Dash’s Little Big Secret

by pandaxxus

The Best Secret She's Ever Kept

“So, you’re really staying here, huh?” Rainbow smirked, leaning in the doorway of the barn in Sweet Apple Acres.

Months had passed since Rainbow Dash and Applejack made up. After Rainbow and Big Macintosh got back together, the two both made an effort to try and make a schedule for themselves and their responsibilities. Rainbow Dash and the rest of the girls were able to spend time together again, and things worked out fine. Applejack and Rainbow Dash had gotten closer than ever before, and the young athlete still made frequent trips to the apple orchard.

It was now a few weeks into the summer. Big Macintosh had graduated from Canterlot High, and both his sister and his girlfriend were happy to attend. Big Macintosh never planned to go to college from the start, as he believed that his family needed him more. It didn’t seem possible, but it seemed like he and Rainbow fell for each other more and more. They’ve honestly grown as a couple and weren’t obsessed with seeing each other every second of the day, yet they still cherish every moment they do have together.

Rainbow’s smiles began to grow bigger every time she had seen him and the way they looked at each other said it all. Applejack could tell that there would be no end to the relationship anytime soon. Big Macintosh had still stuck with his plan to stay with his family, and Rainbow was pretty happy with his decision, but like Applejack, she always made sure that this is what he really wanted.

Both Applejack and Big Macintosh were straightening up some things in the barn when they heard Rainbow’s voice.

“What do ya mean ‘Ah’m really stayin’ here’? Of course, Ah am.” Big Macintosh smiled as he turned around to face Rainbow.

Rainbow’s smirk turned into a serious frown and she walked over next to Applejack. Her rainbow hair swinging back and forth behind her. She crossed her arms and looked into Big Macintosh’s green eyes.

“Mac, seriously,” Rainbow said, “You really didn’t want to do anything? You had nothing you wanted to achieve?”

Applejack nodded with Rainbow and looked at her brother as well.

“Yeah, ya didn’t have to stay for us. We’d be happy seeing you happy y’know?” Applejack added.

Big Macintosh walked over and put an arm over each of the girls, smiling.

“Y’all do know that it’s a bit too late for me to do anything about this if Ah wanted to right?” he smirked, “But I told y’all countless times. The only things I need to be happy is my family and the two of you.”

Rainbow leaned into the hug more, as she was too short to lean on his shoulder. Applejack playfully punched him in the chest.

“Alright enough,” she said laughing, “What happened to you?”

“Ah never changed,” Big Macintosh winked.

Rainbow took a seat on the hay and leaned her back against the wall.

“So, Dash, what brings you around here today?” Applejack asked her friend.

“I just wanted to pop in. I was kind of bored and thought I could come over,” Rainbow looked at Applejack, “I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”

“No, darlin’. You’re fine.” Big Macintosh smiled and Applejack laughed as she watched Rainbow’s cheeks redden. Rainbow never seemed to get used to that nickname and Applejack knew that she secretly loved it. Applejack was right, even after almost an entire year, every time Mac would call Rainbow by that nickname, she couldn’t help but feel extremely happy and embarrassed. She didn’t like that she would get flustered over something so small, but the feeling was so great.

Applejack looked at Rainbow and noticed that there were slight bags under her eyes, yet she still smiled.

“Rainbow,” Applejack started, wanting to get right to the point, “Everything alright?”

“Yeah, of course, I am.” Rainbow didn’t hesitate to answer.

“Ya jus’ look a little tired that’s all,” Big Macintosh said, noticing as well.

“Oh...yeah I’ve been up all night helping Rarity,” Rainbow stated simply.

“Doin’ what?” Both Applejack and Big Macintosh said in unison.

“She asked me to help set something up in her boutique. She fell asleep after a few hours and I decided to just finish the rest so I wouldn’t have to come back. By the time I was finished, I had to head to Fluttershy’s to help her with some animals.”

“So you haven’t slept?” Big Macintosh asked, his green eyes full of worry.

“Well, not recently, but it’s okay. I’ve gone longer.” Rainbow crossed her arms.

Applejack was about to protest but noticed Big Macintosh tense up next to her. She eyed her brother as his eyes seemed to widen just a bit, yet he kept his composure in front of Rainbow.

“If you say so,” Applejack told Rainbow, “Um, Mac and Ah still have a bit of chore to finish up, do ya think you can wait here for about fifteen minutes?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Applejack turned to meet her brother’s confused face.

“But, Ah thought we were done-”

“No, Mac, we forgot some remember?” Applejack said through clenched teeth, trying desperately to get her brother to take a hint.

“Applejack, we checked and double checked-”

“Big Macintosh!”

“Yes Applejack?”

“Outside. Now.” Applejack rolled her eyes and walked out of the barn. The two walked farther away so Rainbow wouldn’t be able to hear anything.

“What’s goin’ on sis?” Big Macintosh asked a smile was slapped onto his freckled face.

“Well, first of all, ya need to figure out when Ah’m tryin’ to be sneaky,” Applejack rolled her eyes and adjusted her hat, “But don’t think Ah didn’t see you get all scared in the barn. What happened?”

“Oh..uh. Ah almost forgot that it was our nine-month anniversary.” Big Macintosh said, his cheeks turning as red as the t-shirt he was wearing.

Applejack stood in shock for a moment.

“Y’all celebrate those kinds of things?”

Being in a relationship did change Rainbow, Applejack had to admit, but even with most of her changes, Rainbow would still think that it would be silly to celebrate even the smallest of things. She still isn’t comfortable with public affection. She would barely even hold Big Mac’s hand whenever they went out together.

“Rainbow doesn’t like it when Ah bring it up or do somethin’ for her. She thinks that we should celebrate the more significant milestones,” Mac said, scratching his orange hair nervously, “but Ah still try to do a little somethin’. Even if it annoys her.”

“Well, what do ya plan to do?”

“Ah have no clue, Ah was thinkin’ maybe I’d let her choose.”

“Well, then c’mon.”

Applejack and Big Macintosh headed back into the barn, finding Rainbow half asleep on the bale of hay she was sitting on. They both decided that it was best that if they had kept quiet, allowing Rainbow to fall asleep completely.

“So what now?” Applejack whispered as she gestured for Big Mac to leave the barn.

“Ah was thinkin’ somethin’ calm. She likes calm and quiet, even though it may not seem like it.” Big Mac stated.

“Wait, really?” Applejack raised an eyebrow, surprised to be learning something about her friend. After knowing her for years, Rainbow’s never given off that vibe.

“Eeyup!” Mac nodded.

“Well, we can ask the girls to hang out by the lake at the back of the orchards, by the CMC’s treehouse.” Applejack suggested.

“And what do we do then?” Big Macintosh asked.

“Well, then we decorate the area a little, Ah’ll ask Pinkie and Rarity if they can bring food. It could be a small get together!”

“That...actually doesn’t sound too bad.” Mac began to smile as he thought about Applejack’s idea.

“Ah told ya! Now, Ah’m gonna start callin’ up the girls. You can start decoratin’, but also keep an eye on that thickheaded girlfriend of yours. You never know what she’s up to.” Applejack smirked and pulled out her phone.

---

Applejack stood and looked around at the scene in front of her. By the lake, the trees surrounding it were decorated with rainbow-colored banners with green apples in the center of each. She had managed to bring a few picnic tables to the area, in which Rarity placed some red tablecloths on top. Pinkie had begun placing various baked treats onto the tables and jumped around in excitement.

“So, where’s Rainbow?” Sunset came up to Applejack crossing her arms, “Isn’t she supposed to be here?”

“She fell asleep because she was up all night helping the diva over there,” Applejack smirked and pointed at Rarity. The purple haired girl turned her head and made her way over to the two.

“Wait, are you saying that I robbed Rainbow of her beauty sleep?!” she looked concerned, “She told me that she was going to be fine!”

“Ah know, and Ah think she was...she just crashed that’s all.” Applejack smiled, trying, and failing, to comfort her friend.

Pinkie Pie hopped over to the trio as well, dragging Fluttershy next to her.

“Hey girls! Everything is all set up and we’re ready to start this party!” Pinkie beamed.

“Pinkie, Ah told ya this isn’t a party. It’s just somethin’, Mac wanted ta do for Rainbow.” Applejack deadpanned.

“A party is a party, Applejack. You can’t change my mind!” Pinkie smiled again before bouncing off to bug Twilight.

“I brought Angel...if you don’t mind,” Fluttershy said quietly, pulling the white rabbit from her bag.

“O’ course Ah don’t mind, the more the merrier.” Applejack smiled and pet Angel, only to be met with a hard glare.

“Hey Twi, do ya think you can get Rainbow for me?” Applejack called and watched as the clever girl turned around to look at her.

“I guess I can, she’s in the barn right?” Twilight asked, pushing up her glasses. As she saw Applejack nod, she began to jog to go and get her rainbow-haired friend.

Applejack stood chatting with her friends when she saw her brother heading over to the area as well. He looked around and his green eyes lit up at the decorations.

“Wow...AJ this looks amazing.” he gushed and ran a hand through his honey-colored hair.

“Where were ya?” Applejack asked her brother. He had been missing for the past few hours and was just returning.
“Ah had to go and get something. Ah’ll give it to Rainbow when she comes.” Big Mac explained, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

“Aww, he’s so sweet!” Rarity cooed.

Applejack adjusted her brown hat before turning to find Twilight and Rainbow walking towards the lake. Rainbow still looked a bit tired, but she did look more refreshed and rested than before.

“So, what does AJ need help with aga-” Rainbow started to ask Twilight before she looked up and saw everything set up. By now, there was music playing, the tables were full of treats and food, and the trees were fully decorated.

“What is this for?” Rainbow asked with wide eyes, looking at the scene laid out in front of her.

“Well, Big Mac went an’ told me that it was y’all’s ‘nine-month anniversary’, and he wanted to do somethin’ for ya. So, Ah asked the girls to see if they wanted to hang out for a bit so y’all can celebrate.” Applejack explained to Rainbow.

Rainbow rolled her eyes but couldn’t help a large smile from forming on her face.

“I told this dummy that I’m not into celebrating things like this,” she said through her smile.

“Hiya Dashie!” Pinkie suddenly popped in and wrapped Rainbow in a tight hug.

“Hey Pinkie,” Rainbow laughed a bit and hugged back.

“I made your favorite! Red velvet cupcakes! Come on, let me show you!” Pinkie smiled before taking Rainbow’s hand. Rainbow didn’t get a chance to protest as she was dragged by Pinkie to one of the picnic tables.

Applejack laughed and sat down near the shallow body of water. She looked over and found Rainbow laughing with both Pinkie and Twilight. Applejack thought about how much Rainbow had changed over the past year. She doesn’t snap at people as much, her temper calmed down dramatically. Rainbow hasn’t felt the need to constantly praise and brag about herself all the time any longer, it’s possible that she’s actually comfortable with herself now.

Rainbow’s grades improved as well, and she continued to perform better in class. She became more energized and stressed less. Rainbow had become more patient and overall, she became a happier person.

Applejack was snapped out of her thoughts when she felt that her hat had been lifted off of her head.

“Hey Freckles,” her raspy voice greeted, “You’ve been quiet for a while. Everything okay?”

Applejack felt Rainbow sit next to her. Looking over, Rainbow had the hat on her own head and her magenta eyes stared directly into Applejack’s.

“Yeah, everythin’ is alright.” Applejack smiled a bit. The smile slowly faded away as she thought about what had happened months prior. Rainbow never meant any harm, yet Applejack almost destroyed everything for her. Their friendship could have crumbled, both Rainbow and Big Mac would still be hurting, and nothing would have ever been the same. All because of her concerns.

Rainbow noticed Applejack’s shift and became concerned.

“AJ, seriously. What’s up?”

Applejack looked down.

“Ah just can’t believe Ah almost ruined everythin’ before. You really didn’t deserve ta feel like that, Rainbow.”

Rainbow’s eyes softened a bit as she listened to her friend.

“Hey, don’t sweat it. Like Sun Shim says, the past isn’t today.” Rainbow nudged Applejack with her elbow and smiled a bit.

Sunset Shimmer walked by and heard the mention of her name.

“Preach!” she said smiling and walked over to talk to Twilight.

Both Applejack and Rainbow laughed a bit before Rainbow continued.

“But, I wasn’t thinking either. Remember?” she said, biting her lip.

“Ah’m just glad everythin’ is okay again. Ah really do support the two o’ ya bein’ together, you know that? Y’all really do make each other happy. This is the happiest that Ah’ve ever seen ya. Ah say it all the time now, but Ah think that you are perfect for my brother. Ah’m glad that he found someone to make him happy, and Ah’m glad that someone was you.” Applejack said, smiling at her friend.

“What did I tell you about making me act sappy?!” Rainbow sniffed once and turned away, listening to Applejack laugh.

“Thanks, AJ.” she finally said after she wiped at her eyes a bit.

“Hey girls,” a deep voice came from behind. Both girls turned around to see Big Macintosh standing behind them then sitting next to Rainbow.

“Hey Mac,” Rainbow smiled and blushed when he kissed her cheek.

“What did I tell you about small things like this?” Rainbow asked him, referring to the party.

“Ah jus’ wanted to celebrate how long we’ve been together, that’s all,” Mac stated and handed Rainbow a small frame.

“What’s this?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow, examining the frame.

“Turn it over,”

Rainbow turned the frame over to see a picture of the two. Rainbow had one arm thrown around Mac while the other was used to make a peace sign. She winked as she wore the largest toothy grin. Her boyfriend held her close as she smiled as well.

Big Mac smiled down as he watched Rainbow grin a little.

“This was taken on-” he started but was cut off by Rainbow.

“Our first real date, I know.” she finished and stuck her tongue out, “You’re so cheesy I think I might be sick.”

Big Mac laughed and pulled Rainbow close.

“Ya love it. Ah know ya do.” he smiled.

Rainbow looked at both her boyfriend and her best friend sitting beside her and couldn’t help but smile. Looking around, she saw the rest of her friends laughing together and having a good time.

She made contact with Fluttershy’s teal eyes, and smiled and winked at her oldest friend. She received a warm smile back from the timid girl. Rainbow was extremely happy being surrounded by those who she loved and those who loved her. She had everything she could ever ask for. She had loving, supporting friends, an amazing boyfriend, and does what she loves.

Rainbow threw an arm around both Applejack and Big Macintosh and pulled them close.

“You know I love you guys right?” she said, looking at the two of them.

“We love you too, Dash,” Applejack smiled and hugged back.
“Hey! You guys are having a group hug without us?!” Pinkie growled and jumped in, squeezing the trio.

It wasn’t long before the rest of the girls chimed in and joined the hug as well.

The day ended with everyone laughing and having a great time. Rainbow watched as everything seemed perfect. She had kept many secrets throughout her lifetime, but this one had been the best one she’s ever kept.

Author's Note:

It’s finished! This story has been my most successful on this site, and for my first attempt at a chapter book, I am so happy! Thank you to everyone who followed by this story and liked it. I am beyond grateful!

(I do have an idea in mind for a possible sequel... but, that’s only if you guys would like one. How does a sequel sound?)

Once again, thank you! And I’ll see you all next time!

Comments

[pandaxxus]

9522028
Possibly

[Viper Pit]

I am happy I read this story it was super wholesome

[pandaxxus]

9526138
I'm happy you liked it!

[Viper Pit]

9526142
Maybe the sequal can be about Fluttershy getting over rainbow dash

[Wikey-Spikey]

This story was overall very well done. The gripes I do have are minor for the most part, Mainly that we didn't get to see Mac and Dash interact all that much until the last couple of chapters. Although, in this last chapter, I quite enjoyed the chemistry they showed. Kudos.

As for a potential sequel... well. All I can say is: Yes, Please.

[pandaxxus]

9526333
I understand that they didn't interact much, and I think that's because in most of the chapters, I was following Applejack's actions and thoughts. And as for the sequel, with the idea I have in mind, the two will interact much more

Thank you for reading my story!

[Ccleecia]

I think a sequel sounds like a sweet rainbow apple idea you have there my friend. And that was a really great story too.

[Ccleecia]

Maybe the sequel could be about Rainbow Dash and Mac move in with eachother....or something else, or maybe it could also be about Applejack finding her one true love soon, or or OR MAYBE it might be about Fluttershy finding her true love too.

[pandaxxus]

9526491
Your idea is actually very close to what I have in mind . I’m just not sure if you all would like a sequel or not, but I am thinking about it

Thank you for reading and I’m really happy you enjoyed it!

[Fernando1717]

Bring on the sequel! How about throwing a love rival there for some drama eh? Great story

[Stardust-pony]

It's finally over
Thanks for this story

[Night Spinner]

Yes, please, on the sequel.

[pandaxxus]

9527154
Thanks!

[pandaxxus]

9527298
Glad you enjoyed it!

[pandaxxus]

9527481
I actually might just make one now...

[MidnightShy]

This was so heartwarming! I think you ended this story perfectly. I'm really glad you made this story. Yes, I enjoyed it, but that's not the only reason. This story is just so... I don't know how to explain it... It's just amazing. You did a really good job. I can barely wait to read more of your work.

[pandaxxus]

9527706
Thank you so much

[Fernando1717]

9527621
Anytime!. 👍

[Ccleecia]

9526506
I sure did, and loved it too. And your welcome too my friend.

[Scholarly-Cimmerian]

A charming conclusion to this story.
And as to a sequel... you would have my interest with that. ^_^

[pandaxxus]

9534392
Thank you!

[Starsong Shine]

Wow, I think I cry- ;w;

But, seriously...

THIS STORY IS GOOOOOLD- WOOWIE! I DON'T SHIP THEM. BUT, I THINK I'M GONNA STARTE TO SHIP THEM THO-

[pandaxxus]

9675328
YES join the MacDash club pls you won't regret it

[Avellana]

I loved this so much man!!

[rainbownette]

i may not personally ship them but this was an amazingly written story!!