For the first time in a long time, I woke up feeling...

Normal.

Not great. Not healed. But... okay.

I stretched, wincing as my muscles protested. Damn. My body was still adjusting to a world without constant fear.

The scent of coffee drifted in from the kitchen. Bacon. Pancakes. Applejack was already up.

I sat up, rubbing my eyes. My duffel bag sat in the corner, barely unpacked.

This is home now.

I still wasn't used to the idea.

But I was gonna try.

"Eat."

Applejack shoved a plate in front of me.

I blinked at it. Piled high with eggs, bacon, pancakes-way more than I usually ate.

She sat across from me, biting into a pancake like it was personal.

Big Mac and Granny were at the table too, chatting quietly. The whole place felt... warm.

I picked up my fork.

"Not used to eating this much?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shrugged. "Not used to eating with people."

Her face softened.

"Well, ya better get used to it," she said. "'Cause you ain't eatin' alone anymore."

Something tightened in my chest.

I took a bite.

It tasted like belonging.

Later: School

I hadn't been back to school since everything went down.

And I wasn't sure I was ready.

But Applejack had this way of pushing me just enough.

She tossed me a hoodie. "C'mon. We ain't hidin' inside all day."

I hesitated.

Then-

I pulled it on.

"Alright," I muttered. "Let's go."

Applejack grinned.

And for the first time... I actually felt like going somewhere.

The second I walked into the hall, people stared.

Some whispered.

Some looked away.

Some-like Spitfire-gave me a look that made my stomach twist.

But I wasn't alone.

Applejack walked beside me, steady as ever.

And when she caught Spitfire's glare?

She glared right back.

Spitfire scoffed and turned away.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

Applejack nudged me. "Ain't gotta be scared of her."

"I'm not scared," I said automatically.

She smirked. "Good."

And just like that-

Spitfire wasn't so scary anymore.

Applejack and I kept walking.

Neither of us said anything for a while.

The silence between us wasn't awkward, though. It was just there-a quiet understanding.

Then Applejack nudged me.

"Ya really got her back there."

I smirked. "Yeah, well, she deserved it."

Applejack chuckled. "You should've seen her face. Priceless."

I let out a small laugh-an actual laugh.

And damn, that felt good.

It felt like a victory.

We turned a corner, and suddenly-

"Rainbow Dash?!"

A voice I hadn't heard in forever.

I barely had time to react before Fluttershy tackled me into a hug.

I tensed. My first instinct was to pull away-I wasn't used to this-but... it was Fluttershy.

She smelled like vanilla and lavender. Like home.

She pulled back, eyes wide. "Oh my gosh, it's really you! I-where have you been? We were so worried! After what happened, nobody has had any news!"

Applejack cleared her throat. "She's been stayin' with me."

Fluttershy looked between us, then back at me.

Her gaze softened. "I'm glad. Really, I am."

I swallowed. Did she know?

Maybe not everything, but something.

She was always good at noticing things.

I shrugged, forcing a grin. "Yeah, well. I'm still alive."

She gave me a look that said that's not funny, but she didn't call me out on it.

Instead, she smiled.

"We should all hang out soon. You know, me, Twilight, Pinkie, Sunset-"

I stiffened.

Applejack must've noticed, because she nudged me. "That might be good for ya, sugarcube."

I wasn't so sure.

But... maybe.

Maybe I could handle it.

Maybe I could let myself have that.

"So, what do ya say?" Applejack asked, nudging me again.

Fluttershy was still watching me, her smile soft, but there was this look in her eyes-like she knew I'd run if I could.

I hesitated.

Hanging out? With all of them?

It had been so long.

I barely knew who I was anymore, let alone how to be around people who actually cared about me.

I glanced at Applejack. Her expression was patient. No pressure, no forcing. Just... a choice.

And I wanted to choose.

I wanted to say yes.

But instead, I shrugged.

"Uh... yeah. Sure. Maybe."

Fluttershy's face lit up.

"Really?"

I nodded, and she clapped her hands together. "Oh! I'll tell the others! We could do something simple-maybe just hang out at Twilight's place or go to Sugarcube Corner-oh! Or we could-"

Applejack chuckled. "Easy there, sugarcube. Let's not overwhelm her."

Fluttershy blushed. "Oh, right. Sorry."

I shook my head. "No, it's fine."

And maybe, for the first time, I meant it.

We said our goodbyes, and Fluttershy left, practically skipping.

Applejack and I kept walking, heading toward Sweet Apple Acres.

But something felt off.

It wasn't like before-not the same crushing weight, not the same all-consuming darkness.

It was... different.

Like my brain was still waiting for something bad to happen.

Like this couldn't last.

Applejack must've noticed, because she glanced over.

"Ya okay?"

I hesitated.

Then, I exhaled.

"I don't know," I admitted. "It's just... weird."

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Weird how?"

I ran a hand through my hair. "Like... I shouldn't be allowed to have this. To feel normal. To-"

Applejack stopped walking.

I did too, looking up at her.

Her eyes were serious, steady.

"Rainbow," she said. "Ya deserve this."

I swallowed.

"Do I?"

Applejack nodded. "More than ya know."

By the time we got to Applejack's place, the sun was already dipping below the horizon, spilling golden light across the apple trees.

Everything smelled like wood, apples, and fresh air. It was peaceful.

Too peaceful.

Applejack pushed open the door, calling out, "Granny, we're back!"

From the kitchen, Granny Smith's voice rang out. "'Bout time! Dinner's almost ready!"

I hovered near the doorway, suddenly feeling out of place.

I wasn't used to this.

A home where people actually spoke to each other. A place that didn't feel like walking on glass.

Applejack must've noticed me hesitating, because she reached out, squeezing my wrist.

"C'mon, sugarcube. Ya ain't gotta stand there like a stranger."

I let her pull me inside.

Big Mac was setting the table, and Apple Bloom was talking a mile a minute about something that happened at school. Granny Smith was stirring a pot, humming to herself.

It was... normal.

And that scared me.

Because it felt too good.

Too safe.

And good things? They never lasted.

The smell of dinner hit me.

Warm. Familiar. Safe.

And suddenly, I wasn't in Sweet Apple Acres anymore.

I was back home.

The scent of burnt food filled the air.

The house was dark. Cold. The only light was from the TV flickering in the background, casting shadows against the walls.

I sat at the table, my stomach twisting with hunger.

Dinner wasn't ready. It never was.

I'd made the mistake of asking about it once.

I still had the scar on my shoulder from the plate that got thrown at me.

"Eat whatever's in the fridge," my mum had grumbled, taking another swig from her bottle.

I'd nodded. Gotten up. Opened the fridge.

There was barely anything. A half-empty bottle of mustard. Some leftovers from who-knows-when. Expired milk.

I settled on dry cereal.

And I learned never to ask again.

A hand touched my shoulder.

I flinched.

Applejack pulled back immediately, eyes filled with concern.

"Ya alright?" she asked.

I swallowed hard, forcing a nod.

"Yeah. Just... spaced out."

Applejack studied me for a moment before nodding.

"Well, c'mon. Let's eat."

I sat down, and a plate was placed in front of me. A full plate. Warm food. A home-cooked meal.

My throat tightened.

I picked up my fork and took a bite.

It was delicious, and I was so glad that I was here.

Dinner at Sweet Apple Acres wasn't like eating at home.

At home, silence was dangerous.

It meant someone was in a bad mood. It meant a storm was coming. It meant I had to walk on eggshells, keep my head down, and pray I didn't become the target.

But here?

The silence wasn't heavy. It wasn't suffocating.

It was the kind of silence that came from people being comfortable around each other. From eating a meal together without the weight of a thousand unspoken threats hanging in the air.

Granny Smith talked about some recipe she wanted to try.

Apple Bloom whined about her math homework.

Big Mac grunted in response, as expected.

And Applejack?

She kept stealing glances at me, like she was making sure I was still here.

I forced myself to eat. Every bite felt foreign, like my body wasn't used to actual meals. Like it was waiting for something to go wrong. Even after some time with Applejack, it still felt... new.

That night, I lay awake in Applejack's bed, staring at the ceiling.

The room was warm. Safe.

Too safe.

It made my skin itch.

I was used to sleeping with one ear open, listening for the creak of footsteps in the hallway.

I was used to cold sheets, a locked door, and the fear that maybe this was the night I wouldn't wake up.

Here?

The only sounds were the occasional hoot of an owl outside and Applejack's soft breathing from the cot she'd set up beside the bed.

I turned onto my side, curling in on myself.

Sleep wasn't going to come easy. It never did.

But maybe, just maybe...

I didn't have to be scared of closing my eyes.

I don't remember falling asleep.

But I sure as hell remember waking up.

My body jerked forward like I'd been yanked out of a different world, my breath coming in ragged gasps.

I couldn't tell what time it was, but the room was dark.

For a second, I wasn't in Applejack's room anymore.

I was back there.

Back in that house.

Back in that cold, suffocating room.

Back in the moment where I thought I wouldn't make it out alive.

"Shut the hell up, girl."

The voice echoed in my head, thick with disgust.

Then came the hands. Gripping my arm too tight. Dragging me up from the floor. Shoving me into a wall.

I felt the bruises again. The sharp, cold snap of a belt against my back. The choking, hot tears that I always tried to hold back but never could.

"You're pathetic."

The words sliced through my chest like knives.

I couldn't breathe.

I clawed at the sheets, trying to ground myself, trying to remember where I was, but my body wasn't listening. My mind wasn't listening.

I was still there.

Still that helpless little kid who couldn't escape.

Still-

"Rainbow."

The voice wasn't rough. It wasn't angry.

It was soft.

Warm.

Applejack.

I blinked, gasping for air, and reality snapped back into place.

I wasn't in that house.

I was here.

Applejack was kneeling beside the bed, her hand resting on my shoulder, her brows furrowed in concern.

"You're safe," she said, voice low, gentle. "It was just a dream, sugarcube."

I couldn't speak.

I just nodded, gripping the blanket like it was my only lifeline.

Applejack didn't ask any questions. She didn't press me for details. She just sat there, waiting, giving me time to pull myself together.

Eventually, my breathing slowed. My hands stopped shaking.

The next morning:

I woke up to the smell of something cooking.

For a second, I forgot where I was.

The sheets were too soft. The air was too warm. There was no yelling, no slamming doors, no fear.

Just the sound of plates clinking downstairs and the faint murmur of voices.

I blinked up at the ceiling, my body heavy with exhaustion. Last night had been... rough. But somehow, I had actually fallen back asleep. That was new.

I sat up slowly, rubbing my face. My head was a mess. My chest felt tight.

But I wasn't shaking anymore.

I let out a breath. That was progress, right?

The door creaked open, and Applejack poked her head in. "Mornin', sugarcube."

I swallowed. "Morning."

She stepped inside, her gaze scanning me like she was trying to figure out how fragile I was.

I hated that.

I didn't want to be something that people had to handle carefully. I didn't want to be some broken thing.

So I forced a smirk. "You make pancakes?"

Applejack's lips twitched into a smile. "Sure did. You up for some?"

My stomach growled in response.

That was the only answer she needed.

Breakfast at the Apple family table was something out of another world.

Granny Smith bustled around the kitchen, humming to herself. Big Mac was already outside working, but Apple Bloom was shoveling food into her mouth like she hadn't eaten in days.

Applejack just sat beside me, smiling and making sure that I was alright.

I stabbed a fork into my pancake, chewing slowly. My body was still adjusting to actual meals, but damn, this was amazing.

"So, Rainbow," Granny Smith said, plopping another pancake onto my plate before I could protest. "Applejack tells me yer stayin' with us for a while."

I stiffened. My grip on the fork tightened.

Applejack immediately jumped in. "She's got nowhere else safe to go, Granny." Her tone was firm, protective. "She's stayin'. No arguments."

Granny Smith gave a knowing nod. "I ain't arguin', darlin'. Just makin' conversation."

I swallowed thickly, avoiding eye contact.

I wasn't used to this. People looking out for me. People caring.

"I... uh... thanks for letting me stay," I mumbled.

Apple Bloom grinned. "It's gonna be fun havin' you around! You ever been campin' before?"

I blinked. "What?"

Applejack shot her sister a look. "Not now, AB."

But the little girl just pouted. "But we always do our big campin' trip this time of year! She's gotta come!"

Camping?

Like, sleeping outside in the middle of nowhere?

I wasn't sure how to feel about that.

But Applejack just turned to me with a smirk. "We'll talk about it later."

Something in her expression told me that I wasn't getting out of this.

Two days later, I found myself standing by Applejack's truck, staring at a pile of camping gear with no clue what I was doing.

"This is a bad idea," I muttered under my breath.

Applejack rolled her eyes as she tightened the straps on her backpack. "It ain't a bad idea, Dash. It's just campin'."

I crossed my arms. "You know I don't do the whole 'nature' thing, right? Dirt, bugs, wild animals that probably want to eat me-"

"Oh, quit yer bellyachin'," she interrupted with a smirk. "Ain't no animals gonna eat you."

"Great, so I only have to worry about the bugs."

Apple Bloom giggled from the truck bed, where she was helping Granny Smith pack the last of the supplies. "You're funny, Rainbow Dash!"

I huffed. "Yeah. Hilarious."

Truth was, I wasn't actually mad about going.

I was just... nervous.

I wasn't used to this kind of stuff. A real family trip. Sleeping outside without having to worry about getting locked out of the house on purpose. Being around people who actually wanted me there.

It felt like walking on a frozen lake-like at any moment, the ice could crack, and I'd fall into freezing water, gasping for air.

But Applejack had been right about one thing. I was safe here.

No yelling.
No bruises.
No nightmares I couldn't escape.

For the first time in forever, I wasn't terrified of the people around me.

That should've been a good thing.

So why did it still feel so weird?

Applejack threw her duffel bag into the truck before turning to me. "Alright, here's the deal, sugarcube. No complainin', no bailin', and no tryin' to sneak off in the middle of the night."

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't 'sneak off.'"

Apple Bloom snorted. "Applejack says you tried to jump outta her truck last week."

I glared at Applejack. "You told her?"

Applejack shrugged, smirking. "She asked."

I groaned, throwing my head back. "Unbelievable."

Granny Smith waved a hand. "Alright, y'all, quit yer bickerin'. We got a long drive ahead of us."

Applejack nudged me toward the passenger side. "C'mon, city girl. Time to get a little mud on them fancy sneakers of yours."

I rolled my eyes but climbed into the truck anyway. This was gonna be a disaster.

By the time we got to the campsite, the sun was already dipping low behind the trees.

It was quiet. Too quiet.

The air smelled like pine and damp earth. A river trickled somewhere nearby. The only sound was the occasional chirp of birds in the distance.

No traffic. No sirens. No angry voices.

Just nature.

Applejack hopped out of the truck like she'd been raised in the woods. "Alright, y'all know the drill. Let's get this camp set up."

Apple Bloom cheered and ran ahead, already pulling out the tent bags. Granny Smith took her sweet time, humming an old tune as she unpacked the food supplies.

I, meanwhile, stood there like an idiot, wondering how the hell I was supposed to help.

Applejack must've noticed because she tossed a tent pole at me. "Don't just stand there, Dash. Make yerself useful."

I caught it clumsily. "Right. Useful. Totally got this."

Did I, though?

Probably not.

By the time the fire was crackling and the tents were set up, the sky had turned dark, filled with stars.

It should've felt peaceful.

But something about the open air, the distant rustling of the trees... it reminded me of something.

Something bad.

I shifted uncomfortably on my log, hugging my knees to my chest as Apple Bloom excitedly told some ghost story. Applejack sat beside me, watching me out of the corner of her eye.

She knew.

She always knew.

"You okay, sugarcube?" she murmured, voice low enough so the others wouldn't hear.

I swallowed, staring into the fire. "Yeah."

She didn't buy it. "Dash-"

"I'm fine, AJ."

I didn't need her worrying about me. Not tonight.

Not when this was supposed to be... normal.

Applejack studied me for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Alright. But if ya wanna talk-"

"I know."

I wasn't ready.

But maybe soon.

Maybe.

The night should've been peaceful.
It wasn't.

At first, everything was quiet. The soft crackle of the fire. Apple Bloom's giggling as Granny Smith told some old story about a haunted apple orchard. The rustling of the leaves in the cool night breeze.

But I couldn't relax.

I sat stiffly on the log, arms wrapped around my knees, my heart pounding a little too fast.

Something about the darkness pressed in on me, like it was watching me. Like it knew.

And I knew why.

I'd spent too many nights like this. Outside. Alone. Locked out of the house because my mum was too pissed off to let me back in. Freezing in the cold, huddled in the corner of the backyard, listening to the sounds of the city as I begged morning to come faster.

I took a slow breath. That was over now.
I wasn't alone.
I wasn't there.

But my brain didn't care.

The weight of those nights-of all those years-pressed against my chest, tightening like a fist around my lungs.

I flinched when Applejack nudged me.

"Earth to Dash," she murmured. "You still with me?"

I blinked, forcing myself to focus on her face, on the warmth in her green eyes.

"Yeah," I said quickly, shaking my head. "Yeah, I'm good."

Lie.

I wasn't good.

And Applejack knew it.

"C'mere," Applejack whispered, grabbing my wrist and pulling me up from the log.

I hesitated. "Where are we going?"

"Just walk with me."

Applejack led me away from the campfire, past the trees, until the voices of her family faded into the night. The river wasn't far. We stopped by the water's edge, the moon reflecting on the rippling surface.

She turned to me, arms crossed. "Talk to me, Dash."

I swallowed. "AJ, it's-"

"Don't tell me it's nothin'." Her voice was gentle but firm. "You're wound tighter than a lasso at a rodeo. Somethin's eatin' at you."

I looked down at the ground, kicking at a rock with the toe of my sneaker. "It's just... being outside at night. The dark. It messes with me sometimes."

Applejack was quiet for a moment. "Because of your mum?"

I nodded slowly, staring at my reflection in the water. "Yeah."

There was a long pause before Applejack sighed and sat down on the riverbank. She patted the ground next to her.

I hesitated before sinking down beside her.

She didn't say anything right away. She just sat there, looking out over the water, giving me time.

It felt weird, having someone be patient with me.

Not rushing me.
Not telling me to just get over it.

Just being there.

After a while, I exhaled. "She used to lock me out. When she was drunk, or when I pissed her off too much. I'd spend all night outside, just waiting for her to pass out so I could sneak back in."

Applejack's hands clenched into fists.

"Sometimes," I continued, "she'd let me back in just to hit me again. Or to tell me I was useless. That I shouldn't have been born."

Applejack took a slow breath, like she was trying really hard not to say something she'd regret.

"I'm sorry," I said quickly, rubbing the back of my neck. "I don't know why I-"

"Dash."

I stopped.

She turned to me, eyes burning with something fierce. Not pity. Not even sadness.

Anger.

Pure, protective anger.

"She was wrong," she said firmly. "You hear me? She was wrong. You ain't useless. And you sure as hell deserve to be here."

I swallowed hard. "I don't always feel like it."

"Well, tough. 'Cause you are."

I let out a shaky breath, staring at the water again.

I didn't have words.

But maybe I didn't need them.

Applejack didn't push me to keep talking. She just sat there, her shoulder brushing against mine, solid and real and safe.

For the first time since we got here, I finally felt like I could breathe.

We sat there for a long time, just listening to the river.

At some point, Applejack reached out and took my hand.

I didn't pull away.

And that scared me.

I'd spent so long building walls, keeping people out, refusing to let anyone get close. But Applejack had snuck past every single defense without even trying.

And the worst part?

I didn't want to stop her.

I wanted this.
Her.

I turned to look at her, ready to say something-anything-

But then Apple Bloom's voice rang out from the camp.

"Applejack! Rainbow! Where'd y'all go?"

Applejack sighed, giving my hand a quick squeeze before standing up. "Guess that's our cue."

I nodded, swallowing whatever I'd been about to say.

Maybe it was better this way.

I wasn't ready.
Not yet.

But maybe... soon.

That night, sleep didn't come easy.

After we got back to the fire, everything felt... different. Warmer, maybe. Safer. Applejack didn't leave my side, even when Apple Bloom and Granny Smith started winding down for bed.

But when the fire died, and the darkness crept in, the old fear slithered back.

I was in a safe place now. I knew that. Logically, I knew that.
But my body didn't believe it.

I lay in my sleeping bag, staring up at the sky, every muscle locked tight. The trees whispered in the wind, and for a second, it sounded like voices. Like the ones I used to hear outside my house at night-drunks stumbling through the streets, laughing, fighting, yelling.

I shut my eyes. Go away.

But then, another sound. Closer.

A branch snapped.

My eyes flew open. My breath caught. It's just the wind. It's just the wind.

Another sound. Something moving.

I stiffened. My heartbeat pounded against my ribs like it was trying to break free. My hands clenched the sleeping bag, and suddenly, I was ten years old again.

Flashback: Age 10

"Mum?" My voice was small. Scared. "Mum, please-"

"Shut up, Rainbow!" Her voice slurred from the other side of the door. "Go sleep in the damn street for all I care."

I banged on the door harder. "Mum, please! It's cold! I won't do it again, I swear!"

Silence. Then the shuffle of heavy boots. The lock clicked-

I backed up instinctively, pressing myself against the cold, brick wall. Maybe she changed her mind. Maybe-

The door swung open, and the next thing I knew, a hand grabbed my shirt, yanked me inside, and then-

Pain.

A hard slap across my face. The metallic taste of blood in my mouth.

"You don't learn, do you?" Her breath stank of whiskey as she shoved me backward. I hit the floor hard, my arm scraping against the rough wood. "You wanna act like a little brat? Then you can sleep outside like one."

The door slammed. The lock clicked again.

This time, she wasn't locking me out.

He was locking me in.

Present:

"Rainbow?"

My body jerked as Applejack's voice pulled me back.

I gasped for air, my chest heaving. My sleeping bag was soaked with sweat.

Applejack was kneeling beside me. "You were shakin'."

I blinked fast, trying to clear my head. "I- I'm fine. Just a dream."

Applejack didn't move. She just kept looking at me like she could see through me.

I turned away. "Go back to sleep, AJ."

She didn't listen.

Instead, she unzipped her own sleeping bag, got out of it, and-

Before I could react, she pulled me into a hug.

I froze. "AJ, what are you-"

"Shhh." Her arms were solid and warm, grounding me. "Just breathe."

I didn't move at first. I was too stiff, too wired, too everything.

But then I felt her heartbeat against my shoulder. Slow. Steady.

So I let go.

Just a little.

I let my forehead rest against her shoulder, and I breathed.

For the first time in a long time, I wasn't alone in the dark.

And that? That meant more than I could ever say.

The warmth of Applejack's arms lingered long after I had finally let myself drift into sleep. It wasn't something I was used to-being held, comforted, protected.

It was new. Terrifying. And yet... I didn't want to pull away.

But morning came too fast.

The sky was painted in soft hues of pink and orange when I opened my eyes, the sounds of birds chirping filling the crisp air. I blinked a few times, taking in my surroundings, and then-

I realized something.

Applejack was still holding me.

At some point during the night, I had turned toward her, my head resting against her chest. One of her arms was still draped over me, her other hand resting close to mine.

My heart did this weird little jump in my chest.

I didn't move.

I should have. I should have pulled away and laughed it off, acted like it was nothing. Like it didn't mean anything.

But for some reason... I didn't want to.

I barely had time to process it before Applejack stirred.

She mumbled something under her breath, then blinked her eyes open, her gaze locking with mine.

Silence.

Then-

"Morning, sugarcube." Her voice was groggy, slow, her accent thicker from sleep.

And holy crap, why did that make my stomach feel weird?

I swallowed hard. "Uh-morning."

A beat of quiet. Then she seemed to realize how close we were.

Applejack didn't jump away like I thought she would. Instead, she just blinked a few times, then gave me this soft, lazy smile.

And oh no. That did something to me.

Something I wasn't ready for.

"Did ya sleep okay?" she asked, voice still low.

I hesitated. The truth felt heavy in my throat, like admitting it out loud would make it too real.

But then I thought about last night. About the way she had held me, let me just exist without judgment or expectation.

And before I could stop myself, I nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, I did."

Applejack's smile widened just a little. "Good."

She didn't move away. Not yet.

And neither did I.

Breakfast was a blur. Apple Bloom and Granny Smith were already up, the smell of eggs and bacon filling the air.

I sat next to Applejack at the picnic table, and I swear, I was hyper-aware of every single movement she made.

It wasn't weird. Not exactly.

But it wasn't normal either.

It was like last night had shifted something between us.

Something I couldn't name yet.

Applejack acted like nothing had changed-laughing with Apple Bloom, helping Granny Smith pour coffee, nudging me playfully when I zoned out.

But for me?

Everything felt different.

And I had no idea what to do about it.

Applejack was acting normal.

Like nothing had changed.

Like we didn't just wake up in each other's arms, like she didn't hold me through my worst nightmares, like I wasn't currently sitting here overthinking the hell out of every little interaction we had.

But I felt it.

There was something different.

I caught myself staring too long when she laughed at one of Apple Bloom's dumb jokes.

I caught myself noticing how effortlessly strong she was as she carried a heavy crate of apples without breaking a sweat.

I caught myself feeling things I wasn't supposed to feel.

What was wrong with me?

This wasn't part of the plan.

Applejack was... my safe place now. The one person I could trust. That was all this was.

Right?

I nearly choked on my apple juice when I realized Applejack was looking at me with a smirk.

Crap.

"What?" I said way too fast.

Applejack leaned on the table, raising an eyebrow. "You've been real quiet this morning. Somethin' on your mind?"

Yes. You.

"Nope," I said quickly, stabbing at my plate. "Just... tired."

Applejack didn't look convinced.

She held my gaze for a second longer than necessary before shrugging. "Alright. But ya know, if somethin's botherin' ya, you can talk to me."

I swallowed. Nodded.

And tried really hard not to panic.

The day passed in a blur of fun and cool activities, but my mind was not on that.

I was too busy analyzing every moment, every glance, every casual touch.

Was I imagining it? The way her hand brushed against mine when she passed me a basket? The way she smiled at me just a little softer than before?

No. I had to be reading too much into it.

Right?

Wrong.

Because then, it happened.

We were watching Applebloom perform a choreography when Applejack suddenly grinned at me, eyes sparking with mischief.

"Betcha can't beat me in a race to that big tree and back."

I blinked. "What?"

Applejack smirked. "You heard me. Unless you're too scared."

My brain went static. I was not about to back down from a challenge.

"Oh, you're on, farm girl."

We lined up.

Apple Bloom yelled, "GO!"

And I ran.

The wind rushed past me, my heart pounding as my legs moved on pure instinct. Applejack was fast. Faster than I expected. But I was faster.

Or at least, I thought I was-

Until she suddenly grabbed my wrist and spun me around.

I yelped, stumbling forward as she caught me, laughing.

"What the hell, AJ?!"

She was grinning, so close I could see the gold in her green eyes.

And then-

She leaned in.

But just enough that for one second, I thought she would kiss me.

Just enough that my heart nearly burst out of my chest.

Just enough that I suddenly couldn't breathe.

"You're not bad, Dash," she murmured. "But you still ain't beat me."

And just like that, she let me go.

I stood there, completely frozen, as she jogged back toward the camp area, laughing like nothing had happened.

Something was happening.

Something big.

And I didn't know how to stop it.

After a while, we went back to Sweet Apple Acres, and I went to my room to rest. I had been doing things all day, and I was exhausted.

That night, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling.

Everything about today was messing with my head.

Applejack had been so close. Close enough that I felt her breath against my skin. Close enough that I swear my heart stopped beating for a second.

What was this?

This warmth in my chest when she smiled at me?

This way my brain wouldn't shut up about how strong her arms were when she grabbed me, how she smelled like fresh apples and the wind?

This wasn't just feeling safe. It wasn't just friendship.

It was something else.

And it terrified me.

I rolled over, burying my face in my pillow.

No. No, no, no. I couldn't go there. Applejack was the only person I trusted. She was my home now. If I let myself feel something more and it ruined everything-

I squeezed my eyes shut.

I couldn't lose her.

I wouldn't lose her.

Even if it meant ignoring whatever the hell was going on inside me.

When I woke up, Applejack was already downstairs, setting up breakfast. The second she saw me, she grinned.

"Mornin', Dash."

Something about the way she said my name made my stomach flip.

I forced myself to act normal. "Mornin'."

I grabbed some toast and sat across from her, determined to pretend nothing was weird.

"Any plans today?" she asked, taking a bite of her eggs.

I shrugged. "Dunno. Whatever you need help with, I guess."

Applejack gave me a look. "Ya sure? 'Cause last night, you were lookin' like you had a lot on your mind."

I nearly choked. "I was just tired."

She hummed, unconvinced. "Right."

Silence stretched between us.

And then-

"So," Applejack said, smirking, "'bout yesterday... reckon you wanna rematch?"

I swallowed my bite of toast too fast. "What?"

She leaned forward, resting her arms on the table. "You heard me. Unless you're still too scared."

My brain went static.

Not because of the challenge.

But because she was doing it again.

Leaning close. Looking at me like she knew something I didn't.

I clenched my fists under the table. "You wish, farm girl."

Her grin widened. "Guess we'll see, won't we?"

I was in so much trouble.

The second we stepped outside, the crisp morning air hit me, making me feel just a little more awake.

Applejack stretched her arms over her head, her shirt riding up just a little, exposing her toned stomach.

I did not look.

Okay, maybe I did.

For half a second.

"Alright, sugarcube," she drawled, cracking her neck like she was prepping for battle. "First one 'round the barn and back wins. No cheatin'."

I scoffed. "As if I'd need to cheat to beat you."

She smirked. "Then prove it."

Oh, it was on.

We lined up, side by side.

Applejack tipped her hat back. "Ready?"

I bent my knees, muscles coiled. "Born ready."

"Go!"

We both took off like a shot.

My legs burned as I pushed myself faster, my heart hammering against my ribs. Applejack was right next to me, matching my pace step for step.

I risked a glance at her-big mistake.

Her eyes locked on mine, determination blazing in them, and for some reason, my stomach flipped.

I stumbled.

Just a fraction of a second, but it was enough.

Applejack surged ahead, laughter ringing through the air. "What's wrong, Dash? Gettin' tired already?"

I gritted my teeth. Focus!

Pumping my arms, I forced my legs to move faster, my lungs burning, my heartbeat way too fast for what this should've been.

I caught up.

She glanced over at me, her grin wide and breathless.

We were neck and neck again.

The barn was just ahead.

We turned the corner at the exact same time, sprinting toward the finish.

I pushed forward, but she did too, and just as we reached the finish-

We collided.

It all happened in a blur.

One second, I was running. The next, I was falling.

Applejack's shoulder knocked into mine, sending us both off-balance.

We hit the grass hard, rolling together in a tangled mess of limbs.

When we finally stopped, I found myself flat on my back.

And Applejack?

She was on top of me.

My brain short-circuited.

Her hands were on either side of my head, bracing herself. Her hair had come loose from her ponytail, golden strands falling around us like a curtain.

And her face?

Inches from mine.

I could feel her breath.

I could see every little freckle on her nose.

Her green eyes, wide, searching, unguarded, stared into mine.

Neither of us moved.

Neither of us spoke.

The world froze.

My chest rose and fell too fast. Way too fast.

I didn't know if it was from the race.

Or something else.

Her lips parted, like she was about to say something.

And then-

She smirked.

"Well," she murmured, her voice lower than usual, "guess we tied."

My heart slammed against my ribs.

I swallowed hard. Get it together, Dash.

"Yeah," I croaked, "guess we did."

She didn't move.

I didn't move.

And, I didn't know if I wanted to.

Applejack was still on top of me.

Still.

I couldn't think, couldn't breathe, couldn't move. My body felt like it was frozen in place, and my brain? My brain was going a million miles an hour, screaming at me to do something-but what?

Then, she shifted slightly.

Oh, no.

That little movement made me hyper-aware of every single thing. The way her breath brushed against my cheek, the way her hands were still braced beside my head, keeping her just barely above me.

And worst of all?

The way my stupid heart was pounding like a freaking drum in my chest.

Applejack's smirk widened just a little. Like she knew.

Like she could hear it.

I needed to escape. Immediately.

I jerked to the side, rolling out from under her so fast I nearly face-planted into the grass. "W-Well! That was fun! Race again sometime? Okay, cool, bye!"

I scrambled to my feet, brushing dirt off my arms like my life depended on it. Act normal, Rainbow. Act normal.

Applejack pushed herself up onto her elbows, raising an eyebrow. "Y'alright, sugarcube?"

"Pfft! Me? I'm great! Totally fine! Not weird at all! Why would you even ask that? Ha!"

She blinked. "Cause yer actin' like you just saw a ghost."

I forced out a laugh, shoving my hands in my pockets. Just walk away, just walk away.

"I-I'm gonna, uh, go get some water. Be right back."

And then I turned around and bolted.

I slammed the bathroom door behind me, gripping the sink as I stared at my reflection.

Get a grip, Rainbow Dash.

My cheeks were pink. Pink.

From running. Obviously.

Not from the way Applejack had looked at me. Not from the way her body had felt pressed against mine.

Nope. Definitely not.

I groaned, pressing the heels of my palms against my eyes. What is wrong with me?!

I was being so weird.

It was just Applejack. My friend.

Except...

Except something about today felt different.

The way we'd raced, the way she'd tackled me, the way she hadn't moved right away-like she was waiting for... something.

And the worst part?

I didn't hate it.

I shook my head violently. Nope. Nope, nope, nope.

This was not happening.

I was just overwhelmed. Yeah. That was it. I'd been through a lot lately. Applejack had been helping me, and I was probably just confused because she was the first person to ever really... care.

That's all this was.

It had to be.

I took a deep breath, splashed some cold water on my face, and nodded at myself in the mirror.

Get it together, Dash.

Then, I walked back out-like nothing had happened.

When I got back outside, Applejack was sitting on the porch, leaning back on her elbows, looking way too casual.

"Feelin' better?" she asked.

I nodded. "Totally. Why wouldn't I be?"

Her lips twitched. "Dunno. You tell me."

I shot her a glare. Do not analyze me right now, AJ. I swear.

She tilted her head slightly, watching me. Too closely.

Then, she stretched her arms above her head again, her shirt riding up just the tiniest bit-

I immediately looked away.

She noticed.

She absolutely noticed.

Her smirk was back. "Huh."

"What?" I snapped.

"Nothin'," she said easily, standing up and dusting herself off. "Jus' thinkin'."

"About what?"

She gave me a long, slow look.

And then, she winked.

My stomach dropped.

I turned around so fast I almost tripped over my own feet. "I-I'm gonna go check on Winona!"

"Uh-huh," Applejack drawled. "You do that."

Kill me. Right now.

Winona was the best excuse I could come up with, but the second I stepped into the barn, I realized something very, very important.

Winona wasn't even in here.

Crap.

I turned in a slow circle, as if the dog might magically appear and save me from my own awkwardness. No luck. I could still hear Applejack outside, probably still smirking to herself.

I groaned, dragging my hands down my face. Get it together, Dash.

Why was I acting so freaking weird?!

Applejack had always been the flirty, teasing type-it wasn't like this was new. But why was it hitting different today? Why did my stomach flip every time she looked at me like that?

I grabbed the nearest hay bale and kicked it in frustration. Bad idea. Hay flew into my face, and I spent the next ten seconds sputtering and waving my hands like an idiot.

This was so dumb. I was so dumb.

With a deep breath, I forced myself to march back outside. I had to act normal. I had to.

Applejack was leaning against the porch railing, arms crossed, looking like she had all the time in the world. When she saw me, her smirk deepened.

Winona-the actual dog I was supposed to be checking on-was right there, wagging her tail next to Applejack.

Oh, for crying out loud.

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Find what you were lookin' for?"

I straightened up. "Y-Yeah. Totally."

Her eyes flicked down to my shirt, and she snorted. "Sugarcube, you got hay all in your hair."

What?! I ran a hand through my hair, and sure enough, a small pile of hay rained down onto my shoulders.

Applejack lost it. She threw her head back and laughed, full and rich and absolutely infuriating.

"Oh, shut up," I muttered, my face burning.

She wiped a fake tear from her eye. "Aww, c'mon now, don't be mad."

"I'm not mad," I grumbled, turning away so she wouldn't see my dumb, flustered expression.

She clicked her tongue. "Nah, you're somethin' else, though."

I froze.

Don't ask. Don't ask. Don't ask.

"...Like what?"

Damn it.

She took a step closer, and I felt it. Even without looking, my whole body was suddenly hyper-aware of her presence.

She hummed, as if thinking real hard about it. "Can't quite put my finger on it."

I swallowed hard. "Then maybe don't try."

Silence.

The kind that stretched just long enough to feel heavy.

I finally dared to glance at her. Big mistake.

She was watching me, something unreadable in her expression. Like she was waiting. Like she was looking for something.

And I... I didn't know what to do.

So, I did what I did best.

I ran.

"Welp! Gotta-uh-go help Granny with something! Yep! Bye!"

And then I booked it toward the house before she could say another word.

Behind me, I swore I heard her chuckle.

Meanwhile: Applejack

Rainbow Dash was losing her mind.

Applejack leaned against the railing, arms still crossed, watching her storm off like her trousers were on fire.

"Granny's in town, sugarcube," she called after her, just to mess with her.

No response.

Applejack huffed out a laugh. What was she runnin' from?

She wasn't dumb-she saw the way Rainbow looked at her. The way her eyes lingered just a second too long, the way she'd nearly self-destructed when they'd landed tangled up together in the grass.

The way she blushed.

Applejack ran a hand through her hair, thinking.

They'd been getting closer these past few weeks. Real close. And at first, she thought it was just cause Dash needed someone. That maybe, with time, she'd find her footing and things would go back to how they used to be.

But now?

Applejack wasn't so sure.

And if she was being honest with herself... she didn't want things to go back.

Not one bit.

She sighed, shaking her head with a small, knowing smile.

This was gonna be fun.