Arriving at Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash did a lap around the perimeter and saw Applejack with a bushel on her back, she smiled and turned, heading for the barn to wait.

Applejack trotted up several minutes later with a bushel of apples on her back and a soft smile gracing her muzzle. "Dashing, now to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Rainbow was leaning against the barn door with a piece of wheat in her mouth, looking down, nonchalantly. "Jeez, makin' me wait forever. I almost thought you didn't see me flying."

Applejack smirked. "Sugarplum, ya got a reason fer holdin' me up, or are ya gonna help me out with a real day's work?"

"Uh, neither," Rainbow said, looking worried at the prospect of farm work, "I'm already done working for the day and I wanted lunch. With you. Today. Now. Uh, yeah."

"Dashing, ya got a way with words. Ah'll be ready in a few, just gotta put away my stuff and let Big Mac or Granny know. Ya wait here and no hidin' or pranks."

"Uh," the last comment took Rainbow Dash off guard, "you got it, mare." Really? That's the best I could come up with? She did smile in that way, and look at her walking away. I haven't seen a rump that nice since... Stop it, brain!

Applejack and Rainbow went into town gossiping, sharing a laugh occassionally. Rainbow, hovering, led the way to their plae of lunch. "Ole Deli, a simple place to eat simple food," Rainbow quoted, "they better have good grub from what I heard about this place. Applejack eyed the front of the building warily, but followed Rainbow as she entered. Rainbow Dash picked a nice table by the front window before they scanned the menu for their lunch. "This place doesn't have any lunch specials? Look at this, nothing under five bits! What're we doing at this fancy schmancy place for lunch?"

"Now, Rainbow Dash. Don't get all picky, if it's the price, Ah'll buy."

"Heck no! No way my dates payin' for herself," Rainbow said then felt herself blush deeply.

"Dashing, yer turning purple again," she chuckled loudly, "so, this' a date for real I reckon?" Applejack said smiling as she raised her menu.

"Yeah, whatever. Can we just order now?" Rainbow Dash started to move her wings to hide her face.

"I wanna try this here Tofu and Blue Cheese caper burger with sprouts, and a soup. What're you havin'?"

"I don't know, AJ. Just pick something so we can eat and go."

"Now, ya think you'd never been out ta eat before. What's goin' on, lassie? Embarrassed ta be out with me in public?"

"No, it's just that I called you my date, out loud, and everypony's looking at me." Applejack looked around the restaurant.

"Ah don't see a pair'v eyes on ya, save fer the ones at this here table. Now, stop bein' silly and sit up and pick somethin' ta eat."

The waiter arrived, a Pegasus mare with a yellow mane and lime coat. "Hi, I'm Lime, and I'll be your waitress today. What can I get you?"

Oh gosh she has such a sweet voice. "She's gonna order," Rainbow mumbled while pointing to Applejack, blushing still.

"Aright, Ah'm takin the number fourteen, and she's having the number two."

"Number two, AJ?" Rainbow asked, "I want the number one!"

"Nah, she said I get to choose, so she's gettin' the number two. Thanks, Lime."

"I'll put that in right away. Can I get you some water or juice?"

"Cranberry and apple juice for me," Rainbow said. Applejack nodded in agreement and Lime left to fill their order.

Rainbow Dash relaxed a bit over the next couple minutes and scanned the room, looking to see if they were being watched. Lime brought their drinks quickly, looking between them and raising an eyebrow and with an expression that was knowing of something. Before Applejack or Rainbow could ask, Lime was turning her attention to another table.

Sipping their juice they didn't talk, which made their time waiting for their meal feel longer and slightly awkward. Several minutes later, two plates of food were placed in front of them by Lime and they thanked her quickly, glad for a break in the silence.

Applejack looked at her burger and smiled then smelled her soup. "Mmm. Tomata bisque."

Rainbow looked at hers and smiled too. A black bean burrito with spicy peppers and cream sauce was steaming on her plate, a fresh caesar salad with extra cheese to the side. She looked at Applejack and gestured for Applejack to start. Picking up her burger between her hooves, she took a big bite and smiled as the cheese dripped from her mouth onto the plate. Rainbow's eyes widened as she looked at her meal. She grabbed a fork and cut a large piece of burrito off and ate it. She shuddered as the flavors danced on her tongue, making her smile contently.

It was the best thing she'd eaten in a while and it was going to be worth every bit she was going to pay for it. The rest of their meal the only noises they made were the sounds of chewing, slurping, and chomping as they gobbled their meals loudly. Finishing their meal at roughly the same time they sat back in their chairs and sighed loudly rubbing their bellies.

"What was that? I hear a filly cheering because I won, I finished first."

"Yeah? Ya even taste yer meal, second place?"

"Kinda, I'll taste it when I burp, number fourteen. The important thing is, I won," Rainbow said sighing, slouching in her chair slightly.

"Next time we'll make it official, with Pinkie as the judge."

"Deal. Now, where's the-"

Lime came up and gave them their bill as Rainbow was finishing her sentence.

"12 bits?!? For two lunches! You're lucky this is a date, lady," Rainbow said as she reached under her wing for her bit bag and counted the needed amount, dropped the bits, on the table, and hovered out of the restaurant alone.

Applejack nodded to the waitress and tossed two bits into the pile as a tip. "Ya did real good, Ah'll tell my friends about this place."

"Thanks, have a nice day ladies," Lime said with a genuine smile as she collected the bits, "Have a great night too," she shouted at Rainbow Dash, with a wink.

The pegasus slumped as she waited. "Everypony's teasing me," she whispered as Applejack caught up and trotted ahead. "Thanks for lunch, Sugar. I enjoyed that meal, even if it was a might pricey."

"Expensive you mean. I coulda taken you to Hayburger's for lunch, twice."

"That's not a place ta take a date of my quaility," Applejack tipped her hat up and smirked. "Anyway, it don't matter cuz Ah was with you. Thanks again, but I gotta get back to work and I know you got some stunt flyin' workout ta do. Go show 'off, Dashing." Applejack hopped up and with a kiss on the cheek, she turned to start back to the farm before looking back. "You're pretty when your cheeks are purple."

Rainbow blinked and flew up into the sky with a growing smile.

Rainbow returned to the weather department and went to her office. She looked over her shoulder as she entered and switched on a light as a couple Pegasi looked quizzically at her. I haven't used my office for weeks. I am a bad example. It's no wonder the flock doesn't respect my work etiquette. Entering the office she was greeted with the usual brick walls and a desk cluttered with dust, paperwork she'd put off months ago, and a mildew scent that reminded her of something she probably left too long in the room. Fuck me with a quill. I can't believe I work in a dump like this.

Rainbow went to cleaning and organizing her office. Opening the dusty shades and window, dust blew around her office, making herself cough heavily. She swept, mopped, and dusted the whole office herself with the door open, to the surprise of many ponies that passed and looked in. Taking a better chair from one of the cubicles, she swapped it with the one at her desk and took a seat with a sigh, then spun in place. I have an office. I've had an office but never used it. One point to Rainbow Dash for earning their respect.

"I'd better get to work, I'm sure I've got something that needs to get done in this place." She went to Diamonds office and knocked respectfully.

"Come in," he called flatly.

"Diamond. I'm ready to be a better leader to my flock; I've done my work and taken a lunch for the day. I-I need something to do."

He looked up and a hint of a smile showed. "Paperwork, Miss Dash. Finish your paperwork."

"Already done. I've also cleaned my office top to bottom."

Raising an eyebrow Diamond looked at Rainbow Dash. "Well, you've surprised me a little. However, as a weather manager, you need to find something to do yourself. Set the example as there's always something that need fixing. I would love for you to spend a full day at work, doing actual work.

"I know, and I am. It's just," Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck trying to find the courage, "I need some guidance, and you're the best manager I know." Diamond raised both eyebrows now, surprise evident. "You see, I know I got manager because I was the best out there but, I don't apply myself to my actual job and I know I can be better. I can be the best with your help."

Diamond lowered his eyebrows and smiled widely for the first time that day. "Miss Dash, I am impressed at your attitude and behavior today, as well as your humility. Close the door, we have a lot to discuss."

Rainbow landed outside Applejack's window and knocked, hoping she'd open it. It was still early in the evening, but she wanted to see her marefriend. When there wasn't an answer she tried looking over the orchard and inside the barn to no avail. Resigning herself she went to the door and knocked.

Applebloom opened the door and stood still, looking at her. At least this time she doesn't look like she wants to hurt me. "Lemme see AJ?"

"No, she went to the barn to do some work and Ah ain't seen her. Bye." With that, Applebloom shut the door.

"The barn, eh?" Rainbow smirked confidently as she flew to the barn to find it empty of ponykind. A grin formed as she flew inside, opened the door to the apple cellar and listened.

The distant echo of hooves tickled her ears as she flew down the stairs quickly, slowing as the dancing rainbows could be seen as she peeked behind the barrels leading to the other room.

Crawling inside, she heard light breathing as she looked at the bed where Applejack was asleep, holding a book. Rainbow snickered at the sight. “Egghead,” she whispered with a roll of her eyes. She watched Applejack sleep then noticed the book. Wait, is that Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Statue?! Rainbow then looked at the bookshelf excitedly, her smile fell. Nothing about the Wonderbolts, Daring Do, or anything cool. Except me, that is.

Landing and taking a seat on the edge of the bed, Rainbow brushed her hoof against Applejack’s mane. The soft flowing hair yielded to the pressure and Rainbow felt something. Pulling it out carefully, she noticed it was a rolled up picture, the same picture from before.

She is so sappy. Rainbow thought as she traced a heart over the two of them with her hoof. Placing the photo aside, she leaned in to kiss Applejack as the scent of fresh dirt, sweat, and sweet apples filled her senses. What was supposed to be a wake up peck on the cheek suddenly turned into Rainbow taking Applejack’s face in her hooves as she started to passionately kiss her lips.

Startling awake, Applejack pushed with her front legs as hard as she could at the unknown assaulter. With a grunt Rainbow was thrown back but stopped before she impacted the barrels with a hard flap of her wings. "Oh, Dashing, I'm so sorry! Are you okay?"

"AJ? I was just trying to be more romantic, like you said you wanted. I thought kissing you awake was gonna be nice," she rubbed a hoof along her other foreleg.

"Oh, it was Sugarplum. Ah just wasn't expecting anypony, is all."

“Nah, it’s cool. Hey, how’s about we relax and celebrate?” Rainbow dashed to get the mug from the other room.

"Now, what are we celebratin', and what with?"

"I got a lotta respect at work and had lunch with the second toughest mare in Equestria, in the same day. Pretty awesome if you ask me," she said with a laugh as she waved a hoof to the tapped barrel. Applejack narrowed her eyes, but shrugged as it wasn’t uncommon to tap a barrel to sample and for Granny to forget about it.

Rainbow filled her mug and drank it quickly, filling it again and passing it to Applejack. With a giggle, Applejack held her cup to Rainbow as she refilled her cup. "AJ, this special cider has alcohol in it? Doesn't it?"

"Sugar, it's got lotsa alcohol. We've been fermenting this barrel for two years alone. From that barrel in the corner to that one on the end over there twenty years, down to two. We sell 'em ta big spenders, for a hefty fee, in them hoity toity rich places like Canterlot. What that means, is that we can not, not, drink from these here other barrels, ever. Understand?"

"What if I get you to hit me into another barrel?" Rainbow asked seriously.

"If Ah was to do that, you wouldn't be leavin' here without a doctor." Rainbow narrowed her eyes as Applejack said that.

She might be serious. This is her family's livelihood after all. "Don't worry, I was just joking AJ,” she waved a dismissive hoof, “don't be so serious."

"Ah have ta be. Rainbow Dash, don't let me ever catch you drinkin' from these again. This here barrel would sell for 1,600 bits, on sale,” she tapped the mahogany barrel lightly.

"1,600 BITS? That's insane!"

"No, that's some good cider," Applejack said as she finished her mug and wiped her mouth.

The next hour was spent sharing the special cider and joking, telling stories, and flirting with each other until Rainbow Dash couldn't stand on her own hooves anymore. "AmpleJack? Why... Why, uh, why do you say 'bucking' and us Pegasi say feathering?'"

"Rainglow Dashing. Ah jus dunno. Maybe. Maybe, on accounta y'all flyin' are always like birds and a flock like ya say. And us earthers are always buckin' cuz we ain't flyin' up there in the sky like ya beautiful birds, soarin all over."

"Soarin... What a buckin’ prick. I cannow know what I saw in 'im. He was a... A jerk, and only wanted to rut always, and wasn’t even good. And, like, he even unsheathed during a dinner cuz the waitress was flirting!" Rainbow Dash laughed from her spot on the floor. Applejack was sitting a few feet away, listing as she chuckled.

"So, y'all was eatin' and he poked out? That's halar-hilr-hol. Uhh, funny as heck!"

"Oh, it gets better,” Rainbow rolled to her belly and grinned, “we were at a restaurant with dozens of ponies around us. Some waiting outside for his autograph. He couldn’t get away and everypony there saw his awkwardly smell floppy Soarin’ hangin’ about,” she fell to her side again in laughter with Applejack crawling to her and laughing with her.

Waking up with Rainbow Dash’s wings was a delightful feeling as Applejack stretched her legs and rolled off the bed. Standing was a mistake as the high quality cider had taken its toll, she felt her head throb and her stomach turning almost as fast as the room twisted in opposing directions before her eyes. She started to tip forward, then hopped back into bed and laid on her side. Oh, don't throw up. Don't throw up. Don't throw up. Oh this was more fun before I blacked out. Scooting closer to Rainbow, Applejack moved a wing back over her and she fell back asleep.

Rainbow Dash woke up and stretched as she felt Applejack’s warm body against her. Sitting up she smiled as the headache throbbed, yet filled her with memories from before they had fallen asleep. The room was very dim, as the crystals had almost all turned off. Rainbow climbed over Applejack and crawl out of the room to find a place to relieve herself. Opening the main cellar door she was blinded by the midday sun. "Oh. Buck me."

Rushing back down into the other room Rainbow shoved Applejack and tried to wake her up. "We're late for work! Get up!"

"Dash, it's saturday. Ain't no work to be done. Come back to bed."

"Saturday? It's already after sun up!"

"So? Go to sleep. Ain't nothin' goin' on."

"But, we have that dinner party tonight!"

"That's tonight," Applejack said as she sat up in bed. Her head was still punishing her, but everything else had stopped spinning. "Right now, let's sleep off this hangover."

"I feel fine. I've gotta pee, AJ. C'mon!" Rainbow started bouncing her rear legs.

"Ugh, bouncin' ain't gonna make it better. C'mon, let's get you to the outhouse." Turning off the gems as they crawled out, Applejack re-hid the entrance behind barrels of apples. As she turned to look at Rainbow Dash the light of the midday sun made her headache worse.

Shielding her eyes with her hat, she followed Rainbow Dash outside and shut the heavy wooden door. Rainbow Stretched her wings and legs, then hovered a few feet from the ground as Applejack slouched and walked to the house.

Opening the door and going upstairs was the hardest chore she had to do all week, while Rainbow followed close behind talking about how much fun she’d had the previous night. Applejack let Rainbow into the bathroom first, then after her turn as she went to her room and climbed back into bed, falling asleep again.

"Applejack? Applejack. Wake up. I've let you sleep enough. C'mon sleepy pony. It's lunch time and I'm hungry." Rainbow Dash started pulling and shoving Applejack until she woke up with a loud yawn. Stretching for what felt like the best time ever, she rolled out of bed onto the floor with the pillow in her mouth and landed on it with a small smile.

"Ah don't wanna get up yet. It's mah day off," she grumbled.

"Applejack," Rainbow whined this time, "I wanna get lunch with you again," she said as she poked Applejack.

"Can't ya get some grub from the fridge?"

"I want real food, out there! I can't stay cooped up all day. C'mon AJ, let's go do somethin'. Race you to town," Rainbow challenged landing in a squat as her starting position.

"Ain't no race to get going right now. Ah'm still wakin up, so go get me some tea to start my day," Applejack still hadn't opened her eyes.

"Fine. Sheesh, I never thought you'd be this lazy on your day off."

"Ain't lazy, relaxin. You do this all the time ev'ry day." The comment took Rainbow by surprise as she stammered, trying to think of something to say.

"Well, not today! And I'm gonna go out and, uh, I guess I'll see ya later then, sleepy tail."

Applejack rolled over, blinked her eyes open a few times, yawned, and pushed herself up on her forelegs. "Alright. Ah’m up. What're we doin, Miss Rushing."

"Well, I'm hungry and my head still hurts so, I think a few sandwiches and a salad is what we need. C'mon!"

Rainbow Dash went out the window and began flying laps waiting as Applejack exited the house with a bright smile and looking refreshed after a few minutes of getting ready and grabbing a fritter on the way out the door. "AJ, that was the longest pee ever!"

"Well, Ah had to comb my mane and wash my face, what’dya expect?" Applejack snickered as she trotted toward town with Rainbow Dash flying close beside her.

"You don't brush your mane."

"Ah do, you just don't notice." Rainbow smiled at that remark but didn't get a chance to retort. "So, Sugarplum, where we eatin'? I could eat a whole bale’a hay, I'm so hungry."

"Ha-ha. Let’s go to The Salad Bar. They have great build your owns."

"Sounds good ta me. I'm buyin'."

"Fine by me," Rainbow smiled as she began to fly faster.

"Then tomorrow, Ah’m choosin' where we eat." Applejack smiled as she began to speed up. Turning to a full gallop, Applejack took the lead to a surprised Rainbow Dash who quickly followed the racing mare ahead of her.

"Hey, no flyin' ta win! That's cheatin'!"

"You didn't say anything about that when you started running!" Rainbow called as she zipped overhead into town, leaving a rainbow contrail and a plume of dust in her wake. Coughing ponies glared at Rainbow as she landed and waited at the restaurant. Can't beat the amazing Rainbow Dash.

Arriving at The Salad Bar, Applejack coughed from the still settling dust and ignored her gloating mate. The Salad Bar was plenty busy but another meal they enjoyed together. “What’s that? Wha-wha-what?! You gotta pick up the pace if you wanna get a close second someday, Slow-jack!”

"Yeah, yeah. Rainbow Dash, you're gonna lose big some day and I'll make you get a hooficure in front of the whole town."

"Ain't gonna happen AJ. I'm the best and you know it! Now, I need a victory meal. Cuz, ya know, I won," Rainbow flew a loop and into a seat outside the restaurant. Applejack rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Dashing, I got somewhere ta be, here’s ten bits, buy what ya want. I'll see ya at the party tonight at Quills."

"What, you’re bein’ a sore loser?” She sighed as the bits hit the tabletop. “You seriously wanna go to that party? Whatever, I'll see you there just before sundown?"

"It's a date, Sugarplum." Rainbow waved and waited for the menu when a familiar lime mare approached the table.

“Hey, Rainbow Dash. Where’s AJ going?”

“Off to do chores, probably,” she mumbled.

"Are you okay Rainbow Dash?" Lime asked gently.

"Yeah, I’m fine, just hungover a bit. thanks Lime. Uh, aren't you supposed to be at work?"

Lime giggled. “I am, I work here on the weekends.”

“Do you ever have a day off?”

“Nope, but I have plenty of free nights this way. The whole town practically starts to shut down at sunset so I get to go home every night before the fun starts.”

“Yeah, me and AJ have a party at Quill’s tonight, I hope it won’t suck.”

Lime leaned close and spoke in a quiet tone. "So, I guess the rumors are true then? You and AJ are fillyfoolers?"

Rainbow sputtered as she blushed. “What, uh, what’re you talkin’ about? I’m all about the colts…”

"Hey, mares and stallions? You don’t do it by choice. I guess I figured I'd let you know that you're getting attention from a few ponies that'll start making passes at you, both genders."

"Oh really?" Rainbow smiled wryly, "you're one of them?"

"Oh, no. I'm not that kind of mare to break up a new relationship. But, we'll see in a few months," Lime winked playfully.

"Lime, I don’t have plans past five seconds from now. AJ and me, we've been through a lot more than any pony else knows and that makes us have a bond that’s special."

Lime said as she wrapped a foreleg around Rainbow. "I haven't seen a couple like you two for a while. I think you're gonna last. I mean, you've got a great foundation that most ponies don't have. But, there are a few out there that'll test you for the challenge. Just keep an eye open and watch out for Cloud Kicker. She's impulsive and could be trouble."

"Yeah, I know about her. Everypony in town does. If me and AJ do get into a situation like that, I’m sure we'll work it out."

"That's why I know you'll last a while, not many ponies have what you two have. So, see you there?"

“Where?”

“Quills party, silly,” Lime chirped as her wings ruffled.

“Huh, you’re going too? What happens there?”

“Not much. Drinking, games, snacks, girl talk. We get dressed up and hang out.”

Dressed up, huh? "Well, I'll see ya tonight then. I got somewhere ta be."

"Okay, see ya later Rainbow! Hey, wait, you didn’t order any food!” she shouted as she looked at the table and pile of bits. She shrugged and scooped them into her apron. “Thanks for the tip!”

Damn, I better just get ready for this stupid party. What should I wear? Why should I have to wear anything? What about my mane? Or my tail? Oh my gosh! What if this is a big coming out party where everypony will know about our relationship and judge us based on how many times we've done it? Okay, calm down, Rainbow Dash. Just get to the closet and pick out something nice and brush your mane and put a bow in your tail. No big deal. You're gonna rock whatever you wear.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is… Oh, Applejack, my darling. I haven't seen you in what feels like forever! Dear, did you brush your mane?! It's a nice improvement over, uh, not doing it," Rarity tried to salvage the greeting that was turning sour fast, "so, to what do I owe the honor?"

"Ah need one of yer fancy getups for a little social party Ah’m goin to tonight, and make it snappy."

Rarity gasped, then grinned widely. "Oh, you need a dress! I am so happy, and you know you've come to the best. So, tonight? We haven't a moment to lose. First I have to get you to the spa to get your mane and coat cleaned up then a massage to loosen your skin and a hooficure to show off those lovely hooves you're always hiding beneath all that mud and dirt."

"Rare, Ah just need a dress-"

"And a dress does nothing if it's accented by a messy mare so; go-go-go. I have to do some designing while you're there, I'll see you in two hours. Just ask for the Rarity’s guest special, they’ll know what to do."

"Oh, Applejack, you look amazing! I have just the dress for you and you can try it on right now! Come, come." Rarity ushered her into a room and helped her change. With a loud squeal of glee that could have shattered a wine glass, Rarity beamed at her successful evening dress. "I am just so happy you let me make you over today. You'll be the bell of the ball! Now go get yourself a coltfriend and see if he has a brother for me," she snickered as she walked Applejack to the door.

Applejack rolled her eyes and thanked Rarity as she looked at the setting sun. If I knew this was gonna be such a big deal, I’d have never said yes ta this party. Next time.

Graaaarrrgh. I don't know what to wear and I can't do a thing with my mane! My tail is useless as anything right now... I can't go to this party with Applejack looking like I always do, I want her to remember this as a special night with her special somepony, not just another night with 'Rainbow Dash.' "I have to see Rarity," she said as she pressed a hoof to her temple.

Arriving at Rarity’s closer to the party than she should have, Rainbow flew into the shop and stopped right in front of a surprised Rarity, a gust of wind blowing the styled mane back before it fell perfectly back into place.

"Rarity, I have a thing tonight and I need a dress and I don't know what to wear and I need to do my mane and tail but I don't know what to do and I really need your help and I'm asking you for this, please!"

With a sly smirk, Rarity nodded and levitated a dress from a rack to Rainbow. “While I appreciate the rambling of a desperate pony, needing of my skills, Rainbow Dash, I had a feeling you had a ‘thing’ tonight, as such; this will go amazingly with your mane and tail, uh, post a little brush and fluff at the spa. Here’s a coupon, just tell me how it went over, okay?"

"Thank you!" Dash shouted as she grabbed the dress, hugging it tightly to her chest, then the ticket before she quickly left for the spa. I can't believe I was so worried. Get my mane done and get to the party. Say hi and let them talk about how awesome I look then leave with Applejack in style. I just have to stay calm and remember what Fluttershy said and not to get too nervous. Hide it until it goes away. You can do this, you can do this.

Rainbow landed outside the spa and burst into the doors, skidding to a stop in front of a mare with keys in her mouth. "Ladies, I need a quick mane and tail style! I got a party to get to in, like, an hour!"

"It's closing time, ma'a-."

"Here’s a coupon and I'll pay double!"

"Locks!” the mare turned and shouted over her shoulder, “you gotta customer! Hurry up!"