//------------------------------// // Day Six - Explanation // Story: Tenacious Dash // by Hipster Cloudchaser //------------------------------// Apple Bloom yawned, rubbing her eyes as she regained consciousness. She looked around, noting the pile of fillies she had become a part of with a giggle. After meeting up the previous morning, the three fillies had spent the day as any other. If you cut out the parts where kisses were shared, hugs were longer than normal, and cuddle piles were formed, anyway. They had spent the night in Apple Bloom’s room, barely avoiding suspicion from Granny Smith. Apple Bloom really didn’t want to get Applejack and Rainbow in trouble for prompting their romantic shenanigans. But the day, and subsequent night, had raised many questions for all involved. Scootaloo stirred from her rest, raising her head and smiling tiredly at Apple Bloom. “Morning, AB. Sweetie Belle still asleep?” Apple Bloom nodded. “Ah’m thinkin’, though. Are y’all as… confused about this as me?” Scootaloo cocked her head. “Confused about what?” “Well, all o’ this,” Apple Bloom made a sweeping gesture, accidentally connecting with Sweetie Belle’s horn. Sweetie Belle’s face scrunched up in her sleep. She mumbled something before turning and hugging Apple Bloom’s foreleg. Apple Bloom shook her head in bemusement while Scootaloo’s face lit up. She donned a devious grin as she reached a wing around to sneakily brush against Sweetie Belle’s horn. Sweetie Belle spoke again in her sleep, this time a little clearer, murmuring some strange combination of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo’s names. She opened her eyes blearily at a third touch to her horn. “Huh?” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “Mornin’, Belle. Sorry Scoot woke ya. But that’s just what Ah’m talkin’ about. What is that thing with yer wings and her horn? And now that we’re together, what do we even do? What can we do we that we couldn’t before? Why do Ah feel like Ah’m meetin’ y’all again fer the first time?” “Why don’t you ask your sister? She’s the one who told you about this stuff in the first place, right?” Sweetie Belle suggested, still half asleep. Scootaloo nodded. “Yeah, and Rainbow Dash! She knows all about this kinda stuff. And she’s got wings, so maybe she knows something about that.” Apple Bloom chuckled. “Anythin’ ta get a chance ta talk ta yer idol, huh?” “Shut up!” Scootaloo shot back. Apple Bloom nodded, placating the flustered filly. If she didn’t know better, she might think her friend had a bit of a crush on the older pegasus. But she did know better, so she merely kissed Sweetie Belle on the nose in an attempt to wake her up faster. Sweetie Belle giggled and rose to a sitting position. “So are we gonna go ask them?” Sweetie Belle yawned. “Yup. Come on, Ah think they’re in AJ’s room still.” Apple Bloom made a forward motion before bouncing off the bed. Scootaloo followed along giddily, leaving Sweetie Belle to shake herself awake and catch up. Apple Bloom knocked on Applejack’s door to no answer. Curious, she let herself in to find an adorable sight. Rainbow Dash lay draped over Applejack’s chest, wings tucked tightly around the farm mare, who had a single hoof wrapped around the midsection of her pegasus extension. Sweetie Belle stepped into the doorway, and could not resist joining Apple Bloom in a chorus of d’aww. Scootaloo merely rolled her eyes and reached a hoof up to poke Rainbow Dash in the side. “Not now, Applejack. We gotta set the mood first,” Rainbow mumbled, still very much asleep. Confused, and slightly frustrated, Scootaloo poked her again, in the wing this time. Rainbow chortled in her sleep. “Okay, we can skip all that. Now come on, we…” Rainbow trailed off, completing her thought a few seconds later. “Sexy time.” Scootaloo frowned. “What?” “Sexy time? What’s that?” Sweetie Belle asked nopony in particular. Scootaloo shrugged aloofly. “I don’t know. You’re the dictionary.” Sweetie Belle frowned. “And you’re the chicken.” “I thought we agreed not to talk about that!” Scootaloo snapped. “Girls, please!” Apple Bloom got between the two before they could butt heads. “Ah heard mah sister talkin’ about it with Rainbow once. It was somethin’ about… some kinda… Ah don’t know. They never said.” “Well then let’s ask them!” Scootaloo said, shaking Rainbow fiercely, finally waking the slumbering pegasus, and her orange body pillow in the process. “Not so rough, AJ, I-“ Rainbow blinked, taking in her sudden change of surroundings. She looked down to a dazed-looking Applejack in confusion. “So… I just dreamt all that stuff, right?” Applejack tried to shrug, but found her movement restricted by Rainbow’s wings. Rainbow retracted her wings sheepishly, apologizing. “Sorry. I may have gotten a little bit-“ Rainbow froze, staring with wide eyes at their young audience. She glanced back at Applejack to find a baffled expression on her face. “How… much of that did you hear?” “We heard about the sexy time! What’s that mean?” Sweetie Belle chirped innocently. Rainbow’s face fell into her pillow, which also happened to be Applejack’s chest. “Luna dammit,” she muttered. Applejack laughed. “It’d have ta come up eventually, right sugarcube?” Rainbow raised her head. “Wait, you’re okay with talking about sex with them now?” Applejack shrugged. “Ya said yerself ya’d have it beaten outta me.” “But so soon? I mean, I know I’m awesome, but…” Applejack laughed again, kissing Rainbow on the nose before turning to the three fillies at the side of their bed. “Well, Ah’m sure ya have a whole lotta questions. But let’s start off with somethin’ a little less… sexy.” ”Okay, how about those weird tingly feelings I’m starting to get in my wings?” Scootaloo asked. “Uh, we said less sexy…” Rainbow frowned. “Wait, ya mean that’s what sex is about?” Apple Bloom cocked her head. “What about Sweetie Belle’s horn, then?” Applejack chuckled nervously. “Ah, uh… Let’s just steer clear o’ the uh, physical stuff fer now.” The three fillies adopted matching frowns briefly before shedding them in favor of expressions of excited curiosity. “Alright, then what else is there? Like, what are we supposed ta do now that we’re fillyfriends?” “Other than kissing,” Sweetie Belle clarified. “We already do that.” Rainbow scoffed. “Please, kid. Those little pecks aren’t real kissing. There’s gotta be way more tongue involved.” Scootaloo’s eyes narrowed in befuddlement. “Tongue?” Applejack nodded. “Ya gotta do it with yer mouths open. That way ya can… well, lick each other’s tongues, Ah guess.” The three fillies’ heads shot back. “Lick each other’s tongues?” Sweetie Belle asked incredulously. “You wouldn’t understand unless you tried it,” Rainbow said. “Ah’m not sure Ah wanna,” Apple Bloom spoke for all three, evidenced by their nods of affirmation. “Well, ya don’ have ta do nothin’ ya don’ wanna,” Applejack reassured. “There is other stuff ya can do, but Ah’m not sure it’d be proper at yer age ta date.” Rainbow shrugged. “Hey, as long as they’re careful and don’t upset the wrong ponies...” “Ah guess so. Can’t imagine the kinda looks they’d be gettin’, though,” Applejack shuddered. “Yeah, just don’t let strangers take you anywhere. Like, at all.” Applejack blinked. “That’s not what Ah meant! Celestia, Dash, Ah don’ even wanna think about that!” Rainbow laughed. “Nah, Ponyville’s a pretty clean town. You shouldn’t have to worry about that.” “What the hay are you two going on about?” Scootaloo demanded. Rainbow reached down to pat Scootaloo on the head. “Nothing you’ve gotta worry about, Scoot.” “When ya say datin’, ya mean like what Mac told us ‘bout him an’ Rarity?” “Pretty much, yeah,” Rainbow nodded. “There’s other stuff you can do, of course. Dinner’s probably above what you should be doing, though. Like, maybe a picnic at Ponyville Park for lunch or something like that.” “That sounds like fun!” Sweetie Belle grinned. “That does sound fun, Rainbow,” Applejack agreed. “An’ we ain’t done it yet.” Rainbow rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “I’ll work on it.” “Might even convince me ta ferget that little talk we had,” Applejack speculated. Rainbow giggled. “And that brings us back to sex.” Applejack nodded. “If ya’ve already started gettin’ tingly feelin’s, then it probably won’t be too long ‘fore ya start ta get them in other places, too. An’ ya might also get some urges. Now Ah’m not tellin’ ya not ta do nothin’ about those, but don’ go too fast with it. Yer still fillies, and ya will be ‘till ya at least get yer cutie marks. Understand?” The three fillies nodded in comprehension. “And hey, it might serve as an added incentive to get those cutie marks, right?” Rainbow grinned. “I can’t really talk from experience just yet, but I’m sure that will change pretty soon.” Applejack laughed, shoving Rainbow to the bed playfully. “Don’ you get me started, sugarcube.” “Of course not,” Rainbow promised. “That’s not until later.” “What we’re tryin’a get at is that ya’ll probably start ta get those kinda tingly feelin’s down a bit lower,” Applejack explained. “Yeah, right down between your legs,” Rainbow added. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shared an astonished glance, blushing heavily. “Ya mean down there?” “But that’s where…” Sweetie Belle trailed off. Scootaloo shook her head. “Oh Luna, that’s…” Applejack nodded. “And we have yer word ya’ll wait ‘till ya have yer cutie marks, at least?” The flustered fillies nodded in unison, all looking in different directions. “I think we can trust them on this one, AJ,” Rainbow said. “Besides, I think they’ve still got a ways to go before then.” “Ah reckon so, sugarcube,” Applejack agreed. “Now head on downstairs for breakfast, alright?” The Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded again, taking on this new crusade with a remarkable lack of enthusiasm as they shuffled their way out of the room and down the stairs in silence. “Well, that’s one way to start a day,” Rainbow supposed, sighing, Applejack laughed, nodding. “Let’s head on down, too. Breakfast sounds real nice about now.” Rainbow nodded in agreement, following Applejack downstairs to find none other than Rarity sitting at the Apple family dining table next to Big Macintosh. “Oh, hey Rarity. You get all that stuff sorted out with Mac?” Rarity nodded, leaning her head against Big Mac’s shoulder. “And am I ever glad I did. It went better than I could have ever hoped.” Applejack smiled. “Well, we’re happy ta hear it. An’ welcome ta the family.” Rarity smiled broadly, reaching up to plant a kiss on Mac’s cheek. Big Mac blushed, pulling his marefriend closer. “We got somethin’ else ta tell y’all, too,” Big Macintosh prompted. “I suppose we do,” Rarity agreed, waiting for the family to be seated before speaking. “I know this may come as quite a shock. Especially to you, Applejack and Rainbow. I’m sorry for keeping it a secret for so long. But it is now best that you know that I’m not the mare you think I am.” Applejack and Rainbow both opened their mouths to inquire further, but realization’s dawning stopped their questions short. Rainbow’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, Rarity’s a guy.” Rarity smiled shyly in response. A smile slowly came over Applejack’s face. “What was that ya were sayin’ yesterday ‘bout this bein’ the gayest farm family ever, Rainbow?” Rainbow burst out laughing. “I’m sorry, this is just too perfect!” She struggled mightily to contain her giggles, but to no avail. “Oh my gosh.” Applejack chuckled. “Ah’ll speak fer Rainbow. We’re definitely surprised ya manage to hide it so well, but we’d never think o’ judgin’ ya fer it.” “An’ this is somethin’ ya want, Mac?” Granny Smith asked levelly. Big Macintosh nodded firmly, pulling Rarity closer still. “Too tight, dear,” Rarity gasped. “Sorry.” Mac loosened his grip slightly. Granny Smith chuckled. “Well, it sure is hay ain’t expected, but if it makes ya happy, Ah can’t say no.” Big Mac smiled. “Thanks, Granny.” Rainbow finally calmed down, gasping for air. “Are we… gonna eat or not?” Everypony present shook their heads in bemusement, signaling the start of the most crowded Apple family breakfast anypony could remember. Before Applejack and Rainbow Dash could leave the house after breakfast, they were stopped by Rarity. “Wait, girls, I feel like I owe you a better explanation. Would you… mind terribly if we could talk somewhere private?” Applejack and Rainbow shared a glance. “Ah guess not.” “It’s not like we haven’t talked enough for one morning,” Rainbow added, earning a pointed glance from Applejack. “I mean, sure. Why not.” Rarity smiled gratefully. “Thank you for this. It will certainly help prepare me for confessing to Twilight and Pinkie Pie.” “I don’t think anything can prepare you for that,” Rainbow speculated. “Twilight’s probably gonna lock you in her basement for science-y stuff, and Pinkie… I never know what she’s gonna do.” “Throw a party, maybe?” Applejack suggested. Rainbow paused. “Wait, Pinkie hasn’t even thrown a party for us yet…” Rainbow gulped. “Has anyone seen Pinkie since she found out?” “Ah saw ‘er yesterday,” Big Macintosh said, sidling up next to Rarity. “She seemed a might worked up by somethin’, even fer her. She ran off ‘fore Ah could ask what it was.” Rainbow fell to the floor, holding her head in her hooves. “If we don’t survive what she has planned, let it be known that I lived an awesome life.” Applejack chuckled lightly, consoling Rainbow. “Ah’m sure ya won’t die alone, sugarcube. Or even a virgin.” Rainbow smiled at that. “You’re right. We still have a few days if she’s planning something that big. That leaves plenty of time!” Rarity’s eyes narrowed. “Could it be that our dear Rainbow has been saving herself for somepony special?” “No!” Rainbow answered immediately. “I just never found anyone who could keep up with my awesomeness!” Rarity grinned. “So Applejack isn’t special, then?” “I… shut up!” Rainbow shot back, blushing profusely. “I could have had sex any time!” “Yes, I’m sure your list of marefriends,” Rarity gestured to Applejack, “can attest to that.” Applejack chuckled. “She’s right, sugarcube. Ya told me yerself ya’ve never been with another pony before.” Rainbow frowned, muttering, “It’s not like I haven’t thought about it before.” Applejack grinned, brows rising. “So yer tellin’ me ya’ve been pinin’ after me fer a while now?” “In a totally sexual, non-romantic way!” Rainbow insisted. Applejack laughed. “And that makes it better how?” “Because you make me act funny! It’s your earth pony super powers, I swear!” Rarity giggled. “Actually, Rainbow, I do believe the word you’re looking for is ‘love’.” Rainbow’s blush reappeared, heavier this time. “I… I do not! I could… I… Luna dammit, you guys!” Applejack chuckled, kissing Rainbow on the forehead. “Yer sweeter than ya let on, sugarcube. Ya done shown me that plenty,” she whispered. Rainbow’s face softened, a smile coming to her lips. “The things you do to me, AJ…” Applejack smiled back. “An’ that list has plenty o’ room ta grow.” Rainbow blushed lightly. “I don’t suppose you’ve thought at all about uh… sex, have you?” “Ah have,” Applejack admitted. “An’ we don’t really have much planned after applebuckin’ today, do we? Ya did offer a picnic. Maybe we do that, see where it goes…” Rainbow smiled wider, kissing Applejack on the nose. “You have no idea how good that sounds.” “Ah reckon Ah do, sugarcube,” Applejack countered. “Ah’ve been pent up just as long as you.” “You don’t suppose we could just have it out in the orchard, do you? You know, somewhere… private and out of the way?” “Ah don’t think Ah’d mind that,” Applejack acquiesced. “Ah know just the place, too.” “Awesome,” Rainbow said, smiling. “If you two are done conniving, I do believe I had your agreement for a talk,” Rarity chimed in. Applejack nodded. “We’ll be right up, just give us a couple minutes.” Rarity looked to Big Macintosh, who smiled. “C’mon, Rare. Ah reckon they want some privacy.” Rarity smiled back. “Right behind you, dear.” “Mah favorite,” Big Mac joked, earning a playful shove from his marefriend as they made their way upstairs. Rainbow sighed as she was alone with Applejack again. “You don’t think they’re planning anything today, do you?” “Nope, Ah reckon Ah’ll be able ta tease Mac ‘bout the fact Ah lost mine first,” Applejack speculated. “You already got a marefriend before he got a coltfriend,” Rainbow said, before frowning. “Wow, that felt really weird to say.” “Ah don’t think Ah’ll ever get used ta that,” Applejack agreed. “She’ll always be a mare ta me.” Rainbow nodded. “Dick or vag, she’s still the Rarity we’ve known all these years.” Applejack chortled. “That’s one way ta put it. Now c’mon, she’s got some ‘splainin’ ta do.” Upstairs, Rarity waited patiently while Big Mac looked around his room idly. Applejack entered shortly, followed by Rainbow, and Rarity smiled. “Please, sit down. This may take a while.” Rainbow shrugged at a glance from Applejack, and the two seated themselves on the floor beside the bed. “Now, I’d first like to say that despite what you now know about me, I’d prefer if you still considered me a mare. Though I was born a colt, I was raised a filly. It’s really all I’ve ever known myself to be.” “That would be a whole lot less confusing,” Rainbow said. “And hey, we were just talking about that.” Applejack nodded. “Ah gotta ask, though. How come ya can still look just like a mare, even if yer really a stallion?” Rarity smiled forlornly. “You can thank my parents for that. They… changed me when I was very young. Magic can do incredible things, especially when administered early. But there’s just the one thing it can’t.” Rainbow frowned. “Why would your parents try to make you a filly?” “Because they wanted one,” Rarity answered. “As I understand it, they were… upset when they found out I was a colt. And the surgeries involved aren’t cheap. Despite their intentions, I find it hard to resent them when I think of how much money they spent on me. It almost makes me a little depressed, knowing how much better off they’d be had I been born a filly.” Big Macintosh offered a consoling hug, which Rarity accepted gratefully. “If none o’ that had happened, ya might not be where ya are today. Ain’t that worth all the money in the world?” Rarity smiled. “If it brought me to you, they must have done something right.” Applejack smiled wryly at the sight of her brother and one of her best friends so lovingly embracing. Rainbow surreptitiously extended a wing and wrapped in around Applejack’s side. Applejack giggled at the sentiment, leaning into Rainbow’s wing hug. “Of course, it was hard to hide it from Fluttershy, what with our weekly spa trips,” Rarity continued. “Even with the spell I had been taught to keep myself hidden. I learned the hard way that invisible does not mean untouchable.” “Wait, so you’re telling me you let Fluttershy feel up your dick?” Rainbow asked incredulously. Rarity’s eyes widened as she developed a blush. “N-no! It was an accident! I would never consent to such a… such an intimate exchange with my best friend.” “Hey, you’re looking at two best friends over here,” Rainbow ventured, pulling Applejack closer with her wing. Applejack chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Ah don’ think that’s quite the same, Rainbow.” Rarity, who had become quite flustered, was hugged tighter by Big Macintosh. “Ah’m sure it weren’t nothin’ big. How did it turn out?” Rarity smiled gratefully, blush lessening. “Well, we were both shocked, of course. I will admit that the whole situation was… slightly arousing. But Fluttershy, being the dear she is, accepted me without question, though I insisted on a better explanation later.” “She sure is a sweetheart, Miss Fluttershy,” Big Macintosh agreed. “Do I detect a hint of longing, Mac?” Rarity poked deviously. Big Macintosh chuckled. “Course not.” Rarity giggled, kissing Mac briefly before returning her attention to her friends. “Apologies, Mac does have that effect on me. But yes, everything turned out alright. Fluttershy insisted it would take something far worse to end our friendship. It’s actually one of the reasons I chose to hide out the day with her.” “So she was hidin’ somethin’ from me,” Big Mac observed. “Ah thought Ah saw somethin’ in her eyes.” Rarity smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. I’m sure you can understand why I wanted some time to think.” Big Macintosh nodded. “Ah would, too, in yer situation.” “Thanks,” Rarity squeezed Big Mac. “You don’t know how good it feels to be somewhere so accepting. I admit that I was a little worried that traditions might get in the way.” “Tell me about it,” Rainbow chuckled, giving Applejack a peck on the cheek. “So ya said they wanted a daughter, yer parents,” Applejack ventured. “What happened when Sweetie Belle came along?” Rarity cast her gaze downward. “It was a… troubling time, to say the least. It’s my understanding that they gave up on me and tried again. And this time they got a real filly.” Rarity sighed. “I got jealous, and stole the attention back away from her. But… she was so young. She needed that attention more than I did. So the only thing I could think to do was to set off on my own. I was never around Sweetie Belle as much as I wanted in her early years. Running a business while barely older than she is now just… took so much time. I tried my best, but I always feel like I didn’t try hard enough.” Big Mac hugged Rarity tighter. “Ya know that ain’t true, Rare. Ya did the best ya could, and Sweetie Belle don’t resent ya none fer it. She looks up to ya, wants ta do what you do. Ain’t that proof enough?” “But we both know it’s not her true calling,” Rarity went on. “Had I been there for her, maybe I could have nurtured her real talent in singing.” Applejack chuckled. “Trust me, Rarity, no amount o’ love n’ affection can set those fillies straight.” Big Macintosh nodded. “After Ma n’ Pa died, Ah had ta be a father ta little Apple Bloom, on top o’ bein’ a big brother. If both of us couldn’t fix her, Ah don’t think ya’d have stood much of a chance alone.” “I suppose you’re right,” Rarity conceded. “It’s just so hard not to blame myself for being a bad sister.” “The fact ya care so much makes you a good sister, Rare,” Big Mac insisted. “And Ah won’t be havin’ none o’ this doubt from ya. Yer a wonderful mare, and Ah’m proud ta call ya my marefriend.” Rarity smiled. “Thanks, Mac.” Applejack looked on in wonderment as the two embraced again. Her brother seemed to have some sort of mastery at calming Rarity down despite having only been with her for so short a time. She wondered if Mac himself had sent any extra looks her way in the past. Rarity certainly did seem quite enamored with him. “Not to interrupt or anything, but shouldn’t we be getting to applebucking soon?” Rainbow cut in. Big Mac’s eyes shot open. “Right, the apples! Ah plum fergot, Ah’m sorry. Ya wouldn’t mind helpin’ us out a bit, would ya, Rare? Ah got everythin’ set up yesterday so the goin’ should be easier, but it’d be nice ta have Rainbow free fer buckin’ ta make it go faster.” “I suppose I could, if the work isn’t too demanding. What would I be doing?” “Just gatherin’ all the buckets ta one spot so we don’t gotta fetch ‘em all ourselves at the end. Ah can’t rightly say how many trees are ripe, or how spread out they are, but it shouldn’t be too bad with yer magic.” Big Mac smiled hopefully. Rarity looked thoughtful for a moment before grinning. “I don’t know, it sounds like it might be rather difficult. But I suppose if you’d agree to a trip to the spa afterwards, I could let it slide this once.” Big Macintosh frowned. “Ah ain’t never been to a spa before.” “Precisely my point, dear,” Rarity giggled. “Now do you agree to my terms or not?” Big Mac sighed. “Alright, but only fer you.” “Perfect! I’ll make sure Aloe and Lotus make you look absolutely ravishing.” “Why do Ah get the feelin’ Ah’m gonna regret this?” Big Mac despaired. Rarity laughed, pecking Mac on the nose before exiting the room. Shrugging, Applejack and Rainbow followed, leaving Mac to contemplate his situation alone. “Ah’m sure it won’t be so bad,” Big Mac assured himself. “And besides, if it really makes her so happy…” he smiled, “then it’ll be worth it.” With three ponies each taking a third of the area, the work progressed at a fast clip. There were a few more trees than there had been the previous session, but Big Mac’s preparations took the work of catching the apples out of the picture. Rarity’s help with wagon loading certainly didn’t hurt, either. Rainbow smiled as she crossed paths with Applejack. The work was laborious, as evidenced by the sweat on their coats, but Rainbow couldn’t help but think of how attractive Applejack looked this way. “Don’t tire yourself out too much or we’ll have no energy left for the after party!” Applejack chuckled, wiping her brow with a forehoof. “Ah’m sure ya won’t be sayin’ that when I’m through with ya.” “I’ll hold you to that,” Rainbow snickered as she delivered a quick buck to another tree. They bantered on about the day ahead of them, neither bothering to mention that they had purposefully worked through their sections to give them as much time together at the end as possible. “How do you think Mac’s gonna handle the spa treatment? Sounds like Rarity’s gonna go all-out on him.” “She didn’t get ta come ta yer first spa trip, either,” Applejack agreed. “Ah’m sure she’ll have him beggin’ fer mercy by the time they get home.” “I can see it now, Rarity coming home with a big ball of red fur that used to be Mac,” Rainbow laughed. “Oh, it’ll be rich!” Applejack nodded, laughing along. The day seemed to slow down whenever they were together, as if Celestia was holding the sun in place to give them more time in their day. It helped Rainbow appreciate some of the subtle nuances of life she normally didn’t care to observe. The way water beaded on the leaves, the sound produced by a solid buck to a trunk, the smell of apples all around them, things she had really come to know and love about being out in the orchard. Though it had only been five days since she started her time on the farm, it felt like she’d been here all her life. Applejack’s family had welcomed her immediately, and made her feel like she really belonged here. Growing up as an only child, and having only Fluttershy to call a real foalhood friend, never really gave her the whole family experience. Rainbow smiled as she thought back on that first day she had met Applejack. “Alright Rainbow, you can do this! There’s no way that Sonic Rainboom could have been a one-time thing! That’s a trick worthy of a Wonderbolt!” Rainbow psyched herself up, trying not for the first time to recreate that glorious moment that had earned her a cutie mark. Just because she’d failed the last five hundred times didn’t mean she’d fail this time. Flaring her small, but powerful wings, Rainbow dove off the cloud she was perched on, driving herself to the ground as fast as her developing muscles would allow. She strained herself, pushing harder and harder, but that Mach cone simply would not form. She squinted, trying to discern any abnormal wind patterns around her, but none were to be found. “This is stupid!” Rainbow cried out, giving her wings one massive flap… and crashing head-first into a painfully solid object. She was dimly aware of some pole-like structure breaking her fall before blacking out. Rainbow woke some time later on some strangely comfortable surface, with some other equally strange layer of softness above her. It wasn’t quite as soft as a cloud, but it was definitely quite warm. She wracked her brain, trying to figure out why she would be surrounded by such a strange material. She vaguely remembered crashing against some most definitely non-cushioned surface. She must have been trying some sort of trick, but… Rainbow shot up. “I have to do the…” The sudden movement made her feel strangely weak. Her head started to spin as she collapsed helplessly onto the strange fluffiness from before. Her vision swam into focus, and she found she was trapped in some sort of strange chamber. She tried to move, needing to escape, but her limbs wouldn’t cooperate. Amidst the commotion, an orange filly with an oversized brown Stetson woke, having fallen asleep in the late hours despite her conviction to stand watch over the strange pegasus filly in her care. “Yer awake!” Rainbow froze at the voice, slowly turning her head to regard her would-be captor. “Ya took quite a hit back there. Ah was startin’ ta worry ya mighta…” Rainbow cocked her head as the filly trailed off, looking far less relieved than her voice had indicated. Rainbow considered her words. This filly certainly didn’t sound like an evil dungeon master. In fact, she sounded an awful lot like she was… “You… you saved me?” The orange filly’s freckled cheeks reddened as she pulled her hat over her eyes. “Aw, shucks, it weren’t nothin’ as special as that.” “You did!” Rainbow perked up. “Maybe you can tell me what happened. Or where we are.” Rainbow looked around the plain white room. “Or what this stuff is.” She indicated the surface she laid upon. On further inspection, it looked like a bed of some sort. It was a far cry from the plush cloud beds she was used to, but she couldn’t think of what else it might be. She poked at the mattress experimentally, before examining the strange sheets. Her savior devolved into a fit of laughter at Rainbow’s antics. “Ain’t ya ever been in a bed before, sugarcube?” “So this is a bed.” Rainbow frowned. “Why isn’t in made of clouds?” “Ah don’t reckon us earth ponies can walk on clouds,” the filly replied. “But then how did you get here?” Rainbow looked around again. “Where is here?” She returned her gaze to the Stetson-wearing filly, noticing for the first time that- “Oh my gosh, what happened to your wings!?” The orange filly eyed Rainbow up and down. “Ah never had any. Ah’m not a pegasus like you.” “Then how do you fly?” Rainbow demanded frantically. “Ah don’t,” the filly replied slowly. “Did you get hit on the head or somethin’?” “I don’t know! Everything here is weird! There are ponies without wings, beds made out of stuff that isn’t clouds, I don’t even know if this room is made of clouds!” Rainbow fixed the bemused filly with a panicked stare. “Where are all the clouds?” “Up in the sky, where they belong.” Rainbow’s brow furrowed. “Wait, you’re telling me we’re below the clouds?” The filly’s face suddenly darkened. “Yer tellin’ me yer one o’ them cloud dwellers?” “You mean you’re not?” Rainbow asked, a little frightened. The filly snorted. “Ah’d hope not. You’re the ponies what killed Ma n’ Pa!” Rainbow blinked. “What are you talking about? I didn’t kill anyone!” Thunder echoed in the distance, causing the enraged filly to jump in fright. “Ya sure did! With one o’ them Celestia damned storms yer always makin’!” “I don’t make the storms! I’m just a filly!” Rainbow insisted. “That don’t mean ya gotta stand by and watch!” Rainbow scowled. “I don’t have to listen to this!” She got to her feet through sheer willpower, moving to throw open the window. “Where do ya think yer goin’?” “Home. And you can’t stop me!” At Rainbow’s defiance, a strong wind swept through the room, nearly knocking Rainbow off her hooves. The orange filly was less familiar with weather patterns, and was tripped up by the wind, her hat flying loose at escaping out the window. “Mah hat!” she cried. Rainbow watched as the filly turned from a ball of rage to a catatonic statue. She looked absolutely devastated by the loss of her hat. Not even having to consider her options, Rainbow flared her wings and chased after the wayward hat. The world below the clouds was certainly very different from her haven above, but she allowed herself no time to look at the scenery. She had something she had to do, and nothing would stop her. She turned this way and that, scanning for the hat. Even in the near-pitch blackness, she could make out the hat as it made its way to a formidable-looking sheer cliff. Like a bullet, she was off in pursuit, far from caring about the Mach cone developing around her. It was almost in reach, just a little further… Rainbow cried out in pain as a protruding branch scored a gash along her stomach, but pushed through. The tears that formed in her eyes made it hard to see, but with her fullest extension, she grasped the brim of the hat between her teeth before it could fall down the cliff side. Clutching at her stomach with a hoof, Rainbow laboriously made her way back to the hospital. The window wasn’t hard to spot, being the only one open on the whole building. She collapsed inside, skidding across the white floor and leaving a trail of red, but she kept the hat firmly between her teeth. The window was quickly shut by the orange filly, who then turned to make sure Rainbow was okay. She froze as she saw a battered, yet triumphant, Rainbow Dash holding her hat. Her eyes began to tear up. This filly she had barely met, who she had just accused of murder, went out of her way to save the last treasure she had from her parents. “I got this back,” Rainbow said, extending her neck to place it upon the filly’s head. “It’s important to you, right?” Unable to control herself, the filly tackled Rainbow into a hug, sobbing into her shoulder. Rainbow winced as her stomach flared in pain, vision swimming as she collapsed to the floor. Just before she blacked out, she heard the filly cry for help. Rainbow blearily opened her eyes, wincing as the light from the hospital room flared. Before she could work up the courage to open them again, she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her neck. “Yer okay!” The orange filly from earlier cried. “Ah was so worried. Ya didn’t have ta do all that fer me. Ya coulda been killed!” Rainbow felt a smile come to her face as she opened her eyes again, a filly now between her and the previous light source. “Hey, featherbrained stunts are what I do best.” “Ah can never thank ya enough fer this…” Rainbow grinned cockily. “Name’s Rainbow Dash.” “Ah’m Applejack,” Applejack replied. “Ah was wrong about you, Rainbow Dash. Ah have ta make this up ta you somehow.” Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “Nah, this makes us even now, right?” Applejack smiled, hugging Rainbow’s neck tighter. “Rainbow? You alright, sugarcube?” Applejack’s voice snapped Rainbow out of her reverie. “Ya’ve been awful quiet.” Rainbow smiled, unable to keep from embracing Applejack in a hug. Applejack, while surprised at the sudden display of affection, nevertheless returned the hug. “Sorry, I was just thinking about how we first met.” Applejack smiled, eyes glassing over with nostalgia. “Ah still can’t thank ya enough fer what ya did, Rainbow,” Applejack said, removing her hat and gazing at it fondly. “Ya got this back ta me, and ya kept my spirits up while ya were recoverin’.” Rainbow blushed, averting her gaze. “Aw, it wasn’t anything that special.” Applejack suddenly burst out laughing, hugging Rainbow again. Rainbow couldn’t stop laughing herself as she nuzzled into the crook of Applejack’s neck. The bond they had created that day was one of true friendship, and now it was blossoming into something more. Rainbow couldn’t think of any pony she’d want to share a relationship with more. Applejack echoed those sentiments with a kiss upon Rainbow’s lips. “Ya really are a sweetheart, Rainbow.” Applejack broke away to buck the last tree they needed that day, smiling as she watched the buckets float away in Rarity’s blue magic. “Now, about that picnic…” Rainbow blushed, looking to the sky for help. She estimated they had about three hours before noon, which gave them plenty of time to prepare. Rainbow released the breath she didn’t remember holding. “So, what do we wanna bring?” Applejack thought as they made their way to the loaded wagons. Rarity awaited them, triumphant and exhausted. She gave Mac a predatory grin, eliciting a nervous chuckle from the big stallion. “Well, it’s gotta be more ‘n just apples, Ah guess,” Applejack contemplated. “Ah reckon we could pick somethin’ up at Sugarcube Corner.” “You mean like muffins or something?” Rainbow asked. “Ooh! Muffins? Where are they?” Rainbow cocked her head, regarding the wall-eyed pegasus who had materialized out of nowhere. “Derpy? When did you get here?” Rainbow paused. “Why are you here?” “Oh, you know, it’s not too far from the uh, carrot place and um… There was something else…” Derpy’s face scrunched up as she tried to remember. “A letter, maybe?” Applejack suggested. Derpy brightened. “Oh, yeah! I got one of those. It’s from, uh… I don’t remember.” Rainbow took the proffered letter, reading the envelope. “It’s from Twilight,” she observed. “You don’t think something went wrong, do you?” Applejack scanned the envelope over Rainbow’s shoulder. “It’s addressed ta both o’ us. How did ya know Rainbow would be here?” “Um…” Derpy held a hoof to her forehead. “Carrot Top told me something that sounded smart, but I forgot what it was.” Rainbow shrugged, opening the letter while Applejack unhitched herself from her wagon. Dear Applejack and Rainbow Dash, I apologize for the formality, but things have gotten a little hectic here in Canterlot. I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to be staying for another week to help sort things out. If you need anything from the library, Spike will be able to assist you. I trust you and the girls will be able to handle Ponyville while I’m gone. Until then, Twilight Sparkle Applejack frowned, reading the letter over again. “Ya don’t think it’s anythin’ serious, do ya?” “I don’t know. She’s not usually this… not-wordy. I mean, it’s nice to not have a wall of words for once, but…” Rainbow pondered for a moment. “Well, it’s definitely not like her, but I don’t know if that’s really anything to worry about. I mean, she did send a letter like she usually does.” Applejack set about unloading her wagon, unsure what to think. Derpy had disappeared at some point, so she couldn’t ask how she had come about the letter. “Well, no use worryin’, Ah guess. Twilight can take care o’ herself.” Rainbow nodded hesitantly. “I guess.” We do still have that picnic later, she supposed. Applejack put a hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder, making her jump slightly. “How come Ah’m the one who has ta get you ta quit worryin’ now?” Rainbow shook herself. “Sorry, I just… There’s a lot on my mind right now.” Applejack smirked. “Well, ain’t that a rarity.” “Will you shut up about Rarity already?” Rainbow snapped, walking off into a corner of the barn. Applejack’s smirk turned into a frown as she followed. “Rainbow, what-“ “I’m sorry,” Rainbow interrupted. “I’m just… frustrated right now and I don’t know why. I really feel like I…” Rainbow trailed off, adopting a heavy blush. “Like I need to get off.” Applejack smiled gently. “Well, ain’t that what this whole picnic idea’s all about? Ya said yerself Ah’d have a hard time shakin’ ya. And, well, Ah’m startin’ ta feel it, too. So, how’s about we head on over ta Sugarcube Corner, pick up somethin’ sweet, then come back ta grab somethin’ from home, an’ get started on that picnic?” “That… would be awesome,” Rainbow admitted. “Thanks for… putting up with me, AJ.” “Think nothin’ of it, sugarcube,” Applejack returned, before pausing. “On second thought, think everythin’ of it. Ah do it only fer you… Dashie.” Rainbow blinked, eyes slowly widening. “You know, for how annoying Pinkie makes that sound, you make it sound so…” “Cute?” Applejack suggested, smiling. “I was gonna say sexy, but… If that’s what you want, then I think I can live with it,” Rainbow smirked, “Jackie.” Applejack chuckled. “We gonna be startin’ with the pet names, then?” “Hey, we’re having sex later, right?” Rainbow giggled. Applejack nodded. “Ah reckon so, sugarcube.” “Then I can call you whatever I want,” Rainbow whispered into Applejack’s ear, giving it a sensual lick. Applejack shivered at the touch, blushing as she felt something stir within her. “Let’s hold off on that fer now, Dash,” Applejack gulped. “Don’ wanna head inta Ponyville smellin’ o’ sexy intentions, right?” “Whatever you say, Jackie,” Rainbow sniggered, making sure to add a sway to her hips as she walked out of the barn. Applejack blushed heavier. This was one of those times she was really thankful she wasn’t a pegasus. Celestia help me, Rainbow. Rainbow eased up on the teasing as they entered Ponyville, not wanting to attract too much attention. She’d be sure to rub it in Vinyl’s face that it only took her two days to her two months. I almost wish we’d thought of this sooner, Rainbow mused. But then I guess we wouldn’t have everything perfect like it is now. Rainbow smiled as Applejack sidled up closer so that their flanks brushed against each other as they walked. Rainbow extended a wing over Applejack to pull her in closer still, making sure to brush a feather across her cutie mark, delighting in the soft moan in elicited. As long as the true meaning behind the gesture remained secret, Rainbow would make sure to use it as much as possible. Don’t wanna be too forward, after all, Rainbow thought with a smile. As they entered Sugarcube Corner, they found Mrs. Cake behind the counter. She ducked into the back room, presumably to fetch Pinkie Pie. For that very assumption, Rainbow and Applejack were confused when she returned alone. “Everythin’ alright, Mrs. Cake?” Applejack asked as they walked up to the counter. Mrs. Cake rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Yes, it just seems Pinkie’s off in her own little world right now. I can’t imagine what she’s planning this time.” Applejack and Rainbow shared a glance. “I… think it might have something to do with us, getting overdosed on way too much party,” Rainbow suggested. “I don’t know how far down the grapevine it’s travelled yet, but me and AJ… kinda started dating a couple days ago.” Mrs. Cake chuckled. “Oh, I’m sure Pinkie won’t be holding anything back in that case. I’ve heard her rambling on about the two of you, though I never made the connection, myself.” “Yeah, uh…” Rainbow blushed, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof. “Um, this is kinda embarrassing, but uh…” “Rainbow and Ah are gonna have a little picnic later today,” Applejack picked up, much to the relief of her marefriend. “And no picnic’s complete without a treat from Sugarcube Corner.” “Well, I’m flattered that you would think so,” Mrs. Cake smiled. “What did you have in mind?” Rainbow shrugged. “I dunno. Cupcakes, I guess?” Mrs. Cake brightened at that. “Oh, yes, that reminds me! Pinkie made these earlier, and she told me to give them to you if you came by before whatever party she’s planning.” Mrs. Cake produced a medium-sized box from under the counter. She opened it to reveal patterned blue and orange cupcakes. Applejack and Rainbow looked to each other, grinning sheepishly. They should have known Pinkie would do something like this. She thankfully had the decency to place them in an undecorated box, and not one with big hearts that announced the contents to anyone who spared a glance. Applejack took the box and placed it upon her back, chuckling as Rainbow’s wing covered it. “How much?” Applejack asked, reaching around in her saddlebag. Mrs. Cake laughed. “I didn’t think I needed to tell you. No charge, dears.” Applejack poked her head back out of her saddlebag, closing it again. “Uh, thanks, Mrs. Cake.” “Oh, think nothing of it,” Mrs. Cake said, smiling. “I’ve seen enough couples come through here in my time, and you’ve been friends of Pinkie for quite a while now. I know you’re not the most romantically inclined pair, but sometimes I just can’t resist.” “Uh, well, thanks anyway,” Rainbow said, pausing awkwardly before walking out with Applejack. “See you later, I guess.” Rainbow sighed as they exited the sweets shop. “I know Mrs. Cake isn’t Pinkie’s mom, but something about that was way more awkward than it should have been.” Applejack chuckled. “She only means well, sugarcube. She’s just got a few more wits about ‘er than Pinkie does.” Rainbow nodded. “I’m not the only one worried about what Pinkie’s gonna do to us, right?” “Ah’m downright terrified, sugarcube,” Applejack admitted. “Ah just know how ta hide it.” “You should teach me sometime. I really don’t,” Rainbow chuckled. Applejack smiled. “Oh, Ah’m sure Ah’ll be teachin’ ya a thing er two pretty soon, Dashie.” Rainbow smiled back, blushing lightly. “How many of those cupcakes do you think we’re gonna get through before we just buck it?” Applejack tapped a hoof to her chin jokingly. “Ah reckon about two.” Rainbow laughed, nodding. “This is gonna be the best day ever.” “Count on it, sugarcube,” Applejack smiled. Much too excited to grab more than a picnic basket and blanket from home, Rainbow and Applejack decided to simply buck the nearest tree to their picnic site and eat whatever dropped from it. Applejack carried the basket, draping the blanket over Rainbow’s flared wings with a snicker. Rainbow gave chase as Applejack took off at a run to their destination. Not knowing where they were going meant Rainbow had to lag behind a bit, something she really didn’t mind for once. She might have to fall behind in their races more often if the view was this nice. Applejack turned sharply, disappearing into a glade of trees. Rainbow barely managed to avoid crashing into a tree, only to run headfirst into another. Applejack’s head poked out between the trees as she giggled at Rainbow’s delayed reaction. “Maybe if ya weren’t so busy starin’ at mah plot, ya woulda seen that one comin’,” Applejack sniggered. “Yeah, well, maybe if you weren’t so sexy I wouldn’t have to… Wait, that didn’t make any sense.” Applejack laughed, disappearing again through the trees. Rainbow followed her inside, the blanket still somehow caught in her wings. Her short trip to Applejack’s position revealed she had managed to keep hold of the basket, too. What’s more, it revealed a part of the orchard she had never seen before. The leaves of the trees created a canopy, blocking out most sunlight and giving the appearance of a much later hour. Off to one side of the clearing, there was a pool of water, complete with a little waterfall. Rainbow shook her head in awe, wondering how she had missed such an awesome hideout. “After Ah gave Apple Bloom and her friends the clubhouse, Ah needed a place of mah own ta escape to,” Applejack began. “Ah found this place ‘bout a year ago. Kinda makes me wonder how it survived without any tendin’ to.” “Maybe this place works kinda like the Everfree,” Rainbow suggested, looking around at the trees. “It does have another secret Ah still ain’t got figured out,” Applejack said, delivering a buck to a nearby tree. To Rainbow’s astonishment, what fell weren’t normal apples, as would be expected. Instead… “Zap Apples?” Rainbow inspected the fruit carefully. “But it’s not even Zap Apple harvest time!” “These ones grow year-round,” Applejack explained. “Way Ah understood the stories, that’s how they worked in the Everfree.” Rainbow paused as a thought struck her. “You don’t think this is a part of the Everfree they never cleared out, do you?” “Ah don’ rightly know. Ah never asked Granny ‘bout it,” Applejack admitted. “Ah thought that, mahself. But then if it is, then why is it so… peaceful? Ah don’t know if it’s ‘cause it ain’t part o’ the main forest, er what. All Ah know is that fer the past year, this place has been mah haven. And yer the first pony Ah’ve ever showed it to.” “It’s awesome, AJ,” Rainbow said, smiling. “You know, it is a pretty decent size. You could fit a pretty nice house in here.” Applejack smiled back. “Ah’ve thought about that. But then Ah wouldn’t have anyone ta share it with.” “I’m sure you could find somepony,” Rainbow laughed. “It’s not too far from the house, either. Seems like a pretty good place if we ever want a little privacy.” Applejack blushed. “That would be really nice.” Rainbow reached for the other Zap Apple that had fallen from the tree, offering it to Applejack. Applejack accepted the fruit while Rainbow laid out the picnic blanket. It fell easily, with little need for straightening. Applejack took up a pose on the blanket, raising her brow saucily. Rainbow’s wings shot up as she joined Applejack on the blanket, taking a bite out of her Zap Apple. “Ya know, these things have always reminded me o’ you,” Applejack said, taking her first bite as well. “I wonder why,” Rainbow laughed, delighting in the rainbow of flavor. “It’s a mystery, “Applejack agreed, giggling. Their Zap Apples were soon devoured, leaving that electrifying aftertaste in their mouths as Rainbow reached for the box of cupcakes. Her hoof was stopped as she found Applejack suddenly on top of her. The sensations of a kiss mingled with the tastes already on their tongues drove them wild. Rainbow withdrew from the kiss, panting. “Applejack, wait. Are you really sure you want to go through with this? This is a pretty big step, and we’ve only been together for a little while. If you really don’t want to, we could just, you know, take care of ourselves and wait for another time.” Applejack averted her gaze briefly. Even with a more level head, it didn’t take her long to come up with her answer. “Just shut up and kiss me, ya silly filly.” Rainbow happily obliged. Clop! “Come on, Mac. It’s not so bad,” Rarity said, falling in step beside the hesitant stallion. “I promise I won’t have them do anything that would make you uncomfortable.” Big Mac sighed, trudging along valiantly. “You know Ah ain’t sure ‘bout this, but Ah made a promise.” He smiled wryly. “Apple’s honor’s a might stronger ‘n that, Rare.” Rarity smiled back, leaning against Mac’s side as she walked. They were on their way to the spa at Mac’s insistence after lunch and a quick pit stop at Rarity’s. “A promise ain’t a thing Ah take lightly,” he had said. It almost made her wonder just how far she could push before she found his limit. If things go well, I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough, Rarity mused, shaking her head lightly. Lotus perked up as the door chimed, beaming as she saw who had graced their spa. “Well, Mister Macintosh. It seems you’ve found your mare.” Lotus chuckled, noting the look on Mac’s face. “Or perhaps she has found you.” “Either way, he’s mine now,” Rarity returned, grinning. “And by extension, yours.” Aloe popped up beside her sister. “Quite a specimen we’ve found ourselves with today, Lotus.” “Let’s hope he’s as good as those two,” Lotus agreed. “Don’t you worry, girls,” Rarity assured, looking up at Big Mac hungrily. “This hunk of stallion is as fresh as you can get.” “We’ll be gentle,” Aloe promised, grinning deviously. Unsure of what to expect, Big Mac let Rarity lead him into the main room, which housed most of the spa’s pools and hot tubs. There were a few ponies scattered about, though most seemed to be leaving. He was led to a side room which featured raised, cushioned platforms. Rarity laid herself out on her stomach on one, gesturing to another. “Lotus and Aloe may be experts on all races, but I hear they do their best work on earth ponies such as yourself. Being that they are earth ponies themselves.” Mac eyed the position Rarity was in dubiously. “Ah’m not sure what…” “Just relax and let their hooves work their magic,” Rarity instructed as Lotus and Aloe walked in. Big Mac’s face scrunched up as both mares converged on him. “Are ya sure this is… normal?” “Don’t tell us you’ve never had a massage before, Mister Macintosh,” Lotus smiled. “A stallion as hardworking as you must build up a lot of tension.” Big Macintosh gulped, taking a step back. “Ah’m not sure Ah’m clear on what a massage is.” Rarity giggled from her perch. “I assure you it isn’t what you’re thinking, Mac. It’s certainly not wrong to enjoy it.” Mac looked to Rarity apprehensively. Rarity smiled, nodding to the massage platform. Trusting Rarity’s word over his own unfounded doubts, he took a deep breath and mimicked Rarity’s prone position upon the platform. The hooves that went to work easing the stress he had built up these past few days immediately let him know he had made the right decision. He sighed in contentment, letting his body go limp as the spa twins worked their way up and down his back. Mac tensed as he felt a pair of hooves slide down his flank, relaxing again when they set to work massaging his legs. “Your hooves seem to be in quite a state from all that work you put them through,” Lotus observed, inspecting one of his back hooves closely. Aloe nodded, running a hoof along his to measure the imperfections. “We can have your hooves restored to a pristine state, if you’d like.” Rarity shot up from her platform, forgetting entirely about her own massage. “Oh, that would be wonderful, dear,” she said, grasping another of his hooves. “The hooficures they offer can ease any pain you carry in your hooves.” “Ah’m not sure that’s really necessary-“ “Nonsense,” Rarity interrupted. “Now that I have you here, I won’t let you leave unless you’re in the best state of your life. We could trim and wash your coat, make it look simply luxurious! And of course your hooves would be…” Big Mac smiled, only half paying attention to the words Rarity spoke. Instead, the nurturing generosity behind them was what truly touched his heart. Such compassion may be shown within his family, but he had only really gotten to know Rarity a couple short days ago. He did admit that, even before his time with Cheerilee, Rarity had caught his eye on multiple occasions, but he never expected anything quite like this. “…and your mane! You simply must let me style it for you some-“ Rarity was silenced by a pair of lips closing around her own. She smiled into the kiss, happy to coach her clueless coltfriend through a proper kiss. Big Macintosh broke the kiss after a time, panting. “Rarity, Ah…” Rarity held a hoof to Mac’s lips, smiling. “You don’t need to say anything more. Your happiness is all the thanks I could ever ask for.” Big Mac smiled back, kissing Rarity’s hoof. “Ya’ll never have ta worry ‘bout that, Rare.” Rarity blushed, nuzzling Mac sweetly. “You really are more than I could have ever imagined, Mac. Who would have thought my prince was so close all this time?” Big Mac chuckled, shaking his head for lack of a proper response. Apple Bloom was on her way home from school, alone. Something about that talk she and her friends had with Applejack and Rainbow earlier made things seem exceedingly awkward. They’d barely conversed the entire day, still trying to come to grips with just what this whole relationship thing could really entail. Applejack had told her that it wasn’t something they should be doing any time soon, but that didn’t stop it from being so… confusing. On the one hoof, it was just about the most embarrassing thing she’d ever been told. She’d never thought her... private areas would ever be, well, more than that. But on the other hoof, the way they talked about it… It was exciting, in a way. Like that if this was really a step she’d have to take, she couldn’t think of anypony she’d like to share that with more than Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. As the Cutie Mark Crusaders, they did everything together. Surely this was just another one of those things. Apple Bloom shook her head uncertainly. Maybe this really was one of those things she couldn’t understand until she was older. Maybe once she started getting those urges her sister and Rainbow had talked about, it’d make more sense. Or maybe Ah should just quit worryin’ about it, Apple Bloom thought, chuckling. Apple Bloom nudged open the door to the farmhouse to find Winona curled up atop Tank’s shell on the couch, both fast asleep. She smiled at the sight, wondering if they’d gotten the idea from Applejack and Rainbow, too. Before the thought could formulate, the mares in reference entered through the front door. “Hey, AB,” Rainbow called. “What happened to Scoot and Sweetie?” Apple Bloom turned to face them, looking a little sheepish. “Hey, y’all. We decided ta take some time ta cool off after ya done told us all that stuff earlier. Ah ain’t quite sure we’re ready ta think about all that just yet.” Applejack smiled, walking over to place a hoof on Apple Bloom’s shoulder. “We didn’t expect ya to be, sugarcube. And that ya’d figure that out on yer own really tells me how much ya’ve grown up. Ya’ve started takin’ responsibility, even if ya can still be a little thick-headed ‘bout some stuff.” Apple Bloom giggled as Applejack ruffled her mane. “Take it from a mare all about speed, kid. Some things you can’t take too fast,” Rainbow said, glancing briefly at Applejack. “Your body can be ready all it wants, but it’s your heart that’ll tell you when it’s time.” As Applejack moved to give Rainbow a kiss, Apple Bloom ducked upstairs to her room. She sat on her bed thinking. Mah body can be ready all it wants, but it’s mah heart that’ll tell me when it’s time? What does that mean? Apple Bloom got up from her bed and paced around her room. Is she just talkin’ ‘bout this, or is there more to it ‘n that? Mah body… Ah’m not sure it’s quite ready fer anythin’ just yet. But mah heart… what does it want? Apple Bloom grabbed a pencil and a sheet of paper, sitting at her desk. She tried to think with her heart, and not her mind, about just what she felt about her fellow crusaders. She closed her eyes as she started to draw, afraid her body would warp what it saw into something false. The movements felt natural, like this was something she had done many times before, something she was familiar with on a higher level. When she opened her eyes, she saw a picture of the three of them curled up together in an innocent cuddle pile and nothing more. The romantic overtones were plainly present, but beneath that was the same friendship they had always shared. Apple Bloom smiled. Maybe things didn’t need to change too quickly. Maybe things were perfect the way they were. Apple Bloom chuckled, “Or maybe we should just quit worryin’ so much.” “That’s somethin’ Rainbow’s taught me,” Applejack said from Apple Bloom’s doorway. Apple Bloom looked up to see the two of them standing just outside her room. “Sometimes, ya gotta just let things happen. And other times, ya just can’t force ‘em.” “Like Twilight told me, life is never black and white. It’s colored with all kinds of emotions, and shaded by all your experiences,” Rainbow said, smiling. “I guess you could say it’s like a painter’s masterpiece, in a way.” “And yer the most colorful of ‘em all,” Applejack praised, nuzzling her marefriend. Rainbow donned a cocky grin. “Yep. Even Scratch has nothing on-“ Applejack frowned as Rainbow froze. “Rainbow, sugarcube? You alright?” Rainbow sat down, holding her head in her hooves. “I totally missed my guitar lessons today.” Applejack couldn’t help but laugh, considering what they’d done instead. “Ah’m sure she won’t mind yer excuse too much.” Rainbow blushed, trying to hide herself behind herself. The end result was a massive tangle of limbs that Applejack had to help her out of between giggles. She nuzzled Rainbow’s cheek once she was freed. Rainbow responded by grabbing Applejack’s hat and placing it over her face. Applejack shook her head; following her downstairs to make sure she didn’t bump into anything. Or at least be able to laugh if she did. Mac sighed in contentment as he eased himself into the hot tub. Rarity joined him soon afterward, nuzzling into his chest. “You were right, Rare. This has been a lot o’ fun.” “Maybe you should listen to me more often then, hm?” Rarity teased, kissing Mac under the chin. Mac chuckled, kissing Rarity on the nose. “Ah’ll be sure ta keep mah ears perked.” Rarity giggled, kissing Mac again, this time on the lips. Mac cocked a brow, grinning. Rarity responded by giving Mac a lick on the lips. Or she would have, had Mac not caught her tongue with his and instigated another lesson in kissing. Rarity moaned into the kiss, straddling Mac’s chest as she deepened the kiss. So lost were they in the kiss that they conveniently forgot an essential part of stallion anatomy. Rarity was reminded as something warm and stiff prodded her rump. Rarity recoiled, jumping back off of Mac and causing a decent amount of water to splash out of the hot tub. Mac immediately made to cover himself. “Ah’m sorry, Ah-“ “No, it’s… it’s quite alright. I was just… shocked, is all,” Rarity said, panting. “But perhaps it would be best if we… held off on that for now.” Mac nodded, keeping his hooves firmly in place until he calmed down. “Ah’m really sorry, Ah wasn’t thinkin’.” “Neither was I,” Rarity admitted. “Of all the things to slip our minds…” Mac chuckled despite himself. “Yeah, at least there isn’t anypony around ta see us.” Rarity scanned the room, finding truth to Mac’s claims. “Oh, thank goodness.” Rarity returned to her place beside Mac, making sure to not get carried away again. They simply relaxed for a time, delighting in the feel of the hot water and the jets. “These hot tubs are simply divine. Perhaps one of these days I could get Aloe and Lotus to let us stay past closing and enjoy them properly.” Mac blushed heavily. “Ah’m not sure that’s…” Rarity giggled. “I’m sure they wouldn’t mind. They practically offer those services already.” Mac shivered, truly a feat in such a warm environment. Rarity laughed again, nuzzling Mac’s shoulder. “We should probably start headin’ home soon,” Mac said, looking out the window at the setting sun. Rarity nodded. “The spa will be closing soon, anyway. But there’s always tomorrow.” Mac chuckled, rising from the hot tub and shaking himself off. Rarity offered him a towel, which he accepted sheepishly. “Sorry.” “It’s quite alright, Mac,” Rarity assured. “We simply mustn’t miss dinner again, after all.” In a stroke of boldness, Rarity copied Mac’s maneuver, drying herself somewhat before finishing the job with a towel. “You look simply ravishing, might I add.” Big Mac shook his head in wonderment as he followed Rarity out of the spa. “Put it on my tab, will you, dears?” Rarity asked as they passed the counter. “But of course, Miss Rarity,” Aloe smiled. “Do bring your coltfriend by again sometime.” “I’m sure you’ll be seeing him again soon enough,” Rarity promised, exiting the spa. They made good time back to the Acres, arriving a good half hour before dinner time. Applejack and Rainbow were present, but Apple Bloom was conspicuously alone. Applejack caught their eyes before they could question the development. She smiled, nodding reassuringly. Big Mac sagged in relief, earning a giggle and a kiss from Rarity. “Soup’s on, everypony! Come an’ get it!” They all seated themselves at the table to another of Granny Smith’s culinary masterpieces. Rainbow instigated an exchange of witty banter between all occupants of the table, giving it that air of levity she could always so easily provide. “So, how was your day, Mac? Have any near-death experiences at the spa?” Rainbow chortled. “Actually, it was a really good time,” Mac explained. “Rarity really gave me a work over, and Ah feel great! She’s told me Ah look pretty good, too.” “Simply stunning, dear,” Rarity said, smiling. “How about you girls? What have you been up to?” Applejack blushed. “Well, uh… that’s the thing, we um…” Rainbow wrapped a hoof around Applejack’s shoulders, puffed out her chest, and donned a cocky grin. “Applejack and I had sex!” Big Mac did a spit-take. Granny Smith looked on with a cocked brow. Apple Bloom blushed, averting her gaze. Rarity, on the other hoof, started laughing hysterically. “Didn’t take too long, did it?” Rarity managed between giggles. “Nope!” Rainbow answered confidently. Applejack shrunk against Rainbow, trying to disappear below the table, unable to find the courage to speak. “Well, unexpected as it is, Ah’m happy fer y’all,” Mac said with a smile. “Whatever makes ya happy,” Granny agreed, shrugging. “Yeah,” Apple Bloom added, eating to distract herself. Applejack reached a hoof up to bonk Rainbow in the head playfully. Rainbow responded by extending a wing to tickle that spot right next to Applejack’s shoulders. Applejack quickly fell into hysterics. “Cut it out, Rainbow!” “You started it!” Rainbow giggled, retracting her wing. “And you’re never going to be finished, are you?” Rarity mused, shaking her head. “Nope!” Rainbow pulled Applejack back up into a sitting position before resuming her meal. Applejack laughed, following Rainbow’s lead. After dinner, when everypony had retired for the night, only Rarity and Big Macintosh remained downstairs. “You know, Mac, I’ve been thinking a lot since that mishap at the spa,” Rarity began, leaning against Mac’s chest. Mac extended a hoof to play with Rarity’s curly mane. “Thinkin’ about what?” “About taking that next step,” Rarity replied, blushing. “I’ve thought about it before, but it was always some distant fantasy. But with you, I feel like maybe it can happen after all.” Big Mac smiled. “Ya really are somethin’ special, Rare. Ah can’t say Ah haven’t thought about it, mahself. Though Ah never have before. Had sex, Ah mean.” Rarity frowned. “Weren’t you with Cheerilee for almost a year? And you’re telling me you never got that far with her?” Big Mac sighed, ceasing his hoof movements. “Ah never did tell y’all why Ah broke it off with her, did Ah?” “I’m sorry, if it’s not something you’re comfortable with-“ “No, it’s alright, Rare. Ah know ya don’t wanna impose, but yer mah marefriend now,” Mac said, giving Rarity a kiss on the cheek. “It wouldn’t be proper ta keep somethin’ like that from ya.” “If it’s really alright…” Rarity trailed off. Big Mac took a deep breath. “Ya remember how it started, right?” “Of course. My sister and her friends won’t be hearing the end of it any time soon if she did anything to hurt you,” Rarity assured. “No, Rare, it ain’t their fault. They’re just fillies, an’ they were just tryin’a help,” Mac said firmly. “It’s mah fault Ah let it get ta me. Ah fell fer her so hard, Ah never even thought o’ how it might not have been the same with her.” Rarity said nothing, only holding Mac tighter. “It took me almost a year, but Ah found out just the same. It just made it all the more painful ta hear she didn’t care as much about who Ah was as what Ah was.” “The most ravishing eligible bachelor in Ponyville,” Rarity concluded sadly. Mac nodded. “It hurt even more that Ah didn’t even hear it from her. It was durin’ one o’ Pinkie’s parties when her sister was getting’ wasted like she always does. That look on Cheerilee’s face when Berry done blabbed her secret…” Rarity felt her eyes dampen in sympathy as Mac cried into her shoulder. It had only been last fall when Mac let Ponyville know he was single again. If she had known… “You really do need to come out of that shell sometimes, Mac. Even if I wasn’t before, I’m here for you now. I’ll pull Sweetie Belle out of that class and teach her myself if I have to. You don’t need to-“ “No! Don’t… don’t make her life harder than it needs ta be. She really was a friend ta me once. Ah couldn’t stand ta see her sad, even now.” Rarity smiled sadly. “You’re much too kind for your own good, Mac. But if you don’t want me to take action, then what would you have me do?” “Ah just…” Big Mac took a shuddering breath. “Ah just need ta know… that ya’d never hurt me like-” Before Mac could even finish his thought, Rarity’s lips were upon his in a kiss filled with all the love, adoration and passion she had built up in her time pining after the timid farm stallion. “Don’t you ever let me hear those words again, Mac. I love you, and I would never even think of hurting you.” Mac gasped between sobs, clutching Rarity to him tightly. “Ah want ya so much, Rare. Ah want ta love ya fer all ya are, so ya never have ta go through what Ah did. Ah-“ Rarity silenced Mac with another kiss. “I want you, too, Mac. But that doesn’t mean we have to rush into anything. You’ve done more than enough for one night, but if you really want to go through with it, I won’t stop you.” Big Mac let his breathing normalize before responding. “Maybe… somethin’ a little less than all that. Like, maybe…” Rarity smiled, feeling her arousal stir within her. “I know just the thing,” Rarity whispered into Mac’s ear before leading him up to his room. When Mac opened the door to his room, he looked around, confused. Rarity didn’t seem to be anywhere. He took a step inside, closing the door behind him before he felt a wet touch against his flank. Turning his head, he saw Rarity, smiling with her tongue still stuck out cutely. “There’s far more where that came from, Mac.” Mac’s heart started to thump as Rarity pushed him to his bed, unsure of just what Rarity had in store for him. More clop! Applejack cuddled close to Rainbow as they prepared for sleep. Rainbow nuzzled her sweetly, holding her close. “We’ve got a lot to do tomorrow, huh?” “Yeah, like apologize ta Vinyl fer skippin’ out on guitar lessons fer sex,” Applejack chuckled. Rainbow laughed. “Yeah, that too. But I was more talking about all the stuff we can do now. Like that book! It’ll be a lot less awkward to read it now that we’ve had sex, right?” “Ah’m surprised more sex wasn’t the first thing ya thought of,” Applejack teased. Rainbow crossed her forelegs. “Hey, there’s way more stuff than sex to be had here. Like magical fillyfooler babies.” “Ah’m sure we’ll get ta that eventually,” Applejack laughed. “But ain’t there a lot more ya wanna do before settlin’ down?” Rainbow nodded. “It’s nice to think about, though.” Applejack chuckled. “Ya really are somethin’ else, sugarcube.” “I’m whatever you want me to be, Jackie.” “Then Ah’d like ta keep ya just the way ya are, Dashie,” Applejack returned, kissing Rainbow on the forehead. “G’night, sugarcube.” “Night, AJ.”