Attention: I decided to cut this chapter were it is at and post it, although I wanted it to be longer. I realize that many of you are waiting for it, so here you go. I am currently VERY sick and have homework due for summer school Monday. Therefore, next chapter may take a little time (although I have started it a little). Please be patient, and thank you for your support!
Head over to my deviantart account for Fanart. My username is InuyashaGirl1025 (Shoot me for ever making this name).
The week had passed agonizingly slow for Rainbow, and before she even knew what had happened, Monday was rolling around the corner. The clock on the night stand read 3:00am, and she sat on her bed leaning against the headboard, staring blankly in front of her. It didn't matter how many times she would lie down and close her eyes, since Saturday morning she hadn't been able to fall asleep. Deprivation was starting to influence her mind.
She glanced down at the cell phone clasped between her hands, watching the screen flash to life with the push of a button. A picture of Applejack was in the corner of the screen, but the rest was filled with text messages. All of them were sent by Rainbow and she had not received a single reply back. Finding the disappointment too much, she tossed the phone toward the bottom of the bed. Her head throbbed in pain from lack of sleep.
She needed help, but most of all, she needed Applejack. The farmer had been avoiding her constantly since the fight. She had tried to catch her in between class, waited outside for hours by her truck, and even showed up at the farm over the weekend. Apparently as soon as she had made it into the drive way, Applejack hurried into the house out of sickness. Big Mac was sadly forced to send her away when Applejack refused to come out of her room.
Rainbow let her head fall back onto the headboard with a gentle thud. She had to force herself to breathe, feeling the familiar pain residing in her chest. Her mind was clouded with doubt, and her body was starting to feel the stress of a breakdown coming on. She needed sleep, but all she felt like doing with staring into space.
"Dash, are you alright?" The quiet feathery voice of another called from beside her.
If she was not so tired, Rainbow may have jumped in surprise. However, all she could manage was to lean her head in the direction of the voice, finding a teal eyed stare directed at her. She smiled faintly, finding it ironic that she could not even imagine what alright felt like.
The other occupant of the bed moved around until she was facing Rainbow, holding out her arms to her friend in need. She smiled lightly, motioning for the runner to join in her embrace and Rainbow did not hesitate to worm her way into it.
"I'm so tired Shy, I can't even think anymore. She just keeps popping up in my head," Rainbow explained, nuzzling her head until she was comfort under Fluttershy's chin. The pink-haired girl held Rainbow close in her arms, gently petting her hair.
"I know, but everything will be better soon. Applejack just needs time to see what is really important and you just need to stay strong," Fluttershy murmured, resting her cheek softly against the top of Rainbow's head. She hummed lightly, "You need to sleep Dash, so hush now and go to sleep."
Rainbow could not help the smile that spread onto her lips and finally let her mind relax. Fluttershy had always been her pillar of support and her comfort zone. She was the most important person in Rainbow's life and because she did not have family, Fluttershy was her everything. Without her better half, Rainbow was sure she would be a complete mess without Applejack.
"Fluttershy," Rainbow mumbled, suddenly feeling the fatigue she had been facing overcome her consciousness. She could feel the tug of sleep behind her eye lids and for once she could not have been happier. "Thank you," she whispered, finally falling into a gentle sleep wrapped in the warm embrace of her best friend.
Fluttershy also closed her eyes, relaxing enough to be comfortable but without giving up her hold. She could feel the breathing against her neck even out and she knew there was no reason to reply. Honestly, there were no words she could have said.
The past week had been a complete torture to watch Rainbow fake her every move. She tried to smile, but they were all forced. She laughed, but it was bitter. Fluttershy had been witness to her slow decline, watching just how bad the loss of Applejack was affecting her. Rainbow would never admit it to other people, but she was slowly falling apart.
The pink-haired girl sighed. She needed to find a way to get the two alone with enough time to work out their differences. Of course Applejack was upset, but she was taking her reaction out on the wrong person. Twilight had been the one to pull on the strings of their friendship, and she was the one who should be dealing with the agony that Rainbow was feeling.
Fluttershy cringed, suddenly feeling guilty for wishing pain on another friend. Twilight had done nothing personally to her, but she could not turn her back on the one person she cared for the most. All those times that Rainbow saved her from bullies in elementary school flashed back, and she smiled faintly. She could still remember the way the multicolor haired girl would walk her to and from class, glaring at the hiding bullies as if daring them to jump out and see who would win. She owed her safe childhood to Rainbow, but deep down she owed a lot more than that.
Until she met Rainbow, Fluttershy was completely alone. She was too shy to make friends on her own, and the children always use to make fun of her for the way she spoke. It was normal for her to hide by the school building, instead of being on the playground with the other children. However, Rainbow Dash changed her entire life.
Rainbow always had the personality that Fluttershy wished she could master, but she never had the courage to speak up for herself. She was shy and timid, even when she tried to push out of her shell. Rainbow was loud and exciting, something that Fluttershy found invigorating. Rainbow had forced her into situations that were uncommon and allowed her to finally make some kind of life for herself. She could be proud of the friends she had, and where she was going in life.
Proud, Fluttershy frowned. She could not be proud of the way Twilight reacted to something so silly. She had always known that Rainbow was a lesbian, or at least that she preferred woman to men. It never occurred to her that other people may have a problem with the choice, but she never thought it would be Twilight of all people. After all, they had all been friends for years and promised to continue their relationships faithfully on to college.
Deciding immediately, Fluttershy put forth a plan to find Twilight and assess the situation. Perhaps she could convince her friend that Rainbow's choice was just that, her choice.
It had taken a great deal of struggle to get Rainbow out of bed and on her way to school later that morning, but Fluttershy was proud of a job well done. They made it to the campus with minutes to spare and split directions for their morning class. Fluttershy watched Rainbow's back, noticing that her head was hung a little too low in defeat. She sighed. Something needed to be done with the championships only a week away, and at this rate, Rainbow was going to lose everything.
There had been rumors circulating the school that scouts were coming to watch the competitors in a chance to win full-ride scholarships to nearby Universities. This was Rainbow's chance to shine, but Fluttershy worried that if her friend did not solve the problems of her life before that, her chances of winning would also be low.
With a final glance, Fluttershy turned and started her journey across the campus to the agriculture department. Her first period was free to care for the animals in the farming area, making sure that they were healthy and set for the rest of the day. As usual, Pinkie pie was already messing with one of the bunnies when she arrived.
"Um, good morning Pinkie… You're early today," Fluttershy mumbled, setting her bag on a table near the exit. It was convenient and out of the way.
Pinkie cuddled the bunny in her arms and turned to face her friend, smiling brightly. "Hi ya Fluttershy! I just had to come over and seen this cute little guy this morning. Look at him, isn't he cute? He is so cute!"
Pinkie continued to ramble and cuddle the little white and black bunny in her arms, snuggling the adorable animal. Instead of being frightened like Fluttershy would have expected, the fur-ball actually looked pleased being wrapped in Pinkie's arms.
Fluttershy smiled and started on her morning chores, being mindful of Pinkie in the background. The girl was still ranting her ear off about whatever floated into her mind, and Fluttershy found it adorable. Pinkie really was a unique friend.
Suddenly the commotion in the background stopped and Fluttershy was forced to turn her attention. Pinkie was still in the same spot, but her normal attitude was gone. She just stood with her shoulders hunched and her head drooped toward the ground. She seemed sad, if not depressed.
Fluttershy jumped into action immediately, hurrying over to take the bunny from her arms. She set it down in the small caged area gently and then grabbed Pinkies forearms in a light hold. "Pinkie…. Did you take your medication today?"
The curly haired girl shook her head in the negative, but avoided looking at Fluttershy at all. She seemed to find the ground more interesting than her friends concern.
Fortunately Fluttershy was accustomed to Pinkie's multiply mood changes and simply when to look for the bottle Paxil that she carried on her at all times. It had been quite some time since one of Pinkie's mood swings, but when she forgot to take her medication at the same time every morning, sometimes they slipped out. Fluttershy was glad to be the one around because sometimes she could get a little violent.
A few years ago Pinkie had been taken to the doctor because she was constantly changing moods. Her mother thought she was simply going in for a hormone imbalance, but instead she came out with a bipolar disorder. She had been forced onto numerous medications that did not help and only made the side effects worse, until her doctor prescribed Paxil. Since that moment, Fluttershy and the rest of group had their old Pinkie back most of the time.
Finding the bottle of pills easily, Fluttershy popped open the lid and took out two of the little pills. She then grabbed the water bottle next to Pinkie's bag and approached the girl with her new found items.
"I don't want them. They make me feel sick…" Pinkie murmured, crossing her arms over her chest. She continued her stare battle with the ground.
"Pinkie… you need to take these… it's important," Fluttershy reassured, holding the pills out to her friend. "Please?"
Reluctantly Pinkie swallowed down the pills and Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief. It would take some time for the pills to take effect, but at least she was hopeful that they would do their job in restoring her friend's mood.
"Fluttershy, we need to do something about Applejack and Rainbow," Pinkie stated, still wrapped in her own embrace.
The words did nothing but cause surprise. Fluttershy could feel her heart clench out of kindness, and she approached Pinkie once more, placing her hands on the forearms of the other. This time, Pinkie met her gaze. "Is this what set you off?" Fluttershy asked, being completely sincere.
Pinkie merely confirmed with a nod, and broke the embrace Fluttershy had on her. She sighed, and took a couple steps back. "It's just I hate to see them like this! Rainbow's seems so fake and Applejack is just acting all weird, and I hate it. I hate it all!"
"Pinkie, everything is going to be fine," Fluttershy began, but was cut off.
"No, it's not Fluttershy. If Applejack doesn't take Rainbow back before she decides to mess up her life with these new stupid choices, it's going to ruin not only them, but our friendships as well. We'll have to pick sides. I don't want sides."
Fluttershy tilted her head to the side in a look of confusion. The entire statement made complete sense, except for one part. "Um… what do you mean 'new stupid choices'?"
The medication must have been doing the job, because Pinkie's normal behaviors were starting to return. Her eyes now held various emotions, but anger stood out among them. "Soarin has suddenly found interest in her. He's been hanging around a lot, and she isn't actually pushing him away," she paused, looking up with worried eyes, "Fluttershy, he asked her to prom and she said she needed to think about it. I overheard it. Applejack isn't thinking right."
"As in Spitfire's best friend, Soarin?" asked Fluttershy, her voice barely over a whisper.
"Yes, duh!" Pinkie pie exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips. "We need to do something!"
The news dug deep into Fluttershy's skin, twisting and festering under the tissue. This was not right. After everything they had been through, Applejack was suddenly going to throw it away on a chance to be normal. It wasn't possible; she needed to do something before Rainbow found out about any of it. "I need you to keep this away from Rainbow for now. I'm afraid she won't be strong enough to handle it with all the stress lately."
"Yeah well can you blame her? I did not keep this secret this long to watch it all fall apart. I already have the coming out party planned!" Pinkie declared, obviously not seeing the complete seriousness in the situation. Fluttershy had to smile at how native she could be at sometimes, but she remembered that Pinkie's heart was in the right place.
Pinkie had actually been the first one to know about Rainbow and Applejack's relationship merely on the fact that she saw them kissing in the hallway during a party. Without making a big deal, Pinkie allowed them enough time to come out on their own, but when nothing happened she confronted Fluttershy who had barely just found out. Together they stayed in secret, watching their friends from a safe distance.
"Um … I guess I'll go talk to Twilight at lunch, is that alright?" Fluttershy said, suddenly feeling guilty for keeping such a huge secret from Rainbow, but she pushed the thought aside.
Pinkie nodded, "We need to act fast, like really fast." She went back to pick up the bunny that Fluttershy had taken from her, cuddling the animal tightly in her arms. He was once again content in the embrace, but Pinkie only seemed worried. "Something is just not right."
Fluttershy took a deep breath in and slowly released it. "I know Pinkie, but we're doing the best we can."
Applejack had been very cautious when walking around the school in order to avoid Rainbow at any cost, and she had been doing an excellent job. She arrived at school extremely early, and stayed later than normal in the library, making sure she was not seen. During her class with Rainbow she arrived late and sat in the front, and was the first out of class when the bell signaled release. She was a ninja when it came to avoiding people.
That was until she messed up and went the wrong direction after her first class Monday morning and found herself face to face with Rainbow in the hallway. She was surprised that Rainbow was equally surprised, and tried to walk around her. A hand shot out to grab her forearm and yanked her into the nearest empty space, which happened to be a janitor's closet. She cursed; of course all good things came to an end.
"You've been avoiding me long enough, AJ. We need to talk," Rainbow practically hissed the words at her. She could not help the complete animosity that filled her words. It had been a week since she fell off the face of the planet, but the words shared between them were still fresh.
"Ah needed t' think. Ah needed time apart," Applejack informed, suddenly feeling less bold under the glaze of her girlfriend.
Girlfriend? Were they even still going out? Applejack was unsure, yet she remembered the hurtful words leaving her mouth. She had been so confused and wounded by Twilight that she hadn't even thought about what she did to Rainbow, her partner and best friend. She had verbally assaulted her and then left without a signal word. Now she felt like a horrible person.
"Yeah and what, I just needed to wait around well you figured out how the hell you felt? You practically broke up with me!" Rainbow said, crossing her arms over her chest defensively. She forced herself to look away from Applejack because the other girls demeanor was starting to kill her anger. She deserved to be a little angry after an entire week of worrying. It also probably had something to do with the little amount of sleep she had been getting as of late.
Applejack frowned, watching the ground. She could not bring her gaze up to look at Rainbow, although she really wanted too. It had been torture to be away for so long, and in the small area of the closet, she was suddenly feeling the need to be close. She loved Rainbow, but sometimes she was afraid love would never be enough. "Ah know what I did, and I'm sorry, but ah can't take it back now. Ah just feel like we're all hurtin' each other over somethin' that ah don't know if ah can do."
"Can't or won't? I know this is a lot and what Twilight did was completely out of line, but that doesn't mean our happiness should be on the sideline, AJ. We deserve this, hell, I deserve to take you to prom," Rainbow countered, stepping into Applejack's personal space. She wanted to stop herself and continue being angry, but she couldn't. She needed Applejack more than she realized and the thought of being so weak was starting to make her stomach flip. Since when did falling in love destroy a strong will?
"She said things that are true, Rainbow. People just ain't alright with two girls datin' yet," Applejack turned her gaze on the person approaching her, watching with slight interest. She was trying so hard to act like she was not influenced by the close distance, but her body automatically started responding. "Dash, ah still trust ya, but ah don't think ah can do this yet. Ah just can't get Twilight out of ma head. Her words just keeping comin back."
Rainbow placed her hands on Applejack's forearms, coaxing the farmer to loosen up. There was not much of an effort put up because she immediately relaxed enough for Rainbow to pull her close. Before she could even think about the next move, Rainbow was reminding her just how good she was at shoving her tongue down her throat. She actively joined, pulling at Rainbow's shirt as they crashed into the wall behind her, kicking an old bucket out of the way.
Their tongues met in a gentle encounter, trying to remember the last time they had felt this good. Rainbow's hand snuck down the back of Applejack's jeans, nails digging into the supple fresh of her behind. She moaned breathily, breaking the kiss to rest her head on the wall behind her. Rainbow just used the time as an excuse to nip at her exposed neck, licking a streak up the tan skin. Applejack had to bite her lip to hold in another throaty moan.
"Dash, ah'm bein serious," she breathed, the words coming out more of a whine.
"Oh, I can tell," Rainbow whispered lightly, giving her ass a playful squeeze. She only received a glare in return which informed her that sex would have to wait until their relationship was somewhat mended. She knew in the back of her head that things just were not right between them because of a few heated kisses. She sighed, "I know you're scared, but I want to take you to prom and start living a life out in the real world. I don't want to hide anymore, AJ."
"And what if ah can't?" Applejack asked.
Rainbow shrugged, "That's a choice you've got to make and before prom, because I'm not hiding who I am after that. I just want to be with you."
Applejack knew she had to make the decision and the right decision would be to come out with her girlfriend. She would have to except the fact that not everyone was going to be alright with her choice, but all that mattered was that she was. She sighed, she was probably going to regret her decision later when the entire school was against her, but she would leave that thought alone for now. She needed to do the right thing, but which direction was right when spinning in a circle?
"Just let me think of somethin' to say alright? Ah might be able t' get Twilight t' understand," Applejack pleaded low, smoothing out the invisible winkles of Rainbow's light blue tee-shirt with gentle touches. The close contact was still making her head feel dizzy.
Rainbow seemed to understand the underlying need for a little more time and backed off the subject. She simply nodded, and played with Applejack's over-the-shoulder ponytail. The messy strands were starting to slip out of their hold at the bottom, but Rainbow's quick eye caught the mistake before she went to class looking disorganized.
"Alright, it's your choice. You just let me know when you've made up your mind," Rainbow stated, a smile gracing her lips. She leaned forward and pecked the farmer on the lips, and then took a step back. They were already running late for class at this point.
Applejack's green eyes met purple-pink and she held the gaze for a few seconds before she also let a smile grace her own lips. Looking back on the previous situation, she could no longer remember why she had avoided Rainbow in the first place. She could feel nothing but comfort when in her presence, and the thought alone made her content.
"Ah will, suagrcube. Now let's get a move on to class before y' get us all suspended," Applejack brushed her way around Rainbow, being extra careful to leave a lingering touch across the runner's lower abdomen with one hand. She was sure that the touch did not go unnoticed because Rainbow cussed a few pretty words at her.
Together they exited the janitor's closet to find the hallway void of people. Apparently Applejack was not mistaken when she thought the bell had already rung, making them both late for class. She frowned; if they hurried they might be able to avoid the hall monitors looking for ditching teens. She was about to inform Rainbow of her plan to sneak around the campus when the other girl casually walked by her, hands shoved in the pockets of her jeans.
"Dash, y'all better watch what yer doing," Applejack hissed, but hurried to follow.
Rainbow did not seem to mind and shrugged her shoulders. She opened her mouth to reply as they turned the corner to the English department, but was cut off by another voice.
"Hey you, where are you two going? Do you have a pass?"
Applejack wanted to slap herself in the face. Standing in front of them was one of the hall monitors she had just been trying to avoid, looking not too pleased. Applejack noted briefly that he was probably younger than her, but most of the hall monitors were. The boy seemed satisfied with his job of finding people sneaking around.
"We're just heading to class. Lost track of time," Rainbow spoke, giving the hall monitor some type of a knowing smile. The minute the boy turned his attention to Rainbow, the smirk he had been wearing dropped off his lips. He actually looked a little frightened.
"Oh, Rainbow Dash, right? Yeah, um, good luck with the championships coming up. I watch the Wonderbolt's compete every year," The boy stuttered out, suddenly looking a little shy. He stepped out of the way and motioned for them to continue, avoiding his gaze from either of the girls.
"Really? That's awesome, buddy. Watch us win this year," Rainbow winked at the kid and grabbed Applejack's forearm, tugging her to start moving toward their classroom. "Thanks kid!"
The minute they were passed the kid and far enough down the hallway, Rainbow nudged Applejack in the side. She was trying not to laugh as she imitated the boy, but the grin on her lips was making it hard to be serious.
Applejack slapped her gently, glancing back to make sure they were not heard. "Shut up, he's a fan of yer's," she said, but could not help laughing as well.
As they reached the door to their classroom, they were both forced to compose themselves. They shared a knowing look and entered the classroom one by one, having the entire class glance up to the sound of the door opening. They played no attention to the looks or the teacher's comment about being to class on time, and took their seats. This time Applejack did not hesitate to take her normal seat between Rarity and Rainbow.
"Finally darling, I was beginning to wonder what was happening. You've been avoiding us all week. I hope Rainbow and you worked out your problems," Rarity whispered, leaning slightly over to avoid the teacher's glare.
Applejack glanced, giving Rarity an honest smile. "It's nothin' we can't handle," she explained, allowing her eyes to travel over to Rainbow who was staring back at her with a smirk. They stared a similar gaze before Applejack turned her attention back to Rarity. "So don't y'all be worrying."
"Oh please, Rainbow and you fight like an old married couple. I am positive we are all use to your little tiffs," Rarity rolled her eyes and flipped her hair over her shoulder.
Applejack could not counter the statement because it was true. She had always had a competitive streak when comparing to Rainbow. Although when they started dating, the need to be better than each other normally referred to the bedroom. She blushed lightly at the thought.
All three of the woman turned their full attention to the teacher wondering the front of the classroom, mumbling inaudible sentences. He seemed to be digging through papers looking for something important, but kept coming back empty handed. Finally he seemed to give up and sighed, "I suppose I left your papers back at my office and since many of you are going to need a re-write, I'm going to run and get them. You all better behave."
He left and the classroom immediately erupted with different voices the minute the door closed. Rarity happened to be one of those voices as she leaned forward to talk to the girl in front of her. Apparently they girl was paying Rarity to make her an amazing prom dress. Applejack smiled, Rarity really was the best when it came to making clothing.
Unfortunately, another conversation caught Applejack's attention toward the front of the classroom. Two girls from the cheer leading team were gossiping about their dates to prom, but the conversation started to take a turn down the wrong direction. It was hard to hear over the commotion in the room, but she defiantly could hear the vulgar words leaving the one girls mouth.
"He's such a faggot. I mean, he even asked that guy from the arts department to go with him to prom. It's been getting around the entire school," One girl whispered loudly to the other, but their words could probably have been heard in the hallway in all honesty. There was no quiet to anything they were saying.
"I know. I bet it's going to be so awkward at prom with them all over each other. It's kind of gross," The opposite cheerleader responded. They laughed together and continued to whisper, but the words were finally hidden from other people.
That was icing on the top of the cake. Applejack could only stare at the girls as they continued to bash another homosexual student of the school. She felt her chest clench in a familiar feeling of pain, something that had been happening a lot lately. If they could talk about another student so carelessly, that meant a lot of other students probably had the same thoughts. Applejack frowned; she was probably going to be one of them soon.
"AJ," Rainbow said, waiting for Applejack to look her directly in the eye before continuing. "It doesn't matter what they say. Ignore it."
Applejack nodded and proceeded to take a deep breath in, holding it in for a few seconds before releasing it slowly. Rainbow was right. This relationship was between them and it did not involve the rest of the school. She swallowed loudly, suddenly doubting the thoughts she was force feeding her brain.
Rainbow was still looking at her with slight concern so she forced at smile to her lips, but the smile never made it to her eyes. Raising an eye brow was Rainbow's only response.
"It's alright Dash, everythin' is gunna be just fine," Applejack reassured, but the words did nothing to calm her own rapidly beating heart. How was she going to go through with this? Applejack did not have a single clue.
The teacher reentered the classroom with a stack of papers, preforming a balancing act in both hands. He set them down on the table and sorted through them, noting that a silence started to take over the classroom again. The two cheerleaders that had Applejack in such a worry were giggling quietly to themselves at this point.
With a warning to quiet down, the teacher began to pass out the papers to the class. There was a mixture of groans and pleasant sighs coming from various people. Applejack was hoping for a decent grade, but she remembered bullshitting half of the paper late one night after working on the farm. She was almost positive she would need a rewrite.
When the teacher approached her and set the paper down, her thoughts were confirmed with a 'RW' scrawled at the top of the page. Rarity seemed pleased with her grade and Rainbow shrugged, pushing the paper aside. Applejack was sure that she had passed with the championships coming up. No teacher wanted to ruin the chances of receiving more athletic money for the school.
Applejack sighed. It was always one thing after another. There would be a complete breakdown in the near future if things did not start to work out in her favor, but somewhere deep down; Applejack knew that this was only the calm before the storm.
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