//------------------------------//
// Part II 
// Story: Breaking Point 
// by Picardy Third 
//------------------------------//


PART II


“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash complained. Twilight was leading her through Ponyville toward ‘something for her.’
“Twilight, what’s going on?!” Rainbow Dash asked again.
“I can’t tell you!” Twilight said with an evil smile on her face. “You’ll just have to wait and see!”
It had only been last night that Applejack found Rainbow Dash in the mountains, ready to run away from everything. Rainbow Dash was still afraid that everypony hated her… except Applejack of course. How could they not? Rainbow Dash had tried to run away from her friends, from her family… her real family. 
Twilight seemed to be perfectly fine. She happily trotted in front of Rainbow Dash as if nothing was wrong and this was no more than a simple night out with a friend. It wasn’t, though, something was going on…
“Hang on, we need to stop by here for just a sec.” Twilight said. Rainbow Dash looked up and saw that they were in front of Sugarcube Corner. All the lights were out and it appeared to be dead.
“…Are you sure? Doesn’t look like there’s anypony there.”
“I’m sure. Come on in.” Twilight said. Rainbow Dash, though confused, went with it. They stepped inside the black building, and Twilight flicked on the light…
“SURPRISE!!!!” A giant crowd shouted when Twilight Sparkle led Rainbow Dash into Sugarcube Corner. 	The place was packed with ponies from town that Rainbow Dash knew, everypony! And, right up front, were Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack, smiling brightly.
The audience applauded thunderously. Rainbow Dash’s face, though at first was stricken with shock and confusion, burst into a wide smile and even a laugh. She felt tears of happiness sting her eyes, but didn’t cry. Twilight went forward and joined her friends, smiling wide. Rainbow was rooted to the spot, too happy to move.
A giant rainbow banner with the words “We support you!” was hung in the back of the shop. There were all the usual party games and activities scattered about, but currently, the entire room had its attention turned to Rainbow Dash. 
“HUG!” Pinkie Pie then shouted, getting the four others to run forward and tackle Rainbow Dash.
“I love you guys…” Rainbow Dash said through her teary eyes. She felt warmth while her friends embraced her, inner warmth. She finally felt like she truly belonged… like her friends loved her for who she truly was.
“But… I don’t get it!” Rainbow Dash said, forcing the hug to separate. “Yesterday… when Gilda was here… all those things I heard from the audience…”
“We didn’t say anything like that!” Rarity said, holding a hoof to her chest, as if Rainbow Dash were personally accusing her.
“We were just a little SURPRISED!” Pinkie Pie said, throwing some confetti in the air and gesturing toward the party behind them. “Get it?”
“And one o’ them ponies that said them awful things is here anyhow!” Applejack said, moving out of the way so Rainbow Dash could see back to an orange pony with pink hair. 
“Sorry, Rainbow Dash!” The pony shouted, “I didn’t mean it!” 
“You see? We will support you no matter what.” Twilight said.
“You guys are the best!” Rainbow Dash said, letting them fall in for another hug.
So, the party began in the same fashion as any of Pinkie Pie’s parties. Rarity and Pinkie Pie went head to head in a game of pin the tail on the pony. Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy spent most of their time by the punchbowl, having idle conversation away from the noise. Applejack and Rainbow Dash spent most of their time in the crowd, dancing and being generally energetic.
It wasn’t long before the party was kicked into high gear. The music blared, the ponies danced, and Rainbow Dash was having the time of her life. Here she was, surrounded by a crowd, no not a small gathering, a CROWD of people who didn’t care that she was a lesbian! These were ponies that would have a party just to make one of their friends feel accepted, and that was a great comfort for Rainbow Dash.
But… there was something that still tugged at her mind. What happened with Fluttershy yesterday? She left Rainbow Dash’s house in such a rush that Rainbow Dash was still afraid that Fluttershy was perhaps still on the fence about accepting her. Rainbow Dash was going to find out, though. She decided to make her way through the crowd and try to find Fluttershy.
“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash shouted, though the music was still a bit much.
“Fluttershy!” Rainbow shouted again. She then found her friend beside the snack bar, like always, simply watching the party.
“CAN I TALK TO YOU??” Rainbow Dash shouted in Fluttershy’s face.
Fluttershy mouthed the words ‘I can’t hear you.’
Rainbow Dash facehoofed and beckoned her toward the front door. They stepped outside and shook the party off of them.
“My goodness, my ears are still ringing!” Fluttershy said.
“Yea, it’s pretty crazy in there.” Rainbow Dash said, making sure they weren’t being followed.
“Did you want something, Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked.
“Oh, yea, um… you know when you read my diary… and I said some things… about Applejack…” Rainbow Dash said nervously, afraid that it was already too late.
“You don’t have to worry, Rainbow Dash. I won’t tell anypony.” Fluttershy quickly said, shaking her head.
“Thanks, Fluttershy. I can’t imagine what it would be like if that got out…”
There was a pause, where both simply stared at the ground for a few seconds. 
“I guess I also kinda wanted to make sure… you’re okay with this, right?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Okay with what?”
“The fact that… you know… I’m a lesbian and all.”
“Oh, of course, Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy said quickly, “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Well, the way you left my house yesterday worried me…”
“Oh…” Fluttershy said, “I-I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to upset you. I was just a little confused.”
“That’s okay, I was just curious…”
“Um… if you don’t mind me asking…” Fluttershy said. Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy curiously.
“Do you really feel that way about Applejack?” Fluttershy asked, “Like really really?”
“Fluttershy… you have no idea.” Rainbow Dash. “Applejack, to me…”
“What about me, now?” Applejack suddenly said from behind the two.
“APPLEJACK!” Rainbow Dash shouted, jumping high in the air and suspending herself with her wings. Fluttershy looked between the two ponies with a nervous expression.
“What’re y’all talkin’ about over here?” Applejack said suspiciously. “And why’re ya talkin’ bout me?”
“W-we weren’t! I mean, were we? I mean, what were we talking about, Fluttershy!?” Rainbow Dash said spastically, flying back and forth.
“It’s okay, Rainbow Dash, we can tell her.” Fluttershy said.
“No we can’t!” Rainbow Dash said, amazed that Fluttershy would be so cruel.
“Tell me what?” Applejack asked.
“Nothing!” Rainbow Dash quickly said.
“Rainbow Dash was just telling me what happened while you two were in the mountains.”
“Yes!” Rainbow Dash said, immediately realizing what Fluttershy was doing, “That’s it.”
“Oh, well ah told ever’pony that story today, silly filly!” Applejack said to Fluttershy.
“I know, but Rainbow Dash wanted to talk.” Fluttershy said. Rainbow Dash finally lowered herself down to the ground. “And sometimes, when a friend wants to talk, it’s best just to let them talk.”
“Well, ah was just wonderin’ where y’all were off to.” Applejack said, “Yer comin’ back to the party, right?”
“Yea, we’ll be back in a bit.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Um… actually, I think I’m going home for tonight.” Fluttershy said, “Make sure you tell Pinkie Pie thank you for me.”
“Well, alright.” Applejack said, “See ya ‘round, sugarcube.”
Fluttershy smiled and walked away from the two ponies. Once she was a few feet away, she took off flying back toward her cottage. Rainbow Dash smiled and turned to Applejack, who was scowling at her.
“Is everything alright?” Rainbow Dash asked, but was cut off.
“I got mah eye on you.” Applejack said, drawing very close to Rainbow Dash, then she laughed and backed up again. Rainbow Dash felt a bead of sweat roll down her face as she watched Applejack walk away with her lighthearted mood. If only Rainbow had the guts to lean forward a few inches…
“Come on back, now!” Applejack said, “Y’all need to be here fer yer own party!”

***

Dear Diary,
Here I was, thinking that my need for you would be gone, but here I am again. I need you more than ever. Everypony knows I’m a lesbian now, and they’re great. Nopony’s being mean to me. It would seem that my troubles are over, but… I still love Applejack, and there’s no way I’m telling her! I love everything about her… her long, blonde mane, her beautiful sunset orange coat, her accent, that hat she always wears… I’m head over hooves. Hope she never reads this, she’ll think I’m some kind of stalker! Also, ever since Fluttershy read my big entry, I was worried that she would tell, but she won’t. She promised to keep it a secret. I’m so glad to have Fluttershy. I’m glad to have all of them, really. They’ve all been very helpful.

“Rainbow Dash!” Called Twilight Sparkle from the ground. “Rainbow Dash, are you up there?!” 

Sounds like Twilight’s calling me. I’d better go see what’s up. I’ll write some more later, diary. 

Rainbow Dash closed the book and stashed it under her bed this time. She wouldn’t have another incident like last time with Gilda.
“Coming, Twilight!” Rainbow Dash shouted. One good thing about these clouds (in this case, anyway) was that they weren’t very soundproof.
Below her house, Rainbow Dash found Twilight waving her hooves in the air, flagging Rainbow Dash down. Rainbow soared down toward Twilight, did a flip, and landed with a thud.
“Princess Celestia is coming!” Twilight said, “She just sent Spike a message! She wants to come for a visit!”
“What?! That’s great!” Rainbow Dash said. 
“But, she’s keeping it very low-key. She’s not in the mood for all the fanfare.” Twilight said.
“So… why’d you just shout that as loud as you could?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I… uh… good point…” Twilight said, looking around for ponies, but thankfully there were none. “C’mon. I’m straightening up the library for her.”
“The library? Why don’t we just go down to Sugarcube Corner?” Rainbow Dash asked. They began to walk toward Ponyville beside each other.
“I would, but Mr. and Mrs. Cake might overreact to seeing Princess Celestia in their store.” Twilight said. “And Celestia just wants this to be an informal visit between friends.”
“Wow… it’s still so weird to think of Princess Celestia as your friend…”
“Well, I do have the advantage of having lived in Canterlot as her personal protégée for almost my whole life.”
“Hm. Wish I could be as close to the Princess. She could put me in the Wonderbolts without question.”
Twilight laughed, and Rainbow Dash eventually joined her. They carried on jovially about halfway to town, then Twilight brought the conversation back.
“So, what were you doing up there, anyway?”
“Up where?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Your house!” 
“Can I not hang out in my own house now?” Rainbow Dash asked with a laugh.
“Oh, come on Rainbow Dash, I don’t take you for a pony who likes to sit around her home all day.”
“I was just doing some writing.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Still in that diary I gave you?” Twilight asked.
“Yep.”
“I… didn’t think there was anything left to write about.” Twilight said. 
“Um… well, there is…” Rainbow Dash said a little nervously.
“Well, I won’t pressure you into telling me anything, don’t worry.”
“I probably wouldn’t have caved anyway!” Rainbow Dash said with a smile. The two laughed again as they trotted into Ponyville.

***

The library was being straightened up as Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle entered it. Rarity was lifting some books into shelves with her magic. She hummed happily as she did so. Spike was at her side, holding a large stack of books that was obviously too heavy for him. Fluttershy was dusting the shelves up high. Applejack was fixing up the chairs around a table, and Pinkie Pie was setting out some flowers she had collected.
“I closed the library for the day.” Twilight said. “That way we won’t have anybody coming in and seeing the Princess.” Twilight said.
“Hiya, Rainbow Dash!” Spike grunted from the other side of the room, the stack of books in his arms giving him some trouble.
“Hey there, Spike.” Rainbow Dash returned the greeting. 	
“Sorry I missed the party. I was tired.” Spike said, arms shaking from the weight of the giant stack of books. 
“Careful, now!” Rarity said, moving down the shelf.
“That’s alright, thanks!” Rainbow Dash replied.
“He wasn’t tired at all,” Twilight said quietly, watching Spike get back to work helping Rarity. “He was helping me learn some new spells, and I accidentally changed his scales from purple to red. It wore off this morning, but he would not let Rarity see him like that.” Twilight said with a little giggle.
“Oh, Spike…”
Just then, there was a loud crash as the tower of books Spike was holding came tumbling down. Everypony winced and looked over at the chaos.
“Oh, Spike!” Rarity said with a twinge of annoyance in her voice.
“Sorry, Rarity! I got a message from the Princess!” Spike said.
“What? Gimme that!” Twilight said, full-on sprinting over to Spike. She bowled over the tiny dragon and grabbed the paper with her magic. Spike fell on top of Rarity, blushed, and walked away.
“What’s it say?” Applejack asked.
“Twilight Sparkle,
I will be arriving shortly. Please be sure to clear a place on the main floor of the library.
Princess Celestia” Twilight read aloud.
“Why does she want us to clear a space?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“No idea.” Twilight said. She looked at the floor of the library and saw how empty it was, save for a floor rug. “But I’m sure it’s fine.”
“Uh… I’ll go get some tea ready!” Spike said, running out of the room. 
“Thank you, Spike!” Twilight said. “Okay, well I guess now we just wait for-“
Just then, there was a small flash, a puff of smoke, and suddenly Princess Celestia was standing before the ponies! Everypony jumped back a little in surprise.
“Good day, everypony.” Princess Celestia greeted.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight Sparkle said, startled. Everypony bowed respectfully and then surrounded the Princess.
“Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student!” Celestia said, “How have things been?”
“They’ve been wonderful, Princess!” Twilight said. 
“Good to hear! And everypony else has been grand as well?” Celestia asked the group.
There was a general positive reply from the ponies.
“If y’all can just teleport everywhere, why don’t you just do that every time?” Applejack asked.
“Simple! Would you rather teleport somewhere, or be royally escorted by a team of guards? I think the answer is quite plain!” Celestia said happily. The ponies laughed and Celestia shook her head.
“But truly, it’s all about appearance in the world of royalty. You have to know how to present yourself.” Celestia said. “It’s all a bit silly, but in the end, it’s necessary.”
“Um… Princess… shall we sit?” Twilight Sparkle asked. 
“Oh, yes!” Celestia said. 	
The ponies all took their places around the library table.
“It’s an honor to have you here, Princess.” Pinkie Pie said happily. “I suggested we have a party, but Twilight thought it wouldn’t be the best idea, which I don’t get because, why would somebody not like my parties? I mean, they’re great! We have music and games and punch and cake and-“
“PINKIE Pie is very enthusiastic about you being here, Princess.” Twilight Sparkle said, cutting off Pinkie Pie. She smiled up at Princess Celestia brightly.
“Well, as much as I’m sure I would have loved your party, I wished this to be nothing but a casual visit. It has been stressful in Canterlot, and I could use a nice break from it all. Ponyville is so nice, I figured, why not?” Celestia laughed.
“That’s mighty kind of ya, Princess.” Applejack said.
“Glad to have ya!” Rainbow Dash agreed.
“Oh, and Fluttershy.” Princess Celestia said, turning her attention to Fluttershy, who was sitting at the far corner of the table.
“Yes, Princess?” Fluttershy asked.
“Philomena seems like she wants to see you again. Do you mind coming to Canterlot sometime and saying hello?” Celestia asked.
“S-sure, Princess!” Fluttershy said, excited, “I would love to see Philomena again!”
“And you can all come by if you wish. I do not mind.” Celestia said. “Besides, I tried some of the treats you left at the Grand Galloping Gala, Applejack.” 
“Y-ya did?” Applejack asked, stars appearing in her eyes.
“Absolutely delicious!” Celestia said, “I’d love to try some more, if you don’t mind. How much are your best Apple Fritters?”
“Uh… two bits per!” Applejack said.
“Applejack!” Twilight scolded.
“What?” 
“You can’t charge the princess!” Twilight said.
“Why not? Gotta make a livin’ somehow!” 
“Oh, Twilight, what part of ‘casual’ wasn’t clear?” Celestia giggled, “I am here as a friend and nothing else.” Twilight smiled and settled back in her chair nervously.
“Besides, being the princess, money is not an issue.” Celestia said.
“Boy, the family’ll be happier than a pig in a mud puddle!”
“I’m glad to hear it!” Celestia said. 
“So, princess, what’s going on in Canterlot that’s so stressful?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Oh I don’t want to think about it right now.” Celestia said. “I have come here to see my friends.”
“Tea’s ready!” Spike called, walking into the main room with a tray. “Hi, Princess!”
“Spike! How wonderful to see you!” Princess Celestia said, “And my, how you’ve grown.”
“Oh, you’re just sayin’ that.” Spike said bashfully. “Here’s the tea.” He walked around the table handing out cups of tea. “Here’s yours, Rarity. Extra sugar, just how you like it.”
“Thank you, Spike.” Rarity said kindly, taking the cup.
“Anything for you, Rarity.” Spike said, walking away. He halfheartedly passed out the rest of the cups, stopping before Princess Celestia.
“I hope you like the tea, I don’t have a whole lot of practice making it.” Spike said.
“Oh, it’s quite alright, Spike.” Celestia said. She took a sip of the tea, “It’s lovely!” 
“You really like it?!” Spike said, looking around the table.
“Oh yes!” Twilight said, taking another sip, “It’s great!”
“Mighty fine.” Said Applejack.
“Simply divine.” From Rarity
“Delicious.” Fluttershy added
“Great, Spike!” Pinkie Pie said.
“Thanks, girls…” Spike said, walking back into the back room. “I’ll be back in a bit, I need to clean up.”
Once Spike was out of earshot, Rainbow Dash finally spoke up.
“Are we drinking the same tea?”
“I didn’t want to hurt his feelings…” Celestia said.
“Oh, I should have just made the tea myself…” Twilight said.
“Oh, it’s fine, Twilight. Give me a second.” Celestia said. She closed her eyes, and her horn began to glow. The liquid from each of the teacups started to leave their cups. They floated above their respective cups in small balls of water, then disappeared.
“Wow, princess, where’d the tea go?” Rainbow asked.
“Oh, I just teleported it outside and let it fall to the ground.” 
The ponies laughed, but shut up immediately when Spike came back in. 
“Wow, your tea is all gone. I can go make more if-“
“NO!” The ponies all shouted, even Celestia. Spike raised an eyebrow.
“One cup is fine, thank you.” Twilight said. “Why don’t you come sit down?”
“Alright, but if you want some more, I’ll make it.” Spike said, walking over to the table. He took a seat beside Twilight and joined the table.
The Princess’s visit was just as pleasant for the remainder of her time. They talked about the goings-on around Ponyville and the like. On multiple occasions, Pinkie Pie got overexcited and had to be calmed down by the ponies around the table.
Rainbow Dash’s mind was somewhere else, though. She sat down the table from Applejack for a reason. Every chance she got, she would sneak a peek at her secret crush, admiring the way her mane fell over her neck and tied at the end. It was beautiful. Whenever Applejack spoke, Rainbow Dash listened intently and was often the first to comment. She loved the sound of her voice…
“Well, this has been lovely. I think I’ll be heading back to the castle now, though.”	
“Oh, Princess Celestia, you must visit more often!” Rarity said.
“Oh, don’t you worry about that. I will be back, this was fun!” Celestia said. “Oh, and Rainbow Dash?”
Rainbow Dash snapped out of her trance and looked up, “Yes, Princess?”
“I had something to tell you, if you don’t mind.” Princess Celestia said, ushering away from the table.
“Not at all!” Rainbow Dash said, hopping up from the table and following Princess Celestia away from it. They walked into the back room where Spike had been making the tea.
“You know, I was talking to the Wonderbolts at the Grand Galloping Gala…” Princess Celestia started, “Spitfire thinks very highly of you.”
“She does?!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly. She felt her pride well up inside of her, hearing her hero (and crush for a time) say such a thing.
“Is that all you wanted to tell me, Princess?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“No, Rainbow Dash.” Celestia said. Keeping her light tone, she dropped the volume of her voice, “Twilight informed me of your recent discovery.”
“Discovery? Oh, you mean that I’m a lesbian?” Rainbow Dash asked, almost as a joke.
“Precisely.” Celestia said, taking Rainbow by surprise. “I just wanted you to know that even though you may feel alone, you are not.”
“Thank you, Princess, but my friends all support me!” Rainbow Dash said.
“I don’t think that’s what I was trying to get at.” Celestia said. “I noticed that you were giving Applejack most of your attention back there.”
“Uh… what do you mean?” Rainbow Dash asked, of course knowing exactly what the princess was insinuating. 
“You never know who feels the same way you do, Rainbow Dash. Don’t be afraid to show your true colors.” Celestia said, smiling. 
Rainbow Dash watched, intrigued, as Princess Celestia walked back out to the girls at the table. 

***

Dear Diary,
Today, the Princess came for a surprise visit. She wanted to keep it as low-key as possible, though, so we just had tea in the library. I’ll be honest, I didn’t follow most of the conversation. It’s beginning to get distracting how much I like Applejack. I could only pay attention to her, the whole time! Even when the Princess was in the room, I was totally focused on Applejack. What’s wrong with me? I’ve never been this crazy over ANYPONY before! Even when I had that crush on Spitfire, it wasn’t this bad. Speaking of Spitfire, Celestia then told me that Spitfire thinks very highly of me! I love Princess Celestia (not as much as Applejack, of course)!
Rainbow Dash

***

“Fluttershy, I think I have a problem.” Rainbow Dash told her friend the next day. They were sitting on her couch and watching the animals play outside. Well, Fluttershy was watching the animals. Rainbow Dash wasn’t interested.
“Oh? What’s that?” Fluttershy asked.
“I think I like Applejack… too much.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Um… I don’t understand.” Fluttershy said, turning her head to the side.
“Well, when the Princess was over, I could hardly concentrate on her. I could only focus on Applejack! The way she speaks… the way she acts… the way she calls everypony sugarcube…” Rainbow Dash said, once again beginning to lose herself. She snapped out of it, “See what I mean? It’s bad!”
“Rainbow Dash…” Fluttershy said. “I mean… I can’t really help you…”
“Ugh… I know, Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash said, “I guess I just really need to spout to somebody.”
“You’re still writing in your diary aren’t you?”
“Yes, but this goes beyond that, Fluttershy.”
“Then you should tell her, Rainbow.” 
“Tell who?
“Applejack!”
“T-tell her?” Rainbow asked.
“Yes. Tell her.” Fluttershy said. “Y-you know, if that’s what you want to do…”

***

An hour later, Rainbow Dash found herself below the new sign for Sweet Apple Acres. She took a deep breath and walked into the farm. She started looking around for Applejack. Rainbow Dash then felt that familiar warmth fill her body as she saw the orange body  and blonde mane that she loves so much. Applejack was walking right toward her, but she was talking to a pony Rainbow Dash hadn’t ever seen before. She was sky blue, like Rainbow Dash, but with very light brown hair. 
“Well, it’s been mighty swell seein’ ya, cousin Apple Cider!” Applejack said to the pony.
“You too, Applejack!” Apple Cider replied. They both spotted Rainbow Dash.
“Well, howdy!” Apple Cider said happily.
“Rainbow Dash! Good t’ see ya!” Applejack said. “Ah was just sayin’ goodbye to mah cousin, Apple Cider.”
“Nice to meet you.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Likewise!” Apple Cider said. She started walking toward the exit, “Ah won’t keep ya, Applejack, y’all take care now!”
“Ah will!” Applejack said. She then turned her attention to Rainbow Dash. “What brings ya down here, Rainbow Dash?”
Rainbow’s infatuation was making it hard to think, especially whenever Applejack spoke, and Rainbow Dash heard that accent.
“Um… well, I just wanted to talk.” Rainbow Dash said. 
“Okay.” Applejack said, laughing a little, “Shall we walk?”
“Uh… yea. Good idea.” Rainbow Dash said. They walked toward the apple trees and entered the expanse of trunks that spanned all directions for at least a half mile.
“So, what’s on yer mind, sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
“Um… well… thing is, I don’t… really know how to put this…”
“’s alright, take yer time.” Applejack said. They continued in silence for a few seconds, the duration of which was spent for Rainbow Dash to build up her courage.
“So… um…” Rainbow Dash said. Applejack stopped, as did Rainbow Dash. They both looked at each other. 
“Are ya gonna say anythin’?” Applejack asked with a little chuckle. 
“I LIKE YOU!” Rainbow Dash shouted. 
Silence. Applejack’s smile left.
“Ya mean you… like me?” Applejack asked, her tone unrecognizable. Rainbow Dash couldn’t tell whether it was positive or negative.
“Yea… a lot.” Rainbow Dash said. She alternated looking at Applejack’s surprised face and the ground… but mainly the ground.
“Ah… uh…” Applejack said. “Um… well… mah barn door don’t really swing that way there, sugarcube...” Applejack said, staring at the ground. The words seemed difficult to spit out, like she was trying very hard to make it sound as convincing as possible.
“Oh…” Rainbow Dash said sadly. 
“Still best friends, though!” Applejack said. 
“Yea! Totally…” Rainbow Dash said. 
“Ahm sorry, Rainbow Dash… really…” Applejack said, appearing to be near tears. She wiped her face and sniffed. Rainbow Dash was confused, why was Applejack crying?
“No, no, it’s okay… I just thought you should know how I feel.”
“Thanks…” Applejack said. She seemed to be going through inner turmoil. Her vision was unfocused and distant, thoughts obviously occupying her head.
“Um… so… I… should leave then, huh?”
“Naw, don’t leave. Let’s just go up to the overlook again.” Applejack said. 
“I need some time to think…” Rainbow Dash said.
“Oh… well, alright.” Applejack said. 
“Um… see ya later, kay?” Rainbow Dash said. She turned around and jumped up in the air, flying away slowly. She flew low over Sweet Apple Acres, taking in the sights and smells of the large orchard. The whole place now held the place in her heard of where she was turned down…
“WAIT! RAINBOW DASH!!!” Rainbow turned her head and saw Applejack running at top speed after her. Rainbow Dash, interested, did a u-turn and flew back down to the ground. She glided gently toward the ground and watched Applejack run toward her.
The space between the two of them closed quickly.
“What’s u-“
Applejack kissed Rainbow Dash right on the mouth with as much passion and feeling that she could possibly put into it. Rainbow Dash was taken by surprise and felt her whole body stiffen out of pure shock, then she just melted, the feeling of her heart’s desires coming true just washing over her like a tidal wave.
With a swift motion, the two separated. They panted for a few seconds, too stunned to say anything. Rainbow Dash’s heart was racing. Did that really just happen? Did she really just KISS Applejack?
“Ah’m sorry, Rainbow Dash… Ah should’ve just told ya right away.” Applejack said. She took a step back. 
“When mah family heard about ya, they warned me to never follow in yer footsteps.” Applejack said. “Ah’ve always been like you, a… a lesbian. Ah’ve known fer years, too afraid to tell anypony. Ah tried to push it away. Ah tried. Ah didn’t even wanna hafta deal with it. Ah was just gonna pretend to like guys and hope it all worked out. Well then, when y’all came out and stuff, it came back again… those feelin’s ” Applejack said, “And Ah knew that with mah family the way they are, Ah’d never be able ta… ta say that I liked you…”
“You mean that?” Rainbow Dash asked with tears in her eyes.
“So much!” Applejack said. The two one-arm hugged each other, both crying tears of pure joy.
“Um… Ah do have a favor ta ask, though…” Applejack said. She sniffed and wiped her eyes.
“Anything…” Rainbow Dash said dreamily, wiping the tears away.
“Could we keep this… a secret?” Applejack asked. Rainbow Dash’s smile faded. 
“You’re ashamed…”
“No! No!” Applejack quickly said, shaking her head, “Ah just can’t let mah family hear about this. An… y’all know how fast word spreads ‘round here.”
“Oh…” Rainbow Dash said, “I guess that makes sense.”
“Thanks, Rainbow Dash!” Applejack said. She went in for another hug, but Rainbow dash quickly intercepted it and kissed her right on the mouth again. 
For the rest of the night, the two ponies spent every second together in Sweet Apple Acres. It was possibly the most magical thing to happen to Rainbow Dash since the Sonic Rainboom. In fact, it may have been more magical than the Sonic Rainboom.
Rainbow Dash and Applejack slept in each others’ arms beneath an apple tree overlooking the entire orchard that night, two halves of a complete whole, united at last.

***

In the darkness, a white carriage drawn by royal guards rolled toward Ponyville. It bumped and bounced down the long and winding country road. Why it was out so late is a mystery. A greater mystery was: Who would be riding toward Ponyville in a carriage this late?
The carriage reached the edge of town. A royal guard walked over to the carriage door and turned the handle. A white hoof stepped down from the carriage and walked onto the pavement.
“Are you sure this is the place?” The white unicorn asked.
“Yes, sir. This is definitely the place.” The guard replied. 
“Well, let us find a place to stay for the night then, shall we?” The unicorn asked. He flipped his blonde mane out of his eyes. 
“Yes, Prince Blueblood.”