You were doing it again. You caught yourself staring at her.

Rainbow Dash stood by the kitchen stove, swishing her tail about and jigging softly to a tune on the radio, all while she was heating herself up what she claimed was "the meanest grilled cheese this side of Equestria." Her face was full of cheer, her grin almost instinctive, yet willing.

You couldn't help yourself but to watch and eat your lunch. Of course, it was hard to eat while smiling.

"Enjoying the show?" Dash asked, smirking as she shut off the stove and walked over to the table, plate in hoof.

You quivered your lips playfully. "I was."

The mare swatted you with her tail, before giving you a quick peck on the forehead. Before she could walk away, you retaliated with your own peck on her lips, and all she could do was giggle at your advance. Every day, it was almost the same thing, so often that at times, you anticipated actually getting out of bed in the morning.

Twilight would be proud if she knew you actually liked getting up early.

"So," Rainbow began as she took a munch out of her sandwich, "whath thu plann fuh thoday?"

You took a moment to really think about the supposed plan. Each day was a random activity for both of you. Just last week, you and Dash had finally gone fishing after thinking about it for months. Granted, it ended with you catching absolutely nothing... and the boat sinking to the bottom of the lake... but hey, adventure, right?

"Well," you started, "I was thinking maybe we could just... go for a joyflight today, since it's gonna be clear skies until Thursday."

"Now you're speaking my language." Dash smirked as she swallowed another bite, but hesitated for just a moment. "Not that I'm complaining, but are you sure you don't wanna do anything else today?"

"Well... I figured since both of us are off work today, we could take in the rays, have a little race or two around town, maybe take a weekly nap in the clouds afterwards. Just you and me today."

"Just a nap, huh?"

Rainbow held this firm smug grin on her face as she stared you down. You could only laugh in playful disbelief as you waved a hoof away from her.

"I swear I was being innocent when I said that."

"You keep telling yourself that, pal," she laughed briefly, "... but that does sound like fun. Plus, I think we can do without any wacky things happening for a day."

"Agreed."

You and Dash laughed to each other as you dug into your lunch. It seemed like every new week was crazier than the last, and at this point, you were merely chalking it up to whatever it was you did on a particular day, whether it'd be attempting to bake goods with Pinkie Pie, helping buck a few trees with Applejack, or sailing down the Saddle River in a canoe. Something always ended in some big going on.

Today, you didn't want any of that. All you wanted was to spend one normal day with her.

Then you heard Swift Shadow's name on the radio. You both did.

"The notorious Manehattan criminal known as Swift Shadow has finally been caught, after spending more than five years on the run following the siege on his gang hideout in the Manehattan Sewers. Swift Shadow gained infamy with the attempted murder of a close friend to Princess Twilight Sparkle, according to our sources. He is due to appear in the Canterlot Municipal Court on Saturday, where Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight Sparkle will judge his crimes. If convicted, he faces a lifetime in the Canterlot Dungeons, with no chance of parole."

Beyond the now non-important chatter of the announcer, it was silent in the kitchen, and for long enough that it took you several moments to actually say anything.

"Wow... they finally got him. After all this time, too."

Rainbow Dash slowly turned to you and stared into your eyes. That pained look on her face. She was thinking about it all over again—you knew she was.

"Are you okay?"

Hesitantly, you nodded to her. "Yeah. I'm okay. ... Are you?"

"... Yeah."

You didn't have them as often anymore, but on some nights—every few months or so—you would have nightmares going back to that night all those years ago. You couldn't remember exactly what he said anymore. The dialogue seemed to jump around and change with every dream.

But every physical moment happened exactly as you remembered. The punching, the kicking, the screaming. The stabbing.

The moment he smashed your skull in with a metal bat with the intent to murder you. And everything Spike told you happened after...

"We're gonna have to go... aren't we?" you asked slowly. "To the court, I mean."

Rainbow shared a solemn, yet sympathetic frown with you. "Probably, especially since you're his victim and all. Even if you didn't have to, I think Twilight would want you to go anyway. Really stick it to the guy when they lock him up for good, you know?"

You know she was trying to make you laugh, and it worked, but you still couldn't shake that feeling of worry inside you. The same worry that pitted in your stomach for years and left you shaking some nights.

"You better hope I don't get out of—"

"Hey," Rainbow said firmly, reaching over the table to hold your shoulder. "Look at me."

And you did.

"He is not gonna get out this time. Twilight's gonna make damn well sure of that. Do you understand? And if he ever did... I'll be damned if I'm gonna let him touch you again."

And right there and then, you remembered why you married her.

Clenching your eyes shut and holding back the urge to tear up, you held her hoof, nuzzling it into your cheek, and she would just brush it back. Rainbow always gave you talks like this from time to time whenever the nightmares would come up. But this time, she seemed far, far more intent on her promises than she ever had been.

After a few moments of comforting silence, you opened your eyes, and she never once stopped watching you. Her eyes always seemed worried, yet relieved all the same.

"Let's just enjoy today before things get weird again. Okay?"

She smiled. "Sounds like a plan."

High above Ponyville, the air whisked against your face and through your mane as you zipped across the sky—always behind Rainbow Dash.

Throughout the years, practicing with the mare had led to you being able to fly much faster than you ever had before. While you couldn't fly anywhere near as fast as she could, even she could see a vast improvement in your ability to catch up to her.

"Keep it up, and maybe I might just promote you!" Dash yelled to you from up ahead, a smirk very well present on her lips.

"To what?" you shouted back.

"Beginner!"

"And what the heck am I right now?"

"Not a beginner, that's for sure!" she laughed, spinning about effortlessly.

"We'll see about that, you little—"

"See ya~!" she sang almost tauntingly. Then before you could catch up with her, she was now suddenly below you, flying through a bank of loose clouds.

Immediately, you followed after her, thus initiating a new game of Cat and Mouse that went on for a good twenty minutes, that eventually turned into Hide and Seek. You found yourself genuinely confused as to how you managed to lose a cyan blue, rainbow-maned mare among a series of white clouds.

And yet, you did. Good job.

An hour or so later—after yielding in defeat, of course—you and Rainbow laid across an open patch of clouds, already exhausted from the little debacle, but nonetheless satisfied. And it wasn't even three o'clock yet.

"We haven't flown like that in months," you mention, still somewhat catching your breath.

"I know." Dash paused for a moment, taking in a brief yawn. "I need to get back in the groove of all that."

"I'm up for another round in an hour, give or take."

"What, another round of second place?" she grinned smugly.

"I mean... second place is a win, in my book."

Rainbow Dash bit her lip, stifling a laugh while already growing red as soon as she realized. You couldn't help but just give her forehead a peck. The mare giggled to herself as she cuddled up next to you. You both sat far enough away from the cloud's edge to not risk falling to a most definite death—should you fall asleep—but close enough that you could still be able to peer over and see the view.

And what a view it was. The valley surrounding Ponyville was immense. The sheer sense of illusion made everything seem so close, even Canterlot, yet it was all much, much farther on hoof than anything else. From this high up, you could no longer see anypony at ground level, not even as ants. It was like starting at the most detailed painting ever created.

No matter how often you saw it, you'd never get sick of it.

Rainbow sighed. "You know, sometimes I think it'd be cool to pause time in moments like this and just chill for a couple thousand years."

"You wouldn't get bored of sitting on a cloud for centuries at a time?"

"If it's with you, no."

As sweet as her gesture was, you raised an eyebrow and gave a questioning smile.

"... Okay, even with you, maybe a couple thousand years is a bit of a stretch. Still... it'd be nice to take a long break from everything."

"Yeah. That would be nice."

You had noticed the few gray strands in her mane again. They weren't her natural color, having started to show all those years back, during the time you were in the hospital and the months that followed. It wasn't an instant thing, but everyone could notice after a few months if they looked close enough.

You kissed the part of her head where the strands were more apparent, and she knew. She sighed with content, gazing out to the valley beneath her.

Rainbow yawned. "I forgot how much flying took outta me."

"If you want, we can nap here for a couple hours."

She thought it over, resting a hoof on her chin, but then shook her head.

"Nah. Now that I'm thinking it, I'm starting to crave some cider."

"... At three in the afternoon?"

"Nothing wrong with getting a little buzzed during the day." ... Okay, can't complain. "Plus, I've been dying to get AJ back after that little contest of hers last month."

Ugh, you remembered. Losers had to spend a day dressed in opposite clothing. Granted, the dress was a little comfy, but Dash clearly did not like tuxedos. It took all your willpower to keep from laughing and risk a broken rib.

She still hits hard.

"Got any payback in mind?" you asked, curious.

"Not at the moment, but I'll figure something out. Maybe walk around Ponyville in a corset? Ooh, or maybe have her spend a day at the schoolhouse wearing a little foal's school uniform?"

"So, literal foal's play?"

"That, and maybe a couple of pictures taken to boot."

"You're not gonna tell her, are you?"

"Nope."

"Are you sure you're not supposed to be married to Discord, instead?"

You haven't heard her cackle that hard in years. But it was the stare that got you.

"Never say that again."

"No promises..."

Not even the elbow to the chest could stop you from smiling and laughing like an idiot.

Of all the places throughout Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres was the only place that showed even the faintest change of look in the last five years. At the same time, it was the same old ranch in your eyes.

You and Rainbow arrived later in the day to find Applejack relaxing on the porch of her homestead, her husband Caramel sitting beside her. They were married close to three years now, and it seemed nothing could keep them apart these days. And with how well business had bloomed, moments like these seemed to be more common. Not that she was complaining.

"Howdy, you two!" Applejack hollered as she saw you and Dash approach the farmhouse. "You sure are looking fine today!"

"I'm surprised you could see us that far without your glasses on," Rainbow Dash quipped.

Applejack couldn't help but smirk. "Ya know, come to think of it, I almost didn't recognize you without your tuxedo on, Rainbow Dash."

"Ugh, don't remind me about that," Dash laughed, resting on the porch steps. The two mares laughed as they embraced each other in a hug.

The farm mare smiled as she went up to hug you soon after. "It's good to see you again, sugarcubes."

"It's been too long."

"Yeah," Applejack sighed as she pulled away. "Now, what brings ya both by?"

Rainbow Dash turned her head for a click. "Well, I figured since we're all pretty free at the moment, you might fancy another casual swigging?"

Applejack nearly deadpanned, even turning to you, then back to Dash.

"... At three in the afternoon?"

"There's nothing wrong with an occasional afternoon intoxication every now and then, is there?"

"I... You know what, I'm not surprised at this point." She then turned back to you. "But you're okay with it?"

You shrugged. "I mean, if you're both okay with it... and Caramel too, if he wants in on it... then I'm totally fine with it."

Caramel waved a hoof reassuringly, lending a smile to his wife.

"I mean..."

Applejack shot a look to Caramel, then to Rainbow, and then to you. All three of you were looking at her, waiting for any kind of answer—though Rainbow anticipated anything but a No.

"... Shoot, why not?"

"Yes!" Rainbow shot a hoof through the air. "I call dibs on the blue cup!"

"Of course you do, sugarcube."

You forgot just how well Rainbow could hold her liquor. Nearly ten cups of cider later, and she still seemed almost entirely fine. A bit wobbly, but it was nothing too much.

Applejack was nearly the same, but even with her kind of armor, she began to show through the cracks.

Meanwhile, you were still on your second. You didn't want to be too intoxicated today, right?

"Ugh... you giving up yet, Applejack?"

"You know I ain't going down easy."

"Whatever you say," Rainbow jested as she finished her tenth cup.

Applejack was catching up behind her, finally starting her ninth cup. Her face was only slightly red, and there was an occasional hiccup, but she seemed determined to win again for the thirteenth month in a row.

But halfway through her drink, she winced, shuddering as the taste finally caught up to her. It wasn't an awful taste—you knew the feeling—but it did make finishing the rest of the cup a bit less pleasant than the first half. When her tenth cup finally filled to the brim, she sighed and pushed it away.

"... Shucks, I give up."

"Whoooo-hoo-hoooooo!" Rainbow shouted almost at the top of her lungs, letting out a belching crescendo. "... Heh. Sorry."

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright. What do I gotta do?"

"I'll let ya know." Dash smirked in your direction, leaving the farmer genuinely anxious.

"C'mon, Dash, you know I don't like it when I don't know what to do."

"Which is why I'm not telling ya until the time's just right. But I'll at least give you a head start."

"Which is...?"

"Just be ready on Monday," she snickered.

You pretended to have no idea what she was talking about. Unfortunately, you weren't very good at hiding anticipation.

As you finished your third cup of cider before eventually fetching some water, Rainbow and Applejack started to properly catch up, no matter how inebriated they were. It'd been a couple weeks since they last saw each other, but these days, a lot can still happen in two weeks.

Caramel had since left, gone into town for a bit of shopping, and allowing Applejack to catch up with both of you. For a while, all three of you were laughing and joking like it was old times. And with the rest of the family out on business downtown, there was nothing to distract you from talking, talking, talking.

But eventually, topics ran thin, and despite her hesitation, Applejack still knew it was something to discuss.

"So..." she began slowly. "... they caught that Swift feller."

Rainbow sighed. She had been hoping it wouldn't catch up to her for the rest of the day.

"Yeah. We heard about it this morning."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring it up again. It's just—"

"Don't worry about it," Dash dismissed with a faint smile. "It was high time he got caught, anyway."

Despite the reassurance, Applejack couldn't help but show guilt, even if you already knew. You could only tell her the same thing, that it was no big deal, and that you'd be genuinely surprised if she didn't bring it up at least once.

Even these days, despite it being a heavy topic, they weren't afraid to talk about Swift or the things he did. You and Dash couldn't help but dig into the murderous chamberpot when you had the chance, only to realize everything he claimed to have done was true. He was mitigating it.

"Are ya nervous?" she eventually asked, looking at you. "You know we're all gonna have to go that day, right?"

You nodded hesitantly.

"Yeah. Most days, I couldn't stop worrying he was just gonna show up at the door one day and finish the job. But now that he's actually in cuffs and going to trial? I don't know why... but that scares me even more." You paused, looking into your cup of water. "... Do you think he'll recognize me? I mean, I'm not that different from back then, at least not physically. But still, I'm sure he's had plenty more victims since me."

"But the difference between you and the rest... and I hate to say it like this," Applejack stated, rubbing the back of her head, "is that you're Twilight's best friend. Celestia's. Luna's. OUR'S. I'm sure that makes you just as important as the rest of us. A crook like him attacking a close friend of the Elements of Harmony? You bet yer hide he ain't ever getting out of that dungeon once Twilight's done with him."

"And good riddance, too," Rainbow added, softly nudging your shoulder. "And besides, even if he did decide to try something in the courtroom, we'd be all over him before he took one step out of that stand. He may have been a "leader," but he'd be a moron to try anything in there or anywhere after."

Still, you slowly shrugged with uncertainty. "I guess you're right. Maybe what he said back in Manehattan is still getting to me a little."

"Don't worry, sugarcube," Applejack reassured as she rested a hoof on yours, "we'll be right there with you. We ain't letting anything like that happen to you again. Twilight will be sure of that."

Rainbow eyed you. "Told ya."

Embracing her hoof, you smiled at Applejack. At least somewhat relieved for the moment, you took a swig of water, and even that seemed to help calm your nerves. Maybe it was the cider. After that moment, the three of you moved onto other topics, anything that came up off the top of your head. The Summer Sun Celebration was fast approaching already, and you were sure not even the trial would detract Twilight from making it another memorable year.

But an hour, and a couple more drinks later, Rainbow Dash had crashed on the living room couch, no doubt exhausted from a mixture of intoxication and your earlier joyflight, leaving you and Applejack to continue on the conversation.

The one in question? Your anniversary. Sure, it was still three months away, but you still wanted to be on top of your game like you were every other year. You and Dash were always trying to outdo each other in gifts, and you doubted this year would be any different.

Not that it mattered, anyway. It was fun.

"Fancy any ideas?" Applejack piqued. "I don't suppose she'd be too thrilled if all ya got her this year was the new Daring Do book again."

You leaned your head. "Well... it kinda worked the first time I tried it. And the second time. But... yeah, that's not really gonna work these days. I don't suppose Daring would be willing to give away her outfit, would she?"

"I highly doubt that. Let you borrow it for a few days, maybe, but actually keeping it? Nah."

"What do you mean borrow—" You stopped mid-sentence. "Ohhhhh."

Applejack giggled. "The look on your face."

Despite your inevitable smile, you shook your head at the farmer. Even after all these years, you still had trouble seeing Applejack making an occasional innuendo. Usually, that was Rainbow's forte.

Guess she grows on others more than you think. You don't know whether to be impressed, scared, or both.

Eventually, your laughter died down, leaving you both sighing over empty mugs at the table.

"I'm glad y'all are still together," Applejack spoke after a moment of silence. "You two still stick like glue."

"Yeah." You paused for a second, glancing over at Rainbow's sleeping form, and couldn't help but smile. "I don't know where I'd be without her."

"You can say the same for her, too. Without you, I... I don't know. You know?"

You said nothing, only watching Applejack fidget slightly in her seat. She stared down at her cup and swallowed.

"You know you were dead, right? In the hospital?" You nodded, still silent. "Right before Cobalt was able to bring you back, you were just... you were actually gone for a moment. Dead. I don't think it really sank into our heads that you could just be gone. And when Rainbow saw ya... Oh..."

She sighed, collecting herself.

"It broke her. She couldn't think straight for days. For the longest time, she genuinely believed she would never be able to fix it right. And when you two had that fight that Summer's Dusk... she convinced herself it was like losing you all over again."

Rainbow didn't like to talk about those days anymore. It only brought back bad memories. You could understand why. Both of you did stupid things, but you kept telling her it was nothing to be ashamed of... no matter how upset with her you were for the first few days.

"I'm glad I got over it, then. She's the reason I like to get up early."

It was merely a jest, but you still told Applejack the truth. It wouldn't have been fair to hold Rainbow to account for treatment towards you for the rest of her life. Especially considering what it stemmed from. The thought of how you acted still ate at you even today, but at the same time, it didn't matter. You loved her, no matter what she said or did nearly six years ago.

If the gold band on your hooves weren't indication enough...

"... Do ya regret it?"

You looked up.

"What?"

"Us, I mean. Sorry, I shoulda said that first. I mean, do you regret us... you know... back in Manehattan that year?"

You remembered now. It was meant to help bring you and Dash closer together, according to Twilight. It seemed to only drive you and her apart instead. And then there was Applejack, minding her business in the swimming pool, and...

You loved her once. Part of you believed you still did for a long time. You spent years wondering if it would've worked between you and her... especially after...

"Yes," you said in the moment of silence.

Applejack froze for a moment, as if she meant to follow up your response, only to stop herself. You couldn't make out her expression. She seemed stuck, just for a second.

"... Me too. Do ya need anymore water?"

The sudden change was abrupt, but you said nothing of it and nodded. Applejack left the table, carrying the mugs in one hoof. A moment later, she returned, both mugs filled with fresh water. She downed half her share in a second.

"Do you ever wish you could go back and change anythang? Even one thang?"

You thought about it, your head slightly tilted to the side. The concept never occurred to you before, because...

Well, why would it?

"No. I mean... maybe not leaving the hotel with Spike and all. Then again, Rainbow always told me I've been a completely different person since it happened, so... I don't know. I guess still no, if yes means Rainbow and I never..."

You trailed off, taking a sip of water, but Applejack knew what you meant by it. Her ears drooped, and still, her face was difficult to read. It was always difficult to read beyond sad and happy or angry.

"... Do you regret it?"

She looked at you, her emerald eyes glistening with hesitation.

"No," she finally said, but held up a hoof before you could ask. "I know that probably makes me a terrible pony for saying that, but I... I really enjoyed the time we spent together—as short as it was. Back then, even with the girls all in my life... I just didn't feel happy. Things felt tedious after a while. Sure, we went on adventures and saw a marriage here and a coronation there, but it just didn't feel enough.

"... And then there you were, and suddenly I had something to look forward to." Applejack rested her hoof on top of yours and smiled. "Those few days we shared were some of the happiest days of my life, and I'd been kicking myself for not doing anything before that. But I guess I just shied myself away because I didn't think you'd want anything to do with me that way."

"Applejack—" you tried to speak, but she pressed her other hoof against your lips.

"Just... let me finish, okay?" Her eyes begged you to just listen.

Slowly, you nodded and gave her that wish.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't still care about you... that way... but I wouldn't change anythang, either. I knew it wouldn't work, that thangs wouldn't be the same. But after losing... her... and those talks we had on that bench on the hill, I think that was the push I needed, that strength to finally move on and stop holding onto the past. Then Caramel and I started talking, and then... everythang just fell into place. I love him more than anythang in the world. And if it weren't for him, I don't know where I'd be today."

The hoof on your mouth soon rested upon your cheek. You shivered from the warmth of it, holding it with your own, but still, you were silent.

"But I have you to thank for all that. You didn't give up on me, no matter what. You helped me through that dark part of my life, and it's because of you that I was able to feel like my old self again, to feel like I still had a purpose here, Element or not. And it's because of you that I found the person I want to spend the rest of my life with."

Applejack leaned over the table, hoof firm on the wooden surface, and gently kissed your cheek, resting her lips for a few short, yet long moments, before pulling you into a tender hug. Her body quickly relaxed, and she let out a deep sigh as she rested her head upon your shoulder.

"Thank you for saving me."

You held her close, resting your head on her shoulder. You stared at the wall, only to see a picture of Applejack as a filly, standing firmly, yet proudly with her family, as their future stood behind them.

"Thank you for staying."

You pulled away from her and grinned at her, tears welling in your eyes. You think it was the first time you ever saw her cry too, even if for just a moment.

You remembered why you loved her a long time ago.

You spent the next half hour helping Applejack clean off the table and wash out the cups and other dishes before putting them away, only leaving Rainbow Dash's blue cup full of water beside her sleeping form.

Caramel had returned soon after, and the three of you sat on the porch talking about what had been going on since the last get-together. Other than the little 'gum-bum' fiasco Pinkie Pie had gone through last Monday, things in Ponyville were relatively quiet. Even Twilight's duties seemed to be in short supply, leaving her and Cobalt spending more time together—not that it was a bad thing, but it only seemed to remind you that things had finally wound down around here.

Was it wrong to say you missed the times when centaurs and bug-queens tried to take over the world?

It was nearing seven o'clock, and Applejack and Caramel were listening to your story of the Las Pegasus wedding. The fact that they had no idea how much of a "bridezilla" the bride turned out to be made you realize that even all these years later, Dash was still right.

"Like, the whole cake?" Caramel asked, his jaw dropping in astonishment.

"The whole flipping thing," you recalled. "It went everywhere, and if I remember right, it took the bakers all day to put the thing together. She did this whole thing in front of the parents. Celestia, the look on their faces. I knew exactly what they were thinking."

Applejack shook her head. "Shoot. I can only imagine what would've happened if Pinkie Pie put the cake together instead."

"Oh man," you laughed, "now I wish I brought Pinkie with me."

You heard a groan as the front door suddenly creaked open. Rainbow Dash sluggishly stumbled out onto the porch, cup in wing, and her face just screaming 'hangover.' "Uhnngh... Brought Pinkie where?"

"Hey there, sugarcube," Applejack greeted, waving a hoof, "we're talking about that wedding he went to a while back."

"Which one? Yours or—oooohhhh, the Las Pegasus one?"

You couldn't help but let out a giggly chuckle. Rainbow had been spending years wanting to know as much as she could about that wedding. No matter how awkward or cringe-inducing a moment was, she still came back wanting to know more. At least, once she finished banging her head against the wall.

"What part are you at?" she wondered, as if already pushing her hangover aside.

"He just told us about the cake."

"Oooohhhhhggghh," she cringed, "and the tantrum too? Did you tell her that?"

"Yep."

Even as she cringed as these details bounced about in her head, Dash couldn't help but laugh at the fact that it happened at all. She couldn't believe it, and yet you—and possibly dozens of other wedding-goers—had photo evidence to prove it. And photos don't lie.

Well, unless you're a unicorn.

But eventually, the sun began to set, and as much as you enjoyed staying and catching up outside of business, you all knew it was time to head out. While Rainbow Dash didn't have to head into work until nine in the morning, you still were a prominent, early-bird worker at the orchard. That still meant seven AM sharp.

"It was great seeing you two again," Applejack exclaimed, "Hopefully we can do this more often."

Rainbow nodded. "Totally! And, uh... sorry I fell asleep on you guys." Your wife giggled awkwardly, but you could only respond with a quick peck on the cheek, to which she smiled with a blush.

"Don't think anything of it, partner. But I'm not gonna go down so easy next time."

"We'll see about that," Rainbow pointed a hoof at the mare, hazy determination burned into her eyes.

The two mares laughed and gave each other parting hugs. But as you all exchanged your embraces, the smile on Applejack's face seemed to fade.

"So, uh... I guess I'll see ya Saturday, then."

What—Oh. Right. Saturday.

Not even a day, and yet Swift Shadow had already ruined the weekend.

Rainbow's eyes darted about for a moment, as if she was deep in thought. Then something came to mind as she grinned.

"You know what? How about we all go out for lunch on Sunday? We can catch up and finally put that ass behind us once and for all."

Applejack smiled back, sighing contently. "Yeah. I'd like that."

Finally, after another quick bout of hugs to bring back up the temporarily solemn mood, you and Rainbow Dash finally left Sweet Apple Acres as Celestia's sun finally disappeared under the earth. Rather than immediately head home, the two of you decided to take a final evening stroll through the streets of Ponyville.

Unlike Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville looked no different today than it did five years ago, or even seven years ago when you first came to town, apart from maybe a new house here or there, and of course the fillies and colts that had since grown up into teenagers, well on their way to becoming adults. Beyond that, Ponyville was a living time capsule.

Not to mention cold, especially for a summer night. Maybe the weather team had moved up the changes a week early?

After spending half an hour wandering the streets aimlessly—and what fun it actually turned out to be to explore parts of town you've never been to!—you and Dash eventually made your way to the park in the outskirts of town. One thing you both realized after the first few nights was that the park was completely devoid of ponies by the time eight PM rolled around.

Beyond the occasional cricket chirp and the passing by of a curious squirrel or rabbit, you two were completely alone as you sat on a bench, looking up into the night sky as Luna's moon began to shine down on the land. Full moon or no moon, it still looked lovely.

You had wrapped a wing around Dash's body to keep her warm, and she did the same to you, letting out a blissful sigh as the stars and constellations came out in abundance.

"Today was a good day," she nearly whispered.

"It was," you remark. "Been a while since we got drunk during the day, but other than that..."

Rainbow laughed as she snuggled up closer to you. "Sorry about that."

"Don't be. It was fun." You lent Rainbow a smile as you looked down at her, and she responded in kind.

But once you looked into her eyes—those beautiful, magenta eyes—you found it hard to look away.

And there you went again, staring.

You couldn't help it. Even after all these years, all this time that you spent with her, she still looked so amazing, especially under the moonlight. The way her rainbow mane flowed in the breeze, each strand danced with each other, creating a symphony of color. Her eyes told you everything about her, and yet still left so much mystery behind them; and you were in no rush to unlock them.

And the way she smiled at you... Rainbow Dash.

"I love you."

The way her hoof caressed your cheek.

"I love you too."

You leaned in and kissed her. Every time you did, it was like kissing her for the first time: Butterflies fluttered in your stomach, your cheeks ran red and hot, and your bodies shook with excitement, yet content. Every time you did, it only reminded you of why you fell in love with her, why you chose to start again in spite of everything that told you to stop—why you chose to buy those golden bands and ask her to be your wife.

Because she stayed.

And so you and Rainbow Dash stayed and loved each other under the sun and the moon. To the ends of the earth and to the edge of the sky. In life and in death.

There were a lot of things that you regret. But what came after was worth it.

And you wouldn't change it for the world.

Author's Notes:

IT'S OVER. IT'S FINALLY OVER.

Damn right, after four long years of writing this thing on and off, After is now officially complete! You have no idea how much I'd been anticipating slapping that Complete tag on this story!

While writer's block did kick me in the ass for a while, I still enjoyed working on this story! There were things I enjoyed and things I didn't enjoy, but I always anticipated a happy ending.

At the same time, I did plan for a lot more. And that made absolutely no sense. I don't want this author's note to be too too long, but I do plan on writing a blog post kind of explaining all the things I did and didn't do for After, and regret (giggity) doing.

But I hope you enjoyed this final chapter! I wanted to be sure it wasn't too rushed, nor too slow, and I really wanted to try and get the characters to feel like themselves again, because at times in the past, I had this feeling that even though they had different names, they were just the same character talking to each other over and over. I always used "OOC" to justify it, but that can only go so far.

Nonetheless, thank you to all the people who were able to stick around all these years!

I don't know if I plan on making anymore stories set in this universe, but if I do, it'll most definitely focus on Swift Shadow's trial. How that'll go... I have no idea. I mean, it's pretty much implied that he'll be guilty and sentenced to life, so all it'd really be is just showing that process in detail. I may or may not do it.

But now I've got plans! Plans to both edit/rewrite bits and pieces of this story, shorten and merge some chapters, and completely remove the whole Swift Shadow storyline I was originally going to do.

I've also got new stories planned, so that'll be fun to finally get the chance to work on them!