//------------------------------// // applejack's confession // Story: The Wonderbolt of her eye // by TGAP Trixie //------------------------------// Rainbow Dash had become a Wonderbolt. As the pegasus showed Applejack her cool new blue and yellow uniform, Applejack smiled at her excitement.. but she felt empty inside. It felt like just yesterday she had fallen in love.. and this day was here much too soon for her liking. It was only a few months ago Rainbow Dash had taken her home when Applejack broke her leg, and they had a conversation about Soarin's feelings for Dash. Applejack closed her eyes for a moment as Rainbow Dash talked to their other friends, and she opened them to see Pinkie Pie squeezing the life out of the mare, and Twilight having to use her magic to pull her away. Applejack chuckled softly, and than pulled Rainbow Dash slightly to the side. "Now, sugarcube, you know our promise." She mumbled for just the two of them to hear. Rainbow's eyes looked a little scared, and Applejack could tell because she had memorized her facial expressions. "Don't worry, Dash.. you'll be fine." Applejack was taken back as Rainbow Dash gave her the tightest hug anypony's ever given her, knocking her hat off of her head. She sighed and returned the hug as Rainbow opened her mouth to speak. "Applejack, you're my best friend.. I'm going to miss you.. a lot.. Thank you for everything." AJ knew that Rainbow was being sincere, and this tugged at her heart strings for a moment as Rainbow finally let her go, her other friends becoming a little sad at the sight of them slowly growing farther apart. "If you ever need me, ah'm here." She promised Rainbow Dash. Rainbow sighed, smiled softly, and nodded as she went to say her final goodbyes to everypony else. "You can always visit me if you can get your wings off the ground, okay?" She said smiling to Fluttershy, hugging her softly and than moving over to Twilight. "Twilight, you're not that much of an egg head as I thought you were.. and I'm glad we all met you." Twilight Sparkle smiled sweetly. "Oh Rainbow Dash.. we were all connected by you before we even met." Applejack smiled, fond of the reminder that none of the ponies would have their cutie marks if it wasn't for the little filly Rainbow Dash's first sonic rainboom. Rainbow Dash smiled a bit as well, before looking over to Rarity. "We have our differences, but we set them aside. I'm glad we did, because, we're great friends." Rarity, a bit emotional, hugged the cyan pegasus. "Oh Rainbow, do visit Ponyville anytime you get the chance." She pulled back, and Rainbow Dash nodded. "I will. I promise." Before it was even her turn, Pinkie Pie grasped Rainbow Dash in another hug. "Rainbow Dash! I'm so super excited and happy for you! This has always been your biggest, most gigantic dream! Please, please, PLEASEEEEEE don't forget about us!" She looked into Rainbow's eyes, a bit of fear in the blue orbs. Rainbow sighed and pushed her gently off of her. "I'd never forget, Pinkie Pie." She gave Pinkie a light hug around her neck, in danger of being gripped again. And than Rainbow Dash turned around and looked to Applejack, who was quietly looking at the ground away from the others. She looked back up and they shared a long, painful glance. "This is goodbye for now, Applejack.. but it's not as bad as you think it'll be.. I swear." And than she flew off, and AJ sighed. "Ah think I'll be goin' home. Ah need to catch up on some work.." Her five.. no, four friends looked at her and nodded, understanding. A month later.. Applejack was lying on her back in her bed, unable to sleep like she had wanted to. but it's been like this for a while now. She sighed, and pulled herself up, feeling sick to her stomach. Something wasn't right about not telling Rainbow Dash how she felt when she left. She and Rainbow Dash had been writing letters, and Applejack had debated telling her, but pushed it aside. Not only was she scared, but, she should have enough courage to tell her in person. But when in the world would she be able to see her anytime soon? The Wonderbolts wouldn't be taking a break for a while. They had spent the last month preparing for their summer shows. Rainbow Dash would have more time in the fall and winter and a good portion of Spring, but on sunny days, that's when the Wonderbolts were always booked. And today was only the start of the Summer. Applejack realized she was silently crying, missing her more than ever. All of her other friends were used to the loss, even Pinkie Pie, but she wasn't. AJ didn't want them to notice her feelings of love for the pegasus, so whenever someone mentioned Rainbow Dash, she stayed quiet. She remembered the time she almost let it slip, telling them all about an exciting letter about her first show, how they were all invited, and than her tone dropped as she read over the news of her being in a relationship with Soarin, thanks to her. She put on a smile though before all of her friends stopped chattering to eachother and looked back to her, but deep down inside she wished she wouldn't have been so honest with her, telling Rainbow that Soarin was a good guy. Sometimes her element wasn't that much of a power, but more of a weakness. If it wasn't for her absolute honesty Rainbow Dash might not be with the wonderbolt now. Applejack looked over and saw the sun slowly rising, and she checked her clock, it was time for breakfest. She groaned at her very small amount of sleep, and than drug herself to the kitchen and took her normal place in front of Big Macintosh, as he was pouring coffee into her mug. "Morning, sis.." He said, somewhat quietly as he narrowed his eyes gently at her and handed her the mug, as Applejack murmured her thanks. They sat in silence as they ate their usual apple pancakes, Applejack eating tiny bits of her food, not seeing hungry as she was every morning. Big Macintosh had been noticing this for awhile. "Applejack.. ah'm not trying to intrude or anythin', but.. you're not actin' yourself.. Maybe you should fix it. Ah miss seein' you happy." Big Macintosh didn't mention it, but all he could think about was her pegasus friend's recent departure, and he wondered if this had anything to do with his sister's major depression that had hit her at about the same time. Applejack, frustrated at this point, slammed her fork down and opened her mouth to speak, but than, slowly forced it shut. She sighed and closed her eyes, looking down. "Ah know Big Macintosh... ah know." This took the red stallion by surprise that his sister didn't automatically start a fight about all of this, but he waited for her to go on. "Ah'm just scared.." She said quietly, slowly looking back up. Big Macintosh was actually a pretty shy stallion, but, for his sister he would dare to question her. "Um.. Applejack.. Ah'm just curious, and ah know you can't tell a lie.. does this have anythin' to do with Miss Dash leavin' to be a wonder whatever?" Applejack felt her face grow hot from embarassment of her brother picking this up, and of the sudden snap she felt at how he had put this. "She's a wonderbolt Big Mac!" She snapped, and the stallion didn't even flinch. She let out a small huff. "W-what does it matter to ya?" She said, turning her head away to avoid eye contact. "Applejack, you're mah sister. Ah'd be a terrible brother if it didn't matter to me." The mare sighed and found herself struggling for a retort, but she couldn't find anything. "Yes, it does." She said, looking into her brother's eyes with a sharp, confident intensity. "Be brave, ask away." Applejack's voice sounded cold, but her overall expression softened as she saw her brother's concern still there. Big Macintosh and Granny Smith were all Applejack had growing up, and she had a very close relationship with him. She started to feel bad for making him worry. Big Macintosh sighed though, and than spoke up. "Why are you takin' it so much harder than yer friends?" He asked, a stern tone in his voice, sending a slight shiver down Applejack's spine. She didn't want this to form into an argument, so she swallowed and tried to keep calm. "Big Mac, ah'm pretty sure that you have your assumptions." Applejack said, not sure of how to state her love for the pegasus. She had visited the farm often, and Big Macintosh had to have taken notice of how differently Applejack treated the cyan mare. "But ah wanna hear from you. The honest truth. Now sis, aren't you tha element of harmony?" Applejack looked at him for a moment and than sighed. "Yes. And that's exactly why Rainbow Dash is probably smoochin' on a stallion in Cloudsdale right now!" She said, her blood boiling with jealousy. Mac stared at her for a moment, processing his thoughts. "Ah see. Why does it bother ya? You do want her to be happy, right?" Applejack wasn't even thinking, but just blurting out everything she thought and felt, breaking out into a stubborn yell at how Big Mac kept pushing her instead of being straight forward to the point. "BECAUSE BIG MACINTOSH, AH LOVE HER. AH WANT HER TO BE HAPPY BUT ALL IT'S DOIN' IS MAKING ME A LIVING MESS!" They sat in silence for a few moments, Applejack felt numb at what just occurred. "Applejack, ah'm not completely sure if Miss Dash is the right pony for ya.. but.." Applejack felt anger spread over her. "Hold on just a darn second, Big Macintosh! What in the hay are you talkin' about?" She glared at him. "Ah mean ponies like her don't really care much for a long relationship. All full of herself and what not. Your friend Fluttershy is a much kinder pony." "When did this become about Fluttershy?" Applejack looked at him sternly. "Ah think we need to talk about that, but now there's a whole other issue at hoof! Rainbow Dash isn't the element of loyalty for nothin', Big Macintosh... and I believe in her. She has good qualities to ease her bad ones!" Applejack sighed and took a deep breath, thinking carefully about her words. "She would NEVER do anything to intentionally hurt a friend in need. Dash has a sweet side, but ah have been there to witness it, not you! She's opened up to me, she has emotions and feelings just like any other pony. She was bullied as a filly, so it's no wonder she wants to take her talents a bit too far! She wants to prove everyone wrong, and now she has. She may be a bit too confident, but she's got reason. And just because she likes to live life free and fun and full, DOES NOT mean she can't be serious. Ah've seen just about every emotion of her's, and ah can read her perfectly. She's just as good as little miss Fluttershy! In fact, if you apparently have some sort of a crush on her, why don't you just tell her?" Big Macintosh stared at her with wide eyes at how serious she had gotten on the topic of Rainbow Dash. The last sentence made him also a bit frustrated. He calmly stated, "If you love Rainbow, than why don't YOU just tell HER?" Applejack looked at him. "WHEN WOULD I EVER GET THE CHANCE? No time soon! If you haven't noticed, ah'm not a pegasus, and the wonderbolt season is just startin'! And if ah'm going to tell her, it's going to be in person!" Big Macintosh looked at her and frrowned. "Doesn't Twilight have some sorta fancy spell that can overcome that?" Applejack had forgotten about the spell to let her walk on clouds. "Ah gotta go big brother." And with that she raced out of the house, her stomach twisting and turning. What in the hay was she thinking about doing? She ran through to Ponyville, ignoring Rarity's call and wave, and Pinkie Pie excitedly bouncing towards her. This was important. Applejack stopped and took a long breath at Twilight's door step before knocking on the door of the library loudly. "Twilight?" She called, silently praying the unicorn was home. Applejack's face softened into an expression of relief as she heard hooves clatter. "Applejack? Hold on! I'm coming!" The purple mare opened the door. "What has you up and about this early? I thought you had apple bucking to attend to." The orange mare took a deep breath. "Listen Twi, if it ain't much to ask, ah need you to give me the spell to walk on clouds, and ah need to get to Cloudsdale and fast." "Cloudsdale? What business do you have there?" Twilight stared at Applejack with a dumbfounded expression before glancing over to invite her inside, Applejack shutting the door behind her. "Well Twilight, ah need to see Rainbow Dash before she goes off ta practice. Ah really need to have a word with her in person.. it's important." Applejack felt numb with nervousness, hoping her friend wouldn't ask her anymore questions. Twilight looked at her with wide, curious eyes, and than just placed a hoof on her strong orange shoulder. "Don't worry Applejack, I'll cast the spell and than you can take my balloon to Cloudsdale." Applejack let out a deep sigh. "Thank ya kindly Twilight." The cowpony watched as Twilight's horn grew a pink magic field around it, and in a flash of an eye it was over with. Twilight showed Applejack to the balloon which was currently tied up behind the library, and she hopped in quickly and thanked her once more, setting off into the clouds. Applejack took in a deep breath. Heights weren't really her thing and she was relieved to see the first post possible, a few feet in front of Rainbow Dash's cloud home. She sighed, quickly jumping out and tying it to the post tightly, feeling dizzy. Applejack felt her legs shake as she worked up her courage the best that she could. She fixed her hat, held her head high, and walked towards the door. She stood at the doorstep and knocked loudly, in the moment of her courage. She gulped as she saw the door knob turn, and a sleepy pegasus with a puffy mane looked at her. "Who in the hay woke me up thirty minutes early?" She rubbed her magenta eyes and as the focused, she saw the orange pony. "Applejack?" She said, confused, but than grinned. "Applejack!" She jumped onto the pony, giving her a tight hug and knocking her onto the cloud ground below. "Boy, am I glad to see you! What are you doing here?" Applejack looked up at the blue pegasus laying down on top of her and blushed a bit, chuckling nervously. "Someone sure is darn happy to see me." Rainbow Dash looked down and than flew back up. "Heh, sorry. I did really miss you though. Letters aren't the same." She flew back down and helped her friend up. "So why are you here?" Applejack closed her eyes shut tight. This was the moment of truth. The biggest thing she would ever be honest about. "Listen, Dash.. before you left, ah had something to tell you.. but ah was a bit too scared." She started out slowly, opening her eyes to look into her's. "Scared? But you're a tough pony! And we're really close! You could tell me anything!" Rainbow Dash walked over to her and put her arm over her shoulder, sitting down. "It must be pretty serious. Tell Dashie all about it." She chuckled a bit, and although Applejack would usually smile and roll her eyes, she was too deathly afraid at the moment. Rainbow Dash flinched feeling the earth pony shivering in the slightest bit, and than her expression became much more concerned. "Ah know ah told you.. that you should give Soarin a thought and all.. but.. ah... ah didn't really want to. It was just mah element talkin'." "W-what are you talking about? You didn't want me to date Soarin?" Rainbow Dash asked, a confused tone in her voice. "No Rainbow.. ah.. ah knew he was a good pony, but.. something made me regret it." She took a deep breath. "Rainbow Dash, ah always thought you were a good pony. A great pony. But ever since we started hanging out a bit more after we met Twilight, ah kinda... realized ah felt something... more.." Applejack felt her blood turning to ice as Rainbow Dash's face dropped in a bit of a shock. "So you mean.." The cowpony sighed. "Rainbow, ah mean that ah'm a fool! Ah let myself fall, fall so damn hard, and now ah'm in love with a pony ah could only dream of deserving. That pony is you. Ah haven't gotten any sleep since you left, ah've been a wreck." The thing that scared Applejack the most after this was the long moment of silence. "Let's just say my leg wasn't the only thing broken that day sugarcube." Applejack sighed and was about to give up and walk back to Twilight's balloon, but she stopped as the cyan pony pulled her into a tight embrace. "AJ.. I don't know what to say.." Dash pulled back from the hug, her hooves on the farm pony's shoulders as she looked into the green eyes that were filled with emotion. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Applejack mumbled quietly, looking down a bit, not sure whether to get lost in those stunning eyes or not. "It's.. an amazing thing.." Rainbow Dash grinned as Applejack gave her a look of complete shock. "Dash.." Applejack mumbled quietly. Rainbow sighed, releasing her hooves from Applejack's shoulders. "I've been feeling something since our Iron Pony competition AJ, I can't believe you've felt that way so long though.. I feel like a jerk." "Don't sugarcube, it's my fault for not telling you.." They sat in silence for a few more moments. Rainbow Dash motioned with her head towards her home. "C'mon AJ, I think we need to talk.."