Chapter 8

The beautiful morning sunlight leaked into Applejack's bedroom, waking Rainbow Dash from her peaceful slumber. She sighed as a feeling of warmth flooded through her. She looked into Applejack's emerald eyes, seeing that she had already been awake for some time before her.

"Good mornin'." Applejack said with a warm smile. Rainbow snickered and nuzzled Applejack's cheek.

"Good morning, yourself." Rainbow said as she yawned lightly. "Geez, I needed this." Applejack nodded.

"Yeah. You slept like a log." The farm mare said.

"Oh, did I?" Rainbow said. "Well then, I'm a happy log, because I'm here with you." Applejack smiled.

"Ditto." Applejack stated. "You snore, ya know." The words sent a spear of self-awareness through Rainbow Dash's gut. She tried to think of a witty line to retort with, but finally settled for a nervous-

"No I don't." She looked to the side and cleared her throat. "Nope, I sure don't."

"Don't worry, Sugarcube." Applejack said, stroking Rainbow's prismatic mane. "Ah think it's cute." Rainbow blushed heavily and smiled. Her spine was still straightened from shame, but the reassuring statement from her love helped to calm her.

"...Really?" She said timidly, much unlike herself. "I always thought I sounded awful."

"How would ya even know?" Applejack asked, half laughing. "You're sleepin' when ya do it."

"Well, a past coltfriend of mine told me that I snore and he made fun of me for it." Rainbow said. "I just always assumed it sounded awful." Applejack frowned.

"Well, he was stupid." Applejack said. "Glad ya dumped him." Rainbow laughed.

"Yeah...He was pretty bad. We only lasted a month." Applejack kissed Rainbow Dash on the forehead.

"Ah love you..." Applejack said with a warm smile. "So much." Rainbow pulled Applejack into a kiss, disconnecting from it after a few seconds.

"I love you too. But Applejack...before we really get back into this...y'know, us being a couple...are you sure that you'll stay with me?" Rainbow said, looking down, then back into Applejack's eyes. "I'm not sure I can take it if you leave me again..."

Applejack felt an enormous amount of gulit fill her being at that moment. She couldn't blame Rainbow in the slightest. Applejack had been the source of Rainbow Dash's misery for the week prior to that day. She had changed, and she was going to make sure Rainbow Dash knew it. Applejack stroked Rainbow's mane and smiled at her reassuringly.

"Rainbow Dash, Ah wouldn't leave you again if my life depended on it." Applejack said. Rainbow put her hoof on Applejack's and held it to the side of her face. "Ah want to be with you with all my heart. There's nowhere Ah'd rather be in this world than right here, right now with you." Rainbow Dash shed a tear as she kissed Applejack, wrapping her front legs around her. They continued to kiss as Rainbow Dash rolled Applejack onto her back, allowing Rainbow Dash's wings to flare out. Both their ears moved back as they fell further and further into their love for one another. The pegasus felt like she was floating on air as she moved her lips against Applejack's. She couldn't have been any happier, kissing the mare she loved so dearly, knowing that she truly was hers now. Applejack disconnected from the kiss suddenly and smiled up at Rainbow Dash.

"And Ah'm gonna prove it to ya, Dash." Applejack said happily. "Ah'm gonna tell my family. About us. Today." Rainbow Dash was stunned. Her eyebrows raised and ears perked up as she struggled to supress a small smile, failing miserably.

"Really?" She said, unable to hide the happiness and astonishment in her words. "When?"

"Ya got apples in your ears?" Applejack asked with a chuckle. "Ah said today."

"No, smart one, when today?" Rainbow asked, giggling slightly.

"Ah'm thinkin' tonight." Applejack said, looking up, seeming to be thinking. "We're all gonna be havin' supper together. Ah'll tell 'em then, Ah think." Rainbow Dash felt like jumping up and down and throwing a victorious hoof into the air. She settled for a long kiss on Applejack's lips.

"Wow..." Rainbow said. "You really are serious..." Applejack smirked at her.

"Ah know." Applejack said. "Element of honesty, remember? Despite what Ah've been doin' lately, Ah usually am a little truthful." Rainbow Dash pulled Applejack into a hug, burying her face in Applejack's shoulder.

"I'm so glad..." Rainbow said, coming back to kiss Applejack again before nuzzling her lovingly. "I'm so happy."

"Thank you, Rainbow Dash..." Applejack said, tears forming in her eyes.

"For what?" Rainbow asked. "Does it have something to do with why you're crying?" Applejack laughed and playfully shoved Rainbow over onto her side.

"Of course it does!" Applejack said half laughing, wiping her tears away.

"Well, okay." Rainbow said with a smile. "Let's hear it, then."

"Ah just..." Applejack said, looking for the correct words. "Ah just wanna say thank you for not givin' up on me...even when Ah treated you so badly, you never quite let me go. If ya had, Ah probably would have just lived the rest of my life in the closet. Ah don't know what Ah'd be doin' now without you..." Applejack softly layed a front leg around Rainbow Dash. "You're so special to me. Ah just love you so much." Rainbow smiled and teared up as well.

"Geez, Applejack, ever thought of being a motivational speaker?" Applejack laughed. "I love you too." With that, Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash into her, embracing her sweetly and holding her, not wanting to let go. Rainbow held onto Applejack, nuzzling her face into the farm mare's chest. The two ponies breathed in synchronization, matching each other's breath in length and magnitude. They layed this way for what seemed to be half an hour before Applejack began to get out of the bed, earning a tired, disapproving moan from Rainbow Dash.

"Why are you leaving?" Rainbow said, looking up at the standing Applejack with half-lidded eyes. "I was almost back to sleep..."

"Ah'm gonna get a shower." Applejack said. "Feelin' like Ah might need it."

"You smell fine..." Rainbow said, turning over. "Get back in bed and spoon with me." Applejack laughed and looked down at Rainbow. She lightly stroked the back of Rainbow's head making the pegasus' ears splay back.

"As temptin' as that offer sounds, Ah'm still gonna grab a shower. Be out in a minute." Applejack said, walking to the bathroom and turning the shower on. She looked at herself in the mirror as she waited for the water to get comfortably hot. She finally could look at herself and not feel contempt or shame due to her actions. She could finally look upon herself and actually smile. When Applejack's reflection was completely blotted out by the excessive amount of steam coming from her shower, she stepped inside, shrinking back from the near-scalding water. Gingerly, she edged the hot water handle closer to the cold, evening out the balance of hot and cold until it was at a comfortable level.

Satisfied, Applejack stepped into the good-sized walk in shower and closed the curtain.

"Aw, dang it." She cursed, as she had forgotten to take out her hair ties. She removed the ties and applied a generous portion of shampoo to her mane and tail, washing each with care, massaging the soapy liquid soothingly. She sighed as she let the soothing water play down her head and face, washing the shampoo out as well as giving her face a relaxing rinse.

She heard the bathroom door open. Applejack froze momentarily, not knowing who exactly was walking in, the shower curtain blocking the rest of the restroom from her view completely.

"Wow, AJ." Rainbow Dash said. "It's like a freakin' sauna in here." Applejack sighed silently in relief.

"Well, that's how Ah like it." Applejack said. "Deal with it."

" 'Kay." Rainbow said simply, making Applejack giggle.

"What exactly are ya doin' in here anyways?"

"Just brushing my teeth, worrywart." Rainbow snickered. Applejack rolled her eyes slightly as she closed her eyes again, continuing the take in the feel of the water. "Besides, it's not like I've never seen all of you there is to see." Rainbow said, a noticably sultry tint to her voice. Applejack blushed heavily as she suddenly felt a burning sensation in her lower stomach. She thought momentarily about inviting Rainbow Dash in the shower, but decided against it. She continued to rinse herself as she heard several quick hoofsteps toward her. She heard the shower curtain suddenly open. Applejack turned around to be quickly taken into a deep kiss from Rainbow Dash.

Applejack's stomach leaped in shock and arousal as the water played over the two mares. Rainbow Dash pushed Applejack against the wall of the shower, kissing Applejack passionately. Rainbow slipped her tongue into Applejack's mouth and slid it around Applejack's before disconnecting from the kiss and looking into Applejack's eyes saucily. Applejack breathed heavily, her eyes half lidded, a heavy blush present on her face.

"What're ya doin'?" Applejack asked.

"Are you kidding?" Rainbow said, brushing her matted mane out of her face. "All this warm steam, you in here in such a vulnerable position, the hot water..." Rainbow kissed Applejack's neck slowly, making sure to suck on the farm mare's sensitive skin as she pulled away, making Applejack moan. She brought her lips centimeters away from Applejack's and whispered with a smile- "How the hay could I resist?"

With that, Rainbow slammed her lips back on Applejack's. Applejack immediately melted into the kiss and moved her tongue along Rainbow's, falling deeper and deeper into her passion for the cyan pegasus. The water running down her body and the steam filling her lungs with each frantic breath through her nose spurred her further into their liplock.

Rainbow was working with every fiber of her being to turn on the charm for Applejack. It was working famously. The orange mare was putty in her hands. Rainbow relished the moment as she was in complete control of the situation there in the shower. What was to happen next was completely up to her, and this sent an excited jolt through her body. Rainbow slowly began massaging Applejack's flank with her hooves, pressing down on the smooth, firm muscles. Applejack gasped.

"I've been waiting for this, Applejack..." Rainbow said, disconnecting from the kiss. "You and me...our bodies...let's not waste this time we have, huh?" Rainbow slowly...tantalizingly, moved her hoof to Applejack's lower belly, moving in slow circles. The liquid arousal from Applejack's sex mixed with the water as it dripped down her leg. Applejack moaned.

"Please, Dash-Ah!...Please don't-nya!" Rainbow sucked on Applejack's neck again as she continued to massage her flank and lower stoamch. "...Stop teasin' me." Rainbow snickered.

"I always have been the best at getting under your skin, huh?" Rainbow whispered sultrily into Applejack's ear.

"In every sense of the phrase, sugarcube..." She said before a gasp. "Please...Ah can't take it..."

"...Alright then." Rainbow simply said before shooting her hoof to Applejack's marehood, pressing into it, alternating pressures. Applejack moaned a little louder than she should have. Rainbow didn't mind.

Rainbow Dash rubbed Applejack's sex with her hoof, making her pant heavily. The farm mare felt small explosions in her groin as Dash rubbed at her, hitting her clitoris occasionally, but never once focusing on it. The effect was dazzling, yet torturous to the earth pony at the same time. Rainbow Dash could most certainly be cruel in their intimate interactions when she wanted to be.

The pegasus quickly atoned for this, however, as she moved both hooves under Applejack's flank and began to massage as she began to kiss Applejack again, employing her tongue with admirable skill. While the feeling was extremely pleasant, it was not nearly as pleasurable as the attention her flower recieved. Rainbow's intentions were quickly made known however, as she moved one of her back legs up to connect with Applejack's sex. She moved it back and forth, making Applejack's body bob up and down slightly as well as increasing the frequency of the friction on her lower lips and clitoris at the same time.

Applejack struggled not to scream as she lifted her back legs up around Rainbow Dash's flank and put her hooves and Rainbow's shoulders. Applejack disconnected from the kiss and moaned into Rainbow's ear, further arousing her. Her moans became more frequent and high pitched as the pleasure increased to mind-numbing levels.

Rainbow Dash's wings had flared out at this point, and were frequently hit with water from the shower. This was extremely pleasurable to Rainbow, making her pant as she moved her leg powerfully against Applejack's sex. The motions continued for nearly five minutes before Applejack felt her climax approaching.

"Rainbow...Oh, goddesses, Rainbow...Ah'm gettin' close..." Applejack said through her intense pleasure.

The bathroom door opened.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash froze in complete and utter terror.

"Applejack?" Applebloom called innocently, stepping into the bathroom. "You takin' a shower?" The two mares, who had stopped right in the process of love making in the shower, blinked at each other briefly. Their eyes widened dramatically as they did not dare to move an inch. Applejack, her mind stopped in place, struggled to find the right words to say.

"Uhh...Y-Yeah, Applebloom..." Applejack finally said. "Ah'm in the shower. Whatcha need?" Rainbow Dash's heart beat against her ribcage as a feeling of dread filled her.

'This is it...' Rainbow thought to herself. 'It's over.'

"Just comin' to remind ya that ya promised to come with me, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle on our crusadin' today." Applebloom said. "We're supposed to meet in thirty minutes."

"...Yeah, Ah remember, sugarcube." Applejack said. "Just let me finish my shower and Ah'll take ya, okay?"

"Okay!" Applebloom responded happily before leaving the bathroom.

"Shut the door, please." Applejack called after her sister.

"Oop! Sorry, sis." Applebloom said before shutting the door. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash sighed heavily with relief. Applejack threw a hoof against her forhead.

"Ponyfeathers!" She whispered. "Ah completely forgot!"

"Forgot what?" Rainbow asked her, dropping her voice to a whisper as well.

"Ah'm supposed to watch over Applebloom and her friends today while they go on their little adventures." Applejack responded. Rainbow nodded.

"Alright, then. Let's finish up here so I can get going." Rainbow said, beginning to massage Applejack's flank again.

"Are you crazy?" Applejack whispered.

"No. Just really, really-"

"My little sister is in the other room!"

"We can be quiet, come oooonn..."

"Look, Dash, Ah'll make it up to ya, Ah promise, but we can't do it now." Applejack said, moving out from being pinned against the wall by Rainbow Dash. The pegasus pouted adorably, making Applejack's heart melt.

"Fine..." Rainbow said. "But I'm gonna hold you to it."

"'Alright." Applejack said, before exiting the shower and grabbing a towel. Rainbow Dash removed one from the available towel rack as well, as the two mares dried themselves off. Once finished, Applejack ambled quickly to her bedroom door and locked it, minimizing any chances of a premature discovery of the two of them. Applejack smiled at Rainbow Dash as she put in her hair ties.

"Ah really love havin' ya here." Applejack said. "Ah wish Ah didn't have to leave ya."

"Oh, don't worry about it, AJ." Rainbow said. "Where are you taking Applebloom and her friends?"

"Just into the fields. Ah promised to get 'em close enough to the Everfree Forest to try to get their birdwatching cutie marks." Applejack stated, putting her stetson hat on, enjoying the familiar feel of the headwear.

"Well, that's perfect." Rainbow replied. "I'll just run into you guys out there. Scootaloo would love it anyways." Applejack smiled.

"Sounds like a plan to me, sugarcube." She stated. "Ah really wasn't expectin' ya to come into the shower." Rainbow looked up innocently and teetered on her hooves like a foal.

"Sure didn't sound too opposed to it, AJ." Rainbow said, looking at Applejack with a cutesy smirk.

"Well, why the hay would Ah be?" Applejack said before walking over to Rainbow and kissing her on the lips. "That was great while it lasted."

"If only it had lasted." Rainbow said, smiling and blushing, her ears splayed back. "Why don't you just make it up to me now and kiss me again?" Applejack giggled.

"You got it, Dash."

Applejack connected her lips with Rainbow Dash's tenderly and brought a hoof up to the back of Rainbow's head, gently pulling her into their liplock. Rainbow Dash relished the sweetness and affection of the kiss and smiled. Applejack deepened the kiss and took Rainbow's top lip in between her own and grazed over it with her tongue. Rainbow's stomach fluttered. She was with the mare she loved, embracing her lovingly in the way she had been yearning desperately for for the past half month. Applejack disconnected from the kiss and stepped back slightly.

"Satisfied?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Rainbow nodded happily.

"Yep!" Rainbow ambled cheerfully to Applejack's window and opened it. "See ya in the fields. Love you!"

"Love ya, too." Applejack responded with a sweet smile. With that, Rainbow Dash jumped out of the window and flew into the clouds. She spun, looped and whirled effortlessly as she did whenever she was exceedingly happy. Applejack giggled as she heard Rainbow cry out in joy as she flew through the sky.

"Ah'm gonna see a blue-footed warbler! The rarest bird in Equestria!" Applebloom exclaimed proudly to her friends, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

"Oh, yeah? Well, I'm gonna see a...a...orange-ringed cardinal! Those can only be seen once in a lifetime!" Scootaloo countered, equally proudly.

"Now, girls, Ah'm not even sure those are even real species of bird." Applejack said, half chuckling as she walked behind the three incredibly energetic fillies, en route to go bird watching.

"Well they should be!" Scootaloo responded. "They sound awesome!" The tiny pegasus and Applebloom did a quick hoof bump.

"I'm fine with whatever I see, really." Sweetie Belle said humbly.

"Yeah, because that's definitely gonna get ya your cutie mark." Applebloom said with a giggle.

"We'll see." Sweetie Belle said, taking her notebook out of her saddlebag and examining it, making sure it was all up to snuff. The four ponies arrived in the "watching spot" that all of the crusaders had agreed upon three days prior. Applejack sat down on the ground and prepared for two straight hours of pure boredome.

"Alright, girls!" Scootaloo said. "Start your watching!"

And so, the fillies watched. They watched through their pairs of binoculars, seeing different species of bird fly in and out of the trees in the distance. Each seemed to be plenty busy with their different notebooks. To them, the time was one of fun and excitement, not knowing which bird would pop from the trees next. It could have been a phoenix, fiery and triumphant, regal in appearace and motion. Or, it could have been a duck, bold in it's utter blandness as it quacked aimlessly. Neither of these showed up. At least not to Applejack.

Applejack's feelings were the exact opposite of the fillies she was watching. She could be doing something productive on the farm at that moment. She could be making lunch for her family. She could be with Rainbow Dash. Applejack closed her eyes and silently yearned for the companionship of her pegasus lover.

"Hey, everypony." Applejack heard Rainbow Dash's cheerful voice spout from in front of her. Scootaloo immediately turned quickly and stared at her idol, standing triumphantly before her.

"Rainbow Dash?! What are you doing here?" Scootaloo gushed.

"Oh, I was just flying over...y'know...being awesome, when I looked down and saw all of you just sitting here. I figured I'd drop in and say 'Hey.' " Rainbow said before looking at Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, still looking into the canopy of trees. "Hey, you guys."

"Hi, Rainbow Dash." The two fillies said nearly in unison, not taking their eyes off the trees. Applebloom leaned into Sweetie Belle mischeviously and raised an eyebrow.

"While Scootaloo's gushin' over Rainbow Dash, we'll be seein' all the cool birds! She won't be able to keep up!" She whispered. Sweetie Belle nodded and giggled as they went back to their bird watching.

"Sooo..." Rainbow said. "How long are you guys gonna be here?"

"Ah promised 'em two hours, so Ah'm stuck here until noon." Applejack said. Rainbow nodded.

"Well, I got nothing better to do. Mind if I chill here with you guys?" Rainbow asked nonchalantly.

"Not in the slightest, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo exclaimed happily. Applejack nodded in the excited filly's direction.

"What she said." Applejack said with a wide smile, a blush present on her face. Rainbow nodded and smiled back at her.

"Cool." Rainbow said said, plopping down next to Applejack. She nodded in the direction of Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. "Hey, uh...I think your friends are beating you, Scoots." Scootaloo frantically looked behind her and saw her friends snickering at her negligence to the task at hand.

"Oh, geez!" Scootaloo said. "Sorry, Rainbow Dash! I'm gonng get my cutie mark!"

"Good luck with that." Rainbow stated with a small smile. Applejack looked over at Rainbow and smiled warmly. When the three fillies were busy observing the local Equestrian avian life, she finally ushered Rainbow Dash to a position farther away from her sister and her friends, but still in view of the trio. The spot was nice and shaded by a tree. Applejack sat up against the tree trunk and patted the spot next to her, inviting her marefriend to sit. Rainbow Dash happily obliged and sat down next to Applejack.

"So, what did ya do after ya left the house?" Applejack asked Rainbow.

"Oh, I just went home, walked Tank and freshened up a little bit." Rainbow repsponded.

"Ah can tell, Dash." Applejack responded with a nuzzle. Rainbow Dash leaned back and dropped her head on Applejack's shoulder. "You smell delicious. It's that perfume Rarity gave ya, isn't it?" Rainbow blushed and nodded.

"I remember how you said you liked it, so I gave it a spritz or two." Rainbow Dash explained. "Don't you wish that you could just eat me up?" The pegasus raised an eyebrow at Applejack alluringly.

"You know ah do." Applejack stated with a small chuckle. "Sadly, Ah don't think our audience would be too approving."

"This is true." Rainbow said with a snicker. "Still, I can't help but wonder." Applejack laughed and socked Rainbow Dash on the shoulder playfully. The pegasus laughed as well and shoved the farm mare. Applejack smiled and narrowed her eyes at Rainbow Dash, standing and taking a competitive stance.

"You sure ya wanna ride this train, lightweight?" Applejack asked challengingly. Rainbow stood as well and lowered down, smiling, ready for anything.

"All night long, workhorse." She replied with a wink.

Applejack jumped at Rainbow Dash with alarming speed. Rainbow, however, was much faster than Applejack and dodged the assault from the farm mare. Not taking time to think, Rainbow entered into a grapple with Applejack. The two mares struggled and grunted, each using their natural strength to try to overpower the other. While Rainbow Dash's physical strength was impressive to be sure, Applejack eventually began to gain the upper hoof and push the pegasus' front legs back. Rainbow clenched her teeth as she put up a considerable resistance against Applejack, but it was of no use. Applejack's strength would have eventually won out over Rainbow Dash's if she didn't do something to turn the tide of the match quickly.

"You know...you're really strong, Applejack." Rainbow huffed.

"Thanks..." Applejack said in between breaths. "You too. The only pony that has lasted longer than you in a wrasslin' match with me is Big Mac!"

"But you know what a weakness of yours is?"

"What's that?"

"You never really take time to establish rules!"

At that moment, Rainbow Dash flexed her wings and took the two of them into the air. Rainbow Dash did a horizontal spin and shook Applejack off, letting the farm mare land in a stumble on her hooves. Rainbow Dash wasted no time in turning around and using her natural airborne speed to tackle Applejack to the ground, knocking the stetson off of her head. It was only a matter of seconds until Rainbow Dash had Applejack pinned. While Rainbow Dash was not as strong as Applejack, her strength was comparable to the earth pony's. Applejack struggled in vain to escape the pin.

"Face it, AJ." Rainbow stated matter-of-factly. "You're done."

"Not until the-urrgh..." Applejack grunted. "Fat mare sings!"

"Oh?" Rainbow said comically, raising an ear and an eyebrow. "Do I hear Mrs. Cake singing some beautiful hymns?" Applejack furrowed her brows before breaking out into a fit of giggles. Rainbow smiled at the sweet sound of her marefriend's laughter.

"You cheated." Applejack said, finally getting over her laughing binge.

"No I didn't." Rainbow countered. "We never said I couldn't use my wings. You could've used your lasso, or whatever..."

"Would you want me too?" Applejack whispered with a small smile, blushing and raising an eyebrow alluringly. Rainbow Dash blushed heavily and leaned down closer to the farm mare.

"Applejack..." Rainbow whispered, smiling as well. "Looks like you're wanting to make up for lost time..."

"What're you guys doing?" Scootaloo asked. Applejack's and Rainbow's eyes widened heavily as they froze once again in place. They both looked to see Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle staring at the two of them, in their compromising position. Rainbow immediately jumped off of Applejack and dusted herself off.

"We were wrestling, kid." Rainbow said. "What did it look like?"

"Yeah." Applejack said, grabbing her stetson and placing it back upon her head. "Ah was beatin' Dash, so she pulled a cheap move. We were just havin' a little debate over the rules when she had me pinned, is all." The three fillies nodded.

"I think Rainbow won!" Scootaloo exclaimed. "I saw the whole thing!" Rainbow Dash smirked and narrowed her eyes jovially in Applejack's direction.

"Ah saw it all, too!" Applebloom added. "My sis wiped the floor with her!" Applejack raised an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash.

"Sweetie Belle, it looks like you're the tie breaker." Scootaloo said.

"Yeah, spill it, Sweetie! Who do you think won?" Applebloom added. Sweetie Belled looked to be in deep thought before she straightened up and looked at both of her friends.

"I didn't see any of it." The unicorn filly said. "And I'm pretty sure neither of you did either. You both looked back at the same time I did, which was at the very end."

"Well, uh..." Applebloom said.

"You only say that Applejack won because she's your sister!" Sweetie Belle said, gesturing to Applebloom. She then pointed to Scootaloo. "And you only say that Rainbow Dash won because she's your idol! Now stop this stupid bickering so we can watch the birds!"

"Well, geez, Sweetie Belle." Rainbow said, suprised. "That was pretty...intense."

"They argue about this stuff all the time." Sweetie Belle said. "You know how the two of you are always competing? Well, Scootaloo always takes your side, while Applebloom always takes Applejack's side. It gets so tiring."

"Well, we're only competin' in good fun." Applejack said with a smile. "Things never really get hostile...most of the time." Applejack subtly winked at Rainbow Dash.

"Y'know..." Scootaloo said, turning to Applebloom. "Your sister is pretty awesome."

"Yeah. Rainbow Dash is amazin' too, to be sure." Applebloom responded. "Let's quit arguin' about it, kay?" Scootaloo nodded.

"Now, let's get back to bird watching! I think I can feel my cutie mark appearing!" Scootaloo said happily. The three fillies cheered as they resumed their activity. Applejack smiled widely at the trio before hearing a whistle from Rainbow Dash, who had already settled down under the shade of the tree again. She patted the spot next her her invitingly, when Applejack sat down next to her, Rainbow kissed her on the cheek quickly.

"That...was...close." She said. "What the hay were we thinking? Did we just forget that they were there?"

"Ah don't know." Applejack responded. "But Ah'm glad we stopped when we did."

"Yeah..." Rainbow responded. "Nice cover story, by the way." Applejack chuckled and nodded.

"Ah aim to please." She said. Rainbow smiled and nuzzled her marefriend. The two of them sat in relative silence, listening to the other breath in the cool, smooth air. Neither of them said a word or made a sound, save for the occasional chuckle at an exclamation from one of the fillies that were bird watching.

"You know, Applejack..." Rainbow said quietly. "You don't have to tell your family tonight..."

"About us?" Applejack said. "Sure Ah do."

"No, really." Rainbow said, sitting back and looking at Applejack. "I don't want you to feel rushed or anything." Applejack chuckled.

"Ah'm the one who suggested it, remember?" Applejack said. Rainbow smiled.

"You've got a point there." Rainbow replied. "But even so. If you don't want to tell them quite yet, I get it."

"Rainbow Dash, Ah'm tellin' them tonight because Ah want to. Ah'm tired of livin' with you as my secret, and Ah want them to know how much Ah love you. We're tellin' them tonight at dinner and there's nothing you can do about it. So make sure to be at my house by eight P.M." Applejack stated, reaffirming her statement with a quick kiss on Rainbow's cheek. Rainbow Dash quickly looked back at the cutie mark crusaders. When she confirmed that they were facing away from the two of them, she placed a tender kiss upon Applejack's lips. She then lightly pressed her forehead against Applejack's and smiled.

"Yes ma'am."

"Hoooo dawgies, those are some mighty fine-lookin' fixin's!" Granny Smith exclaimed as Applejack placed the large pot of carrots and dumplings on the dining room table. The incredible smell wafted through the dining room, filling all the ponies' noses. Big Macintosh licked his lips and added-

"Eeeyup."

"Applejack, this looks amazin'!" Applebloom exclaimed. "Where'd ya learn to make this?"

"Ah actually picked it up from one of Granny Smith's old recipe archives." Applejack said, bringing in the customary dessert of Apple Pie. "Took me quite a while to find it. When Ah finally did, Ah knew that we were gonna have it tonight!" Granny Smith hastily served herself a bowl of the great smelling stuff and took a bite. She closed her eyes and slowly chewed, savoring the hearty, filling flavor. She swallowed and looked at Applejack with a sweet smile.

"Better'n when Ah made it!" She said. Applejack blushed and smiled.

"Aw, Granny, ya can't possibly mean that." Applejack said modestly.

"Ah mean it, sweetie." Granny Smith said before taking another bite. "This is truly the best carrots n' dumplin's Ah've ever had!"

"Eeeyup." Big Macintosh agreed through a mouthfull of the stew.

"Big Mac, don't you talk with your mouth full!" Granny Smith quickly scolded.

"Sorry." Big Mac said through the mouthful again.

"Eeeehh, ya just did it again!" Granny Smith quickly spat. Applejack laughed as Big Macintosh blushed, continuing to chew his mouthful of the stew.

"Truly worthy of Princess Celestia herself!" Applebloom said happily after she had swallowed a bite.

All four members of the Apple Family savored and enjoyed the fantastic stew Applejack had composed. Even Applejack herself, who hated boasting, had to admit to the dish's greatness.

"So, Applejack..." Granny Smith said. "How's it goin' with that colt Caramel?" Applejack's stomach jumped at the mention of the stallion's name.

"Ah uh...Ah had to break it off with him. It wasn't workin' out." Applejack replied.

"Well, if it ain't there, it ain't there." Granny Smith said with a small shrug. The family continued to eat in relative silence for nearly five minutes before a knock was heard at the front door. Applejack stood up.

"Ah'll get it." She said, a smile plastered on her face, seemingly irremovable. Applejack ambled to the front door and opened it, revealing Rainbow Dash, clad in a scarf, shivering from the cold.

"Heya, Dash." Applejack said happily. "Come on in."

"Thanks, AJ." Rainbow said. "Geez, it is cold out there."

"Everypony," Applejack announced. "Ah invited Rainbow Dash over because she didn't have anypony to be with tonight."

"Well, come on in here, Miss Dash." Granny Smith invited happily. "We got some warm carrots n' dumplin's that'll cure that chill ya got in ya."

"Thank you, Granny Smith." Rainbow responded courteously, placing her scarf upon the coat rack next to the door. "That sounds amazing." The pegasus walked into the dining room and took a seat next to Applejack while Big Macintosh served her a bowl. Rainbow took the bowl with an appreciative nod and took a bite. The explosion of wholesome flavor and smooth texture sent Rainbow's tastebuds into overdrive. Her eyes widened as she nodded at Applejack.

"Wow." She said after swallowing. "That is awesome."

"Isn't it?" Granny Smith said happily. "So, why don't you have anypony to eat with tonight, miss Dash, if ya don't mind me askin'."

"Oh, no problem." Rainbow responded. "I usually don't...Applejack invited me over tonight, so...I liked the sound of having some company."

"Ain't nothin' wrong with that." Applebloom said happily. Rainbow Dash smiled at her. All the ponies continued to eat their food until half the pot of carrots and dumplings was halfway depleted. Applejack sighed to herself as her heart pounded in her ribcage. This was it. This was the moment when she made up for everything she had ever done wrong to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow slowly placed a hoof on Applejack's reassuringly. Applejack looked over at Rainbow Dash and nodded slowly. They both stood before Granny Smith, Big Macintosh and Applebloom.

"So, uh...Granny, Big Mac...Remember how Ah told you guys about the pony Ah was in love with, and how Ah didn't think anypony would really approve of it? Well, this is her." Applejack said, gesturing to Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash and Ah are in love." Applejack braced herself for the swarm of anger and criticism she would undoubtedly recieve from her traditionally-raised family.

"Eeeyup." Was all Applejack heard.

"Wha?" Applejack replied, thoroughly confused.

"Ah always suspected." Big Macintosh said. Applejack's mouth dropped slightly, as did Rainbow Dash's. "Ah noticed the way you two were lookin' at each other a couple weeks ago. And a couple days after that, you come to me talkin' about some relationship you don't think anypony'd approve of."

"Well...well, uh...Ah..." Applejack stuttered, slightly shocked that Big Macintosh had observed all of this and not said a word.

"Well, Ah'm happy for ya, sis. Looks to me like ya found somepony who really cares a great deal for ya." Big Macintosh said. Applejack smiled at him and nodded.

"Thank you, Big Mac." Applejack said, looking at Rainbow Dash. "She does care an awful lot."

"Ah've heard of fillyfoolin' at school." Applebloom said. "Lots of ponies make fun of it, but Ah've never really had a problem with it, Ah guess. Ah don't see ya any different, sis." The filly got up out of her seat and ran to Applejack, giving her a hug. "Ah still love ya the same."

"Thanks, Applebloom." Applejack said with a smile, returning the hug. "Ah love you too."

"Plus, it's gonna be so awesome to have Rainbow Dash around so much!" Applebloom exclaimed happily, looking over at Rainbow Dash. The statement sent a warm feeling coursing through Rainbow Dash as she blushed and smiled at Applebloom.

"Wow, Applebloom..." She said appreciatively. "Thanks..." Applejack then looked at Granny Smith, who was sitting in her chair. She did not look happy, but she did not look angry either.

"Granny?" Applejack said, hoping to get her grandmother's point of view on the subject.

"Ah, uh..." Granny Smith began. "Ah was raised traditionally. That means one mare, one stallion." The old mare said, a hint of condemnation in her voice. Applejack's ears splayed back as she began to tear up.

"But Granny, Ah-"

"But, Ah was also raised in a time when ponies were a lot more simple-minded and afraid of change. Ah never really supported homosexuality, but Ah was never truly against it, neither. You're my grandbaby, Applejack, and Ah couldn't love ya any less if Ah tried." Granny smith said to Applejack as she slowly walked out to stand in front of the couple, followed by Big Macintosh. "There's love out there for everypony. And if Miss Rainbow Dash truly is the love you seek, Ah'm happy for the two of ya."

Applejack sobbed as she moved forward and swept her grandmother, brother and little sister into a hug. She cried in happiness and relief at this unexpected acceptance of her relationship with another mare. This acceptance made her feel truly loved, especially due to her previous expectance of being shunned or rejected.

"Ah love you all so much!" Applejack said through her tears. The family reveled in their affection for one another as the hug continued. Rainbow merely sat, tears flooding her eyes as well, watching the heartwarming events unfolding in front of her. Granny Smith raised her head up and looked at Rainbow Dash, smirking cutely and raising an eyebrow.

"C'mon, now!" She said, ushering Rainbow Dash to join in the hug. The pegasus wasted no time.

Rainbow Dash smiled as she shed tears, embraced by this new family of hers. She nuzzled Applejack, smiling and laughing in joy. Applejack returned the nuzzle, with a wide, teary smile. Time might as well have stopped for the two of them. The love, the acceptance, the sense of family, they all contributed to the absolute, overpowering feeling of truly being at home.

"Ah hope your good at applebuckin' Miss Dash!" Granny Smith said jovially. They all laughed and separated from the hug.

"Hey, guys!" Applebloom spouted happily with a small bounce. "How 'bout a game of charades?"

"Oh, why not?!" Granny Smith responded. Applebloom cheered.

"Ah hope y'all are prepared to get schooled." Applejack said confidently.

"I've got you all beat." Rainbow added, smirking. The family then walked into the living room to start their game. Together.

The charades were light-hearted and fun. After a while, everyone involved forgot about keeping score and decided to just have fun trying to guess what the pony who was it was trying to be. Granny Smith had tried to convey being a rabbit, and failed miserably, with Applebloom finally guessing correctly after some time. Later, Rainbow Dash flitted around the living room, pretending to be a dragon, which Big Macintosh promptly guessed. It was about a half-hour before everypony had had a turn in the game. Granny Smith finally stood up and left the game to go to sleep. She stood and hugged Applejack, Big Macintosh, Applebloom and Rainbow Dash sweetly.

"Good night, y'all!" She said happily. "Ah'm off to the dreamland of eternal youth!" Applejack smiled at Granny Smith's departure.

"Ah suppose Ah'll pack it in, as well." Big Macintosh said.

"G'night, Applejack." He nodded at Rainbow Dash and smiled warmly. "Miss Dash." Rainbow Dash smiled back as Big Macintosh left the room.

"Aw, c'mon, Big Mac! One last roud of charades! Pleeease?!" Applebloom whined before yawning, a hug frown plastered on her face below half lidded, tired eyes. Big Mac chuckled happily as he lifted his little sister up onto his shoulder.

"You're comin' to bed too, missy." He said before turning to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. He nodded.

"G'night again." He said with a smile. The two mares laughed and waved to him. Applejack quickly plopped down on the living room sofa, promptly followed by Rainbow Dash.

"What a day, huh?" Rainbow said, smiling widely.

"Ah know..." Applejack said, looking over at Rainbow Dash. "Ah'm so happy. Ah'm with you, my family is alright with it...it just...can't get any better, y'know?"

"I don't know..." Rainbow responded. "Your food is better than a lot of things." The statement reminded her of an important task she had forgotten to fulfill before going to Sweet Apple Acres that night. "Oh geez!"

"What?" Applejack asked, concerned.

"I forgot to feed Tank today!" Rainbow said, worriedly standing up and walking to the front door. "Poor little guy!"

"Well, ya better get to him." Applejack said, standing and following her love outside. Rainbow wrapped her scarf around her neck and smiled at Applejack.

"I had so much fun, AJ." Rainbow said.

"Me too." Applejack said.

"I'll come see you tomorrow." Rainbow said, walking up to Applejack and pulling her into an embrace. "I love you." The cold air chilled the two of them, but they felt eternally warm wrappped in each other's hooves. Applejack kissed Rainbow Dash lovingly before separating from it and looking into the pegasus' eyes before nuzzling her cheek.

"Ah love you, too." Applejack responded. "Ah'll see ya tomorrow."

"Bye!" Rainbow said before beginning to fly away.

"Rainbow!" Applejack called the pegasus. Rainbow turned around quickly and looked down at her lover.

"Yeah?" She replied.

"Welcome to the family."

Obligatory End-of-Chapter Author's Note: Alrighty, guys! There is that chapter. One of my commentors talked about balancing out the ying and the yang of my story, and that is what I'm doing now! Things are looking up for our heroes! Expect more happiness, (and more sadness, possibly? MUAHAHAHA!!!) in the future! If you're enjoying the story, feel free to leave a thumbs up or leave a comment telling me what you think so far! Cheers!