Both mares panted while embracing just after finishing a half hour of passionate and agile sex, basking in the warmth and happiness that flowed through their bodies. "AJ, being with you has been the best time of my entire life. I feel so good wrapped up with you in these blankets." Flock, I'm so sappy around her, and that's okay, Rainbow sighed contently.

"Hmm, your wings are so soft and warm. I love how they feel against my coat." Ah can really be my soft self around her.

"Well, when we cuddle you like to start behind me, so it's always gonna be that way." Applejack moaned as Rainbow nuzzled her neck. "And when you help preen them," Rainbow shuddered excitedly, “I just melt. AJ, I wanna remember what we just did all day."

Not the best we've had this week, but I got to wear her hat and was on top. I got to play the rider!

"Dashing? I'm gonna need my hat back."

"I'll take it off when we get outta bed and you take my saddle off,” she giggled and poked a hoof to Applejack’s nose, “and help get this bridle off my face. Besides, ya know how cool this hat is on me," Rainbow said rolling to her back to look at the ceiling, pulling the hat down to cover her eyes from the sunlight encroaching on their early morning exercise.

"It's amazing on you, Hun! Especially with that bridle on yer head,” she purred softly, “but it's my hat and I need it, so c'mere," Applejack said reaching for it blindly while she laid her head on Rainbows chest. The scent of sex and sweat permeated the cyan coat, almost adhering them together.

"Awe c'mon, AJ. Let mama have it for a bit longer," Rainbow said with a slight southern accent, glancing down at Applejack.

"Okay, Dashing, but just til we leave the room." Rainbow giggled as Applejack pressed her face into Rainbow’s fluffy chest and inhaled her scent.

"So, AJ. What's the plan today?" Rainbow asked looking at AJ as she began to fall asleep on her chest. Applejack groaned but didn't answer. "C'mon, AJ. Ya gotta get up soon. Crows are roosting." Applejack moaned and sighed.

"Roosters are crowing,” Applejack mumbled, “but yer just teasin’ me, aren’t ya? I guess the same as every Wednesday since ya moved in: Get up, breakfast, we go to work. You come back to the farm and help me finish my chores then we spend the night together,” she hummed, “then we get a bit’a sleep, too."

"Tonight’s the night we go for a fly, right?” Applejack grumbled and pulled the covers over her head in reply. “C'mon, Awesome-Jack, you said you'd go this week," Rainbow whined.

"But, I'm an earth pony. It ain't natural for us to fly," Applejack replied from under the covers.

Rainbow lifted the covers enough to see a blonde mane covering an orange pony and an ear flipped open atop the mane. "You. Pinkie. Promised. Nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise."

Pinkie leapt from behind the headboard and shouted. "Never break a pinkie promise!" Rainbow and Applejack scrambled over each other in surprised fear, fighting blankets as they fell to the floor. "Okay girls, see ya later! And remember, Never!," Pinkie whispered as she ducked behind the headboard.

"How the-"

"Buck does she-"

"DO THAT!?" They said together.

"Well, that not only killed the mood but, we're outta bed. Let's git to it, AJ. " Applejack giggled and followed Rainbow out of the room.

"What's got ya so happy, AJ?"

"Just lookin' at yer rump."

"Oh, Luna, not already! " Apple Bloom shouted from her room through her door. Rainbow and Applejack snickered to each other.

"Sorry, A.B., We'll keep it down," Rainbow shouted.

"Don't call me A.B., only my sis can do that. And Ah'll be down for breakfast in a few, get me a bowl ready, 'kay?"

"'Kay, A.B.," Rainbow said chuckling. Apple Bloom opened her door and glared at Rainbow.

"I said only my sis can call me that. So stop."

"Well, if we get married,” Rainbow said pulling Applejack into a one limbed hug, “then I'll be your sis, so I'm just trying it on," Rainbow said proudly as she let Applejack go and flew away.

Applebloom and Applejack gasped and looked at the cyan mare flying into the bathroom. "Did, did she just?" Applejack stuttered.

"Applejack, why is she wearing yer hat?!" Apple Bloom asked. Shaking her head, Applejack gave Applebloom a hug then trotted to catch up to Rainbow. Without saying a word, Applejack kissed Rainbow on her left wing.

"Why'd ya do that, AJ? Somethin’ on yer mind?"

"Just thinking about gold is all."

"Gold? That's a weird thing to think about. Oh! You think I'm gonna win gold in the races at Cloudsdale's Cloudosseum! I'm a shoo in to win with these babies," Rainbow opened her wings then flexed them several times while posing in different ways to Applejack.

"Sugarplum, ya can't lose with me in your corner. Now, let's go shower before make everypony upset with our smell all over each other."

They showered and helped each other get clean with affectionate kisses, nuzzles, and ear nips, finally helped each other dry off. Applejack excused herself quickly.

“Dashing, I’ve gotta go get a plate ready, See ya in a minute. Rainbow watched as Applejack went down stairs, her eyes watching orange flanks swaying side to side until the turned the corner and her eyes met with Apple Bloom’s looking at her from her open door.

“You ever gonna stop lookin’ at her like a chicken at a pile’a seeds?”

“Only when I fertilize her fields,” Rainbow winked as the filly reeled in shock and revulsion at the words that turned into a thought, then she lay on the floor and whined as imagery began to form in her young mind.

Rainbow giggled and followed Applejack’s path with a sway that showed too much when the filly looked up as she passed. With an eep, the door to Apple Bloom’s room slammed shut.

"Hey, AJ. The sun's just rising so I think I'll do a quick lap before breakfast, then I’m gonna leave for work early. I got the key to get into work so I can file my paperwork and get done earlier now."

"That's great news, Sugarplum! Ah'm so proud of you,” Applejack hugged Rainbow, “are ya gonna be a manager again?” she asked with a hopeful look. “Sugar, If they ask, you should take it," Applejack advised as she took her hat from Rainbow’s head and placed it on her own.

"I dunno AJ, I wasn't very good at what I did cuz I was a jerk. I don't wanna go back to being that mare, what if I do and-"

Applejack took Rainbow’s cheeks in her hooves and made eye contact. "Rainbow, yer job didn't make you that way, you know what did. It’s yer anxiety that makes ya the mare ya show everypony, but Ah get ta see the real you, and help you through it all,” she let Rainbow go and continued as they looked at each other.

“And now you have everything you need to make you feel like the mare you always wanted to be inside and out there,” she pointed to the town on the horizon, “so you won't go’n turn back to that mare unless you choose to, not as long as ya have the lot’a us behind ya. Now, I'm gonna start a quiche and coffee fer you’n me, so git yer laps done quick and Ah'll have breakfast ready by the time you're back."

"Okay, I'll see ya in a bit," Rainbow said softly. “You’re not, gonna, you know, tell anypony about me, right?”

“Rainbow, we’ve been over this a dozen times this month, it’s between us. Yer as good as an honorary Apple, and no apple get’s tossed under the wagon.

Rainbow smiled slyly. “Yeah, just testin’ ya. You’re awesome as always, AJ,” Rainbow finished. She ran to the door to start her flight, but before she could open it she heard a hoof clacking on the floor. I can't believe I have to do this. Turning around she flew to Applejack in the blink of an eye and gave her a kiss. "See ya soon," Rainbow whispered as she lowered her hooves from Applejack's cheeks. Sweet Celestia, I can't say no to those freckles, she giggled softly.

"Hey, Shield, Flutterwing... looking good,” Rainbow said smoothly as she passed them. Quill, we still meeting Friday for lunch? Alright! Silver Streak, Winter Elm, oh my gosh, I heard and congrats!" Rainbow walked through the office greeting ponies all around and was greeted with smiles and high hooves as she went

"Miss Dash? Can I see you in my office, please?" Diamond called as she walked by his office. Rainbow nodded and flew in, shutting the door behind her at his motion. Taking a seat, she looked around his office. It was exactly the same except the new chair she was in. "Miss Dash, do you know why I called you in here." Rainbow smiled and puffed her chest with pride.

"Is it because I've-," Rainbow stopped herself, "No, actually, I don't. Can you tell me quick? I've got a lotta busting to do."

Diamond smiled, sending an anxious wave through her chest. He steepled his hooves together in front of his face. ”I think a level five cloud buster position isn't for you, and it’s time we had a change in structure,” he narrowed his eyes as he lowered his forelegs to be level with the desk. “I have a level 8 supervisor shift opening up next month and it's yours." Rainbow looked at him with a smile but a distant look. "You can thank me anytime, now."

She gulped and blinked several times, a grin grew on her face. “What… what?!”

He laughed finally, rapping his hooves on the table as Rainbow’s wings opened and she took to a hover. "You've earned the respect of the flock, finally. You're still the best buster we have and I understand now why you got promoted before I was assigned here, Miss Dash! Congratulations,” he smiled and spun once in his chair.

After a minute of Rainbow doing small victory stunts in the office she landed back on the chair and hardened her expression. "What about pay and hours?"

"Ah, right to business. 1,400 bits a month and full time… with benefit of updog care!"

"1,400 bits?! That's more than I made as a manager!" Diamond smiled wide. “Uh, cool about the benefit, but what’s updog?”

“Nothin’, what’s up with you?” he offered a cheesy grin as Rainbow lowered her head to her hoof and groaned. “I had to, but back to seriousness. The company recognizes your skill and ability as well as your image as a hero of Equestria. Your pay will reflect that and as long as you don’t do anything scandalous," he raised his eyebrow, “and your relationship isn’t an issue, so don’t worry about that, unless you have a public breakup at the Gala or publicly insult a popular figure, you’ll be fine.”

“Wow, really? Uh, I, um… thanks! If that’s all,” Rainbow nudged her head toward the door.

"Rainbow, before you leave?"

"Yes?"

"I have never been more envious of another pony in my life. I'll give you a raise to 1,650 bits a month if you consider publicaly representing the company."

She smiled again. “I’ll think it over, but 1,400 is more than enough to live on. With a nod, Rainbow opened the door and stepped out to see a few ponies standing away but not expecting the scene to erupt. Ponies stomped and cheered as she exited the office and closed the door behind her. With a wavering smile, she flew to Quill’s office, waving and grinning the best she could as she went.

Rainbow sniffled as she flew into Quill's office and closed the door. "Quill, I'm gonna need to take a couple hour lunch today."

"Rainbow, I haven't had you request any time off for a month, not even naps during shift or anything. What's the occasion?" Rainbow looked at Quill and felt a tear running down her cheek. "Oh, Rainbow, what's wrong? Did you not take Diamond’s offer?" Quill went to give Rainbow a hug but Rainbow held up a hoof stopping her.

"Nothing's wrong. For the first time I know everything's okay, and I love AJ. I need to tell her at lunch. She's my whole world now and I just turned got a promotion and it’s all thanks to her."

Quill stepped back in surprise and looked at Rainbow. "Rainbow Dash. If you ever have had a reason to leave work, this is it. Go to her, and I'll take care of your shift."

"I don't need the whole day off, just an hour. Maybe two," Rainbow smiled to Quill who winked back.

"You're a great mare, Rainbow Dash. Applejack is lucky to have you."

With a hug, Rainbow left through the window and headed for Sweet Apple Acres.

"Applejack? Sweetie-cube, where are you?!" Rainbow flew over the entire acres but couldn't find Applejack. It wasn't like her to not be working somehow at this hour unless there was a family emergency. Oh my gosh, what if A.B. or Big Mac are hurt. I'd better go into town to check, just in case.

Flying into town, she flew over the market, just in case Applejack had chosen to sell apples today but did see Big Mac at the stand. Her worry grew as she thought the unthinkable. Flying to the library instead of simply asking the stallion, she entered through the top window and flew around the main room before stopping in front of Twilight. "Is AJ here? I can't find her and I'm getting worried."

"Applejack's missing and you're telling me now?"

"Well, I don't know if she's missing, but I can't find her anywhere. And I don't know where she'd go today, we always talk about everything so she was supposed to bale some hay, sort apples, buck some trees and pile 'em to sort, then-"

"Okay, Rainbow Dash, I get it. Look, she's one of the most amazing and hard working mares I know, I'm sure she's fine. Don't panic and maybe she just had an errand to run quick. Go wait at the farm for her to- wait, aren't you supposed to be at work? Did you blow off work to hang out with Applejack? Rainbow, I'm disappointed in you."

"No, I got Quill to let me out for an hour to see AJ's all."

"Quill? You mean that party host that has those kissing games?" Rainbow eyed Twilight for a second before nodding. "Well, fine. You can be friends with whoever you want. I never got to play in those stupid games and the notes I took were inconclusive, at best."

Rainbow sighed with relief and said a quick goodbye to Twilight before leaving to scour the town some more. Where would she go? Fluttershy is out of the way and would fly to Pinkie first, Pinkie wouldn't be home cuz she's planning a party or something so that leaves Rarity. I guess I can tolerate her for a minute.

Flying through the city she turned down streets quickly as she headed for Carousel Boutique, stopping in front of the door she gulped and opened the door. I hate this place. She's always trying to get me to play dress up or model her new outfit. Like I don't have more important stuff to do.

Slowly, she flew in and heard Applejack’s voice coming from a dressing room. What the flock is she doing? Rarity probably asked her to try on some new hats or silver horse shoes.

"Rare, I appreciate ya for this. Ah don't want Rainbow to know, okay?" Know what? Rainbow thought as she stopped before opening the door.

"Dear, I think it's fabulous you're thinking about this ahead of time. Stay still, I have to measure you quickly... Okay, you're actually getting more musculature than you had last time you were measured. What ever have you been doing?"

"Rainbow Dash," Applejack said. Rainbow could hear the smile in her words.

A pause before Rarity started again. "Well, I think I should get a coltfriend and see what happens. If these are the results after the month you two have been, uh, phsical are any indication I may never have to diet again."

"It's been a glorious month, Rares. And I hope it'll last the rest of my life, and even after. Honest, Rarity, you and me ain't always seen eye to eye, but between up, I never knew love like this was real. My element of magic feels like it just turns on and my heart races when I see her. Ah cry into her feathers every night and..."

“What is it, darling?” Rarity pressed.

“Ah hold her when she cries, too. It’s so special ta have a real special somepony that ya can be real with, Rares.”

"That's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard you say, Applejack. I may have had my doubts, but I know you're a great match and, now hold on while I tie this. Exhale!" There were a few grunting sounds then Rarity spoke again. "Now, when you two get married you'll be the belle of the ball!"

Married!? To me?! What the flock!?! I hadn't even thought about, well. I guess it had crossed my mind. But, after a few months before we get to this stuff. I-I don't know what to do. Should I actually propose? Oh my gosh, what if she's gonna propose to me! What do I say? Where will I be? We be? What'll I wear? Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!

"Now, not to say she won't be the belle of the ball too, so to say. But, I haven't done a mare-mare wedding before and to honest I see her as more of a handsome stallion than a fair mare,” Applejack chuckled loudly, “I presume it'll be the same as a classic wedding, however I'll have to consult with other ponies to set up the theme."

Oh my gosh, they're actually planning it already! I’m totally gonna die from this, like, literally, Rainbow giggled into her hooves and blushed fiercely, I've gotta go... I don't wanna die right here! Flying away with her heart racing and sweat beading on her brow, she flew to the farm and laid on a cloud above the barn and giggled for the next half hour. Applejack's gonna propose and we'll get married! Rainbow thought to herself and flew loops in the air until she burnt out and finally fell asleep with a smile on the cloud.

This' the best day ever!

"Rarity, Ah appreciate the suggestion, but this' just a try it on. I don't think she's gonna propose any time soon and it was just talk to Apple Bloom. It doesn't mean she's gonna do it at all. I'm just preparing, ya know."

"Oh, of course, darling. I apologize for jumping into the planning phase, I just love weddings so much” Rarity hummed as she carefully took the dress off Applejack, “so many new outfits to design and all that. Brides mares, best mares, best stallions, oh, uh, when applicable... I find weddings to be one of my greatest inspirations and personal desires to have one myself someday. Well, if we're done playing dress up,” Rarity bowed her head as Applejack replaced her hat on her head, “I have to sew a cloak for a customer."

"Oh, yeah. Of course. Thanks again and remember, don't tell any pony." Rarity nodded to Applejack before leaving the dressing room.

Those mares may be perfect for each other, but it doesn't make it any easier to know they chose each other instead of a handsome stallion. What about foals? Who'll carry them and will magic even work on them? Oh well, it's their lives and happiness, not mine. I just can't wait to find the stallion of my dreams that isn't a superficial jerk.

"Welcome back, Rainbow. That smile tells me you had a very productive morning?" Quill smiled suggestively as Rainbow flew into her office through the window.

"Applejack's gonna propose!" Rainbow squealed and pranced on the floor in foalish glee.

"Woah, woah, woah. Woah, Nelly,” Quill’s eyes followed Rainbow as she pranced around the room like a show pony. Her grin grew as she took in the news. “This is amazing news! How’d you find out, did she tell you she was going to, or you have a feeling?" Quill hovered and waited expectantly.

"I couldn't find her after I left then I went to Rarity’s boutique and they were talking while trying on wedding dresses and Applejack was talking about marrying me and they were planning it! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" Rainbow took in a deep breath and tried to compose herself before talking again. Looking at the joyful expression and speechless motions Quills mouth made gave only one thing for them both to shout out in unison. " Oh my gosh!"

They jumped and joined hooves and danced in the air shouting, 'oh my gosh!' as they were at a loss for any other words in their excitement.

Diamond opened the door slightly and peeked his head in. "Ladies, what's the ruckus for?" Rainbow hovered and coughed into her foreleg. Her blush was obvious and flushed most of her upper body.

"Mr. Diamond. It's a fracas," Rainbow said before she and Quill burst into laughter, fell to the floor giggling, and left Diamond without an answer. He backed out of the room and closed the door.

"That was the weirdest thing I've ever seen, but I think they'll top it somehow," he said with a blank look that hid his amusement as he walked back to his office, smiling as he opened the door.

"So, Applejack,” Rainbow spun in the air as she approached the other mare, “how was your day?” she asked in a sing-song voice. “I got done with errands a while ago," she gloated in her nonchalant way.

"Well, Dashing, I had to run to get some medication for Granny today in town and stop by Rarity’s to, uh, offer advice, but other than that it was a normal day. Missed seein' ya after lunch today. Coulda used your help picking the apples,” she deflected quickly, looking around the area. “Might rain, but ya knew that, uh, that tornado trick sounds mighty helpful."

"Speaking of tornadoes, let's git over ta Twiligh’ts so she can cast that spell on you." Applejack sighed and nodded.

"I still don't like it, but I gotta. I made a-" Applejack looked around the barn as she dropped the last bushels of apples to the floor before continuing, "you know who and you know what."

"Yeah, let's not say those words when we're making out, okay?" They giggled then as Applejack trotted to the library Rainbow followed close by her side flying slowly. "AJ, I love you. I know I say it all the time in private," Applejack shot a glance at Rainbow, "and I’m cool with hanging out with you cuz you're still cool.” When Applejack tilted her head and raised an eyebrow, Rainbow added, “What I mean is that I'm okay to spend a long time with you, ya know. If you ever had something to talk about, or ask, I'm okay with whatever it might be."

Applejack slowed a bit thinking of something then paced back up quietly. “Well, ya interested in helpin’ fix up the barn?” Applejack replied as she cantered ahead, a nervous look crossed her.

Rainbow is thinking of asking me to marry her. That has ta be it, but it’s so soon! Fastest mare in Equestria, no doubt. "Ya know, Ah feel the same. If ya have to tell me anything I'm all ears."

"Twilight, we’re here and ready. Where ya at, girl?" Applejack called teasingly, “Ain’t ya readin’ somethin’, oh wait, yer not here fer once.” Spike came running from the bedroom to greet Rainbow and Applejack.

"Hiya guys. Twilight's getting ready for the spell and wants you to go in when you're ready, but she needs another couple minutes to charge up, or whatever. Want some tea while you wait?"

"No, Spike, we're okay. Ah just wanna get this over with," Applejack said nervously.

"It's okay, AJ. You're with me. Nothing bad will ever happen while we're together, especially in the air." They sat on the floor facing each other and talked about their day until Twilight was ready.

"Okay, both of you stand in the circle," Twilight pointed to a magic circle with runes and characters written inside it. "This is going to work better than last time. I got the ingredients I needed from Trottingham, Zacora, and Rarity, who had some extra… well, that’s not important. Finally, and most important, I've researched the spell and ritual much better. This time you should practically be a Pegasus for three days. Every time we do this it gets easier for me and lasts longer for you. If my calculations are correct, if we keep at this pace for the rest of the year you can become a Pegasus for up to a month at a time and when-"

"Sheesh Twilight, you talk so much. Wake me when you're done but, I can't be late for work tomorrow, okay?" Rainbow rolled to her back while hovering and pretended to snore. Applejack laughed when Rainbow snorted awake.

"Twi, ya know ya talk a bit much, so let's just get this over with. Ya don't have ta worry about this bein’ a permanent or regular thing. I'm not moving to Cloudsdale or anything. I'm just taking lessons for Dashing, here, cuz it’s somethin’ she wanted as a birthday present."

"Birthaversary! And I'm learning to be less awesome and more cool for AJ," Rainbow said between fake snores.

Twilight exhaled a controlled breath. "Okay, quiet down you two. I need silence to get this right. This’ll be like when Rarity got wings, but these will be actual pegasi wings I’ll be putting onto Applejack. Close your eyes and don't move, this should work fine."

"Wait, ‘should’?"

Concentrating, Twilight's horn glowed and the circle burst into bright yellow light. The runes and glyphs that were practically invisible came to life inside the magic circle. Raising her horn to the ceiling a blindingly bright light burst forth from the mystic circle, then everything returned to normal. Twilight fell to her knees panting.

The magic circle was still there but was charred and burnt out, Applejack stood in the center, eyes screwed shut and still wincing from the flash. She opened her eyes and the feeling of new muscles in her back startled her before she opened a full set of beautiful Pegasi wings from her back. Stretching her back, she felt her wings moving and she shuddered. "This still don't feel right, girls. I don't know what to do with these things when I do have 'em," she said as she touched her wing arm with her hoof, "but they feel good too."

"I think you're beautiful with wings, AJ,” Rainbow said softly as she flew over and placed a hoof between Applejack’s wings. “C'mon, let's go try these out." Rainbow hovered and motioned for Applejack to follow. Following slowly, Applejack left the library and breathed in the cool evening air. It felt different, as though she could tell where the wind was moving to and from. With a couple flaps she was hovering awkwardly in the air and below Rainbow.

With guidance from Rainbow, Applejack was led higher into the air and over the town lake. Hours passed during which Applejack learned she had some pegasi powers of sensing airflow, humidity, and of course, flight.

"You're almost as good as a filly in junior speedsters, first day,” she winked as Applejack flapped and hovered with relative ease, “so this time we're gonna practice your gliding, diving and recovery, and cloud landing," Rainbow said with a serious face. Applejack noted how serious Rainbow was at training her.

"Uh, ok, let's go then, Dashing."

"Call me ma'am or I'll make ya do 100 laps around the lake."

Applejack flapped harder to get to Rainbow's level and furrowed her brow. "Ah don't like yer tone, Rainbow Dash. Ya best relax," Applejack said flatly. Rainbow's expression broke and she laughed holding her sides and kicking into the air.

"Ya really thought I was serious, you shoulda seen your face." Smiling Applejack sighed. "Okay, let's go over to the lake to practice. If ya lose control at high altitudes it's safer than falling onto the rocky ground." She took off leaving Applejack behind while Applejack did her best to catch up.

"This isn't as easy as you Pegasus make it look, so slow up, Dashing," Applejack said beginning to pant as she ran with her flapping wings.

"AJ, no Pegasus is a born flier. And sure as anything I’ve never seen one gallop while flying,” she laughed from the lead, “not even me. To get this good,” she motioned to herself with her forelegs, “I had to work hours a day every day just to learn to fly for a few miles. You should be happy you've got strong wings as an adult and you didn't have to start from the beginning. Hey, AJ, do you like foals?"

"Of course I do, Dashing, why do you ask?"

Slowing down Rainbow lined up with Applejack and poked Applejack's side.

"Dang it, Dashing. Don't tickle me or Ah'll fall again!"

"I'm learning where I can and can't touch you when we fly is all. So far ribs, just under your chin, back left knee and," Rainbow smiled wide.

"Don't say it, Rainbow," Applejack barely threatened with a smirk.

Rainbow smirked slyly. "Juuuuust under your tail and a liiiittle lower." Applejack slowed and glared at Rainbow. "That was so cool how screamed when I poked you and then you jumped into that cloud and got stuck. I almost died laughing."

"Yeah, and I learned I can hit you with clouds a minute after that." Rainbow giggled as she remembered the cloud smacking her face.

"And then it led to a cloud fight that messed up the weather for an hour-”

“And then we took a roll in the hay,” Applejack blushed.

“You mean a swim in the clouds,” Rainbow winked as she ran a hoof down the length of Applejack’s back. She rolled her eyes before she dove to catch the new flier after her wings had closed suddenly.

The water on the lake at night was like the day; still and clear almost to the bottom. A pony could walk into the lake thinking it was a glass reflection of the night sky. Gliding over the lake the two mares took turns taking lead and looping around each other as they enjoyed the wind in their manes. Applejack had left her hat on the shore and her ponytail had come loose, leaving her mane to wave loosely in the air, becoming almost as wild as Rainbow's mane and tail were. Fireflies lit the grass around the pond sporadically making it look like flashing stats touched the earth just for them.

Gesturing with her head, Rainbow took Applejack to the skies carefully before leading her into a dive toward the water’s surface. Applejack was confident that with Rainbow so close to her she’d always be safe in the air. A slight angle of her wings sent her spinning slowly. Rainbow slowed her dive to catch a glimpse of Applejack who smiled as she looked at her reflection in the water’s surface before they turned and began to glide over the water at a high speed. Rainbow grinned and nodded her approval to Applejack’s flying ability after barely a day’s practice.

As they floated in the air above the surface of the water, Applejack let one of her hooves glide against the surface of the water, disturbing the mare she saw reflecting back at her, as the wave grew she smiled. Rainbow shouted Applejack’s name just as the orange mare felt her body tumble into the water disturbing the entire surface and silence the had shared.

When Applejack surfaced with a sputter, she heard Rainbow laughing above her holding her sides. "I tried to tell you not to touch the surface with your forelegs or you'll fall in! Messes up the aerodynamics and stuff," Rainbow pointed to her flapping wings.

Applejack muttered something just below the water’s surface and bobbed, sinking several times. "What was that? You okay, AJ?" Rainbow lowered herself a couple more inches which gave Applejack the chance to lunge from the water and grab Rainbow’s rear leg and pull her into the lake with a grand splash and short shriek that ended with her submerging in the clear water. A moment later they were laughing and splashing each other as they swam to the shoreline, giggling.

"That was a good time, Dashing. Ah don't think it's right for me to be flying but, I guess that's just earth pony nature talkin’."

Rainbow rolled to her side, sand falling from her back and clinging to her open wings. "What do you mean?"

"Well, Dashing," Applejack moved into a more comfortable position on her side and looked at Rainbow, "We're different like, ya know, earth and pegasi ponies. Wings and no wings. Farmin’ and makin’ weather. We're both mares though, and we both fell for each other. I got wings for you after you came to earth to live with me," Applejack rolled to her back to watch the stars coming out as the sun set, "of all the things that shouldn't be in this world, like an earth pony with wings, we got each other and that makes everything right."

"AJ," Rainbow said looking at Applejack, "uhm… would you,” she hesitated at the thoughts that ran through her mind, “can we get some sandwiches for dinner? I don't think we'll make it home in time for dinner," Rainbow finally offered with an uncertain tone. Applejack smiled and nodded.

Whew, Ah thought she was gonna pop the question!

They lay on the sand for a few more minutes looking at the sky and the stars sparkling around the crescent moon. The sand had dried on their bodies and Applejack was moving her wings getting a feel for them as she trotted in a large circle to get the sand off. Rainbow sat up and stretched and didn’t notice Applejack glancing at her as she was deep in thought about something.

"Hey, AJ?" Rainbow asked looking at the sky.

"Yeah, Dashing, what's on your mind? Thinkin' Mushrooms and grilled cheese sandwiches tonight?" Rainbow didn't laugh as she spoke her mind.

"AJ, every time the sun sets and Luna raises the moon, I look at the sky and I see the stars and it's kinda funny,” she cocked her head to the side as she gazed skyward, “cuz, I see them and then I think about you and how every one of those reminds me of your freckles and the feeling I get when I see you.

“I see the moon and think about how I see you in the sky instead of it, well, more your smile because it brightens up my nights like the sun does in the day. I kinda think I'd rather you be with me longer than the moon can be in the sky,” she laid back down and placed her forelegs under her head as she sighed.

“I remember laying with you that first night in my room and my back was facing the window and I was looking at you,” she giggled softly, “the moon and stars were coming out behind me and I saw them reflecting in your eyes and I kept thinking how awesome it looked, not that I would’a said it back then. Like, for a minute I was jealous because, I wanted to see myself in your eyes, since it was all so new to me. But then the moon rose to its spot and then that was all I saw.

“The beauty of the moon in your eyes, shining at me. I remember I couldn't stop looking at you and feeling all sappy for hours trying to understand why until I gave in and kissed you while you were sleeping. I don’t think I slept a minute while you did, I only watched the moonlight cross your face and I remembered every time I had seen you and every face you made, smile you had, time you said my name, the arguments we had, races I lost to you.

“AJ, do you think that's stupid or crazy for me feeling every night since we moved in together... that we were designed to be together?"

Waiting for an answer, Rainbow bit her bottom lip. I am such a stupid pony, saying something so dumb, Rainbow thought until she heard a sniffle. "Applejack? Are you okay?” Applejack had turned to face from Rainbow and before they could say anything, Applejack sobbed quietly.. "AJ!" Rainbow sat up turning to Applejack and raining sand behind her and into the water with quiet drips. "You're crying! Oh no, I knew it was stupid to tell you that stuff, I’m so sorry that I hurt you,” Rainbow flew to Applejack and landed beside her, “I didn’t mean for this to happen."

"Y-you, you're..." Applejack stopped talking and leaned in to embrace Rainbow. Hugging each other Rainbow felt the corners of her mouth tugging as her heart ached while Applejack cried onto her coat.

Once Applejack calmed down she leaned up and kissed Rainbow affectionately, cupped her face, then whispered, "Yer the greatest, most awesome, and beautiful mare in Equestria and having you in my life... Ah, can't even describe how amazing you're making my life. Rainbow, ya don't even understand that times like this just makes you adorable,” she kissed the confused mare on her lips.

“Ah wanna be with you forever, Rainbow Dash," Applejack whispered, “Ah’ve never cried more happily than when I’m with you.”

Rainbow stroked Applejack’s mane and back, feeling the soft feathers in her temporary wings. They both contemplated what each other had said.

Marriage isn't such a bad idea, I guess, they both thought.

Author's Notes:

Art by Wolfkid9963