//------------------------------//
// Hat  - Tchernobog 
// Story: AppleDash Group Collab 
// by DbzOrDie 
//------------------------------//

"Hey, AJ..."

The farmpony glanced up at the pegasus perched above her, an eyebrow raised as she waited for Rainbow to keep talking. She'd been bucking the trees for the better part of the day, and Rainbow Dash had been helping knock down any apple that had refused to drop down.

This being Applejack, however, Dash found herself rather bored. Each buck had dropped down every apple, which left her with not much to do, except contemplate. Specifically, the orange mare below her.

This was, truthfully, more than enough to keep her entertained. But as she caressed Applejack with her eyes for what felt like the thousandth time, a though struck her as she looked at one particular detail.

"What's the story with your hat, anyway?"

"What about it?" Applejack asked, her eyebrow hiking even higher.

"You never take it off! It's almost impossible to see you without it. Is it like a present from someone or something?"

The farmer laughed. "Nope. It's just comfy."

"Comfy?"

"Comfy."

Rainbow stared at the earth pony, her eyes filled with skepticism. "That's it? No heartfelt story about how your parents gave you that hat, passing on a family legacy that has lasted since time immemorial?"

"I think you've been hangin' around Twilight too much, Dash." Applejack snorted. "Your vocabulary's improvin'."

"That's not an answer!"

"Ah bought it in a shop when I was a filly. Liked it, worn it ever since, simple as that!"

"Then you won't mind if I do this?"

"Do wha-" Applejack blinked as she felt the weight of the hat leave her head, and turned to glare at the floating mare above her."Oi! Give it back!"

"Why?" Rainbow grinned. "You just said it isn't important!"

"Never said that!"

"But-"

Applejack cut off the now confused pegasus. "It ain't some family thing, Dash. Just..." The orange mare paused, blushing. "Just... look inside."

Now curious, Rainbow glanced at the hat's interior. She'd expected just a bland inside of a hat. Maybe even an apple to tumble out.

But instead, she found pictures. Of Applejack's family. Of their four mutual friends.

And, larger than the rest, a picture of herself, arm in arm with Applejack. It was one of their first nights as a couple, and Rarity had taken a picture to commemorate the party pinkie had organized. She remained quiet as she lowered herself to the ground, then placed the hat back on Applejack's head.

The blushing earth pony smiled, and leaned in to nuzzle Rainbow. "That answer your question?"

Rainbow grinned, leaning into the nuzzle. "Yeah. It does."