Rainbow Dash didn't care much about apples. Well, she cared for The Apples, all of them. So when Applejack needed help to carry some apples all the way to Manehattan, she happily followed her. That didn't stop her to sleep for most of the journey there, there was only too much she could hear about the different types of recipes involving apples.

The only thing she found apples useful was juggling a few while waiting for Applejack to move all the carts to that fancy ponies party.

“There ya go, auntie! Seven full carts of apples!” Applejack said, sporting her usual cheerful smile.

“Thank you, dear. Now please, come inside. I want to meet some of my friends,” Aunty Orange said and lead Applejack to the mansion.

Rainbow fell on top of the apples, already regretting coming there. However, Applejack never made it inside the party, the unicorn bouncer stop her before she could set one hoof inside.

“I´m sorry but you're not wearing the proper outfit for the occasion,” the bouncer explained, apparently offended that he had to explain how the covered in dirt and wearing an apron Applejack couldn't get in.

“Excuse me? This young lady is my niece and she´s providing the party with all those delicious treats!” Aunt Orange shouted.

“No horseshoes, no admittance,” the bouncer stated.

Aunt Orange was turning into a tomato but Applejack calmed her down. “It´s okay auntie, ah have to catch the first train back to Ponyville.”

Aunt Orange wasn´t sure but she hugged her niece and let her go. Rainbow Dash however wasn't so rational, she have heard the entire conversation and was ready to give the unicorn a black eye that matched his tuxedo.

“Are you going to let him treat you like that?” she barked.

“It´s okay, Rainbow. Ah didn't want to spend the rest of the night talking to those namby-pamby fancy ponies. Ah love mah aunt and uncle but their friends are a real bore.”

Rainbow looked at Applejack serene face and blinked a few times, trying to  process the information. “You're really not mad about it?”

“No, sir. Now, let´s put these beauties at the kitchen and head for the station.”

Rainbow Dash scratched her neck. She wouldn't have reacted so calm have she been rejected like that. She may look like one who didn't care much about dresses and such but, being insulted like that, being told she wasn´t good enough; that really got under her skin.

Rainbow took a huge bite of one of the apples, regretting she won't get to watch the reaction of the pony who gets it.

******

“And the winner is….Mrs. Raindrops!”

Rainbow Dash applauded along with all the other contestants. She smiled and hold her bronze medal for the camera, pretending to be just as happy as the other winners. Her face hurt for forcing that smile.

“I feel so bad for Dashie,” Pinkie Pie said, having watched the contest form the stands along with her friends.

“Third place isn´t that bad,” Twilight said.

“But she wanted to win so badly. She even made the costume herself. I offer my help but she threw me off,” Fluttershy explained.

“And that´s why she failed. The judges took all the little details into account. Rainbow´s suit may be aerodynamic enough but the other two put more effort in the presentation. She should have asked either Fluttershy or myself for help, that way she would have secured the gold,” Rarity said. It took her a minute to realize the death glare she was receiving and she blushed, hiding behind a Rainbow Dash flag.

Applejack moved away from the group and waited for Rainbow Dash to come down. She was still sporting that fake smile.

“How are ya?” Applejack asked.

“Great! Check this beauty!” she said, showing the medal. “I also got some flowers and a ribbon. Great stuff, right? They even told me they´re waiting to see me next year again. Those judges were really nice, they say I was one of the best they saw even if they didn't fancy the suit,” rainbow Dash explained in an obvious fake tone.

“Ah think yah look fine, sugarcube.”

“Not fine enough to win, hehe. But I don´t mind. I don't, really!”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“Talk about what? I´m cool, really! Hey, would you...would you and the girl wait for me a little longer? I still have to take a few more photos and stuff. Wait for me, okay?”

“Ah´m not going anywhere, Rainbow. Ah´m here for you, if you want me.”

Applejack smiled, a sincere, not judgmental smile; and that smile, was all that was needed to break Rainbow´s defences. She stopped fighting the tears and broke down, resting her head on her friend's shoulder.

“I really wanted to win…”