As evening fell upon Ponyville, three fillies were edging closer and closer to the spot where the special event was going to take place. The spot where they'll hopefully get their cutie marks. Not far behind, an orange and blue mare were watching them.
"So, this firefly show, what time did Fluttershy say it was happenin' again?" Applejack asked.
"About 7:30 give or take." Rainbow responded. She then saw the pony she had the hots for shivering. "You really are stubborn, aren't you?"
"Why do ya say that RD?"
"Rarity told you to bring an extra scarf for you and AB. Now you're cold. Here." Rainbow wrapped her magenta scarf over the both of them. "I don't mind sharing."
"What brought this on? It ain't like ya ta be this nice." Applejack grinned.
"Oh can it Apples. I'm allowed to be nice sometimes." Rainbow answered back.
"Well it sure is a side of ya Ah haven't seen in a while. Actually ah wouldn't know." Applejack's breath puffed out. "I feel like ah haven't been 'round much lately. With the farm ta take care of, ah usually don't have time ta do anythin' else."
"That's because you work too hard AJ." Rainbow replied. "But I really don't mind. And I'm sure the girls don't mind either. So don't think 'bout it too much 'kay?"
"Ah sure do hope so." Applejack huddled closer to Rainbow for more heat. The two walked in unison, sharing a scarf.
As they entered the presence of the fireflies, they both watched in wonder.
"Wow. This is amazin'" Applejack's eyes looked at the scene. Then she focused on the younger fillies. "Now girls, don't wander too far or you'll miss the show. Me and Rainbow will be right by this tree here."
"No problem sis!" Applebloom's excited voice came out and beckoned her friends. "Let's get our cutie marks in firefly catchin'!"
In no time, the CMC team went deeper into the forest, but still within sight of their sisters.
Applejack sat right next to Rainbow, who suddenly went quiet.
"Everythin' alright Sugarcube?"
"Yea. I'm just wondering when the rest of our friends are coming." Rainbow smiled, while in truth, she wouldn't mind if they came a little late.
"Well this place here is nice." Applejack looked at each firefly as one landed on her nose. She chuckled and shook it away.
Rainbow Dash simply eyed her friend, knowing she was going to give kudos to Fluttershy for picking such an awesome place to confess.
The fireflies seem to help set the aura as they danced around the two ponies, lighting up the night. They began to form a curve on Applejack's neck, like a necklace. Rainbow took in her friend's beauty and grace. She truly loved Applejack.
As if on purpose, the fireflies formed a halo above Rainbow's head, much to the mare's dismay. "Uggh hey! Watch the mane!" Rainbow waved them off.
"Aww come on RD. It looks pretty on you. Yer like an angel." Applejack said with as much tenderness as possible.
Rainbow stopped and looked at Applejack. "No AJ. You're the one who looks pretty AJ. No scratch that. You don't look pretty, you look beautiful."
"Aww shucks RD. Don't y'all go sappy on me. I'm just yer average mare."
"But it's true AJ!" Rainbow emphasized. "You're like the most beautiful mare I've ever seen. Yup totally cute!"
Applejack looked away, her freckles hidden under a light blush. "RD...ah..ah"
The cyan mare realized what she just said and looked away. "I...uhh...I mean.."
Well since you're already ranting, might as well go for it! Rainbow Dash thought. Well go on! Make your move Dash!
She took in a deep breath.
"Well, since, you know, we're already here and stuff. Um well will you go out wi-ECK!"
"What was that RD?" Applejack stopped and turned back towards her friend. Rainbow's face was red, but not from blushing.
"RD! Rainbow! Good gravy girl, what's wrong..." Applejack saw Rainbow Dash pointing to her neck in a choking gesture and understood. "Seriously? Ya swallowed a fire-nevermind. Hold on"
Applejack went behind Rainbow, as she prepared to perform Heimlich maneuver.
"I wonder where they are." Twilight asked, reaching the place.
"Shhhh!" Pinkie said. "Did you hear that?"
"Pinkie. I wasn't talk-" Twilight started but Pinkie placed a hoof on her lips, as a sign to be quiet. "Listen..."
The four ponies perked up their ears. Sure enough, they heard one mare's voice, loud and clear.
"Come on RD! You can do it! Almost!" Applejack was grunting in exhaustion.
"Oh my...you don't think they're..." Fluttershy's face flushed.
"Only one way to find out!" Rarity said, running towards the source of the sound.
Applejack was thrusting both her hooves harder and upwards into Rainbow's ribcage. "Come on RD. That's it. Keep goin'!"
"Girls!" Twilight's voice became audible as they came towards the hill. " What in Celestia's name is going on-"
"Blechhhoooooo" Rainbow dislodged the firefly right onto Rarity's muzzle.
"Ewww! Rainbow Dash! How revolt-oh my gosh. It's moving!" Rarity closed her eyes. "Grossgrossgrossgrossgross!
"Oh no!" Fluttershy came to the aid of the firefly, as she carefully took it in her hoof. "Henrietta, are you ok?"
"She named them?" Rainbow wheezed out. She then turned to Applejack. "Thanks. I owe you one"
"Wait, you ate a firefly Dashie?" Pinkie asked.
Rainbow spoke up. "No I didn't. That thing!"
"Henrietta." Fluttershy corrected.
"Henrietta! Wait it doesn't matter. She flew into my mouth!"
"And ah was trying ta get it out." Applejack informed everypony. "Nice job RD."
"Poor Henrietta, are you ok?" Fluttershy held the firefly, who seemed to be alive, in her hoof. Henrietta simply laid on the yellow hoof.
The other fireflies looked at their companion and started to waver around Dash. They began flickering their natural-lighted behinds on and off.
Fluttershy knew that signal. "Oh no! Guys! Don't! She wasn't going to eat Henri-"
It was too late. The fireflies formed a swarm and started after Rainbow Dash, who frantically tried to outfly them.