//------------------------------//
// *Tranquility* 
// Story: Southern Skies 
// by Jondor 
//------------------------------//

Rainbow Dash sat on her haunches at the edge of the cloud that made up her front porch.  Beside her sat her marefriend and newly proposed fiancée, a pair of ethereal butterfly wings sprouting from her back, glittering in the setting sun.  They sat together, forelegs around each other’s shoulders, in the tranquility of the evening as it darkened to twilight.

Dash had made the ultimate leap for a pegasus, in deciding to marry an earth pony.  Applejack thought it only fitting to repay her in pegasus fashion.  Twilight had been more than happy to supply the farm mare with a pair of wings, and together, they had spent the entire day not once touching the ground.

“Dash,” AJ asked softly, “what made ya decide ta ask fer my hoof in marriage?”  Just by her tone, it was clear that Applejack was not questioning the decision, she was merely curious for the reason behind it.  She had guessed several that might fit, but could not nail it down to one that seemed certain.

Rainbow Dash was silent for some moments.  AJ let her have them.  It was a difficult question, and may not have a single clear answer.

“Because,” Dash began, “you’re the only pony who’s made me want to sit still.”  Dash leaned a little toward Applejack and squeezed her shoulder softly.  “I’ve had lots of fillyfriends and coltfriends.  A couple weeks, a couple months, and then it was over.  It’s just the way pegasi are; I didn’t really know there was any other way to be.

“I took a chance on you, AJ.  I didn’t even really realize it until Pinkie was throwing us that silly six month-iversary party.”  She chuckled at the memory.  “That’s when I realized it wasn’t silly.  I’d been with you longer than anypony else, and I liked that feeling.”  AJ turned to smile as the sun finished setting.  Dash claimed a kiss that lasted until the sky went fully dark.

“All the rest of you girls have a family.  Twi, Rarity, Pinkie, you.  Even ‘Shy has all of her animals; they’re practically her children.  I didn’t really have a family, until now.

“You remember that crazy butterfly contest, and how hard I tried to sit just as still as you, to prove that I could?” Dash asked, and AJ nodded.  “I’m sorry I freaked out at first when you mentioned marriage.  I’ll sit still for you forever; I love you, AJ.”

“I love you too, Dash.”  For a long moment, they both sat still, AJ’s head resting on Dash’s shoulder, listening as the crickets came out for the night and enjoying the warmth of each other’s coat against the oncoming chill of the evening.

Just before they retired inside, Applejack spoke up once more.

“How about the cider?”

Dash grinned.  “Totally worth it.”

“That’s my sugarcube.”