Applejack and Rainbow Dash laid in bed with their wings overlapping. Looking at the ceiling they were lost in thought about the night before. Early as they’d woken up they didn't know what to say to each other to start the day.

"Dashing?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't tell anypony I cried last night. I mean it, Rainbow Dash. I ain't cried since," Applejack stopped talking and closed her eyes.

"Applejack. You can talk about it. I've never heard what happened and I think-"

"I don't wanna remember it, much less talk about it, so leave it be." Applejack turned, facing away from Rainbow.

"C'mon, tell mommy about it, AJ."

"No! I ain't doin' it. Not for you or anypony else," Applejack rolled out of bed angrily and yelped as she went, "and buck these wings," Applejack huffed as she walked heavily to the dresser and grabbed her hat.

Rainbow looked at the empty spot on the bed and the few tan-orange feathers that she pulled out when she rolled off the bed. "AJ, wait. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."

"I got chores ta do, catch ya later, Dashing." Applejack opened the door, shut it behind her, and left in an almost a gallop down the stairs.

"But, it's Saturday..." Rainbow mumbled. And that party last night, she was totally fun and full of energy, why’s she…

Rainbow flew out the open window and found Applejack as she stopped by a pile of rotten apples in a bin that was to be composted. "AJ, I know you're awesome and all but, ya know that's A.B.'s job on Sunday's. C’mon, lemme help."

"For one ya can leave me be for a few. I got a lotta chores to do so I won't have so much to do Monday."

"AJ, ya can't lie ta me! Look, I have a really important question to ask you. Kinda really important, like, change our relationship big,” Rainbow hovered to Applejack’s front and looked hopefully, “can we meet for lunch today? At the cafe we had our first meal at?" Applejack looked at Rainbow for a second before Rainbow said, "Goodbye and see ya there," leaving Applejack before she could answer.

Darnit, Ah can’t skip out. What if it’s somethin’ important she’s gotta tell me? she gasped and the frustration left her in two heart beats. What if… this’ the day she proposes?!

"Pinkie, I have to talk to you," Applejack said galloping into Sugarcube Corner and stopping with a screech. Pinkie smiled wide and jumped over the counter, over two customers, and landed right in front of Applejack.

"What's up, AJ?"

"Pinkie. Ah need to talk to you in private,now."

"Okie dokie loki! MRS. CAKE, I'M GOING OUT. SEE YOU IN A BIT."

As the bakery stopped vibrating and a foal cried in the distance, Mrs. Cake trotted from the kitchen and took her place behind the counter and began working. "Okay, Gumdrop. Have fun."

"Okay Mrs. Cake. See ya later skaters!" Bounding out the door she didn't look back as Applejack followed. Going a ways out of town, Applejack began to wonder where they were going.

"Pinkie Pie, where are ya taking us?"

"Oh! I forgot you were there, sorry Applejack. What'd you wanna talk about?"

"You seriously forgot about me? Wow, Pinkie Pie,” she shook her head, “well anyway, Ah need you to keep this a secret, okay?" Pinkie looked at Applejack with wide eyes and nodded. Making her serious face she gave her Pinkie Promise. "Okay," Applejack looked around, "I wanna marry Rainbow Dash," she whispered.

Pinkie jumped and stayed in the air and screamed in excitement for three seconds, kicking her legs, before landing and giggling. "That's super dee duper news! So, you want me to plan the party? Or the proposal? Or have a proposal party? Or I can-"

"No, I think she's gonna propose. Maybe today! Ah just needed ta tell somepony. This is a life changing event and ya know Dashing, she's gonna be all showie and flashy and it'll be a big display, so if ya hear anything big planned, let me know, okay?"

"Uh, but, what if she doesn't and you just think she is and you should and then you don't and she doesn't then neither of you do? What then?"

"Uh, then we'll cross that bridge when we come ta it."

"Okay then. I promise to tell you if I hear anything about Rainbow Dash planning to propose to you. Wanna go visit Twilight with me?"

"No, Ah've gotta get some things done before I go to lunch with Dashing. Thanks, Pinkie Pie, Ah'll see ya later." Separating they went their own ways, Pinkie grinning and planning several things in her head as she made her way back into town.

"Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash called as she flew down to intercept Pinkie. "Where ya headed?"

"Oh, I was just talking to, nobody,” Pinkie looked around the intersection before beginning to cross, “I'm going around town for a bit. What's up?" she asked as she bounced across the street.

"I need to talk to you about something, but you've gotta promise me you won't tell anypony, until it’s time." Pinkie finished crossing and looked at Rainbow then nodded slowly. "Pinkie Pie! Pinkie Promise me! This has to be a secret! My reputation could be on the line."

Pinkie thought about it then decided it had to be something different. She reached up and grabbed Rainbow from the air, ran faster than should have been possible down the street, before turning dangerously sharply into an alley where she placed Rainbow on a plush purple pillow surrounded by perennials that smelled of patchouli. As Pinkie offered a pastry she also offered her Pinkie Promise Pinkie listened intently.

Rainbow took the pastry and blinked several times at what was around her before she leveled her eyes on the party pony. Random doesn’t even begin to describe this crap.

"Pinkie, I think Applejack is gonna propose to me and I need to know what should I do!?! I never thought I'd be happy with a mare, but she's so much more! She's awesome and fun and cool and totally like me only a little as awesome, but then she can be totally awesome and make me all sappy then I-” she inhaled and narrowed her eyes, “Pinkie, you better not tell anypony what I'm about to say!" Pinkie shook her head, her eyes wide and mouth shut extra tight. "I got her to cry with me last night. It was amazing and I thought marrying her would be so cool! Flock what my family and Cloudsdale thinks. Flock what the Wonderbolts or, freaking, anypony in Equestria thinks! I wanna be with her.

“But, what if she doesn't propose? I totally thought she will but, I dunno. What if I get all ready and she doesn’t then I let her down when she needs me and… I need your help, Pinkie! I need to propose if she doesn’t, and if I decide to propose it's gonna have to be the biggest. Hugest. Most awesome proposal ever! Can you do that for me, Pinkie Pie, but not let anypony know?"

Pinkie felt her body shake and her tail swayed nervously as she looked, slack jawed at Rainbow. Okay, Pinkie, now you’re in the middle of a double counter Pinkie Promise. A place I hate to be because a little slip could make her lose a friend, forever. "Okie Dokie Loki! Your secret is safe with me and I'll help however I can! Anything else, Dashie?"

Rainbow flew low to the ground and smiled as she looked at the multitude of things around her that just didn’t belong. "Pinkie, you're the best." She gave Pinkie a hug before taking to the skies. This is the start of a huge change to our relationship, if she won’t then I will.

"Hey! Applejack, over here!" Rainbow Dash called and waved from a seat at an outdoor table at the restaurant they had their first meal at as a couple. "Remember when I was so embarrassed sitting right there inside?" She pointed a hoof at a couple snacking on a shared salad through the window. "I never thought we'd be here like this, with everypony knowing about us, and us here with just us... you and me. Here. Again." Applejack watched as Rainbow stammered and fumbled for words as she public confidence cracked.

"Uh, yeah. Dashing, what's up? You're sayin' 'us' a lot?" Applejack smiled and tried to hide her nervousness as she took a seat opposite Rainbow. "Ya thinkin’ of gettin' a bleu cheese and mushroom burger, or maybe a beet and radish salad, I hear they're really good here."

"Uh, yeah. Those sound great, AJ, and I'm totally hungry right now so, uh, let's just order something. Wait, I wanna order this time!" her voice rose in volume as she spoke.

"Okay. Go for it. Here she comes... Hey, Lime! Yer still here, that's great ta see. Yer lookin' mighty fine and happy."

"Oh, ya think I am," Lime flirted with Applejack garnering a glancing glare from Rainbow Dash, "Just kidding! I know you're inseparable! So, I didn't see you at last Friday's party for long, what with your disappearing into the bathroom for twenty loud, moaning, arousing minutes,” she winked as the two blushed hotly. “Yeah, we heard pretty much everything, good going, girls. Anyway, I just had to ask before I take your order; since when did Applejack get wings?"

"AJ,” Rainbow whispered as her wings rose to hide her face, “can I die now?”

“No, Dashing. We got inta the heat of the moment and this’ what happens when we aren’t careful, now sit up and let’s just eat,” she turned her attention to Lime, “and Ah got wings yesterday cuz Ah owe it ta Rainbow Dash ta know what it’s like in the sky since she’s on the ground a lot more now.”

“Awwwe, that’s so sweet of you, AJ! I’ve never heard of a pony doing that for love!” her eyes practically sparkled at the two mares. “Oh, sorry, uhmm,” she took her notepad out and a pencil from somewhere in her lime green wing. "What'll it be today?"

Rainbow didn't look at the menu in front of her. "She'll have the number 1. I'll take the number 2. Two fruit smoothies, and water for her with a cup of hot tea for me."

"Well, ya know what I like, huh,love muffin?" Rainbow rolled her eyes at Applejack. "Just kidding, Dashing! Don't get all upset with me."

"Oh, you're just the cutest couple in Equestria! Okay, I'll put your order in right away." Lime giggled and trotted to another table to take their order.

"Well, what's the big reason you wanted to meet me here for lunch? Wanted me to pay this time?" Applejack chuckled and looked at Rainbow Dash for a hint at what could be coming.

Rainbow took a controlled breath. "Well, ya see. I was thinking, that maybe we should do something. Something kinda crazy but, that'd be good for us in the long run." Applejack felt her eyes getting wider and her breath quickening. She couldn't control herself as she tried to not smile ear to ear in anticipation. "Well, I-I think I need a drink first. Lime? Drinks please?!"

Oh my, this could be it. The moment she proposes? At the deli we started at. She did order me a #1. That's a lot comin' from her. Where can this be going? Where else besides-

"Here's your water. And your tea. You smoothies are being made right now," Lime placed the drinks on the table with her wings and smiled between the two, then left and went to a table inside the deli, leaving them alone again. Nerves were fraying and the air was thick with silence as they sipped their drinks slowly, glancing at each other every couple seconds.

"Applejack?"

"Yes, Rainbow Dash?" Rainbow sat up straight in her chair and closed her eyes while breathing slowly again. Applejack couldn't blink. She didn't want to miss a second of this moment.

"Applejack. Will you-"

"Yes… Rainbow Dash?" Ask me, consarnit!

Rainbow cleared her throat and felt her wings trembling. Damn it. I can't keep them down. She knows I'm nervous now. Just ask! Do it, Rainbow Dash. You're the best, just do it! "Applejack. Will you-"

"Here's your smoothies, ladies. Am I, interrupting something?” Lime asked as her smile fell. The two mares were looking anxiously at each other, both sitting upright, eyes wide, and lips tightly closed. “I'll just go, sorry."

Applejack smiled her best but her eyes were locked on Rainbow. Lime put the smoothies down and backed away to the inside the deli where she peeked out the door to watch and listen.

"Okay, no more wasting time. Applejack?"

Applejack gulped and leaned slightly toward Rainbow. "Yes?"

"Will you, gotoCanterlotwithme?" Rainbow shut her eyes and fell back into her seat. That wasn't so bad.

"Ah’m sorry, what was that, Sugarcube?" Did she just ask me to open a lotta cans?

Rainbow cleared her throat. The words found their way out easier this time. "I, I want to go on a trip to Canterlot with you. Just us. Nopony else. Alone. Our first trip away, together." Applejack thought for a minute about the 'proposal.'

Well, it's a proposal, Ah guess. Maybe she's not gonna ask me after all. "I, uh, think that's a nice idea. When d'ya think we'd go?"

"Today at 1:30."

Applejack stammered and blinked rapidly. What?! What'r ya talkin about, Dashing? I got mah chores, you got cloudbustin’, among other things..."

"All taken care of! Ya know how great Twilight is with planning! I requested the week off from work and Granny paid for the ticket, the CMC and Big Mac are gonna help do your chores and Pinkie is gonna help too. All's taken care of! I even have Rarity and Spike at the station with our bags."

"Wow, ya really planned this out? What about-"

"Fluttershy's gonna watch Tank and Winona. Let's eat and take our first vacation!" Rainbow was beaming with pride and joy as she looked at Applejack.

"Sugarplum, I dunno, I have ta," Applejack looked at the table and sighed, Rainbow felt her joy deflate for a moment, "Say YES. Hoo-doggie, Ah can't believe ya got this all done! You're the greatest, Dashing!"

"Yeah, I know,” Rainbow felt the warmth inside her growing at the praise, “thanks, AJ."

"We're in public. Ya know what I wanna hear." Rainbow rolled her eyes and smiled as she crossed her arms.

"I love you, Applejack," Rainbow said proudly with a grin and relaxed.

"Awwwe," Lime said as she stood in the doorway looking at them. She felt herself getting weak in the knees. "You are the cutest couple ever!"

"Hey, I'm not cute! I'm awesome," Rainbow shouted as other customers smiled and stared at the duo, "jeez, ya got everyone staring at us, Lime."

"No," a mare sitting two tables away said, "you are super cute, Rainbow Dash. I think you and Applejack make a great couple. Rainbow? You're turning purple!" A few ponies giggled as Rainbow blushed deeply and sank in her chair.

"This is the most embarrassing restaurant in Equestria. Where's our food?" Rainbow mumbled. Lime walked over smiling widely.

"It's only been a couple minutes, ladies. It'll be ready in about 20 minutes."

"20 minutes! What kinda place is this, Lime?"

"A busy restaurant, silly filly. So, when's the wedding?" she mused then looked between Applejack and Rainbow. The tension got so thick it could be cut with a knife as both mares gulped, stared at Lime, and their heads each shook as though telling her ‘don’t ask that!’ "Um, sorry, I was joking. I'm gonna just, go… and uh, you know, check your food," Lime said as she backed away, forcing a smile.

Rainbow and Applejack looked at each other, staring without blinking waiting for the other to do anything to change the subject.

They sat in silence until their meal arrived and ate quickly. Only their chewing broke the silence between them.

"Lime, that was another fantastic meal. Worth the wait, here's a couple extra for you," Rainbow said hurriedly.

"Thanks, ladies. Sorry about earlier. I was only joking, ya know. Yeah,” Lime looked side to side and smiled nervously, “I didn't mean to upset you."

"Nah, don’t sweat it, Sugarcube. It was nothing we can’t work out later."

"Then, why were you sitting here without talking to each other for 10 minutes?" Lime chuckled as she turned away. Rainbow and Applejack smiled awkwardly at each other then got up. Rainbow hovered beside Applejack as they went to the station.

All their friends were there except Granny Smith, there was, however, a pony they didn't recognize standing between Twilight. "Hey girls! Who's the new chick?"

"Rainbow Dash, don't be so rude," Applejack scolded. She smiled at the brown earth pony with a grey mane. "Hello, I'm Applejack and this' Rainbow Dash."

"Hi, I'm Lilli. I'm a trader, nice to meet you."

"A traitor! Did you escape from prison? You better not hurt my friends," Rainbow warned the mare. The others laughed and giggled.

"Rainbow, a trader is a pony who trades stuff for other stuff. She lives, lived, out of her cart."

"Oh, that kind of pony, nevermind then, we’re cool, I guess. So, where ya stayin?" Rainbow asked looking at the train, excited to leave.

"Well, dear, I had an extra room and since she and Twilight had a date planned," Rarity stopped herself, looking to Twilight for a motion to continue.

"We've got a second date tonight, Applejack. She's really sweet, we should double date in eight days between five and six-thirty! You'll be back and we should have had our fourth date so you'll be here when we have our fifth." Lilli half smiled and looked sidelong at Twilight.

"Twi, can Ah talk to ya for a minute? Over there, quick like?" Twilight and Applejack walked to the other side of the platform. "Twi, yer gonna lose her."

"What!? You lost your chance so don't try to ruin this for me," Twilight said as she glared and lowered her head.

"You're gonna do to her what ya did to me. I can see yer planning it all out and, darlin’, love ain't planned, it's just happens. Just, don't be you with notes and schedulin’ and ya might get what me and my rainbow in the sky have."

"But, you planned this trip," Twilight retorted, “that’s planning and scheduling.”

"No, Dashing planned it all. Ah just found out about it forty minutes ago," she said smiling and looking at Rainbow, who was talking with Lilli.

"You mean she planned all this? Rainbow Dash? Alone?"

"Lower yer voice, Twi, and yes. That's what love is, unplanned and full’a surprises. You get to makin' lists and all that, she's gonna pack up and go before we get back. Don't. Be. You." she said as she poked Twilight in the chest. "You can do it, if ya just let it happen. Okay?"

Twilight looked at her chest then smoothed her coat. "Okay. I'll do my best to not be studious. It's just, I don't know what I'd do without planning."

"That's the plan, Twi. Now, Ah got one little thing ta ask," she leaned in and whispered a question that Twilight thought over then nodded with a smile. Applejack thanked her and turned back to the group as Twilight thought about what to do. "So, let's get going, Dashing. What’ve ya got planned for when we get to Canterlot?"

"I dunno. Figured we play it by ear. We can either stay at the palace or we can get a room at a hotel. We'll see when we get there." Applejack looked at Twilight and gave an ever so slight nod that was returned.

"Sounds like a plan! Let's git! See y'all in a week, gals!" Giving a round of hugs and goodbyes, Rainbow and Applejack boarded the train, took their seats side by side, and listened as the conductor made his last calls. They waved goodbye to their friends as the train jerked and began to pull away.

"I'm so excited, AJ! We're going on our first vacation together! I'm so ready to do some major shopping and eating Canterlot food and fun with you," Rainbow whispered with a wink. Applejack smiled slightly and nodded.

"Ya know, Dashing. I'm not too big on eatin' them fancy vittles they have at them fancy places, right? Ah’m just gonna have ta find and eat normal food. And, Ah wanted to talk to ya when we get there."

"Well, why not now? We've got a four hour ride there, plenty of time!"

"Nah, I think I should wait until we get somewhere private."

Private, secret. Oh my gosh. She could be proposing tonight! What if she had a huge plan back in Ponyville and I messed it all up by planning this trip. But, when we get back I'll totally get to show off my hoofring. What color would it be? Gold! Cuz it's the best.

"Okay AJ, I can wait," Rainbow said casually. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I might get married! With my best friend! My… lover and my world. My Awesome Jack! Rainbow spent a second looking at her left forehoof with a content smile.

"So, Sugarplum. Where are we staying in Canterlot?"

"Well, I was thinking the castle, but I talked to Princess Celestia and they were having a cosumtation of diligence visit from the Griffin nation so she paid for us to have a room at a hotel in the loveseat from the royal coffin. I think it'll be a room with a throne in it. Gonna be totally awesome."

Oh Celestia, she's so cute when she uses the wrong words. I'll have to thank the Princesses when I see them next.

"I know, Dashing. I'm so excited I can hardly wait to see what it looks like," Applejack said with a smile, "Ahm gonna get some shut eye 'fore we get there so I can have more energy for fun," she pulled her hat down and leaned back. And I just asked Twilight to ask fer a hotel room in Canterlot for us. It’s all workin’ out.

Rainbow climbed onto her lap and lifted her hat so she could give Applejack a kiss. "I love you and I don't care who knows it. I love Applejack!" Rainbow shouted to the other ponies in the car, "now, everypony knows and we can be cool, right?" Applejack felt herself blushing as she looked at Rainbow. "Now, get some sleep, we've got a long day coming up with shopping and the royal seat and hanging out with Princesses Celestia and Luna again."

Ponies in the car gasped when they heard. "These two fillyfoolers get to see the Princesses? What the hay?!" a mare said from behind Applejack.

"Maybe you will," Rainbow replied with a smile then climbed off Applejack. "But, be careful, Luna has a habit of playing pranks and Celestia likes to eat desserts right off your plate." Rainbow grinned and returned her attention to Applejack. “Have a nice nap, smexy," she gave a soft nuzzle and let a hoof trail the inside of Applejack’s thigh, sending a shudder through the orange mare and a glare that said ‘stop’.

They relaxed and after Applejack fell asleep, Rainbow sat looking out the window as she watched the scenery pass.

I need to see Princess Celestia or Luna, alone, for advice on this marriage thing, they both thought, again.

Author's Notes:

Oh, what a chapter! This is getting crazy! What's gonna happen next?! Keep reading to find out.