RainbowFoxxy

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Twilight cocked her head slightly, wondering what was going on with her friend. She seemed...well flustered? What was the harm in asking what she was up to? Who was she kidding? It was hard enough for her to ask, must be hard to answer as well.

"Well," She smiled. "I was wondering if you'd like to join me and Spike for dinner at the castle," There she had done it! Plus it would give her at least a couple hours to get herself calmed down and collected enough to spend a relaxing evening with Rainbow. That was of course if she said yes...

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"Twilight?" Spike trotted down the hallway of the Castle of Friendship, a scroll in his claw. "Twiiiiiilight?" The young dragon called out again. "Where in Equestria is she?" He muttered to the owl that flew along beside him. 

"Who?" Owloisious blinked absently. 

"You know who! Twilight!" Spike groaned.

"Who?" 

"Nevermind..." The dragon sighed heavily and continued on.

"Ok Twilight, this is no time to lose your head." The alicorn princess spoke to herself as she looked in the mirror in her bedroom. "I just hope Spike has everything under control in the kitchen..."

"Twilight!" Spike burst into the room.

"Spike!" She turned around and glared at him. "Since when don't you knock?" She tried to smile but it fell short. 

"We've got problems..." Spike explained, not responding to her knocking question.

"With dinner?" Twilight groaned.

"Yeah... that carrot soufflé was not the easiest recipe you could have chosen." He glared at the princess.

"This is going  to be a disaster!"

"Twilight you seem pretty flustered," Spike came nearer. "I mean it's just a dinner with Rainbow Dash. She's one of your oldest friends. What's got you all riled up about having her over,"

Twi's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't tell Spike, she just couldn't!

"Come on Spike," She trotted out the door towards the kitchen. "Dinner needs to be perfect!"  

Applejack gulped again as her friend gave her a concerned look followed by questioning of the farm mare's state of being. Inside her heart beat fast and she knew there was a deep crimson blush on her cheeks from the accidental touch she had bestowed on the unicorn. 

"I-i uhhhh," 

FLASH SCATTER!

Fireworks began firing off! Lots of them in all the colors of the rainbow! The Wonderbolts began to weave in and out of the flaming blasts, trialing colored smoke and sparks behind them. The pyrotechnics lit the sky just enough for the colored smoke to be seen and appreciated. The was truly an epic display... though it was outmatched by the epic display AJ knew she was making!

"You can tell me anything."

How she wished that was true! She could tell Rarity anything... anything except the one thing she most wanted to say. Though she wanted to just be out with it, there was a barrier resting firmly over her mouth. She knew she was stubborn but it seemed she was even going to be stubborn against herself on this one.

BOOM!

A huge firework exploded almost directly overhead! Sparkles rained down onto them from above.

"OOOoooo pretty!" Her ears flicked to where Fluttershy and Pinkie were sitting.

"Huh huh..." Trademark AJ awkward laugh. "Sounds like Pinkie's havin' a great time," She glanced at her friend for just a moment. "Hope you are too sugar cube!" She sucked in a breath.

"Ya know Rarity...I uhhh, I really like..."

CRACK!

More stars burst before them as the Wonderbolts continued their epic routine.

"This show." She resigned herself. This just wasn't going to happen tonight... or maybe ever...

She felt her heart sink, disappointed in herself.

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Looks great!

Cute character as always!

Applejack stepped back and mopped her brow while nodding at a job well done...on one tree at least!

"Whoo-wee!" She lifted up her stetson and settled it between her ears once more. "Yer lookin' mighty fine there!" She eyed the tree she had just bucked clean of apple before turning to the one next to it that was brimming with golden red beauties. "An' I might add that yer lookin' even finer!"

She trotted up to the fully laden tree and turned her hind end towards it. Her buckin' hooves got their trademark itch, wantin' ever so much to bring down another bushel of Apple family pride!

"Let 'er rip!" She smiled and loosed her hooves.

CRACK!

A solid buck connection saw the tree vibrating and two buckets full of apples ready to be turned into cider.

"Gonna be a good stock this time net year," She commented as she trotted towards the next tree. Her work satisfied her to no end and Applejack continued on, hardly aware of anything else.

The farm mare adored the feeling she got when working her farm. She could escape from all the goings on that usually taxed her mind. She could enjoy the feelings of pride and strength that came from a good yield. She could settle down into a work centered mind frame that brought order and peace. Yup! There was nothin' like doin' what was near and dear to one's heart. Apples were the soul of her heart and the soul of her family.

CRACK!

Another couple of buckets of Apple's finest down! 

It was a perfect day really. Early afternoon with the sun soon dropping lower. A sweet evening breeze beginning to build out of the east. Not hot but warm enough to keep the sweat rolling down her face and body. The orchards were healthy and life was good! She stepped back again, surveying where she'd buck next. A slight movement caught her eye right about then.

"Well! Look who the griffon dragged into the orchard!" Another country saying that only kinda made sense. Her demeanor showed she was happy to see her cousin. "Hey there sugar cube! What brings you all the way out here?"

Applejack found herself musing on many thoughts before Valen began his response. The last time she had seen her cousin she had almost entirely convinced herself that he would be better off living life as a female. Her heart went out to him, a member of the Apple family trying to find his way in the world. She also wondered if he was here to seek more advice from her even though he hadn't been convinced by her sage words last time.

"makes me think she is trying to impress somepony. Who do you think the lucky stallion is?"

Applejack swallowed hard, being caught off guard by the question. She still hadn't come anywhere near where she wanted to in regards to expressing her feelings for the mare next to her. She felt she was letting herself down as the knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach at the thought of what she knew she needed to say. She just couldn't bring herself to broach the topic. The topic where her heart would be bared and exposed for the breaking. Nope, it was too much. She knew Twilight would be disappointed, especially after all the hard work she had put into helping. They had been allowed on the royal balcony for Celestia's sake and AJ still couldn't do it!

"Uh," She worked on unfolding the blanket with her eyes cast skyward. At least there wasn't going to be any awkward silences. The light show had started off with a bang and promised to continue in the same manner. It was only a moment before the rest of the Wonderbolts burst across the skies, trailing plumes of sparks and colored fire!

"Stallion...or mare..." The words came out softly and she wished suddenly that she could suck them back in. "Whoever it is, it must be somepony pretty darn special," She finished with the unfolding. 

AJ wished she could snuggle up next to Rarity. She loved being near the unicorn. She always smelled amazing and just being close was enough to melt the farm mare's heart. But, she couldn't bring herself to make a move like that. Instead she scooted closer, little by little until she could feel herself come into a comfortable distant from her friend. Somewhere between distant and awkwardly close. Perfect right? She took the blanket and tossed one side over her friend's legs, keeping the other to place over her own. The warmth increased right away and AJ sighed.

"Turnin' out to be the perfect evenin'," She glanced over at Rarity, noting how the lights from the show reflected in her eyes. She was beautiful. AJ was happy to even know Rarity. But she'd be so much happier to be closer to her than she was. Both in the physical and emotional senses. 

scoot

Without hardly a thought she'd scooted so close their legs were touching. Now that she was here she didn't know what to do. She didn't want to move away that was for sure!

A sudden cascade of stars and sparks lit up the sky! It appeared to be magic that only the Princess of the Night could conjure!

"Wooooow!" As the sparks flew Applejack's front hoof moved to rest on Rarity's upper leg. She moved it away quickly afterwards and gulped.

Wow indeed. She sure was makin' a right mess of this...

Twi sucked in great quantities of air when she was finally able to fold back her wings and let her hooves take her weight once more. Except for...

"Ow..." She muttered as she rubbed the joints at the bottom of her legs. she blew her forelocks back and rubbed more, trying to make the pain sub side.

Rainbow was gone and then back in quick succession with a water bucket in tow.

"Wow, so glamorous!" She winked at her trainer before dipping a mug into the water. Though it had apparently been "borrowed" from a nearby farm the water was cool and clean. It tasted so wonderful as she drink in first one mug and then half of another. She continued to pant between turns at drinking until her heart rate finally slowed down. The Princess nodded as RD asked about her fetlock situation.

"Actually yeah, they're super sore," She rubbed again, this time at her back fetlocks. They weren't quite as sore as the front but still they throbbed.

"Wonderbolt hoof, on my first day," She couldn't but grin. "Looks like I'll be catching up to you in no time huh Rainbow?" Her eyes lingered a bit too long once more, taking in the mare before her. She couldn't help but wonder what RD must be thinking. Twi had already slipped up a ton of times today, letting her eyes hover for too long, blushing like a school filly, making awkward comment...just to name a few. There was no way Rainbow hadn't noticed, it was just the question of how she was taking it.

Could she have a hint of the thoughts tumbling about in the Princess' head and heart? The thought of letting her feelings out in the open almost caused another trade mark blush to hint at her cheeks. Twi dipped her head for another drink of water to cover herself. Geez! She was totally losing control here! 

"Ummmm," She stammered a bit. "Hey Rainbow," Another moment of those sparkling purple orbs focused on her heart's desire. "Are you busy later this evening?"

Certainly a leading question but she could hardly help herself at this point.

Applejack blushed at the statements the unicorn made. They weren't even praise, merely stating fact, but AJ never was good at having attention drawn to her for such matters. Really there were few places she was comfortable with attention and most of those had to do with physical strength, not business abilities. The blush came mostly from Rarity pointing out that AJ was in fact special in many ways. It meant the world to the farm pony that Rarity spoke well of her and she wondered for a moment or two if she might even hold a special place in Rarity's heart...

"Applejack dear, come on. The show is about to start!" 

AJ gulped again, trying to calm down. Just the thought of sitting so close to Rarity got her more flustered than a raccoon caught in a corn silo! "Uhhh yep, comin'!" She responded as she trotted over to the cushioned seat. 

"Well now, this looks right comfortable! Twilight pulled out all the stops fer us tonight," She sat on the edge of the seat. "Ah think only royalty has ever been allowed up 'er!" She scooted back a bit, but didn't close the gap between the two at all. "As fer us Apple, oh yes we've got our traditions for the solstice celebration fer sure! Begins with bucking the early summer apple trees, ends with eatin' hot apple pie! Lots of other traditions in the middle of course!" She couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of all the odd traditions her family had. This one included Big Mac dressing as a butterfly and Apple Bloom dancing around him...

AJ cast her eyes skyward at let out a long whistle. "Wow! Sure is a perfect night..." She scooted a bit more before a shiver went through her. "Brrrr! Perfect an' gettin' chilly too!"

There was a big folded blanket on the back of the seat and AJ reached for it. She carefully unfolded it and nodded to Rarity. "You cold Rares?"

Right as she was about to offer the blanket to the unicorn a sonic rainboom lit up the sky! She would have to save her question of Rarity's family traditions for later, the show was starting in earnest!

Twi blew out a breath.

"A bit of...stretching?" Her eyes bugged out just a bit at the statement. This had been one of the toughest workouts she'd even taken part in and here was Rainbow calling it all stretching! She began to question why in Equestria she had asked the pegasus for her help but then paused...

Did Rainbow suddenly seem a bit... flustered? Was the the hint of a blush forming on her cheeks? Twi shook her head, banishing her musing. Of course RD didn't feel the way she did? Of course she hadn't been distracted by a certain mare all day? Of course she hadn't been working to keep her thoughts on what was really important?

But what really was important? Twilight's head knew what was important of course! Being able to fend for herself, being able to keep the forces of darkness at bay and protect the beloved lands she was a princess over! Her head knew but her heart... well her heart was a longing for something more. She desired something deep, connected, and intimate. She longed for somepony to understand her and to pull her in close. At this point her heart was winning out over her head. That made the process of training all the more difficult!

She had to keep on trying of course. She couldn't tell RD what she was feeling. She had work to do and if there was one thing the purple alicorn had a will to do it was work towards a worthy cause. She would have to find a way to make her feelings known and she wasn't really sure how long she could keep up with keeping her thoughts to herself.

"Rainbow...I...uh..." She trailed off, her head and heart battling it out as fiercely as she ever had against any foe. 

She looked from Rainbow to the target on the tree and licked her muzzle. "Ten more times huh?" She flexed her tired wings before giving her friend a look. A look that said everything and nothing all in one instant. Then she was off, flapping for her target.

Twilight looped, turned, and fired until she was sure her wings were going to fall off! She panted from the exertion of repeated magic blasts. 

"Ten!" She called in triumph. All the strain had made her just a tad loopy. She flew back to RD, sweat beading on her face. "Short break maybe?" She pleaded. 

Rainbow hiccuped a couple times as AJ commented on her sweetness. She meant what she had said but it was probably coming out as garbled mush due mostly to the amount of cider she had consumed. It really wasn't a surprise that Applejack had quite the handle on herself still. The farm mare most likely had cider in her blood after all her years being raised around it.

"You won't tell anypony will you beautiful?" She smirked back and snuggled deeper into the covers. 

It seemed as though AJ wasn't in the mood for anything serious tonight. Rainbow wondered why as for the moment her recollection of the nights events was surrounded by a warm fog. That was ok. The room was nice and she was pretty sleep...

"Night AJ," The pegasus muttered softly as she began to doze off.

Oh what a night...

Male Earth Pony

Braeburn

PROFILE

Role Play Type: World of Equestria

RP TEXT COLOR: Vivid Yellow

Name: Braeburn

Gender: Male

Age: Stallion

Species: Earth pony

Pelt Color: Golden

Mane/Tail Color & Style: Peach and golden/tan in large swaths in his mane and tail. Being a rough and tumble kind of pony has lead to his mane and tail being somewhat of a huge mess. Mostly he can hide the mane do under his Stetson but his tail is left to tangle in the breeze.

Eye Color: A gradient of granny apple green.

Cutie Mark: A red and ripe braeburn apple a'course!

Physique: He's a bit on the lean side but muscled well enough to get the job done! He's determined and tough to the core which makes up for the fact that he might be a bit more willowy than some ponies with his occupation. 

Residence: Braeburn lives in the same farm house that he did when his parents first brought him to Appaloosa. He keeps it up as his parents retired and moved to Ponyville for a more clement environment. 

Occupation: Braeburn works on one of the oldest apple farms around. An original fixture from which Appaloosa sprung.

History:

Braeburn came with his family to AAAaaaapaloosa when he was just a little colt. His ma and pa brought him with them when they took the offer to help settle the lands out west. They were offered a sum of bits and their pick of land on which to farm. Since both his parents had been struggling to make ends meet they quickly jumped on the train as soon as the tracks were laid to this new settlement!

Little Brae was soooo excited to get to his new home! He loved the dust, and the cactus, and the ranges and plains. So much more room than the little apartment he had been raised in in Vanhoover! This was going to be such an amazing adventure. He took to his new life like a duck to water as did his parents. 

Brae worked the apple farm with his parents, planting trees from seedlings of the first apple trees planted out west. He worked hard and became quite strong in the physical sense and in his nature. His pride for his work grew as their farm grew and soon they were exporting far and wide with the the sweet braeburn variety their farm was known for!

His parents are now retired and Braeburn is the full heir to the farm! He hires ponies when needed to care for the modest orchards. Braeburn loves his family and his farm and hopes to someday have a family of his own! He's been known to give various ponies the eye but so far he hasn't found the stallion of his dreams...

Character Personality:

Brae is a fairly laid back pony unless e's crossed on anything to do with family or farm in that order. He's is loyal and true once his loyalty is won. His is an Apple so family ties run deep and true. He is fiercely protective of his farm and his way of life and can get rather ornery if anypony disagrees with him on pertaining issues. Brae loves to have a good time and can often be found at the cider saloon in his home town. He also has something of a singing voice and is a regular at song and dance nights. This stallion is not afraid to be up front of a crowd or to champion a good cause. He's up for adventures and though he'd hate to be gone for too long he does wonder what it would be like to get away from Appaloosa jut for a while and explore a bit more of Equestria.

Character Summary: 

Loyal and true to the core Brae is a good son and a good friend. He puts others before himself and at the same time has great pride in his accomplishments as an apple farmer and resident of Appaloosa! He's got that wild west spirit inside and in most situations he's ready to willing to do his part to make his friends and family proud!

Twi had no problem doing as advised on the breathing. She sucked in huge quantities of air. So much so that she almost forgot the flap her wings a couple of times. She pressed a hoof to her chest and panted.

"I knew you would work me over...pant pant...w-when I asked you to...train me...but..." She quickly wiped her forehead to clear the sweat that had built up. "this training session sure escalated quickly!"

It wasn't that the alicorn was out of shape and she had fought her share of battles in the past. She'd taken down true horrors all on her own after all! But she was looking for more... more of herself, more of her power and ability, and perhaps more of the pegasus flapping her muscled wings and hovering. It was so hard to focus! Her brain buzzed with thoughts of Rainbow Dash that made her feel like blushing! She couldn't though. She had to get this done and done right!

The princess nodded at the commands in flight and attack methods and watched with as much focus as she could as the pegasus preformed the maneuvers. Soon enough it was her turn!

Twi felt pretty confident in Rainbow's requests. These were moves she had practiced before, and used before in a particularly gritty battle between somepony who was now a very close friend.

"Quarter loop, spin and fire! No problem!" She tried to put on her cool and confident air but came off just sounding awkward. At least it was cute Twilight Sparkle book horse extraordinaire awkward!

BANG! BANG! CLANG!

The targets were smashed in a clock work order and the the quarter loop preformed well...to a meh level. Twi was tired and it was showing! Perhaps she needed a swat on the rump to get her to full action mode? She flew back towards her trainer panting heavily after preforming the moves.

"So, how was that coach?" She gave Rainbow a sly wink before she could stop herself! What in Equestria was she doing? That blush she had tried to stop earlier return with a will to her cheeks!

Woo-eee, Rarity sure did know a thing or two about Canterlot! Though AJ was a pony with a proper respect and knowledge of business sense, she didn't carry a carrot to a corn field of what Rarity had under her belt. Some ponies night get offended to be offered such a hoof load of information on running an apple stand as she was just given, but not Applejack and certainly not from Rarity. The farm mare knew good common sense when she heard it and everything just mentioned was on that plate.

Applejack nodded along as Rarity listed off the advice, ticking it all down in her head. She would be sure to stop Apple Bonnet before she left tonight and pass on the indicated safety measures and tips. She certainly didn't want anything unforeseen befalling her cousin, it was her first time selling in the big city afterall. Up until tonight she had only worked in Appaloosa. Sure, there were thieves there too but Apple Bonnet knew Appaloosa and she didn't know Canterlot!

"Whew! I'll be sure tah let 'er know Rarity," She winked at her friend. Feeling more at ease than ever. "Thanks fer the heads up, Hi'm sure cousin Apple Bonnet will but overly obliged to yah!"

Then the unicorn made mention of her baking abilities! She had to turn and look out over the city once more as a hint of a blush came to her cheek at the praise. It was true of course, no pony couple bake em; and sell em' like AJ but far be it from her to start braggin' it up right now. 

"Learned from the best on that front," She smiled and nodded in the direction of Ponyville. "Granny taught me the basics and Hi just sorta took off from there!" Usually AJ had the appetite of a full grown stallion but she didn't tonight. She may have been loosening up, but the knot in her stomach wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. "Yeah, they do have good ingredients 'ere. Tha best Hi wager since Sweet Apple Acres regularly sends apple shipments, an' zap apple jam, an' cider too on occasion. In fact Hi guess Hi wouldn't be surprised if that apple turn over on the table wasn't made from this year's crop."

AJ was thrilled to see how Rarity lit up at the mention of her duds. Sure it had been a reach for the farm mare but it had obviously paid off in spades. Though she mocked her new found interesting in fashion, AJ knew Rarity appreciated the gesture more than she was letting on.

"Heh heh," Typical easy going laughter escaped AJ's muzzle as Rarity mocked utter horror at an Apple taking interest in clothing. "Well, that interest lies mainly in the orange side of the family," She winked at Rarity obliging her work with Valen. "But I've come to know when somethin' looks right good on somepony," She gulped lightly. "Or when somepony looks right nice i-in somethin'..." Her voice trailed off and the previous blush was nothing akin to the pink that now covered the mare's cheeks. 

She sucked in a breath and spun towards the table and their friends. "Uhhhh, sun's set... let's go find out what's gonna happen next!"

AJ trotted quickly to the group of friends only to notice Twilight and Rainbow Dash were gone. Spike made his way to the group as well.

"Come on everypony! To the balcony!" Spike led them up a set of steps on the side of the upper terrace that spiraled around a turret and ended at a comfortable sized balcony. It was about as high up as one could get on the castle without being a pegasus or other winged creature. AJ wasn't one for hieghts but the railings were firm and the balcony quite large so she wasn't unsettled.

"Twilight said to take a seat, wrap up in the blankets," He gestured to a pile of neatly folded warm blankets that had been left for them on some rather comfy looking love seats. The seats were set fairly far apart from each other, one being up on a higher landing of the balcony and the other on the lower. There were about fifteen more spiral steps between them so each seat was pretty much private. "...and watch the show!"

Fluttershy and Pinkie took the seat further up, wrapping up and gazing skyward. Pinkie munched away on treats she had brought up from the terrace and there was a dispenser of hot chocolate set up on the balcony as well.

"OOooo, cozy!" The Ponk pronounced cheerfully as she snuggled down in the blankets. She spoke rather loudly and if not for that wouldn't have been heard.

AJ looked towards the other seat and swallowed lightly again. Her heart started to beat a bit quicker at the thought of sharing the seat and the rest of the evening's events alone with the beautiful unicorn.

"Uh, after you Rarity!" She smiled and gestured towards the cushioned seat.

Rainbow felt the evening breeze as it wafted in smelling of apple trees and freshly churned soil. She loved being on the farm with AJ partly because she really did have a good time here but mostly because of what it did to the mare next to her. AJ's countenance always seemed to change the longer they spent in the place of her birth. She softened but at the same time became even more sturdy. It was hard for Rainbow to explain. She supposed it was just that this place was the heart of where AJ acquired her pride and sense of duty. Both made sense to the pegasus. It was similar to the grounds of the Wonderbolts training facility for RD. No she hadn't been born there, or raised there, but her dreams and goals all culminated around those barracks and flight practice fields. Well, her goals for herself... her goals for her family? Perhaps she tried her best to pull from Sweet Apple Acres for that. No place in Equestria radiated family like the Apple's farm did!

She snuggled down next to AJ after planting a smooch on her and leaned her back on the wall in the same manner.    

"Tastes good to me. You?"

"Cheers AJ..." It wasn't the happiest response of all time but she was becoming more content by the second. "Yeah, it's a great year for cider. But that's nothing new," She winked at her mare.

"You always taste good to me," She moved in closer and gave AJ a nuzzle under her cheek. She leaned back and finished off her cup in one gulp. "I just don't think I'll ever get how you do it..." She mused, swirling a tiny dreg of cider she had missed in her cup. "You're the strongest pony I've ever know Applejack," Another nuzzle. "And the prettiest..." 

She wasn't saying nice things to make AJ feel better about what had transpired this night. She knew well enough to know words weren't going to fix any problems. RD was speaking from her heart. She wasn't good at it and never even tried with anypony but AJ, but with the farm mare she would try her best.

Quote

 

Wrote this is google docs so it came out bold...

 

 

Rainbow's heart just melted as she watched the good night ritual between her mare and Zap take place. Applejack was by far the best mom any little foal or filly could ask for. Then a sinking feeling began in her stomach. She wasn't the mom AJ was and she never would be. She wasn't always thinking straight, wasn't always on her game, wasn't always as protective as she should be, wasn't always well... there. But she had AJ. Her strength, her ability to know just what Zapper needed. RD would learn, she would give it all she had to learn to be a mom like her mare was. Zap deserved it, he deserved the best. And, for once, if only to herself in this moment she had to admit she was not the best. Nope, she was far from it. The thought saddened her and at the moment, with nopony to really guide her through because she hadn't shared all these thoughts with AJ or anypony else.

 

Zappers was set upon her back and Rainbow made her way quietly through the farm house. He sniffed a bit here and there but he was so tired at this point no other noise came from him. Soon they were in the little room that had been set up as a nursery just for their little family. Who knew, maybe someday other members of the Apple clan might need it but for now it was just for Zap Apple.

 

“Your momma’s gonna try little guy,” She spoke softly as she laid in down gently in his bed.

 

It was clean and smelled of sweet hay and fresh linens. No doubt Granny Smith had done it up for them since their last visit. Nopony didn’t like helping out with Zap afterall. The bed was small, almost crib size and had a railing to keep him from falling out. He was growing up but e wasn’t a big enough boy to not need a railing yet.

 

“Good night my little Zappers,” She kissed him on the head between the ears and he snuggled down under the covers.

 

Rainbow left the room on tip hooves, leaving the door open a crack so they would hear him if he needed them. She made her way down the hall to AJ’s room. She wasn’t quite sure what to expect from her mare. She knew all the fuss from earlier today would be brewing down deep in Applejack. It stirred in RD as well but only as regret at this point. She hadn’t meant what she’d said...had she? The thought tumbled around in Rainbow’s head as she pressed open the door.

 

Soft light lit the interior of one of her favorite spaces in all of Equestria. And there sat her favorite mare in all of Equestria, offering her her favorite drink in all of Equestria. Just the thought of something warm and relaxing sliding down into her tummy made a weight fall from her as she entered and closed the door.

 

“Yeah…” She breathed as she took a seat on the bed. It was warm and soft and just like Zap’s blankets it smelled of sweet hay and linens. “Probably more than just a drink,” Rainbow tried her best to crack a smile but fell short. Well, nothing a few hits from the old barrel couldn’t cure.

 

The cider did the trick fairly quickly as she hadn’t eaten or drank much for Celestia knew how long. It wasn’t long before Rainbow was loosened up quite a bit. The more she looked at AJ the more beautiful and intoxicating the mare became.

 

She couldn’t help it, she leaned over for a kiss. Not a deep one, not yet… she just wanted to feel her mare’s closeness. They could work this out, they could work out anything!

 

Rainbow listened while she leaned in on AJ and close to her little Zappers. Tears still fell unbidden from her eyes though she was no longer actively crying. It just felt good to have Applejack at her side again. She didn't feel strong at all, not unless she had AJ by her side. Rainbow was weak, she always had been. Not physically of course but everything else...well... when her mare said they had some things they needed to 'solve' RD agreed for sure. 

"Yeah..." She took a deep breath, her eyes moving to the dying embers o the fire. She shivered them and immediately felt terrible for keeping her loves out in the cold. "Can we stay in the farm house tonight AJ? I just want to be next to you."

The thought of the warm and safe farm house made Rainbow feel better. It was almost a symbol  of what AJ stood for in Rainbow's life. Everything that was solid, good and warm. Stable, sweet, and honest. Celestia! She loved Applejack so much and it just ached to think about what had transpired this night. Maybe she could heal htough? Maybe she could do better? AJ was right, they needed some help.

They made their way through the fields by the light of the moon. It was late before they got back and the rest of the family had long since turned in for the night. The kitchen still smelled like the oatmeal and carrot pie Granny Smith had made earlier that day. She wasn't hungry but the smell was comforting. 

"Want me to help you put him to bed?" Rainbow asked meekly.

AJ had a knot in her guts the size of a raccoon after a night in a corn field...or somethin' like that...

She wished fervently that she could just relax and have fun like her closest friends were all doing. They chatted, sipped fancy drinks, munched yummy foods from the Canterlot Castle kitchens. Yet Applejack found herself still standing, hooves up on the railing gazing out over the city. She just had to get these feeling wrangled! The only way she knew how was to just let it all out....but she couldn't! Deep inside she felt ashamed. Twilight had done so much to arrange all this for her to do what needed to be done and she just couldn't get herself to do it! The earth mare had achieved so many wonderful goals in her life. But this one, telling the mare of her dreams what she really thought.... it was different.

Of course there was always the looming fact that Rarity wouldn't feel the same way. AJ wasn't even sure if the unicorn would even want to be with a mare. She thought perhaps she would considering the heart melting looks AJ had spied Rarity give to stallion and mare alike. But perhaps that was just Rarity being well, being nice? A sigh escaped AJ's muzzle as she thought of a night with just herself and Rarity with all the truth out on the table. She'd romance the unicorn something wonderful that much was for sure. Nopony would treat Rarity the way Applejack would! AJ was more than genial with friends and family alike...but with the mare of her heart's dersire? Well... it made her heart speed up just to think of it.

Applejack, dear, come here. I think I spot an apple merchant down there. I wasn't aware your family had been contracted for the festivities tonight!"

The farm mare's blush deepened as Rarity suddenly appeared just down the balcony from her. She sucked in a breath and adjusted her stetson betwixt her ears. Time to be regular Applejack. Calm Applejack. Level headed Applejack... anything but the mushy mess she could feel herself becoming even as she tossed her hooves up next to the unicorn's.

"An apple merchant yah say?" She squinted and tried to find where Rarity was gesturing to. "Oh! Ha ha yep!" How could she be so silly to forget about cousin Apple Bonnet! "That's cousin Apple Bonnet alright. She's spendin' a few days gettin' used to the apple sellin' buisness. Came into Canterlot two days ago to get used to the big city." She glanced again and smiled as the mare she was speaking of hoofed a small bag of apples to an eager client. "Looks like she's doin' jus' fine! Even these city ponies can't deny themselves good honest apples..."

She glanced over at Rarity, feeling better to be talking about something she knew all about. It felt good to have a little confidence back since she'd spend the past day in nothing but worrying and mulling over areas of her life she had no practice in and no control of. 

"How's the food?" AJ asked freely. Suddenly feeling more like her usual self. "That oat bake looks right delicious!" Oh, an' don't forget to throw in something Rarity felt good talking about! "I-i like yer uh outfit Rares. Looks really nice on yah!"

The sun finished setting in fire red glory as AJ enjoyed spending time with her friends but particularly Rarity on this evening. It wouldn't be long before the show would begin!

Rainbow braked and banked just when Twi was beginning to close in. The Princess certainly didn't mind. As the pegasus asked her how she was feeling all she could do was nod in agreement. Heart pounding? Yes. Wing muscles burning? Indeed! Breathless? Mmmhhmm! They flew wing tip to wing tip for a moment and Twi used the time to try to regain her composure. It would help if she could at least get her head into this workout. As it was now she was spending waaaay too much time trying to clear her thoughts of the athletic mare beside her. It was hard to focus on thoughts of Rainbow beside her in other places than in the air and also keep her mind on track for what was fast turning into the workout of her life!

"T-the city limits?" Twilight gasped out as she fought to glide and not use her wings so much. She glanced at Rainbow again, her face looking nothing less than helpless. Her trainer looked so totally pumped up for this though and the thought of continuing on with this activity that hyped Rainbow so much gave Twi a boost as well! She couldn't help but see how even what must be a light workout for RD made her muscles pop in her shoulders and gaskins. That fine line that ran from her cutie mark to her hocks stood out in fine tuned sexiness...

Twi shook her head, causing a drop or two of sweat to go flying. Game face, try to at least hold onto some form of game face...

Rainbow flashed that wolfish grin of hers and the Princess' heart tripped in her chest. It was already hard at work providing much needed oxygen and the extra umph from all this Rainbow made her feel light headed and almost giddy! The pegasus was off once more, taunting the alicorn to really pour on her speed. Well, she'd try... she'd never catch up...but she didn't mind the view from behind as she pressed herself further into her athletic if not romantic endeavors. 

They rounded Sweet Apple Acres what seemed to Twi to be ages later. She was literally pouring sweat now and her wings were starting to feel like they were going to fall off!

"Rainbow?!" She panted. "H-how's this for sweat?" She gasped for breath yet again.

Twi eyed the bits that were tossed onto the counter. It was far more than enough to pay for both of their orders. She wasn't surprised in the slightest. Both mares were more than wealthy in their respective roles. Still, it was a nice gesture of Rainbow to pay the tab. That thought of course sent her mind flitting to thoughts of the rituals of dating. She hadn't had any romantic encounters that went as far as dating with any mare and thus really wasn't sure of the rules. Traditionally the stallion laid down the bits but when it was two mares? Nope, no idea. She let her mind roll even further to if it really had been a romantic date between herself and her newly appointed flight trainer. They would pay and go back maybe to Rainbow's place? She had always enjoyed Cloudsdale and Rainbow had what most would consider a "sick pad". Rainbow's place has a sexy appeal to it that of course she would never let the mare know about... of course she wouldn't right?

She shook her head. Nope. Not going any further in that direction. The blue pegasus was speaking and of course Twi had missed most of it in her reveries. But she had heard the try and catch me part. Rainbow took off like a shot as always and Twilight spread her wings wide.

"Here I come!" She shouted and did her best to blast off into the sky. To be fair it wasn't a bad take off but flying with Rainbow made most ponies look like absolute amateurs. Truth was Twi was no amateur. She had had more than her fair share of flying and even flight battles. Time jumping on the wing was thrown in there to boot! But even with all this, she still had numerous techniques o gather of the athletic pony that was still in eye shot ahead of her...well above her. She had to keep her head! No more staring weirdly at those flanks, that lithe neck, those captivating eyes. It was just so distracting how a fine sweat sometimes built up in Rainbow's hind quarters and how it made the lines of her well toned croup stand out. Twi would love to nuzzle Rainbow just there above her tail...

"Ummmmm, concentrate?" The Princess spoke to herself as she winged her way after the ever receding form of Dash in front of her. 

She pumped her wings up and down rhythmically, trying her best to gain so ground. She knew RD wasn't going to be flying all out if she wanted to give Twi any chance of catching up. It wasn't long before Twi herself had worked up a good sweat. She was feeling good and warmed up! Her legs picked up a canter in the air underneath her as she strove to pick up the pace. Thinking better of this, she pulled her legs in closer to her body to become more aerodynamic. There we go!

Her pace picked up from this adjustment and she hurtled forward!

"I've got you now Rainbow Dash!" She called out triumphantly if a bit breathlessly.

AJ gulped quietly as Rarity made her entrance to the promenade. She looked even more stunning than usual in that fancy get up. The farm mare couldn't really understand why the unicorn liked the dressin' up stuff so much, but hay, if it made you look that good then why the heck not? She cleared her throat and rubbed up under her forelocks for a moment. She had to stay calm and strong. That was who she was and who she'd always be! Nothin' a pretty unicorn was gonna do to change that!

Even as they interacted with their friends AJ's nerves failed her yet again. As she was pulled in for a hug the scent of Rarity's perfume filled her nostrils. She couldn't help but inhale deeper before they stepped apart. Being close to the unicorn made her weak in the knees to say the least! 

"Well, Celestia and Luna promised me a special display for the sunset of the longest day of the year!" Twilight spoke enthusiastically. It was true that the other Princesses had promised something special for this year and asked Twilight to invite all of her friends to see it. It just so happened that AJ had asked for her help not long after she had been told that something special was already being planned. Everything had worked out too perfectly!

"That sounds like it's probably somethin' really good!" AJ trotted over to the Princess. "I wonder what it is..."

The girls spent time talking and and relaxing on the promenade. It was a glorious evening, if a little on the chilly side for this time of year. Applejack gazed out over the crowds of ponies in Canterlot, her eyes resting on the slowly setting sun. She had know Rarity for such a long time. Much longer than the others. They had always been close friends. They understood each other. When just the two of them were together things just naturally clicked. It had taken a lot of years for the feelings she had to build up. AJ knew that part she loved the best about Rarity was that they just felt right together. Natural and free. However, bottling up her feelings was taking that away from her.

That's why she had resolved to let her feelings show. She had to tell Rarity. Sure it would probably mess with their friendship some if the unicorn didn't feel the same way. At this point it was a gamble she was willing to take!

A short while later members of the royal guard starting setting a table on the promenade. This was soon laden with food and drink for Twilight and her friends. 

"Looks yummy!" Pinkie proclaimed as she popped a candied apple slice into her mouth. "It is yummy!" She giggled and dug into the food. 

Soon all the friends were eating and laughing together. AJ would have loved the time if not for the knot in her stomach. Soon it would be up to her... to let her feelings be known...

Rainbow didn't know what to do when AJ materialized out of the darkness. Would she still be fuming? Would she be upset? The pegasus didn't know what to expect and she found her heart at a loss. She already felt bad for the things she had said and done. She wasn't one to think before she acted but, she knew... even brazen Rainbow Dash knew for sure that the way she had gone about things back at the restaurant was just plain wrong. It broke her heart because she loved Applejack with all her heart and it pained her that she had done what she had done.

But there was no rewinding life. Though she wished she could. She wasn't even sure she would have done anything differently. She had little check on her emotions and she doubted she would ever gain much more than she currently had. She of course also felt bad that she had pulled Zap out into the cold dark night without even trying to explain what was going on. When would she ever stop hurting the ponies she cared the most about?

"A-AJ?" She didn't know what to say but it did relieve her to see her mare picking up Zappers. The poor guy was so confused and even as she watched he started to cry.

More relief flooded in as Applejack assured her fickle mare that their little family wasn't going to be breaking apart. That was all it took for more tears to roll down RD's cheeks. She felt so much better in that moment, just knowing AJ would be by her side and not toss her aside for being the jerk she so obviously was... waaaaaay too often.

It still hurt her pride a little bit and she certainly was not used to letting ponies get away with saying it, but she was scared. For some reason, in that moment, RD felt herself pulled closer to AJ than she ever had before. She had never been with a pony in her weakness. She always ran and hid her imperfections from the world. She never shared that with anypony... and now she was, for the first time in her life, with the love of her life.

"I'm so sorry AJ..." She couldn't speak, and just cried. She moved closer until she could put her muzzle up close to AJ's neck and breath in her earthy scent. "You're right, I'm scared. But I feel better knowing I'm not going to loose you or Zap," She patted the little guy's head. "I shouldn't have done any of that back there... I'm ashamed AJ... you deserve so much better than that..."