Waking up later than Applejack, Rainbow wasted little time and got to her chores before work. Applejack was already in town selling apples so Rainbow decided to eat a few apples while she finished putting apples in bushels and then into the barn. Finishing earlier than she expected, now that she wasn’t sorting them, she asked Big Mac what was next on her list. With a shrug, he led her to a broken wagon and pointed to the back where it had several spare parts and replacements set on its back end.

"I have to fix this thing?"

"Yup."

"Are you pranking me again? I'm gonna finish this and find out you're throwing it away tomorrow?"

"Nope. Need it for tradin' apples to another town." With that he turned and walked away to begin another set of his chores.

I better not be getting pranked again. I'll, I'll, I don't know yet. But, he won't like it.

Grabbing a toolbox and a spare wheel she went to work replacing the wheels. After an hour she had replaced the broken wheels and was ready for a break. I'm gonna take a five. I think this' gonna be okay til I get back. Flying up into the sky, she landed on a slowly drifting cloud to take a short nap.

"Hey. Hey! Wake up Rainbow Dash."

"Huh? What do you want, I'm taking a break," she said rolling her back to the other pegasus.

"I have a job to do and you're laying on my cloud."

"Your cloud?" She sat up and looked into the mare’s face with a grimace before softening her expression. “ Hey, Sprinkle Cloud. Yeah, I guess it is. Sorry, I'm not in the know anymore for the weather. I'll just go find another."

"That's not a good idea, Rainbow Dash. Diamond isn't in a good place since you told him off. If he were able to he'd probably have you banished from the city skies," Sprinkle mused.

"That plot-hole can't take a joke?” Rainbow rolled her eyes as she flexed her wings, “So what? He can't stop me from sleeping on a cloud," she stated defiantly.

"Actually, we're under orders to bust any cloud you're on if you don't put in an official request at the office," she replied meekly, rubbing a forehoof against her other leg.

"A formal request? What the flock is wrong with him?"

"When you told him off, Rainbow Dash, we laughed at him until he stormed back into his office. Then he posted a letter saying anyone aiding you in your misuse or abuse of cloud time will have their pay docked... or their jobs. We can't risk that, you know how much we're paid to begin with. Most of us are just making it by without having to get a second job in this small town."

Looking at the mare in front of her, Rainbow sighed then hovered above the cloud. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry I put you all into such a bad place. I hope I can make it better, maybe if I apologize to Diamond he'll relax on everypony."

"Wow, the great Rainbow Dash apologizing? What happened to you, keep doing it. I've gotta get back to work but, I hope you're doing well and we’ll see you around the offices soon." With that, the other mare grabbed and pushed the cloud away, leaving Rainbow hovering mid air and in thought.

What I've been doing for the past week? That'd be Applejack. With a snicker she decided she there was a pony to see at the library. Landing behind a bush, she grabbed it and pulled it from its rooted place in the earth, took it with her to the library, and picked up a small rock from the path. After the second rock had hit the door, Spike opened the door and got the third one to his head “Ouch, what the… who throws rocks at a door?” he looked up and saw Rainbow’s tail from behind the out of place bush in the center of the street. “H-hello? Uh, Rainbow. Why are you so far back behind a bush? Are you hiding?"

"I need to setup a meeting between me, Twilight, and Applejack tonight at five, can you set it up, please?" Rainbow whispered loudly.

Spike raised an eyebrow and pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. "Uh, yeah. Did you want to just see Twilight? She's right over-"

"No, I don't think it's a good idea for us to alone in the same room yet."

"But, I'm here Rainbow. I’ll play peacekeeper," Spike said looking annoyed.

Rainbow looked over the bush and frowned. "And you'll leave the minute she says. I’ll see you at 5," she told him before away, destroying the bush as she left.

"Who was that, Spike?"

"Rainbow Dash; she wants a meeting between you and Applejack and her tonight at 5."

"What? Why? What did you tell her?"

"Nothing, Twilight. She told me to set it up then left. Do you think I should?"

"I don't see why not, just make sure you're quick to tell Applejack, I need you to help make a list of questions to ask now that I have an unscheduled appointment. This is cutting into my reading hours so I’ll need you to help me reschedule my week, if I need to."

With a groan, Spike smacked his face with his hand.

"Evening, AJ. How was your sleep?" Rainbow asked as she waited outside the library.

"Sugarplum, I don't think standin’ all day sellin’ apples works like that, and it seems naps don’t count as breaks,” Applejack yawned slightly. “Now, why'd ya call me here when Ah could be havin’ supper instead?"

"Yeah, I think we need Twilight’s help finding out what's going on with our elements. And I'm not talking to her alone after last time,” Applejack frowned as Rainbow flew over and draped a leg over her withers. “I need my big strong body guard," Rainbow whispered as she drew a small circle with her hoof on Applejack’s neck and kissed her on the cheek. Applejack blushed and gulped, puffing out her chest with a nod.

Opening the door they entered and were greeted by Spike who was wearing an apron and placing tea sandwiches on a coffee table while Twilight stood reading from a book. After awkward greetings, Twilight moved several cushions into the area and gestured for them to lay down and relax.

“So, Rainbow, I’m glad you called us here, but I don’t know why, to be honest.”

"Twilight, it feels like we're getting more connected every couple days and the more we love each other the more power I feel like I have," Rainbow started. “I feel new things and it’s not just physical, right, AJ?”

"Rainbow’s right, it's almost like Ah'm using my element of magic when we have sex-"

"Make love," Rainbow interjected quickly and loudly then lowered her head while blushing.

"Make love then,” Applejack said softly to Rainbow as she patted a blue foreleg, “but it's a feeling I get when I'm close to her too, and we were talkin’, but not plannin’ on askin’ what ya thought it’d mean."

Sighing Twilight climbed onto a purple cushion that was very worn and sat down before speaking. "It could be a side effect of the elements. They are about harmony and love is just that. The only thing is the elements of harmony are still a mystery to us and there's almost nothing written about them and even the Princesses are cryptic about their history. So, I can only surmise that your ‘connection’ to each other is acting as a catalyst for your elements' power. I don't know how or why and if you can take notes of -"

"Twi, we ain't takin' notes of our personal lives for you to hide away like ya did with ours."

"Uh…” Twilight’s eyes shifted away and around the room, “Applejack. I don't know what you're talking about."

"The heck ya don't. I remember you takin' notes and all that even while we were in the middle of whatever number you gave our moves and-"

"Girls, please! Let's not fight right now, I can't have you go to jail again,” Rainbow held up a foreleg to each other mare. “So, let’s just chillax with some tea and let me talk." The others nodded and Twilight gave a sandwich to each of her friends and took two for herself. "Okay, yes. Me and AJ are in love and everypony knows it. Yes, you two had a thing and it was kinda weird so you two broke up."

"I didn't-"

"Shh, Twilight. We have to get over what happened between you two and,” she looked at Twilight pointedly, “what happened between us. The past is the past and we don't live there anymore. So let’s talk it out and get over it. First is why me and AJ are here right now, we have an issue and we don't know what's going on. Help me out with your egg head, Twi. What's goin' on."

"Well, I don't know, Rainbow Dash. I've done all I can and all I can ask is that you both log your experiences. You don't have to detail what you're doing,” she emphasised, “but I have to know the feelings and emotions you have when this event occurs to even begin a hypothesis."

"Sugarcube, I don't think ya understand. It's love we feel when it happens. That's all there is to it," looking at Rainbow, Applejack felt the flutter in her chest. "And there's no need explaining love. Ah’m sure you can look it up in a book," she added snidely

“Girls,” Rainbow looked between them as they both began to give of an aura of discomfort.

"No, I felt it when I was with you, Applejack. I just didn't know until you left me crying on the stairs with my heart ripped out and-"

"Twilight Sparkle, Ah swear ya best stop all the dramatics or I'll storm outta here like I did that day Ah left ya. Ya know why it didn't work out and why-”

“Girls,” Rainbow pressed a hoof to her head as they bickered.

"- know, and I'm sorry. If I could do it over I'd do it differently and you know that," Twilight shouted as her eyes began to water. She turned away so Applejack wouldn't look at her face. “You know how I felt but I never thought about your feelings.”

"Twi, ya know it wouldn't be any different if ya went back in time and started over then or we started over tomorrow,” she glanced at Rainbow she shook her head slightly with a soft smile before returning her attention to Twilight. “Ya only care about yer books, studies, and yerself. What me and Dashing have, you and me never can. That's that. If ya don't have anything else, my marefriend and me have to go home."

"Wait, can't we-"

"No, we can't. If yer just gonna talk about old relationships then I'm leaving. Good night Spike. Good night Twi. Ya coming Dashing?"

"I wouldn't go anywhere without ya, AJ." Rainbow flew after Applejack out the door leaving Twilight and Spike alone in the library. “Twi, thanks for the help, but I’m not the only one that’s gotta grow up.”

"AJ, do you really think I've changed?"

"A little, why?"

"Well, ever since we got together I've never been happier and had a more full feeling in my heart, but I also just dropped into your life and started causing trouble."

"Sugarplum, you're the best thing that's happened to me too. And ya didn't fall inta my life, ya flew into my heart. And all that mess with Granny is as much my fault as yours. I'm thinkin' we should visit the cider cellar if we need to instead of goin’ at it in the house."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. It's totally awesome being with you, AJ, but if I turn into a burden..."

"Yer not a burden, Rainbow. Look,” she sighed and then smiled to Rainbow, “let's go to the cellar before we go for dinner?"

"AJ!” Rainbow placed a forehoof to her chest and faked shock, “I could never, I’m not a married mare,” she grinned, “I think we should definitely go there before bed," Rainbow flew in front of Applejack, "after we eat, and then we can go for a walk. Oh, I gotta ask!”

"Yeah, Dashing?"

"Can I wear your hat the next time we, you know," Rainbow flew over Applejack and reached for the Stetson just to see Applejack bolt ahead. "Hey, get back here!" Applejack galloped ahead back to the farm. Galloping into the barn she stopped to catch her breath as Rainbow flew in, stopping just inside the door to see Applejack standing by the cellar entrance with a smile that said it all.

"Ohhh, look who's back? Rainbow Bash! Ya here to tear somepony else a new one?" A mare in the back of the office shouted garnering attention of the entire floor to Rainbow. Flying to Diamond’s office, Rainbow knocked on the door and entered when he allowed it, closing it behind her.

"Mr. Diamond Wing?"

Frowning at her he cleared his throat. "What do you want, Rainbow Dash?"

"I'm sorry."

"Is that all?"

"No, I mean I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry for being a slacker. I'm sorry for being lazy. I'm sorry for insulting you and making you look like a dork in front of the flock. I'm sorry for," Rainbow started to sniffle, "I'm sorry for being a disappointment to you,” her voice cracked, “I've always been a coward and I cover it with arrogance and pride. I talked with my fillyfriend and she told me what was wrong with me and-and I," stopping her speech she tried to stop crying in front of him as she wiped her eyes with her forelegs.

"Miss Dash. Are you being serious?" Looking at her as she cried softly, he softened his expression and leaned back into his chair and closed his eyes for a moment. The sound of Rainbow quietly sobbing and sniffling broke the silence like a gunshot in a small room. "Rainbow Dash. I understand and I'm sorry too. I am a bit of a dick when it comes to work. I've always had the company. Only the company. I'd blown off my family and friends for corporate events. My love life ended decades ago... to be honest, in a way I envy you Rainbow."

"W-what?" she asked wiping her eyes.

"You live the carefree life I always wanted. I am telling you this in confidence, by the way." Rainbow nodded as she looked at him. "I'm jealous of what you have ahead of you, the life and freedom you can chase, or the love you can have. I do think you have a long way to go before you gain the respect you deserve from the others, but coming in here and talking to me like the stallion I am shows me that you do still have potential to work your way up the ladder again."

"Uh, Diamond. I didn't even think about that when I came in here. I just moved in with Applejack."

"Wow, Rainbow Dash is the fastest in Equestria!" he laughed.

"Well, what can I look forward to then, if I started working my way back up? Can I get my old position back soon?"

"We've given that job to Quill, sorry Rainbow Dash. What I will do is move you up to a level five part-time cloud buster and we'll see how you do." Drying her eyes she turned and opened the door.

Stepping outside she looked over her shoulder at him. "Mister Diamond. Thanks for the offer and I'll make you proud. I'm... sorry about before," she said with a smile as she left the office and closed the door. Turning around, she looked at the room of pegasi looking at her.

Quill flew over to her and gave Rainbow a hug. "It's great to hear you're back, I thought you were taking the week off. So,” she winked to Rainbow, “are you my new assistant manager? I've got loads of work to delegate to you."

"Ha-ha. No. I'm a part time level five cloud buster. I get to start in the afternoon and work til my area's done then I get the rest of the day free, to see Applejack." she whispered at the end. They smiled at each other. "So, when’s the next party? I think I have a title to maintain."

"Rainbow, you're just the funniest. We have different games to play next time and it's this Friday night. I hope to see you both there." Quill winked and turned to Rainbows old office.

That mare has a nice flank too. Tight and smooth. The way her rump moves- Oh my gosh. Think of AJ. Think of AJ. Ooo, freckles!

The office was busy but organized as the orders were being handed out at the far end of the second floor’s office. The lines were short and quickly moving as pegasi took their orders and left for their shifts.

"So, first day back on the job after crying to the boss last week? Ready to do some real work for a change?" a snide voice said over the hustle and bustle of working ponies.

"Yeah, Flutterwing. And then I'm gonna go enjoy the rest of the day off."

"With you fillyfriend?"

"No, with your mom. She's in Manehattan, right? I can get there in two hours if I take my time," Rainbow said without looking back at the deep yellow mare.

Stomping her hoof on the floor Flutterwing growled and sneered, her orange eyes narrowing as she took a fighting stance she spit on the floor.

"I actually passed flight school, Crash. I'll kick your flank so hard you won't be able to sit for a week."

Rainbow laughed and waved a hoof dismissively at Flutterwing. "I don't need to sit with what I have planned when I get her alone."

Flutterwing lunged at Rainbow in a flash making a perfect swing with her right wing and left leg at the same time, whiffing the air where Rainbow was. Rainbow stood on her opponent's head for a moment before Flutterwing spun in a bicycle kick, missing again "Ya do know I am the fastest mare in Equestria, right? You'll never get me, so just save your energy for doing actual work."

The other ponies on the floor began to cheer for their favorite pony as the challenge was set.

Flutterwing was a really good fighter and was highly skilled in feather boxing, but she wasn't fast enough to hit Rainbow who dodged each swing of her wings and kick from her legs with ease and agility that was worthy of a professional dancer.

Shouting loudly, Flutterwing reared and opened her wings trying to be as intimidating as she could before launching another round of kicks and wing strikes.

Rainbow yawned loudly while dodging. “You’re getting close, but not close enough.”

"Ladies. Stop this now!” Diamond shouted, startling and quieting the floor. "What's going on here?" he asked stomping over to the scene.

"Rainbow and Flutterwing are fighting," a stallion shouted.

"Hey, I'm not fighting. I'm dodging, she's trying to hit me! I'm so not gonna get fired my first day back for kicking another pony's flank."

"You would never stand a chance if you were fighting fair."

"Flutterwing. My office. Now." Diamond turned on his hindhooves with fluidity and walked away, leaving a crowd of ponies 'oooo'ing at Flutterwing as she followed him. Rainbow waved goodbye and got a second feather reply from Flutterwing.

"I don't get what her problem is,” Rainbow mumbled to Quill.

"She wanted to be with Applejack before and thought her chance was when she left Twilight. Then she saw you two together she... well, you can see what jealousy does," she gestured to the mare leaving then back to Rainbow.

"I had a feeling it was something dumb, but I’ll kick her flank later."

"No, Rainbow. Don't be like that. You won't win in the end. Trust me," she warned, "you want to be a better mare, so be better than her and keep dodging with that thousand bit smile."

"Smiling is easy enough, Quill. I’ll handle Flutterwing and we’ll leave AJ out of it," Rainbow said as she turned back into line.

Well, I guess that's an improvement over the old Rainbow Dash. I still have to keep an eye them both now, though.

"Okay, paperwork says clear the clouds over sector 34-51 and move clouds, ugh, from 38, 45 and 50 to 18, 11, 33 and... gosh, I remember why I hated this level of work," Rainbow grumbled as she filed her paperwork away and left to work.

Completing her tasks took a couple hours before she was ready to finish her day in the office. I have to file this crap still. I wanna see AJ. I have to file. Wanna see AJ. I have to file. I'll file. I can't get back to my old ways on the first day. Dill and aged ants, right? Gotta do it.

Entering the office, she went to the clerk and gave her forms to the mare behind the counter then turned to fly out. Flutterwing appeared in Rainbow’s path, stopping her in her tracks.

"Great, time for round two, Flutterwing?"

"No, I'm here to say,” she mumbled, “I'm sorry. Diamond Wing and Quill talked with me. I'm mad over nothing cuz I’ve got Glittering Spark, so I'm here to bury the hatchet."

Putting a hoof out Rainbow bumped it and smiled. "I'm so glad to hear that. I can't dodge you forever, to be honest. You're really fast and almost got me a few times," Rainbow said with a chuckle. "I'm really sorry for that joke about your mom.”

"Rainbow Dash, it was kinda funny to be honest," Flutterwing said before looking serious, "but it was a low blow so quick into an argument," a smile returned to her, "next time work from siblings to father,” she winked, “moms are last, unless you wanna fight right away."

Sharing a laugh they hugged each other and both left, feeling a sense of success.