//------------------------------//
// Discovery - CalmNQuiet 
// Story: AppleDash Group Collab 
// by DbzOrDie 
//------------------------------//

Rainbow had found her courage years ago at the Ponyville Social. Extending her hoof to Applejack, she had looked to the ceiling and asked as casually as she could, “So, you wanna dance?”

Applejack’s hoof met hers and the world drifted away. Twirling and spinning in the light of firefly lanterns, they danced with energy and vigor only two young ponies drunk on one another could. By the end of the dance, Rainbow found her eyes locked with Applejack’s and she realized just how much she loved those beautiful, honest, green eyes.

The days slipped by, dull days, exciting days, and one particularly anxious day. Stammering and shuffling on her hooves, Rainbow presented a silver-felted box to Applejack, the contents of which had cost her the entirety of her first Wonderbolt’s paycheck. The memory was clear as day, and her chest thumped just thinking about it. They rolled together into the fresh spring grass and Rainbow found herself lost again in the eyes she had come to love so much.

Then came the tense days. Rainbow sat next to Applejack, her hooves gripped tightly around Applejack’s. Their silver hoof-bands clinking against one another with each issued gasp of pain. The blonde hair plastered across Applejack’s forehead matted by a layer of perspiration made Rainbow’s heart ache. But, the pain couldn’t hide the joy she could see in Applejack’s eyes, and when the pain finally passed Rainbow’s heart found room for another in her life. Together, they shared their love.

Each passing day brought a new surprise, a new experience, and something new to learn. Rainbow lived a life filled with trials, tribulations, and triumphs. The door squeaked behind her, and she didn’t even need to turn her head to see who it was. Wordlessly, she extended her wing and Applejack cuddled up to her side under the warm downy expanse.

Perhaps her muscles ached a little from all the years which had passed. And just maybe, Applejack wasn’t nearly as spry and energetic as she was those days after their first dance. But, when Rainbow gazed into Applejack’s eyes, she could see the same tender, honest, eyes gazing back at her. Sighing wistfully, she drew Applejack closer with her wing.

“You know, I just realized something...” Rainbow began slowly, her eyes drifting down to the pony cuddled up to her side.

“What’s that sugarcube?” Applejack responded, her eyes drifting upward until they met with Rainbow’s.

“Fall in love with their eyes, they’ll never change.”

They drew together for a gentle kiss, knowing their love would never change.