//------------------------------// // 2 Rainbow Dash's Heart Flutters // Story: Applejack's First Crush // by Cryogenii //------------------------------// "Time to be awesome," thought Rainbow Dash one late summer afternoon in her first year working above Ponyville. Soaring high over Sweet Apple Acres, her eyes swept the magnificent sight that unfolded beneath her. She was warming up to clear the heavy, low hanging clouds that kept the land beneath sweltering in humidity before an evening thunderstorm could build that might damage the trees. Her wingtips were just starting to tingle with the growing electrical charge, and flying when lightning could strike was a hazard that even young pegasi like Rainbow knew to avoid, as being struck could easily kill or cripple a foolhardy pony. When the pegasus pony who had controlled the weather in Ponyville retired, Rainbow Dash had found herself stepping into an extraordinary role. With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, she had taken on the responsibility of weather management for the town. It was a heavy responsibility for such a young pony, but Rainbow Dash's passion for the skies and her natural talent propelled her forward despite her youth and inexperience. With her remarkable agility and lightning-fast speed, she had quickly mastered the intricacies of weather manipulation. Rainbow Dash's vibrant colours quickly became a symbol of her dedication as she soared through the skies, shaping fluffy clouds, summoning gentle rains and painting breathtaking rainbows across the horizon. The ponies of Ponyville appreciated her ability to maintain the necessary balance of sunshine and showers, and they enjoyed the flair with which she orchestrated the change even if they were sometimes a little abrupt. Rainbow Dash had not only taken over from her predecessor but had breathed new life into the role, infusing it with her unique style. Under her precise control, Ponyville's weather became a testament to her unwavering determination and her unwavering commitment to ensuring the town's harmony and happiness. While Rainbow Dash circled she peered down wistfully, scanning the ground. The sprawling orchard, under the flat overcast light, seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. But amidst the vast expanse of fruit-bearing trees, her gaze was irresistibly drawn to a figure below. It was a lone pony, tending to the land with obvious care and affection. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened with admiration as she caught sight of the familiar but unknown pony below. She couldn't help but always be captivated by the mesmerising sight of this young filly. There was an immediate and undeniable magnetism that drew her attention to this stranger. It was not just their vibrant orange coat and luscious blonde mane that captivated Rainbow Dash, but the toned muscles that defined their body. The sight of her powerful and lean form stirred an attraction deep within Rainbow. Despite having seen this pony before Rainbow Dash didn't know her name, but her presence always left a lasting impression. The way she effortlessly carried herself with confidence and the visible evidence of their hard work and dedication, sparked an admiration in Rainbow Dash that she couldn't ignore. It had been clear to Rainbow Dash from the very first moment that there was something undeniably alluring about this young farmer. The pony's impressive physique obviously wasn't a result of lifting weights or pursuing a desire to look good, but rather the natural outcome of hard work being endlessly repeated. Her toned and muscular frame bore witness to years of hauling barrels, clearing land, and tending to crops. These weren't the over blown muscles of a show-pony; her physique was a symbol of the authenticity and integrity with which she approached her work, and it commanded admiration from Rainbow Dash as she circled high above. In the previous years, Rainbow Dash had found herself increasingly aware of the burgeoning attraction stirring within her towards the fillies in her life, not the stallions. As she engaged more with the colourful world of Equestria beyond her home in Cloudsdale, she couldn't help but notice the grace and beauty that radiated from some of mares she met. Rainbow Dash had always been a tomcolt, preferring sports and adventure over typical filly activities. As a result she was often teased by her peers for not conforming to gender norms, or beating some brash young colt. Because of this Rainbow Dash chose to keep her feelings hidden. It was only in private moments that Rainbow Dash allowed herself to indulge in thoughts of romance with other mares. As she watched the earth pony working below her, she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to feel their slower-paced heartbeat against the naturally high cadence of her own pegasus one. A sigh escaped her lips as she thought about resting her head on those nicely shaped haunches, in the glow of the late afternoon sun. She briefly closed her eyes and imagined the sensation of snuggling up against the farm pony in the large and welcoming looking farm house that evening, feeling the warmth and comfort wash over her. How much it contrasted with the thought of being in her lonely apartment in Cloudsdale. She couldn't help but feel a surge of apprehension within her as she entertained the thought of a farm pony being interested in a weather pony like herself. In the depths of her internal monologue, doubts and insecurities began to creep in. She wondered if someone from the serene and hardworking world of Sweet Apple Acres would even consider someone as flashy and adventurous as her to be a friend, let alone a partner. Would this mysterious farm pony see her as too different, too out of place amidst their tranquil lifestyle? As her thoughts whirled, Rainbow Dash couldn't ignore the gnawing fear that perhaps her own high-flying aspirations to become a Wonderbolt and the exhilaration she sought in the skies would be incompatible with someone who seemed so grounded. She worried that her fast-paced lifestyle might overshadow the seasonal rhythm and earnestness of the farm pony's life. The contrast between their worlds seemed vast, and Rainbow Dash couldn't shake the nagging worry that her spontaneous nature and desire for adrenaline might be seen as frivolous by this enigmatic farm pony. Yet, amidst the doubts and fears, there remained a flicker of hope. Rainbow Dash recognized that there was more to her than just her role as a weather pony. She knew that beneath her daring exterior, she possessed a loyalty and dedication that could potentially resonate with this unknown farm pony. Maybe, just maybe, their seemingly different worlds could find a harmonious balance. Perhaps this farm pony, with their own unique strengths and perspectives, would appreciate the passion and drive that fueled Rainbow Dash's every flight. Rainbow shook her head to clear it. "Come on, Rainbow, you're the fastest flyer in Equestria! If you can't even work up the nerve to say hello, what kind of Wonderbolt wannabe are you?", she scolded herself pulling an especially severe turn that made her wings split the air with a loud crack. She smashed through the low hanging clouds, and banked sharply. The hole allowed a shaft of sunlight to pierce down to the ground where it painted a brilliant halo around the pony down below. Rainbow briefly saw the golden glow of a beautiful mane and tail tied with scarlet ribbons before her curving ascent cut off the sight. She turned her wings towards the remaining clouds that weren't going to clear themselves and sighed. It didn't seem possible that events would ever bring her together with the pony she was beginning to have a crush on. Better to just concentrate on getting her work done and then returning alone to her apartment in Cloudsdale.