Where DO foals come from? The Cutie Mark Crusaders don't know, but they intend to find out!

About two weeks ago Apple Bloom finally got her cutie mark. She has been having trouble remembering things for the last week and a half.

Could this be coincidence? Or is something else involved here?

[Comments contain spoilers. Beware!]

While coming home from the Canterlot rodeo with Applejack, Rainbow Dash spots a strangely familiar pony. The weird coincidence seems to mean something more to Applejack, leading to a conversation about family that may bring two friends even closer.

Applejack discovers a dark secret about Rainbow Dash.

She can't cook.

Out of the kindness of her heart, Applejack tries to teach Rainbow Dash a few basic recipes. But what starts as a cooking lesson soon turns into a bit more than that, especially when sparks start to fly - both figuratively and literally. Through this culinary misadventure, Applejack and Dash quickly discover that the potential exists for them to become more than just friends.

But will this relationship prove successful, should they choose to pursue it? What will their friends and Applejack's family think? Will Dash to actually learn how to cook? Only time will tell...

(An AppleDash shipfic, just to clarify. Originally a one-shot, now expanding to a full story.)

Seasons one and two are now complete! Season three is being continued in The AppleDash Project: Wherever Life Takes Us.

The AppleDash project is a series of short fics attached to various episodes, detailing a relationship between Rainbow Dash and Applejack behind the scenes. The stories take place sometime during or shortly after the indicated episode.

This is not meant to start shipping wars, argue that AppleDash is canon, or offend other shippers. In fact, if you like the idea I encourage you to try it with other ships!

Teen rating means that there may be talking about sex, and there is one line of dialogue that takes place during intimate relations, but it's warned for and skippable. Nothing sexual is described.

Rainbow Dash is having trouble coming to terms with something about herself and seeks the help of her friends.

Contains ponies with non-hetero sexualities. You have been forewarned.

Applejack reached up with a fore hoof to touch the brim of her hat. It was habitual, almost unconscious. She could feel, nestled safely underneath the hat, her two most precious treasures--a single blue feather and a small snippet of purple mane.

They were precious, more precious than anything besides her family and her farm, because they were only pieces of them she'd ever have.

Some secrets need to be kept, and others need to be set free; but sometimes, not even the Element of Honesty can tell the difference. How do you tell your family the truth about something that you can't even admit to yourself? When Applejack begins to realize that she may have feelings for a friend, she needs to find the courage to accept who she really is before she can truly be happy.

After an incident between Applejack and Rainbow Dash, the two are finding it hard to communicate with each other. However, when a friend suggests a pilgrimage to help Applejack settle her feelings over memories of the past, Rainbow Dash and Applejack find that they may have to redefine their friendship.

Twilight Sparkle has the best friends a pony could ask for, and her stay in Ponyville has allowed her to spend plenty of time with all of them. But when one of her friends begins to see her as more than just a companion, will she be able notice the hints? Or will she break her admirer's heart and pit friend against friend without even realizing it?

If you like this story, check out its sequel: Two Paths.