Applejack's POV

The sound of gravel crunching beneath my boots filled the quiet morning air as I made my way toward the school entrance. The weekend at the farm had been a whirlwind—Rainbow Dash helping with chores, the ice-skating trip, and the damn group chat that nearly made my head explode.

Even now, just thinking about it had my face heating up.

Pinkie Pie had no chill, and Rarity? She had some kinda sixth sense for sniffin' out anything remotely romantic, even when there wasn't nothin' there.

Because there wasn't, right?

I adjusted my backpack and took a deep breath, pushing the thought away. I had bigger things to worry about—like surviving the rest of the school year and making sure I didn't fall behind on farm work.

"Applejack!"

I turned just in time to see a familiar blur of blue and rainbow speeding toward me. Before I could react, Rainbow Dash skidded to a stop, sneakers kicking up dust.

"Jeez, Rainbow," I coughed, waving the dust cloud away. "You tryin' to blind me first thing in the mornin'?"

She grinned, looking way too smug for someone who had nearly run me over. "Nah, just figured I'd give you a head start before I totally destroy you today."

I narrowed my eyes. "Destroy me? At what, exactly?"

Rainbow crossed her arms. "Coach Spitfire's holding a fitness assessment in gym today. Think you can keep up, farm girl?"

Oh, for the love of—this girl and her need to turn everything into a competition.

I adjusted my hat, matching her smirk. "Keep up? Sugarcube, I lap you on endurance every time."

She scoffed. "Yeah? Well, we'll see about that."

I shook my head, fighting the amused smile tugging at my lips. "Alright, Dash. Let's see what ya' got."

The gym was packed with students stretching, chatting, or looking downright miserable at the idea of being tested on their physical abilities. Coach Spitfire, as intimidating as ever with her sharp eyes and military-like stance, blew her whistle.

"Alright, listen up! You're all gonna be tested on endurance, strength, and speed today. If I catch anyone slacking, you'll be running laps 'til you drop. Got it?"

A half-hearted groan of agreement spread through the group.

Rainbow was practically vibrating with excitement beside me. "Oh, this is gonna be awesome."

I rolled my eyes. "If your definition of 'awesome' is 'torture,' then sure."

First up: push-ups.

We got down on the mats, Coach Spitfire pacing as she watched for perfect form. I knew this was one thing I could hold my own in—farm work wasn't for the weak.

"Alright, ready? Go!"

I fell into a steady rhythm, keeping my back straight, muscles burning just the right amount. Out of the corner of my eye, Rainbow was keeping pace, her face set in determination. She wasn't gonna let me win without a fight.

"Fifty-five... Fifty-six... Fifty-seven..."

By the time we hit seventy, most of the class had dropped out.

"Eighty-four..."

I could feel the sweat forming on my brow, but I wasn't gonna back down.

Rainbow gritted her teeth. "Giving up yet, AJ?"

I huffed. "You wish."

We hit one hundred, and finally, Coach Spitfire called it. "Alright, you two, you've proved your point. Enough."

I collapsed onto my back, chest heaving. Rainbow flopped beside me, equally exhausted. For a second, neither of us spoke, just lay there, catching our breath.

Then, she turned her head toward me. "That was... actually kinda fun."

I raised a brow. "Didn't think losing was fun for ya'."

She scoffed. "I didn't lose. It was a tie."

I smirked. "Sure, sugarcube. If that helps ya' sleep at night."

Rainbow Dash's POV

Gym class ended, and the rivalry was still burning strong. But something felt different.

Applejack wasn't just some random opponent anymore. Competing with her felt better than competing with anyone else. She didn't let me win, but she also didn't rub it in my face.

As we walked out of the locker room, I stretched my arms above my head. "Alright, we're one-one today. Tie in push-ups. Next up—sprints."

Applejack snorted. "Darlin', you really can't go one day without tryin' to prove somethin', can ya'?"

I shrugged. "What can I say? I like winning."

She gave me a side glance, something unreadable in her expression. "That so?"

I blinked. "Uh... yeah?"

She hummed, looking thoughtful, but didn't say anything else.

We made it to lunch, and I wasn't really sure why, but instead of sitting with my usual group, I ended up grabbing my tray and following Applejack outside.

She sat under one of the big oak trees near the track field, tipping her hat forward slightly to shield her eyes from the sun. "You're sittin' with me?"

I shrugged, plopping down beside her. "Yeah. Why not?"

She gave me a look, like she was trying to figure me out. "Ain't like you to be away from the crowd."

I picked at my food. "Yeah, well. The cafeteria's loud."

Applejack nodded, like she understood without me having to say anything else.

We ate in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the rustling leaves and the distant voices of other students.

"...Hey, AJ?"

She looked up, raising a brow. "Yeah?"

I hesitated. "Um... thanks."

Her brows furrowed. "For what?"

I fiddled with my fork. "Just... being cool, I guess."

A small, genuine smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Anytime, Dash."

For the first time in years, I didn't feel like I had to prove anything.

And for the first time, I realized...

Maybe being just rivals wasn't enough anymore.