“Mornin' sugarcube.”
Rainbow Dash smiled as she lingered on the edge of sleep. The best part of waking up every morning was that sweet melodic voice, especially when it was soft and sultry like it was this morning. Rainbow stretched with a yawn, kicking the covers off and forcing them to the foot of the bed.
Finally opening her eyes and still wearing her contented grin, Dash was greeted by two dazzling emerald orbs and a kind smile, an echo of her own. The demure farm pony's golden locks draped down ticking her nose, rousing her into the waking world at the Sweet Apple Acres farmstead.
“Mornin'.”
“Ya gonna get up, or are ya gonna sleep the day away?” Applejack teased as she leaned in over the rainbow mare sprawled across the bed.
“Depends,” Rainbow replied with a sly smirk as she rose to meet AJ's lips before she pulled just out of reach. “Oh, come on. Don't tease me.”
“Oh alright sugarcube, don't get yer feathers ruffled.”
AJ leaned forward, rewarding the cyan mare with a nuzzle on the cheek before kissing her with amorous conviction. Rainbows wings flared, her feathers tingling as she surrendered, allowing Applejack to push her back down onto the mattress.
She shuddered as her companion released, following the flavor of the retreating apple laden breath as she tried to continue the embrace. Dash shrank back opening her eyes as AJ giggled at her eagerness and loss of composure, her cheeks turning various shades of pink then red as they flushed with heat.
“Alright lover girl, what do ya say we get goin'?” Applejack chuckled as she turned and made her way to the mirror.
“You're such a tease...” Dash moaned, swinging her legs over the edged of the bed. “Why do you always tie your hair up? You look totally amazing with it down.”
“Cuz it just ain't practical out here on the farm. It'd just get in the way all the time.”
“Yeah... but we're not always on the farm. What about when we go hang out in town or when you're not working?”
“C'mon RD, you know Ah ain't one to fuss over getting myself all dolled up. It's just easier this way,” Applejack stated flatly as she finished with her ponytail. Donning her faded hallmark stetson, she turned to face Rainbow. “And besides, it ain't like ya got much room to talk there, Bedhead. Ya look like ya done tussled with a timber wolf last night.”
“Maybe I did.” Dash retorted coyly. She knew exactly what she was doing and couldn't help but grin as she riled the orange farmer.
“Are you implying Ah'm a timber wolf?” AJ asked, furrowing her brows.
“Maybe I am.”
This was a game Dash played almost every morning, trying to goad the apple farmer into procrastinating and instead indulging in a bit of pleasure. Occasionally it worked. Most mornings however, it ended in failure.
“Oh no ya don't. You ain't getting me roped into any of that this mornin', even if ya used rope. We got things that need done 'fore we gotta be in town to meet Twi n' the gang.”
Rainbow huffed in disappointment at her lack of success, “Fine. Can we get something to eat then? I'm starving.”
“Ya missed breakfast sugarcube,” AJ answered sheepishly. “Ah tried wakin' ya but ya just moaned and kept tryin' to swat me with yer hoof. Don't worry though, Ah made sure to save ya some,” she said with a nod and a wink as she trotted out the door.
Dash frowned at the thought of another cold breakfast, as that had quickly become the norm since she started staying at Sweet Apple Acres on a semi-regular basis. “I really need to start getting up earlier,” she thought, making a mental note before following.
Walking across the farmyard towards the barn Rainbow's stomach let out an audibly dissatisfied growl.
“How was breakfast?” Applejack inquired, looking back over her shoulder at the pegasus following her.
“Cold.”
“Well Ah'm sorry, but ya got nopony but yerself to blame.”
She knew AJ was right but it didn't make her any feel any better about it. As they reached the barn Applejack worked the latched and pushed the doors open as they groaned under the strain of their own weight.
“Ah got a spot of waterin' to do n' Ah reckon with yer help, it should go pretty quick.”
“You know, Ponyville is scheduled for a rain shower later this week. So why bother?”
“Cuz rain tomorrow ain't gonna help with a crop that's parched n' needs it today.”
Normally Dash didn't hang around too long once AJ got started on chores, but if she didn't have anything of her own going on she would occasionally lend a hoof. Especially when it was something she excelled at, or if the chore served to fuel their rivalry and competitive nature.
When neither was the case, Rainbow was content just to watch while she drifted by on the zephyrs through the afternoon. The times when she felt devious, she took to napping in an apple tree where she knew she would be discovered for no other purpose than to drive Applejack crazy. Watering though, was a perfect job for a weather pony and it offered her a chance to showboat her talents as well as possibly dabble in a little mischief.
Soon Applejack had hitched herself to a cart loaded with a large reservoir and brimming full with water. Rainbow Dash eyed the contraption, slightly intimidated by what, in her mind, was to be her competition. An array of valves, pulleys and cables allowed for control, and off either side of the back of the cart was a spout to direct flow, allowing two trees to be quenched simultaneously. She would have work fast if she wanted to win or even keep pace.
“Big Mac came up with it,” Applejack said, beaming with pride and derailing Dash's train of thought. “He may be quiet, but he's got more going on in that big brain of his than ya'd think. Ah reckon there's a few subjects he'd even give Twilight a run fer her money.”
“Pfft. You think you can keep up with that pile of scrap? Please, I'll have the whole orchard done before you even get to the end of the first row of apple trees.” Silently she was kicking herself for letting her ego get the best of her again and issuing such a brazen challenge.
Cocking an eyebrow, AJ offered her rebuttal, “Oh yeah? Ya wanna put yer bits where yer mouth is sugarcube?”
With a hard gulp, Rainbow swallowed the lump in her throat, “Uhhh... Yeah! You know what? Let's make it interesting. If I win-”
“Hold on there. Let's keep it a surprise, but the loser has to give the winner somethin'. Not just anythin' though, it's gotta be somethin' special to 'em.”
“Done!”
“Pardner, ya got yerself a deal,” AJ confirmed, spitting on her hoof and extending it to ratify their wager.
Dash returned the gesture, and with a groan the watering wagon lurched forward. While AJ made her slow march towards to grove they would be working, she took to the sky to round up the necessary rain clouds for the job, spacing them out where she would need them. Once she had returned, they began to make their final preparations.
“Now don't ya go underwatering to try n' get ahead.”
“Please AJ,” Rainbow said rolling her eyes. “Like I even need to cheat to beat you. Not saying I would! Or that I do!”
“Relax RD, Ah'm just hecklin' ya a bit,” Applejack chortled, making a slight adjustment to her harness.
“I-I knew that. So you think you can keep up slow poke? Or are you gonna eat my dust?” Dash jeered, folding her forelegs across her chest as she lazily flapped next to her opponent.
“This ain't my first rodeo pardner. Reckon Ah'm ready when you are,” AJ grinned as she faced forward and pulled down on the brim of her hat.
Both ponies took up their positions on opposite ends of the orchard, and with a mutual nod they were off. Rainbow had the obvious advantage in speed but she lacked the efficiency of Applejack's wagon. She just needed to focus and not waste any time between clouds. Making her way down her first line, Rainbow Dash worked to find an acceptable pace. The first cloud had just ran dry as she made her return down her second row. Dispatching it with a quick kick she dove for a replacement, feeling confident about her progress.
That was until she saw AJ beginning to make her second pass and the cart was only picking up speed as it emptied its precious cargo, effectively putting her behind. Rainbow's reprieve came as she witnessed the farmer leaving the field with an empty tank.
“This is my chance! This is where I'm gonna win this!” Seizing the opportunity, she took the lead just as her rival was making her re-entry into the contest with a full reservoir, the water spilling over as it sloshed back and forth.
“She's back already!? How!?” Gritting her teeth Dash pushed herself to maintain her rapidly shrinking lead. Once again she had fallen behind but she knew, inevitably AJ would need a refill and there was only a few rows left to go.
Just as anticipated, Applejack was once again crossing the gate to top off. Nabbing another cloud, Dash began her last couple of passes. AJ was back by at this point and turning down her final aisle of trees. The cloud disintegrated under the abuse as she strained to beat every bit of precipitation out of the it that she could, causing Rainbow Dash to tumble head over hooves and letting out a surprised yelp as she reached the end of her final stand of trees.
Recovering from her self induced somersault, she quickly spun around. Firstly, to make sure nopony had seen or heard her less than graceful acrobatics. Secondly, to determine if she had managed to pull out a victory. Upon seeing Applejack only halfway down her final stretch of the course, Dash couldn't help but grin ear to ear and pump her hoof in triumph whilst stifling any cheers that rose up.
Silently snagging one last cloud she snuck up behind the farm pony, drenched in sweat from her efforts. Just as the wagon rolled to a stop Dash bucked the cloud, ripping it open and draining its contents in a torrential downpour.
“Consarn it!”
Unable to hold it in any longer, Rainbow Dash was in stitches as she collapsed on the cloud in a fit of uproarious laughter. “Bwahahaha! You should-hahaha! see-heh! your face!” she spit out between ragged breaths.
Venturing a peek over the edge of her sanctuary Dash was met by the cold, stern glare of her friend below as she unfastened the cinch that bound her to the wagon.
“Oh c'mon, lighten up. You needed a bath anyways. And besides, you look good soaking wet.”
Applejack's scowl curved into a knowing smirk under her drooping brown stetson as she shook off the excess water. “Reckon Ah did. Now why don't ya fly down here and collect yer winnings.”
With that, Rainbow bailed over the edge of her perch, spreading her wings and gliding down to land in front of her best friend. “So what do I win?”
“Close yer eyes.”
“Is that really necessary?”
“Go on, close 'em.”
Rainbow Dash sighed in resignation as she complied, clenching her eyes tightly shut. Her mind began wandering as to what her prize could be. After all, AJ didn't bring anything out with them, nothing of value anyways. Starting to think she had made a mistake by agreeing to allow the award to remain anonymous, Dash settled for the fact that it would probably be just another kiss. Not that she didn't mind, she loved the sweet taste of apples that always accompanied a kiss from Applejack. It was that she simply had hoped they had been competing for something more tangible.
“No peakin'.”
“I ain't gonna peak.”
Bracing herself, she began to pucker her lips in anticipation as she listened to the farm pony's breathing, feeling her get closer. Rather than her lovers embrace, she was instead greeted with the scent of watered down sweat, dirt, and apples as her trophy was hung on the end of her nose.
“What the hay?” As she opened her eyes, on the end of her muzzle was a very familiar and sacred object, and beyond that stood Applejack offering a shy smile and sincere adoration, her cheeks afire with diffidence causing her freckles to stand out more noticeably in contrast. She gently removed it from the end of her face and cradled it against her chest. “AJ... This is your hat.”
“Ah know sugarcube. It's yer hat now. Ah want ya to have it. It'd mean an awful lot if ya'd take care of it fer me.”
“AJ, I... I can't accept this.”
“That ol' hat is a big part of who Ah am. There ain't a pony alive Ah'd even consider givin' it to, 'cept fer ya, hope that shows ya how much ya mean to me. Ah s'pose by lettin' ya hang on to it... Well as long as Ah have one, Ah'll have the other won't Ah?”
Looking down at the hat then back up at Applejack, a mixture of pride, wonder, and amenability surged through Rainbow as she understood the trust that had been bestowed upon her. Her heart fluttered, overwhelmed by her emotions and new responsibility.
“This... I don't know what to say...”
“Ya don't have to say anything at all. What do ya say we take a break? We got plenty of time 'fore we gotta be in town to meet the girls.”
Sweeping her prismatic mane aside, Dash, with some measure of reverence, adorned herself with her most precious and recently acquired possession. Satisfied that she had situated it properly, she trotted after the farmer who was making her way to the shade under the nearest apple tree.
Once Applejack had reached her destination, she plopped down and patted the ground next to her as she leaned against the trunk of the tree, “Pull up some real estate RD.”
She didn't need the invitation but she obliged the request. Sitting down Dash stretched her legs out with an exaggerated yawn, “Now this, is more like it.”
Once she had settled in, Applejack laid her head in Rainbow's lap. Automatically, Dash draped her wing across her partner, blanketing her against the gentle breeze.
“That hat looks good on you,” Applejack said approvingly as she pulled the ribbon from her mane.
“Thanks AJ... I really mean that, thanks for everything.”
“Yer welcome sugarcube. Reckon Ah oughta be thankin' ya too. Ya've been a big help around here, even if it is like pulling teeth from a rattle snake to get ya off yer flank at times.”
Rainbow smirked as she snorted with feigned indignation, “So you're just keeping me around for cheap labor?”
“Darn straight! It's mighty convenient havin' a pegasus pony around,” AJ teased, poking Dash with a hoof. “In all honesty though, really it's just nice havin' somepony to relate too. All Ah want are the simple things, somepony Ah can run with, who aint afraid of gettin' dirty n' have some fun doin' it. Who's maybe a bit stubborn with a mind of their own, but at the end of the day, be there fer me to hold n' be strong enough to hold me when Ah need it. Makes a difference Ah got a thing fer pegasus,” she added as an afterthought, winking up at the rainbow mare.
“Guess I'm the total package then huh? All that and a bushel of apples,” Dash said coyly, grinning and flexing her muscles.
“Don't flatter yerself too much, but yeah, ya fit the bill,” AJ snickered before assuming a more pensive tone. “Ah don't rightly know what all ya see in me though. Seems to me, having a marefriend that's always stuck on the ground would be a hindrance fer a pegasus, especially the fastest pegasus in Equestria. Plenty of other ponies that'd be clamorin' fer ya, can't say there's anythin' special about me.”
“I don't know. I mean our other friends are great. Fluttershy and I grew up together, but it would drive me crazy holding myself back just so she could keep up. Twilight got me into books, Celestia forbid she's turning me into an egghead, but shes not competitive, like at all. Pinkie Pie is... Sometimes it's nice to have somepony who you can be serious with. And Rarity? I got nothing.”
“Where's that leave me? Ain't it holdin' ya back, seein' as Ah can't fly?”
“No, not at all. I mean, yeah, it would be cool if you could but you don't need to. You're the only pony athletic enough to keep up with me, and your not afraid of anything. Your always the first one to lend a hoof or take charge when things are bad. Yeah, you can be a pain in the flank, but you keep me grounded.” Rainbow paused for a moment, cursing her poor choice of words and smacking herself on the forehead. “What I mean is you call me on my bull and you don't let me push you around. You keep me honest.”
A brief silence followed before Dash spoke again, brushing AJ's golden mane with her hoof as it cascaded across her lap, “Pretty sappy huh?”
“Nah, it's real sweet of ya.”
“Just don't go spreading it around, or I'll have to deny everything.”
“Don't worry, yer secret's safe with me sugarcube,” AJ chuckled as she reached up to stroke her lovers face in reassurance.
Another pause followed as both were content to just listen to the wind rustle through the trees carrying their spirits with it.
“Where do you see this going RD? Where do you see us?”
“I don't know. Old age, lots of gray hair.”
“Ya better not go losin' yer color on me.”
“Of course I won't. I was talking about you.”
“If Ah start getting' gray hairs, it's from puttin' up with you.”
“Yeah, it's pretty tough being as awesome as I am all the time,” Rainbow said as they both giggled. “I guess we'll go wherever life takes us, come whatever may you know?”
“Ah like that,” Applejack cooed, settling in and closing her eyes. “Come what may RD. Come what may.”
Letting her eyelids droop, Dash took a deep breath as she relaxed, drifting towards sleep, “All I know is this is a dream I never wanna wake up from.”