the head two more times than I should have been today." Applejack looked to the door.

"Tell me about it, sugar." Applejack said. "But first, let's get the hay outta this cart." Applejack helped Rainbow Dash up from the floor and opened the door for her. The walk back to their car was one that seemed to be longer than it should have been, but was a relief when they did finally arrive and sit down. Applebloom sat looking at them guiltily. Applejack raised a brow and asked her sister,

"What's wrong, Applebloom?"

"Ah got caught by the attendant." Applebloom said. "He brought me back here. Ah didn't tell him about you guys because Ah didn't want him goin' lookin' for ya." Applejack nodded slowly.

"It's okay Applebloom." Applejack said. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"What's wrong with Rainbow?" Applebloom asked, looking at the rainbow-maned pegasus who currently gripped her head in pain.

"Oh, she just hit her head on the bottom of a bench." Applejack said. Applebloom nodded understandingly.

"Ah know that must hurt, Rainbow." Applebloom stated, attempting to console Rainbow. The pegasus eyed her for a moment before returning her head to it's original hanging position.

"You have no idea." Rainbow said before groaning and sitting back.

"Ah'm gonna take a nap." Applebloom said. "Y'all wake me up when we get there." Applejack nodded.

"I've got the worst headache." Rainbow Dash said with a frown. "Just my luck."

"Lay your head down in my lap, darlin'." Applejack said. "Ah'll wake ya when we get to Appleloosa." Rainbow kissed Applejack on the cheek and layed her head down in Applejack's lap. Applejack began to lovingly stroke Rainbow Dash's mane, making her ears lay back on her head. Rainbow smiled and sighed contentedly.

"Thanks, Applejack." Rainbow said. "Love you."

"Ah love you too, hun." Applejack responded as she looked out the train window at the Equestrian countryside.

Obligatory End-Of-Chapter Author's Note: And there is that chapter. I am sad to say that it will most likely be at least a couple weeks until my next update for this story. I'm about to move, so that's going to take quite a while. But rest assured, I will get the next chapter to you ladies and gents who desire it, ASAP. Cheers!

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

"Rainbow." Applejack said to her dormant partner soothingly. "Rainbow, wake up, sugar. We're here." The cyan pegasus blinked up at the farm mare lazily for a moment and groaned. Applejack chuckled as Dash slowly sat up next to her in the seat and rubbed her head.

"Well, that nap didn't help at all. Sheesh." Rainbow complained, closing her eyes tightly in slight anguish at the throbbing in her head.

"Well, ya did take a pretty hard knock to the noggin." Applejack said. "You're lucky it wasn't a bigger piece of luggage."

Big Macintosh, who had awoken almost thirty minutes prior to them reaching their destination of Appleloosa, nudged Applebloom gently.

"Get up, sis." He said to her, making Applebloom push his hoof away lazily.

"Just a couple more minutes..." She said before laying back down. The red stallion sighed before turning to his grandmother and nudging her.

"Granny. Wake up. We're in Appleloosa." He said to her. Granny Smith awoke with a start and looked around frantically.

"The cider is all gone!" She cried. She continued to look around for a few more seconds before noticing she was only having what seemed to be a nightmare about losing cider. She sighed contentedly and laughed, placing a forehoof on her head. "Ohh, what a dream, what a dream."

"Applebloom still won't wake up, Granny." Big Macintosh said with a frown.

"Big Mac, ya gotta force her to wake up." Applejack said to her brother, raising an eyebrow. "Fillies would spend half their live asleep if ya let 'em."

"But Ah don't wanna hurt her." He replied, confused. It was a valid excuse, due to the fact that Big Macintosh rarely comprehended the full potential of his physical strength.

"Physical force ain't the only kind, big brother." Applejack said. "Observe. Rainbow, hun, you may wanna cover your ears." Rainbow nodded an affirmative and plugged her ears with her forehooves. Applejack moved her muzzle right beside her little sister's ear and inhaled through her nose deeply.

"HEY APPLEBLOOM, WE'RE HERE! WAKE UP!" She yelled, shocking her sister awake as she let out a small scream. Applebloom, shaking, looked up at Applejack and frowned with frustration.

"Applejack!" She said before she started to rub her ear. "That hurt my ear."

"Oh, you've had worse." Applejack said with a small smile. "Shoulda listened to Big Mac when he tried to wake you up."

"Effective." Rainbow Dash said with an approving look, nodding slowly. "Crude, but effective."

"But a little harsh if ya ask me." Granny Smith said with disapproval. "Ya scared her. Ya could've made her go deaf, Applejack."

"Granny, Ah've done that to her plenty of times before." Applejack replied. Granny Smith, now wearing a slightly angry look on her face, walked toward Applejack and stared her granddaughter in the face.

"Even so, Ah don't wanna see ya do that again, ya hear?" Granny Smith said. Applejack nodded, eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"Yes, ma'am." Applejack said with a small nod. Granny Smith exited the cart, followed by Big Mac. Applebloom, who moved behind her much-larger brother, stuck her tongue out at Applejack knowingly. Applejack sighed and furrowed her eyebrows. Rainbow Dash stood and moved toward Applejack who still stood, watching her little sister.

"You should've said 'Yes ma'am.' when she first brought it up, AJ." Rainbow said with a smirk.

"You hush or Ah'll make that headache of yours worse." Applejack said. Rainbow Dash chuckled as they exited the cart as well to meet their family. The presence of Autumn was much more noticeable to the group in Appleloosa than in Ponyville. A slightly chilly wind blew over the train station.

"Alright. Now let's get our luggage." Granny Smith said with a content smile and a small sigh. As they prepared to depart for the luggage pickup area, a pair of hooves immediately shot to Applejack's eyes from behind, suprising her as she exclaimed quietly.

"Guess who?" A familiar voice said jovially. Applejack smiled slightly and sighed, tapping a forehoof on the deck they stood on.

"Hey, Braeburn." Applejack said with a smile. The cheerful stallion hopped away from his cousin and laughed before removing his hat and bowing.

"Howdy, everyone! Welcome back to Appleloosa! It really has been a while. Y'all ready for ano-" He stopped in the middle of his speech as he layed his eyes upon Rainbow Dash. He recognized the pegasus from the Harvest Celebration Hoedown the previous year, but that didn't stop the surprised look from forming on his face. He blushed as he looked at Rainbow Dash, failing to hide his attraction to her from everypony else.

"Well, hello there miss...Rainbow Dash, wasn't it?" He said. Rainbow nodded and smiled politely. "Ah remember you from last year." Rainbow Dash nodded again.

"Hey, Braeburn." Rainbow said with a small chuckle.

"Miss Rainbow, you're not a member of the family, so what are you-" He said.

"Yes she is." Applejack said as she furrowed her eyebrows and lowered her ears, interrupting him before moving closer to the cyan pegasus somewhat defensively. "She's my marefriend. She's helped fund our farm and she's been livin' with us for the past two and a half months." Rainbow Dash's stomach turned momentarily, unsure of just how Applejack's down-home-raised cousin would react to such sudden and...foreign news. Braeburn took a step back, completely surprised by Applejack's sudden burst of subtle agression, but still in his right mind.

"Alright, alright, cousin. Ah meant no offense, and Ah ain't judgin' or criticizin' you guys." He said before smiling again. "Ah'm happy for you two, just a little...surprised, is all." Applejack felt a pang of guilt shoot through her.

"Braeburn, Ah didn't mean to come across as angry or agressive. Me'n Rainbow have dealt with a lot of criticism for our relationship back home." Applejack said. "Ah'm sorry." Braeburn amiably shook his head and put up a forehoof.

"No harm done, Applejack. Ah'm sure what y'all went through back in Ponyville wasn't easy." Braeburn said before smiling again. "Ah thought you two looked like you were really enjoyin' yourselves dancin' together the way you were last year." Rainbow Dash smiled at him and nodded.

"So what time is the hoedown tonight, Braeburn?" Granny Smith asked the stallion. He smiled at her.

"Eight o'clock sharp. At least that's when the band is gonna start playin'." He said. "Got quite a few replies from a lot of the family up north sayin' they couldn't make it. Apparently, there's some massive storm bashin' the entire northwestern area of Equestria! That bein' said, there still should be a good amount of ponies there. But enough of all that. Ah actually got somethin' fun for us all to do before it begins." Braeburn said. "Let's go get your luggage, take it back to my house and get started!" He began to walk in the direction of the baggage claim car, followed by Granny Smith, Applebloom and Big Mac with Rainbow Dash and Applejack trailing behind.

"He took that a lot better than I thought he would." Rainbow Dash said with a smile as she walked next to Applejack. Applejack sighed to herself.

"We'll be lucky if half of everypony else reacts that way." Applejack said. "Ah'm thinkin' my family is gonna be a little close minded."

_____

"This is what you were wanting us to do, Braeburn?" Big Mac asked his cousin as they approached a rough river, tall rocks sticking up out of the water.

"Yep! We call it rock-hoppin!" Braeburn spouted with the huge smile that never seemed to leave his face. "It's really fun!"

"Ah suppose this ain't for a mare of my age then, is it?" Granny Smith said as she sat of Big Macintosh's back. Braeburn's eyes widened heavily as he looked up at the elder mare, who raised an eyebrow at him.

"OH! Granny Smith, Ah completely forgot you were here on Big Mac's back!" Braeburn said, nervousness taking complete control of his body. "Let's take her back to the house, everypony."

"Oh, no. Don't you do that, now." Granny Smith said. "Ah'm not too old to sit and watch. Looks like a good bit of fun." Braeburn smiled and nodded as Big Macintosh let Granny Smith off his back.

"So, what's the objective of it all?" Rainbow Dash asked him. Braeburn, without taking his eyes off the river, proceeded to explain.

"Well, ya see those big 'ol rocks?" He asked.

"Yeah." Rainbow Dash replied, turning to the rocks momentarily.

"Well, ya climb onto 'em..." The stallion continued.

"Okay." Applejack said, gesturing a hoof in a circle, signaling for him to continue.

"And ya jump from rock to rock over the water!" He said excitedly. Rainbow Dash looked at Applejack, thouroughly confused.

"That's it?" Applejack asked. The yellow stallion nodded happily.

"Yep, that's it!" He said with a small chuckle. "Sounds fun, huh?" Applejack, not knowing what to say, looked over at Rainbow Dash who shrugged nonchalantly.

"Yeah. Ah guess it does sound kinda fun." Applejack said. "Is it safe?" Braeburn threw a hoof in Applejack's direction and laughed quietly.

"Why of course it's safe!" Braeburn said. "If ya fall into the water, just don't panic and plant your hooves on the floor of the river. Then slowly walk to shore. It's fine." Applebloom nodded quickly and looked up at Applejack happily.

"Sounds like a great time!" The filly said, positively beaming. Applejack sighed and nodded slowly.

"Alright, alright. Let's get to it." Applejack said as she began to approach the first rock, which was halfway submerged into the river and half ashore. The general stumpiness of the rock allowed for easy access to the next rock to jump onto. With a small grunt, Applejack jumped from the first rock to the second. When she made the jump, her body was set alight with a slight, yet remarkable feeling of accomplishment. The farm mare could not keep a smile from forming on her face. Applejack jumped to the next rock, feeling the spray of the cold river waters tickle her belly. Rainbow landed the first jump effortlessly.

"Hey, this is kinda cool." Rainbow said with a smile. Applejack returned her smile and nodded.

"Oh! Granny Smith, keep my hat for me!" Applejack shouted as she removed it and tossed it toward her grandmother with her mouth. The old mare caught the garment and held it up to show she was holding it.

"Come on! Let's keep going!" Rainbow Dash said, excited.

"Oh, hush up." Applejack said as she jumped to the next rock, followed by Rainbow. Applebloom bounded to the rock behind Rainbow and as they kept going, Big Macintosh jumped up onto the rocks, followed by Braeburn. Not long after they had begun, everypony involved was having a great time, jumping from rock to rock. Applejack's elation was noticeable at this point. The jumping between seemingly dangerous gaps, feeling the coolness of the river. It seemed like an adventure without the presentation of any real danger. They were about halfway down the river before Applejack spoke up to everyone else.

"Braeburn, Ah was wrong to doubt this!" Applejack shouted back at her cousin.

"See? Maybe next time you'll listen to me more, cousin!" He replied with a beaming smile. Applejack chuckled.

"That Ah will, Braeburn." Applejack said, stepping forward to take her next jump while still looking back at the yellow stallion. "That Ah-" Her speech was interrupted by her stepping forward slightly too far. This caused her forehoof to slip, sending her forward, toppling into the water. Everyone involved in the activity burst into laughter.

"Gotta watch your step, sis!" Applebloom cried in the middle of her giggling.

"Now, Applejack, don't panic." Braeburn said. "The current's strong, but not unbeatable. Just plant your hooves on the floor of the river and walk slowly to shore." Applejack, who was struggling in the water at that point, heard this and attempted to plant her hooves on the floor. They found no purchase and she was completely swept up by the current. She began traveling down the river, at risk of hitting a rock at any moment. Applejack, who had never truly been a good swimmer to begin with, began to frantically try to grab hold of something to stop her increasingly rapid movement. She failed.

Applejack's heart rate increased, and her limbs began to flail about wildly in fear. She let out a horror-laden shriek, alarming her family to her true dilemma.

"Aw...She's panicking." Braeburn said as Rainbow widened her eyes at him before focusing on Applejack, terror evident on her face. Rainbow's senses immediately went into overdrive as she began flying toward Applejack, determined to save her love from danger.

"Help!" Applejack managed to get out as the current continued to carry her downriver. Rainbow heroically swept Applejack up from the water and flew to shore.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Rainbow said in great concern, looking down at Applejack, who was still shaking. The farm mare shook her head slowly. Rainbow reached the shore where she gently touched down with her lover. Applejack immediately swept Rainbow Dash into a great hug before sobbing into her shoulder.

"Thank you, Rainbow! Thank you!" Applejack said as she cried. Rainbow patted Applejack's back lightly and shushed her soothingly, holding her close.

"It's okay, AJ." Rainbow said. "You just went through a shock...It'll be alright soon. Just relax." Applejack quickly gained control of her crying and nodded before exhaling deeply. Granny Smith came hobbling up to the duo as quickly as she possibly could, a look of terror on her face.

"Is she alright?!" Applejack's grandmother asked frantically. "What happened?"

"It's alright, Granny Smith." Rainbow said. "She fell into the river and lost control for a bit. She's absolutely fine."

"Oh, thank Celestia." Granny Smith said with a great sigh as she gave Applejack her hat back. Braeburn, followed by Big Macintosh and Applebloom came bounding up to the three of them, having to come back via rocks over the river.

"Applejack, are you alright?" Applebloom said in fear.

"Are you hurt?" Big Mac asked in concern.

"Ah'm alright." Applejack said with a small sniffle. "Thanks to Rainbow, Ah'm absolutely fine. Just wet and a little shocked."

"Applejack, Ah'm so sorry!" Braeburn said with despair. "Oh, Ah should've stopped us! The river is too rough today! It's never that rough! Ah come down here all the time, and Ah thought we could handle it today, but that wasn't the case, 'cause Ah'm such an idiot! Ah, tarnation, Ah've ruined your time here. Goddesses, Ah'm such a screw up! Ah'm so sorry-" The stallion rambled for what seemed like minutes.

"Braeburn, it's okay." Applejack said. "You didn't know."

"But Applejack, Ah-" Braeburn began.

"Braeburn, it's alright. Seriously." Applejack said. "Ah'm alright. Just scared me is all." Braeburn, still breathing rapidly looked at Applejack seemingly on the verge of tears, guilt overtaking his features. He inhaled deeply.

"A-are ya sure you're okay?" Braeburn asked. Applejack nodded and smiled at him.

"Ah'm kinda wanting to take a nap now, but yes. Ah'm alright." Applejack said with a small sigh. Braeburn nodded quickly.

"Okay, then. Let's head back to the house." Braeburn said. "Ah gotta prepare some stuff, anyways." Granny Smith mounted Big Macintosh's back as the red stallion followed his cousin back in the direction of his house. Applebloom looked at Applejack and hugged her.

"Ah'm glad you're okay, Applejack." Applebloom said with a warm smile. The filly then immediately hugged Rainbow Dash lovingly. "Thanks for savin' her, Rainbow." Applebloom then quickly caught up to the rest of the group as Rainbow and Applejack began walking after them. Applejack lovingly pressed her body into Rainbow's as they walked and nuzzled the pegasus with a smile. Rainbow returned the nuzzle, smiling as well.

"My hero." Applejack said.

_____

"Alrighty, everypony!" Braeburn's voice echoed throughout the house, waking Applejack from her nap on the guest bed. "Thirty minutes until the harvest celebration hoedown begins! Ponies are already arrivin'!" The two mares laying in bed at that moment knew that this meant about forty five minutes to an hour before the gathering really got going. Rainbow layed in bed next to Applejack, not sleeping, but not quite coherent either. She slowly rubbed her forehead after being jarred from her stupor.

"He sure doesn't mind using that big voice of his, huh?" Rainbow said as Applejack turned to her, smiling at her lover with great affection.

"Oh, he means well." Applejack said. "It's about time we got up anyways. Gotta get all prettied up, ya know." Rainbow Dash shuddered at the thought.

"You know I don't like the whole beautification thing." Rainbow Dash said.

"Ah know, darlin', Ah know." Applejack said as she stroked Rainbow's prismatic mane with care. "And Ah will agree that your good looks are natural. But it's our one year anniversary."

"Actually, it's in two days." Rainbow corrected, earning a raised eyebrow from Applejack, to which Rainbow giggled nervously. "Sorry..."

"The point is, we got together at last year's Harvest Celebration Hoedown." Applejack said. "Or...more like after it." Rainbow closed her eyes and sighed in fond remembrance.

"I still remember that night. Like it was yesterday." Rainbow said, giving Applejack a kiss on the lips. Applejack giggled.

"Yeah, me too, sugarcube." Applejack said before mentally kicking herself for being allowed to be led off track once again. "But what Ah'm tryin' to say is that it's, pretty much, our one-year anniversary, and Ah'd like ya to truly show your beauty to everypony in that place. So please do this tonight. For me?" Rainbow looked mildly disappointed for a moment before looking at Applejack and smiling at her.

"Oh...okay. But just for you. Don't go spouting anything off to Rarity once we get back to Ponyville." Rainbow said with a smirk. "So...you wanna shower first, or do you want me to?"

"Ah suppose Ah'll shower." Applejack said. "Ah fell in a consarned river today." Rainbow chuckled and nodded before gesturing to let Applejack stand up.

"I'll just be here." Rainbow said as she layed back onto the pillow, stretching her wings out underneath her. Applejack smirked and began to walk slowly toward Rainbow Dash.

"You know, If we can get away somehow after the Hoedown..." Applejack said, catching Rainbow's attention. The farm mare suddenly began to stroke Rainbow's left wing as it stretched, making Rainbow blush heavily. "Maybe we can have a repeat of our first time..." Rainbow gulped loudly and looked up at Applejack, panting.

"That'd...uh...be nice..." Rainbow said before Applejack pressed on the base of her wing with a subtle, but noticeable pressure. Rainbow gasped. "Oh, really nice." Applejack removed her hoof with a giggle and kissed Rainbow on the cheek.

"Love you, hun." She said before turning toward the bathroom. Rainbow couldn't help herself from eyeing her well-rounded flank for a moment.

"Love you too." Rainbow said before Applejack shut the bathroom door behind her. "Geez, she knows just how to get to me." Rainbow muttered to herself under her breath. The pegasus then layed back on her pillow, worried about how she would handle this "beauty" thing for the night.

_____

The Harvest Celebration Hoedown had already "begun" before the group left Braeburn's house. The darkness of the evening had started to set over Appleloosa and the temperature of the air grew chillier, but pleasantly so. Applejack sighed as she looked over at Rainbow Dash, who was indeed looking very beautiful for the hoedown. Though it had taken several more minutes than it should have, Rainbow Dash had allowed Granny Smith and Applejack to apply makeup to her face. Nothing too flashy, but it was certainly noticeable enough to make anypony turn their head.

The pegasus wore a light foundation that brought out color in her cheeks, overlapping with a light blush. An extremely light application of lipstick brought the cyan mare's lips out enough to be tantalizing. The eyeliner she wore seemingly completed the makeup package. Her rainbow mane had been laden with texture cream, giving it a slightly more spiky look but maintaining an illusion of organization about it. This all combined seemed to make Rainbow Dash irresistible to everypony. Especially Applejack. This didn't stop Rainbow Dash from looking around nervously every few seconds, however..

"What are ya so nervous for, Dash?" Applejack asked her.

"I'm just..." She cleared her throat. "I'm just not used to this."

"Ya always love bein' the center of attention."

"This is different and you know it. If I didn't love you so much..."

"You look more beautiful than Luna's moon." Applejack said giving Rainbow a nuzzle as they approached the enormous barn. It was more than twice the size of the barn at Sweet Apple Acres. As they entered, they layed their eyes upon the many different members of the Apple Family. Less family members were at this Hoedown, so the increased space kept it from feeling too cramped. Applebloom walked further into the barn, surveying the place for her favorite cousin.

"Hey, cuz!" The filly heard a familiar voice shout. She turned around to be wrapped into a hug from Babs Seed, her cousin from Manehattan. As they spun around in their embrace, Applebloom giggled happily.

"Babs!" Applebloom said as her cousin put her down. "How've ya been for the past year?"

"Oh, I've been good." Babs said. "I made complete idiots outta those stinkin' bullies back in Manehattan the other day. Come on, let's get some cider and I'll tell ya all about it." Babs began to pull her cousin to the cider table.

"Alright! Sounds awesome." Applebloom responded as she followed her cousin. She looked back at her family, seemingly asking permission. They nodded, wishing her a good time.

"Alright, alright, alright!" Braeburn said before turning to his cousin. "Big Macintosh! Shall we find some beautiful mares who are distantly related to us to dance with?" The red stallion nodded.

"Ah suppose." Big Mac said as he followed his cousin onto the dance floor.

"Well, y'all, Ah'm gonna leave ya to it." Granny Smith said with a smile. "Ah got some catchin' up to do with the other old bats here at this hoedown." The old mare laughed heartily as she began to move toward the group of elders who seemed to oversee the hoedown.

"So..." Applejack said to her love. "What do ya wanna do first?" Applejack frowned in worry when she looked at Rainbow, who had seemingly fallen into a state of fear. Applejack put a hoof on Rainbow's chin. "What's wrong, Dash?"

"Oh, it's n-nothing." Rainbow said. "I-I'll be fine. You pick what to do."

"Ah know you're lyin' to me, Dash." Applejack said. "Tell me what's goin' through your head." The pegasus sighed and looked at Applejack.

"It's just...We're here together as a couple for the first time in front of your whole family..."

"Actually not all of 'em." Applejack said. "Seems to be about two-thirds of 'em."

"That's not the point, AJ!" Rainbow said, intimidated, very much unlike her. "What will they think? I mean, with just regular ponies, it's different, but this is your family."

"Rainbow..." Applejack began.

"I mean, what if you guys get exiled or something?" Rainbow began to ramble, her respirations increasing in speed.

"Dash-"

"I know how much you love your family." Rainbow said, looking back and forth rapidly.

"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack nearly yelled at her. This immediately grabbed her attention. Applejack then laid a gentle kiss upon her lips that anypony who was watching surely noticed. Nopony seemed to stop dancing, drinking or socializing, though. "Ah. Love. You."

"But-"

"Let me ask you somethin'. You know Big Mac, Applebloom and Granny Smith love ya, right?" Rainbow Dash nodded slowly. "You know Ah love ya, right?" Rainbow Dash nodded again. "Then what does it matter what the rest of those ponies think? You'll probably never see them at any time or place other than these gatherings. Celestia knows Ah don't. And if they don't like it, then buck em! All you need to know is that Ah love you...And Ah got you. Okay?" Rainbow nodded slowly.

"Okay." Rainbow said, her sudden fears under control seemingly.

"Now, let's get some cider." Applejack said with a warm, comforting smile. Rainbow followed her, attempting to resist the urge to look around. She failed and looked at the socializing ponies. Several of them were indeed looking at her, but not in a malicious or judging way. Many of them even gestured a greeting toward her, which she returned. Either these ponies had missed their prior kiss, or they had seen it and just didn't care. Rainbow prayed to Celestia that the type of situation was the latter.

"Alright, Dash." Applejack said, handing her lover a mug of cider. "Drink up! We've got a lot of dancin' to do!"

"Miss Rainbow Dash!" Rainbow heard a voice call. It sounded oddly familiar, yet she could not place the pony it belonged to. She looked ahead to see a well built stallion approaching her. The once from the previous year she danced with.

"Oh! Hey! I remember you. I danced with you last year." Rainbow said.

"Yes, ma'am, that was me." He said. "How're you doin' tonight?"

"Oh, I'm alright, I guess." Rainbow said. "I'm ashamed to say this, but I didn't get your name last year."

"Arbor Chip." He said. "My family mostly handles the lumber side of the Apple Family businesses."

"You danced with Arbor Chip last year?" Applejack asked Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah, during the little switchy, switcheroo dance." Rainbow said.

"You know, miss Dash, Ah don't mean to pry into you or Applejack's business, but Ah was under the impression that you were at the Hoedown last year because you're a resident of Ponyville." He said. "Liked it so much ya wanted to come down all the way to Appleloosa this year, huh?"

"Actually, Arbor," Applejack said. "Rainbow here's my marefriend." The stallion looked at the pegasus, who giggled nervously and blushed. "It's been a year come day-after-tomorrow." The stallion, after a brief reflection, nodded slowly in acknowledgement. .

"Hmm." The stallion said. "Ah wouldn't have pictured either of y'all to be fillyfoolers, but hey, who am Ah to consult?"

"Wait, you're not freaked out?" Rainbow Dash asked. The stallion shook his head and chuckled.

"Nahh. My sister's a fillyfooler." He said, nodding toward his sister, a freckled, tan coated mare with an orange mane and tail, some distance away talking to a mare who seemed to be equally interested in her. "Yeah, let's hope they're just related by law..." He said, unsure of the path his sister was taking.

"Ah gotta be honest. Ah'm a little surprised." Applejack said. "Figured you'd be disgusted."

"Well, several of the ponies here probably would be. But ya gotta remember. In our family, the old timey raised stuck-in-their-old-ways ponies' numbers are gettin' thinner whereas the more exceptin' ponies' such as y'all and me, are growing ever larger. Ah wouldn't wager that you two have to worry about anything but a couple ugly looks tonight." This statement, however casual it was, sent a great wave of relief flowing through Rainbow Dash as she smiled at the stallion.

"Now, if y'all two will excuse me, Ah'm gonna find a mare to dance with." He said. "Be seein' you around." The stallion then moved down to the dance floor.

"You know, if I wasn't with you, I'd consider making a move on him." Rainbow said, flashing a sly smile toward Applejack. "He's really good looking."

"Alright, alright, cut it out with that, ya jokester." Applejack said. She barely noticed a rather small saddle bag hanging at Rainbow's side. "What'cha got in the bag?"

"Oh, nothing." Rainbow said nervously looking to the side before hiding it in a potted plant and grabbing Applejack's forehoof. "Come on, let's go dance!" Applejack certainly had no qualms against the request as they moved toward the dance floor where so many members of the Apple Family were having a blast, moving along to the lively music. The glorious feeling from the previous hoedown, that feeling of being lighter than air, soon returned to both Rainbow Dash and Applejack. They laughed together as they spun around and danced merrily to the band playing, holding onto each other for dear life.

Rainbow quickly took a look up at the group who was currently playing the jovial and lighthearted music. The fiddler was throwing his bow across the strings on his fiddle as if he was whittling a tree to make a sculpture. The bassist slapped his hoof onto the large stand up instrument, creating the core beat for the music. The guitarist and the mandolin player both looked at each other as they jumped up and down to the music as they were playing. The singer led the group as they all played and swung together as if they were all one living organism.

"It's pretty amazin', isn't it?" Applejack said. This brought Rainbow Dash's attention back to the farm mare as they danced.

"Yeah, it is!" Rainbow said with a wide smile. "I seriously can't believe that this is live music! It sounds so good! And I don't usually get into music like this so you know that's saying something." Applejack giggled.

"Well hun," Applejack said before pecking Rainbow on the lips. "Ah'm glad you're havin' so much fun."

"That rhymed." Rainbow said in a small sing-song voice, not unlike Pinkie Pie. Applejack laughed as she and Rainbow spinned around once quickly before separating for a moment and coming back together.

Rainbow realized at that point that what Applejack had said to Rainbow Dash earilier had been absolutely prudent. Rainbow Dash no longer knew who at the dance saw them, or which members of the family judged them, she cared not for the insiginificant opinions of ponies she had never met. She had Applebloom, Big Macintosh, Granny Smith and most of all, Applejack. That was all she needed.

Rainbow let out a happy cheer as she and Applejack continued to dance together. They danced for what seemed like an hour, moving their bodies, stomping on the ground, occasionally letting out a whoop or a holler. When what seemed like the twentieth song ended, Granny Smith's voiced announced to the crowd.

"Hold on, now, everypony! Hold on! Y'all can get back to dancin' in a minute! And Ah know how much y'all have been lookin' forward to that Switch-'Em-Up Dance we have every year!" The crowd cheered, including Rainbow Dash and Applejack. "And we'll be gettin' to that. But first, Ah wanna recognize somepony very, very special here tonight." This caused some confusion in the large group as to who this pony was. "Miss Rainbow Dash, will you come up to the stage?"

Rainbow Dash's heart skipped a beat as her eyes widened in surprise. The pegasus looked around, seeing all eyes on her before looking up on Granny Smith. She made a gesture to herself.

"Me?" Rainbow mouthed toward Granny Smith. The old mare nodded, a look of adoration in her eyes. Rainbow nodded and walked up onto the stage.

"Ah don't know if alla y'all know Rainbow here, but she's a very close friend to my granddaughter Applejack." Granny Smith said. "And Ah wanted to let all y'all know somethin' about her. She recently became part of our family back at Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville. She helps out around the farm and earns her keep to be sure, but what Ah wanted to recognize her for is that, using a lot of the money she sold her house in the clouds with, she has funded Sweet Apple Acres with thousands of bits, paid for repairs and new remodels to our farm and allowed us to live the life we always wanted. Your love for our family and your generosity have truly made a difference. Ah already consider you one of my grandbabies at this point in our lives. All Ah'm tryin' to say is, Rainbow, you're our hero." The entire crowd cheered and stomped on the floor for Rainbow Dash as she stood on the stage. A huge smile was plastered on her face as she looked down at Applejack, who nodded happily at her.

"Now who's ready to Switch-'Em-Up?!" Granny Smith yelled happily, making the crowd cheer again. "Then we'll do one more normal song, and get to it!" The band began to play a song which many of the ponies who stood before the stage started dancing to. Rainbow Dash, with a newfound energy put in her step, moved off of the stage to Applejack.

"Did you know she was going to do that, AJ?" Rainbow said.

"She's been sayin' somethin' like it." Applejack said. "And not a word of what she said wasn't true, Dash. You've helped us out so much and been such a loving addition to the family, we couldn't not say anything." Rainbow felt her stomach flutter at the comment.

"I just..." Rainbow said. "I'm used to being idolized by a lot of ponies back at Ponyville, but for some reason, here it feels different...Better."

"That's because back in Ponyville you're idolized because of your skills in doin' tricks and cool things like that, which are definitely nothin' to sneeze at." Applejack said, making Rainbow blush and giggle. "But here tonight, you're loved for your generosity and love for this family." Rainbow smiled at Applejack and couldn't hold back a sniffle. "See? You were all scared for nothin'!"

"I wasn't scared." Rainbow said defiantly as she quickly wiped her eyes. "I was just...nervous, that's all."

"Uh-Huh...Sure." Applejack said with a smirk. Rainbow playfully shoved Applejack and ran onto the dance floor. Applejack laughed and joined her in a dance. The tune, merry and jovial, carried their bodies as they moved to and fro, stepping happily along. As the song began to wrap up, Rainbow Dash let out a small squeal.

"I'm so excited!" She said.

"Me too." Applejack said. "You remember the steps, right?"

"Do I remember them? P-shaw! I could do them in my sleep!" Rainbow said. As the song ended.

"Ah taught ya the novice version, sweetheart." Applejack said. "Let's see if ya can keep up with me once we get together." Rainbow winked at her.

"You got it!" The pegasus said with a smile. The familiar music for the Switch-'Em-Up dance began and all the ponies on the dance floor cheered as they got into the two lines facing each other.

"Alrighty now, everypony!" The lead singer for the band said. "Ah know y'all all know the steps to this dance, but here's the real question: With her bein' a neophyte and all, does miss Rainbow Dash here know it?!" Everypony cheered for Rainbow as she flitted up into the air momentarily and threw a hoof into the air. She layed her eyes upon Applebloom and Babs seed, who were joining the dance just that year. "Then let's do this thing!"

Rainbow Dash looked up at Granny Smith for a moment, who winked at her. She had most likely told the stallion to poke at her.

'You rascal.' Rainbow thought with a fond smile.

The music began, and Rainbow Dash's heart was set ablaze with excitement as the lines began dancing toward one another. Rainbow caught up with the dance better than the stallion and the mare next to her, catching them both by surprise. Rainbow noticed this and smirked as the lines collided and everypony came out with a seperate partner. Rainbow was paired with a stallion slightly larger than her. He smiled at her and nodded.

"How you doin' tonight?" He said to her.

"Oh, I'm great." Rainbow said with a polite smile before the stallion spun her around. "Yourself?"

"Can't complain, seein' as how Ah'm dancin' with you right now." He said with a smile. "You're pretty cool. Applejack is one lucky mare." The comment sent happy sparks flowing through Rainbow Dash's body as she smiled warmly at him.

"Oh, thank you!" Rainbow said. "You seem like a good catch yourself."

"Now, Ah wouldn't go that far." He said with a small laugh. "Ah'm a pretty weak stallion for my size."

"Yeah, but physical skill isn't always what matters." Rainbow Dash said. "I've learned that in more ways than one recently. What do you do?"

"Ah help out with packaging and distribution of Apples in Las Pegasus." He said. "It's interestin' sellin' food earth ponies normally eat to a city pretty much chock full of pegasi."

"See, you're smart, I can tell." Rainbow Dash said with a smile. "Normally ponies say pegasuses. But you said pegasi."

"Ah really appreciate your compliment, Miss Dash." He said. "Golly, you're good at this!" He looked down at their hooves moving, seeing that Rainbow Dash was matching him perfectly, and even correcting him in some small mistakes he made.

"Learned from the best." Rainbow said, looking over toward Applejack, who was looking at her. They made eye contact.

Applejack danced happily with a stallion she hadn't really gotten to know throughout the years, due to them being second cousins. He had no accent at all, but was courteous and jovial during their dance.

"Here's the switch!" Applejack said. "Been nice talkin' to ya!"

"Same to you, Applejack." He said with a small nod before everypony on the floor seperated and found new partners almost immediately. Applejack was mildly surprised to find herself dancing with Arbor Chip's fillyfooler sister. The pretty mare nodded at Applejack with a smile.

"Hey, there, Amber." Applejack said. "How're ya doin'?"

"Good, good!" Amber Heart replied. "Ah heard about you and Rainbow Dash."

"Oh, did ya now?" Applejack said before chuckling to herself. "Seems like everypony here knows about it now."

"Pretty much. But honestly, Applejack, Ah haven't heard any negative things said about the two of you." Amber said with a smile. "Ah mean, yeah, some of the older family members are pretty angry about it Ah'd think, but Granny Smith doesn't seem to care about that!"

"Granny Smith, Big Mac and Applebloom have all been so acceptin' of me and Rainbow and our relationship. Ah just couldn't ask for a better family." Applejack said happily.

"Well, let me just say that you know how to pick 'em, AJ." Amber said with a small giggle."Rainbow Dash is quite the mare." Applejack laughed.

"Well, thank you. Ah see that in her every day." Applejack said. "What about you? You find any mares that are interested?"

"Yeah, Ah did, but she ended up cheating on me with a stallion. Said she just couldn't take the stress of the, uh...s-scrutiny." Amber said, looking down for a moment in emotional pain. Applejack felt a small twinge of residual guilt, remembering herself do something similar to the rainbow-maned mare she loved so dearly just about a year prior.

"That's awful, Amber." Applejack said. "Ah'm so sorry that happened to you."

"What are we gettin' so down in the dumps for, Applejack?!" Amber said, looking up and smiling at Applejack. Through the smile, however, Applejack could still see sadness in the mares eyes. "This dance if for fun!" Applejack nodded and smiled happily.

"You're right!" Applejack said as they continued to dance. Across the floor, Rainbow Dash couldn't help but feel a hint of jealousy at seeing another mare dancing with Applejack. She quickly dismissed this, however and paid attention to her current partner, who just so happened to be Applebloom.

"What were ya just lookin' at, Rainbow?" Applebloom asked her before looking in the direction Rainbow had been. After seeing Applejack dancing with Amber Heart, Applebloom smiled up at her. "Oh. My. Goddesses! You're jealous!"

"What? No I'm not, are you kidding?" Rainbow said with a small, fake laugh. "Why would I be jealous?"

"Because Applejack's dancin' with another mare!" Applebloom said. "It's only natural." Applebloom let out a small giggle.

"But why would I be jealous if Applejack's dancing with another mare if I'm dancing with another mare?" Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow at Applebloom.

"Ah'm a filly, you nut!" Applebloom said with a small giggle.

"Alright, that's enough outta you!" Rainbow said before tossing Applebloom onto her flank and bouncing her off, Applebloom landing on her hooves behind Rainbow. The pegasus then turned around and began to dance with Applebloom happily, both of them laughing. The crescendo for the third and final switch approached, so Rainbow began to move the two of them toward Applejack and Amber Heart. Applebloom got the idea and began to move with Rainbow as they approached Applejack.

"You make my sister sorry she ever taught you to dance like this!" Applebloom said with a wink right before the next switch triggered. Everypony switched partners and, in stark contrast to the previous year, Applejack and Rainbow found each other with ease.

"Hello again, my dear." Applejack said.

"Hello, yourself." Rainbow replied, raising an eyebrow. "I'm gonna show you how this is done!" The two of them started dancing with the music, stepping in time with each other. At that moment, every single memory, every feeling came flowing back to them in a cascade of joy. They smiled widely and danced in ecstacy, just loving the senses of having each other's presence. They laughed and shouted, as they stomped, spun and stepped merrily to the music. Hours seemed to pass by as they danced and danced, nearly setting the floor ablaze. Before they knew it, the music ended and they stood before each other, looking into each other's eyes as everypony else applauded.

"Applejack!" Rainbow said happily to her love. Applejack nodded, nearly getting lost in her rose irises. "This is paradise." Applejack teared up at hearing this and kissed Rainbow Dash in front of everypony there. This surprised Rainbow at first, but she happily returned the kiss after a moment. They separated after a moment and embraced each other. Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by nearly everypony else on the dance floor. They looked up from each other upon the crowd, and their hearts dropped.

"Oh." Rainbow barely got out.

"YEEEEE-HAAAAAAAWWW!!!" Applebloom bellowed happily, setting the crowd off in a massive cheer for them. This unexpected development completely surprised the two of them as they smiled at one another. They had taken a leap of faith, uncaring of what anypony thought of them, and they had made it. They had made it together, and most ponies at the hoedown loved it.

This did not stop the cold stare of several select ponies in the crowd, however. Namely, many of the elder members of the family. Applejack and Rainbow Dash chose to ignore them completely and focus on the majority of ponies cheering for them.

"AJ," Rainbow Dash said, making Applejack turn her head to her. "Just look at us now."

_____

The night had continued on nearly without a hitch. Applejack and Rainbow continued to dance and have fun, occasionally taking a break to play some games or get a fresh mug of cider. They did not go without criticisms by several members of the family, but because so many of the ponies at the hoedown were happy for them, they let it go and did not let the scrutinization ruin their night. Rainbow panted after taking a swig of cider, having just gotten done with another round of dancing with Applejack.

"Phew! This is better than last year!" Rainbow said happily before taking another swallow from her mug.

"Well, Ah'm pretty sure that Ah can guess why that is." Applejack said before giving Rainbow Dash a quick peck on the cheek. "Ah love ya, Dash."

"I love you too." Rainbow said. Applejack looked at the clock momentarily and looked as if she had forgotten something.

"Hey Rainbow, would you wanna come for a walk with me? You know, get some fresh air." Applejack said.

"But the band is still playing." Rainbow said. "We might miss something good."

"Alright, Ah didn't wanna say this in front of you, but the heat in here's gettin' to me." Applejack said. "Ah really would like to get some fresh air and Ah'd like you to come with me." Rainbow, understanding Applejack's reasoning, nodded and smiled.

"Alright, you got it." Rainbow replied. "Just a sec." The pegasus ran across the barn to the plant she had previously stored her small saddlebag in. She retrieved the bag, threw it across her back and moved back to Applejack. "Okay, let's go."

"Seriously, what's with the bag?" Applejack asked her.

"Oh I just figured it wouldn't be too smart to leave my stuff there with everypony else. Might get stolen." Rainbow explained. Applejack nodded as they left the barn and began to walk down a path. The sky was clear and the moon shone light on everything in sight, draping everything in a beautiful, pale luminescence.

"Goddesses, it's so nice out here." Rainbow said. "I love fall. The cool air, the mild nights..."

"It is great, Ah will agree." Applejack said. "It's usually when harvest is wrappin' up and Ah get a little break." The two mares continued walking in silence beside each other, occasionally looking at each other. Rainbow sighed and finally piped up.

"So, anywhere in particular you'd like to go?" Rainbow asked with a small smile.

"Yeah." Applejack said. "Ah remember seein' this clearing on the way here that just looked perfect for us to relax in." Applejack nodded forward. "Should be through those trees." Rainbow looked toward the entrance to the clearing Applejack was speaking of and sped her movement up to a brisk canter, before long she reached the entrance.

And what she saw struck her speechless.

In the clearing, there was a table, draped in a nice white cloth, holding what appeared to be two covered meals and some wine. Several beautiful lanterns were lit around the arrangement with one adorning the center of the table. Rainbow still struggled to speak at the beautiful scene before her. She felt a gentle pair of forelegs wrap around her back in a hug.

"Happy one year anniversary, Rainbow." Applejack said with love, nuzzling behind the pegasus' ear. "Ah know it ain't quite our anniversary, but Ah wanted to do this tonight anyways."

"H-....H-How?" Was all Rainbow said. "How did you do this?"

"With careful plannin' and the help of Big Macintosh and Granny Smith. Applebloom knew about it." Applejack said with a small giggle. Rainbow just continued to stare at the beautiful set up. "Now are ya just gonna stare at it all night, or are we gonna go use it?" Rainbow quickly turned and wrapped Applejack into a tight embrace. She held her lover there for a moment before coming back and placing a small kiss upon her lips.

"I love it!" Rainbow said.

"Then let's go." Applejack said. "Ah'm actually pretty hungry."

They turned and walked down to the table. After sitting down, Applejack poured some wine for her and Rainbow Dash while Rainbow uncovered her dish, the steam rising to meet her face. Spaghetti with parsley leaves in tomato sauce with parmesan cheese and a rosemary garnish adorning the top. She uncovered the small dish beside it to reveal several three-layered apple fritters drizzled in icing. Rainbow began to salivate at the sight of her food.

"Ya know we have apple juice here if you're not in the mood for wine." Applejack said with a smile. Rainbow snapped out of her food-induced stupor and looked at her wine, which she had not touched.

"Oh, no!" Rainbow said. "No, no I like wine. I'm just so amazed by this! The food is still hot!"

"Well, Ah have my ways." Applejack said, watching Rainbow as she took a sip of her wine.

"Oh, this is awesome." Rainbow said before taking a bite of her spaghetti and swooning at the flavor.

"Ah just wanted to do something really special, you know?" Applejack said. "Can you believe that it's been a whole year since we first got together?"

"Time usually passes by crazy fast when you're having a good time." Rainbow said with a smile.

"And what would be your definition of a good time?" Applejack asked the cyan pegasus who was in the middle of chewing a bite of spaghetti. Rainbow, employing her table manners, finished chewing and swallowed before offering her reply.

"Any time at all I spend with you." Rainbow said. "So that being said, I'm not surprised at how fast time has flied by."

"Ya know Ah danced with Arbor Chip's sister tonight during the switch-'em-up." Applejack said before taking a bite of her pasta.

"Oh?" Rainbow said. "The fillyfooler one?" Applejack nodded.

"Yep. She just couldn't stop goin' on about what a great catch you are." Applejack said. "Ah didn't deny a word of what she said. But she's been goin' through a bit of trouble with and ex-marefriend of her's goin' with a stallion instead of her. Couldn't help but feel sorrow for the poor girl." Rainbow nodded before shrugging.

"Oh, she'll find someone." Rainbow said. "She's just gotta keep an eye out."

"And...it's just...It reminded me of what Ah did to you." Applejack said as she teared up, her voice breaking very subtly. This caught Rainbow's attention immediately. "How Ah hurt you...so many times."

"Applejack...Applejack, don't go back to that." Rainbow said. "That's behind us now."

"Ah can't help it, Dash." Applejack said, wiping the tears from her eyes. "It pops into my mind a lot and when it does, Ah just...hate myself. I wanna go back in time and hurt myself...if that makes any sense."

"Applejack, that was a dark time for the both of us." Rainbow said, putting a hoof on the farm mare's. "But we're past it, and we're here with each other, now. That's all that matters."

"You're so sweet, Dash." Applejack said with a sniffle and a smile. "So forgiving...so loyal...Every day you remind me of why Ah love you so much."

"Well, let me remind you again." Rainbow said with a quick wink as she stood up and began to reach into her small saddle bag, which she had layed down on the ground next to her.

"Whatcha doin' Dash?" Applejack asked her.

"Hold on a sec." Rainbow said before removing a jewelry box of medium size and placing it on the table as she walked around to stand in front of Applejack. The pegasus scoffed to herself and blushed heavily. "I was gonna do this back at the hoedown."

"Do what, Rainbow?" Applejack asked her. Rainbow sighed loudly and kneeled down to where she was looking up at Applejack. She opened the box to reveal a diamond necklace, woven in intricate patterns with the largest and most beautiful diamond being set in the center. Applejack gasped at the radiance of the necklace before looking down at Rainbow, who currently kneeled before her.

"Applejack..." Rainbow said, before clearing her throat. "When I first met you, I had just moved from Cloudsdale to Ponyville. I didn't know anyone and, frankly, I didn't know what the hay to do. But when I met you, those feelings of being lost and not knowing anyone, they faded away and were replaced by the most significant feeling of companionship I had ever known. From there, our friendship evolved on and on throughout the years, and sure, we had our bumps in the road. But, we always came out on top, just you and me. I had always felt something for you beyond friendship, AJ, but I never acted on it. I was scared that you'd shun me and not have anything to do with me, and trust me, I did not want that."

Applejack giggled, wiping more tears and nodding as Rainbow went on.

"But then there was that night. That magical night that you showed me you felt the same. We began to show each other more and more in different ways. And the rift between us that came a little while after that, while being so painful when it was there, only served to make us stronger, AJ! Both of us! We finally became what I had always wanted us to be after that, Applejack. I have never been as happy as I have been when I'm just relaxing with you, Applebloom, Big Mac and Granny Smith, and it only took a week after me moving in to realize that you are the mare I want to spend the rest of my life with." Rainbow said. Applejack's eyes widened as she supressed another gasp, nodding. She had seen it coming since Rainbow had began, but when it came, it hit her like a freight train.

"I'm so lucky to have you, Applejack. You are, at least to me, the most beautiful, kind and loving mare in Equestria, and I adore every single second I spend with you. So, Applejack..." Rainbow blinked for a moment. "Will you make me the happiest pegasus in Equestria and marry me?" Applejack wasted no time in hesitation, worry or unsureness. She stood up quickly in front of Rainbow Dash.

"Yes!" Applejack nearly screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Yes, of course Ah'll marry you, Rainbow Dash!" Rainbow then stood up in front of Applejack, tears beginning to fall from her eyes as well.

"Awesome!" Rainbow said, taking Applejack into a tight embrace and spinning with her by the table, Applejack's stetson flying from her head. They stopped and Applejack kissed Rainbow Dash lovingly, before disconnecting and laughing quietly as she cried, pressing her forehead against Rainbow's both of their ears flattened in pure affection for each other.

"Here." Rainbow said, moving to the table where the necklace sat. She took it, turned around and gestured for Applejack to turn around so that she could place it on her neck. Applejack nodded and nearly shuddered as Rainbow hooked the necklace around her neck. Applejack turned around and smiled at Rainbow Dash, who could not suppress a smile from appearing on her face.

"Well?" Applejack asked. "How do Ah look in it?"

"You look amazing." Rainbow said. "Just how I imag...Wait a second." Rainbow said as she looked around for a moment before retrieveing Applejack's hat and placing it on her head. "Just how I imagined you." They embraced each other once again and kissed, holding each other happily.

"Ah'm just so happy, Rainbow." Applejack said. "A little surprised, but happy."

"Well, when we went for the walk, I figured it'd be a nice setting, but when you brought me here, it became perfect." Rainbow said. "I guess it all just worked out in the finish."

"Ah just..." Applejack said, looking for the right word, before ending up settling for just kissing Rainbow again. Their passionate kiss lasted for what seemed like five minutes before they separated, both of them breathing heavily.

"You know, our food is gonna get cold." Rainbow said. "You wanna finish it?"

"Yeah...Yeah, Ah suppose we can finish eating." Applejack said before kissing Rainbow Dash on the cheek one more time. They moved back to the table and began eating again. Applejack, in her vast excitement, found it hard to continue eating.

"Too excited to eat, huh?" Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow and smiling slyly at her. Applejack nodded, slightly embarrassed. "Yeah, me too." Applejack laughed.

"Well, good thing Ah planned ahead, seein' as how we probably weren't gonna finish all this anyways." Applejack said as she reached under the table, bringing out several food storage containers.

"I never would have thought of that..." Rainbow said, smiling. "That's pretty awesome."

"Come on, and let's get this stuff packed up so we can head back to the house." Applejack said, beginning to put out all the small lanterns. After they packed all the food up into the containers and retrieved all the lanterns, Applejack packed them into a saddlebag which she draped across her back.

"Shall we?" Rainbow said, to which Applejack nodded. They began walking from the clearing back to Braeburn's house. The Harvest Celebration Hoedown was over and everypony had headed home.

"What do we do if everypony at Braeburn's house is awake?" Applejack asked with an excited smile. "Wanna tell them?"

"How about this-" Rainbow Dash said. "If they're awake, we'll tell them right away. But if they're asleep, we'll tell them in the morning at breakfast."

"Ah coulda thought of that." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, but I thought of it first, so I get credit." Rainbow said with a snicker before kissing Applejack on the cheek. They pressed their bodies together as they walked back to Braeburns house, the cool autumn wind ushering them into a new phase of their lives together.

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Here is a really big D'AAAAWWWW chapter for you guys. I figured that it'd have to be a big one, seeing as how this is my first chapter in more than three weeks. Sorry about that, by the way, guys. This move has just been torture, but it is now Summer, so I should have a lot more free time on my hands. As for this chapter... It had to happen sometime, we all know it! But it just felt so good to write this, that I'm really ecstatic about sharing it. They're getting married! Cheers, everyone!

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Rainbow Dash and Applejack happily walked together toward Braeburn's still-lit house. Since this obviously signified that at least some of the others was still awake, the two mares knew that they would be telling their family of their engagement that night. Applejack shuddered subtly, but it still did not escape the attention of Rainbow.

"You okay, hun?" Rainbow asked the farm mare who walked so closely beside her. Applejack giggled and nodded.

"Yeah. Ah'm just excited..." Applejack replied. "And Ah'm still reelin' from the surprise a little." Rainbow laughed quietly and rubbed the back of her head.

"Yeah. That was probably on account of my poor planning skills." Rainbow said. "I'll try not to do that kind of thing anymore."

"Did Ah say that Ah'm unhappy ya did?" Applejack asked. "That was nothing short of a fantastic and glorious surprise. Keep doin' it. Please." Applejack said before giving Rainbow a kiss on the cheek. Rainbow blushed, smiled and nodded happily.

"Will do!" She said. The house, which was now only a couple hundred feet from the mares, served as a beacon of warmth and hospitality. The cool air had begun to get to the two of them, and a nice, warm bed seemed to fit the bill perfectly for what they needed. But there was still the matter of telling everyone.

"You know, AJ," Rainbow said. "We don't have to tell the family tonight if you don't want to. We can wait until we get back to Sweet Apple Acres."

"Now why would we wanna do that?" Applejack asked in reply.

"I'm not saying that I necessarily want to wait." Rainbow said with a small shrug. "It's just...y'know...if you're not ready."

"Ah'm ready, Dash." Applejack said. "Ah'm so happy about this, Ah couldn't possibly want to not share it with everypony Ah know and love. Especially since you're livin' with us."

"Okay." Rainbow said with a smile. "Let's do it." A cool air blew, pleasantly chilling the two mares as they walked. This night was remarkably similar to their first night together, just significantly...drier. The sky was completely clear of any clouds, and the moon shone brightly among the millions of stars. They continued to walk for a few more minutes until they finally reached the doorstep. Applejack gave a few curt raps to the door. After a short period, the door swung open to reveal Braeburn, who smiled at the two of them.

"Hey there, y'all." He said. "Have fun?"

"More than you know." Rainbow said, earning raised eyebrows, widened eyes, a blush and a smirk from Braeburn. Rainbow immediately turned beat red.

"Oh, n-no, you don't understand it w-wasn't like that!" Rainbow stuttered before clearing her throat. "It was just a nice time..." Braeburn nodded.

"Okay, okay. Ah was about to turn in the 'ol TMI card!" The yellow stallion said with a chuckle. "Come on in. You both must be freezin'."

"We're actually okay, Braeburn." Applejack said as she stepped into the house, followed by Rainbow. She put down her saddlebags by the door and removed the food containers which housed the leftovers saved from their dinner. "We've seen a lot worse."

"Well, it's only early Autumn." Braeburn said. "You should see Appleloosa in the dead of Winter."

"Ah don't doubt that it's plenty cold, cuz." Applejack said. "Would you happen to have a fire goin'?" Applejack's cousin nodded.

"Sure do! Everypony else is in there relaxin'. We were all about to hit the hay, actually." He said. "Looks like y'all got here just in time."

"Yep." Rainbow Dash said as she looked at Applejack. "Looks like we did." Braeburn happily led the two of them into the living room where they were happily greeted by their family. The fire that currently blazed had the temperature up around the whole room, which was expansive compared to the moderately sized living space of the farmhouse back at Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack quickly moved into the kitchen and stored the leftover food in the refrigerator before moving back to the family.

"Well, now, lookee here." Granny Smith piped up. "Looks like y'all had a nice time."

"We did, Granny." Applejack said. "It was perfect."

"That's a mighty beautiful necklace ya have on, sis." Big Mac said. "Rainbow give that to ya?" Appleajck nodded.

"Yeah, she did." Applejack said. "Ah couldn't have asked for a better anniversary gift."

"Neither could I." Rainbow said with a smile. "That was awesome, guys." Everypony nodded. "But, me and Applejack have something to tell you." This gained the attention of everyone in the room, who looked at them expectantly. Applejack struggled with the words for a moment.

"Well, come on, Applejack." Applebloom piped up. "Out with it. What did ya wanna tell us?" Applejack furrowed her eyebrows at her sister and smirked.

"Simmer down, filly." Applejack said. "Ah'm gettin' to it. Ah just gotta find the right words to say." She thought for a moment more before finally sighing in satsifaction. "Ya see, this here necklace was more than an anniversary gift from Rainbow. It came with somethin'."

"What was it?" Granny Smith asked.

"Ah'm gonna-" Applejack said.

"Is it a new hat?" Big Mac asked. Applejack shook her head slowly.

"Tickets to the spa?" Applebloom chimed. Applejack, once again, shook her head.

"Alla those are good guesses, but you're all wrong." Applejack said before smiling widely. "It came...with a proposal." The room fell silent for a minute as everypony attempted to process this new information. Granny Smith looked up at Applejack.

"A proposal...Applejack...are you and Rainbow..." Granny said. "Engaged?" Applejack let out a small, happy laugh and nodded, a huge smile on her face. Granny Smith jumped from the rocking chair she had occupied and cheered.

"Yee-Haw, Ah knew it! My baby Applejack's gettin' married!" Granny Smith yelled in happiness, jumping out of the chair and throwing a hoof up into the air before throwing out her back. "Oh! Oh, dagnabbit...son of a...lemme get back to my chair."

"Sis, Ah can't believe this!" Applebloom said happily, jumping up and down with excitement. "This is just...wow!"

"Couldn't be more happy for you two." Big Macintosh said, smiling happily at them. "You two were made for each other."

"If Ah could give my input." Braeburn said, raising an eyebrow. Applejack and Rainbow nodded. They smiled, but the smiles were not without slight apprehension as to what he might say. "Ah've seen my fair share of fillyfooler couples, but none of them had the...oh, how do Ah put this...spark, that you two seem to have whenever you look at each other. Ah can just see how much you gals love each other, so Ah'm really happy for you."

"Thanks, Braeburn." Applejack said.

"So when are y'all plannin' on havin' the wedding?" Granny Smith asked with a wide smile. " Before new years, maybe? And where, that's important too."

"Granny, Rainbow just proposed almost an hour ago!" Applejack said with a small laugh. "We haven't exactly locked anything in but the fact that we're gonna get married."

"Never too early to start plannin', child." Granny Smith said with a wink.

_____

The train screeched to a halt at the Ponyville Train Station after a three hour long trip from Appleloosa. Applejack smiled widely as she looked out of the window she sat next to to see the town she called home. The two and a half days she had spent away from Ponyville felt like five. That was not to say that she didn't enjoy her time in Appleloosa. The rest of their time with Braeburn at his quaint house was entertaining and fun for the rest of the time they were there. They had discussed exciting wedding ideas and plans, coming closer to deciding on when it was to be held and who exactly they would invite. Rainbow Dash, jarred from her usual slumber by the loud noise, woke up on Applejack's lap and stretched.

"We home?" Rainbow asked, recovering from her stretch. Applejack nodded happily.

"Yeah, Dash." Applejack said. "We're home."

"Thank Celestia." Rainbow said. "I can sleep in our bed again."

"Hold up, hun." Applejack said. "We still gotta go get Winona and Tank from Rarity." Rainbow groaned and put her forehooves on her forehead.

"Why can't we just get her to bring them by?" Rainbow asked in clearly exaggerated anguish. Applejack chuckled.

"She's already been watchin' 'em all weekend." Applejack said. "Ah don't think it's too much effort to go get 'em."

"That's the responsibility ya take when ya get a pet, sweetie." Granny Smith said. "Ah would hope that ya know that right now." Rainbow sighed.

"Well then, let's get the hay off this train and go get them." Rainbow said. "I just wanna lay back down and continue my nap." They all stood and exited the train before turning to the baggage claim section of the wooden deck.

"Now Dash, remember, we're gonna arrange a meetin' at the lake with the girls so that we can tell 'em." Applejack said. "We're gonna go around and invite everypony else, and then after that we can go back to the house and nap until we have to be there."

"But Applejack, I'm so tired." Rainbow said.

"You slept the whole way back!" Applejack said, taking her saddlebag from one of the stallion attendents.

"I need a lot of sleep." Rainbow said. "I have a fast metabolism."

"Oh, that ain't no excuse." Applejack said, raising an incredulous eyebrow at Rainbow.

"Alright, fine. How about this..." Rainbow said enticingly, dropping her voice down to a whisper and moving her mouth next to Applejack's ear. "If you don't give me any grief for going home and napping after we get Tank and Winona, next time we get some...alone time, you don't have to do anything to me....I'll just do stuff to you." Applejack smiled and raised an eyebrow at her.

"You really want to sleep that bad?" Applejack asked her. Rainbow nodded, a happy smile on her face. Applejack sighed and shook her head. "Alright, fine. Ah'll do all the invitin'." Rainbow smiled and nodded.

"Sweet! Let's go get them, then." Rainbow said. The group retrieved their baggage and began to walk toward Ponyville and Sweet Apple Acres. Idle conversation floated around the group as they cantered along. Granny Smith looked down from Big Macintosh's back upon her three grandchildren and one surrogate grandchild as they continued to move onward.

"So how's the Wonderbolt academy been Rainbow?" Applebloom asked the daredevil pegasus. "Ah'm sure Applejack asks ya all the time."

"We don't really talk about it much, Applebloom." Rainbow said. "Weather Patrol's been so hectic, I don't really have much time to attend a lot of the classes. But since Spitfire respects me so much, she lets it slide. She knows I have stuff to do, and she knows I have priorities...like you guys."

"We're a priority for ya?" Big Mac asked Rainbow as he smiled, who nodded.

"Of course you are! You guys are my family, and..." Rainbow said. "Soon to be in-laws." Rainbow smiled as she looked around at each member of the group.

"Well, here's our turn to get to the boutique." Applejack said. "Y'all go on ahead home. Rainbow'll be there in a flash with Winona and Tank, and Ah'll be home soon after. Ah got stuff to take care of." Granny Smith nodded at her as she and Rainbow turned toward Rarity's boutique.

"Alright. Y'all be safe!" Granny Smith said, sending the couple a wave as they parted. Applejack and Rainbow Dash continued to walk for a while before seeing Rarity's boutique come into their field of vision. Applejack sighed and looked over at Rainbow.

"It feels like it's been forever." Applejack said. "Ah've been missin' Winona somethin' terrible." Rainbow nodded in agreement.

"Same here for Tank. That little smile of his gets me every time." Rainbow said. "Before I got him, I would never have thought that a tortoise could show so much affection."

"Well, he does seem to be different, even among animals like dogs and cats." Applejack mused. "Ah'd say he's one of a kind." They reached Rarity's doorstep before Rainbow delivered three knocks to the door. They waited for what seemed like a minute and a half before Rarity finally answered the door.

The white unicorn that usually looked so prim and beautified looked exhausted and disheveled. Her mane was frizzled and unstyled, and bags under her half-lidded, bloodshot eyes told of a weekend lacking sleep or relaxation. She smiled widely, her eyes brightening up significantly.

"Oh, thank Celestia!" She cried before clearing her throat. "I mean, Rainbow, Applejack! You're back! How was your trip? I take it that you both had a..." She yawned loudly. "...great time?" Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah...it was great." Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow in concern. "Are you okay, Rarity?"

"Who, me? Pssh, don't be silly! I'm fine...just..." She yawned again, more lightly. "Fine. Winona and Tank are an absolute...pleasure to have around."

"Rarity, are you sure you're okay?" Applejack asked. "Ah mean, no offense, but you look terrible. Did Tank and Winona cause that much trouble for ya?" Applejack and Rainbow looked past Rarity into her house to see that it was an absolute mess. Books lay upon the floor, papers were strewn about wildly, seat cusions and pillows were terribly and horribly out of place, fabric was thrown about the boutique and a teakettle in the kitchen whistled loudly, adding a general sense of chaos to the scene.

"Oh, Goddeses!" Rainbow said. "Rarity, your house!" The fashionista looked back at the boutique and saw the shape it was in before going even whiter in the face than she usually was, her pupils shrinking to pinpricks.

"Oh...I-I just had a r-rather large dress order!" Rarity said, seemingly coming up with an excuse on the spot. "Just come in for a moment and I'll go get your pets." Tears subtly flooded Rarity's eyes, before she turned around, leading Applejack and Rainbow into the warzone that was Carousel Boutique.

"Did Tank and Winona do this?" Rainbow Dash whispered to Applejack.

"Ah think so." Applejack replied. "Ah mean think about it. Rarity's place has never looked this messed up. Makes the mess she made with that dress order three months ago look like Celestia's palace."

Rarity moved to a room that the door was shut on, before opening it to reveal Winona and Tank. The dog, upon seeing Applejack and Rainbow, barked happily before picking up Tank's shell in her mouth and running toward her owner. Tank retreated into his shell by instinct.

"Hey Winona!" Applejack said with a large smile, hugging her dog happily. Rainbow picked tank up with one forhoof and held him to her face, smiling.

"How ya doing, buddy?" Rainbow said before nuzzling the tortoise.

"It's been an absolute joy having them here, I'll say." Rarity said, putting on a fake smile. "They were perfectly...courteous and well-behaved."

"Well, that's good." Applejack said, not believing a word the unicorn said. "Well, look, Rarity. Would you wanna come to the lake later on this evenin'? It's been a while since we've all hung out." Rarity smiled and nodded.

"Applejack, I would be happy to come to the lake tonight." Rarity said. "I'll have to...freshen up a bit first."

"Well, it's not gonna be for at least a couple hours." Applejack said, smiling. "So you can take a bath, lay down for a nap..." The suggestions seemed to entrance Rarity as she nodded dreamily.

"Yes..." She said, a smile forming on her face. She snapped out of her stupor and immediately nodded. "Alright! I'll meet you there at..."

"Let's call it six thirty." Applejack said. "That gives you around five hours."

"Splendid!" Rarity said. "I can hardly wait."

"And Rarity, one more thing, before we leave." Rainbow offered with a small smile.

"Yes, what is it?" Rarity said.

"All of...this." Rainbow continued, gesturing to the general mess of the room they stood in. "Would it happen to be on account of Tank and Winona?"

"What? No, of course not!" Rarity said. "They were well behaved, I already told you."

"Rarity, we've never seen your place looking this bad." Applejack said. "And we both know how rowdy Winona can get when she's cooped up."

"Winona was fine, Applejack, I-"

"Rarity, we all know that that's bull." Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, look at this mess!"

"Well, I-"

"Just let us give you some money for your effort." Applejack offered, pulling a sack of bits from her saddlebag.

"Oh, I couldn't-"

"Oh, come on, Rarity." Rainbow said, giving a small smile. "We both feel really bad that our pets did this to your place. It'd make us feel a whole lot better."

"Nonsense!" Rarity said, a determined look taking over her facial features. "I will not accept your money! This was a favor to the two of you, and that is it. Neither of you owe me anything!" The unicorn's horn lit up with a blue aura, which surrounded Applejack, Rainbow Dash and their pets. Rarity began to lift them from the ground, straining heavily, before putting them both back down on the ground and fainting.

"Oh, poor girl." Applejack said. "Come on, Dash. Help me get her to bed." Rainbow nodded as they moved to the unconcious unicorn and picked her up. They draped each one of her forehooves around their shoulders before moving her to her lavish bedroom, which had remained untouched. They put her in the bed and draped the covers over her. Applejack made sure to leave the bag of bits on her nightstand before they exited the bedroom and closed the door behind them.

"Geez, Tank and Winona must have done a number on her." Rainbow said.

"Yeah, Ah know." Applejack said, looking at their pets, who sat patiently in the living room, waiting for them.

"If she doesn't show up tonight, let's not be too disappointed. She needs rest." Rainbow said.

"You know, we have to at least straighten up this room." Applejack said. Rainbow groaned.

"Oh, come on." Rainbow said. "I'm tired."

"Not as tired as Rarity, Ah'll bet." Applejack said. "Now come on. We'll get it done faster if it's the two of us."

The cleanup of the room was relatively simple. Rainbow focused on the replacement of cusions and pillows on the sofas and the repositioning of books back where they belonged, and Applejack wrapped up the strewn-about fabric and reorganized all the papers that were loose. The entire task merely took half an hour, and once they were done, they ushered their pets outside and began to head back to Sweet Apple Acres. Upon reaching the turnoff for the farm, Applejack hooked Winona onto a leash and gave it to Rainbow Dash, who wrapped the loop around her left forehoof.

"Alright, now that ya got Winona, Ah'm gonna go ahead and go invite the rest of the girls to the lake tonight." Applejack said. "Enjoy your nap, sugar." Rainbow giggled.

"Oh, I will," The pegasus said. "But I won't enjoy it completely until you're laying in that bed with me." Rainbow then kissed Applejack on the cheek before heading toward Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack looked on after her soon-to-be wife with fondness before sighing to herself and turning toward Ponyville.

_____

"YES!!!" Pinkie Pie screamed in near ecstacy. "Yes, I'd love to come to the lake with you guys!"

"That's great, Pinkie Pie." Applejack said. "Ah can't wait to see you there."

"Oh, Goddesses, this is gonna be so much fun! I'm going to bring Cupcakes! And cake! Cupcakes and cake! But not coffee cakes, well, unless you like coffee. Then I'd have to bring Cupcakes, cake, coffee cakes and coffee, and that would be kinda hard. I guess I could, though. I've done way weirder stuff, you know. Remember that time I-"

"Alright!" Applejack interrupted Pinkie Pie's mad ramble. "Alrighty then, Ah'll see ya there." Applejack turned and began to walk away from the party pony.

"Okay! Bye, Applejack!" Pinkie Pie said before turning back into Sugarcube Corner and shutting the door. Applejack sighed heavily and chuckled to herself.

"Well, now that the hard part's done..." She muttered to herself under her breath. She loved Pinkie Pie like a sister, but the sweet mare could be incredibly overbearing sometimes. She turned toward Golden Oaks Library and spied her next target, Twilight Sparkle, laying underneath the tree that was her home on a blanket reading a book. Her companion, Spike, was laying down next to her slumbering happily. The alicorn smiled at Applejack happily and stood to greet her.

"Applejack! Hello! What brings you here?" Twilight asked with a happy smile.

"Howdy, Twilight." Applejack replied. "Ah just wanted to ask you if you wanted to come to the lake tonight at around six to six-thirty to relax and hang around with the girls. It's been a while since we've had time together. If ya don't have any princess-y duties to attend to or anything." Twilight Sparkle nodded and brightened up significantly.

"That actually sounds perfect." Twilight said. "I can't wait!"

"Alright!" Applejack said, smiling back at her friend. "Ah'm gonna go invite Fluttershy."

"And you said six?" Twilight asked.

"Yep!" Applejack said. "Ah'll see ya then, Twilight!" Twilight waved after Applejack and layed back down on her blanket to continue reading her book. The princess laughed when she noticed that Spike was still fast asleep.

Applejack merrily ambled through Ponyville, turning in the direction of Fluttershy's small, quaint cottage. Rarity, Pinkie and Twilight had all agreed to the meeting, so Applejack's step increased slightly in merriment at the prospect of having only one more friend to invite. She knew that Fluttershy would, in all likelihood, say yes to the meeting. Applejack passed Roseluck on the way out of Ponyville, who waved sweetly at her. Returning the wave, Applejack could not wipe the ever present smile from her face. She didn't want to.

Upon approaching Fluttershy's cottage, she witnessed the meek yellow pegasus feeding some woodland creatures in her garden. The critters gladly gobbled the food up and showed their appreciation in different ways. Fluttershy nodded to them.

"Oh, anytime. Don't hesitate to ask me next time. Goodbye!" She said happily.

"Howdy, Fluttershy!" Applejack said happily, making her friend jump slightly.

"Oh, Applejack. You startled me." She said. "What can I do for you?"

"Ah would just like to extend your way an invitation to the lake tonight to hang out at around six thirty. Ah already got Pinkie, Twilight and Rarity to come along." Applejack said. "And ya know Dash is gonna be there."

"Oh, I'd love to, Applejack!" Fluttershy said happily. "It's just..." She struggled to get the words out as she shuffled in place.

"Just what?" Applejack asked.

"I don't know if Angel wants me to make him that carrot stew he's so fond of tonight." Fluttershy said, obviously worried over such a trivial matter. "He's had a rough day..."

"Oh, Fluttershy, you spoil him too much!" Applejack said. "He's gettin' to be too demanding. Sometimes ya just gotta put your hoof down, ya know?"

"I...guess so..." Fluttershy said, still unsure.

"Fluttershy, you know how Rainbow Dash is so self-centered?" Applejack asked her friend, who nodded slowly. "Well, change that 'is' to 'was'. Since Rainbow has been livin' with me, she's learned to let the wants of others go first before her own sometimes. And if'n they do, it doesn't kill her."

"You think I can teach Angel to think like that?" Fluttershy asked, hope filling her eyes. Applejack nodded.

"Ah know ya can." Applejack said. "Ah ain't gonna pressure ya to come, sugarcube, but if ya do decide to, Ah'll be behind ya with reformin' Angel and whatnot, should that be the path you choose to take with him." Fluttershy looked at Applejack and nodded, smiling at her.

"Thanks, Applejack." Fluttershy said. "Expect me to be there tonight."

"Can't wait to see ya." Applejack said with a smile before turning around to leave. She turned her head as she began to walk away and waved. "Bye!"

"Bye, Applejack." Fluttershy responded, returning the wave. Applejack moved back through Ponyville, tossing a friendly wave to Mrs. Cake, who had grown much more fond of them in recent months. Her husband, while thankful for their financial aid in restoring Sugarcube Corner, remained slightly detached from them. However, Carrot Cake did not spare them any courtesy or nicety when they came in to visit Pinkie or buy sweets.

As Sweet Apple Acres came into Applejack's field of view, the farm mare anticipated a nice afternoon nap in her fiancee's embrace and felt her stomach go light for a moment.

"Here Ah come, sugar." She muttered under her breath with a smile.

_____

*Thirty Minutes Earlier*

At Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow entered the farmhouse and sighed as she let Winona loose. The dog scurried throughout the different rooms, most likely searching for Applejack. When she didn't find her owner, Winona settled for sitting in the living room. Granny Smith looked up at Rainbow Dash from her rocking chair and smiled happily.

"Well, hello there, sweetie." Granny Smith said. "Applejack still out?" Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah. She'll probably be back in a few minutes." Rainbow said. "Where are Big Mac and Applebloom?"

"Oh, he took Applebloom to pick up Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to take 'em back to that treehouse of theirs for a sleepover." Granny Smith said with a smile. "Ah suspect he'll be back soon. There's some reheated Apple Pie on the stove if ya want it."

"I'm actually just gonna go to bed." Rainbow said with a nod. "I'm kinda tired. Thank you for the offer, though. I might take you up on it later. "

"Anytime, dear." Granny Smith replied, going back to her knitting. Rainbow felt exhausted even though she was positive she was completely caught up on sleep. Her eyelids drooped as she walked to the bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. She sighed with contentment and smiled as she closed her eyes. The bed pulled her in, the sheets protecting her from the outside world, the pillow offering comfort among everything else, nearly completing the package. Only one thing was missing from the situation to make it perfect, and it would soon be replaced.

She lay there for minutes, idle in her quest for slumber. It came moderately quickly, enveloping her in sweet darkness. But before the cyan mare knew it, this darkness was interrupted by something sweeter.

"Move over, darlin'." Applejack said sweetly. Rainbow looked up from her pillow to behold her future wife and smiled widely.

"Where have you been?" Rainbow asked, stretching slightly. "I..." She yawned. "Missed you." Applejack chuckled as she climbed into the bed with her lover.

"You know where Ah've been, Dash." Applejack said with a giggle. " And Ah've only been gone half an hour." Applejack took Rainbow into an embrace. Rainbow lightly squeezed her and giggled quietly.

"Half an hour too long..." Rainbow said before nodding off once more. Applejack kissed Rainbow's forehead lightly and closed her eyes, letting sleep take her away for a while as well. Rainbow's snoring helped lull her with it's constant droning rhythm. The pegasus had gotten better about snoring, somehow decreasing in volume and frequency since she had moved in. It now sounded more cute than anything. Applejack's slumber was one of peace, feeling nothing but Rainbow Dash's forelegs wrapped around her body and the sheets wrapped around them...

"WAKE UP!" Granny Smith screamed into the bedroom, completely shocking Applejack awake. Had Rainbow's forelegs not been around her, she most likely would have jumped out of the bed.

"Goddesses, Granny!" Applejack exclaimed. "Ya could've just nudged me." Granny Smith laughed.

"Ya told me to wake ya up at six o'clock, so that's what Ah did!" Granny Smith said. "So up 'n at 'em, sleepyheads!" Applejack groaned, rubbing her forehead lightly. Rainbow Dash still slept peacefully on her chest.

"Rainbow, wake up." Applejack said, lightly shaking her marefriend. The pegasus did not stir. "Come on, get up." Applejack continued. Still no movement. Applejack sighed and pushed Rainbow out of the bed, earning a surprised yelp from her. "Bet that woke ya up, didn't it?" Rainbow's head poked up from the side of the bed.

"What the hay, Applejack?" Rainbow said. "You could've killed me!" Applejack chuckled.

"Ooh, the scary 'ol floor's gonna getcha!" Applejack exclaimed. "Come on, we've gotta go meet the girls now."

"What time is it?" Rainbow asked, walking around the bed and groaning.

"Six." Applejack said after looking at the clock hanging on their wall. "So let's get ready and get movin'." Rainbow rubbed her head and frowned at Applejack.

"You know, my head is still pretty sore from that suitcase." Rainbow said, furrowing her brows. Applejack cringed slightly.

"Oh, geez...yeah, Ah forgot about that." Applejack said. "Ah'm sorry, darlin'." Applejack sent an overly apologetic look Rainbow's way, to which the pegasus scoffed.

"What, you think you can just send me the old 'Puppy Dog Eyes' and expect for me to forget about it?" Rainbow asked. Applejack did not change her expression. Rainbow rolled her eyes and sighed. "Oh, whatever. Doesn't even hurt that bad anyway." Applejack smiled and kissed Rainbow on the cheek.

"Ah'll make it up to ya later." Applejack said with a small wink. Rainbow smirked and shoved her.

"Come on, let's get a shower so we can get moving." Rainbow said, moving to the bathroom.

"Alright." Applejack said. "Ah'll get mine after you."

"I said 'a shower', not 'our showers'." Rainbow said, looking back at Applejack and raising an eyebrow. Applejack blushed heavily and smiled, following Rainbow into the bathroom. Rainbow closed and locked the door as Applejack turned on the hot water. She turned to see Rainbow moving toward her, moving her flank back and forth saucily, her eyes half lidded.

"Let's make this quick, huh?" Rainbow whispered, just before locking her lips with Applejack's.

_____

When Rainbow Dash and Applejack reached the lake, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle were already there, having fun and talking together. Twilight watched Pinkie Pie fly off of the swing attaced to the tree and do two flips before making a rather large splash in the water. Pinkie Pie surfaced and shivered slightly.

"Ooh, that's chilly!" Pinkie said before giggling. "How was that, Twilight?"

"Oh, I'd say an eight point five." Twilight said, clapping her hooves together for a moment. "Not bad at all!"

"Betcha I can do better!" Rainbow Dash piped up as she and Applejack approached the two ponies. Twilight smiled widely at the sight of the couple.

"Rainbow, Applejack! You're here." Twilight said. "Pinkie and I thought that you would be waiting for us."

"It's pretty much six o'clock right now." Applejack said.

"Well, we thought you guys would be early." Pinkie said, exiting the water and shaking herself off.

"Pfft! Me? Early? Pinkie Pie, it's like you don't know me at all." Rainbow said, smirking as she approached the swing.

"It's true, y'all. Rainbow does like to waste time." Applejack said with a small sigh. "And to be honest, Ah've grown to like it on occasion as well." Rainbow turned to Applejack and smiled at this comment. Applejack sent a subtle wink toward the pegasus, unbeknownst to Twilight and Pinkie. Rainbow blushed and turned back toward the swing and prepared herself.

"Don't use your wings, Rainbow." Twilight said. "That's cheating when you're going against an earth pony."

"I know that, Twilight." Rainbow said. "I've come to accept that, what with living with Applejack and all." Applejack chuckled at this comment and nodded.

"Remember, Dashie! It's a little chilly!" Pinkie said, smiling.

"Oh, please. How bad could it be?" Rainbow asked. Pinkie Pie thought for a moment before shrugging.

"Oh, I don't know. I don't think that there's any dangerous creatures in the water...and it's not cold enough for you to get hypothermia..."

"Uh, Pinkie?" Twilight piped in quietly.

"Yeah? What is it, Twilight?" Pinkie responded cheerfully.

"I'm pretty sure that it was a rhetorical question." Twilight said, trying not to sound like a know-it-all. Pinkie giggled quietly and leaned in close to Twilight and Applejack.

"I know that, silly filly!" Pinkie whispered. "I'm trying to throw off her focus, you know?" Twilight frowned.

"But Pinkie, that's cheating." Twilight said.

"Twilight, Rainbow's done worse. Besides, it's just a little friendly competition." Applejack said.

"Uh, hello? Dive of the century going on right now!" Rainbow called toward the three of them.

"Alright, alright. Cool down, now." Applejack said. "Make your dive." Satisfied, Rainbow pulled herself back as far as she could on the swing and jumped onto it, being propelled forward. Rainbow Dash then jumped off and did a complete three hundred and sixty degree horizontal spin before doing a full front flip and landing in the water. Rainbow resurfaced and gasped deeply.

"GAH! Oooohh, goddesses, that water is cold!" Rainbow nearly screamed, struggling to get out of the freezing water. Cringing, Rainbow walked up to the other three mares waiting for her.

"You got an eight point five." Twilight said.

"What?" Rainbow cried in outrage. "That was at least a nine!"

"It would have been, if you had completed that last flip before hitting the water." Twilight said, smirking at Rainbow, who proceeded to get flustered. Pinkie Pie knowingly nodded and smiled.

"B-But, you...S-she...I....I did...Ugh..." Rainbow said before plopping her flank down on the ground.

"Ya didn't lose, Rainbow." Applejack said. "Ya went and tied with Pinkie."

"But I didn't win." Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow. "And I'm freezing now."

"Oh, look at Pinkie, ya wimp." Applejack said. "She's hangin'."

"Actually, it is kinda chilly-" Pinkie piped in.

"Oh, nonsense." Applejack said. "Ah betcha that Ah can beat both of y'all and come out of that water like Ah just got out of a warm shower."

"Beat them in what?" Rarity asked, approaching the group with Fluttershy. Rarity looked refreshed and beautiful again, in stark contrast to earlier that day. Fluttershy seemed to be carrying something in her saddlebags. The group greeted them happily before Applejack began to explain.

"Oh, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow just got into some divin' contest in the river, and Ah'm thinkin' that Ah can show 'em a thing or two." Applejack said with a confident smile.

"Getting in the water during autumn?" Fluttershy asked. "That's kind of unsafe."

"It's warm out here." Applejack said as she handed her hat to Rainbow Dash, turned to the swing and began to trot toward it. "Ah'll be fine."

"That's what she thinks." Rainbow said before rolling her eyes and putting Applejack's hat on her head.

"Oh, this ought to be good." Rarity said, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm still kind of worried." Fluttershy said. "What if she catches a cold?"

"I really don't think that it's quite cold enough for that, Fluttershy." Twilight said. "For now, we're in direct sunlight, so Pinkie, Rainbow and Applejack should be okay."

Applejack got onto the swing and pulled herself back before letting herself loose, flying forward. As she attempted to jump, she slipped forward, flying off the swing ungracefully and flipping forward once before hitting the water. Everypony, namely Rainbow Dash, burst into exorbitant laughter. A second or two passed before Applejack surfaced with a bigger exclamation than Rainbow's.

"Applebuckin' Ponyfeathers!" Applejack yelled before making a frenzied beeline toward the shore of the lake. Wide-eyed and shaken, Applejack trembled where she stood before sitting down.

"Five." Twilight said with a small frown. "Sorry Applejack." Rainbow leaned in closer to the shivering Applejack, furrowing her eyebrows, narrowing her eyes and smirking knowingly. Applejack, upon noticing this, sighed and nodded.

"Okay, okay." Applejack said. "It's really cold. Ah just thought...y'know, since Pinkie's not cold..."

"I never said I wasn't cold." Pinkie said. "I guess I just have a high tolerance for it."

"I'd say that you're taking it worse than Rainbow is, dear." Rarity said to Applejack. "I thought Earth ponies were supposed to be tougher than pegasi." The statement burrowed deep underneath Applejack's skin and Rarity knew it.

"Oh, she knows that I'm tougher than her." Rainbow said, smirking toward Applejack, who turned and raised an eyebrow at her. "She's just trying to get used to the fact of it all." Applejack furrowed her eyebrows and smiled.

"Alright." Applejack said. "C'mere, you!" Applejack tackled Rainbow, taking her by surprise and began to wrestle with her. They rolled for about a minute, one on top of the other at some point or another. Their friends looked on in silent amusement, with the exception of Fluttershy, who was rummaging throught the saddlebags she brought. Rainbow was a powerful opponent, and her struggles were valiant, but Applejack ended up sitting on top of the pegasus as she fumed.

"That should settle it." Applejack said, smirking. The farm mare then removed her stetson from Rainbow's head and replaced it on her own.

"No fair!" Rainbow said before blowing some of her mane from her face. "You didn't even give me a warning!"

"Life doesn't give warnings, sugarcube." Applejack responded.

"Oh, really?" Rainbow asked. Applejack nodded in confirmation. "Well then, I'm about to flip you off of me and pin you." Applejack chuckled.

"Rainbow, hun, ain't no way that you're gonna lift me offa you an-woah!" Applejack said as Rainbow stood up quickly, employing her deceptively powerful limbs, throwing Applejack off of her. Rainbow immediately flew forward and pinned Applejack to the ground, smirking down at her lover as she struggled to escape.

"Now...what was that about life not giving warning?" Rainbow asked. "Well, I warned you, didn't I?"

"I brought things for a picnic!" Fluttershy suddenly exclaimed from behind the whole group. They all turned to see Fluttershy standing before a setup of food and drinks, enough for all of them.

"Why did you yell, Fluttershy?" Rarity asked.

"Well, I've been saying it for the past three minutes, and none of you answered me..." Fluttershy said nervously. "I'm sorry."

"No, don't be sorry." Twilight said. "Fluttershy, this is phenominal!"

"Well, thank you." Fluttershy said. "I sure hope that there's enough for everypony. I brought as much as I could fit in my saddlebags." Rainbow got off of Applejack and let her stand up.

"It looks to be plenty." Rainbow said with a smile. "It's fitting, too. I'm starving!" They all agreed and sat on the blanket to eat. After serving themselves and sitting back with their food, they began eating. The spread was a simple but elegant one, consisting of a cheesy casserole of some sort that smelled amazing, some vegetables such as carrots and spinach, and some canteens of juice of differing kinds, neatly labeled with some sort of tape.

"This food is simply wonderful, Fluttershy!" Rarity raved. "But I should't have expected anything less from you."

"Oh...thank you, Rarity." Fluttershy said. "I wanted to bring something."

"Well, I'm glad you did." Rarity said with a smile and a nod.

"It's so deliciously fantastically awesometactular!" Pinkie Pie nearly yelled. "I just can't get enough!"

"She's speakin' the truth, sugarcube." Applejack said after swallowing a bite of casserole. "Ah don't think Ah've ever had casserole this good."

"This is better than the food they serve at Princess Celestia's palace." Twilight added. "And I am not exaggerating, I swear."

"Oh, it can't be that good, Twilight." Fluttershy said. "I don't think I'm as good as the chefs up at the castle."

"Fluttershy, I wouldn't lie to you." Twilight said.

"Seriously, Flutters, this is delicious." Rainbow said. "Let yourself have some credit for once!" Fluttershy merely blushed and fidgeted with her hooves for a moment. They all continued eating for a few moments before Rainbow Dash spoke up.

"Alright, well now that we're done raving about Fluttershy's food, Twilight, Rarity..." Rainbow said, gaining the attention of the two mares she was addressing. "Who won the wrestling match a few minutes ago? Me, or Applejack?"

"I'd say Applejack." Rarity responded. "She was sitting on you at one point." Rarity giggled lightly as she remembered the comedic image.

"Well, I would say that Applejack won because she had you down first." Twilight said. "But technically, since she wasn't actually pinning you, and you pinned her, I'd say you won...technically."

"Well, what about you two?" Applejack asked Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy blushed and looked down at her food.

"I prefer not to get involved..." Fluttershy said. Rainbow sighed in minor exasperation.

"Well, Pinkie, you're the tie-breaker it looks like." Rainbow said. "Who do you think won?" Pinkie Pie looked between the two competitive lovers several times before rubbing her chin thoughtfully. She observed them both, leaning in and squinting heavily at them.

"Weeeellll..." Pinkie said. "Applejack."

"What?" Rainbow said, standing up. "Oh, come on! I'm the only one of us who actually pinned the other. Tell her, Twilight!" Rainbow turned toward Twilight Sparkle, who shrugged nonchalantly.

"Sorry, Rainbow." The alicorn said. "Majority rules."

"Sorry, darlin'." Applejack said, looking at Rainbow smartly. "Looks like Ah win this one." Rainbow sat and grumbled, beginning to play with her food.

"Oh, Applejack, I forgot to thank you and Rainbow Dash for helping me to tidy the house before you left." Rarity said. "You made my life much easier, even though there's still work to be done."

"Wait, what we cleaned, that wasn't all of it?" Rainbow asked, her eyes going wide in disbelief.

"No, not all." Rarity said. "But it was a decent chunk of it. Sweetie Belle and I can get the rest."

"Rarity, seriously, it was our pets that did it, wasn't it?" Applejack said.

"Well...now that it's over and done with, yes, it was them." Rarity said. "That's not to say that they're not sweet creatures. Winona and Tank were very loving. They were just....a little hyper. You'd be surprised at the mayhem a tortoise can cause when he's feeling cooped up." Rainbow Dash blushed and rubbed the back of her head.

"Wait, why were Winona and Tank at Rarity's place?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Well, me 'n Rainbow wanted to go to the Harvest Celebration Hoedown over the weekend and we didn't have anywhere to put our pets other than Rarity's. And seein' as how she owed us a bit for helpin' her out once, we figured it was fair." Applejack said. "And we're more than even now. But speakin' of the Harvest Celebration Hoedown, there's somethin' me 'n Rainbow wanna tell y'all." Applejack motioned for Rainbow to stand up next to her.

"Already? Dang, okay." Rainbow said as she stood beside Applejack.

"There's a reason Ah invited alla y'all out here." Applejack said with a wide smile before turning to Rainbow Dash. "You wanna tell 'em or do ya want me to?"

"You go ahead." Rainbow said with a smile. Applejack turned to their friends, who were now expecting some sort of good news. And by Celestia, she was going to give them some.

"Rainbow Dash and Ah are gettin' married!" Applejack exclaimed excitedly. The reaction of all of their friends was virtually the same. Pure, unadulterated joy. Pinkie Pie merely screamed and jumped at the two of them, wrapping them both in an abnormally tight hug.

"Oh, my goddesses!" Rarity shouted. "Applejack, Rainbow, that's so wonderful!"

"I'm so happy for the two of you!" Twilight said happily. "Oh, I just can't believe it!" Fluttershy clapped her hooves together happily, tears falling from her eyes.

"Who proposed?" Fluttershy asked, her eyes full of stars.

"Why don't you guys guess?" Rainbow said.

"It was Applejack." Rarity said. "She seems like the one."

"I agree." Twilight said to Rarity. "Applejack."

"I don't know." Pinkie Pie said. "Rainbow Dash looks more proud and Applejack looks more excited...it was Rainbow."

"Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said. "I can see it in her eyes."

"Well, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy are right." Rainbow said. "It was me."

"How did you do it?" Rarity asked Rainbow, leaning forward like a foal preparing to hear a story of adventure. "Don't spare any details." Rainbow sighed and nodded.

"Okay, okay, I'll tell you." Rainbow said with a smile. "It was pretty much our one-year anniversary and we were at the hoedown, and we had just gotten done dancing. Like, a lot. So, Applejack asked me if I wanted to go on a walk with her. Naturally, I went. Well, she surprised me with a beautiful, lantern-lit moonlight dinner of spaghetti and wine. See, it was her anniversary gift, and she couldn't have picked a better one." Rainbow Dash kissed Applejack on the cheek after saying this. Applejack blushed. "I figured that I'd break out my anniversary gift at that point. See, I got her this diamond necklace-"

"It's beautiful." Applejack said, smiling at Rainbow.

"But it wasn't just the necklace I wanted to give her. I wanted to ask her to marry me." Rainbow said. "I was gonna do it at the hoedown, but when Applejack asked me to go for a walk, I figured the moonlight proposal would be more romantic." Rainbow Dash uttered the word without any kind of disdain or disgust. This did not escape the attention of anypony present, and this only added to the sweetness of the story. "And the dinner just really made it perfect."

"So when are you guys going to have the wedding?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Probably sometime in the Spring." Applejack said with a wide smile. "Heck you're all bridesmares."

"But who is Mare of Honor?" Rarity asked, a tinge of hope in her voice.

"That's gonna be Applebloom." Applejack said.

"We understand." Twilight said with a smile.

"Actually, Twilight, there's something we'd like to ask you." Rainbow said. Twilight looked at Rainbow and nodded. "Since you're a princess now and all, we'd like you to preside over the ceremony." Twilight looked completely spellbound by the request.

"I...I...I don't know what to say." Twilight said, placing a hoof on her chest and smiling widely.

"Yes or no will do." Rainbow Dash said with a smirk.

"Yes!" Twilight said, losing her composure for a moment before regaining it. "Yes, I'd love to. It'd be an honor."

"One more question...If you don't mind." Fluttershy said.

"We're all ears, sugarcube." Applejack said. "Shoot."

"Which one of you will we be being bridesmares to?" Fluttershy asked. "If you don't know quite yet, that's okay too."

"Well, shoot, Ah hadn't thought of that." Applejack said. "Rainbow, Ah suppose since you proposed to me, that makes me the bride and you the groom." Rainbow shrugged.

"That's fine with me." Rainbow said with a smile. "That actually makes a lot of sense."

"So where are you guys having the wedding?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"We agreed that it would be best to have the wedding in the fields outside Ponyville, where we've had so many good times together." Applejack said. "And where we'll have many more."

_____

The group split up about an hour later, all the friends headed back to their homes to sleep for the night. Rainbow Dash and Applejack walked slowly through the night, taking in the beautiful sights of the night and the wonderful breeze blowing against them. Rainbow Dash sighed in contentment, nuzzling Applejack as they walked.

"I'm so happy that I'm going to marry you." Rainbow Dash said. "There's nopony that I'd rather be with."

"Ah feel the same way about you, Rainbow Dash." Applejack responded. "Though a year and a half ago, Ah had no idea at all that Ah'd be here, gettin' ready to marry you."

"Yeah..." Rainbow said. "Hey, this looks familiar."

"How so, hun?" Applejack asked her.

"I recognize that weird looking tree." Rainbow said. "This is where you bucked me after I scared you when you were on your way home from that 'Bone Eater' movie, or whatever it was."

"You have a good memory." Applejack said. "Ah wouldn't have recalled that if you hadn't mentioned it."

"I remember every time I ever had with you." Rainbow said. Rainbow stopped and turned to Applejack, moving her lips to where they were inches away from Applejack's. "All the time I spend with you...is just so special to me." She whispered, smiling.

"Rainbow, you're gettin' all sappy." Applejack said, dropping the tone of her voice as well. "This ain't like you..."

"So sue me." Rainbow said before planting her lips on Applejack's in a heated kiss. Applejack smiled into the kiss, feeling her cheeks go hot. Rainbow slipped her tongue into Applejack's mouth, intensifying the kiss and stimulating Applejack to reciprocate the motion. Rainbow's ear caught in Applejack's stetson and pulled it from the farm mare's head. Applejack did not seem to mind. After a half a minute of the kiss, they separated and embraced each other.

"I love you so much, Applejack." Rainbow said. "If I don't say that to you at least once every day, I want you to slap me." Applejack chuckled at this comment and nodded.

"Will do, sugarcube. And same for me." Applejack said as they separated. The farm mare swiped her hat up from the ground and replaced it on her head. "Let's go home."

"And do what? Sleep?" Rainbow asked as they continued to walk. "I'm not tired."

"Well, me neither...We could do the other thing." Applejack suggested, raising an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash, making her smile and nod.

"Sounds good to me." Rainbow said. "But I'm still a little hungry."

"Well, how about this, Dash." Applejack said. "We'll go home and make up an Apple Pie. Then we'll take it and lay out in the Apple Orchard...On a blanket...With sheets and pillows..."

"I'm liking the sound of that." Rainbow said, kissing Applejack on the cheek. "But I do know one thing."

"And what's that, Dash?" Applejack asked her.

"We're gonna need a lot of sleep tomorrow night."

Obligatory End-Of-Chapter Author's Note: Well,guys, I'd like to announce that I am completely and utterly tired. I've gotten about three hours of sleep in the past two days, so I'm gonna go lay down in my bed and die now. Cheers!

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

A snowflake fell on Rainbow Dash's nose, making the pegasus sneeze lightly before brushing her face. Applejack looked at her confused.

"Are you okay, sugarcube?" Applejack asked. "You catchin' cold?" Rainbow giggled and shook her head.

"Oh, no. A snowflake just fell on my nose." Rainbow said.

Autumn had passed by fairly quickly and winter had descended on Ponyville, bringing in an unusual amount of snow. The weather patrol had been frantic in their duties of maintaining it to where it wouldn't become downright destructive to the denizens of the small, sweet town. This was Rainbow's first day off in weeks, so to say that she was exhausted would be an understatement. Still, she accompanied Applejack to Ponyville to set the plans for their wedding in the spring. Rainbow yawned, stretching her mouth wide and feeling the insides of her mouth become frigid.

"Ya know, ya coulda just stayed home in bed and let me do all this." Applejack said to Rainbow as she pulled her scarf tighter on her neck.

"What do you mean?" Rainbow asked her fiancee.

"Oh please, Dash." Applejack said as she rolled her eyes. "A deaf, blind pony could see that your completely outta steam. And Ah don't blame ya. Weather patrol has been hectic, Ah'm sure."

"It has, but that doesn't mean I'm suddenly an invalid." Rainbow said with a smirk. "I'm actually feeling pretty lively. Besides, I'm not going to let you make our wedding plans alone." Applejack smiled at her.

"Ah understand." Applejack said. "Golly, it is a might chilly out here." Rainbow nodded before cringing subtly.

"My neck is killing me." Rainbow said with a sigh.

"We're almost to Sugercube Corner, hun. You can take a load off there." Applejack said.

Rainbow looked down at her hooves as they crunched in the snow with each step she took. The cold was uncomfortable, sure, but far from miserable. Rainbow liked Winter, though not as much as she liked Autumn. The idea of laying next to Applejack in front of a warm fire with a cup of cider made her long for the comfort of their home. But she knew that this was to take precedence.

The couple arrived at Sugarcube Corner and entered the eatery. Mrs. Cup Cake looked at them and smiled.

"Rainbow Dash, Applejack! Come on in. What do you-"

"Rainbow Dash?! Applejack?!" They all heard an excited voice yell from the kitchen. Seconds later, Pinkie Pie came bounding out of the room to behold her two betrothed friends. "Hi guys!" She beamed a nearly perfect smile.

"Hey, Pinkie Pie." Rainbow said before sitting down in a chair, adjusting her scarf.

"Pinkie. We're here to place an order for a wedding cake." Applejack said with a smile. "Figured you'd be the only pony we'd want to make it." Pinkie Pie jumped up and down happily.

"Okay!" Pinkie Pie said with a smile before taking a small booklet out from underneath the counter and placing it before the farm mare. "Just take a look through this little bookie and take your pick!"

Applejack nodded before beginning to flip through the pages slowly, appraising each cake design. Some were extremely large and extravagant, others were nice and humble. None of them seemed to do the trick until Applejack came upon a three tiered cake that seemed to be well garnished and just extravagant enough to not be over the top.

"Rainbow, come look at this one." Applejack said as she turned to the resting pegasus. Rainbow stood and walked to the counter. She looked at the cake in the small book, smiled and nodded.

"AJ, if that's the one you want, I say get it." Rainbow said. "It looks awesome." Applejack smiled and turned to Pinkie Pie.

"Alright, Pinkie." Applejack said. "We'll take this one." Pinkie Pie, after looking at the picture and seeing which cake it was, nodded happily. She began hitting buttons on the cash register as she spoke.

"Okay, Applejack." Pinkie Pie said. "That cake is a total of one hundred and fifty-one bits." Applejack gulped at this statement and nodded. "Buuut... With your seventy-five percent discount, that brings you to a total of thirty-eight gold bits. You can pay anytime before the wedding." Pinkie Pie winked at Applejack. Surprised, Applejack nodded happily and smiled widely.

Mrs. Cake was surprised at Pinkie Pie's massive discount, but did not speak out against it.

"Oh, wow!" Rainbow Dash said. "Thanks, Pinkie Pie!"

"I'm going to make sure that this is the most amazing perfectacular wedding cake you've ever had!" Pinkie Pie said with a massive smile. A dinging noise reverberated throughout the eatery and Pinkie Pie jumped where she stood. "Oh! Those are the brownies! See you guys later!" Pinkie Pie ran into the kitchen to retrieve her sweet creation.

"Ah can see she loves her job." Applejack said to Mrs. Cake.

"Oh, very much so. Since she's become co-owner with Carrot and I, we've been getting more business that we've ever had." Mrs. Cake said with a smile. "And we have you to thank for that, Rainbow Dash." The pegasus nodded at her.

"No problem, Mrs. Cake." Rainbow said.

"If you'll be excusin' us, Mrs. Cake, Rainbow and Ah got more stuff to do." Applejack said. Mrs. Cake nodded.

"Always a pleasure, you two!" She said, waving at them as they left. They returned the wave as they exited the eatery and turned toward Golden Oaks Library.

"Ah can't believe that Pinkie Pie did that for us." Applejack said. "She's such a great friend." Rainbow Dash nodded and smiled.

"She really is." Rainbow said. "She's co-owner now, so she has a lot more say in what goes on around there now."

They walked onto Twilight's front doorstep, which was luckily free of snow, and knocked on the door. After waiting several moments, the door was answered by Spike, who smiled widely at them.

"Hey, guys! Come on in, you must be freezing!" He said.

"Oh, you have no idea, sugarcube." Applejack said with a small smile as she removed her scarf.

"Is Twilight free to talk for a while?" Rainbow asked the small dragon, who nodded.

"Yeah, she is." Spike said. "Hold on a sec, I'll go get her." The baby dragon ran quickly up the steps to Twilight's room. Seconds later, Twilight Sparkle came down the staircase and smiled at them.

"Hi, guys!" She said before giving the two of them a hug. "I assume you two are here to discuss the musical arrangements for the wedding?"

"Yeah." Rainbow replied. "But could we also sit for a bit? I'm kinda tired." Twilight nodded enthusiastically and smiled widely.

"Spike!" Twilight called to her assistant. The baby dragon came running out of the bedroom.

"Yes, Twilight?" Spike answered, looking down at her from the staircase.

"Could you please make us some tea?" Twilight asked with a smile. "I have a good sized ruby that is just going to collecting dust for you if you do." The dragon nodded happily and ran down the stairs.

"Tea coming right up!" He said with a large smile. Twilight sat in the parlor before Rainbow and Applejack, who followed suit in the small chairs behind them.

"Okay, so about the musical arrangement." Twilight said. "I have some news that just might make your day." Applejack nodded at her and smiled.

"Yeah? What is it?" Applejack asked.

"If you're interested, I have been able to arrange for Octavia Melody and her quartet to play for the ceremony!" Twilight said in excitement.

"Twilight, that's incredible!" Applejack said with a large smile. "Of course we're interested, aren't we, Dash?" Rainbow Dash nodded happily.

"Yeah, I remember when she played at the Grand Galloping Gala!" Rainbow said. "It's gonna be awesome."

"And there's something else!" Twilight said. "Thanks to the assistance of Princess Celestia, I've also been able to get them for half price. Only seven-hundred and fourteen bits." At that moment, Spike brought out their tea for them, setting the tray on the table between their chairs. After taking their tea, they continued their conversation.

"Seven-hundred fourteen? That's less than the best quartet in Ponyville!" Rainbow exclaimed happily. "Applejack, we might just be able to have some money left over besides." The farm mare nodded happily.

"You can pay any time before the wedding, of course." Twilight said with a smile. "I just wish that I would have been able to get them cheaper. That's still a good amount of money."

"Don't worry about it, Twilight." Applejack said. "We can handle it."

"So you're both still set on the fields outside Ponyville?" Twilight asked. Rainbow Dash nodded.

"Honestly, we can't think of any place better to have it." Rainbow said. "It holds so many memories for me and AJ. We want to make the best one of our lives there, too." The pegasus took a swallow of her tea.

"Well, I can't say that I blame you two at all." Twilight said with a smile. "It's so beautiful out there. Especially in the Spring. I assume you're getting the cake from Sugarcube Corner as well?" Twilight daintily took a small sip of her tea.

"Yeah, Pinkie Pie actually gave us a pretty amazing deal on a great cake." Applejack said with a smile. "Seventy-five percent off."

"That's amazing!" Twilight said. "I shouldn't have expected anything less from Pinkie Pie. She's so happy for the two of you, as are the rest of us."

Their conversing continued for a while until they had finished their tea. Applejack stood up and stretched for a moment before looking at Twilight.

"Well, Twilight, thank you very much for the warm tea, but we've gotta get going to handle the rest of this stuff." Applejack said. "It's been a nightmare trying to arrange all this."

"I understand completely Applejack." Twilight said. "Don't stay out there too long."

"Oh, trust me when I say that we're only staying out as long as we need to." Rainbow said with a smile before subtly rolling her eyes. "See you later, Twi!" They turned and began to leave the library.

"Bye!" Twilight called sweetly. "Oh, just one more thing, you guys!"

"Yeah?" Applejack said as she and Rainbow turned around.

"Are you guys writing your vows?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, we are." Rainbow said. "Can't see it any other way. Why?" Twilight giggled quietly to herself and shrugged.

"Oh, just curious." Twilight said with a genuine smile. "I'll see you both later."

Applejack and Rainbow Dash left the library and moved through Ponyville in the direction of Cafe Du Mane.

"Oh, Ah dread hearin' about how much this catering is gonna be." Applejack said with a sigh. "We could easily make the food for this."

"Well, you, me, Big Mac, Granny and Applebloom are already planning this whole thing." Rainbow said. "We shouldn't worry ourselves with making all the food when we've already got so much on our plates. No pun intended." Applejack laughed a little at Rainbow's joke and nodded.

"Yeah, Ah guess Ah understand." Applejack said. "You still got the guest list?" Rainbow nodded and pulled the list out of her saddlebag.

"We've got thirty one guests coming." Rainbow said, surveying the list. "You said you wanted to keep it kinda small, didn't you?" Applejack nodded.

"Yeah." Applejack said. "Read the guest list to me one more time."

"Okay." Rainbow said, bringing the list in front of her. "Granny, Big Mac, Applebloom, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Spike, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Babs Seed, Princess Celestia, Braeburn, Arbor Chip, Amber Heart, Spitfire, Soarin, Thunderlane, Cloud Kicker, The Cakes, Zecora, Caramel, Roseluck, Lyra, Bon Bon, Nurse Redheart, Cheerilee, Amethyst Star, Derpy and Gilda. Counting us, that's thirty three."

"Oh, geez." Applejack said as they entered Cafe Du Mane, the small bell on the door ringing lightly. This attracted the attention of the hostess at the podium who smiled at them. She was a brown earth pony with a light blonde mane and tail.

"Hello, and welcome to Cafe Du Mane." She said politely. "How many?"

"Actually, we were wondering who whe would speak to about wedding catering." Rainbow said, returning the polite smile.

"Oh, that would be the manager." She said. "Let me go get him." The rather small mare left for a moment and returned with a large black stallion unicorn with a white mane, tail and moustache.

"Hello, there." He said in a strange accent. "I understand you two are looking for catering options for a wedding." They both nodded.

"We sure are." Applejack said with a smile. "What are your offers?"

"We come with a diverse buffet able to serve anywhere from fifty to one hundred ponies for a price of-"

"Actually, sir, we're only going to have around thirty one ponies at our wedding." Rainbow said with a small smile. "So we can go a bit lower than that."

"Oh, you're marrying each other? Congratulations to the two of you, then." He said with a curt smile and a nod. "We can bring you a smaller meal plan of fire roasted and seasoned squash and caramelized onions with spinach and buttered carrots and melted cheese and oregano baguette slices. Tea, lemonade and water come with this as well. This is more accustomed to feed twenty five to forty ponies."

"That sounds perfect!" Rainbow said with a large smile. "How much?"

"Five hundred and seventy one gold bits." He said. Applejack's eyes widened as she raised her eyebrows. Rainbow looked over to her and shrugged.

"It's not like we're gonna find anything cheaper for catering." Rainbow said.

"Ah guess we'll take it." Applejack said, offering a rather reluctant smile.

"Wonderful!" He said, clapping his hooves together before removing a small booklet and a pen with his magic. "Who's name shall I put it under?"

"I guess mine." Rainbow said. "Rainbow Dash." He nodded, scratching down the name.

"When shall we deliver the food?" He asked.

"Oh, not for a while." Rainbow said. "The wedding is in three months. We just wanted to go ahead and reserve an order. We'll give you a reminder closer to the wedding with all the rest of the details."

"Perfect" The manager said happily. "And I assure you, you will not find the class, dedication and quality we supply with our service anywhere else."

"Thanks for the service." Applejack said with a small nod. "We'll be leaving now."

"Good bye, and thank you for your patronage." He said with a small bow and a smile. "We hope to see you dine in soon."

Rainbow Dash and Applejack left the restaurant and walked through Ponyville in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow, happy everything was going according to plan, had a small spring in her step, despite the snow and her aching, tired body. Applejack trodded along, looking down with a frown on her face. Rainbow eventually noticed this and slowed her pace down to accomidate her lover.

"What's wrong?" Rainbow asked. "Everything's going pretty smoothly."

"Ah know, sugar, Ah know." Applejack replied. "Ah just...it's just..."

"Just what?" Rainbow asked, a tinge of worry evident in her voice. Her overactive imagination began to envision all kinds of horrible possibilities. "Seriously, what's wrong?"

"Just...that catering service is a lot of money." Applejack said. "Ah guess Ah'm just complainin' too much. Ah'm sorry to be bringin' ya down."

"Oh, it's no problem, AJ." Rainbow said before kissing Applejack on the cheek. "You know, I would offer to fly us home, but with the snow, it could be a bit painful."

"Get a few snowflakes in your eyes, huh?" Applejack asked with a small snicker.

"Well, that's what my goggles are for...I just left them at home." Rainbow said with a sigh. "Looks like we're in for a bit of a trek through the snow." Rainbow was overexaggerating, of couse. The snow was merely a few inches deep and far from unpleasant. Snow actually made Ponyville a lot more pleasant to look at.

"You know," Rainbow said. "I'm just...so happy things are working out so smoothly like this."

"Well, we're not out of the woods yet." Applejack said with a small sigh. "We still gotta look at our funds and see how deep we're in with all this money."

"Well, Rarity's tailoring my tux and making your dress, right?" Rainbow asked. "We're gonna offer to pay her, but she won't take it, knowing how prideful she is about her work for her friends."

"We're gonna hide it in her house somewhere, hun." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow at Rainbow. "Ah'm gonna pay her somehow, if Ah die tryin'. She's puttin' so much work into this."

"I get that." Rainbow said. "But even that aside, we're getting, like, half off on everything else besides the catering. My leftover money from selling my house should cover a lot of that."

"Yeah, it should." Applejack said. "Ya know, Ah wanna say how proud Ah am of you with how smartly you've been managin' your money. Ah honestly didn't expect it from you."

"Well, I'm full of surprises, babe." Rainbow said, offering a raised eyebrow and a saucy smirk. "Remember back on Nightmare Night? In that hidden part of the haunted house?"

"Oh, goddesses, how could Ah forget?" Applejack said with a small chuckle before giving Rainbow a kiss on the lips.

"Just don't worry yourself too much." Rainbow said with a confident smile. "Everything's gonna work out fine."

_____

"Work out fine my flank." Applejack grumbled as she looked over several bills laying across the desk she sat at. She put her face into her forehooves as she kept being reminded of how much money they were going to be paying back on loans. It turned out that Rainbow had forgotten about buying new supplies for the farm with most of the money she had left, so most of the money they were paying on the bills had to payed using loans from the bank. Applejack groaned loudly and stood up, rubbing her aching head with one of her forhooves.

Applejack wished that Rainbow could be there with her so that she could show her how much they were going to be paying, but she was busy with weather patrol. The agitated farm mare walked out into the living area and plopped down on the couch next to Applebloom, who was busy drawing. The shifting in the cusions from Applejack's landing caused Applebloom to mess up her drawing.

"Hey!" She said, throwing an aggravated look at Applejack. "Ya messed up my drawin'!"

"Whatever." Applejack said dismissively, throwing a hoof up in an apathetic gesture.

"Maybe you should say that you're sorry." Applebloom said raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe you should just shut up! You don't know what Ah'm goin' through right now, okay?" Applejack said loudly, but not quite yelling. Applebloom's eyes narrowed in fury.

"Why're you bein' so awful?!" Applebloom said angrily. Applejack scoffed and said nothing as she looked away from Applebloom. The filly scowled at Applejack and stood up.

"Nothin' helps a bad mood like spreadin' it around, huh?" She said before walking to her room and slamming the door behind her. Applejack gave off a long, drawn out sigh and slowly looked over at Applebloom's drawing. It was a rather impressive rendition of their family group, including Rainbow Dash. Guilty, Applejack turned to the drawing and looked down at it.

"Doesn't take much to see that somethin's wrong, dear." Granny Smith said from across the room, startling Applejack and making her jump.

"Granny!" Applejack said. "Ah didn't see ya there."

"Well, Ah'm glad ya didn't." She said before taking on a disappointed look. "Ah was none too impressed with the way ya handled that situation with your sister. You're more mature than that!" Applejack sighed and nodded.

"Ah know." Applejack said, frowning. "Ah'll go apologize."

"Before ya do, why don't ya tell me what's wrong with ya." Granny Smith said. "Ah don't usually see ya actin' this way."

"Ah know, Ah know. It's just..." Applejack said before scoffing to herself. "Rainbow Dash went and organized this really expensive catering service for the wedding when we could have easily made the food. Ah've had to take out several loans just to pay it off. And there's this expensive quartet-"

"Applejack, before ya continue any further, Ah want ya to tell me- Did Rainbow organize all this without talkin' to you about it first?"

"Yeah!" Applejack spouted immediately in her frustration, but after realizing that it was not true, mumbled- "Well, in a way..."

"Ah don't know exactly what's goin' through your head right now, sweetie, and maybe Ah shouldn't." Granny Smith said. "Ah don't wanna meddle too much in the affairs of your weddin'."

"You're the one who asked me what was wrong. Don'tcha-"

"Ah asked what was wrong when Ah didn't know what the problem was. If you've got a qualm with Rainbow Dash, Ah recommend that you talk to her yourself instead of gettin' everything from me. You're a grown mare now, so you should be solvin' this problem yourself." Granny Smith said as she returned to her knitting. "Ya best go apoligize to your sister now." Applejack sighed and nodded slowly before taking the drawing and getting up to talk to Applebloom.

Applejack entered her sister's room and was completely surprised to find her crying. She wasn't sobbing or bawling into her pillow, just silently crying as she layed on her bed. Upon seeing Applejack, Applebloom immediately wiped her tears and turned away from her sister.

"What're you doin' here?" Applebloom said. Applejack's heart melted as she slowly walked to her sister's bedside and sat upon the mattress.

"Applebloom, what's wrong?" Applejack asked, already knowing the answer.

"You!" The filly said angrily, sitting up to face her sister. "'You're what's wrong! You've been so angry and irritable lately, and Ah just don't see why you'd be so mean."

"Applebloom, Ah'm sorry." Applejack said. "Ah didn't mean to hurt your feelings the way Ah did. It was extremely insensitive and...Ah really am sorry."

"Why, though?" Applebloom asked. "What's makin' ya so hostile?"

"It's really a financial thing. Ya know how we're barely gettin' by right now? Well, we're gonna have to be makin' payments on loans for a lot of the stuff we're gonna have at the wedding for a while. So things are still gonna be pretty tight even after the wedding...but still, that doesn't excuse the way Ah acted toward you. Ah'm sorry. Can we be friends again?" Applejack offered a hopeful smile, to which Applebloom nodded.

"Of course we can." Applebloom said before wrapping her sister in a tight hug. "Ah love ya, sis."

"Ah love you too, Applebloom." Applejack responded. "Hey, how about this-" Applebloom looked at her sister as she removed some crayons and paper from Applebloom's nightstand. "How about we draw something together?" Applebloom nodded happily and smiled.

"Sure!" She said happily. "Ah'll draw a dragon, and you draw a knight fightin' it!"

"Sounds like a plan to me!" Applejack said with a smile before putting the crayons and paper on the floor. "Let's do it."

They began work on their drawing, Applebloom immediately setting the framework of the body and wings of the dragon she was about to draw. By the time her sister had layed down the groundwork for her art, Applejack had barely gotten the drawing of the helmet on the paper. The mare marveled at her little sister's work.

"Wow, Applebloom." Applejack said. "You've gotten really good at this!"

"That's what we learned during art time at school." Applebloom said with a smile. "You didn't learn this in school?"

"Ah may have." Applejack said. "But my little 'ol noggin here isn't really the best at retainin' that sort of knowledge. Ah'm more of an analytical thinker." Applebloom giggled.

"What's that mean?" She asked.

"Well, it means that Ah tend to look at things closer than they generally should be looked at. Ah try to see the logic in everything." Applejack said. "And Ah'm thinkin' that you're an artistic thinker."

"Ah can guess what that means." Applebloom said. They continued to work on their drawing, the groundwork giving way to the overall drawing and details. The longer they drew, the more Applebloom's dragon blew Applejack's knight out of the water in terms of sheer looks. By the time they were finished, the drawing was of an incredibly comedic scene of a rather impressive looking dragon doing battle with a poorly detailed and proportioned night. The two sisters took one look at the drawing and burst into laughter. In the midst of their laughter, Applejack put a foreleg around Applebloom, and Granny Smith, as she silently watched them through the cracked door, smiled widely with pride.

_____

Rainbow Dash sighed heavily with contentment as she opened the front door to the farmhouse, letting in a brief draft of freezing air before closing it behind her. Weather patrol had run late that day, so she had gotten back at around eight thirty instead of five. Rolling Storm had given her the option to either leave at five, or to stay longer and get off three hours earlier the next day. Since the pegasus had been feeling rather energetic at the time, she decided to tough it out and stay. She was regretting that decision now. The last three hours of her workday felt like nine, and she was completely and totally spent.

"Why're you late, sweetie?" Granny Smith asked the pegasus.

"Sorry, Granny." Rainbow said. "There was a huge surprise storm cloud today. They needed my help to take it out."

"Well, looks like you had a fun day today." Granny Smith said with a smile. Rainbow Dash jovially scoffed and hung her scarf beside the door on one of the hooks.

"You wouldn't say that if you saw that cloud that was going to cause four more inches of snow." Rainbow said before offering a whistle. "That was probably one of the heaviest days in weather patrol, ever."

"Well, there's some leftover sandwich fixin's and some apple pie in the kitchen for ya." Granny Smith said. "Made sure to save you extra daffodils." Rainbow nodded appreciatively.

"Thanks, Granny. I'm starving." Rainbow said with a smile as she walked into the kitchen and began work on her sandwich. Selecting white bread for the buns, she then placed down several daffodils before sprinkling a few shakes of garlic salt on them. Rainbow then placed two sliced tomatoes and some lettuce on the sandwich. To finish it off, she placed a slice of provalone cheese on top of the daffodils, lettuce and tomatoes and smeared a bit of mayonnaise on the top bun. Satisfied with her creation, Rainbow Dash took her plate to the table before returning briefly to the kitchen to grab her slice of apple pie. Rainbow sat down at the dining room table and began eating her sandwich. It was alright, definitely not the worst sandwich she'd ever had, but she figured that she could have done better.

Still, she continued to take bites of her moderately tasty sandwich until she finished it off with a last bite that didn't have much other than crust. Rainbow made it a practice to not scarf food down when she was in the company of others, but when she was eating alone, she had a tendency to inhale any type of food products. She then moved on to the slice of apple pie, which she had been looking forward to since she had found out there was some waiting for her. She cut off a piece with her fork and prepared to take a bite.

"Hey, Dash." Applejack said as she sat down, startling Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, hey, AJ." Rainbow said. The pegasus then noticed how tired and worn out Applejack looked. "You okay?"

"Yeah, Ah'm alright." Applejack said with a sigh. "Ah guess Ah've just been a little stressed, is all." Rainbow finished chewing her rather large bite of apple pie before swallowing it.

"Why?" Rainbow asked her before taking another bite.

"As it turns out, we've got a heck of a lot of loan payments to make." Applejack said. "About twice as many as we originally thought." Rainbow cringed.

"That's not good." Rainbow said. "Well, we've got the income from the stand at the market and my income from weather patrol. We should have it payed off soon."

"You don't get it, Dash." Applejack said. "It's a lot of money. After this wedding, we're gonna be livin' off drywall." Applejack, of course, was heavily exaggerating, but the statement worried Rainbow Dash nonetheless.

"Well, my Hearth's Warming Eve bonus should help a good bit when I get it." Rainbow offered hopefully before taking her now cleared dishes to the kitchen. As she rinsed them off, Applejack sighed and shook her head. After Rainbow had finished rinsing the dishes, she turned and noticed the drawing Applejack and Applebloom had completed earlier on the refrigerator. She giggled at the sight of it.

"Who drew this?" Rainbow asked with a smile.

"Oh, me and Applebloom." Applejack said with a tired smile.

"Which one did you draw?" Rainbow inquired.

"Ah drew the knight." Applejack said with a hint of embarrassment, a slight blush gracing her face. Rainbow burst in to laughter.

"You drew that?" Rainbow asked, nearly falling over. "Wow, Applejack! Your little sister's better at drawing than you." Rainbow continued to laugh at Applejack, who laughed along with the pegasus at first, but stopped promptly. Slowly, embarrassment turned to anger as the farm mare stood up.

"You think you could do any better?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow. Rainbow scoffed as she looked at the picture again.

"Yeah, I'd like to think so." Rainbow said with another small giggle. Applejack nodded subtly and smiled fakely, which registered with Rainbow Dash. The pegasus, immediately realizing that she had angered Applejack, raised her eyebrows. "AJ, come on, I was-"

"You'd like to think so, would ya?" Applejack asked again before walking to the washroom past Rainbow Dash. "Come on. We need to make the bed." Rainbow, surprised by Applejack's seemingly spontaneous anger, followed the farm mare after she went outside and removed the bedsheets from the clothesline. After they entered the bedroom and began making the bed, Rainbow continued to notice subtle signs of Applejack's anger and frustration. She'd flip a pillow too hard or she'd pull the sheet away from Rainbow.

"Hey, Applejack, come on, what's wrong?" Rainbow said.

"Nothin'." Applejack replied simply, continuing to make the bed.

"Seriously, Applejack, I'm not stupid. I know your peeved about something." Rainbow said. "Tell me."

"Nothin's wrong." Applejack said again. "Get that fitted sheet on the corner better, will ya?" Rainbow pulled the fitted sheet down to where it fit well and Applejack tossed the normal sheet over the bed.

"AJ, please tell me so I can help you." Rainbow said. "I don't like seeing you like this." Applejack sighed and dropped the sheet on the bed and looked up at Rainbow Dash.

"Alright, Rainbow. Ah'll tell ya." Applejack said. "We should cancel the catering order for the wedding." Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

"Cancel it?" Rainbow asked. "Why?"

"Ah told ya in the dining room." Applejack said. "We're gonna be makin' loan payments with half our grocery money every month."

"That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think?" Rainbow said.

"No Ah don't." Applejack said. "That catering is way too overpriced."

"You didn't have a problem with agreeing to get it." Rainbow said, a frown forming on her face.

"That's because Ah thought you knew that you had the money to pay for it left over." Applejack said.

"Well, excuse me for buying new supplies for your harvest." Rainbow said.

"Ah ain't sayin' Ah don't appreciate what ya did, Dash." Applejack said. "It was very sweet, generous and thoughtful. But Ah'm just sayin' that it was irresponsible to forget."

"Well, what do you suggest we do, Applejack?" Rainbow asked.

"We'll make the food, Rainbow." Applejack said. "We've always been good at makin' food fast."

"But I have weather patrol, you and Big Mac take turns every day running the stand at the market and Applebloom goes back to school in four days." Rainbow said. "You're gonna expect Granny Smith to pick up all that slack?" Applejack sighed and looked down for a moment before looking up, a determined look on her face.

"Rainbow, Cafe Du Mane is too expensive." Applejack said. Rainbow, equally steadfast, held her ground.

"We're all already burdened enough." Rainbow said.

"Ah'm gonna have to insist on this, Dash." Applejack said, as she furrowed her brows, a frown taking form on her lips.

"Who made you the boss of this? It's my wedding too." Rainbow said. "So we're getting the catering service."

"No we ain't." Applejack said.

"Yes we are." Rainbow said.

"Ah can't believe that you're just gonna sit there and ignore the fact that we're gonna be making loan payments until a few months after the wedding!" Applejack said, her temper and tone of voice rising.

"And what, you're just gonna run a sweatshop on all of us, making food when we're already going though our daily lives and planning the wedding?!" Rainbow said, her anger evident as well.

"This is always what it comes down to!" Applejack said, pointing a hoof at Rainbow's face. "Your laziness!"

"Get your hoof out of my face!" Rainbow said, slapping the farm mare's hoof away. "Laziness, huh? That's a laugh! Yeah, I'm lazy. That's why I juggle Weather Patrol, The Wonderbolts Academy and helping you out with your work half of the time!"

"Well do you not like our food?" Applejack asked, raising her eyebrows. Rainbow narrowed her eyes.

"What?" She said.

"Well there must be somethin' wrong with our cookin' for you to not want it at the wedding so much!" Applejack said.

"Are you bucking kidding?!" Rainbow yelled, suddenly bursting into a rage. "That is the stupidest question I have ever heard! I love the food you guys make! A lot of the time, I eat more of it than you do! We're all already working so hard, we'd all be asleep during the wedding if we worked any harder! You're just too stubborn to realize it!" Rainbow recovered from her small rant and regained her composure. "Look, why don't we just-"

"Ah'm sleepin' in the living room." Applejack said, leaving the room.

"Fine!" Rainbow said. "It's more spacious anyway!" Rainbow breathed deeply as she started to make the bed again.

Applejack walked into the living room flustered, huffing deeply to suppress her anger. She moved to the hall closet and grabbed a blanket before plopping down on the couch and covering up. Already, she felt colder without Rainbow Dash.

"This just ain't a good day for you, is it?" Granny Smith asked from her rocking chair.

"What gave it away?" Applejack asked.

"Heard pretty much everything." Granny Smith said. "Married couples fight. Oftentimes they fight even before they get married. Believe me, Ah know." Applejack sat up and looked at Granny Smith.

"Can you see where Ah'm comin' from?" Applejack asked her grandmother.

"Yes Ah can." Granny smith said with a small nod.

"Thank you!" Applejack exclaimed as she plopped her head back down on the couch cushion.

"However," Granny Smith continued. "Ah can also see where Rainbow's comin' from." Applejack sighed.

"We're gonna be in the hole!" Applejack said.

"We've been in the hole before." Granny Smith said. "We've always managed to crawl right back out, too. It's not so bad."

"But-" Applejack began.

"Look, baby." Granny Smith said. "You love Rainbow Dash right?" Applejack sighed and nodded.

"Yes, ma'am." Applejack said. "Very much."

"And ya know that she loves you, right?" Granny Smith asked. Applejack nodded again. "Well, then, Ah think you two should try a little harder to get along. You're marryin' her in a few months for Celestia's sake." Applejack, after about half a minute of consideration finally nodded.

"Ah suppose you're right, Granny. But what should Ah do?" Applejack asked. "Ah can't just waltz in there and say 'Hey, you and me are gonna be nice to each other now.' Ah doubt she's feelin' very friendly toward me at the moment."

"Just do what you think is right, sweetie." Granny Smith said. "That's all Ah can really say. You know more about how Rainbow Dash works than Ah do." Applejack nodded and sighed once more before standing up and moving to the bedroom. She opened the door and walked in to find Rainbow laying alone, facing away from the door.

"Rainbow..." Applejack said. "Darlin', Ah'm sorry." Applejack said. The pegasus immediately turned around and looked at her, feeling guilty as well.

"I'm sorry too, AJ." Rainbow said as she began to rub the back of her head. "It...wasn't very fair of me to not consider how much we'll be spending on this."

"Ah shouldn't be so stingy." Applejack said. "We can get the catering. It's fine, and looking at it in hindsight, it's probably the better idea." Rainbow smiled and nodded.

"Okay." Rainbow replied before opening her forelegs. "Wanna join me?"

"Ah'd love to." Applejack replied as she climbed into the freshly made bed and layed her head upon Rainbow Dash's chest. Rainbow squeezed Applejack lightly in affection.

"What a stupid thing to argue about..." Applejack said with a sigh. "What we're gonna eat..." Rainbow Dash giggled lightly and nuzzled into Applejack.

"Let's just chalk it up to our stupidest fight ever." Rainbow said.

"Fine by me." Applejack said. "Oh Ah forgot to tell ya somthin'."

"What's that?" Rainbow replied.

"Ah got Pinkie Pie to help me plan the reception." Applejack said.

"Oh, if Pinkie's involved, it's gonna be crazy awesome." Rainbow said with a small giggle.

"Let's just say that you're gonna love it." Applejack said. "A lot."

"Sounds great." Rainbow said. They both closed their eyes and prepared to drift off to sleep before Applejack piped up once more.

"Oh, Rainbow, just one more thing." Applejack said, moving her face to where it was in front of Rainbows.

"Hmm?" The pegasus replied before being lightly and playfully slapped across the face. "What the hay was that for?" Rainbow asked with a small laugh.

"Ya didn't tell me that ya love me today." Applejack said. Rainbow smiled and kissed Applejack deeply on the lips before holding her closer than before.

"Applejack, I love you very, very much." Rainbow said with a smile as she closed her eyes. "Better?"

"Absolutely." Applejack replied also closing her eyes.

The two betrothed mares held each other tightly as they both slowly drifted off into sweet, restful slumber.

Obligatory End-Of-Chapter Author's Note: Alrighty, there's that chapter. I'm not gonna lie, I've got the willies. The next chapter is the big wedding! I'm excited for it to be sure. This chapter was pretty big for me, research wise. I've had to scour the internet to find the worth of a bit in dollars. I've seen that an apple pie is two bits, but it's also been brought to my attention that a single cherry is a bit. Ugh, it's so confusing. Anyways, I'm just gonna chalk it up to a bit being worth three to five dollars and call it a day. I swear, my lack of sleep is going to get to me one day. My body's like "Hey dumbass! Get some sleep!" And I'm all like- "No! I'm gonna write about ponies! :3"
Cheers!

Chapter 22: Part 1

Chapter 22: Part 1

As quickly as it had come and made its presence, Winter had gone, paving the way for Spring to arrive. The heat had surely taken its toll on the small farmhouse in Sweet Apple Acres and its residents. Rainbow wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead and sighed as she poured a glass of apple juice for herself and her fiancee, who was waiting in their bedroom for her. Clenching the small tray between her teeth, she carried the tray through the hallway. As she entered the bedroom, Applejack smiled at her.

"Oh, Dash. Howdya know Ah was thirsty?" Applejack inquired. Rainbow layed the tray upon the nightstandand shrugged.

"Meh, lucky guess." Rainbow said. "I just thought you'd like a cool glass of juice before bed."

"Well, what if Ah wasn't thirsty?" Applejack asked.

"Then I'd force you to drink it." Rainbow said with a confident smirk. "No effort of this mare goes to waste."

"Oh, ya'd make me, huh?" Applejack asked the pegasus as she dropped herself onto the bed next to the farm mare. "What makes ya so sure you could make me?"

"'Cause I just could." Rainbow said with a taunting smirk. "I'm faster than you, stronger than you..."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Applejack said with a raised eyebrow. "There's no way in tartarus that you're stronger than Ah am. Now, Ah'll give ya speed, but that's it."

"Oh yeah?" Rainbow Dash countered. "Hoof wrestle, you and me. Right now." Applejack smiled at her.

"On the bed?" Applejack asked with a small chuckle.

"Yeah!" Rainbow said with a smile, dropping onto her belly and setting one of her forelegs up. "If you think you're mare enough." Applejack giggled and dropped to her belly in front of Rainbow Dash.

"You wanted it, sugar." Applejack said. "You got it." They interlocked their forehooves as Applejack began to count down.

"One..." Rainbow narrowed her eyes.

"Two..." Applejack continued as she smiled confidently.

"Three!" With this final count, the two mares began applying force against each other. The application of strength from both sides seemed to make the contest a complete standstill. Rainbow's forehoof trembled as she struggled to keep Applejack at bay. What pain that was in Rainbow Dash's forehoof was in Applejack's tricep muscle as she too had to put up all of her efforts to resist the pegasus she was competing against.

"Had enough?" Applejack asked in a strained voice.

"Please." Rainbow said, closing an eye. "You can't win."

"Ah...won last time." Applejack said.

"That was because I hadn't eaten anything that day." Rainbow explained. "What about the time before that?"

"Alright, ya...won that one." Applejack strained herself. "Ah'll give that to ya, but there's no way you're winnin' this one."

"Watch me." Rainbow said with a smirk before beginning to put Applejack over. Little by little, Applejack's forehoof came closer to hitting the blanket below the two of them. The farm mare clenched her teeth as she struggled to fight against the pegasus' overwhelming assault. Just as Rainbow thought she had the contest won, Applejack seemed to pull out a set of reserved strength as she evened the match once more. Dumbfounded, Rainbow looked at Applejack, her eyes widened.

"How did you-"

"Ah told ya that Ah ain't gonna lose this." Applejack said between huffed breaths. Rainbow and Applejack both strained harder and harder as the contest continued, both of their strengths ebbing away. Slowly, Rainbow began to lose ground in the hoof wrestle as Applejack began to put her over. Their constant groaning and straining seemed to wake up a certain red stallion who slept down the hallway. His voice echoed down the hall.

"What in the hay are the two of you doin' ruttin' with the-" He began as he approached the doorway. Applejack and Rainbow immediately stopped their contest and looked at Big Macintosh in disbelief. When he realized that he was wrong, Big Mac's eyes widened in embarrasment. "Oh...pardon me, Ah thought y'all were...doin' somethin' else."

"Well, we're hoof wrasslin'." Applejack said, still surprised at Big Mac's outburst. "Or were."

"Well, uh..." He gulped. "Who won?" Big Mac asked.

"No one yet." Rainbow said, irritation evident in her tone.

"Oh..." Big Mac said as he backed out of the doorframe slowly and awkwardly. "Ah'm gonna go to the tree house...check on Applebloom and the girls."

"You do that." Applejack said as she furrowed her brows. Big Macintosh rushed away from the two of them. Their hoof wrestle broken up, Applejack sighed wistfully.

"Draw?" The farm mare asked. Rainbow seemed to think for several moments before shrugging.

"Sure." Rainbow said. "Could you pass me my juice?" Applejack, after giving Rainbow Dash her drink, took her own between her two forehooves. The farm mare sighed deeply and looked over at Rainbow before taking a sip of her juice.

"Can you believe it, Dash?" Applejack asked. "We're gettin' married...the day after tomorrow!"

"I know." Rainbow said, feeling her stomach flutter. "I've been on pins and needles all day long. I can only imagine what tomorrow's gonna be like." Applejack giggled.

"Ah know." Applejack said. "We're gonna sleep in tomorrow. After we wake up, we've gotta go place the order at Cafe Du Mane, check on the cake at Sugarcube Corner and go look at our attire at Rarity's tomorrow, so Ah'm hopin' the day'll pass by quickly."

"You know it won't." Rainbow said. "We're gonna have to do something else to take up some time."

"Well, what do ya wanna do?" Applejack asked her.

"I think I have an idea." Rainbow said. "We should go to the movies. Nopony ever goes to the movies on a thursday. I bet we'll have the whole theater to ourselves."

"Ah'm likin' the sound of that now, sugarcube." Applejack said with a smile. "Sounds like a plan to me." They both sat and drank their juice in relative silence until Rainbow spoke up.

"I'm not even sleepy!" Rainbow said.

"Me neither." Applejack said. "But we've gotta try. Come on, darlin'." Applejack grabbed Rainbow Dash and pulled her into a tight embrace, which Rainbow lovingly returned.

"You know, even if I don't fall asleep, I could lay like this all night and I'd be cool with it." Rainbow said, nuzzling Applejack's cheek. Applejack placed a kiss on Rainbow's lips and smiled at her.

"Me too." Applejack said.

Rainbow turned out to fall asleep nearly five minutes later, falling ever deeper into slumber. Content with her position, Applejack lay and thought of what would happen the next day briefly, but the vast majority of her thoughts focused on the day after tomorrow, when their wedding would take place. The more her imagination roamed, the more it began to delve into the less happy possibilities. Pushing these useless thoughts out of her head, she closed her eyes and eventually fell asleep with Rainbow Dash, wrapped in her comforting embrace.

_____

"Get up!" Applejack said. "C'mon, get up, Dash! We only got a day before the weddin' and we have to go make sure everything is in ship-shape!" Rainbow groaned as she rolled over. A sudden hard slap on her flank sent her jolting up from her quasi-slumber.

"Woah! Hey, what the-" Rainbow said, rubbing her flank before looking at Applejack and raising an eyebrow. "Ow!"

"Oh come on, Ah've spanked ya harder than that." Applejack said, making Rainbow blush. "Get up. We've got stuff to check on." Rainbow Dash sighed and nodded slowly before exiting the bed and standing next to Applejack.

"What time is it?" Rainbow asked drowsily.

"Four P.M." Applejack responded. "We did wanna sleep in last night." Rainbow shrugged.

"Meh, okay." Rainbow said before giving off a yawn. The pegasus placed a small kiss on Applejack's cheek and began moving out of the bedroom toward the bathroom.

"Save me some hot water!" Applejack said as Rainbow closed the door. Stepping into the walk-in shower, Rainbow sighed as she turned on the water. She jumped and exclaimed, forgetting once more that the water had to have time to heat up. She stood rigid in the cold downpour before it warmed up relaxingly into the hot water she so adored. Quickly washing her body, wings, mane and tail, Rainbow exited the shower, dried off, and left the restroom. She walked into the living room to behold her family chatting merrily. Applebloom noticeably stood among the talking ponies.

"Shouldn't Applebloom be in school right now?" Rainbow Dash asked Granny Smith.

"Naah. Figured that since her sister's gettin' married tomorrow, it's enough of a special occasion to merit a day off." Granny Smith replied with a small chuckle. "She does well enough in that 'ol schoolhouse anyways."

"Sounds cool to me." Rainbow said. "Shower's ready for you, AJ." Applejack nodded and moved to the bathroom and shut the door behind her.

"So, what do y'all have planned for the day before your weddin'?" Applebloom asked with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Rainbow asked her.

"Well, y'all must have some kinda plans to break the ice before the wedding." Big Mac said with a raised eyebrow. "Must be mighty nervous, the both of y'all." Rainbow chuckled and threw her nose into the air.

"Me? Nervous?" Rainbow asked with a fake scoff. "That's funny."

"Ya can't lie to us, Rainbow." Granny Smith said with a wry grin and a raised eyebrow. "We could practically smell it on ya yesterday. Ah saw it in your eyes." Rainbow sighed and shook her head before looking down at her hooves quickly.

"Yeah, yeah okay." Rainbow said. "But give me a break, huh? I'm getting married tomorrow." They all laughed and smiled at her.

"Oh, don't you worry none, dear. Ah'm absolutely postitive that it'll turn out perfect. Alla your best friends are gonna be there, even Princess Celestia! Now that's an honor Ah woulda killed for back when Ah got married." Granny's eyes gained a sad expression momentarily.

"I'm sure it was great." Rainbow said. "And I'm pretty sure Princess Celestia is really only coming to our wedding because me and Applejack are bearers of the elements of harmony."

"Even so, that's a good reason! Ah can't wait for it! And the reception ought to be fun, too." Granny Smith said, immediately gaining the attention of Rainbow Dash. Rainbow groaned and put her forehooves on her forehead, allowing the front half of her body to fall forward onto the ground.

"Applejack hasn't told me anything about that freakin' reception." Rainbow said. "It's driving me crazy!"

"And it's gonna stay that way, sugarcube." Applejack said as she entered the living room. Rainbow looked up at her fiancee from the ground. The farm mare looked just as breathtaking as usual, which caused Rainbow to stand rather quickly. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah." Rainbow said with a small nod before turning to their family. "We'll be back later on."

"Alright, then." Granny Smith said. "Y'all take care of yourselves! Wouldn't want anything bad happenin' before the wedding!" The old mare laughed happily before turning to walk into the kitchen. Rainbow and Applejack left the house and began moving toward Ponyville.

"First stop, sugarcube corner." Applejack said. "We've gotta check on the cake."

"I'm not lying when I say that I cannot wait for that cake!" Rainbow said. "I can taste it now...creamy frosting on the vanilla base..."

"Quit it, now, you're makin' my mouth water." Applejack said with a small chuckle. "We're gonna be seein' it within the next few minutes, so Ah'm sure we're gonna be able to imagine it real good then."

They finally reached Ponyville and walked happily through the streets, waving to several ponies they knew in the midst of their daily activities. Rainbow Dash sighed as she finally looked upon Sugarcube Corner with a smile. As the two mares entered the eatery, Mrs. Cake smiled warmly at them.

"Hello, you two!" She said. "Hold on a moment. I'll got get Pinkie Pie. I think she's actually working on your cake." The mare moved into the kitchen and returned after a few moments with Pinkie Pie, who, sure enough, was covered in flour and droplets of icing.

"Hey, guys!" Pinkie Pie said happily. "You're cake's coming along great! It's pretty much ready now. I've just gotta put on a couple of the finishing touches. Come on, I'll show you." Pinkie Pie then led the duo into the kitchen where their cake was sitting, waiting for them. Truly, the cake was a marvelous and delicious-looking spectacle to behold. The intricately placed icing and decorations adorning the white frosting made the cake look like a delectable piece of art. Even the tiers themselves were patterned and did nothing but accentuate the beauty of the cake.

"Three-tiered amazing yumminess!" Pinkie Pie said with a small giggle. "It's almost time for me to wrap it up. I just have to put on a few small little details!"

"Pinkie, it already looks so amazing." Rainbow Dash said through a smile.

"Yeah. Really, it's gorgeous." Applejack said with a smile as she looked at the pink party pony. "Pinkie, you've outdone yourself." Pinkie blushed and giggled, throwing a hoof Applejack's way.

"Well, it's the least I can do for you guys." Pinkie said. "I'm just...so happy that the two of you are getting married. It's like you were made for each other."

"Well, even so, we can't thank you enough." Rainbow said. "We're gonna go ahead and let you get back to it. We didn't mean to interrupt you."

"Oh, don't worry about it!" Pinkie Pie said with a smile. "I'm always happy to see the both of you!"

"And by the way, Pinkie, about the reception...." Applejack said before looking at Rainbow standing behind her. "Close your ears, Dash."

"What? Oh, come on!" Rainbow said, widening her eyes in disbelief.

"Nope. Do it. Ah want it to be a surprise." Applejack said. Rainbow sighed heavily and put her forehooves over her ears, blocking out any sound that might be produced. Applejack then seemed to whisper into Pinkie Pie's ear, occasionally looking back at Rainbow to see if she was eavesdropping. Pinkie Pie giggled and nodded happily before responding with a statement. Applejack seemed to overflow with happiness as she wrapped Pinkie Pie into a large hug. Applejack turned and nodded at Rainbow, who unplugged her ears.

"Real glad you're keeping me in the loop." Rainbow said, furrowing her brows.

"Oh, don't you worry none, Dash." Applejack said. "You won't be so angry when ya see just what we're keepin' a secret from ya."

"Whatever." Rainbow said with a small harumph. Applejack turned to Pinkie and shrugged.

"She'll get over it." Applejack said with a smile. "Thanks again, Pinkie. Ah don't know where we'd be without ya. We're gonna go on and head out now and get outta your mane."

"You're never in my mane, silly filly!" Pinkie Pie said. "It's not big enough!" Applejack paused for a moment at what she just heard before continuing.

"See ya, Pinkie." Applejack said, giving Pinkie a quick hug.

"Bye, Pinks." Rainbow said before doing the same.

"Bye, you guys! I'm so excited for tomorrow!!!" Pinkie yelled. Applejack and Rainbow Dash waved at Pinkie one more time before exiting the kitchen. Saying a quick goodbye to the Cakes on their way out, they headed for Cafe Du Mane.

"Let's just get in and out of here, okay, Dash?" Applejack asked. "Ah'm not in the mood to be dealin' with the catering business too much."

"No problem, AJ." Rainbow said. "Go in, ask how the food's coming, get out. It's simple." Rainbow said. "Remember though, you wanted to go check on everything." Applejack nodded, looking up at Cafe Du Mane, which they were now approaching.

"Ah know, Ah know." Applejack said. "Even so, Ah'd rather not spend too much time in here." They approached the hostess, who recognized them from before.

"Hello. I'll get the manager for you." She said with a warm smile. Rainbow nodded at her before she left. Letting out a small sigh, Rainbow walked over to Applejack and stood beside her as they waited. Before long, the manager walked out and smiled at them.

"Hello, ladies." He said with a smile. "What may I help you with?"

"We're just here to see how the food is coming along." Rainbow said. "You remember it's for tomorrow at eight, right?" The manager gave a curt nod.

"Yes ma'am." He said. "I have several of my cooks working overtime to prepare the food, and it will be ready in time for the reception, I assure you." Rainbow nodded and smiled back at the stallion.

"Okay." Rainbow said. "I suppose we'll leave now. We just wanted to check on everything."

"Alright, then." He said. "Thank you for stopping by! We look forward to serving you." Applejack and Rainbow walked out of the eatery promptly before Applejack muttered under her breath.

"Yeah, ya look forward to our money too, don'tcha?" This went either ignored or unnoticed by Rainbow Dash.

"Alright. What did I tell you?" Rainbow Dash asked. "In and out, no problems." Applejack nodded.

"You were right." Applejack said. "Now Ah guess it's off to Rarity's place to pick up our wedding attire?" Rainbow Dash nodded happily.

"I told her to make me an extra awesome-looking tux, you know, to fit the natural awesomeness of me." Rainbow said as they walked. "I'm honestly really glad I'm wearing a tux."

"You've worn a dress before." Applejack said to her.

"Well yeah, I mean, dresses aren't bad when they're cool-looking enough." Rainbow said. "But tuxes just...I dunno, go better for me. They allow for more movement."

"Ya look really pretty in a dress." Applejack said with a smile and a nuzzle. Rainbow giggled quietly and blushed.

"Well, I'll wear one for you some other time." Rainbow said, returning the nuzzle with a smile. "But for now, I'm getting a tux!" Rainbow said as she increased the pace of her walking. Applejack adjusted her own pace to catch up. They both cantered the entire way to Rarity's boutique, where Applejack knocked on the front door. After a short while, Rarity opened it and smiled warmly at the two mares before her.

"Hello!" Rarity said happily. "Here to see your respective wedding ensembles, I presume?" Rarity raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"Yeah!" Rainbow said excitedly, smiling widely. The pegasus realized how she looked and cleared her throat before leaning on the doorframe, taking on a cool look. "Yeah, so where's the tux?"

"Right this way, ladies!" Rarity said. Excitement and happiness was evident in the unicorn's voice. Rarity stopped before the door and turned to Rainbow and Applejack. "Now, if either of you don't like anything about the tuxedo or the dress, you just say the word and I'll change it in a snap."

"Alright." Applejack said. "But we've seen your work before. Ah don't think we'll be disappointed."

"Well, let's hope!" Rarity said before opening the door. Applejack and Rainbow stepped into the room and dropped their jaws at what they saw. "So...what do you think?" Both mares stood for several seconds, silent. Rainbow spoke up after the moment of silence.

"What do I think?" Rainbow said, approaching her tuxedo. "I love it!" Rainbow hopped up and down momentarily. The tuxedo on the mannequin before her was a shade of cyan darker than her coat, with a golden hem. The white undershirt was overlapped by a gold vest and a gold tie.

"Extra cool, just like you ordered." Rarity said with a smile. "Custom wing holes, made for maximum movement potential."

"Rarity..." Applejack said, spellbound. "It's just....Ah don't know what to say...It's so beautiful." The dress was the customary white, but with gold glitter subtly lining the veil. The veil band was gold, as was the trim for the dress.

"I wanted to keep a sort of...'Gold' theme." Rarity said. "Oh, I'm so happy the two of you like them!"

"Rarity, this belongs in Canterlot." Applejack said, still wide-eyed.

"Oh, stop it, you!" Rarity said, blushing. "You're making me blush!"

"Ah mean it." Applejack said, completely serious. "This is probably one of the best dresses you've ever made. So much better than what you showed me in the design preview."

"Applejack, it truly warms my heart to hear that." Rarity said happily.

"You deserve payment." Applejack said with a warm smile.

"Yeah!" Rainbow chimed in. "This is just way too awesome."

"No, no. I will not accept payment from either of you!" Rarity said. "Consider this a wedding gift."

"We can't Rarity." Rainbow said. "Not for this kind of work. Applejack was right, this belongs up in Canterlot in those big fashion stores." Rarity couldn't help but giggle, but nearly instantly returned to form, taking her stance and not budging.

"Absolutely not." Rarity said. "Any money you leave with me will be returned to you, post-haste!" Applejack groaned.

"Aw, come on, Rarity." Applejack said. "Just let us pay ya."

"No." Rarity said simply, throwing her nose into the air.

"Rarity-" Rainbow began.

"No." Rarity repeated.

"But we-"

"No."

"Can we just-"

"No."

"Is there-"

"No!" Rarity finally yelled, shutting the other two mares up. "I will not accept any sort of payment from either of you! This is a gift from me, for free. Nothing you say or do could change my mind, so you might as well stop attempting to sway me." Rainbow sighed.

"She means it, AJ." Rainbow said. "We might as well just accept it."

"Ah guess so." Applejack said. "We'll just take the clothes and go, then." Rarity nodded and went to work, undressing the mannequins before placing their garments in hanging bags to keep them wrinkle-free and clean for the next day.

"We'll be seeing you, Rarity." Rainbow said as she grabbed her tuxedo. Applejack grabbed her dress and nodded.

"See you tomorrow, Rarity." Applejack said with a nod and a smile. The two mares began to leave the boutique before a certain idea flashed through the unicorn's head.

"Oh! Idea!" Rarity said excitedly. "Girls! Girls, wait, come back!" Rarity called. When Applejack and Rainbow returned, Rarity cleared her throat. "Applejack, why don't you spend the night with me tonight?" Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry, what?" The pegasus asked.

"You both know that it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, don't you?" Rarity asked. "I'd figure the cutting off point is some time tonight. We could have a girl's night!" Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Well, Dash?" Applejack said. "What do ya think?" Rainbow looked down for a moment then back at Applejack.

"Do you want to stay here tonight?" Rainbow asked her.

"I dunno...maybe?" Applejack said. "It seems like it'd be a lot of fun." Rainbow smiled at her.

"You do whatever you want, AJ." Rainbow said. "And she does have a point. We don't really need any bad luck. Just on one condition, though."

"What's that, sugar?" Applejack asked.

"We still go see that movie together." Rainbow said with a smile. Applejack nodded.

"Hun, Ah'm all yours until tonight." The farm mare said. Rainbow nodded and turned to Rarity, who was positively beaming.

"Alright, Rarity, we're gonna go drop off my tux at home and go see a movie." Rainbow said. "Then, I'll bring her back here and you guys can...accesorize, and....dress up, or whatever." Rarity squeed and clapped her hooves together.

"Perfect! Oh, Applejack it's going to be so fun! I could arrange for Lotus Blossom and Aloe to keep the spa open a few hours late tonight! You can try on your dress and we could play a board game-" Rarity said, the smile never leaving her face. "Oh! I'm going to go get started on dinner! See you tonight!" The unicorn put a sing-song tone to her voice for the final part. She ran into her kitchen as Applejack and Rainbow let themselves out. Rainbow couldn't help but let out a small giggle.

"Well, she didn't seem very excited at all to me." Rainbow said, sarcasm heavily evident in her voice.

"Aw, she's sweet." Applejack said. "Ah haven't seen her that happy in a long time."

"Yeah, the only pony she ever really gets one-on-one time with is Fluttershy." Rainbow said. "And she talks so quietly, I can't understand her half the time."

"But Rainbow, are ya sure you're okay with me stayin' at Rarity's tonight?" Applejack said. "Ah completely understand if you want me with you tonight. Ah could still cancel the stuff with Rarity."

"Oh no, AJ, it's fine." Rainbow said with a smile. Applejack raised an eyebrow at her, unsure if the pegasus was using sarcasm in her speech. "Really, it is! I mean, isn't it some kind of tradition anyway?"

"Ah'm not sure." Applejack responded. "Are ya sure ya won't be too lonely without me?"

"AJ, come on. I'll be fine." Rainbow said. "I've got Applebloom, Big Mac and Granny Smith there with me. You need to have a little fun, anyways."

"But Ah always have fun with you." Applejack said with a slight frown.

"Well, AJ, it's sounding to me like you don't want to go." Rainbow said with a smirk. "Do you?"

"Well, yeah." Applejack said. "All that stuff Rarity described sounded fun, and a late night trip to the spa is soudin' mighty fine. Ah'm just worried about ya."

"Why're you so worried about me?" Rainbow said. "I lived in the sky alone for years. Seriously, AJ, you should go if you want to. Besides, that trip to the spa is going to make you look even better tomorrow when you walk up that aisle." As they turned into the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack giggled and kissed Rainbow on the lips briefly. They walked down the main path of Sweet Apple Acres until they reached the front porch.

"Well, thank you, Dash." Applejack said. "That's mighty sweet of you."

"Don't worry about it." Rainbow replied.

"Ah'm gonna make sure that ya don't regret it." Applejack said with a small wink that made Rainbow's stomach flutter.

"I'm gonna go put this tux in our room." Rainbow said with a blush and a smile. "Be right back." The pegasus ran inside before promptly returning, a happy bounce in her step.

"Let's hit it." Rainbow said. They then left Sweet Apple Acres and walked through Ponyville until they finally reached the movie theater. They looked up at the movie marquee, seeing what movies were currently showing at their cinema.

"What're ya in the mood for, Dash?" Applejack asked the pegasus beside her. Rainbow anazlyzed the marquee, humming subtly to herself.

"Horror." Rainbow said with a smirk. "So Phobia looks like it fits the bill!" Applejack chuckled and nodded as they got in line at the ticket booth.

"Is there ever a time when you're not into horror?" Applejack asked Rainbow, who nodded.

"Sure, babe." Rainbow said. "Whenever I'm in the mood for Action, Adventure or Thriller."

"Isn't thriller the same thing as horror?" Applejack asked.

"Oh no, no, no." Rainbow said. "Most of the time, Horror focuses on things that couldn't ever happen. Thriller focuses on things that could possibly happen."

"You've done a lot of analyzing, huh?" Applejack asked.

"The difference is pretty obvious, AJ." Rainbow said. "But I wouldn't have expected you to get it, anyways." Applejack raised an anamused eyebrow and frowned at Rainbow, who smiled wryly.

"I'm kidding." Rainbow said with a satisfied smirk before jumping in front of Applejack and raising an eyebrow. "Rainbow Dash: One, Applejack: Zero." Applejack smirked back at the pegasus.

"Everything's gotta be a competition with you, huh?" Applejack said. Rainbow scoffed.

"You betcha." Rainbow Dash said with a small laugh. They finally arrived at the ticket booth and Rainbow smiled at the stallion running the place. "Two for Phobia please." The stallion behind the counter printed off their tickets and handed them to Rainbow.

"Three bits, please." The stallion said. After Rainbow delivered the total amount, the stallion smiled at them. "Enjoy the show, girls." He said to them with a small, curt nod. Rainbow returned the nod before giving Applejack her ticket. As they passed the concession stand, Rainbow turned to Applejack.

"You want some snacks?" Rainbow asked. Applejack thought for a moment before nodding.

"Yeah, some popcorn sounds good. Maybe a cola?" Applejack asked.

"Perfect." Rainbow said. "You go ahead and get our seats. I'll grab the snacks and meet you in there." Rainbow said. Applejack nodded and moved to their theater as Rainbow approached the snack counter.

"Uh...one large popcorn and two large colas, please." Rainbow said as she used her teeth to pull the bag of bits from her saddlebag. "Light on the ice with the colas." The fat, teenage colt behind the counter slowly filled the tub of popcorn before placing it before Rainbow Dash. The pegasus raised an eyebrow upon noticing that more popcorn could be put into the tub.

"Um, excuse me." Rainbow said, gaining the attention of the worker. "Put more popcorn in this, please." The worker huffed loudly as he took the tub back and slowly filled it up to the brim. After placing the tub on the counter, he went to work filling their drinks. He completely filled the cups with ice before beginning to fill them with the cola. Rainbow narrowed her eyes in anger.

"I said light ice, sir." Rainbow said, her tone of voice beginning to show her frustration.

"Okay...ma'am, I remember your order, okay?" The colt said in a nasally voice. Rainbow tilted her head slightly.

"What?" Rainbow said, disbelieving of what she had just heard.

"I'm giving you light ice." The colt responded.

"No you're not." Rainbow said. "Pour half the ice out in both of those cups." The colt huffed again before pouring out the ice and filling the cups with cola. After fulfilling the order, he rung it up on the cash register.

"Eight bits." He said flatly.

"Eight bits? Are you kidding?" Rainbow said.

"No." He responded. Rainbow sighed heavily and nodded.

"Fine." Rainbow said, placing eight bits on the counter before the stallion. "You guys are lucky I'm even buying this overpriced crap." The colt looked at her, uncaring before sighing again.

"Enjoy your movie." He deadpanned. Rainbow clenched her teeth, prepared to say something else, but she held her tongue and placed the drinks and the popcorn in a holder which she gripped in her teeth before heading towards the theater where Applejack was waiting. Rainbow entered the theater to find it completely empty, save for Applejack. The farm mare waved at Rainbow to indicate her postition, after which Rainbow moved up and gave Applejack her drink before sitting down next to her. The trailers seemed to have been going for quite a while.

"Thanks for the snacks, hun." Applejack said. "But what took ya so long?"

"The waste-of-skin colt they have running that thing couldn't find his tail if his mom slapped him with it." Rainbow said in pure disdain. "Didn't even fill the order right and when I asked him politely to actually do it right, he gave me an attitude." Applejack giggled.

"Oh, wow." Applejack said. "Honestly did ya expect anything different?"

"I shouldn't have." Rainbow said. "What trailers did I miss?"

"Well, ya missed one for a pretty good lookin' thriller movie." Applejack said, putting extra emphasis on the word thriller.

"I'm gonna pay for the thriller comment in some way later, aren't I?" Rainbow asked.

"Maybe." Applejack said with a smirk. "You'll just have to find out later." The trailers ended as Applejack said this, paving the way for the movie to begin.

"So...there's no one in the theater." Applejack said, a sly smile on her face.

"Yep." Rainbow responded, returning the smile.

"You know...if we wanted to, we could do all sorts of things in here." Applejack whispered into Rainbow's ear, making the pegasus smile knowingly.

"Yeah, we could." Rainbow said. Applejack slowly dragged her lips across Rainbow's neck, making the daredevil bite her lip.

"Ah'm..." Applejack whispered before kissing Rainbow's neck, making her moan quietly. "Sure that the movie is interestin'...but there's something else Ah'd rather focus on right now." Rainbow smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, me too." Rainbow responded as she moved the foreleg rest that separated her from Applejack up and out of her way. Rainbow then pushed Applejack down to where she layed on top of the farm mare. She kissed Applejack passionately before pulling back and licking the farm mare's lips lightly before giggling. Applejack grabbed Rainbow's flank and began kneading the smooth muscle. Rainbow moaned and panted lightly.

"You know...out of all the places I've ever done it, I would never have expected a movie theater." Rainbow said before kissing Applejack, moving her tongue along her fiancee's momentarily before separating to moan again as Applejack pulled lightly on her tail.

"Well, now ya got the opportunity, so ya'd better not waste-" Applejack was interrupted by the sound of the door to the theater opening.

Latecomers.

Rainbow scowled at the situation and quickly got off of Applejack as they both reassumed their original sitting position.

"Buck." Rainbow whispered, making Applejack giggle.

"It's alright, darlin'." Applejack whispered before kissing Rainbow on the cheek. "Let's just enjoy the movie." Rainbow smiled at Applejack and laughed quietly.

"I can't believe we were doing that!" Rainbow whispered. "We could've been seen at any time."

"That's what makes it fun." Applejack whispered back. Rainbow nodded and sighed.

The movie turned out to be about a stallion who seemed to realize his worst fears every day in different ways. It was frightening enough up until a boring segment in the middle of the movie that started to explain that the stallion's fears were only in his mind and that he was hallucinating, that none of the things that were happening to him truly were happening. Rainbow sighed and looked over at Applejack.

"This is kinda boring." Rainbow whispered.

"Ah like it alright." Applejack said. "It's not bad." Rainbow suddenly pulled Applejack's face toward her and kissed her. Applejack kissed her back until Rainbow disconnected from the kiss.

"Betcha I can think of something better to do." Rainbow said with a smirk.

"What about them?" Applejack asked gesturing to the ponies ten rows down from them. Rainbow shrugged.

"We'll just make out." Rainbow said. "Teens come in here and do it all the time. Come on, live a little." Applejack thought for a moment and nodded, giggling quietly. Their lips connected as they slipped their tongues together and began to kiss more fervently as time passed. Applejack wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow's neck to pull her closer, Rainbow wrapping hers around Applejack's waist before giving her flank a firm squeeze, making Applejack lightly bite onto Rainbow's neck in pleasure. Over their time together, Rainbow had discovered that among Applejack's sweet spots, her flank took precedence.

"Dash!" Applejack whispered after she had come to her senses.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist." Rainbow said, smirking knowingly before kissing Applejack again. They continued to kiss passionately, holding onto each other, praying to Celestia and Luna that the ponies below them did not hear them. Suddenly, a well-timed and rather loud jump-scare involving a zombified version of the protagonist's wife shocked Rainbow and Applejack out of their make-out session.

"Buck!" Rainbow exclaimed, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Holy...Wow, that got me good." Applejack whispered, breathing heavily, her eyes widened.

"I guess that means that we should just watch the movie now, huh?" Rainbow whispered with a smile, wrapping her forehooves around Applejack. Applejack nodded.

"Yeah, we should." Applejack responded as she snuggled into Rainbow Dash's embrace. "There ain't nothin' wrong with good old-fashioned cuddlin'."

"You got that right." Rainbow whispered as she took a sip of her cola before settling down with her future wife to enjoy the rest of the movie.

_____

The movie was over, after a rather long runtime of two hours. The two hours were well spent, however, due to the fact that from what they saw of it, Applejack and Rainbow Dash had very much enjoyed the movie. Rainbow smiled in fond remembrance of the films scariest moments as she and Applejack walked to Rarity's house.

"Wow, that was awesome!" Rainbow said. "I can't believe that I thought it was boring at one point. It was so much scarier than I thought it was going to be."

"Ah know." Applejack said, smiling as well. "It blew my mind when it turned out that all the guy's fears were real and he was part of some observational experiment."

"At least in my opinon, that was worth the price of admission." Rainbow said.

"Yeah, it was." Applejack said. "Especially considerin' that little make-out session we had." Applejack raised an eyebrow saucily.

"Yeah, that was awesome." Rainbow said with a blush. "But still, I'm glad we didn't miss any more of the movie. It seemed like a good time to stop." Applejack nodded as she looked into the sky. Night had descended on Ponyville, and the street lights illuminated the town, providing an inviting atmosphere. They turned toward Carousel Boutique and upon reaching the doorstep, Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash and smiled at her.

"Can you believe that we're gettin' married tomorrow?" Applejack asked, excited. "It seems so unreal."

"Yeah, I know." Rainbow responded. "It's funny, I grew up thinking that I was going to marry a stallion."

"Same here." Applejack said. "Funny how life can change on us in a flash, huh?"

"You've got that right." Rainbow said.

"Rainbow, remember, if ya want me to come home with ya, all it takes is you sayin' the words." Applejack said with a sweet looking smile.

"AJ, seriously. This time to hang out with Rarity will be good for you." Rainbow said. "The only thing stopping yourself is you if you don't want to do it."

"Okay." Applejack said, blushing slightly and nodding.

"...So?..." Rainbow said.

"What?"

"Are you gonna stay or not?"

"Oh. Uh...yeah, Ah think so."

"Okay, because you weren't very clear with it then." Rainbow said. "Well, Rarity's probably waiting for you to go to the spa. She did say something about having Aloe and Lotus Blossom keep it open late." Applejack nodded.

"Okay." Applejack said with a smile. "Well, Ah guess Ah'll see ya tomorrow." Rainbow nodded.

"See ya." Rainbow said before giving Applejack a tender kiss on the lips. Applejack smiled as Rainbow disconnected slowly. "Love you, Applejack."

"Ah love you too, Dash." Applejack said. "Bye."

"Bye." Rainbow said before backing up a few steps and turning around to leave. After a few steps the pegasus turned around again. "Love you." She repeated.

"Love you too." Applejack said. Rainbow then turned around and flitted up into the sky slowly, looking back several more times before truly flying away back to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack smiled and turned around to knock on Rarity's door. Her hoof passed through air, however, as Rarity opened the door immediately to wrap Applejack into a hug.

"Hey, Rarity." Applejack said with a smile, returning the hug.

"I'm sorry, I just had to." Rarity said. "That was so adorable! The way Rainbow left just melted my heart!" Applejack smirked awkwardly, knowing now that Rarity had been watching them.

"Alright, should we go to the spa now?" Applejack asked the white unicorn, who nodded with a smile.

"Yes, let's." Rarity said, exiting the boutique and closing the door behind her. "We have so much to talk about!"

Rainbow touched down in front of the farmhouse and entered through the front door to find Applebloom and Granny Smith, each reading a book.

"Howdy, Rainbow!" Applebloom said with a smile. "Applejack still decided to stay at Rarity's huh?"

"Yep." The pegasus said.

"You gonna go to bed, then?" Granny Smith asked.

"Uh..." Rainbow said in an unsure tone. "Not yet, I don't think. Do we have any more apple pie?"

"We got a few pieces worth in the fridge, Ah reckon." Granny Smith said with a smile.

"Good." Rainbow said before moving into the kitchen and removing the pie. She cut herself a piece and after placing it on a plate, slid it into the small toaster oven they had on the counter before setting it to warm up. After waiting for the oven, Rainbow removed her pie and scarfed it down quickly before placing the plate in the sink. The pegasus then re-entered the living room and sat on the couch that Applebloom was sitting on. The filly had probably wandered off to bed while she was it the kitchen.

"So where's your pie?" Granny Smith asked her.

"Oh, I already ate it." Rainbow said.

"Well, that was quick!" The old mare said. "You must've been hungry!"

"I was." Rainbow said with a heavy sigh.

"So, are ya excited?" Granny Smith asked her. "Tomorrow's the big day!"

"Yeah, I couldn't be more stoked." Rainbow said. "But I'm also scared out of my wits."

"Now what do ya mean by that?" Granny Smith asked Rainbow, who rubbed her right foreleg nervously.

"Uh...it's nothing, Granny Smith." Rainbow said. "I'm not in my right mind. I'm gonna go ahead and go to bed now."

"Well, alright, then, dearie." Granny Smith said sweetly. "If ya wanna talk, Ah'll be in here." Rainbow nodded and smiled at her surrogate Grandmother.

"Thanks, Granny." Rainbow said before moving to her and Applejack's bedroom. The pegasus' stomach sunk when she realized once again Applejack was not waiting for her.

_____

Applejack cringed as Lotus Blossom stepped on her tense back muscles, painfully loosening them. The farm mare looked at the white unicorn who had brought her to this spa. Rarity gritted her teeth.

"Are ya...Oh!" Applejack exclaimed as another jolt of pain shot through her back. "Sure this'll help, Rarity?" Her friend, closing an eye, nodded before exclaiming herself.

"Yes, Applejack." Rarity said. "It hurts now...but...Ow! Tomorrow you'll feel great!"

"Ah'm not sure if this is worth it." Applejack said.

"Well, if you'd like to move on to the next phase of the treatment, miss Applejack, that would be fine." Lotus Blossom said with a smile. Applejack looked at Rarity, who nodded.

"Yes, I think we've had enough. Don't you think so, Applejack?" Rarity said. "We can move on to the next phase."

"What's the next phase again?" Applejack asked.

"The hot tub." Rarity said with a smile. "And after that, the massage...the normal one, more or less. And then after that, the hooficures."

"Alla that sounds mighty fine to me." Applejack said as the spa ponies led them to the sauna that housed the hot tub. Applejack stopped herself for a moment and looked to the ground, a look of slight worry on her face. Rarity noticed this and frowned at her.

"What's wrong, dear?" Rarity asked the farm mare. Applejack snapped back into the moment and smiled at Rarity.

"Oh, it's nothin'." She said. "Ah'm fine."

"Please remove your hairties, miss Applejack." Aloe said. "They could get lost in the drain."

"Oh, right." Applejack said, removing her hairties, allowing her mane to flow freely. Rarity's eyes went wide at the beautiful flowing locks. Applejack noticed this and raised an eyebrow. "Uh...you alright, Rarity?" The unicorn snapped out of her stupor and nodded.

"Oh! Yes, yes I'm fine." She said. "I just couldn't help but note how beautiful your mane is."

"Oh, thanks." Applejack said. "Rainbow loves it when Ah untie it."

"I can see why." Rarity said as she got into the hot water, smiling at the feel. Applejack followed suit and they soon were both relaxing. "Applejack, you simply must have your hair untied for the wedding."

"What's that now?" Applejack asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Have it untied! It would be so much more beautiful and fitting with your dress." Rarity said. "Oh! Oh! You have to let me style it for you!"

"Well, gosh, do ya really think it's that pretty?" Applejack asked, a blush not caused by the hot water forming on her cheeks. Rarity nodded enthusiastically.

"Rainbow will absolutely adore it!" Rarity said giddily. Applejack sighed and looked to the side in worry.

"Yeah...Ah guess so."

_____

"Applejack...the mere thought of you makes me feel like I can do absolutely anything. Like, I can-No! Stop it with the 'likes' Rainbow!" Rainbow said, slapping herself roughly in the face. "No 'likes' or 'ums'...No 'likes' or 'ums'." Rainbow's knees trembled and she paced the bedroom nervously, flubbing her vow for what seemed like the hundredth time. Her knees shook violently until she finally steadied herself on the bedpost.

Rainbow exhaled deeply and steadied herself. She walked to the window and looked out into the night sky before closing her eyes. She began the vow once more.

"When I look at you, I feel my heart start to pound in my chest. The mere thought of you makes me feel like I can do abolutely anything. I would slay three dragons bare...bare hoofed..." Rainbow put her forehooves on her forehead and groaned loudly before throwing herself back onto the bed. "I can't believe this..."

"Memorizin' your vow the night before the wedding, huh?" Granny Smith said from the doorway. Rainbow shouted in surprise as she shot up from the bed, blushing heavily.

"Granny Smith!" Rainbow said. "Um...How much of that did you hear?"

"Enough to know that you're more nervous than a baby filly in a manticore's den." Granny Smith said. "Ah knew there was somethin' wrong when ya sped off like that. Why don't ya tell me about it?"

"Oh, Granny Smith, I'm not nervous! I mean...come on! I'm me!" Rainbow said, a fake smile plastered on her face. Granny Smith, not fooled by Rainbow's charade, raised an eyebrow. Realizing she had failed, Rainbow frowned and blushed once more. "Oh...okay." Rainbow sighed before sitting on the bed. "I had my vow memorized, down to the very last word, by the way. Trust me."

"Don't worry dearie. Ah trust ya." She said.

"I've just been doing a lot of thinking lately. What if Applejack and me being married doesn't work out?" Rainbow said, her eyes brimming with tears. "I mean...I'm probably just suffering from pre-marriage jitters, but...we're two completely different ponies. I'm headstrong, competitive and...stuck up. Applejack is patient, modest and probably the sweetest pony I've ever met." Rainbow wiped her eye

"Now what the hay are ya sayin' those fool things about yourself for?" Granny Smith said, slight anger tinging her voice. "If ya keep sellin' yourself short like that, Ah just might lose my goshdarn mind!" Rainbow's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Ya didn't list any of your good qualities either. You're kind, energetic, fun, protective and, Ah'm sure ya know this already, loyal."

"Well, yeah, but." Rainbow said.

"And Applejack's got her faults too." Granny Smith said. "Like you, she's headstrong and competitive, and she's stubborn as all getout. We've all got our faults. Will we ever overcome them? Ah dunno. But there is one thing Ah do know, sweetie." Rainbow looked at her.

"What?" Rainbow asked as she wiped her eyes.

"Applejack's choosin' to marry you." Granny Smith said. "Ah would be a hundred bits she didn't hesitate a second in sayin' yes to your proposal."

"You'd win that bet." Rainbow said with a small laugh and a sniffle.

"Ya see?!" Granny Smith said. "Rainbow, at Rarity's right now, there is a mare that can not wait to marry you. Tomorrow is gonna be one of the best days of both your lives. So quit your stressin', and be happy!" Rainbow smiled and nodded at Granny Smith before taking the old mare into a gentle hug.

"To think that just a few years ago, you were pushin' me across the street tryin' to help me." Granny Smith said with a small giggle.

"Yeah." Rainbow said, letting go of Granny Smith. "You hit me in the face with your purse." Granny Smith laughed.

"Ah sure did, didn't Ah?" Granny Smith said with a laugh. "Well, Ah am sorry, Rainbow."

"No, no." Rainbow said, lightly giggling. "I deserved it."

_____

Applejack stepped out of the changing room in her wedding dress to reveal herself to Rarity, who sat waiting for her. The unicorn squealed happily and clapped her hooves together.

"Oh, Goddesses, Applejack you look so beautiful!" Rarity said. "And with makeup and your mane done, I'll bet that you'll make Celestia herself blush!" Applejack turned around and looked into the mirror behind her.

"Well, thank ya, Rarity. That's awfully nice of you to say." Applejack said as she appraised herself in the mirror, a noticable lack of tone in her voice. The dress was incredibly beautiful, and she did agree, she looked good in it, but she still could not escape the feeling of worry coursing through her being. After she turned to reveal her eyes dropped to the ground, Rarity herself was filled with worry.

"Applejack, what's wrong?" Rarity asked, feeling anxiety flow through her. "Is it the dress? Oh, no, it's the dress, isn't it? Oh, I knew I shouldn't have waited so long to show you the finished product!" Rarity stood and ran over to Applejack, beginning to unzip the dress.

"Rarity..." Applejack said.

"I can fix it!" Rarity said. "What is wrong about the dress to you, dear?"

"Rarity..." Applejack repeated, escalating her tone of voice. Rarity began to pull the dress off of her.

"Oh, dear, it's the veil band, isn't it?" Rarity continued.

"Rarity!" Applejack finally yelled, gaining the frantic unicorn's attention.

"What is it, Applejack?" Rarity asked.

"It's...not...the dress." Applejack said, her voice muffled by the dress that had been halfway pulled off of her. Rarity sighed in relief before pulling the dress back onto the farm mare before her. "It's...somethin' else."

"Well, for goodness sake, Applejack, tell me." Rarity said.

"Well...you know how awesome Rainbow is, right?" Applejack asked. Rarity nodded and smiled.

"Yes, yes, one of the many reasons you're marrying her." The fashionista said with a smile. "...Why?"

"Well...Ah'm more...simple." Applejack said.

"Whatever do you mean, Applejack?" Rarity asked. Applejack sighed.

"Rainbow's always cruisin' along, gettin' into adventures, never satisfied with savin' a filly from certain doom, or doin' a sonic rainboom. She lives for adventure." Applejack said. "Ah'm content just goin' about my daily routine of workin' on the farm, not really doin' much of anything that's that interestin'...and...what if that's not good enough for her?"

"Well, you two have been living together for quite some time now." Rarity offered.

"But we weren't married." Applejack said. "It's different."

"Well, Applejack, I'll tell you something..." Rarity said.

"What's that?" Applejack asked the unicorn.

"I think what you're proposing is proposterous and idiotic." Rarity said, earning a surprised look from Applejack. "You say Rainbow lives for adventure, and this is true. But after everything that has happened and everything that I have seen since you two told us all that you're together, I am certain of one thing. She may live for adventure, but she would die for you. If you don't believe me, and I don't know why you wouldn't, think back to when she saved you from that rogue timber wolf, nearly at the cost of her own life." At this comment, the memories came flooding back to Applejack, and the emotions hit her like a freight train. Tears flooded her eyes as she sat and looked at her forehooves in disbelief of what she had just said.

"You're right...Ah can't believe Ah just said that..." Applejack said. "Ah feel so stupid..." Rarity shook her head as she wrapped a foreleg around Applejack's shoulders.

"No, you're not stupid, Applejack." Rarity said with a smile. "You just have a lot going through your mind. You're getting married tomorrow, after all." Applejack nodded.

"Yeah, Ah suppose that's it." Applejack said.

"You know what I think?" Rarity asked Applejack. Applejack shook her head. "I think you need to go to sleep. You have a big day tomorrow, and you're going to need to be rested." Applejack nodded.

"Yeah, Ah think a good night's sleep will help a lot." Applejack said. "Just let me get out of this dress real quick." Rarity nodded and turned to prepare the bedroom for them. As the unicorn walked away, Applejack looked at herself in the mirror once more.

"Rarity." Applejack said to the unicorn just before she left the room. Rarity turned to look at her. "This really is a beautiful dress."

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Well...this isn't the end of the chapter. If you need a break, here it is. If you don't, read on!

Chapter 22: Part 2

Chapter 22: Part 2

Rainbow Dash's eyes fluttered open as the morning sun shined through the window on her. She sighed happily as she turned over in the bed and closed her eyes once more. Sleep began to envelop Rainbow Dash again as she snuggled into the blankets that surrounded her. Something sparked within Rainbow Dash moments later as one of her eyes shot open. With this one open eye Rainbow looked around the room frantically as this spark turned into a fire which made her stomach boil. She shot up from the bedsheets and gasped to herself.

She was getting married.

Today.

With a happy shout, Rainbow jumped out of the bed and made a beeline for the window. Upon opening it, Rainbow breathed in the refreshing morning air and exhaled happily. The overwhelming happiness she felt caused her to quickly and spontaneously jump from the window and take off into flight. She let out a happy cry, half laughing as she flew over Sweet Apple Acres, punching through clouds. Rainbow felt as light as a feather, purely elated in anticipation of what was to come.

She flew higher and higher until she smashed through a cloud and landed softly on it. She gazed out over the expanse of Ponyville, her eyes immediately shooting to Rarity's boutique. She sighed wistfully, wishing that she could be there with her fiancee.

"Wife." Rainbow said to herself. "She's gonna be your wife today." Rainbow smiled widely as she jumped off of the cloud and sailed back down to the farm before touching down on the front porch of her home. She entered the house to behold Big Macintosh and Granny Smith. They smiled at her.

"Mornin', miss Dash." Big Mac said. "Happy this mornin', huh?"

"You guys heard that?" Rainbow asked, a blush forming on her face.

"Ah didn't hear it, but Big Mac told me all about it." Granny Smith said. Rainbow snickered and rubbed the back of her head.

"Yeah..." The pegasus said "Well, I can't help it! I'm just so excited. I'm getting married today!"

"Ya do remember everything from the rehearsal, don't ya, sweetie?" Granny Smith asked the pegasus.

"Yep!" Rainbow said. "Got my vows back down-pat too." The cyan pegasus looked around the room. "Where's Applebloom?"

"Oh, she's still sleepin'." Granny Smith said. "Figured Ah'd let her sleep in a bit, seein' as how she's gonna be up pretty late tonight!"

"The reception..." Rainbow said. "How much has Applejack told you about it?"

"Ah know it's gonna be 'wild'." Big Mac said. "That's all she told me about it. When Ah asked for more, she told me she'd rather keep it under wraps, for fear of it gettin' back to ya." Rainbow's jaw dropped.

"Is she really that obsessed with keeping it a secret from me?" Rainbow asked. Big Mac shrugged.

"Ah dunno, seemed pretty important to her at the time." He said. Granny Smith giggled.

"Ah know why she's keepin' it under wraps." Granny Smith said. "She told me everything." Rainbow looked at Granny Smith, as did Big Macintosh.

"She told you?" Rainbow asked.

"Yep! 'Cause she knows Ah can keep a secret." Granny Smith said with a wink. Big Mac looked down at the ground.

"Ah feel a little betrayed..." He mumbled. Rainbow sighed as she looked at the clock. It was only ten thirty in the morning. The wedding didn't start until six-thirty.

"So...we have about six hours until we have to be at the wedding to get ready..." Rainbow said. "What do you guys want to do to pass the time?"

"Well, the way Ah figure it, a day of rest and relaxation wouldn't be too far off from right." Granny Smith said. "We're all gonna need it."

"I might go and visit with some of the girls and hang out for a while." Rainbow said. "You know me. I can't really stand still for too long without going a little stir-crazy." Granny Smith nodded and smiled.

"Whatever you wanna do." The old mare said. "This is you and Applejack's day." Granny Smith sat back in her rocking chair and resumed her knitting.

"Ah might come into town with ya." Big Macintosh said. "Haven't seen Cheerilee in a while." The stallion said.

"Well, I'm gonna be leaving in about half an hour." Rainbow said.

"Let me eat breakfast first, at least, before ya start the countdown." Big Mac said. "You could use it too." Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah, that sounds good." Rainbow said. "I am kinda hungry. What's on the menu?"

"Well, whatcha hankerin' for?" Big Mac asked. "We got a whole bunch of stuff."

"Pancakes with butter and syrup?" Rainbow asked. Big Mac nodded and smiled.

"You got it." He said. Rainbow smiled back at the stallion as he walked into the kitchen.

"Well, now." Rainbow said. "What's with this sudden burst of awesomeness?" Rainbow asked. Big Macintosh looked at her and smiled genuinely as he continued to remove ingredients from their neccessary compartments.

"What, Ah ain't awesome enough for ya usually?" Big Mac asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, no, it's not that." Rainbow said. "You're usually just so introverted." Big Mac shrugged and began to mix together the ingredients for the pancakes in a rather large bowl.

"Ah just feel like today should be special for ya, that's all." He said. "Granny, how many flapjacks ya want?!" He had to put extra volume on his question due to Granny Smith's partial deafness. The old mare put down her knitting kit and turned toward the kitchen.

"Uh...one is fine, sweetie." She said before returning to her knitting.

Rainbow appraised the large, musclebound stallion stuttering around in the kitchen preparing pancakes for the three of them. Since Rainbow Dash had moved into the farmhouse, she had never witnessed Big Macintosh like this. He juggled a steady flow of flipping the pancakes in the pan, mixing more batter in the bowl and placing finished pancakes on a plate. What he was doing was incredibly sweet, especially for a stallion of his...mannerisms. Rainbow smiled warmly at him before leaving the kitchen and sitting on a chair beside Granny Smith.

"Granny, how often does Big Mac act like this?" Rainbow asked with a smile.

"Oh, rarely." Granny Smith said. "And that's puttin' it lightly. Truth is, he only ever really acts like this on special occasions like Hearth's Warmin' Eve or me, Applejack's and Applebloom's birthdays. What he's doin' now for you... it's special." Rainbow smiled as she sat back, whiffing the alluring aroma of the flapjacks emanating from the kitchen.

_____

Applejack grunted as she jumped across Rarity's large, lavish bed with one of the many sheets between her teeth in a futile effort to make the bed. Rarity had let Applejack sleep in the bed last night and due to the fact that nearly half the time, Applejack moved in her sleep, the bed was marvelously disheveled and out of order that morning. Applejacks third attempt to spread the sheet over the bed failed miserably as the sheet crumpled over the mattress. Groaning in anguish, Applejack picked the sheet back up and made another attempt at spreading it. It was moderately successful, spreading over roughly seventy percent of the mattress. After landing from the jump on her belly, Applejack heard a light giggle from behind her.

"What in Equestria are you doing, Applejack?" Rarity said, half laughing. Applejack sighed and turned back toward Rarity.

"Ah'm makin' your bed." The farm mare said as she got off the bed. "It's really the least Ah can do."

"Not necessary, my tired friend." Rarity said as she picked up every single sheet at once with her magic. Applejack stepped back and watched in wonder as Rarity neatly made her bed back the way it was when Applejack had walked into the bedroom the previous night.

"Ah can never get over how amazin' all that levitation stuff is." Applejack said with a smile.

"It takes an...obscene amount of practice." Rarity said, out of breath. "I can't manipulate things nearly as well as, say, Twilight, but I'd say that I am a moderately accomplished magic user." Applejack nodded.

"So, what's on the agenda today, Rarity?" Applejack asked. "We've got about five and a half hours until we need to start gettin' ready."

"Well, I thought that we'd go and piddle around Ponyville a bit, maybe get a small bite to eat at Sugarcube Corner." Rarity said. "Really, its all up to you. This is your day, Applejack." The farm mare blushed.

"Well gosh, Rarity, Ah'm not very used to bein' treated like this." Applejack said. Rarity nodded and smiled, an eyebrow raised.

"Yes, its nice to be pampered for a change, eh?" The unicorn said leaning closer to the earth pony. Applejack scoffed and looked to the side. "Admit it." Rarity's smile grew wider as her brows slowly furrowed. Applejack sighed.

"Okay, okay yeah." Applejack said. "Livin' all fancy is nice...once and a while."

"There! Now doesn't it feel better now that you've gotten that out of your system?" Rarity asked. Applejack raised an eyebrow at Rarity.

"Ah...guess." Applejack said. "Ah actually wanna go buck some apples now, to be honest." Rarity sighed and shook her head.

"Well, I've already been primped and preened enough to last until the wedding, so why don't you go wash up and meet me downstairs? Please help yourself to my bathroom." Rarity said in a courteous manner. "We'll leave when you're ready." Applejack nodded at the unicorn before she turned and exited the bedroom, leaving Applejack alone. The farm mare turned and looked at the bathroom that she hadn't bothered to notice the previous night. Upon entering the bathroom, Applejack realized that it was easily three times the size of the meager bathroom she had back at the farm house.

"Well now, Rarity must make a lot of dough with that dress business of hers..." Applejack muttered to herself, marveling at the splendor of the room. Shiny blue tiles lined the bottom half of all the walls over a white tile floor. The sink was large with an intricate faucet and pretty water handles that looked to be diamond. Applejack was almost certain they were fake, however. Rarity was probably the best off of all their friends, with the exception of Twilight and her new title, but she certainly wasn't rich. The smooth marble counter looked inviting and homey. A pretty arrangement of artificial plants hung on the wall above the toilet, which was neatly covered by the lid. A large tub with jets inside it lay underneath a window with blue curtains drawn to hide the restroom.

The bathroom was certainly wonderful, especially in comparison to the bathroom Applejack had at home. But the most fantastical part of the bathroom to Applejack, however, was the shower. The metal-framed glass door to the walk in shower looked inviting and beautiful at the same time, giving off a ritzy aesthetic feel. Applejack pulled it open to reveal an absolutely shining walk in shower, complete with a seat built into the wall and a compartment to hold the various hair treatments Rarity had. A loofah that Rarity obviously used hung from the faucet handle.

Applejack removed her stetson and hairties and placed them upon the counter

'Rainbow would love this.' Applejack muttered to herself, blushing lightly in fond remembrance of recreational times she had had with her fiancee in the shower when they were alone. Applejack stepped into the shower and turned the hot water handle. The water came out of the shower head immediately warm. Applejack smiled at the difference from her own showerhead, which usually spouted out water that stayed cold for about a minute before becoming hot. The temperature of the water rapidly escalated, however, causing Applejack to shout in surprise. She quickly turned the cold water handle in her desperation, which quickly evened out the temperature and allowed Applejack to experiment with the water to find the perfect relaxing temperature.

Applejack took the seat under the water and allowed herself to relax, sighing contentedly to herself as she felt the water play over her body. Slowly and gradually, her stress began to ebb away. The muscles which were newly freed up by the massage she received the previous night gratefully heated up as the water continued to flow. Applejack soaked her mane and tail in the water before standing up and looking at the various shampoos and conditioners Rarity owned. Applejack eventually settled on what she considered standard shampoo and conditioner and went to work scrubbing her mane and tail, lathering the hair and rinsing it under the water.

When Applejack finished, she opened her eyes to behold a peculiar knob on the side of the shower head. It seemed to have some sort of function, so to indulge her natural curiosity, Applejack turned the knob. The flow of water from the shower head immediately changed to several concentrated streams from the center of the fixture. Applejack, surprised by the sudden and unexpected change, jumped.

"Woah, nelly!" She exclaimed with a small giggle. After testing out the various flows of water from the shower head, Applejack finally decided on the original flow she started with. Applejack, utilizing the loofah hanging from the faucet handle, washed her body. Afterwards, she sat for several more minutes before exiting the shower. Applejack dried her mane, tail and body and brushed her hair straight once more before replacing her hairties and stetson. She exited the bathroom and moved down the stairs to meet Rarity in the living area. The unicorn was reading a fashion magazine as she waited.

"Well, finally!" Rarity said with a smile. "I was beginning to think you had died in there."

"Ah almost got lost in that palace you call a bathroom." Applejack said jovially. "That shower's amazin'."

"Yes, I'd have to agree." Rarity said with a sigh. She then stood and ushered Applejack toward the door. "Well then, shall we?"

_____

Rainbow Dash ambled through Ponyville happily, smiling at various ponies who greeted her. Big Macintosh had already left her presence to go see his marefriend Cheerilee, so for the moment, she was alone. She passed Roseluck, who smiled widely at her.

"Rainbow!" She said. "I'm so excited for tonight." Rainbow nodded and smiled.

"Well, we're happy to have you there, Roseluck." Rainbow said. "You've pretty much been supportive of us since day one, so you were one of the first ponies we decided to invite." Roseluck nodded.

"Well, thank you." Roseluck said. "See you up at the altar tonight!" Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah, see you tonight." Rainbow said before continuing on her way to her destination. As Fluttershy's cottage came into her view, Rainbow smiled as she anticipated a lunch with her long time friend. Rainbow approached the happy little home and knocked on the door. Fluttershy answered almost immediately and smiled happily at seeing her betrothed friend standing on the doorstep.

"Rainbow Dash! This is such a pleasant surprise! I mean, I guess it's a surprise, because I figured you'd be back at the farmhouse right now."

"Well, I have nothing to do for about five hours." Rainbow said with a smile. "I was wondering if you wanted to come grab a little pre-wedding bite to eat at Sugarcube Corner with me." Fluttershy nodded excitedly.

"Oh, I'd love to." Fluttershy said with a smile. "But I need to feed Angel before we leave...I mean, if that's alright with you..." Rainbow scoffed and smiled at her timid friend.

"Fluttershy, of course it's alright!" Rainbow said, half laughing. "Geez, I already told you that I had time to kill." Fluttershy blushed and nodded.

"Okay." She said. "Would you like to come inside and have a seat?" Rainbow nodded. Rainbow walked into the house and sat upon the couch and waited patiently for Fluttershy.

"Where is Angel anyway?" Rainbow asked. "I don't see him anywhere."

"Oh, sometimes he just likes to hide from me." Fluttershy explained. "I usually make his meal and leave it out for him." Fluttershy then went to work in the kitchen preparing her pet rabbit's meal.

"Does he usually hide from you like this?" Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, not usually." Fluttershy said. "He just sometimes gets into his little moods. You know how bunnies are."

"Yeah." Rainbow lied, rolling her eyes. "I know all about that." Fluttershy finished the preparation of the meal and placed it on the ground by the entrance to the kitchen. It was a fine assortment of lettuce and carrots, a meal fit for a pony.

"Geez, Fluttershy, that rabbit eats better than half the population of Ponyville." Rainbow said with a smirk as she stood up. "Ready to go?" Fluttershy nodded and smiled. Rainbow left the cottage and prepared to take off into flight before Fluttershy's voice interrupted her.

"Okay, Angel, I'm going to Sugarcube Corner with Rainbow Dash! Your food is where it usually is! Be good!" Fluttershy yelled. Rainbow raised an eyebrow at the timid yellow pegasus, who blushed when she noticed Rainbow's disapproving expression.

"I-Is something wrong?" Fluttershy asked.

"Not really, Fluttershy." Rainbow said. "It just feels like every time I come over here, Angel is abusing your kindness in some way."

"I respect your thoughts, but I wouldn't call it abuse." Fluttershy said. "I'm always happy to do these things for him." Fluttershy said as she shut the door to her cottage. They took off into flight toward Ponyville, Rainbow decreasing her normal speed quite drastically to allow Fluttershy to keep up with her.

"Fluttershy, your rabbit is spoiled rotten." Rainbow said. "I mean, I hate to be the one to tell you, but-"

"Rarity and Twilight have told me before." Fluttershy said. "I just don't think I'm doing anything wrong."

"Well, I can see how you'd think that, Fluttershy." Rainbow said with a sigh. "And I know that you love getting affection from Angel, but what usually happens when you deny him something he wants?"

"Well, he gets kind of angry..." Fluttershy said. "And he doesn't want to associate with me until I actually give him what he wants."

"And you don't see the problem with that?" Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow at Fluttershy. They both landed in front of Sugarcube corner and began to walk toward the entrance. "Flutters, if you don't get a handle on it now, its just gonna get worse and worse. He'll think he's entitled to anything he wants. Believe me, I know. Before I moved in with Applejack and learned that things don't always go my way, I thought like that."

"You weren't that bad." Fluttershy said. "You've always been a bit overzealous, but you always learned from any mistakes you made." Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah, I know. All I'm trying to say is that I've learned about the big picture, you know? And so can Angel." Rainbow said. "Look, Fluttershy. I'm not gonna tell you what to do with your pet. But I'm just asking you to think on it, okay?" Fluttershy nodded and smiled at the cyan mare.

"Thanks, Rainbow." Fluttershy said. "I appreciate your concern."

"No prob." Rainbow said. "Now let's eat. I'm starving!" They entered the building to see Pinkie Pie standing behind the counter, who brightened up as soon as she layed her blue eyes upon Rainbow and Fluttershy. She hopped happily before running around the counter and straight at them.

"Get ready!" Rainbow said quickly to Fluttershy.

"Rainbow! Fluttershy! HI!" Pinkie said ecstatically before wrapping both of them into a tight hug. Fluttershy and Rainbow hugged Pinkie back.

"Thanks for the warning, Rainbow." Fluttershy said. "You're getting better at predicting her." Pinkie Pie finally let go of them and stepped back for a moment, still beaming.

"So are you guys here to eat?" Pinkie asked.

"Yeah. Got any tables open, perchance?" Rainbow asked with a cheeky smirk, making light of the fact that only two ponies were sitting in the small eatery.

"Sure. Hold on a sec." Pinkie said before walking to the door of the kitchen and leaning her head in. "Mrs. Cake! Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are here to eat! I'm gonna take my lunch break so I can eat with them!"

"Okay, Pinkie!" Mrs. Cake called. The pink party pony withdrew her head from the kitchen and walked back over to her two friends.

"Everypony know what they want to eat?" Pinkie asked.

"Yep." Rainbow said with a smirk.

"Actually, I was kind of unsure, so could I have a menu?" Fluttershy asked. Pinkie Pie nodded happily.

"Of course you can, silly filly!" Pinkie said, half giggling before stopping abruptly.

"Wait a minute...Dashie, why aren't you with Applejack?" Pinkie asked, confused, a concerned eyebrow raised. "Its your wedding day."

"Yeah. I know." Rainbow said. "But Rarity brought up that thing that it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, and asked Applejack if she wanted to stay the night at her house. We figured 'What the hay?' and she spent the night with Rarity last night. So I guess I'm not seeing her until tonight."

"Actually, Rainbow, Applejack just left from here with Rarity." Pinkie said. "They stopped for a minute and got a cookie." Rainbow's eyes widened and she looked at Pinkie Pie.

"She was here?" Rainbow asked, excitement suddenly building up within her. Pinkie nodded. "Do you know where they are now?" Pinkie Pie nodded again.

"Rarity said they were going to the market to...'Piddle around'? I don't even know what that is." Pinkie Pie said. Rainbow smiled and began moving toward the door.

"Rainbow Dash, where are you going? I thought we were gonna have lunch." Pinkie Pie said, disappointed.

"We are." Rainbow said, the smile on her face growing ever wider. "I've just gotta go take care of something first." Rainbow Dash then left the confectionary and took to the air above Ponyville, heading toward the market district. Her stomach danced with excitement as she moved closer and closer to the location of her fiancee. The pegasus didn't care if she was cursed with bad luck for twenty years. She was going to see Applejack.

_____

*Ten minutes earlier*

"Good morning, Pinkie Pie!" Rarity said lightly as she and Applejack entered Sugarcube Corner. "Your largest cookie for two weary travelers." Pinkie Pie smiled at them.

"You want the face cookie?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Good choice." The giddy little earth pony removed the large cookie from its case and carried it to her friends who had taken a seat.

"Face cookie?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow and cracking a smirk. "Why exactly do ya call it that, Pinkie?"

"Well, the cookie is as big as my face." Pinkie Pie said. "So I just came up with the name. It kinda stuck ever since." She said with a sweet giggle.

"Well, it sure does taste amazin'." Applejack said, mid-chew.

"Applejack!" Rarity said sternly. "Manners. You're going to be a bride tonight and we're all going to be eating together at the reception, so you should act accordingly." Applejack sighed and rolled her eyes.

"But we ain't at the wedding, are we?" Applejack said, her speech becoming more clear due to her swallowing her bite. "Ah had to speak up as Ah was chewin' 'cause it's so darn good! Go on, take a bite." Rarity proceeded to eat some of the cookie.

"Oh!...Goodness..." Rarity said. "This is one of the best cookies I've ever had. Pinkie Pie, did you make the dough yourself?" Pinkie nodded happily.

"I'm so happy you guys are enjoying it!" She said. As she finished her sentence, a customer walked into the confectionary, the bell hanging from the door dinging lightly. "Be right back!" She then hoppped over to the entering couple to greet them.

"Well, it certainly seems that Pinkie is doing quite well here." Rarity said. "She really has flourished since she's become co-owner." Rarity took a bite of her half of the cookie.

"Yeah." Applejack said. "Ya know, Ah gotta admit Ah was surprised the day Rainbow had given everything back to the Cakes. Especially seein' as how they lost it on account of how they treated us and Pinkie."

"I was amazed myself when I caught wind of it." Rarity said.

"Ah don't think Ah've told Rainbow this, but when Mrs. Cake was kneeling in front of her and apoligizin', Ah wanted her to spit on her, or tell her she deserved what she was gettin'." Applejack said.

"Well at the time, who could blame you?" Rarity asked.

"Then, Rainbow just goes and...pulls them out of the hole and gives them their lives back. All while giving Pinkie Pie a real job again...it just amazes me. She amazes me." Applejack said with a fond smile and a small blush.

"Well she is quite amazing." Rarity said with a smile and a raised eyebrow. "I suspect that that's why you're marrying her tonight." Applejack smiled and nodded.

"That's true." Applejack said. "Ah think that the Cakes learned their lesson. They're so nice to us now."

"Do you think that it could be a false front?" Rarity inquired before taking a bite of cookie.

"Oh Ah'm positive it was for Mr. Cake at first. He was courteous, but Ah could tell we made him uncomfortable. But now, that way he'd act whenever we'd show up, it's gone. Mrs. Cake definitely changed her mind on us as soon as Rainbow saved them. She's been nothin' but nice to us and Pinkie even tells us she overhears her talkin' to her husband about how nice we are and how much she regrets sayin' what she did." Applejack explained. "They're both comin' to the wedding tonight, so that's somethin', at least." Rarity nodded.

"I'd say that for the most part, its worked out for the two of you." Rarity said with a smile after swallowing her final bite of cookie. "Well, shall we?" Applejack, having finished her half of cookie several minutes prior, nodded as they both stood. Pinkie Pie returned at that moment and frowned sadly.

"Aww...you guys are leaving already?" Pinkie asked. "But we barely got to talk."

"We'll stop by on the way back through." Rarity said. "But for now, Applejack and I have to go piddle around the market a bit before it closes." Pinkie Pie nodded.

"Okay, see you guys later!" She said, ever cheerful as she ambled back to the kitchen. After leaving sugarcube corner, Applejack and Rarity walked the short distance to the market district. Smiling, Rarity turned to Applejack.

"Let the hunting begin." Rarity said with a small squeal. They began browsing all the different booths, looking at the different items, clothing and food. "Oh, I just love coming to the market. A lot of the time you find utter garbage in terms of clothing, but I've procured many an adorable outfit from this place for a moderate price."

"Ah know." Applejack said with a smile. "A lot of times when Ah'm runnin' the apple stand here, you'll come by and show me some particular good deal ya found."

"Seems like it'd be annoying." Rarity said with an embarrassed smile. Applejack shook her head and smiled.

"No, actually. It's funny because ya overreact to it so much." Applejack said. "It's provided me with a lot of entertainment on dull days." Rarity sighed and smirked at Applejack before going back to browsing a stand with a new clothing inventory. Applejack's mind drifted to Rainbow Dash. She wondered what the pegasus was doing, what she was thinking about. Applejack missed her love at that moment seemingly more than she had in a long time. Bored to tears, Applejack sighed as she looked around the market for anything of interest.

After a few minutes of looking, she found it.

Standing by an alleyway, waving at her, was Rainbow Dash with a wide smile on her face. Applejack nearly gasped at the sight of her fiancee and bit her lip before turning to Rarity.

"Hey Rarity, there's some pretty cool lookin'...cowpony hats over there. Ah'm gonna go check 'em out." Applejack said. Rarity nodded, still observing the clothing.

"You go on ahead dear. I'll meet you by the cherry stand in five and we'll go from there." Rarity said. Applejack smirked as she turned to Rainbow and ran at her nearly at full speed. Rainbow smiled as she spoke.

"Hey Applejack- URGH!" Her speech was interrupted by Applejack wrapping her into a massive and loving hug. "Hey, Applejack. I wonder if you missed me..." Rainbow said, slightly strained. Applejack nuzzled Rainbow's chest before putting her down and giving her a peck on the lips.

"Your darn right Ah missed ya." Applejack said. "Feels like Ah haven't seen ya in weeks."

"That bad?" Rainbow asked with a smirk. "So this is affecting you worse than me? Wow."

"Oh, shut up." Applejack said. Rainbow gave off a small snicker.

"So, what did you guys do?" Rainbow asked.

"We went to the spa, came back, Ah tried on my dress, we talked for a bit and then we just went to bed." Applejack said. "It was actually pretty uneventful. What about you?"

"Pretty much the same with me." Rainbow said. "I went back to the house and talked to Granny Smith for a bit before going to bed."

"Ya know, you're not supposed to see me before the wedding." Applejack said with a mischevious grin. "You're breakin' the rules."

"So sue me." Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow, leaning in closer to Applejack. Applejack leaned closer as well.

"Nahh. It's not worth it." Applejack said before connecting her lips with Rainbow's. They kissed for a short while before escalating their kiss by using their tongues together, Rainbow quickly sliding hers into Applejack's mouth without warning. Applejack had no qualms with this as she reciprocated the motion.

"Applejack!" They both heard Rarity call, interruping their kiss. "Where are you?"

"Is she seriously calling for you?" Rainbow asked before putting a hoof on her forehead. "Oh, Rarity..."

"Ah guess Ah'd better go." Applejack said. "Don't want her comin' to conclusions that Ah've been murdered or somthin'." Rainbow nodded and giggled.

"Okay." Rainbow said before flying into the air above Applejack's head. "See you tonight, AJ." Applejack smiled widely.

"Ah can't wait." Applejack responded. Rainbow then flew away, back in the direction of Sugarcube corner. Applejack turned and exited the alleyway and moved to the cherry stand where Rarity stood.

"Where were you?" Rarity asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ah was checkin' out somethin' that was darn good lookin'." Applejack responded with a smirk.

"Oh, well will you get it?" Rarity asked with a smile.

"Yeah. Not now, though. Later on." Applejack said, her smirk widening.

_____

Rainbow Dash sighed and looked at herself in the mirror of her restroom. She was dressed up in her dark cyan suit with the gold vest and the gold tie, and needless to say, she looked awesome. The outfit fit her so well, and she was excited to show it off to everypony at the wedding. But the awesomeness of the outfit seemed secondary to the pegasus as she regarded herself in the mirror. She was nervous. More nervous than she had ever been in her life. In fact, she felt braver when she stared down a dragon. She inhaled deeply and exhaled before slapping her face and jogging in place for a moment.

"Okay, Rainbow." She said to herself. "You've got this. You're gonna go get married. Right now. Nothing's gonna change it." She was completely unafraid to talk to herself because Big Macintosh, Granny Smith and Applebloom had already left for the plot of land in the fields where the wedding was being set up. She looked at herself in the mirror and, despite her wobbly legs feeling like gelatin, she walked out of the restroom. She exited the house and took off in flight to the area of the fields where the wedding was taking place.

She tried to breathe evenly so as to avoid any further stress or emotion. Despite her nervousness, she smiled widely and was filled with elation.

"I'm gonna go get marred." Rainbow said. "It's happening! I'm gonna marry the mare of my dreams, and there's nothing that can stop me!" Rainbow's flying pace accelerated drastically to where she arrived at the site in seconds. Upon arriving, she did a large loop in the air, leaving a bright rainbow streak behind her, before going into a spin toward the ground. She landed perfectly and flipped her mane. Every guest sitting applauded her, several of them cheering for her. Twilight Sparkle came down from the altar, before hugging Rainbow lovingly and stepping back to look at her.

"You always know how to make an entrance, don't you?" Twilight said.

"You know it." Rainbow replied with a confident smirk.

"Rainbow, you look fantastic." Twilight said with a wide smile. "Rarity really stepped up with that design."

"Yeah." Rainbow said looking herself over again. "It's awesome, that's for sure. It's even awesome enough to fit me." Twilight giggled. Rainbow looked around at everyone who had arrived. Every single pony on the list had come, as confirmed by the guest list, and was seated. Granny Smith was seated in the very front of the chairs, beside Princess Celestia. The old mare winked at Rainbow, making the pegasus blush and wave at her. Celestia stood and walked over to Rainbow Dash and smiled down upon her.

"Rainbow Dash, I would just like to extend to you my congratulations." The regal alicorn said. "I am so very proud of you and Applejack." Rainbow smiled at her and gave her a curt bow.

"Thank you, Princess." Rainbow said. "I'm very happy you could be here." The princess nodded before returning to her seat beside Granny Smith. Twilight Sparkle moved up at Rainbow.

"Looks like we've only got about seven minutes until Applejack, Applebloom Rarity and Big Macintosh are supposed to arrive." Twilight Sparkle said with a smile. "I'm so excited for you two!"

"This is gonna be awesome!" Rainbow said. "I can't wait!"

Upon looking among the attendees, Rainbow nearly gasped when her eyes fell upon Gilda. The griffon waved sheepishly at her and blushed. Rainbow smiled and approached her where she sat.

"Hey Gilda." Rainbow said.

"Hey there, Dash." Gilda responded before standing and giving Rainbow a friendly hug, which Rainbow returned.

"I'm really happy that you could be here." Rainbow said.

"Well, I wouldn't have missed it." The griffon said. "Look, Dash. About what happened last time I was here..."

"Don't worry about it anymore, Gilda." Rainbow said with a smile. "It's all water under the bridge. You being here says enough."

"Yeah, I know, but hear me out...Please." Gilda said, blushing heavily. "I treated you and your friends pretty bad. I called you all losers...including you. I didn't mean any of it. I was just flustered and upset. I've already apologized to all of your other friends except for Fluttershy and Applejack, and Fluttershy's already looking kinda scared seeing you talking to me." Rainbow looked behind her to see Fluttershy standing beside Pinkie Pie, looking at her and Gilda with wide, frightened eyes. Rainbow snickered.

"Yeah, she's always been that way." Rainbow said. "She'll warm up to you when she realizes that you're not a total monster."

"Yeah. I wouldn't feel right going up there to her now..." Gilda said, scratching the back of her head. "I think I'll apologize to her at the reception."

"Sounds good." Rainbow said with a nod. "Well the ceremony's about to start. I'd better get up there." Rainbow turned and began to walk up the aisle.

"Rainbow." Gilda called, making Rainbow Dash turn around to see her.

"Awesome suit." The griffon said with a smile. Rainbow smiled back and nodded before walking down the aisle. Rainbow stood at the altar, next to Twilight, who leaned down to her.

"The ceremony starts in three minutes!" Twilight whispered to her with a small squeal. Rainbow snickered quietly.

"Are you tracking this second by second or something?" Rainbow asked. Twilight raised an eyebrow at her.

"Why yes." The alicorn said with a small giggle. "But I doubt everypony else will go by that."

Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy stood by the end of the aisle, represented by a red carpet embroidered with gold patterns. They wore gold dresses, the color Rarity had picked as the "theme" for the outfits. Rainbow had to admit, they worked exceedingly well. Pinkie Pie jumped up and down quickly in excitement.

"Oh, oh, OH! Here they come, everypony!" Pinkie yelled with a squeal. Sure enough, a beautiful carriage came down the road, being dragged by two royal guards, compliments of Princess Celestia. When the cart finally came to a rest, Rarity came bounding out of the door before shutting it quickly behind her. She laughed nervously as she went and stood behind Pinkie and Fluttershy, her gold dress flowing behind her. Rarity gave a signal that they were ready, and upon receiving a signal from the conductor, Octavia Melody and her quartet began playing a peaceful, happy song that fit a wedding well.

Rarity and Pinkie Pie walked down the aisle, smiling at the ponies they passed on the way. They finally settled up by the place where the bride would eventually stand. The carriage door opened and Applebloom came out, beaming and blushing at the same time. The filly took the time to wave happily at her two friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who were sitting next to each other. Applebloom came to a stop and stood at the altar.

The song the quartet was playing segued into one of the most beautiful songs Rainbow Dash had ever heard. The slow moving, delightful tune evoked a feeling of happiness from the pegasus as her stomach lit aflame. From the open carriage door came Big Macintosh, who proceeded to help the bride from the carriage.

And what a beautiful sight she was.

Rainbow Dash nearly gawked at the sight of her bride walking down the aisle. Her dress shining in the sinking sunlight like a supernova. The touches of gold and white mixing together perfectly. Smiling happily, she walked with Big Macintosh down the aisle until she reached the foot of the altar. Big Macintosh slowly lifted her veil and smiled warmly at her before moving to his seat beside Granny Smith. Applejack walked up the altar and came to a stop before Rainbow Dash. Rainbow supressed a gasp as she blushed deeply at the sight of her beautiful bride, smiling warmly at her. She had on a light layer of makeup with slight eyeliner so as not to conceal her natural beauty.

"You..." Rainbow whispered before gulping. "Look so beautiful."

"Thanks, Dash." Applejack said. "Lookin' dapper yourself." Rainbow laughed nervously and blushed. The quartet finished their song seconds later and Twilight Sparkle began.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts!" She said. "We are gathered here today to witness the union between Rainbow Dash and Applejack in loving matrimony. If anypony present has any reason why these two should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

Not a soul stirred.

"I believe that Rainbow Dash and Applejack have prepared their own vows..." Twilight said in introduction. "Applejack?"

"Rainbow Dash, ever since Ah met you when you moved to Ponyville, Ah considered you to be one of my best friends. We did so much together and overcame so much side by side, Ah found it hard to think about goin' through all that with anypony other than you..." The farm mare said. "And, Ah'll say, that Ah never thought we would be in this position, though. We've had our rough patches and our obstacles, but we've overcome them together. Now that we're here, Ah couldn't be happier. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and Ah can't wait to spend the rest of my life as your wife...Yes, I did mean for that to rhyme." Many ponies laughed, including Rainbow Dash. "Ah will be there as your companion, your friend, your rival and your wife until the day Ah die. Ah love you, Rainbow Dash." Rainbow smiled widely at Applejack's heartwarming words and nodded.

"Thank you, Applejack." Twilight said. "Rainbow Dash?"

"It didn't take me long to write these vows, because from the moment I proposed to you, I knew what I wanted to say." Rainbow said. "Applejack, everything that we've been through, everything that we've beaten and conquered, has led to this moment. You are the greatest pony I have ever known and I'm inspired so much by what you do and who you are. The mere thought of you makes me feel like I can do absolutely anything. I'd slay three dragons bare hoofed for you. Sorry, Spike." The baby dragon laughed and nodded. "I'd crawl though ghastly gorge on my belly for you. And...if I had to, I'd give up my chance at being a Wonderbolt for you. I'd die for you. But my main point is this. Applejack, you are the light of my life and I feel like it'd be meaningless without you. I promise to be there with you through good times and bad, and I promise to love you with every ounce of my ability." Rainbow sniffled and wiped a tear that fell from her cheek. "I mean, look at me, Applejack! You're the only pony that can make me cry!" This earned an audible "aww" from everypony at the altar, including Twilight Sparkle. "Oh shut up, you guys." Rainbow said half laughing, earning laughs from many of the ponies watching. "Applejack, I love you so much and from here, we move on to the rest of our lives together."

"Thank you, Rainbow." Twilight said before exhaling. "Applejack, will you take Rainbow Dash as your wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health until the day you die?"

"...Ah do." Applejack said, tears running down her cheeks.

"Rainbow Dash, will you take Applejack as your wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health until the day you die?"

"Hay, yeah!" Rainbow said, pure elation bursting out of her, tears running down her cheeks as well. Everypony watching laughed.

"Well then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you to be wed." Twilight looked down at Rainbow. "You may kiss the bride." Rainbow immediately leaned forward and kissed Applejack deeply, earning happy cheers from everypony in the audience. Rainbow and Applejack separated and put their foreheads together, both of their ears layed back, a show of their pure love for one another. Rainbow laughed happily before Applejack nuzzled her happily. Octavia's quartet played another beautiful, happy song as Rainbow and Applejack turned around to view the guests. Applebloom hugged Applejack happily as Rainbow and Applejack both took a moment to smile at Granny Smith and Big Macintosh before being wrapped up in a gigantic group hug from all their friends, including Twilight, who had stepped down from the altar.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack then walked down the aisle toward the carriage.

This was it.

Their life together had officially begun, and neither one of them could have been any happier.

_____

"Ugh, finally!" Rainbow cried, throwing her hooves in the air. "I finally get to see what this reception is all about!" Applejack giggled and kissed Rainbow on the cheek.

"Yep." Applejack said. "Ya sure do. And Ah don't think you'll be unimpressed." The statement sent a jolt of excitement through Rainbow Dash, energizing her even more than she already was. The ceremony had gone off without a hitch, she was on her way to what was quite possibly the best wedding reception ever, and most of all, she was married to the mare of her dreams. The carriage didn't bounce or bump down the road, even though Applejack and Rainbow were absolutely certain there were pot holes and lumps in the road. They had ridden down it in a wagon enough times to know.

"I'm so happy!" Rainbow said, wrapping her forelegs around Appledash lovingly. "We're married...I mean, like, we're really married."

"Ah know." Applejack said, giving Rainbow a peck on the lips. "It's so surreal."

"Look how far we've come." Rainbow said. "After everything we've been through, and we've been through a lot..."

"Ya got that right." Applejack said with a nod.

"It just feels like it's...meant to be." Rainbow said with a warm, loving smile.

"Ah know exactly what ya mean, sugarcube." Applejack said before giving Rainbow a deep kiss on the lips. "And Ah couldn't agree more." Rainbow giggled and nuzzled Applejack before they continued to hold each other.

"You know..." Rainbow said. "I'm kinda feeling a little bit sleepy." As if on cue, the carriage came to a halt.

"We've arrived." A royal guard said.

"Oh, trust me, darlin'." Applejack said, half laughing. "Ya won't feel like sleepin' when ya see what's waitin' for ya right outside this carriage." A muffled, thumping beat came from outside the carriage, and this served only to excite Rainbow Dash even more. Rainbow smiled widely and prepared to exit the carriage. As Applejack opened the carriage door, Rainbow inhaled sharply and followed her out. What she saw made her jaw drop.

They stood on a small hill, overlooking a lower patch of land. Running down the hill toward the reception was a red carpet similar to the one that comprised the aisle at the ceremony. (In all likelihood, it was the same carpet.) Flashing, colorful lights flowed throughout the reception, comprised of a buffet area where several ponies ate, a bar, many groups of seats, a dance floor filled with dancing guests and standing up in a mobile DJ booth was the thing Rainbow found the hardest to believe.

Vinyl Scratch.

DJ-PON3.

Applejack had gotten DJ-PON3 for the reception to their wedding.

Rainbow's breath caught in her throat, as she looked at Applejack, who smiled happily. She looked at the reception again, then Applejack, then the reception yet again and to Applejack once more. Rainbow let out an ecstatic scream and nearly tackled Applejack in a hug. Applejack laughed heartily and returned the embrace.

"Ohmygosh, I can't believe it!" Rainbow said happily. "You got DJ-PON3 for the reception! You...this is....AUGH!" Rainbow yelled once more and hopped up and down excitedly.

"Well, don't thank me too much." Applejack said. "Thank Pinkie Pie! In fact, here she comes now!" Rainbow looked and saw Pinkie Pie galloping up the carpet to meet them. When she reached the top, she beamed at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow laughed and grabbed Pinkie Pie up into a tight hug.

"Pinkie, I can't believe you did this!!!" Rainbow said. "H-How?!"

"I'll let you ask Vinyl herself that question after the..." The pink pony paused for a moment. "PAAAARRRTTYY!!!" She laughed and ran back down the carpet toward the reception. Rainbow looked at Applejack and pulled her into a kiss.

"Let's go have the time of our lives!" Rainbow said happily before she and Applejack ran down the carpet to the reception.

"Well now, lookie here fillies and gentlecolts!" Vinyl Scratch said into the microphone above her turntable. "It's the couple themselves! Let's give 'em a warm welcome!" Everypony at the reception cheered happily. Rainbow worked to stop herself from jumping up and down at hyperactive speeds. "And as tradition goes, the newlyweds get a dance...all to themselves." Vinyl made sure to put a sultry, knowing air to the last part of her sentence. Rainbow looked at Applejack and motioned to the dance floor. Applejack blushed and nervously entered the dance floor into the circle of ponies surrounding them. Celestia and Granny Smith watched, sitting in two seats away from the dance floor.

"Go Applejack!" Caramel yelled from the circle. Applejack giggled nervously.

"Show us how it's done, Dash!" Gilda called. Rainbow and Applejack came to a stop in the center of the circle and smiled at each other. After what seemed like an eternity, the song came on. It was a romantic sounding song made to slow dance to. Rainbow and Applejack joined and began to dance, looking into each other's eyes lovingly. Applejack blushed and smiled at Rainbow.

"Ah've never been very good at this..." The farm mare said, noticing several mess ups of hers. Rainbow smiled and shook her head.

"You're doing fine, AJ." Rainbow said. Applejack layed her head on Rainbow's chest and Rainbow layed her head on Applejack's as they stepped to the music. Out of nowhere, the song seemingly effortlessly segued into an upbeat dance song about love and marriage. It was much easier to dance to.

'Wow, Vinyl Scratch sure can pick some great stuff.' Rainbow Dash thought to herself as she and Applejack began to dance. Applejack seemed to adapt very well to this music as she moved along with Rainbow, matching a lot of her movements. Rainbow took one of Applejack's forehooves in her's and gave her a quick spin before pulling her back up to her, earning whoops and cheers from the crowd. After another minute of happy dancing, the song ended.

"Alright everypony! I wanna see you guys back on this dance floor for this next little ditty that you're really gonna be able to shake those tails to!" Vinyl said, earning cheers from the audience. Another song came on, with Vinyl's trademark thumping bass and smooth grooves. Pinkie Pie, who was dancing alone at the time, was approached by Applejack's tall, studly cousin Arbor Chip.

"Excuse me, ma'am." He said with a grin that worked wonders on the mare. "Ah believe that you need a proper dancing partner."

"Well, what are you doing just standing there?" Pinkie responded with a wide smile. "Let's do this!" Pinkie pulled Arbor Chip closer to her as they began to dance happily together.

Twilight Sparkle stood by the punch bowl, watching all the dancing ponies moving with amusement. To her surprise, Appleajck's cousin Braeburn walked up to her.

"H-Hello, P-Princess Twilight." He said, visibly trembling.

"Oh, hi, Braeburn." She said. "Enjoying the party?"

"Yes, ma'am...very much." He said. "Ah noticed that you ain't-aren't dancing and uh...um...well, would you...um...ya see..."

"Come on." Twilight said rolling her eyes and smiling at the stallion as she pulled him up on the dance floor. He was a bit too stunned to move at first be he eventually began to move to the music as well.

Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Babs Seed and Spike all danced in a small group, laughing and having fun together. Spike, having done this sort of thing before, knew many dance moves and nearly effortlessly impressed the fillies around him. Spike gave a knowing smirk to Twilight, who proceeded to laugh before continuing her dance with Braeburn. Applebloom looked over to see her brother dancing with Cheerilee.

"Ms. Cheerilee!" Applebloom called, earning the attention of her schoolteacher. "Take it easy on my brother!" Cheerilee laughed and looked at Big Mac, who laughed as well.

Across the party, not everypony was dancing and having a great time. Amber Heart sat at a table, drink in front of her, forlorn and alone, afraid to approach any available mare around for a dance.

"You mind if I sit here?" Someone said above her.

"Be my guest." She said before looking up to see the source of the voice. Before her sat a tough-looking, yet beautiful griffon. Gilda took a swig of her drink before looking over to the mildly stunned mare sitting across the table from her.

"Uh...you alright?" Gilda asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh! Yeah...uh...Ah'm fine." She said, looking away embarrassed.

"So whats a pretty little mare like yourself doing sitting here alone?" Gilda asked. Amber Heart sighed.

"Ah just....Ah dunno..." Amber Heart said, taking a sip of her drink, the bitter liquid stinging her throat. "Ah just...don't have the..."

"How about you dance with me?" Gilda asked in a rather straightforward manner, a smirk crossing her beak. Amber Heart's eyes widened as she looked at the griffon and nodded. She smiled as she stood and followed Gilda to the dance floor, noticing a subtle sway in the griffon's flank as she walked. Gilda looked back at her and raised an eyebrow.

Fluttershy looked up at the dance floor. It was intimidating to her in every sense of the word. Up there, in front of almost everypony she knew, dancing under the gaze of others... It was enough to make her want to stand back.

"Fluttershy darling, why aren't you dancing?" She heard a suave, feminine voice from behind her say. Fluttershy turned to behold Rarity standing before her, looking absolutely beautiful in the gold dress. Fluttershy looked to the side and frowned.

"I don't know..." She said.

"You're going to have to speak up." Rarity said.

"I don't know! I just...I don't know what to do..." The timid pegasus explained. "I'll look stupid up there."

"Nonsense!" Rarity exclaimed. "Come with me!" Rarity pulled Fluttershy up onto the dance floor

"W-What are we doing?" Fluttershy asked in fear.

"You and I are going to dance, my dear. I thought that was apparent." Rarity said. "At least until you get it right so you can dance with somepony else, for goodness sake! Now, feel the music." Rarity explained. "Let it flow through you and influence your body."

"I don't know where to start!" Fluttershy said, feeling more apprehensive than she should have.

"Just start moving." Rarity said, continuing to dance. "Go from there." Fluttershy gulped and began to sway back and forth awkwardly to the music. Taking quite a while, eventually Fluttershy was beginning to feel a certain energy from the tunes. It spurred her to begin to put more effort into her dancing and soon, she was able to keep up with Rarity and have fun doing it.

"You were right!" Fluttershy said with a smile. "This is very fun!"

"Have I ever steered you wrong?" Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, I suppose you should go find some other pony to dance with now that I know how to dance..." Fluttershy said.

"Hmmm...I don't think I will." Rarity said with a smile. Fluttershy, surprised by Rarity's response, widened her eyes slightly.

"I don't exactly see anything else that intrests me here." Rarity said. "And you look absolutely ravishing in that dress, so I think I'll stay with you, unless you have somepony else here who interests you." Fluttershy shook her head.

"Oh, no." Fluttershy said with a smile. "No, I'd much rather dance with you."

Rainbow and Applejack smiled happily at each other as they continued to dance with each other, surrounded by their friends and family, having what was truly the time of their lives. The time of their lives was rather tiring though, so they eventually went and got a drink from the punch bowl.

"First punch." Rainbow said with a smirk. "Later, booze."

"Ah'll have some with ya, but don't get too happy, Dash." Applejack said.

"What and risk losing any memory at all of tonight?" Rainbow asked. "Hay, no! Maybe I'll get a little tipsy, but nothing bad. Besides, a nice adult cider is sounding good right now."

"I couldn't agree more." A familiar voice said from above the pegasus. Rainbow looked at Applejack, who was looking completely spellbound at whoever was above her. Slowly, Rainbow looked up and gasped at what she saw.

"Discord!" She yelled. The music stopped and several ponies in the crowd gasped. Noticing he was being noticed, Discord came to the ground in front of Rainbow.

"Wow, looks like I can make an entrance too, now can't I?" He said.

"Discord!" A powerful, loud, feminine voice called from the night sky. Princess Luna, regal and majestic in her appearance landed behind the draconequus.

"My most sincere apoligies to the both of you." Princess Luna said to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "Discord, come back with me to the castle this very instant!"

"But you never let me have any fun!" He rebutted, crossing his arms like an annoyed child.

"Can you blame me for not trusting you?" The princess of the night asked. Discord thought for a moment and looked at her.

"Good point, but still!" He said. "Maybe I shouldn't have joined the two of you!"

"Uh..." Rainbow said. "What's...going on here?" Discord turned back to her, wide-eyed.

"I just found out two minutes ago that you and Applejack are married!" He said before putting his claws to his chest. "And you didn't invite me!"

"What happened, Luna?" Celestia asked. "How did he find out?"

"I apoligize, sister." Luna responded. "It...slipped out."

"I am completely offended!" Discord said, throwing his head back dramatically and putting the back of his lion paw on his forehead.

"Oh." Rainbow said. "Well, sorry, Discord. We didn't think you'd want to come."

"Are you kidding?" He asked. "You two are some of the first friends I ever really had!" He teleported between Applejack and Rainbow Dash, put his arms around both of them and kissed them both on the cheeks. "Plus, it gets to be such a drag up in that castle. I have got to get out more." He pointed his claw toward Vinyl Scratch and smiled. "So get the music going again! We have a party to continue here!" The spirit of chaos then teleported behind Vinyl and pressed play on the music once more. The music resumed as the DJ looked up at him before raising her sunglasses at the audience.

"I like this guy." She said with a smile. "You all heard him! Let's get this party rollin'!" The ponies on the dance floor cheered as the music and fun continued.

"Once again, I must extend to you my most sincere apoligies." Princess Luna said. "It was my duty to keep Discord away from the wedding and this reception. If he destroys anything, the responsibility lies solely with me."

"It's alright, princess." Rainbow said. "This party might just get more awesome with him around."

"Yeah." Applejack said. "He's not so bad."

"Even so, I must-"

"As long as he doesn't do any detrimental harm, I don't see the problem with having Discord here as long as Rainbow and Applejack are alright with it." Princess Celestia said. "Let him have his fun, sister." At that moment, Discord appeared behind Princess Luna, startling her.

"Yeah, Luna." He said with a suave, raised eyebrow. "Live a little!" He then pushed Luna onto the dance floor before teleporting again and catching her in his arms. "Let's dance!" The draconequus began to sway around stylishly with Luna to the music, not taking his hands off of her.

"Discord! Stop it! I demand you..." Luna said as Discord continued to dance with her. "You must cease...If you don't stop I'll...You should..." The princess' speech was interrupted by her laughter as she finally began to let go, dance with Discord and legitimately have fun. Princess Celestia, Applejack and Rainbow Dash all laughed at the scene before them.

"She really needs this." Celestia said. "So serious all the time. She never really ever does this sort of thing..."

"I guess it's not so bad that he did arrive." Rainbow said with a smile. She looked up and saw DJ-PON3 lean into her microphone, Octavia Melody standing next to her in the booth.

"Alright, everypony! Keep those flanks swayin' because I've got a whole lotta more tunes comin' your way!"

_____

The reception went on for what seemed like the rest of the night. Everypony danced, ate and drank, having the best time together as Vinyl Scratch's tunes reverberated throughout each of their bodies. Princess Luna, however, reluctantly asked Vinyl to turn her music down after two and a half hours so that the peace of the night could be maintained. Soon after, the princesses and Discord departed, leaving the party to continue. The music, while lowered, still supplied a happy air to the reception and ponies still danced with each other. Rainbow Dash and Applejack, tired once again after a straight hour of dancing, decided to sit down for some cider. They had each already had some alchohol, but only enough to get the euphoric feeling of very slight inebriation.

"This is so awesome." Rainbow Dash said. "I just can't get over it. I mean, the wedding, this reception, and the knowledge that I get to spend the rest of my life with you...I think this has been the best day of my life."

"Ah feel the exact same way." Applejack said. "Ah figured that the reception would be fun, but nothin' like this. Lamsakes, we had Pricesses Celestia and Luna and Discord himself here!" Applejack and Rainbow shared a laugh. Applejack looked around to the opposite side of all the tables and layed her eyes upon Gilda and Amber Heart. They were kissing. "Hey, Dash! Look over there!" Rainbow giggled upon seeing her old friend and Applejack's cousin.

"Hey, Amber's doing it better than I ever could." Rainbow said with a shrug. "Kissing a beak is hard stuff." Applejack's eyes widened as she looked over at Rainbow.

"Ya mean you and Gilda..." Applejack said.

"You didn't guess that before? Geez, Applejack." Rainbow said with a chuckle. "Just because I've been with stallions in the past doesn't mean I haven't been with...well, other girls."

"Ah'm just a little surprised, is all." Applejack said. "Why didn't ya ever tell me?"

"Well it wasn't really anything serious." Rainbow said with a smirk. "We roomed together at Junior Speedsters Flight Camp. One thing led to another and...eeehh, you know. She wanted a relationship, but I couldn't do it. I was weird like that back then."

"No wonder she seemed so attached to you..." Applejack said. "What was it like?" Applejack inquired, curiosity evident in her tone.

"You know, you wouldn't think it but at first, she was as timid as Fluttershy in bed." Rainbow said with a small laugh, shaking her head. "But once she got going..." Rainbow looked over to Applejack to see that she was slightly saddened by Rainbow's fond remembrance. "But she was nothing compared to you, AJ. I promise you that."

"Oh, you're just sayin' that to butter me up." Applejack said, throwing a hoof in Rainbow's direction.

"No seriously." Rainbow said, smiling. "I've never felt so alive with anyone before. To be honest, Gilda was...well, too submissive. She would just let me take control every time and go along for the ride. You actually take control half the time and when I do, you still make me work for it." Applejack blushed.

"Sompony'll hear ya, ya know." Applejack said.

"Are you kidding?" Rainbow said with a cheeky smile. "You're telling me this when the new couple over there are macking away on each other?" Applejack laughed heartily and smiled at Rainbow.

"Ah love you so much, Rainbow." Applejack said before removing her stetson, placing it on the table behind them and laying her head on Rainbow's shoulder. "Ah'm just so happy you're all mine now." Rainbow Dash nuzzled Applejack and giggled.

"I always was."

The party continued for some time before everyone involved was bone tired, including Vinyl Scratch herself, though she did a fantastic job of hiding it. Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Babs Seed and Spike were all fast asleep together at a table, all their heads layed down on the hard, flat surface.

"Oh, look at them, aren't they adorable?" Fluttershy asked as she and Rarity exited the dance floor after another round of dancing.

"Yes, I must say that I do agree with you." Rarity replied with a smile. "But you're not the one who has to carry a filly that is positively dead to the world home tonight." Fluttershy giggled. Twilight Sparkle sat, happily observing the dancing ponies on the floor, and how steadily, they began to trickle off the dance floor.

"Alrighty then, everypony." Vinyl Scratch said calmly into her microphone. "It seems that it's time to go. You've all been great!" The guests all cheered as the DJ began to put her equipment away to leave. Rainbow Dash and Applejack stood and walked to the exit of the area to thank their guests for coming. One by one they exited, giving their congratulations, with Rainbow and Applejack also giving their thanks. Gilda, with a plastered Amber Heart's foreleg draped around her shoulders walked past Rainbow and nodded at her.

"See ya, Dash." Gilda said. "Bye, Applejack. It's been awesome."

"Thanks for coming, Gilda." Rainbow said.

"Bye, Gilda." Applejack said. "Looks like you're not a bad griffon at all."

"Oh, I'm awful." Gilda said with a smirk. "I'm just good at hiding it." Gilda sent a wink their way before leaving with Amber. Arbor Chip then walked up to Rainbow Dash.

"If she takes advantage of my sister..." He said calmly with a raised eyebrow. "Ya might be losin' a friend." Rainbow patted his shoulder comfortingly.

"She may seem like it, but she's not that kind of girl at all. Trust me." Rainbow said. Arbor Chip smiled and nodded.

"Okay. Ah'll take your word for it." He said. "Congratulations, you two." More guests passed until Lyra and Bon Bon finally came up to them.

"We haven't had much time to address the two of you since the ceremony." Lyra said. Bon Bon beamed happily.

"We're just so happy for you two!" Bon Bon said. "We need to meet for lunch sometime."

"Or we could double date." Rainbow said with a raised eyebrow.

"Sounds great." Lyra said. "We'll be in touch."

"Congratulations again, you two!" Bon Bon called as they left.

"See ya at home, sis." Big Macintosh said to Applejack as he passed her, Cheerilee walking next to him. The red stallion gave his sister a gentle kiss on the forehead before leaving with his marefriend. Spitfire and Soarin came next, smiling at Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash, congratulations!" Spitfire said. "It certainly seems you've married quite the mare."

"Well, thank ya, miss Spitfire." Applejack said blushing. "That means a lot, comin' from you."

"Oh, don't worry about it. There's nothing that special about me." The Wonderbolts captain said genuinely.

"The party was awesome!" Soarin said with a toothy grin. "Great party for the great couple."

"Thank you, sirs!" Rainbow Dash said, instinctively going straight.

"Loosen up, Rainbow." Spitfire said. "We're not at the academy." Rainbow blushed intensely and giggled nervously.

"Oh...okay..." Rainbow said, rubbing the back of her head. "Thanks."

"No problem. Oh and by the way, you got a perfect score on your last flying exam." Spitfire said. "You're getting closer, kid." Spitfire patted Rainbow's shoulder and smiled at her before leaving with Soarin. Over time, the rest of the guests left the reception and the Cafe Du Mane attendants had gathered up their food dishes. Vinyl Scratch approached them after loading her gear into her taxi carriage.

"Congratulations, you guys." Vinyl said. "I just wanna say that this was one of the best reception gigs I've ever done. I mean, I've had gigs with twice as many ponies as this one had that didn't last half as long. You guys were awesome in the first dance, by the way." The DJ exhaled and smiled at them. "Well, I guess I'll be seeing ya." She turned to walk to her taxi before Rainbow spoke up.

"Vinyl!" Rainbow called. The DJ turned around.

"Sup?" She asked.

"If it's not too prying a question, why did you play here?" Rainbow asked. "I mean, you only play at big clubs and stuff."

"Well, there's two reasons." Vinyl responded. "First, I got pretty far past wasted at a previous gig I had here in Ponyville. Your friend Pinkie Pie managed to find me the next day and give me a few cupcakes. Now, I don't know what she puts in them, but they destroyed my hangover and pretty much saved me for the rest of that day, so I owed her." Pinkie Pie giggled.

"Happy to do it!" The pink party pony called.

"Second, Applejack and Pinkie told me about what happened to you on the way back from my last gig here in Ponyville. I wanted to kinda make it up to you." The DJ said genuinely. "Push that bad stuff away, you know?" Rainbow smiled, feeling a warmth from within her as she nodded.

"Yeah." She said. "Thanks, Vinyl. That means a lot."

"No prob." She replied as she slung a bag over her shoulder. "See ya!" She walked alongside Octavia, who had been waiting for her, to the taxi before speeding away.

"Don't worry about the dance floor, tables and chairs." Twilight said as she finished stacking them neatly with her magic. "I've got somepony coming in the morning to pick them up." Rainbow nodded at Twilight and sighed, looking up at the sky, smiling.

"Well, it looks like the perfect end to a perfect day." The pegasus leaned on Applejack lovingly.

"Actually, it's not quite over." Rarity said. Rainbow and Applejack looked at her, their eyebrows raised.

"Huh?" They both said.

"What were you going to do for your honeymoon?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Well, we have a bit of debt for the weddin', so we're probably gonna hang out around Sweet Apple Acres." Applejack said with a slight frown.

"Yeah! That place is already awesome enough." Rainbow said wrapping a foreleg around Applejack's shoulders. "We'll just take a honeymoon sometime later."

"Well, we all...kinda...have a problem with that." Fluttershy said with a blush.

"What do you mean?" Rainbow Dash asked with an eyebrow raised. "Applejack, do you have something to do with this?" The farm mare looked at Rainbow and shook her head.

"Ah swear Ah have no idea, Dash." Applejack said.

"Rainbow Dash, Applejack..." Twilight said. "Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie and I have pooled our money. We're sending you to the Canterlot Gardens Hotel Honeymoon Suite for your honeymoon!"

Rainbow and Applejack were both stunned. They looked at each of their friends, completely spellbound and at a loss for words.

"But..." Rainbow said. "But...that's the most expensive place in Canterlot!"

"We know! That's why we're so happy about it!" Pinkie Pie said with glee.

"Think about it, girls..." Rarity said. "Five star cuisine, silk sheets, the best living conditions money can buy and best of all, a twenty-four-seven staff that will unquestionably serve you when you want them to, and will leave you completely alone...when you don't." Rarity raised a suggestive eyebrow with the last part of her sentence.

"T-This is all so much..." Applejack said, her eyes still wide. "Ah just...Oh, Goddesses..."

"We've already cleared it with Granny Smith." Twilight said happily. "So pack your bags! You leave tomorrow morning in a pegasus-drawn carriage that will pick you up at the orchard. Everything, and I do mean everything, is covered." Rainbow laughed and looked at Applejack.

"Can you believe it, AJ?!" Rainbow said happily. "We're getting a honeymoon!" Applejack swept Rainbow up into a tight embrace and spun her around happily, both of them laughing together.

"Ah just don't know how to thank y'all!" Applejack said, her eyes moistening.

"No thanks are neccesary, Applejack." Rarity said with a smile. "We've been planning this ever since we heard about how you weren't going to be able to have a honeymoon. It was such an atrocity that we absolutely had to do something."

"And we were happy to." Fluttershy said.

The friends all joined in a group hug before separating after a short while. It was now darker than it had been previously, and all the friends began to leave. Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Babs Seed had woken up some time prior and had proceeded to talk as Spike continued to slumber deeply.

"Applejack!" Applebloom called. "Do ya think it would be okay if me and Babs stayed with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo for a slumber party tonight?" Applejack chuckled and nodded.

"As long as it's okay with Rarity." Applejack said, looking at the unicorn. She smiled and looked at the fillies.

"Just be prepared to bed down and be extra quiet once we get home." Rarity said. "I'm going to need my sleep after tonight."

"All those fillies at once can be a hassle." Fluttershy said quietly to Rarity. "Would you like me to come help you keep them in check until you get to the boutique? It's on the way to my cottage." Rarity nodded.

"That sounds splendid." Rarity said with a smile before turning to Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"Applejack, Rainbow," Rarity said. "I could not be more happy for the two of you. Be sure to come to the boutique and tell me everything about the honeymoon...well...almost everything." Rarity hugged each of them before separating. Fluttershy nodded and did the same.

"Goodnight, Rainbow. Goodnight, Applejack." Fluttershy said. "Be safe." They then turned and walked toward town together, the fillies blazing a trail in front of them. Twilight approached them and smiled warmly.

"Look how far you both have come." Twilight said before wiping a tear from her eye and moving Spike to lay on her back with her magic. "Goodnight. Enjoy your honeymoon together. You both have earned it." Twilight hugged both of them and then took to the skies on her way back to Golden Oaks Library.

Suddenly, from behind, Pinkie Pie wrapped Rainbow and Applejack into a crushing hug, squeezing the air out of the both of them. The pink party pony sobbed happily as she continued to hug them.

"I'm so happy for you guys!" Pinkie exclaimed. "I'm gonna miss the two of you so much!" She let go of them and stepped back, finally giving them both the opportunity to get some air. "I hope you have a super-amazing-amazetastictacular time!"

"Thanks, Pinkie." Applejack said with a smile. "If it wasn't for you, this whole reception would've been a whole lot more boring."

"I was happy to help!" Pinkie said before giving off a yawn. "Now I'm gonna go home and get some sleep." She began to hop away toward Ponyville before turning around. "I'm tired! Can you believe it?!" Rainbow and Applejack laughed before Pinkie waved at them again before turning around once more and continuing on her path.

"Shall we?" Rainbow asked Applejack. The farm mare nodded and walked with herself pressed against Rainbow affectionately.

"Let's take it slow, sugarcube." Applejack said, looking up at the night sky lit up with millions of spectacular stars. "Ah wanna enjoy this." Rainbow nodded and nuzzled Applejack as they walked.

"Fine by me." Rainbow said. "We've got all the time in the world."

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: WHOOO WHEE! That was awesome to write. Took me long enough though, eh? I felt like I should really take my time with this chapter because, hey, it's the WEDDING chapter, and it deserves my focus for a while. This was originally a 23,000+ word chapter, but seeing as how that's a hell of a lot of words to swallow in one sitting, I figured that I'd give you guys a stopping point somewhere in the middle. There's still a little more fun to be had, but sadly we are in fact nearing the end of this tale. I know. Sad, right? Cheers!

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

"Applejack! Hey Applejack, come on, wake up!" Rainbow Dash said excitedly as she whizzed back and forth across their bedroom. Applejack stirred, turned onto her back and slowly opened her eyes. She smiled and chuckled quietly to herself.

"Well hang me up by my hind legs and peg me with apples." Applejack said, the smile not leaving her face. "You're actually wakin' me up this time." The farm mare shook her head and got out of the bed and proceeded to begin making it.

"Well, I can't help it!" Rainbow said, smiling widely before giving Applejack a kiss on the cheek. "I'm excited!"

"Gee, Ah would never have guessed that." Applejack said with a raised eyebrow, smoothing out the sheet on the mattress. She sighed and looked behind her at the window, expecting to see sunlight. Instead she saw only darkness. "Uh...Dash?"

"Yeah?" Rainbow said, moving her saddle bag to rest beside the doorframe.

"What time is it?" Applejack asked.

"Uhm....I think it's sometime after six thirty..." Rainbow said with a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of her head. "I didn't know when the carriage was gonna get here, okay?" Applejack sighed and put a hoof on her forehead before shaking her head.

"Oh, wow." Applejack said.

"What?" Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow.

"Rarity told me that the carriage is arriving at ten this morning, and Ah told ya that last night before we went to bed." Applejack explained.

"No you didn't." Rainbow said plainly.

"Yes Ah did." Applejack countered.

"Seriously, you didn't tell me that." Rainbow said.

"Ah'm tellin' ya Ah did." Applejack said, furrowing her eyebrows and stepping forward.

"And I'm telling you," Rainbow said, also stepping forward. "you didn't."

"Ah said before we went to sleep, and Ah quote, 'The carriage is comin' at ten'!" Applejack said, a frown forming on her face.

"Think about it, Applejack!" Rainbow responded. "I'm me. Do you honestly think that I would have gotten up this early if I had known we wouldn't have to leave until ten?"

"Ah don't mean it like that." Applejack said.

"And what did you mean, Applejack?" Rainbow asked.

"Ah'm merely suggestin' that ya forgot." Applejack said.

"Seriously?!" Rainbow asked. "Please tell me you're joking."

"No, Rainbow, Ah'm serious, Ah-" Applejack stopped herself, her expression softening and her eyes widening, a look of guilt forming in her eyes. "Rainbow, what are we doin'?" Rainbow noticed this and immediately dropped her expression of anger.

"...What do you mean?" Rainbow asked, her voice softening as well.

"Why the hay are we fightin' right now?" Applejack asked. "We just got married last night." Rainbow thought to herself for a few moments.

"Well, I guess passions are just high." Rainbow said. "We both didn't get much sleep last night, so I can see how we'd both be slightly irritable."

"Rainbow, Ah'm sorry." Applejack said guiltily. "Ah was too quick to the draw with ya and Ah didn't consider whether or not Ah did truly tell ya about the carriage last night."

"I'm sorry too, AJ." Rainbow replied, feeling guilty as well. "I was being too hard-headed. Maybe I did really forget."

"Let's not fight again." Applejack said with a loving smile, moving closer to Rainbow. "Our honeymoon begins today, and it's gonna be some the best time we've ever spent together." Rainbow nodded with a smile.

"Yeah!" Rainbow said. "Let's spend it happy." Rainbow then kissed Applejack lovingly on the lips, unable to keep a smile from forming. Applejack smiled into the kiss as well and separated from it.

"Ah wake up this early pretty much every mornin' anyway." Applejack said before nuzzling Rainbow. "Let's finish up makin' this bed so we can go get some breakfast, huh?"

"Sounds good to me." Rainbow said. "I'm starving." Working as a team, Rainbow and Applejack finished making the bed and moved to the kitchen. Applejack brought the ingredients to make pancake batter together in a bowl. Once she was done, she began making pancakes, filling up a plate with a stack while Rainbow sat and waited at the dining room table. The Pegasus began to whistle to herself as she looked around the room. The large window showed that the sun had come up and had begun to shine, shedding light on the land. Rainbow smiled as the warmth spilled through the window onto her.

"Well, now, Ah didn't expect to see you in here so early." Rainbow heard Granny Smith say from behind her. Rainbow turned to see her.

"Oh, hey, Granny." Rainbow said. "Yeah, I woke up a little too early. It turns out the carriage that's gonna take us to Canterlot Gardens isn't coming until ten."

"Well, that gives ya roughly three and a half hours, now don't it?" Granny Smith said. "Whatcha plannin' on doin' until then?" Rainbow Dash shrugged.

"I don't know." Rainbow said. "I guess we'll just chill here and talk. It's gonna kill me not doing anything."

"Time can be used in a number of ways, Rainbow." Granny Smith said. Applejack then came walking from the kitchen, holding a platter of flapjacks between her teeth. She smiled at seeing Granny Smith sitting at the table with Rainbow.

"Well, hey there, Granny." Applejack said with a smile. "Flapjack?"

"Don't mind if Ah do." Granny Smith said. "Just watchin' y'all last night at that party was enough to get me exhausted." Rainbow chuckled.

"Yeah, that was some party, wasn't it?" Rainbow said. "I still can't believe so many things about last night."

"Such as?" Applejack asked with a smile.

"Well, the fact the freakin' Discord showed up, for one." Rainbow said, earning giggles from Granny Smith and Applejack. "But mostly that you got Vinyl Scratch to DJ."

"Well, Ah figured Ah'd pull the wool over your eyes on that one until the reception." Applejack said. "Seemed to me that it was somethin' that woulda been better if it was a surprise."

"Well, it was." Rainbow said, swallowing a bite of her breakfast.

"It's been a while since Ah last saw Princess Celestia." Granny Smith said. "And even longer since Ah last talked to her face to face. She's such a good princess."

"Ah'm really glad she could make it." Applejack said, as she took a bite of her pancake.

"So are y'all excited?" Granny Smith asked, raising an eyebrow. "Y'all are goin' to that five-star Canterlot Gardens place for your honeymoon."

"Oh, I could not be more stoked." Rainbow said with a wide smile. "The food, the staff ready to slave away to fulfill our every last wish..."

"And there's a whole bunch of attractions around the hotel that we could do too." Applejack said. "You know Canterlot. Half of it is a tourist spot."

"Ah definitely envy y'all." Granny Smith said. "But me'n your grandpappy had a good honeymoon. Went all the way up to Fillydelphia. Found us a nice hotel and went and gambled and ate at fine restaurants..." Applejack nodded.

"Ah'm sure y'all had a great time." Applejack said with a warm smile. "Grandpappy was a good stallion."

"What was he like, Granny Smith?" Rainbow asked, smiling. "I hear Applejack talking about him a lot, but I still don't know very much at all about him."

"Rainbow, you'd love him. Oh, he was the greatest stallion Ah ever knew." Granny Smith said with a wistful smile. "Kind, generous, caring and fiercely protective of his family. He'd do anything for us. Ah remember once when Applejack was real little, she was feedin' some ducks at a pond. Well, this little filly walked up to her and pushed her down. Now, Applejack was real little, no more than three years old. Well, the other filly's father went up to Applejack and started blessin' her out because the other child fed him some story that Applejack stole her crackers. Well, my husband went right up to him and punched him so hard he fell onto his back. And the stallion was at least twenty years younger than him! Ah had to stop him from goin' further!" Granny Smith laughed, smiling in fond remembrance. "Ah will forever curse the day a heart attack took him away from us."

"That's awful." Rainbow said sadly, frowning at the old mare. "I'm so sorry."

"Enough about me, though." Granny said, her smile instantly returning. "How's it feel to be an official married couple?"

"It feels...well, it feels like we have a stronger bond than we did before." Rainbow said before looking at Applejack. The farm mare nodded.

"An unbreakable bond." Applejack said, returning the smile.

_____

"C'mon, Dash! The carriage is waitin'!" Applejack yelled as she stood outside the carriage that had just arrived. The earth pony sighed as she looked down at the ground for a moment.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be there in a sec!" Rainbow called from their bedroom window. The Pegasus looked around their bedroom for her pet tortoise and smiled widely once she laid her eyes upon the slow moving reptile. He was en route to his food bowl for his breakfast, having woken up a few minutes prior. Rainbow cantered over to him and gently patted his shell.

"You be good, Tank. Okay? Don't get too crazy." Rainbow stopped and snickered at her words. "A tortoise getting crazy. That's ridiculous." Rainbow nuzzled the tortoise before leaving the room and stopping before Granny Smith, who had taken her usual place knitting in her rocking chair.

"Hey, Granny?" Rainbow said, earning the attention of the old mare before her. "Please be sure Tank gets to go out every day. He gets stir crazy." Granny Smith nodded.

"Alright, sweetie." Granny said before returning to her knitting. Rainbow nodded and turned to leave before stopping once more.

"Oh, and be sure to have Applebloom watch him wherever he goes if he's outside. He can get away a lot quicker than you'd think he can." Rainbow said, rubbing the back of her head.

"Okay, Rainbow." Granny Smiths said with a sigh.

"And make sure he gets only a half-cap of his reptile chow. He bloats in his shell and he gets uncomfortable." Rainbow continued.

"Rainbow, Ah got it." Granny Smith said, raising her eyebrow at Rainbow and smirking. "Get out and have some fun now." Rainbow laughed nervously and nodded.

"Right." Rainbow said before opening the door. "See ya in four days!" The pegasus left the farm house and moved toward her wife.

"About time." Applejack said with a smile. "What took ya?"

"Oh, I just had a few things to take care of." Rainbow said. "Let's hit it!" Rainbow hopped into the carriage, Applejack following suit. They both removed their saddlebags and smiled as they felt the carriage take off.

"Well we're on our way!" Applejack said, putting a fore hoof around Rainbow and kissing her on the cheek. "Are ya excited?" Rainbow nodded happily.

"Hay yeah, I am!" Rainbow said. "What do you want to do first?"

"Well, Ah was thinkin' that after we settle in, we could order some room service and take a small nap." Applejack said. "After that we could check out everything the hotel has to offer. Rarity told me everything. They got a casino, a water park, a small mall, a movie theater and three five star restaurants."

"That's gonna be a lot of money." Rainbow said.

"Rarity said that we can do a lot for free with our passes that we'll be picking up at the front desk." Applejack said with a wide smile. "We get whatever we want at any of the restaurants, free admission to the water park and a free movie at the theater. We have to pay for whatever we get at the mall or do at the casino."

"That's awesome!" Rainbow said. "And room service?"

"Absolutely free." Applejack said with a knowing smile. "And, we get the honeymoon suite on the top floor."

"Goddesses, AJ." Rainbow said. "Even after they pooled their money, this must have cost a fortune!"

"Don't Ah know it." Applejack said. "We've got some amazin' friends."

"This is going to be so awesome. And the uh...honeymoon suite." Rainbow smiled and looked up in a falsely innocent manner. "I wonder why its on the top floor."

"Ya know, that is a good question." Applejack said, going along with Rainbow's joke, rubbing her chin with a forehoof. "Perhaps its because of the pretty night sky."

"Maybe its just cool to be on top." Rainbow said, suddenly sending a devilish smirk Applejack's way, making the farm mare blush.

"There's a hot tub in the suite." Applejack said. "And a pretty large shower."

"Rarity tell you this?" Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow. Applejack nodded.

"She's pretty savvy when it comes to that kinda stuff." Applejack said.

"I can imagine." Rainbow said before leaning in close to Applejack and kissing her on the lips. Applejack closed her eyes and removed her Stetson as she put a fore hoof around Rainbow's lower back and pulled her closer. Rainbow moved her fore hooves up Applejack's back and disconnected the kiss, holding her as closely as she possibly could.

"This is so amazin', it's like..." Applejack said, accepting a loving nuzzle from Rainbow Dash. "It's like a dream come true."

"I know." Rainbow said with a smile, putting her forehead against Applejack's. "I'm so happy that I get to share this with you."

"Ah mean, three weeks ago Ah would have never guessed in a million years that we'd be doin' this together." Applejack said. "Ah actually had a whole honeymoon planned out for us at Sweet Apple Acres." Rainbow's heart melted at hearing this and she smiled.

"Really?" Rainbow said. "Applejack, that's so sweet. And I hardly ever use the word sweet so trust me, I mean it." Applejack giggled and nodded.

"Oh no, Ah ain't questionin' whether or not ya mean it, hun." Applejack said.

"What were we gonna do?" Rainbow asked.

"Well, Ah figured that for one, we could take a few days off." Applejack said with a small chuckle. "We were gonna have a picnic in the fields like we used to, and then we were gonna go dancin' at Swingin' Manes. Then Ah was gonna take ya to Café Du Mane and sit us in the romantic part of the building...Ah know, it's all pretty lame." Applejack smirked and chuckled.

"No." Rainbow said. "Applejack, it's not. That would have been just as good as us going to do this stuff."

"Oh, come on, Dash." Applejack said. "Ah know ya don't mean that."

"Applejack, I do. Seriously." Rainbow said. "Its the thought that counts. I know that is ridiculously cliché, but that is really how I feel about it. I mean, you cared enough to take the time to plan out a honeymoon for us in Ponyville. That really does mean a lot."

"Well, at least now, we can have a proper honeymoon." Applejack said. "Golly, it's been a while since Ah've been up to Canterlot. Ah've only heard about Canterlot Gardens. Its always been that place that ya always hear so many great things about, but ya never think that you'd get to actually go there."

"And we're getting to go there in the best possible way." Rainbow said. "Gee, we're moving fast. Ponyville looks like a little toy town from here." Applejack chuckled and nodded. They both sat for a while and held each other, one mare giving the other an occasional kiss. After what seemed like five minutes, Applejack brightened up significantly.

"We're here, Dash!" Applejack said. "There's Canterlot." Rainbow smiled widely as she looked out the window at the massive city on the side of the mountain. Canterlot Gardens was visible from where they were.

"We'll be arriving in two minutes." One of the carriage operators said. "Prepare your belongings."

"Well, that was quick." Rainbow said. "Even for me. What was that, like, fifteen minutes?"

"Seems like it." Applejack said, grabbing her saddlebag. "Well, ya said it yourself. We are movin' fast." The married mares collected their belongings and waited as the carriage landed in front of the hotel.

It wasn't until Rainbow Dash and Applejack exited the carriage that they began to fully appreciate the splendor of the massive hotel. The intimidating building had a tower-like structure on one side, and a shorter, thicker structure on the other. Both were completely amazing in size and spectacle completely dwarfing any building either of them had ever seen, save for Princess Celestia's Castle. They stood, awestruck at the massive structure as the carriage began to take off behind them.

"Enjoy your stay at Canterlot Gardens." One of the operators said as they flew the carriage was flown back to where it belonged. Rainbow looked at Applejack and Applejack looked at Rainbow. Rainbow laughed as they began to move in the direction of the front door to the hotel. When they arrived inside the building, they were once again, knocked for an aesthetic loop. The massive lobby of the hotel was comparable to Princess Celestia's castle in terms of beauty, with a gigantic, beautiful ceiling painting, adorned with intricate patterns. The walls looked to be marble, and it was beautifully accentuated by the wonderful, shiny tiles on the floor. An amazingly well-sculpted fountain stood in the middle of the lobby.

Even the front desk was massive, able to fit the ten workers comfortably as they attended to their hotel guests. Rainbow Dash and Applejack approached the section of the front desk that only one pony stood at. It was a mother requesting pain medication for her son who had a migraine. After the mother received instructions to go to the gift shop, she left, allowing Applejack and Rainbow to come forward.

"Hello." The unicorn stallion behind the desk said with a kind smile. "Checking in, I presume?" Applejack nodded.

"Yes sir." Applejack said. "And Ah was told to present these passes to you." The stallion took the passes with his magic and held them before him as he read them.

"Ah, Honeymoon Suite Four." He said with a smile. "We've been expecting you. Welcome to Canterlot Gardens, Missus Applejack and Missus Rainbow Dash. Congratulations to the two of you."

"Thank you." Applejack said with a smile.

"Ditto." Rainbow said.

"I'll have a bellhop come and take your bags up." He said before presenting them both with two vouchers. "These vouchers will have to be presented to the employee present at any of the amenities that you choose to use here at Canterlot Gardens."

"Okay." Applejack said with a smile as she watched the bellhop come with a cart to take their belongings up to their room. The attendant then presented her with two card keys.

"Top floor, room four is where you'll be staying." He said with yet another smile. "Welcome to Canterlot Gardens." Applejack and Rainbow nodded at the stallion as they took their card keys and began to move through the lobby. Pleasant music played as they came to a large intersection divided by a massive atrium with the fountain in the center. Inside the atrium were several shops for things such as snacks or items of general convenience. On the right side of the atrium was the area with the mall, the casino and the restaurants. On the left was the tower that housed the hotel rooms. Rainbow and Applejack moved through the atrium toward the entrance to the tower. A large, soundproof door separated the atrium from the large hallway, and as Rainbow Dash opened it, both mares were greeted with a breeze of pleasant, cool air.

Rainbow and Applejack moved down the hall and found the elevators. They entered and before the door closed, a middle-aged couple, a pegasus and a unicorn, walked into the elevator as well. Applejack noticed she was standing by the many buttons.

"What floor?" Applejack asked.

"Twenty-three, please." The stallion said with a smile. Applejack nodded and pressed the button before pressing the button for the top floor. As the elevator began moving, the pegasus mare noticed that Applejack had pressed the top floor button.

"The honeymoon suites, huh?" She said. "Oh, I've heard they're incredible."

"Really?" Rainbow Dash said with a smile. "That's good."

"So the both of you have been married?" The stallion asked. Applejack nodded.

"Yessir!" The farm mare said with a smile.

"So where are your husbands?" He asked. Rainbow and Applejack stopped for a moment and looked at each other before looking at him. "Oh, wait...you're..." He said, gesturing to the two of them. They nodded. "Oh...Oh! I'm sorry."

"It's no big deal." Rainbow said. "We get that kind of thing a lot."

"We weren't discriminating or anything!" The mare said with a heavy blush. "We don't have any problem with fillyfoolers."

"We uh, didn't...say ya did." Applejack said with a raised eyebrow.

"I actually have a-a friend who's homosexual." The stallion said. "Nicest s-stallion you'd ever m-meet."

"It's fine, mister. Really-" Rainbow said, being interrupted by the elevator door dinging as it opened.

"Oh! Here's our floor." The stallion said with a nervous smile as they both moved quickly out of the elevator. "It's been nice talking to you!" They hurried off as if they were being chased by a pack of hungry timber wolves. After the door shut and the elevator began moving again, Rainbow snickered.

"Wow, what a couple of nutbars." Rainbow said with a smirk.

"Ah can see why they acted the way they did." Applejack said. "They've probably had a bad experience with an overly-sensitive fillyfooler couple or something. There are couples out there that would have made the biggest mess out of that simple misunderstanding."

"Well yeah, I don't doubt it." Rainbow said. "But still. It was pretty hilarious. That unicorn looked like he'd seen a ghost beating his dog or something." Applejack giggled.

"Dash, that's horrible!" Applejack said, still giggling. "It was pretty funny, though."

"Geez, fifty five floors." Rainbow said. "We'll probably be able to see half of Equestria."

"That's probably the point." Applejack said. "It's romantic." Applejack nuzzled underneath Rainbow's chin in a way that set her stomach ablaze.

"AJ, you're making it really hard to wait for tonight." Rainbow said, with a smile.

"That's the thing about teasin', sugarcube." Applejack said with a wink. "Makes it better when it actually happens." The line, striking a familiar chord in Rainbow Dash, made the pegasus blush and sigh. Applejack giggled and kissed Rainbow quickly on the lips before looking up at the floor counter. The number finally reached fifty five and the door opened to reveal a long hallway, seemingly able to fit at least fifty rooms. Yet there were only eight total for both sides of the hallway. Rainbow and Applejack moved down the hallway until they came to the last door on the left, room four. They opened the first door to reveal a second, sound-proofed door.

"Wow. That's not obvious at all." Rainbow said with a cheeky look on her face. Applejack laughed and opened the second door to reveal a room for which even the word beautiful did not do justice.

A large bed lay against the right wall. What seemed like twenty pillows lined the back of it, and rose petals were scattered around on top of it. A fillable hot tub lay across from the bed, complete with built in seats and jets. The large bathroom housed a walk in shower that could easily fit five ponies, two sinks and a beautifully constructed toilet.

"Even the toilet's beautiful." Applejack said with a chuckle. The two mares moved out of the bathroom back into the bedroom. A sliding glass door opened to reveal a large patio with a cushioned couch and an adjustable screen to block out bugs. A small locker sat outside, holding scented candles and small blankets. Rainbow and Applejack eventually moved back into the main bedroom and looked at the bed.

"You wanna get on it first?" Applejack asked.

"Uh..." Rainbow said. "But...its so nicely done."

"Yeah." Applejack said. "Ah probably couldn't even try to learn how to make our bed at home like that." Rainbow stopped herself for a moment and looked at Applejack in disbelief.

"What are we saying?!" Rainbow said. "Let's go!" The pegasus jumped into the bed and immediately relaxed with a deep sigh. Applejack shrugged and jumped onto the bed next to Rainbow Dash. Applejack could see how her wife could so easily begin to unwind. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, conforming to their body shapes and providing the most excellent level of comfort.

"Yeah, forget that room service." Rainbow said with a small smile, snuggling into Applejack. "I'll take that nap now."

"Fine with me." Applejack replied, content in her position. She held Rainbow close and they breathed together like they always did as they fell asleep, eagerly awaiting the rest of the fun they'd have at this palace of a hotel.

_____

Rainbow Dash and Applejack walked out of the movie theater, refreshed from their nap together, buzzing about the comedy movie they had just seen. Rainbow Dash laughed as Applejack recalled one of the funniest scenes in the movie.

"Oh yeah, that was great!" Rainbow said. "I'm so glad we picked that one over that stupid romance movie."

"Oh, come on, Dash." Applejack said. "The romance movie wouldn't have been that bad if ya'd just given it a chance."

"Seriously?" Rainbow said, jumping in front of Applejack and walking backwards. "This is me we're talking about."

"It was about a couple of childhood sweethearts who had broken up and moved to different parts of Equestria, only to be brought back together again by chance! Tell me you don't think that sounds like a good plot line." Applejack said before taking on a sinister knowing expression. "Besides, Ah've known you to be darn romantic when the time is right." Rainbow Dash blushed heavily.

"Hey, come on!" Rainbow said, defiant and flustered. "That's only on s-special occasions!"

"Really? 'Cuz that ain't the song you sing when ya hold me in bed right after we-" Applejack began.

"Okay, okay, okay! Keep your voice down, alright?" Rainbow huffed as she continued to walk backwards. "Fine. I guess when the time is right, I can be- oof!" The pegasus was interrupted in her speech by backing up into a gigantic earth pony stallion. Rainbow turned around to face him.

"Watch where you're going!" He said angrily.

"Well geez, sorry, jerk!" Rainbow said. "Everypony makes mistakes! You'd figure that ponies in Canterlot would be more courteous and understanding."

"I'm from Las Pegasus." He said through gritted teeth.

"Oh yeah?" Rainbow said with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. "I heard that ponies from Las Pegasus can't fight."

"Wanna find out?" The monstrous stallion said through gritted teeth. "I don't have a problem fighting little boys." This infuriated Rainbow Dash as she shoved him, sending the massive hunk of muscle back several steps. The stallion looked at Rainbow surprised, seeing as how she was about half his size.

"Let's go outside." Rainbow responded fearlessly. "I don't wanna get your teeth all over this nice clean floor." Applejack immediately stepped between them and pushed Rainbow Dash away.

"Dash, it ain't worth it." Applejack said before turning to the stallion. "We'll be leavin' now, sir." The stallion chuckled with pride.

"What, you protecting your little girlfriend there?" He asked with a sneer.

"She's my wife." Applejack said. "And no. Ah'm protectin' you." With that, Rainbow and Applejack left the stallion with a dumbfounded look on his face.

"Ha! Did you see his face?" Rainbow asked. "He was totally scared."

"Ah'm disappointed in you, Dash." Applejack said with a sigh.

"What?" Rainbow said in disbelief. "But that jerk called me a-"

"Ah know what he called you and it made me mad too." Applejack said. "But you still shouldn't be goin' around pickin' fights."

"I wanted to teach him a lesson." Rainbow said. "He was nothing but a bully."

"Rainbow, do you realize that ya could have gotten us kicked out of the hotel?" Applejack asked. "Not to mention payin' his hospital bills."

"I wouldn't have messed him up that bad." Rainbow said with a huff.

"That don't make it any less of a dumb thing to do." Applejack responded. "Ah mean, how hard is it to just apologize and walk away for once?"

"Well, if he didn't yell at me like he did in the first place I would have." Rainbow said.

"Rainbow, sometimes ya just gotta be the better pony." Applejack said. Rainbow looked to the side, hurt by what Applejack was saying to her.

"I thought you'd be on my side." Rainbow said.

"Ah am on your side, darlin'." Applejack said. "Look Dash, Ah know that he deserved whatever ya would've given to him, but you're just so overzealous that sometimes the reigns need to be pulled in a little. And until ya learn how to do it for yourself, Ah'll be doin' it for you. It's only because Ah love you."

"You don't control me." Rainbow said. Applejack stifled a loud groan of frustration.

"Ah didn't mean that by what Ah said." Applejack said to Rainbow. "You're not gettin' my meaning here." Rainbow thought for a moment and sighed.

"No, AJ." Rainbow said. "I get it. That was just my stupid pride fussing at me. I appreciate what you do."

"Ah do it all for you, Rainbow." Applejack said before giving Rainbow a small nuzzle. Rainbow returned it before turning to a large directory.

"So, what do you want to do next?" Rainbow asked. Applejack looked up at the large directory and thought for a moment.

"How about we hit the waterpark and go to dinner after?" Applejack suggested.

"Sounds awesome." Rainbow said. "I love water slides."

"Ah've heard a lot of good stuff about wavepools myself." Applejack said.

They left the directory and moved through the recreational area of Canterlot Gardens, coming to a door leading outside to the waterpark. The large area was fenced in and contained several jubilant attractions such as water slides, and of course, a wavepool.

"Let's go!" Rainbow said happily before she moved through the door and presented her voucher to the attendant at the stand. Applejack followed suit and they were both allowed entry, leaving their vouchers and Applejack's Stetson in the booth for safe keeping.

"So, what do ya wanna do first?" Applejack asked.

"How about he hit a few water slides?" Rainbow asked as she looked around. She brightened up at the sight of one particular slide. "That one!" The slide she pointed to was a massive, straight shot down into a pool. It was at least a hundred feet, enough to terrify any pony. Applejack's pupils shrunk to pinpricks.

"Th-That one?" Applejack asked, trying to mask her fear. "Well, uh...how about we go to the wavepool first? We can just relax and unwind a bit before goin' to the slides."

"We unwinded when we took a nap in the room. What's the matter, AJ?" Rainbow asked. "You scared?"

"No!" Applejack immediately replied, defiance present in her voice. "Ah just...uh..."

"If you're not scared, then you shouldn't have a problem going first." Rainbow said, obviously aware of her wife's sudden phobia. The farm mare gulped and nodded before taking on a pathetically false expression of confidence.

"Yeah." Applejack said. "No problem." They then moved through the water park, Applejack observing the ponies relaxing in the wavepool, silently wishing she were in their place right now, instead of marching to her watery doom. Applejack had never really had a problem with heights before when she was on a stable platform, such as Twilight Sparkle's hot air balloon, and she had already soared towards the ground from incredible heights at ridiculous speed, thanks to Rainbow's impromptu ride on one of their dates some time prior. But she had never done it through water.

Water.

That was the problem. Applejack feared that the water would cause her to fly off the slide to her death, or to cause her to tumble down the slide and possibly break her neck. As she watched ponies go down the slide, she saw that it was over in a matter of three seconds. By the time Rainbow Dash could notice she was in trouble, there was a good chance that she wouldn't have been able to save her in time, had the situation have Odorned dire.

Applejack hadn't even noticed that they were nearly three-quarters up the set of stairs leading to the entrance to the demonic slide. Applejack gulped as she scaled the stairs, Rainbow following after her.

"You know, your flank actually looks better when you're scared." Rainbow said with a small chuckle. "I can't wait for Nightmare Night."

"You shut it." Applejack said with a gulp. "Ah ain't scared."

"If you're not scared, I'm not a pegasus." Rainbow said.

"Well then, Ah guess you're not a pegasus."

"Well what am I then?"

"An idiot."

"Nice comeback."

Applejack sighed as she entered the area where the slide began. A teenage colt sat in the opening, eager to have his turn on the slide. Applejack looked at the water, rushing from a spout at the top of the slide. She quickly turned to her wife, a nervous look on her face.

"Okay. Okay, Dash. Ah'm scared, okay?" Applejack said. "Ah can't do this."

"Woah, AJ." Rainbow said. "What are you scared of? You've been through worse. Remember when we-"

"Yeah, Ah remember our date." Applejack said quickly. "It's just the water."

"Huh?" Rainbow asked.

"Ah don't know why, but the water is makin' me really nervous." Applejack said. "Let's just go to the wavepool. Ah can't do this."

"Applejack, come on." Rainbow said. "You'll be okay."

"Rainbow, Ah-"

"Applejack, I know you can do this, alright?" Rainbow said, putting a hoof on Applejack's shoulder. Applejack looked at her wife. The smug, knowing look she had was replaced by one of tender encouragement. "If there's one pony I know who can see this through to the end, it's you. Now, if you really don't think you can do this, we can get down from here and go to the wavepool. But I have faith in you. I'll even go first." Applejack looked around for a moment, looked down at the slide and Rainbow again and sighed.

"Okay." Applejack said. "Let's do it."

Rainbow moved in front of Applejack and kissed her on the cheek.

"We'll be fine." Rainbow said with a smile.

"Next." The attendant said. Rainbow moved up and sat on the start of the slide. The attendant addressed her. "Okay, what you need to do is lay back and cross your fore hooves over your chest. Under no circumstances do you lean forward on the way down. Remain in that position until you come to a rest in the pool at the bottom. Have fun!" Rainbow turned around to Applejack, smiled and winked.

"You're all clear." The attendant said. "Go ahead." Rainbow pushed herself forward and down as she sped down the slide. Rainbow let out a happy cheer as she descended rapidly. Applejack gulped as the attendant ushered her forward. "Next." He said. Applejack felt breathless as she moved forward and sat where Rainbow had been seconds prior.

"As you go down the slide, lay back and fold your front hooves over your chest coffin-style." Applejack did not appreciate the name he gave the position. "Do not lean forward for any reason. Have fun!" Moments passed before he turned to Applejack. "Go ahead."

Applejack huffed loudly and frowned as she pushed herself forward. She changed her mind as she began to move faster, but it was already too late. The water was already carrying her, and she was on the way down. Her fearful shout turned into a fright filled scream as she sped rapidly toward the pool at the bottom of the slide. Within seconds, it was over, and the water of the pool was enveloping her. Applejack came up out of the water with a gasp, her legs trembling, her eyes widened. Rainbow snickered.

"So?" Rainbow asked. "How'd you like it?" Applejack turned toward Rainbow and breathed heavily.

"Let's go again!"

_____

The day at the water park went by almost as quickly as Rainbow Dash and Applejack had traveled downward on that waterslide. They hadn't stuck around the first slide all day, of course, as they went to the wavepool, the synthetic beach and several different, less extreme slides. Rainbow Dash smiled widely as she and Applejack entered their suite, the pegasus shutting the door behind them.

"Gosh, that was fun!" Applejack exclaimed happily, putting her Stetson on the bed. "Ah didn't think Ah'd love it so much!"

"Well what did you expect?" Rainbow asked, ambling over to her wife. "It's a waterpark."

"Ah've never been to a waterpark before." Applejack said. "So Ah guess Ah really didn't know what to expect." Rainbow stopped in her tracks and a look of sympathy came over her features.

"Oh, Applejack." Rainbow said. "You've never been to a waterpark?" Applejack simply shook her head.

"Never." The farm mare replied.

"That's terrible!" Rainbow said. "Why?"

"Ah've always been workin' on the farm, and we've never exactly had the funds to do anything like this." Applejack explained. "It's fine, though. Ah can get by just fine without such things, but it's darn good that Ah have 'em now. Especially since you're here to share 'em with me." Rainbow smiled.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Rainbow said, wrapping Applejack into a hug and giving her a kiss on the lips.

"Well yeah," Applejack said with a smirk. "Ya did marry me after all."

"Alright, smartflank." Rainbow said with a snicker before letting Applejack go. "I'm gonna go get a shower before we go eat. You are welcome to join me." Applejack smiled.

"Don't mind if Ah do!" Applejack quipped as she and Rainbow walked through the bathroom. They stepped into the shower and Rainbow turned the nozzle, giving them an instant spray of hot water to enjoy.

"This is amazin'." Applejack said, feeling the water on her. "The showerhead is so big, we don't even have to try to share it."

"What's wrong with sharing?" Rainbow asked her wife, to which the farm mare chuckled.

"Ya got a point there." Applejack said.

"I can spin around in here!" Rainbow said with a laugh, doing what she said. "I mean, this is the coolest shower ever!"

"Don't ya mean the hottest?" Applejack asked with a smirk, moving closer to Rainbow.

"Oh you are just asking for it." Rainbow said as Applejack pushed her gently against the wall. Rainbow planted a loving kiss on Applejack's lips, immediately slipping her tongue against her wife's. Applejack smiled into the kiss and reciprocated the motion. Applejack disconnected from the kiss and began sucking on Rainbow Dash's neck, remembering that this was one of the pegasus' sweet spots. Rainbow panted as she moved a hoof down to Applejack's flank before beginning to knead the firm, smooth muscle. Applejack took her mouth away from Rainbow's neck and gasped.

"Dash..." Applejack said.

"Hmm?" Rainbow responded.

"Ah got a...challenge for ya." The farm mare said. "Just a fun...little thing we can do."

"Oh, you know I love these kinds of challenges." Rainbow said. "Bring it." Applejack quickly removed herself away from Rainbow Dash, letting the pegasus fall on all four hooves once more. "Aw, what the hay?"

"You seem pretty eager to get busy, Dash." Applejack said with a raised eyebrow, and a heavy blush present on her cheeks.

"Well, yeah, we are on our honeymoon." Rainbow said with a small laugh.

"Well, if you can resist doin' anything sexy with my until a time of my choosin', while we're here on our honeymoon, we can do whatever you want, whenever you want, wherever you want, within the bounds of reason, of course." Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows and smiled.

"Are you serious?" Rainbow asked.

"As serious as a heart attack." Applejack said with a smile. Rainbow eagerly nodded.

"You're on." Rainbow said with a small scoff. "I've just gotta resist you? This is gonna be easy as pie."

"Or so ya think, Dash." Applejack said with a wink as she undid her hair ties and shook her beautiful mane and tail out. Just the way she looked made Rainbow Dash weak in the knees. The farm mare then began slowly washing her body all over, putting extra emphasis on washing her flank right in front of the already aroused pegasus.

'This is gonna be a long wait.' Rainbow thought to herself with a small gulp.

_____

Applejack and Rainbow Dash, refreshed from their shower, walked into one of the three restaurants available in the hotel and stopped in front of the hostess. The place was quaint enough, with a decent atmosphere of warm lights and dark red booths. This restaurant also happened to be the least populated, only serving about ten ponies when it could house one hundred.

"How many tonight?" The bright blue unicorn asked with a smile.

"Two, ma'am." Rainbow replied. "Preferably a booth." The unicorn nodded and grabbed two menus from the holder behind her with her magic.

"Well, we just so happen to have a lot of those." She said. "This way please." She began, leading Rainbow and Applejack through the restaurant, to a rather secluded booth in one side of the restaurant. Applejack took the opportunity to give Rainbow's flank a quick slap, making the pegasus squeak in alarm. Rainbow quickly turned to Applejack, wide-eyed in disbelief.

"Why you little..." Rainbow whispered, narrowing her eyes. Applejack merely looked away and whistled innocently. The hostess seated them at their booth and smiled at the both of them.

"Your waiter will be with you shortly." She said. "Enjoy your stay!" After the hostess had left them, Rainbow leaned forward over the table.

"What's the big idea?" Rainbow asked.

"Whatever do you mean?" Applejack replied, smiling to herself.

"You know exactly what I mean, you little tease!" Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow. "You think just a little smack on the behind is gonna make me lose? You'd best reconsider your plan of action." Applejack chuckled mutely.

"Rainbow Dash, you have no idea what Ah have planned." Applejack said as she leaned forward also, bringing her mouth dangerously close to Rainbow's. Applejack then gave Rainbow a quick kiss on the cheek before sitting back just in time for the waiter to arrive, with Rainbow still leaning forward on the table.

"Uhm...I can come back." The earth pony asked.

"Oh, no sir. We're ready for ya." Applejack said with a small smile. "She's just weird."

"Hey!" Rainbow said, as she quickly sat back.

"Alright then." The waiter said. "Can I take your drink orders?"

"Ah'll have a tea, Ah guess." Applejack said.

"Same here." Rainbow stated. "I'll have a lemon in mine."

"Okay." The waiter said. "I'll be right back with those drinks." Rainbow sighed and sunk in her seat slightly.

"That was witty of you." Rainbow said as her brows furrowed, sarcasm lacing her words.

"Wasn't it?" Applejack asked with a small smile. "Ah thought it was pretty good." They both proceeded to look at their menus to find what they wanted. After a short while, Rainbow spoke up.

"What made you want to do this little challenge thing anyways?" Rainbow asked.

"Oh well, it's our honeymoon, and since honeymoons are pretty much there for havin' fun, Ah figured we could have a little fun with this." Applejack said.

"Do I look like I'm having fun right now?" Rainbow said, sitting up again, smiling and raising an eyebrow. "After your little show in the shower, you're lucky I didn't lock you in that room with me all night." Applejack smiled at her.

"What stopped ya?" Applejack asked.

"That reward." Rainbow said with a saucy smirk. "The ability to do whatever with you, whenever, wherever..."

"Within reason." Applejack asked. "Ah mean, ya can't just take me in the middle of a crowd of ponies, ya know." Rainbow laughed.

"Yeah, yeah I know." Rainbow said as she giggled. As Rainbow said this, the waiter returned with their drinks and set them in front of them.

"Are you guys ready to order your food?" The waiter asked, removing his pad and placing it on the table.

"Yeah, I'll have the Daffodil burger with hay fries." Rainbow said.

"And Ah'll take the mushroom and provolone sandwich with hay fries as well." Applejack said.

"Fantastic." The waiter said. "Your food will be out shortly." As they sat and waited, Rainbow piped up again.

"I wonder what it would be like..." Rainbow said.

"What's that, sugar?" Applejack asked.

"If you and me actually did do it in the middle of a crowded place." Rainbow said candidly. Applejack giggled.

"Well, Ah'd think that more than a few stallions and mares would stop to enjoy the show." Applejack said, still giggling. "But after about five minutes, we'd probably be arrested, put in jail and shunned by everypony we know and love for the rest of our natural lives."

"Wow." Rainbow said. "You think of all that in the past ten seconds?" Applejack looked at her and nodded.

"Ah was actually thinkin' about it while we were orderin'." Applejack said with a quick wink.

Dinner came after a short while. The food was excellent, both mares enjoying every bite thoroughly. They continued to chat happily with one another, spouting witty banter back and forth like they were born to do it. But Rainbow and Applejack had always had that level of chemistry with one another. The romance in the air between the two mares was unmistakable, the waiter even catched onto it. He didn't say anything about it though. He just gave them a knowing smile. Rainbow and Applejack left the restaurant to return to their room and arrived at some short time after midnight. Rainbow sighed and moved through the suite and opened the patio door before walking out and sitting on the couch on the balcony. Applejack smiled and walked after her.

The farm mare sat next to the pegasus and smiled at her.

"So why'd ya come out here so suddenly?" Applejack asked before giving Rainbow a gentle kiss on the corner of her mouth. "Without even invitin' me?"

"Because I knew that you'd be doing this." Rainbow said as she went rigid, feeling Applejack's fore hoof rub up and down her chest. It took everything the pegasus had not to throw Applejack down and have her way with her.

"You're very...." Applejack said before giving Rainbow a deep kiss, swiping the cyan mare's lower lip with her tongue. She separated. "Intuitive."

"And you're sadistic." Rainbow said with a small shiver. Applejack giggled before settling in next to Rainbow and giving out a long sigh. She looked up at the moon.

"Maybe Princess Luna knew we'd be out here tonight." Applejack said as she looked up at the gorgeous moon.

"Maybe." Rainbow replied.

"Maybe that's why its so pretty." Applejack responded.

"Hey AJ?" Rainbow asked, putting her fore hoof on Applejack's. "Can I...ask you something?"

"Sure, darlin'." Applejack said. "Fire away."

"Do you...um...think I'm pretty?" Rainbow asked timidly, sounding much more like Fluttershy than her normal self. The question took Applejack completely off-guard.

"Uh...what?" Applejack asked Rainbow, looking away from the moon at her. The light illuminated Rainbow's face, showing her looking to the side and blushing.

"I know it's really random, okay?" Rainbow said. "Can you just...tell me?"

"What the hay kinda stupid question is that?" Applejack asked, a slight tone of anger to her words. "Of course Ah do! Why are ya askin' me this? Ah've never known you to care about bein' pretty."

"It's just..." Rainbow said, looking at Applejack before looking away just as quickly. "Forget it. It's stupid."

"No it's not, Dash." Applejack said. "Why did ya ask me that?" Rainbow's blush intensified.

"It's just what that jerk said today..." Rainbow said. "That I look like a boy..."

"Rainbow, why are ya lettin' what he said get to you?" Applejack asked. "Ah mean, did ya see the way ya had him intimidated?"

"Well yeah, but...It's not just him." Rainbow said.

"Who else?" Applejack asked.

"Well...no one in particular, really." Rainbow said with a sigh. "It's just...I've always been the tomboy of our group. Everypony expects me to act like a jock..."

"Well don't ya like sports and flyin' and fightin' and all that stuff?" Applejack asked.

"Of course I do." Rainbow said. "I'm just slapped with the label all the time, and...all those times you and Rarity told me that I need to go to the spa..."

"Rainbow, Ah wasn't tryin' to hurt your feelings with that. Neither was Rarity." Applejack said.

"I know, I know." Rainbow said. "It's just been a...buildup of things, you know?"

"Rainbow, Ah had no idea..." Applejack said, sadness filling her being for her wife who apparently had less self-esteem than she led ponies to believe.

"I mean, I can't change who I am. I love going on adventures and beating danger and fighting and all that boyish stuff. It's just..." Rainbow said. "I...I wouldn't mind being called pretty once and a while. Like you."

"What do you mean?" Applejack asked.

"I look at you and I see the most beautiful mare, no, the most beautiful pony I've ever seen. I look at myself in the mirror and I see just plain old Rainbow Dash." Rainbow said. "I just wish I were pretty like you, Applejack." Applejack's heart broke for her wife, who sat before her forlorn and vulnerable. Rainbow Dash, who seemed to have more confidence than anypony else on a regular basis. Applejack noticed something at that moment. Before her sat the most beautiful mare she had ever seen.

"Rainbow." Applejack said as she brought a fore hoof to Rainbow's chin, and gently turned her wife's head toward her. "When ya say that you're not pretty...that is the stupidest thing Ah've ever heard. You don't think you're beautiful because you've been lookin' at yourself in the mirror your whole life."

"But Apple-"

"Now, you let me finish." Applejack said sternly. "Looking at you now, Ah can see so many attributes that make you beautiful. Your amazing rainbow mane and tail, Ah've never seen any others like it. You're smooth blue coat. It's the same color as the sky, Dash. And the sky is..."

"Pretty..." Rainbow said with a small smile and a blush.

"Your eyes..." Applejack said, brushing Rainbow's mane away gently. "They're so bright and vibrant. Every time Ah look into them, Ah see two beautiful roses." Rainbow's eyes filled with tears.

"And those are just a couple features." Applejack said. "Ah'm not even gonna bring up how you're in better shape than any other pony Ah've ever seen." Rainbow giggled quietly. "My point is, Rainbow Dash, you are beautiful. No matter what you think, no matter what others say." Applejack put her fore hooves on Rainbow's. "And Ah love you." Rainbow wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled widely at Applejack.

"I love you too." Rainbow said before wrapping her forelegs around Applejack's shoulders and pulling her into a deep, loving kiss. Applejack smiled and returned the kiss. For five minutes they sat and kissed each other happily. Applejack separated from the kiss and smiled at Rainbow Dash.

"Ya know what?" Applejack asked with a smirk.

"What?" Rainbow responded before giving Applejack another small kiss.

"The challenge is over." Applejack said. "You win." Rainbow's eyes widened.

"Really?" Rainbow asked. Applejack nodded. "Okay, thank Celestia, because I was about to take you in there and throw you on that bed." Applejack giggled and stood before Rainbow.

"Well now, Ah can save ya the trouble." Applejack said, looking back at Rainbow Dash as she strode back into the suite. The pegasus did a small victory dance and walked inside to find Applejack laying on the bed.

"Ready when you are, sugarcube." Applejack said saucily. Rainbow smiled widely.

"Just a sec." Rainbow said, moving quickly over to the hot tub. She turned the handle and the water began filling from several spouts in the sides of the tub. "Figured I'd have it ready for us."

"Good idea." Applejack said. "Can ya think of anything we could do while it fills up?"

"Well let me go ahead and think about that..." Rainbow said, taking on a thinker position. "We're newly married and here on our honeymoon in one of the honeymoon suites of Canterlot Gardens and you're laying on the bed in front of me in a sexy position...Nope. I haven't got a bucking clue." Applejack laughed as Rainbow bounded for her and jumped onto the bed. Rainbow hungrily and passionately kissed Applejack, immediately slipping her tongue into her wife's mouth, Applejack doing the same. Rainbow's hooves moved up and down Applejack's body, groping it in all the right places. Applejack moaned into the kiss and separated. Applejack moved away from Rainbow Dash and turned around before sticking her flank up in the air.

"Ah know you've been waitin' for this." Applejack said, looking back at Rainbow with a witty smirk. The farm mare moved her tail to the side, exposing her sex to her wife.

"You know it." Rainbow replied as she moved forward and began rubbing Applejack's slit with one of her fore hooves and rubbing her flank with the other. Applejack moaned and panted, blushing heavily as Rainbow Dash performed her service. Rainbow smiled widely as she moved up to rub Applejack's clitoris. She gave Applejack's vulvae a swift lick, briefly dipping her tongue inside. Applejack silenced her moan with a pillow. Rainbow giggled and leaned down to whisper in Applejack's ear.

"These suites are spaced out for a reason, AJ." Rainbow said. "We can be as loud as we want." Applejack took Rainbow's advisement and let her moan out as Rainbow licked her sex once again. Rainbow gave Applejack's flank a slap, making the farm mare cry out.

"Oh, Dash!" Applejack said breathlessly. "This is amazin'...Ah'm...Agh!" She yelled out again as Rainbow put pressure on her sex before releasing. Applejack continued to pant heavily and moan in time with Rainbow's movements. Rainbow leaned forward and kissed one of Applejack's laid back ears.

"It's alright, AJ." Rainbow said. "You can let it go."

"Ah know, Dash...Ah'm...Ah'm..." Applejack couldn't finish her sentence as she let out a moan that was louder than the others, signifying her climax. Applejack panted as her ejaculate leaked across Rainbow Dash's fore hoof. After it stopped, Rainbow laid on her back and began rubbing her own sex, seeing as how she had become quite wet herself, spreading her legs widely in an erotic display for her wife. She moaned as Applejack turned around. The sight of Rainbow on her back, waiting for her with spread legs, aroused her to no end.

"My turn, Applejack." Rainbow said with a devilish smirk. Applejack quickly lowered her mouth to where it hovered above Rainbow's slit. Rainbow's wings unfurled in a show of excitement as she removed her hoof, allowing Applejack access. The farm mare took Rainbow's entire marehood into her mouth and slid her tongue between the folds, empowered by the state of euphoria she experienced from pleasuring her love. Rainbow gasped and threw her head back as she began to grind her sex into Applejack's mouth. The farm mare moaned as she serviced her wife, the vibrations from the sound giving Rainbow another sensation on top of the direct one she was receiving from Applejack.

"Applejack...You're really-nya!-good at this..." Rainbow said with a smile. Applejack removed her mouth from Rainbow's sex and rubbed it with a fore hoof rapidly.

"Nothin' but the best for you, darlin'." Applejack responded before moving up over Rainbow Dash.

"Applejack, what are you- Ah!" Rainbow cried out as Applejack, in one swift motion, began rubbing Rainbow's sex with one forehoof and rubbed Rainbow's right wing at the base with the other. Rainbow pushed her sex into Applejack's hoof as she started to lose her mind. "Oh my Goddesses..." Rainbow said breathlessly as she felt herself approaching her peak. Rainbow cried out loudly as she was swept up by her orgasm. Her body trembled as her liquids lightly played over Applejack's fore hoof. As Rainbow Dash descended from cloud nine, Applejack looked over at the hot tub, which had a good amount of water in it.

"Looks like the tub's full." Applejack said. "Shall we?" Rainbow looked at her and nodded.

"Sounds great." Rainbow said as they both stood and moved to the hot tub. They both got in and Rainbow pressed a button, activating the jets. They both immediately relaxed and held each other closely.

"This is great." Applejack said. "Just you and me...this hot tub..." Rainbow kissed Applejack deeply on the lips and smiled.

"You know..." Rainbow said, giving Applejack a kiss on her jawline. "I feel an awful lot like ravaging my bride right now." Rainbow then moved the both of them up onto the side of the hot tub, which comfortably held Applejack on her back.

"Oh, still feelin' it, are ya?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow as she spread her legs. "Well, don't leave me layin' here." Rainbow smirked and lowered herself onto Applejack, spreading her legs as well. "Oh, so we're doin' that, huh?" Rainbow nodded. Applejack moved her legs to where Rainbow's interlocked with her own and their flowers were only inches apart.

Rainbow wasted no time in pushing her marehood against Applejack's, both their lower lips providing the feel of the other. Rainbow leaned over Applejack and smiled down at her as she gyrated her hips. Applejack blushed and smiled up at her wife, who looked down at her with an expression of pure love. Applejack moaned as she began to move her hips against Rainbow's subtly, but letting Rainbow have control of the act. Rainbow gradually increased the speed of her thrusting, the ever intensifying friction escalating the sensation for the two of them. Applejack put her hooves on Rainbow's shoulders as their tribadism continued to speed up.

"Rainbow, Ah'm...gettin' close here!" Applejack said before gasping, feeling the onset of her orgasm.

"Me too." Rainbow said. "Let's do it together." They continued in their motions, a mute smacking sound coming from below them. Rainbow's tail flicked as she climaxed, letting out a cry. Seconds later, Applejack was wrapped up into her own orgasm. They rode out their orgasm together, panting and moaning. Applejack closed her eyes, breathless, a blush overtaking her face. To her surprise, Rainbow picked her up and pushed her against the tiled wall that the hot tub sat alongside. The pegasus continued to rub her marehood against Applejack's

"Rainbow -AGH!" Applejack said, "What are ya doin'?" Rainbow kissed Applejack deeply on the mouth and licked the corner of the farm mare's lips lightly before snickering.

"Ravaging you." Rainbow said between breaths. Rainbow continued to increase her speed, rubbing her sex on Applejack's faster and faster, driving the both of them insane with pleasure.

"Rainbow! Ah cant...take much more!" Applejack said, wrapping her hind legs around Rainbow's flank.

"Me neither!" Rainbow said as she climaxed once more, letting out a cry louder than any she had produced that night. Applejack did the same as she had another orgasm as well. They rode out their orgasms, kissing each other deeply, both their ears laid back. Panting heavily, they both sat back into the bubbling water for a moment before Applejack spoke up.

"Dash..." Applejack said. "We...need to cool down." Rainbow nodded in agreement.

"Yeah." Rainbow said. "This water's ridiculous."

Both mares exited the hot tub and dried themselves off, the water from the hot tub quickly cooling with the air and relaxing both mares. After they were both completely dry, they both climbed into the bed and held each other tightly. They laid there in the bed for a while, kissing each other lovingly. As they held each other so closely and kissed, Applejack stroked Rainbow's mane with affection like she always did. The pegasus separated from the kiss and smiled at Applejack, letting her pure love for her wife show on her facial features.

"Oh, Goddesses, I am in paradise." Rainbow said as Applejack kissed her on the cheek.

"I feel the same way, Dash." Applejack responded.

"This is gonna be a great four days." Rainbow said with a content smile.

"Agreed." Applejack said before snuggling into Rainbow's chest. "Ah love you so much, Rainbow Dash."

"I love you too, Applejack." Rainbow responded. "You're the best thing that has ever happened to me."

"Ah'm just so glad you're my wife now." Applejack said. "We've got so much ahead of us."

"And we'll conquer it all. Just you and me." Rainbow said before turning around. "Goodnight, Applejack."

"Good night, Rainbow." Applejack said, wrapping her forelegs around Rainbow and snuggling into her from behind. The two married mares let sleep encompass them, both of them ready for the next day of this amazing getaway.

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Whooo-WHEE! Out of all the steamy chapters I've written, that one has got to be the steamiest! But no one can deny, things get damn steamy on the honeymoon. This chapter actually turned out to be a lot longer than I thought it was going to be. Well, that's it for this one! Cheers!

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

"Thank you for staying at Canterlot Gardens for your honeymoon." The same unicorn attendant that checked Rainbow Dash and Applejack into the hotel said to the married couple as they checked out of the hotel. "We hope to see you again soon!" Rainbow and Applejack nodded at him before moving toward the exit of the hotel.

"Yeeeah, Ah don't think that's gonna be happenin' anytime soon." Applejack said quietly to Rainbow with a small chuckle. They had both found out the exorbitant price of their getaway together had been completely shocked by it. Rainbow nodded.

"All the same..." Rainbow said with a wistful sigh as she looked back at the huge, beautiful lobby they were leaving behind. "I'm gonna miss this place. If we get the opportunity to come here again at a reduced price or something, we definitely should.

"Ah agree." Applejack said. "This was an awful lot of fun." The automatic doors shut behind them.

"The thing I'll miss the most though..." Rainbow said before giving Applejack a swift kiss on the cheek. "Is the privacy." Applejack felt weak in the knees as she remembered all the things she and Rainbow did behind the closed doors of their honeymoon suite, among other places seeing as how Rainbow had won her little challenge.

"Dash, we can find plenty of private places back in Ponyville." Applejack said. "We have before."

"Good point." Rainbow said as she opened the door to the carriage that waited for them. "After you, my dear." Applejack giggled.

"Why thank you, my sweet." Applejack responded before entering the carriage. Rainbow Dash sighed happily as she entered the carriage and shut the door behind her.

"Even though Canterlot Gardens is pretty much the definition of awesome, I've got to admit, I've missed Ponyville." Rainbow said. "Mostly for our friends. I miss Pinkie Pie's ridiculously powerful hugs...Don't tell anyone I said that." Applejack laughed.

"Ah won't, hun." Applejack said. "Ah miss all our friends too. But Ah also miss our family a lot. Ah miss Big Mac's 'Eeeyup'." Applejack put an extra deep tone on her voice to attempt to match her brother's bass voice. She didn't even come close.

"I miss that little cute look on Applebloom's face anytime you joke around with her." Rainbow said. "She's so adorable!...Don't tell anyone I said that." Applejack laughed heartily and shook her head as the carriage began moving toward Ponyville.

"Well looks like we're off." Applejack said.

"And if these guys are as fast as the first guys, we'll be touching down in about twenty minutes." Rainbow said with a wide smile. The pegasus' eyes widened suddenly before she groaned and threw her head back.

"What's wrong, Dash?" Applejack asked as she wrapped a foreleg around her wife.

"I just remembered that I have Weather Patrol tomorrow..." Rainbow said.

"You don't usually mind weather patrol." Applejack said as she raised an eyebrow.

"Applejack, tomorrow's calling for straight sunshine." Rainbow explained. "Don't you get it?"

"No." Applejack responded. Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"Look out the window, AJ." Rainbow said. Applejack did and saw exactly why the pegaus was so dreading the next day. An overcast of dark clouds was moving straight toward Ponyville. It would rain that night and the pegasi on Weather Patrol, including Rainbow Dash, would have to destroy every single one of the puffy nightmares the next morning.

"Ah see what ya mean." Applejack said, a frown forming on her face.

"Yeah, talk about your rude awakening." Rainbow said, crossing her forehooves.

"How about Ah give ya a massage when ya get home tomorrow, hmm?" Applejack asked, bringing Rainbow Dash closer to her.

"AJ, you don't have to do that." Rainbow said. "Seriously. I'll be okay. Odds are that Mr. Storm will let me come home early after we clear out all the clouds."

"Ah want to, Rainbow." Applejack asked. "Ah want to do everything Ah can to make ya feel as good as possible." Rainbow smiled at Applejack and kissed her on the lips lovingly before giving her a small nuzzle.

"Thanks, Applejack." Rainbow said before wrapping a foreleg around the earth pony. "Why are you so ridiculously sweet?"

"Just how Ah'm made." Applejack said. "Don't be sellin' yourself short, either."

"Oh, you're never going to have to worry about that." Rainbow said with a small laugh. Applejack giggled and snuggled in close to Rainbow. They laid back together and sat in relative silence for the rest of the ride back to Ponyville. Applejack idly stroked Rainbow Dash's mane and Rainbow fell asleep, not surprising Applejack at all. When the carriage flew above Ponyville, Applejack happily gave Rainbow Dash a small shake to wake her up.

"We're home, Dash." Applejack said with a smile. "We'll be landin' back at Sweet Apple Acres in a few minutes."

"Hmm?" Rainbow groaned as she sat up. "How long was I out?"

"About fifteen minutes." Applejack said. "So what do you wanna do when we get home?"

"Sleep." Rainbow said groggily.

"Other than that, ya nut." Applejack said with a giggle. "We need to get together with the girls. Ya know, since we haven't seen them in four days."

"We should go to Sugarcube Corner." Rainbow said with a sigh. "They have a couch there."

"Rainbow Dash, if ya fall asleep while we're with the girls, Ah can't guarantee what'll happen to your face." Applejack said with a smirk.

"What the hay do you mean by that?" Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ah dunno." Applejack said. "Markers may be involved, though." Rainbow groaned once more and put a hoof on her forehead.

"Okay, okay. Fine." Rainbow said. "But I'm going to take you up on that massage tomorrow." Applejack smiled at her.

"Ah'd be happy to."

The Carriage landed in front of the farmhouse and came to a stop. Applejack and Rainbow Dash quickly gathered their things and exited the carriage before turning around to address the drivers. They nodded in their direction.

"Once again, thank you for staying at Canterlot Gardens." The burly pegasus said with a smile. "Have a great day."

"Thanks." Rainbow said. "You too."

Both stallions quickly pulled the carriage up into the sky with carefully trained speed and turned back toward Canterlot to await their new assignment. Rainbow sighed, looked at Applejack and smiled.

"Home sweet home." Rainbow said. "I just wish it were a little brighter." Both mares looked up into the sky to see that the overcast of rain clouds had gotten closer to Ponyville and was now blocking out the bright rays of the sun.

"It will be tomorrow." Applejack said before giving Rainbow a quick kiss on the cheek. They ambled to the front door and opened it. "Strange. Ah don't see Big Mac, Applebloom or Granny Smith anywhere. Ah'd have thought that they would have been out there to greet us." As she finished the sentence, Big Mac, Applebloom, Granny Smith, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo jumped out from behind various pieces of furniture and surprised Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"Welcome home!" They all cried in unison. Applejack and Rainbow Dash moved further into the house, happy smiles present on both of their faces. The living room was lined with happy little decorations and a banner that read- "WELCOME HOME!"

"How's that for a greetin'?" Granny Smith said with a small laugh.

"Oh, y'all, this is so sweet!" Applejack said. "Ah wasn't expectin' this."

"Yeah, me neither." Rainbow said. "How long have you guys been working on this?"

"We stayed up late last night!" Applebloom said happily. "We got the idea to have a big 'ol Welcome Home surprise party!"

"We were just going to surprise the two of you," Rarity said. "But Pinkie Pie got the idea to decorate the place."

"Are you surprised?!" Pinkie Pie cried happily. "Because if you weren't, we can do it again."

"No, Pinkie." Rainbow said. "We were really surprised." Winona came bounding up to Applejack happily with Tank riding her back. Rainbow Dash picked Tank up and gave him a small nuzzle and Applejack wrapped Winona in a bear hug.

"Ah went ahead and made a whole buncha fixin's for early dinner!" Granny Smith said, showing a table to be full of Apple Family classics such as Apple Pie, Apple Fritters, Cowpony Stew and of course, Apple Cider.

"We all brought something of our own along, too." Twilight said with a smile.

"You see that big cake there?" Pinkie Pie asked, suddenly throwing her forelegs around Rainbow Dash and Applejack's shoulders. The two mares nodded slowly as Pinkie Pie's voice dropped down to a whisper. "I made it."

"And you have simply got to try the mushroom and cheese quiche. It's a family recipe." Rarity said. "And it is to die for."

"So much celebratin' in the past week!" Applejack said. "Ah think Ah could get used to this!"

"Well, what are we doin' just standin' here?" Granny Smith asked the group. "Let's go chow down!"

The group moved into the dining room and began serving themselves some food. Rainbow and Applejack, of course, got healthy servings of nearly everything and proceeded to sit down together in the dining room. Fluttershy, feeling self-conscious, served herself minuscule portions and jumped when she turned and saw Granny Smith, scowling at her.

"You just put some of that back, young filly!" Granny Smith said angrily. "There ain't enough for everypony what with you hoggin' it all!" Fluttershy's eyes widened, looking heartbroken and embarrassed, as she blushed heavily and turned around.

"I-I'm sorry." Fluttershy said as tears leaked from her eyes. "I didn't mean to. I'll p-put it back. I'm so sorry." Granny Smith laughed heartily and threw a foreleg around Fluttershy's shoulders.

"Ah'm just messin' with ya, sweet pea! Ya-" Granny Smith stopped herself when she noticed that Fluttershy was crying. "Oh, Fluttershy, Ah'm sorry! Ah didn't know Ah'd hurt your feelings that bad! Ah just saw ya servin' up such small portions for yourself, and Ah thought Ah'd mess with ya a bit. Really, Ah'm sorry. Take all ya want, there's plenty for everypony."

"It's okay, Granny Smith." Fluttershy said, wiping her eyes. "It was a funny joke."

"Not to you, Apparently." Granny Smith said, putting a forehoof on Fluttershy's cheek. "Ah'll never do anything like that to ya again." Fluttershy nodded and put what food she got back into their containers. Rarity, having already dished her food up, walked beside Fluttershy to where Rainbow Dash and Applejack sat.

"I actually thought she was serious at first." Rarity said with a small laugh. "Apparently, you did too." Fluttershy sniffled and nodded.

"Yeah." Fluttershy said. "Granny Smith has always been so sweet to me and it just surprised me a lot when she suddenly yelled at me like that."

Back at the table, Pinkie Pie was piling on everything sweet at the table and serving herself the bare minimum of regular foods. Twilight raised an eyebrow at the mountain of sweets coming from Pinkie Pie's plate.

"Uh, Pinkie?" Twilight asked.

"Yes?" Pinkie Pie responded before taking an apple fritter in her mouth and chewing happily as they walked.

"Don't you think you should hold back on the sweets?" Twilight asked. "The older you get, the more it's going to catch up with you."

"Yeah." Pinkie Pie responded. Twilight smiled to herself, seeing as how she had just talked sense into Pinkie Pie, the one pony in the room who made the least of it. "But this is a special occasion! I'm going to gorge myself!" Twilight Shook her head and sighed as they all approached the table where Rainbow Dash and Applejack sat. Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Spike all sat at a smaller table in the room.

"About time everypony showed up!" Rainbow Dash said with a smile. "Applejack here's been making me wait for all of you!" Fluttershy looked down.

"I'm sorry." She said, barely audible to anypony around.

"I'm just kidding with you guys." Rainbow said with a small laugh. "But still, I'm starving! Let's eat!"

Everypony began to eat their food happily, chatting with each other. Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash before wiping her mouth daintily with a napkin.

"Rainbow, it is proper dining room etiquette to wait for everyone present to have their food before beginning to eat, you know." Rarity said.

"That's what Ah was tryin' to tell her." Applejack said. "Finally kept her from stuffin' her face for about a minute." This earned a laugh from everypony present.

"You're hilarious." Rainbow said with a sigh. "I haven't eaten since dinner last night."

"Ya still could wait a few more minutes while everypony got their food dished up." Applejack said, lightly patting Rainbow's head, much to the the pegasus' annoyance.

"Did ya get everything ya need, Fluttershy?" Granny Smith asked the yellow pegasus. Fluttershy smiled and nodded. "Are you okay?" Fluttershy nodded once more.

"I'm alright, Granny Smith." Fluttershy said. "Thank you for your concern."

"Yeah, so what's that all about?" Rainbow asked, gesturing a hoof between Fluttershy and Granny Smith.

"I'll tell you later, Rainbow Dash." Rarity said. "I don't believe now is the time or the place."

"It's okay, Rarity. I don't mind." Fluttershy said. "Well, I was, um...serving my food and Granny Smith saw that I was...well, serving myself small portions and so she pretended to be mad at me and made me think that I was getting too much. She told me to put it back. I took the joke a little too hard." Rainbow nodded.

"Well, I learned that lesson with Fluttershy long ago, Granny Smith." Rainbow said to the old mare.

"Ya learn somethin' new every day." Granny Smith responded. "So how's the Princess life treatin' ya, Twilight?"

"Oh, it's been alright, I suppose." Twilight said. "It's actually a lot like my old life. Just...a lot busier. And sometimes I don't exactly feel like a true princess. I mean, look at me! Compared to Princess Celestia, I look like a dog with mange."

"Nonsense, Twilight." Rarity said. "You have gotten much more beautiful since you attained your mantle of princess."

"Yeah." Rainbow responded. "But your flying still needs a lot of work." Twilight raised an eyebrow at the pegasus who, smirked at her.

"But enough about all of us, Rainbow Dash! You and Applejack have simply got to tell us everything about the honeymoon!" Rarity continued smiling until she realized what was included in a description of 'everything'. "Except...the parts you don't want to tell us." Rarity said, blushing heavily in embarrassment of her complete and unusual lack of tact.

"Nice save, Rarity." Rainbow Dash said, making everyone at the table except Fluttershy laugh again. Fluttershy placed a comforting hoof on Rarity's shoulder, understanding her complete embarrassment.

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Spike all sat at the smaller table to the side.

"So what's it like bein' the assistant to a princess?" Applebloom asked with a wide smile.

"It's actually a lot like what Twilight just said." Spike responded. "It's not that different. I mean, sure, we can be a lot busier sometimes, but that's really it. She still acts like herself. The only thing different about her is that she has wings."

"Has she learned to fly yet?" Scootaloo asked, mentally stopping herself from looking at her own, small wings.

"Not very well." Spike said. "She can fly about thirty feet before falling on her face. She practices a lot so she'll get there."

"That's awesome." Scootaloo said with a smile.

"So what about you guys?" Spike asked the three fillies who sat with him.

"Oh, we've been fine." Applebloom responded. "Ya know, school and stuff. Nothin' really excitin' has happened."

"Oh, I know that feel." Spike said as he took a bite of apple fritter. The conversation and merriment went on for what seemed like hours as family and friends enjoyed a happy feast together.

_____

"So, what's the object of this game again?" Twilight Sparkle asked, earning groans from half the ponies in the living room. "Well, I'm sorry that I've never played charades before." The alicorn princess said.

"Okay, Twi." Rainbow said. "Listen up, because I'm only gonna say this one more time. The object of charades... Goddesses, I can't believe you've never played this before." Rainbow said before putting a fore hoof on her head. Twilight blushed.

"Go on, Dash." Applejack said with a small laugh. "Explain it to the poor girl."

"Okay." Rainbow said. "The object is, are you listening? Because you might miss this. Is to act something out for everyone else and have them try to guess what you are." Rainbow said. Twilight sighed.

"Yeah, I got it." Twilight said, unamused at Rainbow sarcasm.

"Lighten up, Twilight." Rainbow said with a cheeky grin. "Because you're going first!" The alicorn princess sighed before standing up and walking out in front of the group.

"Twilight, I really am surprised you haven't played this." Spike said with a small laugh. "I've played this."

"Oh yeah?" Twilight asked. "Who'd you play it with? Because you've lived with me pretty much your whole life." Spike gestured a thumb over to Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Everypony in the room laughed and Twilight's blush reddened.

"We don't just sit there and do nothing when we hang out." Spike said, throwing a smirk Twilight's way. The princess furrowed her eyebrows.

"Fine." Twilight said before sighing deeply and closing her eyes. Blushing deeply, she began moving around awkwardly, bobbing her head and making a clucking noise with a few small hisses thrown in. Everypony laughed at how ridiculous the normally stately princess looked. After a seconds of watching her, Applebloom spoke up.

"Oh, oh! Rooster!" The filly said. Twilight shook her head and continued to act.

"Oh, I know." Fluttershy said in the spur of the moment. She immediately regretted speaking up as everyone looked at her. She immediately shrunk down and mumbled something incoherent.

"You're going to have to speak up, my dear." Rarity said with a giggle. Fluttershy mumbled the answer again, slightly louder, but still too quiet under the scrutiny of the group.

"A...c..ka...ce."

"Fluttershy, louder!" Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow. Fluttershy closed her eyes, inhaled deeply and finally spoke.

"A cockatrice." Fluttershy finally uttered quickly and quietly, looking down. Twilight nodded and smiled.

"That's it." The alicorn said with a smile. "Come on up, Fluttershy." The yellow pegasus reluctantly stood up and slowly moved to the area in front of the group.

"That was awful." Twilight said quietly as she sat down.

"You weren't that bad." Pinkie said back with a giggle. "It's supposed to be funny!"

Fluttershy hunkered close to the ground and positioned her wings in an arc above her back. She began to move her legs and walk at an incredibly slow pace, occasionally looking around slowly to reveal her heavily blushing face.

"Tank." Spike said confidently, crossing his arms. "You're Tank." Fluttershy quickly nodded and sped back to where she sat, her blush still burning on her face. Rainbow Dash sat wide-eyed in surprise.

"I can't believe I didn't get that..." Rainbow uttered, earning a pat on the head by Applejack.

"You'll get the next one, Dash." Applejack said as Spike made his way up to the front. He hunkered down and began stomping everywhere on all fours and pretending to use his tail as a stinger.

"Manticore." Scootaloo said almost immediately, a smirk present on her face.

"Aww..." Spike said, dropping character. "How'd you get that one?"

"You did it last time we played." Scootaloo said, replacing Spike at the front.

"I'll get the next one, huh?" Rainbow asked Applejack with a raised eyebrow and a small smile.

Rainbow Dash didn't get a single guess correctly in the entire game. The disdain the pegasus had for losing was showing on her face when the game ended. As they were wrapping it up, a crash of thunder sounded from outside the farm house and as if on cue, it began to rain heavily.

"Oh, yeah..." Rainbow said, looking out the window. "Forgot about that."

"Oh, I need to get home, immediately!" Fluttershy said in fright. "Angel is probably so scared right now!"

"Fluttershy, it's lightnin' out there." Applejack said. "Even if you fly over the clouds, you could still get struck by it."

"It's true." Rainbow added. "It's happened before in weather patrol. If you don't know what you're doing, you could get a really nasty shock. Effects have ranged from simple burns to death, depending on the lightning itself." Fear showed on Fluttershy's face before a look of half-hearted determination took it over.

"Well, it's a risk I'm willing to take." Fluttershy said. "I can't just let Angel sit alone through all this." Rainbow sighed heavily.

"Fluttershy." The cyan mare said. "Just wait a minute and I'll escort you, okay? I know what to look for." Fluttershy nodded and smiled at her. Rainbow turned to the group.

"I guess this is where I thank you guys for coming and stuff." Rainbow said with a sigh. She and Fluttershy began to say their goodbyes. One by one, Rainbow gave Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle hugs. She turned to Spike, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

"See you guys." Rainbow rustled Scootaloo's mane, smiling at the filly, earning a smile from Scootaloo as well. Rainbow gave Spike a small sock in the shoulder. The baby dragon laughed and rubbed the point of contact.

"In about fifty years, you're gonna regret that." Spike said with a smile. "See ya, Rainbow." Applejack approached Rainbow Dash.

"Geez, Ah feel like you're goin' on some perilous journey." Applejack said with a small laugh. "Be careful, okay?"

"I will." Rainbow said. "I mean, come on, AJ. It's me! I deal with this stuff every day." Applejack giggled and gave Rainbow a light kiss on the cheek. Rainbow then turned to Applebloom, Big Mac and Granny Smith.

"See you guys in a bit."

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy both stepped out into the rain. A strong wind blew as they were assaulted by the heavy raindrops. Darkness enveloped Ponyville, as the storm clouds blocked out the sun. Rainbow turned to Fluttershy.

"Follow me!" Rainbow said before she began to fly up toward the clouds. Filled with fear, Fluttershy followed Rainbow Dash, trusting her judgment with the lightning and the clouds. The clouds offered token resistance for the two pegasi, but they continued to push through, the moisture completely matting their manes and tails. After a short upward flight, Rainbow Dash successfully led Fluttershy through the clouds and above them. The sun was in the latter phase of setting and darkness mostly blanketed the sky. They both hovered in place.

"Whoo! That'll get your blood pumping, huh?" Rainbow said with a smile. Fluttershy, shaking, nodded in agreement. "Let's go ahead and get to your house." Rainbow and Fluttershy then flew above the clouds toward the small cottage, arriving after a short while.

"Alright." Rainbow said with a sigh. "Your cottage should be straight down."

"Thank you for escorting me." Fluttershy said with a smile. "It looks like the storm is getting worse. Would you like to come in for a bit and have some tea?" Rainbow thought for a moment and nodded, seeing no reason why not.

"Sure." Rainbow said. "I could use some of that awesome stuff." Both pegasi flew down to Fluttershy's cottage and walked inside. The darkness encompassed nearly everything before Fluttershy turned on one of the lamps.

"Have a seat and I'll put the tea on." Fluttershy said. "Angel! Come here, Angel!" Fluttershy called out to her pet rabbit who had been cowering under the couch Rainbow sat on. The cyan mare cried out in surprise when the little rabbit's cotton tail brushed against her hind leg. Angel ran up to Fluttershy and cuddled up to her leg.

"It's okay." Fluttershy said, lightly stroking Angel's head. "It's alright, now. You're okay." Fluttershy then moved into the kitchen and put the tea on before returning with a food bowl holding several chopped carrots for Angel. Fluttershy placed the food before her pet, only to have him turn away from it and cross his arms.

"Angel, I can't make your stew today." Fluttershy said. "I'd have to go to the market to get the supplies." Angel shook his head and pointed toward the door.

"I said I can't go." Fluttershy said, furrowing her eyebrows and frowning. Angel shook his head once more defiantly. Fluttershy leaned down closer to Angel and said with a scowl, "Eat it. Right now." Now more terrified of Fluttershy than the storm, Angel nodded enthusiastically and proceeded to dine on the carrots Fluttershy had given him. Rainbow, surprised by Fluttershy's change in guidance for her rabbit, applauded her as she came and sat down next to her.

"Nicely done, Fluttershy!" Rainbow said with a smirk. "I didn't think you had it in you."

"Well, I decided to take your advice from that day." Fluttershy said to Rainbow Dash. "It's actually been working really well. Angel has been being much more compliant."

"That's really good." Rainbow said as the teapot in the kitchen began to whistle loudly.

"I'll be back in a moment." Fluttershy said as she stood to go make their tea, returning shortly afterward with a tray that held two teacups full of steaming, delicious tea.

"I swear, you've gotten me addicted to this stuff." Rainbow said, taking her tea cup from the tray.

"That's good." Fluttershy said. "It's full of antioxidants that boost your immune system."

"And my immune system was already pretty awesome to start with." Rainbow said. "Look at you, supercharging me." Fluttershy giggled.

"So, what's it like?" Fluttershy asked Rainbow, who looked at her, slightly confused.

"My immune system? I actually don't know." Rainbow said, earning a giggle from Fluttershy.

"No, silly. Being married." The timid mare elaborated.

"Oh." Rainbow said. "Well, can I be honest with you?" Fluttershy nodded. "Being married to Applejack is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I actually have a real family now. I mean, it's official. But...I'm terrified."

"Well that's unlike you." Fluttershy said with a smile.

"I know, right?" Rainbow responded. "Being married can do that to a pony. Anyways, I just don't know what the future holds, you know? Like, what if me and Applejack get into a big fight? You know how we can butt heads. There could be complications with our jobs, I just...don't want anything to go wrong." Rainbow took a swallow of her tea.

"Well that's understandable, given what happened a year ago." Fluttershy said. "But there is one crucial detail that you're missing about that awful time in both of your lives."

"Yeah? And what's that?" Rainbow asked her friend before taking a sip of tea.

"Things went just about as wrong as they ever could back then." Fluttershy said. "But you both pulled through it. Your love endured. It may have been beaten down and weakened, but it persevered and showed you both just how much you loved each other." Rainbow smiled widely at Fluttershy.

"That's true." Rainbow said.

"I honestly don't think things will go wrong in your marriage." Fluttershy said. "I see a happy union between the two of you." Rainbow smiled, quickly finished her tea and stood up.

"You're right, Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go home to my wife." Fluttershy nodded, stood and gave Rainbow a hug.

"Be safe." Fluttershy said.

"Bye, Flutters." Rainbow said before taking off out the door. Fluttershy sighed and sat on the couch, continuing to sip her tea. Angel, penitent for his previous actions, walked over to Fluttershy and looked up at her from the floor asking to be let up onto the couch. Fluttershy smiled, picked him up from the floor and held him with her. Snuggling with her pet rabbit was nice, but a feeling of loneliness slowly spread through her like a corrosive acid.

"I'm not lonely." Fluttershy affirmed to herself with a small sigh. "Not as long as I have you, Angel."

_____

Rainbow walked through the doorway of the farmhouse she called home and smiled at Granny Smith, who was in the midst of knitting what looked like yet another washcloth.

"Well hello, there." Granny Smith said. "Took ya a while, didn't it?"

"Yeah. It kinda got a lot worse before I left Fluttershy's place, so I stayed for a bit and had some tea." Rainbow said. "Where's Applejack?"

"She walked Rarity home. Figured it would be the proper thing to do, seein' as how Twilight was able to make some sorta magic umbrella for her and Pinkie Pie since Pinkie Pie's place is on the way to Twilight's." Granny Smith said with a small chuckle. "Ah reckon it won't be too long before she returns. Probably stopped for a bit like you did." Rainbow nodded before giving out a small sigh and sitting on the couch.

"Whatcha plannin' on doin' for the rest of the night, anyways?" Granny Smith asked as she resumed her knitting.

"Oh, I'll probably just go to bed when Applejack gets back." Rainbow said. "I've got to get out really early tomorrow to take care of those storm clouds."

"That's gonna be rough." Granny Smith said. "Ah feel for ya."

"Yeah, I know." Rainbow said. "But you know, it puts food on the table."

"And ya have done that." Granny Smith said. "Ah don't think any of us need to worry about you pullin' your weight around here anymore, sweetie."

"You did before?" Rainbow asked.

"Well...yeah, Ah suppose." Granny Smith said. "What, with your track record and how ya used to act..."

"I've been trying." Rainbow said, slightly hurt.

"Oh, Ah know ya have, Rainbow." Granny Smith said. "That's my point. You've changed while you've been here. You've become more responsible and more dependable by miles. Ah'm just tyrin' to tell ya it's been a pleasure havin' ya livin' here." Rainbow blushed and smiled. "Even If Ah've had to put up with hearin' you and Applejack...ya know..." Rainbow's blush intensified and her ears layed back as she looked at Granny Smith, who couldn't hold in a hearty laugh.

"Ah'm just kiddin' with ya, baby." Granny Smith said. "Everypony knows Ah'm as deaf as a rock." Rainbow's embarrassment was alleviated somewhat as she relaxed.

They continued to talk for a while, throwing around jokes to each other. Granny Smith always enjoyed conversing with Rainbow Dash, because the cyan pegasus was one of the only ponies who could keep up with her razor-sharp wit.

"Okay. Here's one." Granny Smith said. "A magician at a carnival says that he can stay under water for a really long time. Six minutes. Well this little colt comes out of nowhere and says 'That's nothin'! Ah can stay under water for ten minutes with no equipment or nothin'.' The magician says that if the colt can do it, he'll give him five thousand bits. The colt ends up winnin' the money. How did he do it?" Rainbow Dash sat back and thought for a moment before smirking at Granny Smith.

"He filled a glass of water and held it above his head for ten minutes." Rainbow said confidently. Granny Smith smiled wryly and nodded.

"You're good." Granny Smith said with a small laugh.

"So what are you guys gonna do tomorrow while I'm gone?" Rainbow asked the old mare.

"Oh, probably just clean up a little bit." Granny Smith said. "Big Mac's workin' at the stand at the market tomorrow."

"Oh okay." Rainbow said. "So Applejack will be here when I get back?" The old mare nodded before sitting back in her rocking chair.

"Ya know, Rainbow Dash..." Granny Smith said before pausing in her speech. "Oh, it's nothin'. Forget about it."

"Wait, what is it?" Rainbow asked.

"Never mind, Rainbow." Granny Smith said. "It's not that important."

"Oh, come on." Rainbow said. "Just tell me." Granny Smith sighed and nodded.

"Well, Applejack probably wouldn't want me tellin' ya this, what with how competitive y'all get..." Granny Smith said. "But...Ah...When you and Applejack started datin'...Ah mean really started datin', with all of us knowin' and stuff..."

"Yeah..." Rainbow said.

"She couldn't stop ravin' about how much she loved you. When she would be gettin' ready for a date with you she'd get all peppy and happy. Well, one day, while Ah was doin' her hair, she actually told me somethin'."

"Okay." Rainbow said. "What did she say?"

"She told me that she wanted to marry you." Granny Smith said. Rainbow gasped silently. "Now, this was about a month before ya proposed to her. She told me that the feelin' ya give her whenever she's around ya is unlike anything else she ever felt with anypony else she ever dated. She talked about how sweet and loving and loyal ya are, and that if you weren't gonna propose at some point, she was gonna eventually. Even found a necklace for ya a week before we left for Appleloosa for the Harvest Celebration hoedown. She seemed so sure that you were the one. So goin' offa that, the way Ah figure it...you and my granddaughter were destined to be mates." Granny Smith sighed and looked forward, stopping her knitting altogether. Pure emotion shot through Rainbow Dash as she sat and comprehended what her surrogate grandmother had just told her. Applejack had been planning to propose to her. Rainbow's eyes filled with tears at the thought. Rainbow opened her mouth to say something to Granny Smith as Applejack walked through the front door.

"Whoo-whee!" Applejack said with a small laugh. "Might as well hadn't taken an umbrella. It's pretty nasty out there." Rainbow immediately raced to Applejack and wrapped her in a loving embrace, giving her a squeeze.

"Oof! Hey, Dash." Applejack said, returning the hug and bringing herself back to look at Rainbow's face. "What brought this o- Rainbow, are you cryin'?" Applejack's tone changed when she noticed the tears falling from Rainbow's eyes. The pegasus nodded.

"They're happy tears, okay?" Rainbow said before pulling her wife close once more. "I'm just...happy you're alright."

Rainbow disconnected from the hug and let Applejack move to Granny Smith. As Applejack leaned in to kiss her grandmother on the head, Granny Smith shot Rainbow a quick wink.

"Where's Big Mac and Applebloom?" Applejack asked Granny Smith.

"Big Mac went to see Cheerilee." Granny Smith said.

"Gee, Ah wonder what's goin' on over there. Applejack said, earning a laugh from Rainbow and Granny Smith.

"And Applebloom's gone to bed." Granny Smith finished.

"I'm probably gonna hit the sack too." Applejack said. "Get up bright and early so Ah can see Rainbow off to work."

"Well, Ah certainly ain't gonna stop ya." Granny Smith said. "Ah suppose Ah'll finish this cloth and get to bed myself."

"Alright, Granny." Applejack said. "Don't forget to leave the door unlocked for Big Mac. You remember what happened last time." They all snickered at remembering the time when Granny Smith locked Big Mac outside one night after he went to visit Cheerilee. He had to climb through a window.

"Good night, y'all." Granny Smith said with a smile. "Sleep sweet."

"Good night, Granny." Rainbow said.

"Night, Granny." Applejack said with a smile.

Rainbow and Applejack moved into the bedroom and got into the bed. Applejack layed back on a pillow and looked at Rainbow.

"Well, here we are." Applejack said to Rainbow with a smile. "The night before we start back at our normal lives as a married couple." Rainbow snickered.

"You're not gonna worry about me too much tomorrow right?" Rainbow asked.

"Naah, you'll be fine." Applejack said before taking Rainbow into an embrace and laying back with her.

"Stroke my mane." Rainbow said. "You're so good at it." Applejack chuckled softly and kissed the top of Rainbow's head.

"Not a problem." Applejack said as she began fulfilling Rainbow's request. They sat in silence for what seemed like ten minutes before Applejack spoke up. "It's been a journey, hasn't it?"

"...Yeah." Rainbow said. "One worth all the effort...But...don't do that."

"Do what?" Applejack asked.

"Don't talk like it's the end of something." Rainbow said before moving up to come face to face with her wife. "Because it's not. It's the beginning." Rainbow said before kissing Applejack on the lips. Applejack smiled.

"Laaaame..." Applejack said, earning a giggle from Rainbow.

"What, I'm trying here!" Rainbow said. "You know I'm not good at all that sappy stuff." With that, Rainbow Dash and Applejack snuggled in and let sleep take them together, losing all the concerns and cares of the world. They fell asleep happily, unafraid of the future. Because whatever life threw at them, whatever bad things may come...

They would always get through them.

Together.

And attempt to look better than each other doing it.

THE END

Obligatory End-of-Story Author's Note: Well, that is it, my friends! I've loved every second of it. I'll post a small epilogue and afterward in the coming days with a sappier message. Cheers!

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

On a dreary, rainy, late-autumn Ponyville day, Sweet Apple Acres dreamt of the harvest season...and an orange mare. Applejack sighed wistfully to herself as she felt the multitude of ice-cold raindrops fall on top of her signature stetson hat. She looked up at the tall, stately apple tree, one of many at her farm in Sweet Apple Acres. She turned around and grunted as she bucked the tree. The strike felt off to the farm pony, and sure enough, very few apples fell into their receptacles. She tried once more to buck the apples free from their snug, wooden perch. Her back hooves slipped off of the trunk of the tree and she fell forwards into a muddy puddle created by the rain, losing her hat in the process. Again, very few apples fell. She had had a very off day when it came to applebucking, her success rate at a much lower level than it usually was. She clenched her teeth in anger as she put all of her strength into one last buck. At last, the bright red fruits fell from the tree into the buckets, a few stragglers rolling along the ground aimlessly like a child who had lost their parents.

Applejack then went to work picking up the individual stray apples by the stems with her teeth, tossing them back into their buckets. She sighed when the task was complete, looking about quickly to see if there were any other apples littering the ground. When she saw that the ground was free of the red fruit, she began to pick up the large buckets to put them on the wagon she had sitting there next to the tree. The first two of the four were thankfully easy, due to the fact that Applejack grew up doing this kind of work. The other two seemed to be giving the mare a much harder time than they should have. After she loaded the third bucket, the fourth, the heaviest of all, seemed to be unnaturally slippery. She groaned as she picked the large bucket up. To her utter horror, it slipped from her hooves, falling to the ground and spilling apples everywhere.

"Ponyfeathers!!!" Applejack yelled at the rain in the sky as if it had something to do with it. She looked down at all the apples and frowned heavily. She shivered as the cold air nipped at her skin, accentuated by the water currently falling from the sky. She went to work, individually picking the apples up and placing them back into the bucket. The process was long, tedious and required a meticulous eye, and with the rain soaking her through and through, this day was getting worse and worse for the mare. Normally, she wouldn't be working in these conditions, but today was a special occasion. The Apple Family's Harvest Celebration Hoedown was that night, and being hosted in Sweet Apple Acres for the first time ever. Her family still had apples on their trees, and seeing as how their whole family was to be in attendance, they had to be looking as best as they could.

Applejack was happy that the hoedown was being held at Sweet Apple Acres that year because it was always held at one of the more high-profile family establishments, like Appleoosa, and she would have to go away and leave her friends in Ponyville. This year, she could invite them all to come. She smiled to herself as she put the last apple into the bucket and successfully loaded it into the wagon. She then closed the back gate to the wagon, strapped herself into it and began to trek back to the farmhouse, where Big Macintosh and Applebloom where waiting to unload and sort them.

The uphill walk wasn't much of a strain for Applejack, even with the heavy load attached. She was very used to this kind of physical strain. Just as she seemed to be getting on top of things, however, she slipped on a mud puddle and again fell to the ground, the wagon dragging her a few feet before she stopped it. She stood again and growled in fury as she continued to walk, making sure to watch her step everywhere she went. When she finally arrived, Big Mac smiled genuinely at her, still moderately wet from his turn out in the rain.

"Heya, sis. You okay? You're lookin' a might dirty." He asked.

"Yeah, Ah'm alright, Big Mac." She responded as she unhoooked herself from the wagon. "That's the last of 'em. Ah'm gonna go get a shower before Ah go and invite the girls to the hoedown."

"And Ah'm gonna invite my friends!" Applebloom chimed in sweetly. Applejack smiled and nodded at her little sister before walking into the farm house. The rain had mostly washed off a lot of the mud she had picked up from her falls, but some mud decided to be tougher than the other mud and stick to the mare. Applejack looked over at her Granny Smith, sitting in her rocking chair knitting. She smiled at Applejack and slightly grimaced.

"You're dirty, baby." She said. "Good day's work, eh?"

"No, Granny. It wasn't a good day. Ah'm cold, muddy and more tired than Ah should be. Ah just need to go get a shower. At least Ah can invite the girls to the hoedown tonight." She responded with a small smile. Her day really had been awful. She had gotten next to no sleep the previous night. The hoedown with her friends really was the only highlight of her day.

"Dern tootin'!" Granny Smith said. "First time ever the thing's been hosted here at Sweet Apple Acres! We gotta make the place look as good as possibly for the fam'ly." Applejack nodded as she walked through her hallway into her bedroom. She took off her hat and put it on the bedpost, certain that it would be dry by the time she got out of the shower. She removed the ties from her mane and tail, letting them flow loose and beautifully. Applejack quite liked the way they looked when they were untied, she just hated the upkeep and maintenance. She felt that it looked fine tied anyway. She turned on the shower and waited a brief moment for the cold water to warm up to a comfortable hot.

"Finally..." She said to herself as she stepped into the shower.

_____

Applejack donned her stetson as she began to leave the house. She picked up an umbrella as she called for her sister.

"Applebloom! Come on, Ah'm headed out!" She waited a few terse seconds before her little sister came bounding into the room, her rainboots on.

"Alright! Let's go!" Applejack nodded as she handed an umbrella to her little sister.

"Be back soon, Granny!" She said, tipping her stetson.

"M'kay, dearie. Be safe." She said, not looking up from her current knitting project. Applejack sighed as she left the house with her sister in tow. She shut the door and shook her head mildly. She looked down at her sister, umbrella in hoof and rainboot-clad.

"Our Granny sure is something else, isn't she?" Applejack said, beginning to walk toward Ponyville. Applebloom giggled and nodded. "Alright, how about we visit Carousel Boutique first? That way, Ah can invite Rarity and you can invite Sweetie Belle. We can kill two birds with one stone." Applebloom gasped and immediately gained a scared expression on her face.

"B-but...Ah don't wanna kill any birds!" She said on the verge of tears. Applejack mentally kicked herself for using such an expression around her sensitive sister.

"It's just an expression, AB. We ain't really killing anything." Applejack explained as they neared the boutique. Applebloom sighed with relief. Applejack ruffled her sister's mane playfully, earning a giggle from Applebloom. Applejack knocked politely on the door three times and waited for a reply or the door to open. When no response came after thirty seconds, she knocked again.

"The door is open!" They heard Rarity shout from inside the building. Applejack shrugged and entered the building and looked around, Rarity was rushing back and forth, talking to herself madly and surveying all of her possessions and items. She quickly looked at Applejack and smiled.

"Applejack, darling! What brings you here today?" She said before going straight back to her listing of her items. She slammed a dress into one of several suitcases laying on her bed. "I am a little busy at the moment." Applejack still watched as Rarity shot back and forth. Sweetie Belle rushed out of a hallway and looked up at her sister.

"No more ribbons, Rarity." She looked over to see her friend. "Hey, Applebloom." Rarity grabbed her sister by the shoulders and shook her slightly, looking down at her.

"Find...ribbons." She said, a hint of hostility in her voice. Sweetie Belle ran off, undoubtedly to find ribbons. Rarity then looked at her friend and smiled warmly. "What can I do for you, Applejack?"

"Oh. Well, you know how my family usually has a big 'ol shindig every year to celebrate a successful harvest?" Applejack said. Rarity looked at her and quickly nodded. "Well, Ah know that this is short notice, but we're hostin' it at Sweet Apple Acres this year! Wouldja like to come tonight?" Applejack smiled hopefully at Rarity. The white unicorn only frowned.

"Oh...Applejack, dear, I'm so sorry, but Sweetie Belle and I are meeting our parents tonight for a family trip to Fillydelphia." Applejack frowned as well, but quickly smiled again.

"Don't worry about it, Rarity! Have fun on your trip!" She responded before turning to leave.

"I really am sorry." She said as Applejack opened the door. Applejack looked back over her shoulder at Rarity.

"Ah know. It's no problem." She smiled as she closed the door to the boutique. She sighed sadly as they headed for Twilight Sparkle's library.

"Sorry, sis." Applebloom said.

"Oh, it's alright. She probably wouldn't have enjoyed it much, anyways." The walk from Carousel Boutique to Golden Oaks Library was not a long one, but it seemed to be prolonged by the dark weather. Applejack knocked on the door, to have it promptly answered by Twilight, a welcome change from Rarity.

"Howdy, Twilight." Applejack said to her friend.

"Hey, Applejack." Twilight responded, seemingly slightly distracted by something. "Come in." As Applejack and her sister entered the library, they witnessed an awe-inspiring show of floating parchment and quills, writing down a seemingly infinite amount of data.

"Whatcha doin' here, Twi?" Applejack asked, still slightly stunned. Twilight looked up at her friend momentarily from a central piece of paper.

"Oh, just writing some things down." She responded matter-of-factly. "Did you need something?" Applejack nodded at her.

"Well, y'know the Harvest Celebration my family has at the end of harvest season each year and how Ah usually have to go away for it?" Twilight quickly and efficiently nodded. "Well, this year, it's being hosted right here in Sweet Apple Acres. Wanna come tonight? We're gonna have good food, dancin' an-"

"I'm sorry, Applejack." Twilight said, still not looking up from her paper. "But I have a meeting with Princess Celestia tonight to discuss my studies on friendship and the like. I really would come if I could." Applejack sighed and nodded.

"Alright. Don't worry about it. Ah'll just be leaving now." She said, a tinge of sadness lacing her voice. Twilight looked up from her papers and her magic dissipated, letting all papers and quills down.

"Applejack, I'm sorry. I'm being incredibly rude. Would you like to stay a while for some tea?" Applejack politely shook her head.

"No thank ya, Twi. Ah'm just gonna go invite the others. Thanks for the offer, though." She left the library and closed the door, followed by her sister. Twilight immediately went back to work, writing down different facts and data to present to the princess. Applejack unfurled her umbrella as she made her way to Sugarcube Corner. The confectionary was closed, but Applejack knew Pinkie Pie would be there. She smiled at the thought of seeing the pink party pony. If anypony was going to be there, it would be Pinkie Pie. She knocked on the door and waited a few seconds before it was finally answered by a tired looking and worn Pinkie.

"Oh, hey, Applejack! What's up?" She whispered, slightly out of breath.

"Hey, Pinkie. Ah was just wonderin' if you could make it to Sweet Apple Acres Tonight. See, we're hostin' the Harvest Celebration Hoedown this year" Pinkie shushed her.

"I just got the babies to sleep." She whispered. Applejack rolled her eyes slightly and continued, whispering.

"for the first time ever, and it would be great if you could make it." Pinkie frowned and teared up at this.

"Oh, Applejack!" She yelled. She was interrupted by the sound of the two foals in the upstairs room of Sugarcube Corner erupting into fits of crying. Pinkie looked up. "Excuse me a sec." The zipped upstairs and came back holding the two foals, still crying, but not as loudly. "You know I'd absolutely positively love to, Applejack!" Applejack smiled to herself happily. "But I can't." Applejack's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She had never heard Pinkie Pie refuse an invitation to a party.

"You can't come?" Applejack said, disappointed. "Why not?"

"Well, the Cakes are having a second honeymoon in Canterlot. They just left me in charge of Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake. I'm so, so, so, so, so sorry!" Applejack looked down and nodded.

"It's okay. Ah'll see ya later." She said before she turned to leave.

"Applejack! Don't you wanna come in for some snacks before you leave?" Pinkie asked her.

"No, Ah don't think so. Ah'm just gonna get goin'." She responded, before walking out into the rain again. Pinkie sniffled before she shut the door. 'Please, for the love of Celestia, let at least one of 'em come.' Applejack thought as she walked down the street to Scootaloo's house and accompanied her little sister to the door. She let Applebloom knock. Scootaloo answered. Scootaloo was all too happy to go the the hoedown, of course. She promised to be there and shut the door.

"Alright. Time to head to Fluttershy's place." Applejack said.

"Ah'm so happy Scootaloo can come! Ah'm sure at least one of your friends will be there!" Applebloom said cheerfully, in spite of the bad weather.

"Ah sure hope so." Applejack responded. They walked through Ponyville as quickly as they could, attempting to get their task finished before they got too wet from the rain. They eventually arrived at Fluttershy's meager cottage near the outskirts of Ponyville. Applejack was suprised to find that the door was open. She entered to see Fluttershy kneeling over a small bed, worriedly mumbling and stroking the head of Angel, her pet bunny, who was currently laying in it.

"Hey, Fluttershy!" Applejack said happily, making the timid yellow pegasus nearly jump out of her skin with a small shriek. She turned, breathing heavily to see Applejack. "Any particular reason why you're door is wide open?"

"Oh, hello, Applejack." She said before turning back to Angel. "It's getting stuffy in here, so I left it open for a little while. It's fine now, though. Could you close it for me?" Applejack nodded and closed the door.

"Ah would like to extend to you an invitation to come to the Apple Family's Annual Harvest Celebration Hoedown. We're hostin' it in Sweet Apple Acres for the first time ever tonight and Ah sure would love it if you could make it."

"I'm very sorry, Applejack, but Angel Bunny has the bunny flu, and he's going to need me to take extra special care of him for the next few days. I can't...I'm sorry." Fluttershy responded, turning to Applejack. Applejack frowned and looked to the side, adjusting her stetson.

"Oh....well...it's okay, Ah guess. Ah really would've liked for you to have been there, but ya can't change what is..." The farm mare said sadly.

"Would you like a drink...or something like that? It's awfully rainy out there today. You're welcome to stay here until it stops." Fluttershy affirmed, aware of her friend's disappointment.

"That's alright. Ah'm just gonna go invite Rainbow Dash, now. See ya." She said as she left. Applebloom waved goodbye to Fluttershy before closing the door. She walked next to her nearly-defeated sister as she hung her head slightly.

"Ah'm sorry sis. Rainbow Dash will probably be able to come." Applejack merely mumbled a reply. They arrived under Rainbow Dash's cloud home after a short walk and stood under the cloud, shielded from the rain. Applejack called out.

"Rainbow Dash! Ya up there?" After a few seconds, Rainbow Dash came out of her house and landed in front of them.

"Hey, Applejack, Applebloom. What's up?" She said to them. She looked to be mildly carefree at the moment. Nothing to do. A glimmer of hope lit up in Applejack.

"Heya, Dash. Ya know that annual Harvest Celebration Hoedown I'm goin' away for every year?" Rainbow nodded. "Well, it just so happens that it's bein' hosted at Sweet Apple Acres for the first time this year! Wanna come tonight? It's gonna be fun. We're gonna have good food, dancin', games, contests and a whole bunch of other stuff." Rainbow frowned.

"Aw, Applejack. I wish I could, really, I do. But I'm just getting back here for my lunch break from weather patrol. These clouds were unscheduled, so we're having to work really late tonight." This news seemed to hurt Applejack more than the rest of her friends refusing her invitation. For some reason, she couldn't place it, she had wanted Rainbow to be there more than anypony else. She frowned and nodded.

"Alright...It's okay." She said. Rainbow felt a small pang of guilt shoot through her. Her friend looked tired, sad and defeated. It tore her up inside.

"Hey, you alright? You don't look very good." The pegasus said with a frown. Applejack nodded.

"Yeah, Ah'm okay. Ah just gotta get some rest." She said.

"If earth ponies didn't fall through clouds, I'd invite you guys inside to warm up." She told them. "Hold on a sec-" She said before speeding up into her house and coming back about thirty seconds later. "Here's some hot cider. Go ahead and drink up. You both look like you need it." Applejack looked at Rainbow, who had a warm smile on her face. She had to admit, that for a pony who just got on break after the strenuous duty of weather patrol, Rainbow Dash looked very good. Her mane was slightly messy, yet well kept as always, her well toned body was accentuated by her cyan coat perfectly. Her beautiful wings folded against her sides neatly. Applejack returned the smile and took the mug gratefully, as did Applebloom. The filly took a sip and marveled at the taste.

"Mmmm! This is great!" She said happily.

"Well, duh, it's Apple family cider." Rainbow said. "I always keep some stored away for special occasions."

"This ain't a special occasion." Applejack said to her.

"Well, yeah, but you guys looked like you both needed it. A day like this pretty much requires drinking the best cider in Equestria." Rainbow said. Applejack, though she had heard this compliment from Rainbow before, felt especially flattered about it now. She smiled and nodded at Rainbow, who smiled back. The sisters finished their cider and gave the mugs back to Rainbow, who took them back inside and returned to them.

"Alright, well, Ah guess we'll be headin' out now." Applejack said before giving Rainbow a quick, unexpected hug, which to pegasus returned. "Thanks for the cider."

"No problem. See you guys later!" The rainbow-maned mare said before going back into her house. Applejack had almost forgotten that Rainbow couldn't come to the Hoedown either. When she remembered, all the disappointment came flooding back. Her ears splayed back, she adjusted her stetson, opened her umbrella and walked into the rain.

"Sorry, sis." Applebloom said. "Ah can tell Scootaloo not to come it that'll make ya feel better." Applejack chuckled and hugged Applebloom.

"No, Applebloom, you don't have to do that. Thank you, though." She responded. At that moment, a sharp wind blew. It pulled on Applejack's umbrella, and seeing as how she wasn't prepared for it, the umbrella flew from her hoof. She started to chase after it, but stopped. 'Ah, buck it.' She thought to herself as she just continued to walk in the rain. This really had been one of the worst days the mare had had in a long time. She continued walking, tired, disappointed and defeated. She teared up from the pure disappointment and stress of it all. She thanked Celestia and Luna that it was raining so that Applebloom could not distinguish her tears from rainwater.

"Applejack! Your umbrella!" Applebloom exclaimed.

"Don't worry about it. Ah don't mind." Applejack said as they ambled down the path through Ponyville back toward Sweet Apple Acres to get ready for the rest of the Apple family to arrive.

_____

Applejack sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time that day as she put up the other sign of a large banner above the barn doors that said in large, bold lettering- 'HAPPY HARVEST'. The painfully obvious banner was quite cumbersome to manage, flying to and fro with the wind. It was drizzling at this point, differentiating itself from the way it rained earlier in the day. Applebloom struggled to keep the ladder her older sister was standing on steady as she hammered the banner in roughly. At this rate, Applejack wouldn't have been suprised if a heavy gust of wind blew her ladder over, causing her to plummet to the ground. Her day had been bad enough.

No gust blew, however, and she was able to descend the steps of the ladder unscathed. She exhaled lightly as she closed the ladder and folded it up into it's space-efficient formation. Most of the apple-themed decorations they had stored away had already been put up in the barn, and Big Macintosh was finishing up clearing out the barn floor.

"Ah sure am tired." Applejack said. "This thing is startin' to look less and less enticing." Big Mac looked at his sister.

"Now, sis, you'll be okay. Ya know that'll change once the hoedown get's 'goin. You have fun every year." He said as he moved the last bale of hay to the back corner of the barn. "Go ahead and plug the lights in, Applebloom. The family's gonna start arrivin' pretty soon." Applebloom nodded as she ran outside the barn, along the long, concealed line of extension cords to the water-protected outlet. She plugged the lights in, and the barn was instantly made to look more inviting. The lights illuminated the barn in a happy, bright hue, contrasting the dark it was starting to take on due to the late hours encroaching.

Applejack smiled in spite of her bad day. It really did look to be a nice night, even without her friends. Her thoughts quickly drifted back to Rainbow Dash and her sweet smile. Applejack thought about how she hadn't seen Rainbow act in such a way, save for a few special occasions. The thought only made Applejack want Rainbow Dash there more. She wilted slightly.

"It'll be okay, Applejack." Applebloom said, surprising Applejack slightly with a small pat on her back. "They'll hang out with ya when they get the chance."

"Ah know that." Applejack said. "Ah just really would've wanted them to be here. Ah have to leave 'em all here in Ponyville every year to come to this derned thing. It's the first time ever this thing's bein' hosted here, and none of 'em can make it." Applebloom nodded silently, looking up at her sister.

"Ah just wish you weren't so sad." She said. Applejack huffed and put on a brave face and gave her little sister a noogie.

"Now who said Ah was sad?" Applejack asked, smiling as her little sister giggled happily.

"No one. You just looked really sad, sittin' here all lonesome." Applebloom responded, breaking free of the affectionate noogie.

"Well, I ain't sad. Just a little disappointed, is all." Applejack said. The statement was a lie, of course, but even Applejack could tell such a small, white lie in order to preserve the happiness of her little sister.

"Alright." Applebloom said before they heard a small knocking at the open barn doors. They looked to behold Braeburn, of all ponies.

"Hey, everypony!" He said happily. "I hope I'm not too early!"

"Maybe just a little." Applejack said, smiling. "But it's good to see ya anyways, Braeburn." He nodded.

"The band should be gettin' here any time now. They left at about the same time as Ah did." He said to her.

"Well, that's good. Ain't much of a shindig without some music." Big Macintosh said. The ponies made small talk for a while, greeting the other members of the family who arrived to partake in the festivities. The band arrived just when Applejack thought the place was getting dull. They began playing lively country music that made even Applejack want to get up and dance for a bit. Granny Smith hobbled into the barn, nodding to the other members of the family and greeting when she was greeted. She took a seat overwatching the barn. Several members of the family had started to dance.

Over time, the rest of the family arrived, bringing their different platters of food for the feast later on that night. The center of the barn was essentially a large dance floor that about half the ponies there occupied. The other half talked and caught up with their family who they hadn't seen in a year. Applejack merely sat on a stool politely, saying hello to her family when they approached her and making small talk, but for the most part, keeping to herself. Very much unlike the mare. Applebloom approached her sister with Scootaloo and their cousin Babs Seed, all three had worried expressions on their faces.

"You okay, sis?" Applebloom asked. "You ain't dancin' or talkin' to nopony." Applejack promptly nodded to her sister.

"Yeah, Ah'm okay, Applebloom. Just a little tired from today, is all." She responded.

"You're usually dancin' at around this time." Applebloom said. "What's wrong?"

"Nothin', okay?" Applejack said, slightly irritated. "Y'all just go play." The fillies nodded and ran off to play a game with the other foals. Applejack continued to sit, stewing in her disappointment. She felt lonely, even as she was surrounded by her family, having a fun time listening to the music, dancing, eating and recounting their adventures together. Applejack decided to go get a drink, willing to accept whatever they had, which at the moment was cider. After drinking her cider, Applejack looked among the crowd of ponies occupying her barn. The place was big enough, to be sure, providing enough space for each member of the family to be comfortable. She watched her brother talking to another stallion, one whose name she couldn't place before becoming distracted by her sister, Scootaloo, Babs Seed and several other foals playing a game of what looked to be tag. She smiled as she heard her little sister's sweet giggle above the rest of the hoedown. She felt tired, however, tired from her hard day Applebucking in the cold rain, and tired from her feelings of disappointment not having her friends at the get together with her.

She missed all of her friends, to be sure, but none so much as Rainbow Dash. Out of all of them, she wanted her speedster pegasus friend there the most of all. Applejack found their times together, whether they were squabbling over a trivial topic, competing physically or simply relaxing and talking to be truly great times. She didn't doubt the night would be much better with Rainbow for a second. She sighed as she resolved to go back to her farmhouse and retire for the night. Her eyes surveyed the hoedown once more, looking over the many members of her family and the various colors of their coats and manes. Orange, yellow, red, brown, green, black, cyan.

'Wait a minute...' Applejack thought to herself, looking through the crowd again for that source of cyan. She found it. Rainbow Dash entered the barn, slightly moist from the rain. She looked back and forth among the family, an eyebrow raised and her rose eyes widened slightly. She coughed into her hoof as she began to walk into the barn. Applejack's stomach felt light as she was overcome with joy. She ran through the barn, through and around her various family members until she finally reached Rainbow.

"Hey Apple-UGH!" She said as she was interrupted by Applejack grabbing her up into a large hug. "Hey, Applejack..." She said, slightly strained.

"You came!" She said before realizing how stupid she must of looked to her friend. She put her down, cleared her throat and adjusted her stetson. "Ah mean, glad you could make it." Rainbow nodded.

"I just figured that Weather Patrol could hold their own fine without me. The storms calmed down a lot, so I just left." The rainbow-maned pegasus responded. "Besides, I couldn't just leave the coolest farm pony in Equestria hanging." Applejack smiled happily.

"That's awfully nice of you to say Rainbow..." Applejack said, blushing at the compliment and looking to the side. "Thank you." Rainbow smiled and nodded. Applejack looked at Rainbow, and Rainbow looked at Applejack, making eye contact. They looked into each other's eyes for what seemed like minutes. To their respective horrors, they both realized they were staring at each other. Rainbow looked around at Applejack's large family and cleared her throat. Applejack adjusted her stetson again and nodded.

"So yeah, you have a big family." Rainbow said.

"Yep." Applejack responded simply.

"A lot bigger than I thought."

"Yeah, Ah know." Applejack felt it...the awkwardness of the moment. She had been staring at Rainbow, and Rainbow had been staring right back at her. She felt her stomach sink. One of her friends actually came, and to top it off, it was the one she wanted to come the most. She wasn't going to let the night get thrown away over some stupid little moment. "Hey, come on." Applejack said, offering a hoof to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow put her hoof in Applejack's, allowing her to lead her through the dance.

"Where are we going?" She asked her friend.

"We're going to get you a nice cup of cider." Applejack said, looking back at Rainbow Dash with a confident smile, blushing. "And then we're gonna dance." This caused Rainbow to blush as well as they reached to drink table. Applejack poured a cup for herself and Rainbow Dash.

"I must admit." Rainbow said, taking her cup from Applejack, smiling. "This is a lot cooler than I thought it was going to be." Rainbow took a big swallow.

"That's what most ponies who haven't come to an Apple Family shindig say." Applejack said, drinking hers as well.

"So, Pinkie Pie isn't even here?" Rainbow asked.

"Nope. She had to babysit for the cakes." Applejack said.

"That's really suprising." Rainbow mused.

"Ah know! But Ah'm proud of her, takin' responsibility. Besides..." She said before looking over at Rainbow, who looked back at her. "The pony Ah wanted here most actually is." Rainbow smiled and blushed.

"Wow...thanks, AJ." Rainbow said before she was interrupted by the band ceasing to play and Granny Smith's shrill voice rising above everypony else's.

"Alright now, y'all!" Granny Smith yelled. "How're y'all doin' tonight?!" The Apple Family cheered nearly in unison. "Now alla y'all get ready! The annual switch-'em-up dance is comin' up! Y'all know the music, so be preparin' yourselves!" Applejack and her family cheered. Rainbow's eyes widened.

"Switch-em-up dance?" Rainbow said nervously. "What the hay is that?"

"It's somethin' really fun we Apples do here at the hoedown every year." Applejack responded with a smile.

"But I don't know it!" Rainbow said as the music came on and the family cheered. Applejack grabbed Rainbow's hoof and led her onto the dance floor.

"Don't worry about it! It's easy to learn!" Applejack said, throwing Rainbow into a line of Apple Family members before joining the line opposite. She looked at Rainbow and winked. Rainbow laughed nervously and nodded. She looked to both of her sides to see two large stallions.

"Hey there." She said. He nodded at her. "How're you doing?" She said to the other. He smiled at her. The music began a verse and the two lines began dancing toward each other. The steps seemed simple enough and Rainbow had done her fair share of dancing in her life. She adapted to this part easily. The lines intersected and each pony came out of their lines with a different partner. Rainbow was paired with a well-built handsome stallion. He smiled down at her as they began to dance together.

"Evenin' lil' filly." He said to her politely. Rainbow blushed and giggled slightly.

"Hey." She said. The stallion was quite attractive.

"You ain't a member of the family, are ya?" He asked her as they stepped in tune jubilantly to the music.

"Gee, what gave me away?" Rainbow said sarcastically. The stallion laughed. "I'm a close friend of Applejack's." The stallion nodded.

"Yeah, I seem to remember her talkin' about you last year...she was sayin' how much she wished you were there...you're Rainbow Dash, right?" He said. Rainbow blushed and nodded at hearing how much Applejack really missed her. "She kept talkin' about how you guys are racin' and fightin' dragons and stuff like that." Rainbow smiled.

"Yeah, we have a lot of fun."

"Oop, the switch is comin' up! Been nice talkin' to ya." The stallion said as he promptly dropped Rainbow Dash in the middle of the dance floor. Her eyes widened as she looked around for any indication of what she should do next. Everypony else had a partner by now and she was just standing there. Suddenly, she was swooped up by another mare.

"How ya doin'?" She said happily. "Havin' fun?" Rainbow Dash nodded, blushing again. The Apple Family was definitely an attractive one.

"Yeah, this is pretty awesome!" Rainbow said happily, continuing to dance with the mare. She looked around the dance floor, searching for Applejack. The song sounded like it was coming to a close, and no matter what, Rainbow Dash wanted to dance with Applejack. She finally laid eyes upon her friend, happily dancing with a stallion. Applejack looked up and met her eyes with Rainbow's and they didn't come away from each other. The longer Rainbow looked at Applejack, the more she wished to dance with her. The more time Applejack spent looking into Rainbow's beautiful rose eyes, the more she wanted to see them closer.

The crescendo in the chorus was arriving, so the two mares both realized that their last chance to dance with each other was coming up. They both moved their partners to where they were in close proximity with each other, ever so slightly to where their partners wouldn't notice. The moment arrived, and the partners all split up. Rainbow disconnected from her current partner, and felt her stomach drop. She had lost sight of Applejack. She had her mind set on dancing with her friend so intently, and she had lost her. Rainbow felt the need to call her friend's name welling up in her throat. This urge dissipated however, as Applejack swept the pegasus up in her arms, as they started to dance. Rainbow was filled with joy as she stepped in synchronization with Applejack.

"Geez, Rainbow, ya sure are light." Applejack said with a smirk, a blush present on her face.

"Yeah, well, I have to be to be as great a flyer as I am." Rainbow responded. She was certain Applejack was looking at her, but she couldn't look Applejack in the eyes for some reason. Something felt like it was keeping her from looking at her friend. She heard Applejack giggle.

"Ya are at that." Rainbow's inhibitions dissipated as she looked Applejack square in the eyes. She took in Applejack's natural beauty. Her freckles, her bright green eyes, her golden mane, all putting the pegasus in a small trance. She blushed as she gazed upon her friend, Applejack gazing right back, blushing as well, her eyes half lidded. She appraised Rainbow's attractive facial features. Her multicolored mane that seemed to be pefectly separated, yet slightly scruffy at the same time, her beautiful rose irises, calling to her, her adorable little smile adorned by the blush she was currently sporting. They held each other and danced, jumping and stepping happily along with the music.

Applejack felt a fire burning in her stomach, blazing whenever she got closer to Rainbow. Rainbow felt as light as a feather, nearly exploding with joy whenever she looked into Applejack's eyes. After a fast, unexpected step in the dance, Applejack's stetson fell from her head. Rainbow, seemingly on instinct, reached down, took the hat and put it on her own head. Applejack smiled at how cute Rainbow looked, Rainbow smiled back.

"Couldn't let your hat get stepped on, partner!" She said, in a country accent, half giggling. Applejack chuckled as the dance continued. Rainbow laughed as they spinned. Applejack smiled widely as they stepped to a fro, moving along to the upbeat music. The song began to come to a close and the couples began to separate. Applejack and Rainbow kept dancing slightly longer than the others, however, finally noticing that the song was coming to a close. After all the couples separated, they ended up in the lines they began in. Finally, the dance ended with a bow to the other line. The music ended and everypony cheered, especially Rainbow Dash, who took to the air momentarily.

"Now, y'all, that was some mighty fine a-dancin'! Enjoy the rest of the night!" The dance floor eventually filled back up with different Apple family members as Rainbow Dash made her way back to the drink table where her cider was. She found Applejack waiting there for her.

"Dear, sweet Celestia, that was awesome!" Rainbow said happily. Applejack chuckled.

"What'd Ah tell ya?" She responded before taking a sip of her cider. "The Apple Family Switch-'em-up Dance is not something to be missed." Rainbow nodded extravagantly.

"I know that now!" Rainbow exhaled and took a swallow of her drink. "I just didn't think it was going to be this fun! If I'm fired from weather patrol, totally worth it!" Applejack laughed.

"Well, you're comin' to a shindig with pretty much a hundred and fifty Applejacks, so..."

"No I'm not." Rainbow responded.

"Huh?"

"There's not another pony like you. You're one of a kind."

"Well, thanks, Rainbow. That's really sweet of you to say."

"I know it sounds corny, but I mean it." Rainbow said. "I've never met another pony like you, and that's the truth."

"Well," Applejack responded. "Ah've certainly not met anypony like you." Rainbow snickered.

"Yeah, well, that's obvious." She quipped. Applejack smiled as she noticed that Rainbow ws still wearing her hat. She decided to see how long it would take for Rainbow to notice. Perhaps the pegasus just liked to wear it.

"Rainbow Dash?!" They heard a voice call from behind them. They turned to see Scootaloo running at them. She jumped and grabbed Rainbow in a hug, smiling widely. Rainbow hugged her back.

"Hey, Scootaloo. What's up?" She said.

"I'm here with Applebloom." The filly responded.

"Well, it's good to see I'm not the only pegasus here." Rainbow Dash said. Scootaloo smiled at her.

"Hey, Scootaloo! Come on! Babs has something she wants to say!" They heard Applebloom calling.

"That's me. Gotta go!" Scootaloo said before speeding off to her friends. Rainbow nodded.

"See ya, scoots!" She said. Applejack smiled and sat down next to Rainbow.

"That filly really adores ya, doesn't she?" Applejack said. Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah. Can you blame her?" Rainbow said, puffing out her chest. Applejack smiled as she took her hat off of Rainbow's head, earning a "Hey!" from her friend.

"C'mon, Ah wanna introduce you to some of the family." Applejack said, beginning to walk through the barn, being followed closely by Rainbow.

"Well, that's gonna take all night." Rainbow said. Applejack laughed.

_____

The Apple Family Annual Harvest Celebration Hoedown was over. The family was saying their goodbyes to each other, hugging and nodding and shaking hooves. The night had been spectacular for Applejack and Rainbow Dash. They had played a game of horseshoes, which Applejack won, but not by much. Applejack had introduced Rainbow to a lot of the family, who received her warmly. They had danced some more, enjoying the live music, they ate heartily, supplied with all of the specialized dishes of the Apple Family, and they had just sat and talked over cups of warm, delicious cider. But now, the get-together was over and all the ponies were going home. Rainbow sighed as she stood up from the table her and Applejack were sitting at.

"Well, I think I'm gonna head out too." She said. "Thanks for the great time, AJ." Applejack quickly stood up and trotted after her.

"Now, hold on a minute there, Rainbow. What kinda friend would Ah be if Ah didn't walk ya home?" She said. Rainbow shrugged.

"Alright. Cool." They exited the barn into the cool night, no longer burdened by rain or weather conditions. The skies were clear, and Luna's moon shone as clearly as it ever did. Applejack noticed Big Macintosh carrying Applebloom, who was dead asleep, back to the farmhouse. He looked at her and waved, getting the message that Applejack was accompanying her guest home. Applejack waved back as she and Rainbow continued to amble along the path.

"So let me get this straight..." Rainbow said to Applejack. "None of the others could come? Not Twilight or Fluttershy?" Applejack shook her head.

"Nope. You're the only one that showed up." Applejack said with a small smile. Rainbow was frowning, however.

"I mean, I can understand they all had their reasons for not being there, but come on!" She exclaimed. Applejack chuckled. "Who wouldn't want to party with you like that?"

"Ah appreciate that, sugarcube." Applejack responded. They continued to walk in relative, comfortable silence, each mare stealing quick glances at the other when they were sure the other wasn't looking. They failed miserably at one point, making full eye-contact for a moment. They both laughed nervously and continued walking toward Rainbow's home. The wet grass transferring moisture to both of their hooves soothingly. Mist blanketed the fields where the humidity was dropping closer to the ground. When they finally arrived at Rainbow's house, Rainbow sighed and turned to Applejack.

"Well, it's been really fun, Applejack. I hope I can come next year." Rainbow said with a smile.

"Definitely. Ah'm glad you could make it." Applejack responded, also smiling. Rainbow nodded.

"Alright, well, I'll be seeing ya." The pegasus said as the began to fly up to her house. She was stopped in her path by Applejack grabbing her tail between her teeth unexpectedly. She looked back to see Applejack blushing heavily and rubbing the back of her head.

"Wait a minute, Dash...Ah need to talk to ya about somethin'." She said.

"Oh, okay." Rainbow said, touching down in front of Applejack. "What's up?" Applejack skiffed her hoof on the ground, searching for the right words to say. She looked at Rainbow, who had an expectant look on her face. Applejack immediately became nervous as she began.

"Well, today had been a pretty bad day for me. Ah barely got any sleep last night, Ah had to work in the rain all day, my apples spilled everywhere and Ah had to pick 'em up, just...not a good day. The one bright point of it all was the Harvest Celebration Hoedown. Ah could finally invite alla my friends after leavin' you guys in Ponyville so many times. Ah went from house to house, invitin' you all. But none of ya could come. That just made my day even worse. Ah wasn't even enjoyin' the dance, Ah was so down in the dumps. But, outta nowhere, you showed up. And all of a sudden, those bad feelings, they just disappeared, and Ah was just so happy to see ya. You pretty much saved the night for me. You were there for me when everypony else couldn't be, for whatever reason. So...thank you. Ah appreciate it, is all Ah'm tryin' to say." Rainbow smiled warmly and put a hoof on Applejack's shoulder.

"Don't worry about it, AJ. I've always liked you the most." She said happily.

"Ah appreciate you." Applejack said. Rainbow closed her eyes and nodded.

And then Applejack kissed her.

Applejack kissed her square on the lips.

Rainbow Dash's body seized up in suprise. Her eyes shot open and she turned the color of one of Applejack's apples as she sat there, feeling Applejack's soft lips on hers, unsure of what exactly to make of this new development. She had expected this the least out of all the things she ever could have expected Applejack to do then and there. Applejack slowly disconnected from the kiss and moved her head back slowly. She opened her eyes dreamily, expecting to see a happy and satisfied Rainbow Dash. Her eyes widened as she saw Rainbow's expression. Applejack turned beat red as well. They stood there for a few seconds, before either of them made a sound.

"Uh..." Rainbow began. Applejack stumbled back even further.

"Oh, Godesses! Rainbow, Ah'm so sorry! Ah thought we made a connection at the Hoedown. I must've read it wrong...Ah'm sorry. Ah'm so sorry" Applejack's eyes went to the ground. "Ah'll just go, seein' as how your probably disgusted right now." Applejack said, nearly in tears as she turned to leave Rainbow under her home. She stopped as she felt a hoof on her shoulder.

"Am I surprised?" Rainbow said. "Totally. Am I disgusted?" She turned Applejack to face her. Rainbow was blushing heavily, her eyes half lidded. Applejack's eyes widened slightly. "Hay, no." Rainbow said as she shot her face forward and locked lips with Applejack a second time. Applejack almost immediately returned the kiss as they both moved closer to one another, bathed in the light of Luna's pale moon. They seperated for a moment. Applejack kissed Rainbow on the cheek quickly before they both began kissing again.

As the kiss continued, it became more passionate as the two mares embraced each other and sank to the ground. Their tongues explored each other's mouth as their kiss became more and more fervent. Applejack disconnected from it and began to kiss Rainbow's neck. Rainbow moaned loudly, alerting Applejack that this was one of the pegasus' sweet spots. Applejack moved and rolled Rainbow onto her back, moving on top of her and continuing her loving assault. Rainbow breathed heavily as her wings unfurled at her sides. Applejack began to massage one of the feathered appendages. Rainbow gasped sharply at this motion. She felt herself become wet between her legs as they spread on instinct.

'Sweet spot number two.' Applejack thought to herself as she continued to rub Rainbow's wing.

"Ya like that, sugarcube?" Applejack asked Rainbow. Rainbow merely nodded as she continued to revel in the pure pleasure. Applejack had become quite wet as well at this point. Rainbow sensed this and brought her back leg up, in an attempt to reach Applejack's marehood. She was successful. Applejack moaned and closed her eyes, throwing her head back. Rainbow smirked as she began to move her knee back and forth, further pleasuring the farm mare. Applejack continued to massage Rainbow's wing, making the pegasus throw her head back. That was when Rainbow noticed they were out in the open, pleasuring each other.

"Applejack, wait!" Rainbow said.

"No, Rainbow...Ah'm lovin' this too much..." Applejack responded.

"We're out in the open. It's not even that late. There could still be other ponies out here." Rainbow explained.

"Aw, Dash, don't make us stop now..." Applejack said, disappointed.

"No...not, stop, just...relocate. Somewhere darker, quieter..." She looked up at Applejack and raised an eyebrow saucily. "Sexier." Applejack's ears raised up and she smiled.

"Lead the way, Dash." She said, Letting Rainbow get up. Rainbow giggled as she looked around for a spot. Her eyes fell upon a group of trees nearby. They seemed dense enough to hide them, yet sparse enough to be comfortable for them both. Rainbow looked back at Applejack and smiled.

"Come on." She said before running to the trees. Once they got inside, they both realized that it was indeed darker within the trees. This excited Applejack, as she followed Rainbow through the trees. They came upon a clearing, blanketed with soft moss. Rainbow turned around to face Applejack and smiled. Her ears splayed back and she blushed, sitting down on the moss. Applejack got the message, moving closer to her, her heart beating into her ribcage.

"Wow, Rainbow, you were right." Applejack said. "This is quieter."

"Yep." Rainbow said.

"And sexier." Applejack said.

"Just kiss me." Rainbow said, her voice filled with want. Applejack was all to happy to oblige, locking lips with Rainbow once again. Rainbow began to push Applejack down onto her back, their lips never parting. Applejack slipped her tongue into Rainbow's mouth, making Rainbow moan into the the kiss. Applejack put two hooves on Rainbow's shoulders, making her wings flare out. Rainbow put a hoof on Applejack's chest and began to slowly move it downward. Slowly, enticingly, she moved it downward. Applejack felt her clitoris stiffen out of the pure anticipation of the moment. Applejack's back legs spread before Rainbow's hoof got there. When it did, Rainbow began tracing circles around Applejack's sensitive marehood. The farm mare moaned and disconnected from the kiss.

"Please, Rainbow...don't tease me." She said. Rainbow snickered and gave Applejack a quick peck on the lips.

"Why not?" Rainbow responded. "Makes it all the more better when it actually happens." Applejack was preparing a rebuttal before Rainbow finally began rubbing her marehood with her hoof. Applejack arched her back and gasped. Rainbow chuckled. She continued to pleasure Applejack, bringing her partner closer to orgasm. Applejack's breathing quickened as she started to moan loudly. The pressure Rainbow applied gradually increased, second to second and the effect on Applejack was dazzling.

"Keep goin' sugarcube! Oh, Ah'm so close!" Applejack cried, her ears splayed back, her eyes closed. After a few more seconds, Applejack finally was overtaken by glorious orgasm. She cried out and pulled Rainbow Down. She hungrily kissed her until the orgasm subsided. Rainbow became infinitely more aroused feeling Applejack's juices leak down her hoof. When it was over, Applejack immediately flipped Rainbow Dash onto her back and spread her legs.

"Woah! Whatcha doin' there, AJ?" Rainbow asked her lover, blushing.

"Showin' ya how it's really done." Applejack said before she took Rainbow's entire flower into her mouth. Rainbow moaned loudly and spread her legs to the rest of their capacity to give Applejack full access. Applejack took a lick. "No teasin'..." She licked again, making Rainbow jump. "No messin' around..." She sucked on her marehood, making her moan again. "Just gettin' straight to it." She then went to work fully on Rainbow Dash, using her lips and tongue to make Rainbow feel like a queen. Her wings flared as Applejack licked up her slit then focused on her clitoris, sucking on it. Rainbow threw her head back and basked in the pure ecstacy and pleasure Applejack was giving her.

Rainbow's moans became more frequent and high pitched, coming between each breath. Rainbow began moving her hips up to meet Applejack's face, urging her to go on. Rainbow was at the brink, about to go over the edge. Finally, she exploded, moaning loudly as ever as her ejaculate flowed into Applejack's mouth. Applejack swallowed it and moved up quickly, taking one of Rainbow's legs and turning her onto her side.

"Wait! Applejack, what're you doing?" She asked.

"Goin' again before you cool down a little too much." The mare said. Rainbow had no qualms with this as she let Applejack do her work, still in the afterglow of her orgasm. Applejack smiled as she positioned herself between Rainbow's legs to where her marehood was inches from Rainbow's.

"You ready?" Applejack said.

"Ready for wha-AH!" Rainbow exclaimed as Applejack began rubbing her flower on Rainbow's slowly, thrusting forward gently. Rainbow moaned and looked up at Applejack, who was smiling down at her. "That's nice..." She said.

"Yeah, Ah know." Applejack said, before leaning down and kissing Rainbow on the cheek. Rainbow giggled and kissed Applejack on the lips, both of their pleasure being built up by Applejack's movements. They looked into each other's eyes dreamily as Applejack continued her gentle thrusting, slightly increasing and pressure and velocity. Rainbow moaned adorably as Applejack put her forehead on Rainbow's. Both of their ears were splayed back as they smiled at each other. Applejack began to rub their marehoods together until she felt herself on the edge of pleasure.

"Gettin' close here." Applejack said, smiling.

"Me too..." Rainbow said. It continued until Applejack finally climaxed once more, leaking her juices onto Rainbow's lower lips. Applejack continued to thrust, however, aware that Rainbow had not climaxed yet.

"Keep going...just a little more..." Rainbow moaned. Applejack began thrusting a little harder, rubbing her juices and Rainbow's together, increasing friction. Rainbow moaned loudly as she reached orgasm at last, grabbing onto Applejack and pulling her close as she breathed into her ear. Applejack layed down next to Rainbow after it was finished, they both breathed heavily.

"Wow." Rainbow said.

"Yeah...wow." Applejack responded simply. They both continued to lay there for what seemed like hours. Rainbow finally started to get up. She stood as well as Applejack as they began to walk back to Rainbow's house. The sky was completely clear, and the moon shone brilliantly on the both of them. It was as if this night was set aside for just the two of them. They pressed their bodies together affectionately and walked until they finally reached the cloud home. Rainbow disconnected from Applejack and stood before her.

"So...what happens now?" Applejack asked. Rainbow smiled at her and began hovering in the air, her wings flapping quickly and in short strokes.

"Well, assuming you didn't kiss me and start all of this for nothing," She said, smirking. "Would you like to go on a date?" The question was a legitimate one. Rainbow wanted to try to have a relationship with Applejack. Applejack was not prepared for the question, but smiled all the same and nodded.

"Ah would love to." Applejack responded. "How about the day after tomorrow?" Rainbow smiled and blushed, her stomach feeling light.

"Sounds great." Rainbow flitted up to Applejack and kissed her on the lips quickly. "See ya then, AJ." She said before flying up into her house. Applejack sighed and shook her head, smiling as she turned and headed back to Sweet Apple Acres for a well-earned good night's sleep.

Author's Note

Well, there is the first chapter to this story. I am really quite happy to be back on FIMfiction, and with my favorite shipping, too! Man, this place has changed since I've been gone. We've got this fancy little Author's Note box, and everything! Yes, I am aware that there was a fair amount of sex in this chapter. No, there will not be sex every chapter. NO sex will not be common in this story, though it will be present. It's not really clop, either. It's more like romantic, loving sex. In this chapter, it was pretty much just a passionate spur-of-the-moment thing, but from here on out, there's not going to be any more of that. (Or will there? *evil laugh*) This is a pretty hefty chapter, I know. The rest of them will be 3000 words at the shortest, and 7000 words at the longest. Anyways, I'm glad to be back, and I would appreciate if you would leave a comment on what you think so far! Cheers!

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The beautiful morning sunlight leaked into Applejack's bedroom, waking Rainbow Dash from her peaceful slumber. She sighed as a feeling of warmth flooded through her. She looked into Applejack's emerald eyes, seeing that she had already been awake for some time before her.

"Good mornin'." Applejack said with a warm smile. Rainbow snickered and nuzzled Applejack's cheek.

"Good morning, yourself." Rainbow said as she yawned lightly. "Geez, I needed this." Applejack nodded.

"Yeah. You slept like a log." The farm mare said.

"Oh, did I?" Rainbow said. "Well then, I'm a happy log, because I'm here with you." Applejack smiled.

"Ditto." Applejack stated. "You snore, ya know." The words sent a spear of self-awareness through Rainbow Dash's gut. She tried to think of a witty line to retort with, but finally settled for a nervous-

"No I don't." She looked to the side and cleared her throat. "Nope, I sure don't."

"Don't worry, Sugarcube." Applejack said, stroking Rainbow's prismatic mane. "Ah think it's cute." Rainbow blushed heavily and smiled. Her spine was still straightened from shame, but the reassuring statement from her love helped to calm her.

"...Really?" She said timidly, much unlike herself. "I always thought I sounded awful."

"How would ya even know?" Applejack asked, half laughing. "You're sleepin' when ya do it."

"Well, a past coltfriend of mine told me that I snore and he made fun of me for it." Rainbow said. "I just always assumed it sounded awful." Applejack frowned.

"Well, he was stupid." Applejack said. "Glad ya dumped him." Rainbow laughed.

"Yeah...He was pretty bad. We only lasted a month." Applejack kissed Rainbow Dash on the forehead.

"Ah love you..." Applejack said with a warm smile. "So much." Rainbow pulled Applejack into a kiss, disconnecting from it after a few seconds.

"I love you too. But Applejack...before we really get back into this...y'know, us being a couple...are you sure that you'll stay with me?" Rainbow said, looking down, then back into Applejack's eyes. "I'm not sure I can take it if you leave me again..."

Applejack felt an enormous amount of gulit fill her being at that moment. She couldn't blame Rainbow in the slightest. Applejack had been the source of Rainbow Dash's misery for the week prior to that day. She had changed, and she was going to make sure Rainbow Dash knew it. Applejack stroked Rainbow's mane and smiled at her reassuringly.

"Rainbow Dash, Ah wouldn't leave you again if my life depended on it." Applejack said. Rainbow put her hoof on Applejack's and held it to the side of her face. "Ah want to be with you with all my heart. There's nowhere Ah'd rather be in this world than right here, right now with you." Rainbow Dash shed a tear as she kissed Applejack, wrapping her front legs around her. They continued to kiss as Rainbow Dash rolled Applejack onto her back, allowing Rainbow Dash's wings to flare out. Both their ears moved back as they fell further and further into their love for one another. The pegasus felt like she was floating on air as she moved her lips against Applejack's. She couldn't have been any happier, kissing the mare she loved so dearly, knowing that she truly was hers now. Applejack disconnected from the kiss suddenly and smiled up at Rainbow Dash.

"And Ah'm gonna prove it to ya, Dash." Applejack said happily. "Ah'm gonna tell my family. About us. Today." Rainbow Dash was stunned. Her eyebrows raised and ears perked up as she struggled to supress a small smile, failing miserably.

"Really?" She said, unable to hide the happiness and astonishment in her words. "When?"

"Ya got apples in your ears?" Applejack asked with a chuckle. "Ah said today."

"No, smart one, when today?" Rainbow asked, giggling slightly.

"Ah'm thinkin' tonight." Applejack said, looking up, seeming to be thinking. "We're all gonna be havin' supper together. Ah'll tell 'em then, Ah think." Rainbow Dash felt like jumping up and down and throwing a victorious hoof into the air. She settled for a long kiss on Applejack's lips.

"Wow..." Rainbow said. "You really are serious..." Applejack smirked at her.

"Ah know." Applejack said. "Element of honesty, remember? Despite what Ah've been doin' lately, Ah usually am a little truthful." Rainbow Dash pulled Applejack into a hug, burying her face in Applejack's shoulder.

"I'm so glad..." Rainbow said, coming back to kiss Applejack again before nuzzling her lovingly. "I'm so happy."

"Thank you, Rainbow Dash..." Applejack said, tears forming in her eyes.

"For what?" Rainbow asked. "Does it have something to do with why you're crying?" Applejack laughed and playfully shoved Rainbow over onto her side.

"Of course it does!" Applejack said half laughing, wiping her tears away.

"Well, okay." Rainbow said with a smile. "Let's hear it, then."

"Ah just..." Applejack said, looking for the correct words. "Ah just wanna say thank you for not givin' up on me...even when Ah treated you so badly, you never quite let me go. If ya had, Ah probably would have just lived the rest of my life in the closet. Ah don't know what Ah'd be doin' now without you..." Applejack softly layed a front leg around Rainbow Dash. "You're so special to me. Ah just love you so much." Rainbow smiled and teared up as well.

"Geez, Applejack, ever thought of being a motivational speaker?" Applejack laughed. "I love you too." With that, Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash into her, embracing her sweetly and holding her, not wanting to let go. Rainbow held onto Applejack, nuzzling her face into the farm mare's chest. The two ponies breathed in synchronization, matching each other's breath in length and magnitude. They layed this way for what seemed to be half an hour before Applejack began to get out of the bed, earning a tired, disapproving moan from Rainbow Dash.

"Why are you leaving?" Rainbow said, looking up at the standing Applejack with half-lidded eyes. "I was almost back to sleep..."

"Ah'm gonna get a shower." Applejack said. "Feelin' like Ah might need it."

"You smell fine..." Rainbow said, turning over. "Get back in bed and spoon with me." Applejack laughed and looked down at Rainbow. She lightly stroked the back of Rainbow's head making the pegasus' ears splay back.

"As temptin' as that offer sounds, Ah'm still gonna grab a shower. Be out in a minute." Applejack said, walking to the bathroom and turning the shower on. She looked at herself in the mirror as she waited for the water to get comfortably hot. She finally could look at herself and not feel contempt or shame due to her actions. She could finally look upon herself and actually smile. When Applejack's reflection was completely blotted out by the excessive amount of steam coming from her shower, she stepped inside, shrinking back from the near-scalding water. Gingerly, she edged the hot water handle closer to the cold, evening out the balance of hot and cold until it was at a comfortable level.

Satisfied, Applejack stepped into the good-sized walk in shower and closed the curtain.

"Aw, dang it." She cursed, as she had forgotten to take out her hair ties. She removed the ties and applied a generous portion of shampoo to her mane and tail, washing each with care, massaging the soapy liquid soothingly. She sighed as she let the soothing water play down her head and face, washing the shampoo out as well as giving her face a relaxing rinse.

She heard the bathroom door open. Applejack froze momentarily, not knowing who exactly was walking in, the shower curtain blocking the rest of the restroom from her view completely.

"Wow, AJ." Rainbow Dash said. "It's like a freakin' sauna in here." Applejack sighed silently in relief.

"Well, that's how Ah like it." Applejack said. "Deal with it."

" 'Kay." Rainbow said simply, making Applejack giggle.

"What exactly are ya doin' in here anyways?"

"Just brushing my teeth, worrywart." Rainbow snickered. Applejack rolled her eyes slightly as she closed her eyes again, continuing the take in the feel of the water. "Besides, it's not like I've never seen all of you there is to see." Rainbow said, a noticably sultry tint to her voice. Applejack blushed heavily as she suddenly felt a burning sensation in her lower stomach. She thought momentarily about inviting Rainbow Dash in the shower, but decided against it. She continued to rinse herself as she heard several quick hoofsteps toward her. She heard the shower curtain suddenly open. Applejack turned around to be quickly taken into a deep kiss from Rainbow Dash.

Applejack's stomach leaped in shock and arousal as the water played over the two mares. Rainbow Dash pushed Applejack against the wall of the shower, kissing Applejack passionately. Rainbow slipped her tongue into Applejack's mouth and slid it around Applejack's before disconnecting from the kiss and looking into Applejack's eyes saucily. Applejack breathed heavily, her eyes half lidded, a heavy blush present on her face.

"What're ya doin'?" Applejack asked.

"Are you kidding?" Rainbow said, brushing her matted mane out of her face. "All this warm steam, you in here in such a vulnerable position, the hot water..." Rainbow kissed Applejack's neck slowly, making sure to suck on the farm mare's sensitive skin as she pulled away, making Applejack moan. She brought her lips centimeters away from Applejack's and whispered with a smile- "How the hay could I resist?"

With that, Rainbow slammed her lips back on Applejack's. Applejack immediately melted into the kiss and moved her tongue along Rainbow's, falling deeper and deeper into her passion for the cyan pegasus. The water running down her body and the steam filling her lungs with each frantic breath through her nose spurred her further into their liplock.

Rainbow was working with every fiber of her being to turn on the charm for Applejack. It was working famously. The orange mare was putty in her hands. Rainbow relished the moment as she was in complete control of the situation there in the shower. What was to happen next was completely up to her, and this sent an excited jolt through her body. Rainbow slowly began massaging Applejack's flank with her hooves, pressing down on the smooth, firm muscles. Applejack gasped.

"I've been waiting for this, Applejack..." Rainbow said, disconnecting from the kiss. "You and me...our bodies...let's not waste this time we have, huh?" Rainbow slowly...tantalizingly, moved her hoof to Applejack's lower belly, moving in slow circles. The liquid arousal from Applejack's sex mixed with the water as it dripped down her leg. Applejack moaned.

"Please, Dash-Ah!...Please don't-nya!" Rainbow sucked on Applejack's neck again as she continued to massage her flank and lower stoamch. "...Stop teasin' me." Rainbow snickered.

"I always have been the best at getting under your skin, huh?" Rainbow whispered sultrily into Applejack's ear.

"In every sense of the phrase, sugarcube..." She said before a gasp. "Please...Ah can't take it..."

"...Alright then." Rainbow simply said before shooting her hoof to Applejack's marehood, pressing into it, alternating pressures. Applejack moaned a little louder than she should have. Rainbow didn't mind.

Rainbow Dash rubbed Applejack's sex with her hoof, making her pant heavily. The farm mare felt small explosions in her groin as Dash rubbed at her, hitting her clitoris occasionally, but never once focusing on it. The effect was dazzling, yet torturous to the earth pony at the same time. Rainbow Dash could most certainly be cruel in their intimate interactions when she wanted to be.

The pegasus quickly atoned for this, however, as she moved both hooves under Applejack's flank and began to massage as she began to kiss Applejack again, employing her tongue with admirable skill. While the feeling was extremely pleasant, it was not nearly as pleasurable as the attention her flower recieved. Rainbow's intentions were quickly made known however, as she moved one of her back legs up to connect with Applejack's sex. She moved it back and forth, making Applejack's body bob up and down slightly as well as increasing the frequency of the friction on her lower lips and clitoris at the same time.

Applejack struggled not to scream as she lifted her back legs up around Rainbow Dash's flank and put her hooves and Rainbow's shoulders. Applejack disconnected from the kiss and moaned into Rainbow's ear, further arousing her. Her moans became more frequent and high pitched as the pleasure increased to mind-numbing levels.

Rainbow Dash's wings had flared out at this point, and were frequently hit with water from the shower. This was extremely pleasurable to Rainbow, making her pant as she moved her leg powerfully against Applejack's sex. The motions continued for nearly five minutes before Applejack felt her climax approaching.

"Rainbow...Oh, goddesses, Rainbow...Ah'm gettin' close..." Applejack said through her intense pleasure.

The bathroom door opened.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash froze in complete and utter terror.

"Applejack?" Applebloom called innocently, stepping into the bathroom. "You takin' a shower?" The two mares, who had stopped right in the process of love making in the shower, blinked at each other briefly. Their eyes widened dramatically as they did not dare to move an inch. Applejack, her mind stopped in place, struggled to find the right words to say.

"Uhh...Y-Yeah, Applebloom..." Applejack finally said. "Ah'm in the shower. Whatcha need?" Rainbow Dash's heart beat against her ribcage as a feeling of dread filled her.

'This is it...' Rainbow thought to herself. 'It's over.'

"Just comin' to remind ya that ya promised to come with me, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle on our crusadin' today." Applebloom said. "We're supposed to meet in thirty minutes."

"...Yeah, Ah remember, sugarcube." Applejack said. "Just let me finish my shower and Ah'll take ya, okay?"

"Okay!" Applebloom responded happily before leaving the bathroom.

"Shut the door, please." Applejack called after her sister.

"Oop! Sorry, sis." Applebloom said before shutting the door. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash sighed heavily with relief. Applejack threw a hoof against her forhead.

"Ponyfeathers!" She whispered. "Ah completely forgot!"

"Forgot what?" Rainbow asked her, dropping her voice to a whisper as well.

"Ah'm supposed to watch over Applebloom and her friends today while they go on their little adventures." Applejack responded. Rainbow nodded.

"Alright, then. Let's finish up here so I can get going." Rainbow said, beginning to massage Applejack's flank again.

"Are you crazy?" Applejack whispered.

"No. Just really, really-"

"My little sister is in the other room!"

"We can be quiet, come oooonn..."

"Look, Dash, Ah'll make it up to ya, Ah promise, but we can't do it now." Applejack said, moving out from being pinned against the wall by Rainbow Dash. The pegasus pouted adorably, making Applejack's heart melt.

"Fine..." Rainbow said. "But I'm gonna hold you to it."

"'Alright." Applejack said, before exiting the shower and grabbing a towel. Rainbow Dash removed one from the available towel rack as well, as the two mares dried themselves off. Once finished, Applejack ambled quickly to her bedroom door and locked it, minimizing any chances of a premature discovery of the two of them. Applejack smiled at Rainbow Dash as she put in her hair ties.

"Ah really love havin' ya here." Applejack said. "Ah wish Ah didn't have to leave ya."

"Oh, don't worry about it, AJ." Rainbow said. "Where are you taking Applebloom and her friends?"

"Just into the fields. Ah promised to get 'em close enough to the Everfree Forest to try to get their birdwatching cutie marks." Applejack stated, putting her stetson hat on, enjoying the familiar feel of the headwear.

"Well, that's perfect." Rainbow replied. "I'll just run into you guys out there. Scootaloo would love it anyways." Applejack smiled.

"Sounds like a plan to me, sugarcube." She stated. "Ah really wasn't expectin' ya to come into the shower." Rainbow looked up innocently and teetered on her hooves like a foal.

"Sure didn't sound too opposed to it, AJ." Rainbow said, looking at Applejack with a cutesy smirk.

"Well, why the hay would Ah be?" Applejack said before walking over to Rainbow and kissing her on the lips. "That was great while it lasted."

"If only it had lasted." Rainbow said, smiling and blushing, her ears splayed back. "Why don't you just make it up to me now and kiss me again?" Applejack giggled.

"You got it, Dash."

Applejack connected her lips with Rainbow Dash's tenderly and brought a hoof up to the back of Rainbow's head, gently pulling her into their liplock. Rainbow Dash relished the sweetness and affection of the kiss and smiled. Applejack deepened the kiss and took Rainbow's top lip in between her own and grazed over it with her tongue. Rainbow's stomach fluttered. She was with the mare she loved, embracing her lovingly in the way she had been yearning desperately for for the past half month. Applejack disconnected from the kiss and stepped back slightly.

"Satisfied?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Rainbow nodded happily.

"Yep!" Rainbow ambled cheerfully to Applejack's window and opened it. "See ya in the fields. Love you!"

"Love ya, too." Applejack responded with a sweet smile. With that, Rainbow Dash jumped out of the window and flew into the clouds. She spun, looped and whirled effortlessly as she did whenever she was exceedingly happy. Applejack giggled as she heard Rainbow cry out in joy as she flew through the sky.

_____

"Ah'm gonna see a blue-footed warbler! The rarest bird in Equestria!" Applebloom exclaimed proudly to her friends, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

"Oh, yeah? Well, I'm gonna see a...a...orange-ringed cardinal! Those can only be seen once in a lifetime!" Scootaloo countered, equally proudly.

"Now, girls, Ah'm not even sure those are even real species of bird." Applejack said, half chuckling as she walked behind the three incredibly energetic fillies, en route to go bird watching.

"Well they should be!" Scootaloo responded. "They sound awesome!" The tiny pegasus and Applebloom did a quick hoof bump.

"I'm fine with whatever I see, really." Sweetie Belle said humbly.

"Yeah, because that's definitely gonna get ya your cutie mark." Applebloom said with a giggle.

"We'll see." Sweetie Belle said, taking her notebook out of her saddlebag and examining it, making sure it was all up to snuff. The four ponies arrived in the "watching spot" that all of the crusaders had agreed upon three days prior. Applejack sat down on the ground and prepared for two straight hours of pure boredome.

"Alright, girls!" Scootaloo said. "Start your watching!"

And so, the fillies watched. They watched through their pairs of binoculars, seeing different species of bird fly in and out of the trees in the distance. Each seemed to be plenty busy with their different notebooks. To them, the time was one of fun and excitement, not knowing which bird would pop from the trees next. It could have been a phoenix, fiery and triumphant, regal in appearace and motion. Or, it could have been a duck, bold in it's utter blandness as it quacked aimlessly. Neither of these showed up. At least not to Applejack.

Applejack's feelings were the exact opposite of the fillies she was watching. She could be doing something productive on the farm at that moment. She could be making lunch for her family. She could be with Rainbow Dash. Applejack closed her eyes and silently yearned for the companionship of her pegasus lover.

"Hey, everypony." Applejack heard Rainbow Dash's cheerful voice spout from in front of her. Scootaloo immediately turned quickly and stared at her idol, standing triumphantly before her.

"Rainbow Dash?! What are you doing here?" Scootaloo gushed.

"Oh, I was just flying over...y'know...being awesome, when I looked down and saw all of you just sitting here. I figured I'd drop in and say 'Hey.' " Rainbow said before looking at Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, still looking into the canopy of trees. "Hey, you guys."

"Hi, Rainbow Dash." The two fillies said nearly in unison, not taking their eyes off the trees. Applebloom leaned into Sweetie Belle mischeviously and raised an eyebrow.

"While Scootaloo's gushin' over Rainbow Dash, we'll be seein' all the cool birds! She won't be able to keep up!" She whispered. Sweetie Belle nodded and giggled as they went back to their bird watching.

"Sooo..." Rainbow said. "How long are you guys gonna be here?"

"Ah promised 'em two hours, so Ah'm stuck here until noon." Applejack said. Rainbow nodded.

"Well, I got nothing better to do. Mind if I chill here with you guys?" Rainbow asked nonchalantly.

"Not in the slightest, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo exclaimed happily. Applejack nodded in the excited filly's direction.

"What she said." Applejack said with a wide smile, a blush present on her face. Rainbow nodded and smiled back at her.

"Cool." Rainbow said said, plopping down next to Applejack. She nodded in the direction of Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. "Hey, uh...I think your friends are beating you, Scoots." Scootaloo frantically looked behind her and saw her friends snickering at her negligence to the task at hand.

"Oh, geez!" Scootaloo said. "Sorry, Rainbow Dash! I'm gonng get my cutie mark!"

"Good luck with that." Rainbow stated with a small smile. Applejack looked over at Rainbow and smiled warmly. When the three fillies were busy observing the local Equestrian avian life, she finally ushered Rainbow Dash to a position farther away from her sister and her friends, but still in view of the trio. The spot was nice and shaded by a tree. Applejack sat up against the tree trunk and patted the spot next to her, inviting her marefriend to sit. Rainbow Dash happily obliged and sat down next to Applejack.

"So, what did ya do after ya left the house?" Applejack asked Rainbow.

"Oh, I just went home, walked Tank and freshened up a little bit." Rainbow repsponded.

"Ah can tell, Dash." Applejack responded with a nuzzle. Rainbow Dash leaned back and dropped her head on Applejack's shoulder. "You smell delicious. It's that perfume Rarity gave ya, isn't it?" Rainbow blushed and nodded.

"I remember how you said you liked it, so I gave it a spritz or two." Rainbow Dash explained. "Don't you wish that you could just eat me up?" The pegasus raised an eyebrow at Applejack alluringly.

"You know ah do." Applejack stated with a small chuckle. "Sadly, Ah don't think our audience would be too approving."

"This is true." Rainbow said with a snicker. "Still, I can't help but wonder." Applejack laughed and socked Rainbow Dash on the shoulder playfully. The pegasus laughed as well and shoved the farm mare. Applejack smiled and narrowed her eyes at Rainbow Dash, standing and taking a competitive stance.

"You sure ya wanna ride this train, lightweight?" Applejack asked challengingly. Rainbow stood as well and lowered down, smiling, ready for anything.

"All night long, workhorse." She replied with a wink.

Applejack jumped at Rainbow Dash with alarming speed. Rainbow, however, was much faster than Applejack and dodged the assault from the farm mare. Not taking time to think, Rainbow entered into a grapple with Applejack. The two mares struggled and grunted, each using their natural strength to try to overpower the other. While Rainbow Dash's physical strength was impressive to be sure, Applejack eventually began to gain the upper hoof and push the pegasus' front legs back. Rainbow clenched her teeth as she put up a considerable resistance against Applejack, but it was of no use. Applejack's strength would have eventually won out over Rainbow Dash's if she didn't do something to turn the tide of the match quickly.

"You know...you're really strong, Applejack." Rainbow huffed.

"Thanks..." Applejack said in between breaths. "You too. The only pony that has lasted longer than you in a wrasslin' match with me is Big Mac!"

"But you know what a weakness of yours is?"

"What's that?"

"You never really take time to establish rules!"

At that moment, Rainbow Dash flexed her wings and took the two of them into the air. Rainbow Dash did a horizontal spin and shook Applejack off, letting the farm mare land in a stumble on her hooves. Rainbow Dash wasted no time in turning around and using her natural airborne speed to tackle Applejack to the ground, knocking the stetson off of her head. It was only a matter of seconds until Rainbow Dash had Applejack pinned. While Rainbow Dash was not as strong as Applejack, her strength was comparable to the earth pony's. Applejack struggled in vain to escape the pin.

"Face it, AJ." Rainbow stated matter-of-factly. "You're done."

"Not until the-urrgh..." Applejack grunted. "Fat mare sings!"

"Oh?" Rainbow said comically, raising an ear and an eyebrow. "Do I hear Mrs. Cake singing some beautiful hymns?" Applejack furrowed her brows before breaking out into a fit of giggles. Rainbow smiled at the sweet sound of her marefriend's laughter.

"You cheated." Applejack said, finally getting over her laughing binge.

"No I didn't." Rainbow countered. "We never said I couldn't use my wings. You could've used your lasso, or whatever..."

"Would you want me too?" Applejack whispered with a small smile, blushing and raising an eyebrow alluringly. Rainbow Dash blushed heavily and leaned down closer to the farm mare.

"Applejack..." Rainbow whispered, smiling as well. "Looks like you're wanting to make up for lost time..."

"What're you guys doing?" Scootaloo asked. Applejack's and Rainbow's eyes widened heavily as they froze once again in place. They both looked to see Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle staring at the two of them, in their compromising position. Rainbow immediately jumped off of Applejack and dusted herself off.

"We were wrestling, kid." Rainbow said. "What did it look like?"

"Yeah." Applejack said, grabbing her stetson and placing it back upon her head. "Ah was beatin' Dash, so she pulled a cheap move. We were just havin' a little debate over the rules when she had me pinned, is all." The three fillies nodded.

"I think Rainbow won!" Scootaloo exclaimed. "I saw the whole thing!" Rainbow Dash smirked and narrowed her eyes jovially in Applejack's direction.

"Ah saw it all, too!" Applebloom added. "My sis wiped the floor with her!" Applejack raised an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash.

"Sweetie Belle, it looks like you're the tie breaker." Scootaloo said.

"Yeah, spill it, Sweetie! Who do you think won?" Applebloom added. Sweetie Belled looked to be in deep thought before she straightened up and looked at both of her friends.

"I didn't see any of it." The unicorn filly said. "And I'm pretty sure neither of you did either. You both looked back at the same time I did, which was at the very end."

"Well, uh..." Applebloom said.

"You only say that Applejack won because she's your sister!" Sweetie Belle said, gesturing to Applebloom. She then pointed to Scootaloo. "And you only say that Rainbow Dash won because she's your idol! Now stop this stupid bickering so we can watch the birds!"

"Well, geez, Sweetie Belle." Rainbow said, suprised. "That was pretty...intense."

"They argue about this stuff all the time." Sweetie Belle said. "You know how the two of you are always competing? Well, Scootaloo always takes your side, while Applebloom always takes Applejack's side. It gets so tiring."

"Well, we're only competin' in good fun." Applejack said with a smile. "Things never really get hostile...most of the time." Applejack subtly winked at Rainbow Dash.

"Y'know..." Scootaloo said, turning to Applebloom. "Your sister is pretty awesome."

"Yeah. Rainbow Dash is amazin' too, to be sure." Applebloom responded. "Let's quit arguin' about it, kay?" Scootaloo nodded.

"Now, let's get back to bird watching! I think I can feel my cutie mark appearing!" Scootaloo said happily. The three fillies cheered as they resumed their activity. Applejack smiled widely at the trio before hearing a whistle from Rainbow Dash, who had already settled down under the shade of the tree again. She patted the spot next her her invitingly, when Applejack sat down next to her, Rainbow kissed her on the cheek quickly.

"That...was...close." She said. "What the hay were we thinking? Did we just forget that they were there?"

"Ah don't know." Applejack responded. "But Ah'm glad we stopped when we did."

"Yeah..." Rainbow responded. "Nice cover story, by the way." Applejack chuckled and nodded.

"Ah aim to please." She said. Rainbow smiled and nuzzled her marefriend. The two of them sat in relative silence, listening to the other breath in the cool, smooth air. Neither of them said a word or made a sound, save for the occasional chuckle at an exclamation from one of the fillies that were bird watching.

"You know, Applejack..." Rainbow said quietly. "You don't have to tell your family tonight..."

"About us?" Applejack said. "Sure Ah do."

"No, really." Rainbow said, sitting back and looking at Applejack. "I don't want you to feel rushed or anything." Applejack chuckled.

"Ah'm the one who suggested it, remember?" Applejack said. Rainbow smiled.

"You've got a point there." Rainbow replied. "But even so. If you don't want to tell them quite yet, I get it."

"Rainbow Dash, Ah'm tellin' them tonight because Ah want to. Ah'm tired of livin' with you as my secret, and Ah want them to know how much Ah love you. We're tellin' them tonight at dinner and there's nothing you can do about it. So make sure to be at my house by eight P.M." Applejack stated, reaffirming her statement with a quick kiss on Rainbow's cheek. Rainbow Dash quickly looked back at the cutie mark crusaders. When she confirmed that they were facing away from the two of them, she placed a tender kiss upon Applejack's lips. She then lightly pressed her forehead against Applejack's and smiled.

"Yes ma'am."

_____

"Hoooo dawgies, those are some mighty fine-lookin' fixin's!" Granny Smith exclaimed as Applejack placed the large pot of carrots and dumplings on the dining room table. The incredible smell wafted through the dining room, filling all the ponies' noses. Big Macintosh licked his lips and added-

"Eeeyup."

"Applejack, this looks amazin'!" Applebloom exclaimed. "Where'd ya learn to make this?"

"Ah actually picked it up from one of Granny Smith's old recipe archives." Applejack said, bringing in the customary dessert of Apple Pie. "Took me quite a while to find it. When Ah finally did, Ah knew that we were gonna have it tonight!" Granny Smith hastily served herself a bowl of the great smelling stuff and took a bite. She closed her eyes and slowly chewed, savoring the hearty, filling flavor. She swallowed and looked at Applejack with a sweet smile.

"Better'n when Ah made it!" She said. Applejack blushed and smiled.

"Aw, Granny, ya can't possibly mean that." Applejack said modestly.

"Ah mean it, sweetie." Granny Smith said before taking another bite. "This is truly the best carrots n' dumplin's Ah've ever had!"

"Eeeyup." Big Macintosh agreed through a mouthfull of the stew.

"Big Mac, don't you talk with your mouth full!" Granny Smith quickly scolded.

"Sorry." Big Mac said through the mouthful again.

"Eeeehh, ya just did it again!" Granny Smith quickly spat. Applejack laughed as Big Macintosh blushed, continuing to chew his mouthful of the stew.

"Truly worthy of Princess Celestia herself!" Applebloom said happily after she had swallowed a bite.

All four members of the Apple Family savored and enjoyed the fantastic stew Applejack had composed. Even Applejack herself, who hated boasting, had to admit to the dish's greatness.

"So, Applejack..." Granny Smith said. "How's it goin' with that colt Caramel?" Applejack's stomach jumped at the mention of the stallion's name.

"Ah uh...Ah had to break it off with him. It wasn't workin' out." Applejack replied.

"Well, if it ain't there, it ain't there." Granny Smith said with a small shrug. The family continued to eat in relative silence for nearly five minutes before a knock was heard at the front door. Applejack stood up.

"Ah'll get it." She said, a smile plastered on her face, seemingly irremovable. Applejack ambled to the front door and opened it, revealing Rainbow Dash, clad in a scarf, shivering from the cold.

"Heya, Dash." Applejack said happily. "Come on in."

"Thanks, AJ." Rainbow said. "Geez, it is cold out there."

"Everypony," Applejack announced. "Ah invited Rainbow Dash over because she didn't have anypony to be with tonight."

"Well, come on in here, Miss Dash." Granny Smith invited happily. "We got some warm carrots n' dumplin's that'll cure that chill ya got in ya."

"Thank you, Granny Smith." Rainbow responded courteously, placing her scarf upon the coat rack next to the door. "That sounds amazing." The pegasus walked into the dining room and took a seat next to Applejack while Big Macintosh served her a bowl. Rainbow took the bowl with an appreciative nod and took a bite. The explosion of wholesome flavor and smooth texture sent Rainbow's tastebuds into overdrive. Her eyes widened as she nodded at Applejack.

"Wow." She said after swallowing. "That is awesome."

"Isn't it?" Granny Smith said happily. "So, why don't you have anypony to eat with tonight, miss Dash, if ya don't mind me askin'."

"Oh, no problem." Rainbow responded. "I usually don't...Applejack invited me over tonight, so...I liked the sound of having some company."

"Ain't nothin' wrong with that." Applebloom said happily. Rainbow Dash smiled at her. All the ponies continued to eat their food until half the pot of carrots and dumplings was halfway depleted. Applejack sighed to herself as her heart pounded in her ribcage. This was it. This was the moment when she made up for everything she had ever done wrong to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow slowly placed a hoof on Applejack's reassuringly. Applejack looked over at Rainbow Dash and nodded slowly. They both stood before Granny Smith, Big Macintosh and Applebloom.

"So, uh...Granny, Big Mac...Remember how Ah told you guys about the pony Ah was in love with, and how Ah didn't think anypony would really approve of it? Well, this is her." Applejack said, gesturing to Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash and Ah are in love." Applejack braced herself for the swarm of anger and criticism she would undoubtedly recieve from her traditionally-raised family.

"Eeeyup." Was all Applejack heard.

"Wha?" Applejack replied, thoroughly confused.

"Ah always suspected." Big Macintosh said. Applejack's mouth dropped slightly, as did Rainbow Dash's. "Ah noticed the way you two were lookin' at each other a couple weeks ago. And a couple days after that, you come to me talkin' about some relationship you don't think anypony'd approve of."

"Well...well, uh...Ah..." Applejack stuttered, slightly shocked that Big Macintosh had observed all of this and not said a word.

"Well, Ah'm happy for ya, sis. Looks to me like ya found somepony who really cares a great deal for ya." Big Macintosh said. Applejack smiled at him and nodded.

"Thank you, Big Mac." Applejack said, looking at Rainbow Dash. "She does care an awful lot."

"Ah've heard of fillyfoolin' at school." Applebloom said. "Lots of ponies make fun of it, but Ah've never really had a problem with it, Ah guess. Ah don't see ya any different, sis." The filly got up out of her seat and ran to Applejack, giving her a hug. "Ah still love ya the same."

"Thanks, Applebloom." Applejack said with a smile, returning the hug. "Ah love you too."

"Plus, it's gonna be so awesome to have Rainbow Dash around so much!" Applebloom exclaimed happily, looking over at Rainbow Dash. The statement sent a warm feeling coursing through Rainbow Dash as she blushed and smiled at Applebloom.

"Wow, Applebloom..." She said appreciatively. "Thanks..." Applejack then looked at Granny Smith, who was sitting in her chair. She did not look happy, but she did not look angry either.

"Granny?" Applejack said, hoping to get her grandmother's point of view on the subject.

"Ah, uh..." Granny Smith began. "Ah was raised traditionally. That means one mare, one stallion." The old mare said, a hint of condemnation in her voice. Applejack's ears splayed back as she began to tear up.

"But Granny, Ah-"

"But, Ah was also raised in a time when ponies were a lot more simple-minded and afraid of change. Ah never really supported homosexuality, but Ah was never truly against it, neither. You're my grandbaby, Applejack, and Ah couldn't love ya any less if Ah tried." Granny smith said to Applejack as she slowly walked out to stand in front of the couple, followed by Big Macintosh. "There's love out there for everypony. And if Miss Rainbow Dash truly is the love you seek, Ah'm happy for the two of ya."

Applejack sobbed as she moved forward and swept her grandmother, brother and little sister into a hug. She cried in happiness and relief at this unexpected acceptance of her relationship with another mare. This acceptance made her feel truly loved, especially due to her previous expectance of being shunned or rejected.

"Ah love you all so much!" Applejack said through her tears. The family reveled in their affection for one another as the hug continued. Rainbow merely sat, tears flooding her eyes as well, watching the heartwarming events unfolding in front of her. Granny Smith raised her head up and looked at Rainbow Dash, smirking cutely and raising an eyebrow.

"C'mon, now!" She said, ushering Rainbow Dash to join in the hug. The pegasus wasted no time.

Rainbow Dash smiled as she shed tears, embraced by this new family of hers. She nuzzled Applejack, smiling and laughing in joy. Applejack returned the nuzzle, with a wide, teary smile. Time might as well have stopped for the two of them. The love, the acceptance, the sense of family, they all contributed to the absolute, overpowering feeling of truly being at home.

"Ah hope your good at applebuckin' Miss Dash!" Granny Smith said jovially. They all laughed and separated from the hug.

"Hey, guys!" Applebloom spouted happily with a small bounce. "How 'bout a game of charades?"

"Oh, why not?!" Granny Smith responded. Applebloom cheered.

"Ah hope y'all are prepared to get schooled." Applejack said confidently.

"I've got you all beat." Rainbow added, smirking. The family then walked into the living room to start their game. Together.

_____

The charades were light-hearted and fun. After a while, everyone involved forgot about keeping score and decided to just have fun trying to guess what the pony who was it was trying to be. Granny Smith had tried to convey being a rabbit, and failed miserably, with Applebloom finally guessing correctly after some time. Later, Rainbow Dash flitted around the living room, pretending to be a dragon, which Big Macintosh promptly guessed. It was about a half-hour before everypony had had a turn in the game. Granny Smith finally stood up and left the game to go to sleep. She stood and hugged Applejack, Big Macintosh, Applebloom and Rainbow Dash sweetly.

"Good night, y'all!" She said happily. "Ah'm off to the dreamland of eternal youth!" Applejack smiled at Granny Smith's departure.

"Ah suppose Ah'll pack it in, as well." Big Macintosh said.

"G'night, Applejack." He nodded at Rainbow Dash and smiled warmly. "Miss Dash." Rainbow Dash smiled back as Big Macintosh left the room.

"Aw, c'mon, Big Mac! One last roud of charades! Pleeease?!" Applebloom whined before yawning, a hug frown plastered on her face below half lidded, tired eyes. Big Mac chuckled happily as he lifted his little sister up onto his shoulder.

"You're comin' to bed too, missy." He said before turning to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. He nodded.

"G'night again." He said with a smile. The two mares laughed and waved to him. Applejack quickly plopped down on the living room sofa, promptly followed by Rainbow Dash.

"What a day, huh?" Rainbow said, smiling widely.

"Ah know..." Applejack said, looking over at Rainbow Dash. "Ah'm so happy. Ah'm with you, my family is alright with it...it just...can't get any better, y'know?"

"I don't know..." Rainbow responded. "Your food is better than a lot of things." The statement reminded her of an important task she had forgotten to fulfill before going to Sweet Apple Acres that night. "Oh geez!"

"What?" Applejack asked, concerned.

"I forgot to feed Tank today!" Rainbow said, worriedly standing up and walking to the front door. "Poor little guy!"

"Well, ya better get to him." Applejack said, standing and following her love outside. Rainbow wrapped her scarf around her neck and smiled at Applejack.

"I had so much fun, AJ." Rainbow said.

"Me too." Applejack said.

"I'll come see you tomorrow." Rainbow said, walking up to Applejack and pulling her into an embrace. "I love you." The cold air chilled the two of them, but they felt eternally warm wrappped in each other's hooves. Applejack kissed Rainbow Dash lovingly before separating from it and looking into the pegasus' eyes before nuzzling her cheek.

"Ah love you, too." Applejack responded. "Ah'll see ya tomorrow."

"Bye!" Rainbow said before beginning to fly away.

"Rainbow!" Applejack called the pegasus. Rainbow turned around quickly and looked down at her lover.

"Yeah?" She replied.

"Welcome to the family."

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Alrighty, guys! There is that chapter. One of my commentors talked about balancing out the ying and the yang of my story, and that is what I'm doing now! Things are looking up for our heroes! Expect more happiness, (and more sadness, possibly? MUAHAHAHA!!!) in the future! If you're enjoying the story, feel free to leave a thumbs up or leave a comment telling me what you think so far! Cheers!

Epilogue and Afterword

Epilogue

Rainbow Dash sighed happily as she touched down in front of her home at Sweet Apple Acres. The sun was shining on the land, drying out the moisture caused by the torrential downpour from the previous day. Rainbow's joints ached and her back burned from the strenuous activity she had been engaged in for the past four hours. The clouds that she and her weather patrol had destroyed had been tough. Some of the toughest the seasoned Weather Patrol captain had ever experienced, even. But now that she was home, ready to relax and most likely get a mid-afternoon nap, she could already feel the stress ebbing away. She opened the front door and stepped in.

"I'm home!" Rainbow called happily. She liked the way that sounded coming from her mouth. It had a nice ring to it. Applejack came ambling out of the hallway to greet her.

"Hey, darlin'." Applejack said happily before giving Rainbow a small kiss on the lips. "You look awful."

"Now that's what I needed to hear, alright." Rainbow said before stretching her wings.

"Ah'm just foolin'." Applejack said with a giggle. "So how was it?"

"Tough is an understatement, let's just say that." Rainbow said with a small scoff. "I'm just happy to be off."

"Ah am too, darlin'." Applejack said. "Ready for that massage?"

"Oh, yes." Rainbow said. "You have no idea."

Rainbow and Applejack moved into the bedroom where Rainbow jumped onto the bed and sighed happily as she felt herself unwind immediately. Applejack sat on the bed and began to rub Rainbow's back slowly, in all the places where her muscles were knotted up. Rainbow sighed happily and snuggled into the pillow she layed on. Slowly, she felt all of her cares ebb away into nothingness. Rainbow felt Applejack lean down toward the back of her head.

"If Ah wasn't absolutely sure that Applebloom is awake in the other room, Ah'd pull the covers over both of us right now and..." Applejack smiled and kissed Rainbow's head. "Do all kinds of things to ya."

"Care to describe?" Rainbow said with a small smile.

"Well, Ah'd-"

"Hey, y'all." Applebloom said from the doorway.

"make ya a daffodil sandwich and give ya some Apple Cider." Applejack said. "Oh hey, Applebloom." Applejack said with a smile.

"What're y'all doin'?" Applebloom asked.

"Oh, Rainbow had a pretty tough day at work, so Ah'm givin' her a massage." Applejack said. "Helpin' her relax, ya know?" Applebloom nodded.

"Yeah." The filly said before scuffing her hoof on the floor. "So...what's for dinner?"

"Ah'll make ya somethin' later, okay?" Applejack said. The filly nodded and left. Rainbow let out a small chuckle and closed her eyes.

"Nice save." Rainbow said. Applejak chuckled and continued her massage. Time passed by and Applejack continued to massage Rainbow's back slowly, working out all of the tense knots in her back.

"Hey...Dash..." Applejack said quietly.

"Hmm?" Rainbow responded.

"Would you want to go to the spa with Rarity and Fluttershy later on today?" Applejack asked. Rainbow's eyes shot open before she sat up quickly.

"Say what now?" Rainbow asked with a raised eyebrow. Applejack laughed.

"Just kiddin', crazy." Applejack said. "Lay back down." Rainbow sighed and laid down again, letting Applejack resume her work.

"Seriously, though." Applejack said. "They're goin' tomorrow and Rarity invited us, and we're goin'."

"You said you were kidding!" Rainbow said.

"Yeah, Ah was." Applejack said. "About it bein' today."

"But whyyy?" Rainbow whined.

"Because she invited us." Applejack asked. "You're comin'. It's the least we can do in return for what they did for us."

"Oh yeah?" Rainbow asked.

"Yeah."

"Well what if I say no?"

"Ah'll just do this." Applejack took her hooves from Rainbow's back and crossed her forelegs.

"Hey!" Rainbow said. "I was enjoying that!"

"Ah'll continue if ya promise me you'll go tomorrow." Applejack said. Rainbow considered her options for a moment. Her massage was not yet complete, and a lot of the muscles in Rainbow's back only briefly felt the wonderful pressure of Applejack's hooves. And going to the Spa wasn't that bad if neither of the Spa Ponies touched her hooves. Reluctantly, Rainbow sighed and nodded slowly.

"Fine." Rainbow said.

"You'll go?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, yeah." Rainbow said. "Now if you please..." Applejack nodded and continued to massage Rainbow's back. Applejack leaned down to Rainbow's ear.

"Ya know...Ah think this marriage..." Applejack said. "Is gonna be fun." Applejack then gave Rainbow a quick kiss on the cheek before moving back up.

Rainbow could not help but agree.

Afterword

Well, my friends, it has been a journey, hasn't it? When I first began work on this story, I had only anticipated it to be around eighty thousand words. Now, the fact that I'm finishing this up with over two hundred thousand amazes me. I just figured that I'd give you guys a small run-down of how this story came to be.

It all started with Cupcakes.

No, not the delicious treat. The awful, horrible, gruesome tale written by Sergeant Sprinkles. If you don't know what it is, look it up....on second thought...don't. For the love of God, don't.

Cupcakes is actually what caused me to be a brony, believe it or not. I truly got into the fanbase after I read the tale. That being said, the story scarred me because Rainbow Dash is, of course, my favorite pony. For the longest time, I couldn't get the awful thing out of my head. I'd actually read PinkieDash fiction (which is still one of my favorite ships) to help aid the awful feeling I'd get. But then, in my quest to overcome Cupcakes for good, I came across an amazing story.

The Cupcake Chronicles

It is a story where Rainbow Dash survives the events of Cupcakes because she is saved by Applejack. Sadly, she loses her wings. What follows is a fantastic tale of overcoming tragedy and healing scars with love. What love, you ask?

A love that's labeled as AppleDash.

I had finally found it. The answer to the sick feeling Cupcakes gave me. I finished the Cupcake Chronicles and the feeling, that awful feeling, was gone forever. Cupcakes now doesn't bother me at all. (Even though I'd still prefer to never read it again.) The way Applejack comes through for Rainbow Dash as a friend (and eventually a lover) just takes all the bad things Cupcakes gave us and turns it into something beautiful.

That is what started my love of Appledash. Whenever I'd see the show, I'd always look to see Rainbow and Applejack standing together, I'd listen to their dialogue with one another and smile whenever I'd catch some sort of shipping material for them. (Because, let's face it, there's a lot of shipping material between Dash and AJ in the show)

I decided that I was going to write an Appledash story. So I started laying the groundwork down and eventually came up with a layout of the story. But there was one thing missing. There was no conflict at all. It was just "Dash and AJ get together and live out the rest of their lives with one another." at that point. So I decided this story needed some conflict.

And then I heard this song.

The tone of the song and the sound of it, as well as the actual meaning of it truly spoke to me in terms of what one of the main events of this story should entail. The song is based on a Persian folk tale where the protagonist wants to be with a girl named Layla, but some circumstances are keeping them apart. (I forget what they are.) The song is him pleading to her to come and be with him.

The beginning of the song is very edgy and certainly sounds like a pleading, like it's hopeless and that they'll never be together. That's where I got the idea that the conflict should be that at first, Applejack should love Rainbow just as much as Rainbow loves her, but she should be afraid to show it, and dump her because of it. Rainbow would then attempt to get Applejack back and fail over and over again, before finally giving up. It gets really intense toward the end of this part of the song with a slide guitar solo (a masterful one, I might add.). This is where I envisioned Applejack realizing her mistake and crawling back to Rainbow, and apologizing over and over again in sorrow, realizing what a fantastic love she had probably lost with Rainbow.

Then, after this edgy part of the song comes a happy, free flowing series of tunes that sound satisfied and happy. From this, I got that Rainbow forgives Applejack and they get back together again, with Applejack unashamed of her and Rainbow's love. There would be obstacles for them, absolutely, but they would overcome them together.

From there, the story just kind of evolved on it's own. I'm so happy that I got the opportunity to write it, and I had a complete and utter blast with it. I'd appreciate it if you guys could leave me some kind of final review or something.

And as for you people that want a sequel...I have only one answer for you.

Maybe.

Cheers, everyone!