Attention: This chapter includes some statements that I do not agree with, but they are there. I also have been receiving reviews from many of you who do not agree with Twilight's actions. Again, she is not trying to be a homophobe. She just does not understand it and is trying to reason everything. She gets a little snappy like anyone being confronted does. Please ignore this and understand that I do not hate her, I just need her for the story.
Many of you are probably going to kill me in general. I love you?
Enjoy! Also, check out my deviant art account InuyashaGirl1025 for the links to some beautiful fanart by killa7. Also fanart by my girlfriend blackdeath857.
This story goes out to them both.
Class had proceeded by slowly and by the time the bell finally signaled release, Applejack was unsure if she could even get out of her chair. She had been sitting for so long that her behind was starting to feel a little numb, but she forced herself into a standing position. Rainbow and Rarity were waiting patiently with their bags backed.
"Darlings, are you both coming to the lunch table today?" Rarity asked, checking her perfectly manicured nails for any signs of dirt. Too her dismay, she found a little under one nail and set about ridding the offending particles.
"I planned on it, and I think Applejack agrees we can at least be around each other now, right?" Rainbow asked. Her question had more of an underlying meaning then Rarity caught on too, but Applejack understood. Rainbow wanted to know if they were going to start mending their damaged relationship.
"Sure thing, sugarcube. Ah just got t' make a quick pit stop at ma Biology classroom," Applejack replied, making sure to give Rainbow a wink of encouragement. They had fought before and this was just another step in the road to being happy. Applejack could at least remember why Rainbow was important to her to begin with.
"Oh splendid! I am positive that everyone will be thrilled to have you both back. It has been such a disgrace with us all parting ways," Rarity said, clasping her hands together. She seemed generally excited that her friends were starting to get back to normal. After the outburst, everyone had been a little on edge.
The group split ways after Applejack ensured that she could walk over to the biology building by herself, even if Rainbow insisted she would not mind tagging along. Applejack denied her attempts and encouraged her to go save a seat at the table, and she promised she would be quick. Rainbow rolled her eyes, but agreed.
Finally alone, Applejack set an average pace to get to the science building. She passed only a few students on the way in, but the hallway was otherwise empty. As far as she could tell, the entire building was empty of students.
Her accusations turned out to be false because she could hear people talking around the next corner, but as she approached the voices caused her to pause in step. She knew the voices coming from only meters away, but somehow the conversation seemed to be private.
"Twilight please. You don't understand what you are saying," A voiced called, the airy tone of Fluttershy carrying softly over the quiet hallway. Her voices portrayed her emotion so well. It was as if she was pleading to Twilight, begging her to understand the context of the conversation.
Twilight did not seem to mind, nor did her voice give off any intention of caring, "Fluttershy, I do not have to explain myself too you, or anyone. My parents have always encouraged reading on the subject of homosexuality and it just does not make sense. There is no purpose behind two people of the same gender being together."
"Regardless of who Rainbow chooses to love, she is our friend. You just can't keep going around saying things that will hurt her. Please Twilight, try to understand how she might feel," Fluttershy protested.
"I am sorry to say that if she choices that kind of lifestyle, I really don't care how she feels. I cannot change how I feel about something just because she may be my friend. If she wants to continue being friends, keep it to herself," Twilight countered, and footsteps followed.
Applejack jumped and turned the corner just in time to meet Twilight face to face, avoiding the messy situation of ease dropping the entire conversation. She was in the clear, or so she thought.
"Oh Applejack, you must of heard the entire thing, didn't you? I'm sure you can understand where I am coming from, can't you?" Twilight asked, seemingly trying to encourage the response she wanted. Applejack froze; she was not supposed to be in this conversation at all.
"Uh, ah beg yer pardon?" she said, trying to play stupid and hoping Twilight would ignore the conversation. Hope was not in her favor today.
"We were just chatting about whether or not Rainbow could be a lesbian. I would think you of all people would understand how it's just not normal," Twilight said, smiling kindly. She may have been acting kind, but her words were tearing apart Applejack's soul. "I mean I'm sure your grandparents, just like my own parents, would not be alright with the idea. I remember that one night your grandpa got into a fight with granny about it."
Fluttershy tried to defuse the situation by jumping into the conversation, but Twilight shooed her off. She declared that Applejack should get a chance to share her opinion. Suddenly, Applejack was not feeling so brave.
"Uh, ah reckin' they r' against the idea, but ah really don't see no problem in Dash's choice. She's got a pretty strong mind of her own," Applejack replied, trying to sound brave even though she felt so small.
Twilight did not seem to approve her choice, and a frown took her features. She placed one hand on her hip, jutting it out to the side. "Applejack, you can't be serious right now. What could anyone possible gain from being homosexual? Can't you image the things people would say?"
Applejack knew all too well what people would say, and cringed back. She avoided looking at Twilight, suddenly feeling like she was the one under question. What would people say if they found out? The possibilities were endless, but all the thoughts filling Applejack's mind were negative.
"Ah suppose people wouldn't take kindly to it," Applejack murmured, her voice suddenly going low.
"No, some people would be just fine with it. Those people should be the close friends of the person making a hard choice," Fluttershy butted in, trying to turn the conversation back around. She could see the fear glazing Applejack's eyes and her chest clenched in worry. "I would love my friends no matter what they chose."
Twilight turned to look at Fluttershy, clearly not amused by her interruption. "That's just because you grew up with her. It wouldn't surprise me if she turned you into a lesbian too," Twilight said, her words meaning to hurt. Venom was practically dripping from the entire sentence, but she realized too late it was wrong of her too be assuming anything. She quickly calmed herself from becoming over emotional. "I'm sorry about that Fluttershy; I don't know what came over me."
Fluttershy merely nodded, having nothing to say after being shouted at. Of course she did not find any attraction to females, but Twilight's accusing words dug deep.
"Well anyway, I just don't think it's right. A stable relationship is defined by a man and a woman so that they can produce a family." Twilight shrugged her shoulders like it was the most casual discussion in the world and turned to leave. "If Rainbow does admit to being attracted to women, I'm sure she will move through this phase fast enough when people start talking about her. I doubt people would want to be around something like that."
Applejack could only watch her leave in horror. Any comfort she had felt about telling her friends the truth was gone. Twilight's opinion was carving its way into her flesh, ripping apart her insides. She had to force herself to breathe in deeply after holding her breath so long.
"Applejack, please don't listen to her," Fluttershy began, approaching her best friend's lover. She had on her best comforting smile and her open arms were looking inviting, but Applejack shied back.
"Now tell ma how I could forget somethin' like that," Applejack said, wrapping her arms around herself. She could feel her body shaking. She was going to start crying if she didn't get out of the situation soon. "Ah just… ah can't."
"We can figure something out. She doesn't mean anything she said."
Applejack snapped to look Fluttershy in the eyes, even though her own were burred with unshed tears. "Like hell she doesn't mean it. Of course she does and so will everyone else when they all find out. Ah can't do this."
"Um… That's not true. Your real friends and family will love you."
A bitter laugh left Applejack's mouth, "Ma family will disown me and obviously not everyone will be as acceptin' as y'all think."
Applejack shouldered her bag angrily and turned to leave. She needed to cool off before she went back to the lunch table. Everyone would notice if she didn't show up like she promised, but she was not entirely sure she could make it through the rest of the day with the feelings rushing within her.
"Applejack…" Fluttershy called.
For only a moment she paused, but did not turn around to look at the other girl. "Ah use t' think we could be happy, but maybe this is all just some silly phase," Applejack said, glancing back to Fluttershy with a sad smile. A tear dripped down her cheek, no longer being contained. "Take care of her fer ma, alright?"
She did not wait for a reply and hurried down the hall, making it out the doors before Fluttershy could even comprehend what had happened. When she did start to understand, the pink-haired girls eyes widen in shock.
Applejack had a plan, and a stupid one at that.
After dealing with the encounter in the hallway, Fluttershy made her way quickly over to the lunch table that her friend's normally occupied. Upon arriving she noticed that Twilight had taken her normal seat next to Spike, Rarity was fusing with some new designs on Twilight's side, and Pinkie pie was next to Rarity, putting her say in everything her friend was working on. Rainbow was sitting across from them texting. Briefly Fluttershy noticed that Applejack was still missing and clenched her fists. She needed to get to the other girl before she did something she would regret.
She knew there was not enough time to go in search for the farmer, and there was no guarantee that she would find her in time, so Fluttershy quietly took her seat next to Rainbow.
"Dash, if you don't mind… I think we need to talk," Fluttershy whispered, leaning close. She knew the details of the conversation were private and in the wrong hands could be used against her.
Pinkie pie seemed to notice a problem and glanced up, making eye contact with Fluttershy. Her gaze was questioning and curious, but she did not say anything to avoid attention from the rest of the group. Fluttershy merely gave her a one shoulder shrug and a worried look, trying to get Pinkie to understand without words that something was wrong.
"Yeah, what's up shy?" Rainbow asked, her fingers still moving effortlessly over the key pad of her phone. She finished her important text and set it on the table, turning her gaze to her friend. She could see the worried look and frowned. "Is everything alright?"
Fluttershy shook her head. She took a second to compose herself, but even the short moment was too long. As she opened her mouth to speak, Applejack set her bag on the table, taking the seat across from them. Fluttershy knew she could not break the news in front of both of them and their friends, so she decided against it. "Oh it's nothing. I'll tell you later."
Rainbow seemed unsure if she should believe her best friend, but did not push her. Fluttershy always shared important information with her. "Yeah, cool. If you're sure."
The pink haired girl nodded, but turned her gaze across the table to Applejack. The minute her teal eyes contacted with green, Applejack looked away. There was no doubt in her mind that something was working its way through Applejack's mind, and Fluttershy knew that whatever it was would tear Rainbow apart. She turned her gaze to the table and steadied her mind to avoid showing her apprehension.
"Why is everyone so uptight today? I actually have some great news!" Rarity excitedly exclaimed from her seat, looking around the table.
Rainbow perked up, suddenly taking a moment to look at her friends. Twilight had her face shoved in a book, Fluttershy was having a staring match with the table, and Pinkie was making some weird, bored face. Rainbow raised her eye brow quizzically, but turned her attention to Applejack, who avoided her look completely. "Yeah, is there something going on? Applejack?"
The girl in question raised her gaze, but the minute their eyes met, Rainbow wished she had kept her mouth shut. She knew that look; it always made her feel so insecure, but that was something she would not willingly admit.
"It's all just fine," Applejack replied. It was a lie, Rainbow knew it.
Rarity, being otherwise occupied with her our thoughts continued, "Well I finished everyone's dresses for prom. They came out looking splendid! Has anyone besides me found a suitable date yet?" She smiled, wiggling her eyes brows for affect as she glanced around the table. Her enthusiastic mood was ruined when no one responded and everyone avoided her gaze. "Girls? Prom is coming up fast. Everyone worth taking is going to be taken if some of you don't get a move on."
Rainbow had a strange feeling that the entire one-sided conversation Rarity was having was directed at her. She rolled her eyes and picked her phone back up, deciding to ignore the subtle hints that she should take Spitfire to prom.
A shadow cast its way over Rainbow's screen and she didn't even have to move when she felt a familiar hand on her shoulder, the leather of a fingerless glove brushing her skin. "Hey there," Spitfire said, leaning down close as if appearing to be looking over Rainbow's shoulder. In reality, she just wanted to be close and personal.
Rainbow smiled, briefly wondering if Spitfire's ears were burning from Rarity's hints. She looked over her shoulder, her face being only inches away from her co-captain. "Hey. What do you want now?"
"I need to talk to you. Alone, if you don't mind leaving your precious table for a few minutes."
Rainbow shrugged and looked across the table. Applejack had raised her gaze, but it was focused on Spitfire. She could see the slight sign of jealousness on the farmers face and she smiled, Applejack could be so cute sometimes. "Yeah sure," she stood, blocking Applejack's view and spoke the next line directly to her girlfriend, "I'll be right back AJ."
Applejack did not answer, but her gaze fell immediately back to the ground. Something was not right. Rainbow was positive they needed to talk when she returned, but dropped it to leave with Spitfire. Of course Spitfire threw her arm casually around Rainbow's shoulders for good measure, but her advances were not pushed away.
Although she tried to act like it was not bothering her, Applejack could not help watching the duo leave together. Her mind was filling with doubt every minute and she could not help the buzzing thought that Rainbow would be a good match for Spitfire. Well, if she was out of the picture anyway. Apparently she was not the only one with the idea, because Rarity was once again voicing her opinion.
"I seriously need to either get Spitfire to ask her, or force Rainbow to ask Spitfire to prom," Rarity said offhandedly, but immediately turned her head toward Twilight who was staring directly at her. "Oh, shush. Keep your opinions about being queer to yourself. The rest of us have no problem with it."
Twilight opened her mouth, but decided against whatever she was going to say, and closed it. She turned back to her book, but gave Rarity a nice glare before she did so. Rarity seemed pleased that a battle between friends did not ensue again, but she could see that Twilight was gripping the edges of her book harshly.
Applejack watched the exchange, feeling a slight pang of guilt from her new choices. She had to go through with her plan, not only for herself, but for Rainbow too. Suddenly it hurt a little too much to breathe. Maybe she was making the wrong choice, but even the doubt flooding her consciousness was not enough to change her thoughts.
"Hey Applejack," A voice called, followed shortly by a person sliding a chair around and straddling the furniture backwards. He gave a wink in Rarity's direction, and a smile for the rest of the table. "How's it going?"
Being thrown from her obsessive thoughts, Applejack seemed honestly surprised, "Oh hey Soarin. Y'all just missed Spitfire and Dash."
Soarin scratched at the back of his neck, chuckling under his breath lightly. "Well actually, I'm here to see you."
Applejack felt her heart skip a beat. She should have known this was going to happen after their meeting in the hallway only hours before. He had been so nice and sweet with his fancy little comments that Applejack just could not destroy him with her answer. Now she was suddenly glad she had held off. "My, that's mighty kind of ya t' come lookin' for ma, what in earth for?"
Soarin glanced briefly over his shoulder, but nothing caught his eye as he turned back to Applejack, the same heart stopping smile on his face. "Mostly to see if you decided anything. I mean there are a few other girls I'm sure would love to go to prom with me, but I really had my eye set on something a little… different," he explained, allowing one of his hands to play with the end of Applejack's over-the-shoulder ponytail.
Her eyes traveled between the man before her and his hand playing with her hair, smiling lightly in a fleeting thought that Rainbow normally did that as well. Rainbow; she needed to stop thinking about her. She wanted to ignore the pain ripping at her chest.
"Applejack…," Fluttershy warned from across the table, knowing exactly where the conversation was going. The playful words and little touches were rubbing her the wrong way, and she was almost positive that the conversation was not going to end in her favor.
Rarity joined in, practically squealing her opinion, "For goodness sake, Applejack. Say yes!"
Even though Applejack was surrounded by a group of her very best friends, she had never felt so alone in her life. Not only were her own thoughts frantically trying to reason with her, but now her friends were either trying to warn her or encourage her. She managed a quick look at Twilight, seeing a slight smile on her face. She would never see that smile going to prom with Rainbow, hell, she was lucky if anyone would even speak to her.
The previous conversation from the hallway passed through her mind once more, and Applejack turned her attention to Soarin. "That's mighty kind of ya t' ask ma Soarin and I'm real sorry ah ditched in the hall earlier," she said, pausing her statement to look at Fluttershy. She could see the utter disappoint boiling in those teal eyes, but her mind had already been set. She needed to do this for Rainbow to be happy with someone who would not mind coming out with her, and Applejack also needed to remember where she wanted to fit in, "But I'd be thrilled t' go to prom with ya."
Soarin smiled immediately, "I will admit I was a little worried for a minute, but that's great."
Fluttershy on the other hand was barely controlling her emotions, having to clench her fists to keep from jumping across the table. She was in complete shock that Applejack would be so stupid, and she could not even imagine the look on Rainbow's face when she found out. They loved each other, Fluttershy was sure, but Applejack was too caught up in the views of other people to even care.
"Oh this is wonderful! Applejack and Soarin going to prom together!" Rarity gushed, pulling out her drawing note pad. She immediately started sketching across the paper in long movements. "Oh I can't believe this! Finally a date worth taking to prom!"
"Who has a date?" Rainbow asked, re-approaching the table with Spitfire in tow.
"Applejack!" Rarity declared, resting her chin on the palm of her hand and smiling brightly. "She's going with Soarin. Isn't that great?"
Any look of comfort or happiness that might have been on Rainbow's face melted second by second away. She could practically feel her heart drop to the bottom of her chest loudly. She felt completely numb, except for the comforting hand of Fluttershy that intertwined with her own. "What is she talking about AJ?" she asked, having to force the words out.
Applejack was staring at the ground again, trying to regain her composure. She did not expect to have a full blown meeting with Rainbow yet, but her timing all day had been off. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, steading her thoughts. She needed this. She needed to be normal. "Ah… Ah made up ma mind," she said, finally raising her green gaze to lock with purple-pink. "This is what ah want."
The sadness and betrayal she had been feeling started to fade to anger, and Rainbow suddenly found herself squeezing Fluttershy's hand hard. "Really now? This is what you want. Alright cool, Soarin's a great guy. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time."
Applejack's eyes softened at the hurt behind those words, but she could only manage to nod lightly.
"Dash," Fluttershy whispered, squeezing the runner's hand gently in her own grip. She could not imagine the thoughts running through Rainbow's head and she sighed, knowing that she should have went after Applejack. This might have been avoided.
Soarin decided that it was a perfect time to step in, "Hey, thanks Dash. I'll make sure to treat her like she deserves. I know you two are close." He shot a grin at Spitfire, giving her a wink of encouragement.
Spitfire nodded, finding the moment prefect for her own plan to be set into motion. "Well that's just great now that Soarin here as a date and just beat me at finding one, y'know." She took a step forward, making herself even with Rainbow. She nudged her co-captain in the side. "What do ya say Dash, go to prom with me?"
Caught completely off guard, Rainbow's head snapped toward Spitfire. "What?"
"I just asked you to prom, this is where you agree," Spitfire explained, that same knowing smile taking her lips. She almost seemed smug.
"No," Applejack blurted out, slapping a hand over her mouth in embarrassment. After trying to push Rainbow away from her, she could not even keep her mouth shut.
"AJ…" Rainbow said, her voice filling with a final plead. They still had time to turn this entire conversation around and make it right.
Applejack swallowed, shaking her head with a silly laugh. Rainbow could tell she was faking it. "No, ah meant Spitfire can't go alone. Y'all go with her."
Rainbow glanced between Applejack and Spitfire a good two times before her anger got the best of her. If Applejack wanted to play like this entire thing meant nothing to her, then she was damn well not going to get emotional about it. She forced a smile, looking to Spitfire.
"Really? Yeah, I'd love to go with you," she said, and had to shake her hand free from Fluttershy's annoying tugging. Rainbow was not going to think about what she was doing, just like Applejack refused to when she ripped out her heart.
Spitfire smirked, tugging Rainbow to her side. She was impressed at how much she had wanted to do that, and finally had the opportunity. She left her arm around Rainbow's waist and leaned in close to whisper something in her ear, the scent of Rainbow's shampoo filling her senses. Spitfire was quite aware of the fact that Rainbow was not in a relationship with her yet, but she had waited long enough to get rid of Applejack to care. Besides if the anger Rainbow was radiating said anything at all, she was positive her advances would be used to turn against Applejack anyway.
Rainbow flushed lightly at whatever was said, but elbowed her team captain gently in the side. She wanted to pull from the unusually embrace she found herself in, but her pride would not let her. If Applejack was going to just up and bail on her for a team mate, then so would she. Spitfire could be her new girlfriend for all she cared.
"Oh my! This is wonderful! Now a few more dates and everyone will be set. I told you Spitfire was interested!" Rarity said, the pure excitement of the moment filling her entire movements. She was completely thrilled for her friends.
Twilight on the other hand seemed stunned. Quietly she closed her book and stood from the table, jamming her bag with her materials. She did not say a word to anyone as she left, and Rarity briefly watched her go with Spike trailing after her in a hurry.
Rarity frowned but turned her attention back to the group. Unfortunately, her friends were not excited. "Excuse me, but I think all of you are missing the fact that this is supposed to be a happy occasion. You all look like you're going on death row or something!"
Soarin laughed, scooting his chair closer to Applejack, "I agree. I mean you're going to prom with a Wonderbolt now. Can't I get a little bit of excitement from that?"
Applejack played her best smile, leaning toward her new date, "Ah am, sugarcube. How could ah not be with such a hansom date."
Rainbow snorted, having to keep from laughing at the sheer ironic nature of the whole situation. Her anger was not allowing her to feel the hurt from those words that she should have.
"Hey, you want to get out of here Dash?" Spitfire asked, squeezing Rainbow's side in a gentle tug. Her face had taken to an understanding smile, and she placed her other hand on her hip. "I know this can't be easy," she whispered low.
Rainbow could feel the gentle breath tickling the side of her neck, sending a shiver down her back. However, it was the words that sent her into confusion, making her sneak a look at Spitfire. Her co-captain was looking at her like she knew something and it made Rainbow curious. "Yeah, let's go. I don't want to be here anyway."
Rainbow maneuvered out of the arm around her waist and grabbed her bag off the table, shouldering it. Fluttershy grabbed her hand, looking up with that smile that made Rainbow's heart clench. She could not leave Fluttershy with that look, and pulled the pink-haired girl to her side. Even though Rainbow was standing, Fluttershy wrapped her arms around her waist and nuzzled her face against the runner's firm stomach. "Be careful Dash. I love you."
Rainbow smiled, running her hand through Fluttershy's long hair. "You got it shy. I have to go right now, alright? I'll come by your place later."
Fluttershy nodded, pulling back and dropping her hold. They shared a knowing look and Rainbow winked, returning to Spitfire's side. She chanced a final look at Applejack, who locked eyes with her. For the first time in years, Rainbow felt like she didn't even know who was looking back at her.
"See ya Soarin. Don't forget practice today," Spitfire reminded her own best friend, and intertwined her hand with Rainbow's. The red leather of Rainbow's fingerless glove rubbed against Spitfire's brown fingerless glove. "Come on Dash."
The contact snapped Rainbow out of her daze and she took a deep breath, forcing a miserable smile to her lips. She never thought it would come to this, but she was use to disappointment. "I hope this makes you happy... Bye AJ."
Rainbow broke the gaze and turned, changing her smile for Spitfire, "Let's go."
Spitfire nodded and turned to leave, Rainbow following along with her. Their hands were still locked together, neither of the girls bothering to break the hold.
"What was that about?" Rarity asked, finding the encounter a little too personal.
"Nothin'," Applejack murmured, watching her ex walk away from the table. She couldn't stop her chest from burning in a familiar pain. "It was just time to look different ways before someone got hurt."
"Someone did," Fluttershy said, gathering her own items as she stood. "Actually, I think two people did," she added, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. She waited for Pinkie pie to join at her side, and then two of them left together.
"Well, I'm just confused. But congratulation on your new prom date Applejack. So many girls are going to be jealous of you two," Rarity said, completely missing the interaction between the different groups. She knew the table was each taking a side, but on what she did not know. Instead she stood and decided to go to the art building. There were designs to work on anyway. "I'll see you both later. Soarin, you're always welcome to sit with us at lunch."
Soarin nodded, giving one of his best smiles, "Thanks, I think I have a reason too now."
Rarity nodded and left, leaving the two alone. Suddenly the entire situation fell onto Applejack's shoulders, and she could not help burying her face in her hands. A sensation of loss filled her thoughts.
"What have I done?"
Soarin could only watch the girl in front of him fall apart, and a smirk spread across his lips. Things were just falling into place now. He positioned a comforting hand on her shoulder, giving her a light squeeze. "Applejack, is everything alright?"
Although she was positive that she was not alright, Applejack remembered that she had a part to play. She needed to be strong in front of other people and could fall apart on her own time. Slowly she straightened herself up, brushing blonde hair behind her ear. "Ah reckin I'm fine. Just a lot goin' on right now. I'm real sorry about that."
Soarin smiled, "It's nothing. I can be here for you, y'know?" He placed his hand over one of the farmers, intertwine their fingers lightly.
Applejack beamed. "Thank ya kindly, that actually means a lot t' ma."
Hesitantly Soarin reached up to caress the side of Applejack's cheek, drawing the girl in by her chin. He leaned forward to meet her half way, kissing her lightly on the lips. It was gentle, and he pulled back quickly. "I really like you Applejack. I was hoping that maybe we could try to give this thing a shot. I'd like to take you out on a date."
Being the honest girl that she was, Applejack had to admit that she did not feel a thing from the kiss, but blushed lightly anyway. The plan that she had set into motion was going just as she had hoped. By the end of the day she had a normal prom date, and now he was looking to be her normal boyfriend. He was someone her family would be proud of with his good grades and athletic performance. Soarin was not Rainbow, but he was as close as she would get.
"I'd really like to give it a try," Applejack said, lying right through her teeth. All she wanted to do was run after Rainbow and yank her off Spitfire's arm, confessing every single thing she felt for her.
"Yeah? Alright let's do this then."
Applejack nodded, and smiled the best she could. She could keep telling herself everything was alright for now, but it was just a matter of time before her exterior would crumble.
Ironically, looking back a week Applejack didn't have to lie about being happy. She had a girlfriend that she loved, friends who were really her friends, and a life that she could be proud of, even when others were not. Sometimes everything just isn't enough.
But what did she have now?
Plenty of stares had been thrown in Rainbow's direction as she walked through the campus with Spitfire, her hand still locked in the grip of her co-captain. Spitfire was a big shot around school grounds with her attitude and great style, more so than Rainbow ever wanted to be. People wanted to be Spitfire; Rainbow always just wanted to be a Wonderbolt. They differed on certain lines, but thought the same on others. Rainbow was 100% positive that if she had never found interest in Applejack that she would have started dating Spitfire long ago. With all the surprised looks and glares she was receiving, half of the campus already assumed they were dating anyway.
Part of her wished that she would care enough to pull away, but the other part of her was hording any comfort she could get. There was no one to go back to now. She had ended it with Applejack in her angered state.
They had ended up crossing the campus together and exited out onto the track and field area, finding the place empty of any students or faculty. Normally the field was always void of life during lunch, and it made it a perfect place to just relax and think. Rainbow was glad they were alone because she did not feel like dealing with other people.
Together they climbed the bleachers, Spitfire going up the stairs first and pulling Rainbow after her. They stopped at one of the rows in the front and Spitfire finally released her hand, taking a seat casually overlooking the field. Rainbow removed her bag and dropped it to the ground, taking a seat on her side. Silence washed over them for a few minutes, but the time was appreciated.
"I know about Applejack, Dash," Spitfire confessed, leaning her elbows on her knees and clasping her own hands together. She chanced a side glance at her friend.
Rainbow merely stared out at the field with an utterly blank look. She felt just as empty on the inside. "How?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly toward the end.
"I saw you two loading your motorcycle onto her truck after the last practice. Well, I saw a little more than that too," Spitfire admitted, reaching over to take Rainbow's hand back in her own. "I just figured that when Soarin told me he asked her and she didn't say no, that maybe I was wrong."
Finding the hand holding her own comforting, Rainbow did not bother to pull it away. Instead she placed the elbow of her free hand on her knee, leaning over to cover her forehead. She wanted to cry, but would not let the tears come out. The pressure was starting to give her a headache. "We've been keeping it a secret. We were anyway."
"So you're not now? Did you two really end it?"
"What was I supposed to do? She didn't even think about me before she told Soarin she would just love to go to prom with him."
"Neither did you before you said yes to me," Spitfire said, giving Rainbow's hand a squeeze. "Listen, I'm not trying to get you to change your mind about what you did."
Rainbow tilted her head to look at Spitfire from her resting spot on her own hand. "I was angry when I said yes to you."
Spitfire smirked, "Does that mean you are changing your mind?"
Rainbow stared at her, raising her head slowly. Now that she was really considering her options, Spitfire was not a bad choice. She could be open with who she was, something that was not alright with Applejack. Even the name flashed the events in her mind.
"No, she chose want she wanted," Rainbow said, eyes dropping down to look at her hand intertwined with Spitfire's casually. She squeezed her hand lightly, feeling the grip of another and smiled hesitantly. "I just don't know where to go from here."
"You could try a rebound," replied Spitfire, chuckling lightly at her own words. Rainbow seemed pleased with her response and laughed too.
"Oh, and who's going to just walk up and be my rebound then?"
Shrugging, Spitfire looked back out over the empty field. It seemed so different being on the stands instead of on the grounds. "I will. Let's face it Dash, I've had my eye set on you for a while."
Rainbow raised an eye brow, "I heard rumors, but I never expected them to be true. Why would you want me when you could have anyone?"
Spitfire had to laugh hard at that comment, and it took a few moments to compose herself enough to speak. "Are you kidding Dash? Your right up there on the top of the food chain with me. Hell your smart, your one of the best athletes on our entire team, and your gorgeous. What isn't there to want?"
Rainbow blushed, looking toward the opposite side of the field. She had not expected Spitfire to think so highly of her, but the words of praise from her fellow captain made the throbbing pain in her chest dull. She really never expected Spitfire to feel anything but friendship toward her, but now Applejack's jealousness suddenly made sense. "I bet you're just saying that, trying to get me to blush like one of your freshman followers."
"I bet you I'm not. Come on, we've been on the same team for a while and I haven't lied to you yet, why would I start right now?"
Rainbow gave a one-shoulder shrug, not turning her gaze from the long stretch of field that she was looking over. She would not let Spitfire see the blush she had caused, and waited until she felt like she was under control before looking back. "You know, I really loved her. I thought she was the one I was going to end up with."
Spitfire nodded, looking towards the ground. "All good things come to an end sometime right?"
Rainbow smiled sadly and nodded. She could not blame Applejack for making the call that she did. How many times had Applejack told her she couldn't do it and she had tried to pressure her? Maybe it was a good thing that they ended their relationship and tried to be happy in different ways.
Deciding once and for all that she wanted to be happy, Rainbow leaned over and planted a kiss on Spitfire's cheek. "Thanks for listening to me whine, but I think I might take you up on that rebound."
Spitfire could not stop the smirk that took over her lips, "Oh, I was never worried about it."
Rainbow pulled her hand out of her co-captains grip and slapped her in the chest lightly. She then crossed her arms across her chest, pretending if anything to be mad. Spitfire was only amused by her display and tugged Rainbow too her side, throwing her arm around her new play toy.
"Dash, you were never good at being mad. You always have that little pout to your lips. Cut it out before I put your mouth to better use."
Rainbow rolled her eyes and Spitfire earned another slapped across the chest. Fortunately, Spitfire was normally giving sexually innuendos to her so she was use to a response like that and wiggled out of the grip around her shoulder. She stood, glaring down. "Don't make me regret this," she said, but her voice was playful.
"Regret nothing," Spitfire replied, and reached up to hold Rainbow's forearms. She tugged enough to get Rainbow close enough to kiss her, surprised by how soft her lips really were. Rainbow did not struggle, but simple intertwined her hands in Spitfire's hair. The kiss was sweet and short, and Rainbow found the image of Applejack in the back of her mind. She had to gentle shake the thought from her head, realizing that she needed to focus on new adventures.
Rainbow pulled back a few seconds later and smiled, "If you never take chances, you'll miss out on the best things."