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A Dash of Apple Sauce: chapter 15

By: An_Irish_Nomad on Jul 30th, 2012 | syntax: None | size: 19.94 KB | hits: 810 | expires: Never

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>Year 1 in Equestria
>It’s 2 days until the wedding.
>You and Rainbow Dash had tirelessly planned for the upcoming moment. Everything was taken care of, from the ceremony, to the after-party, to the guest list. Everyp0ny in p0nyville was invited, as were the Wonderbolts, as well as Rainbow Dash’s and the other’s families.
>When Rainbow Dash’s parents, Lightning Strike and Thundercloud, had first been told of your relationship, they were confused and hostile, but in time had warmed up to you, and when you told them of the marriage, they were ecstatic. You had taken the opportunity to ask Lightning for permission to marry his daughter.
>”Of course, Anon. You make my daughter happy, that’s all I can ask for and all I want.”
“Thank you Sir.”
>”And don’t call me Sir, you’re family now.”
>A few manly tears on both sides were shed during that moment.
>”Oh Celestia, I never thought my little Dashie would get so married so early! I was certain she’d be the last of all her friends!” Thundercloud squeed, burying Rainbow Dash in a hug.
>”Gee, thanks mom.” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically.
>Thundercloud failed to pick up on her daughter’s sarcasm and continued fawning over her. ”You’re welcome sweetie! Oh this is going to be wonderful!”
>Fast forward two months, and here you are, sitting in a top-notch Canterlot hotel with Rainbow Dash, making the final few checks for the wedding.
“One final check. Twilight is in charge of the invitations and double checking this checklist, Fluttershy will provide the birdsong and doves, Pinkie Pie is in charge of the after-party and the cake, Rarity is providing the dress and my suit, Celestia will be the one to marry us, the wedding rings have been bought, and the two weeks in Manehatten have been booked.”
>Rainbow begins ticking boxes on a long scroll of paper. “Yup, that’s everything sorted.”
>You let out a sigh of relief and lean back into the chair.
>”You need to stop worrying so much.”
“Hey, I just want to make this day perfect for you.”
>She jumps onto your lap and kisses you, words of thanks not needed.
>If Larry was here right now, he’d probably tell you two to cut the soppy bullshit.
>He said that when you asked him to be your best man as well. He was never the person to appreciate a moment like that… not that he declined the offer, of course. He was still your bro.
>You glance at the clock, and notice that it’s only 5pm. You’d spent all day in preparation, but you’d expected to take longer.
“So what do you want to do now? We’ve still got the whole evening to kill.”
>”Why don’t we take a walk through Canterlot? We’ve never really seen the whole city together.”
“Sounds good, let’s go.” You grab your coat and follow Rainbow Dash out of the hotel, onto the busy Canterlot streets.
>The two of you wander aimlessly until you reach the quieter part of the city, away from the streets, shops and markets.
>”Anon, what would your parents think of our marriage?”
“Jeez Rainbow Dash, I don’t know… they probably wouldn’t understand. Not that it matters anyway…” You suddenly stop in your tracks with an overwhelming feeling of despair.
>”Something wrong, Anon?”
“No, it’s nothing… I just wonder how Mum and Dad and Julie are doing. I miss them all. I miss Earth.”
>You sit down on a bench and Rainbow Dash joins your side as you stare at the ground.
>“Anon…?”
“Yeah Dashie?”
>”If you had the option to go back to Earth… go back to your old life… would you do it?”
>You stare across the street, silently watching p0nies going about their day.
“No. As much as I miss everyone, my home is here now, with you. If never returning to Earth was the cost of being with you, then I’d do it. Between a normal life on Earth, and waking up in Equestria like I did, I’d choose Equestria every time.”
>”You’d really give up your old life for me?”
“Of course Dashie! You know how much you mean to me.”
>You boop her on the nose and rise to your feet. “Let’s not get ourselves down, not with the happiest day of our lives coming up.”
>She beams back up at you. “You’re right. I just… giving up your whole life would be huge, Anon.”
“It’d be nothing compared to what I’d lose by staying on Earth.
>”And what would you lose?”
>You kneel down and kiss her softly.
“You.”
>After your brief intimacy, you decide to press on ahead and find somewhere to eat. You could return to the hotel’s restaurant, but Rainbow Dash argued that you might as well grab a bite to eat from one of the cities’ many other restaurants while you were out here.
>You see a small café across from you which seems to be empty.
“Wanna head over there?” you ask, pointing it out.
>”Sure.” The two of you head over and enter, the ringing of a bell announcing your entrance.
>”Just a minute!” calls a voice from behind a pair of doors.
>This place looks nice. It’s got the classic smell of freshly baked goods; a radio is playing quietly in the background, a worn Stetson hat sitting on the counter…
>Wait a minute… that looks like…”
>”Hey there! What can I get y’a-“
>You turn to face the owner of the voice, who is staring at you in shock.
>”Ah… Anon?”
“Applejack!” You run forward and tackle her with a hug, tears falling down your face. “Oh my God, Applejack! It’s so good to see you again…”
>Rainbow Dash comes over and joins you in your hug, both of you smothering her.
>”Anon, what… what are ya doin’ here? How’d ya find me?”
“I didn’t know you were here Applejack, it’s by luck that we found you! Thank goodness you’re ok!”
>Applejack wrestles her way out of the hug and stares at the floor. “Ah’m sorry Anon, I know ya probably hate me after Ah picked up and left…”
“Are you serious? I’m just relieved that you’re ok! It’s been 6 months without word, I didn’t know where you where or what you’d got up to!”
>”You’re not angry?”
“How could I be angry? I’ve been reunited with a friend; this is a cause for celebration!”
>”Ya still consider me a friend…” Applejack starts bawling and you bring her into a hug, Rainbow Dash crying as well.
“So why’d you run away Applejack?”
>She sniffles. “Ah thought I’d never be able t’look anyone in the eye again. I thought it would be better to pack ma things and find a new life.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong Applejack. I’ve missed you Everyone’s missed you.”
>”R-really?”
“Really. Especially your family, Sweet Apple Acres isn’t the same without you.”
>”Is Granny Smith still… y’know…”
“Applejack, that crazy old mare isn’t going anywhere for a while. Not even Iron Will could stand up to her.”
>”What about Big Macintosh an’ Applebloom?”
“Why don’t you come with us and find out?”
>”Sorry, but ah can’t return to P0nyville just yet…”
“You don’t have to return to P0nyville, they’re both here in Canterlot!”
>”W-why?”
“Because of the…” You pause and look at Rainbow Dash, who gives you a nod of approval. “Because of the wedding.”
>Applejack perks up. “Who’s weddin’?”
>You pull Rainbow Dash in for a kiss, giving Applejack all the answers she needed.
>”Oh gosh… y’two are gettin’ married… ah can hardly believe it.”
>”I can’t believe it either!” Rainbow Dash squees in excitement.
>You hold your breath, waiting for Applejack’s response.
>”Well… congratulations Anon. Ah’m happy for you.” A genuine smile crosses her face.
“So, you got over me then, yeah?”
>”It took a while, but ah met a stallion who is just the sweetest p0ny ya’ll ever meet…
“That’s great! Will I get to meet him sometime soon?”
>The bell rings, but you don’t notice the newcomer till he speaks. ”You can meet me now. Hey good looking.”
>That voice… that fucking voice! Your mind flashes back to the first wonderbolt’s show you attended… the aftershow bar… a certain Pegasus…
>You turn round to face Soarin as he enters the café. Wait, did he just try and chat up Rainbow Dash? You swear to God, if he did he will…”
>He pushes past you and walks over to Applejack, before giving her a quick peck on the lips.
>What.
>No seriously, what the fuck.
“Whoa whoa whoa, you and Soarin? You two are…”
>”Eeyup.” Applejack nuzzles up next to Soarin, and he drapes a wing over her.
“Well fuck me… How did you two meet?”
>”After I was kicked out of the Wonderbolts, I came here looking for jobs to do. No-one was willing to take me on once they learned about why I was kicked out of the Wonderbolts, so I decided to gamble my bits and set up a café, like my mother did when I was growing up.”
“Oh damn Soarin, I’m sorry. I never thought…”
>”It’s alright Anon. Being kicked out opened my eyes for me, and showed me I needed to change. I’m a better, happier p0ny now, and I have you to thank. Anyways, I set up this café here, and set up a notice offering p0nies with culinary experience. Applejack here applied on the first day and… well, things just played out from there.” He brings Applejack in closer with his wings and she snuggles against his neck.
“I… I really don’t know what to say. I find my ex-special somep0ny after she ran away, with a guy who I got fired after he hit on my now bride to be. It’s like the plot twist from a badly written story.”
>Rainbow Dash laughs. “Yeah, but at least we know this story’s got a happy ending,”
>There’s a momentary silence, not exactly awkward, just… peaceful.
>”So when’s th’weddin’?”
>Soarin raises an eyebrow. “You two are getting married?
“Indeed we are. The ceremonies in two days time.”
>”Well shit, good on ya man.”
“Err, thanks Soarin.” You felt awkward receiving congratulations from a p0ny who, last time you saw him, was fired because of you. “I guess now is the perfect time to invite you two.”
>Applejack’s eyes light up. “Ah’d love to come Anon!”
>”I’d be happy to attend as well.”
>”Well then.” Rainbow Dash says. “The only thing left if for you to come back to the hotel to catch up with the others!”
>”Ah suppose so… Ah hope they aren’t too angry at me…”
“Applejack, they’ll be more happy than angry. I promise you that.”
>Your promise was not broken…
>”APPLEJACK!”
>Applebloom charges at Applejack as the four of you enter the hotel lounge. She begins crying into Applejack’s neck as Applejack kneels down to hug her.
>”Ya came back! Ya came back!” she sobs.
>”Of course ah did sweetie, Ah came back.” Tears of her own begin to run freely.
>”Never leave like that again!” Applebloom shouts, her voice cracking. You suppress a tear of your own.
>”Ah won’t Applebloom, ah promise.”
>”P-p-pinkie p-promise?”
>”Pinkie promise.”
>Applebloom resumes her crying as Big Macintosh and Granny Smith join the hug.
>”Ah’m sorry… I never meant to hurt ya’ll…”
>Big Macintosh clears his throat. “Applejack, ah’m just happy you’re ok.”
>”Ya ain’t mad at me?”
>”Nope.”
>Applejack wipes her eyes with her hoof. “Granny Smith?”
>”Ye scared me half t’death Applejack, an’ ah ain’t exactly in m’prime nomore!”
>Granny Smith sighs. “But thank Celestia y’re fit and well! An’ who’s this ‘ere stallion!”
>Soarin steps forward. “Hello Applebloom, Big Macintosh, Granny Smith. I’m Soarin’, Applejack’s special somep0ny.
>Big Macintosh steps forward. “You’re mah sister’s special somep0ny?”
>”Yes I am.”
>”Weren’t y’the p0ny Anon here stood up to at th’bar?”
>”I was.”
>”An’ weren’t you fired from th’wonderbolts over that?”
>”I was.
>Big Macintosh glares. “Y’better treat mah sister right.”
>”I will. I’m a changed stallion.”
>You can’t help but laugh as relief floods through Soarin’s pokerface as Big Macintosh snorts, and turns back to Applejack, who was still crying with Applebloom.
>You had a good feeling. Not just about the wedding, but about life. Applejack was happy, you had found her, and you were about to become married…
>Yup. Life is looking pretty good.
>You sat on the balcony of your hotel room, gazing into the sunset as you slowly drank an ice cold beer.
>Today was the last day before the wedding.
>You felt… weird.
>Not scared or anything like that. You weren’t going to crack and run. You were looking forward to marrying Rainbow Dash… and yet you felt weird.
>You watched over the city in silent contemplation. If a year and 2 months ago, you’d been told that’d you’d wake up in a land of pastel p0nies and end up marrying one, you’d have laughed in their face. And here you were…
>This was going to be much, much different than your marriage with Julie. Your ceremony then had been a low key one, nothing like the extravaganza planned for tomorrow, and Julie had been much more independent. It’s not that she didn’t love you; the two of you had made each other as happy as could be. If you were a betting man though, you’d guess that Julie was doing just fine for herself. Rainbow Dash on the other hand, she needed you. Every time you looked into her beautiful magenta eyes and found yourself being lost in them, you could see the need, the unequivocal loyalty and her determination to make you happy.
>It’s just one of the reasons you love her so much.
>You crack open another beer and return your gaze to the sunset.
“This one’s for you, Julie.” You say to yourself.
>Behind you, you hear a knock on the hotel door, and you rise to get it.
“Hello? Oh, hi Applejack. What’s up?”
>”Nothin’ much Anon, can I come in?”
“Sure, come on out to the balcony.” You pull out another chair with you and Applejack gladly joins you.
“Beer?”
>”Sure.”
>You crack open a can and hand it over to Applejack who relaxes back in the seat after taking a chug. “So where are Rainbow Dash and th’others?”
“Rainbow Dash is out enjoying her hen party. Sorry about her not telling you, it’d already been booked in advance so you wouldn’t have been-“
>”Oh that’s alright Sugarcube, ah’m more than happy to spend time with you.” She grins. “Ain’t ya worried though, that some stallion will sweep her off her hooves when you ain’t there to stop him?”
>You snort.
“The Element of Loyalty, cheating on me? Not likely.”
>”We ain’t perfect…”
>You sigh.
“Yeah, I know that from experience…”
>The two of you remain silent for a moment before Applejack locks gazes with you.
>”Anon… d’ya ever think about what coulda happened? Ever think about if ah hadn’t cheated on ya, if ya hadn’t come to Equestria…?”
>She inches closer to you…
“I try not to Applejack. You can’t change the past, no matter hard you try. You can only plan for the future, and make it as good you can.” You take another drink of your beer. “Though I do sometimes wonder… what could have been… what we could have had…?”
>Applejack leans in so that her head is mere inches from yours, and you gaze into her eyes… her beautiful, green eyes…
>”So do ah Anon. Ah think about it a lot… Do ya think… do ya think we might still have a chance together?”
“I… I don’t…”
>Applejack suddenly leans in and kisses you, taking you by surprise, awakening a part of you long buried, part of you that still longed for her…
>You trailed a hand through her mane, taking in her familiar scent, enjoying the taste of her tongue…
>In your mind, an image of Rainbow Dash crying appears, and you realise what you are doing, what this could cost you…
“NO!”
>You break off the kiss and shove Applejack away, causing her to yelp in surprise.
“Applejack, I still love you… but I’m with Rainbow Dash now. She means everything to me. I can’t let you take that… her from me. We had our chance, and it didn’t work out. Fucking hell, why would you do that anyway, doesn’t Soarin mean anything to you!”
>Applejack grasps for words, before looking down at the floor in shame. “Ah’m so sorry Anon, Ah don’t know what ah was thinkin’… what ah wanted…ah’m sorry.” She begins to cry, and your anger dissipates. “Ah r-really like S-soarin, but I just thought w-we could… ah’m so s-sorry!” Her crying turns into a full blown bawl as she sits on her haunches, hooves covering her leaking eyes.
>Jesus, Mary and Joesph… you did not need this, the night before your wedding.
>You crouch down so that her face is level with hers.
“Applejack… Applejack!”
>She removes a hoof tentatively.
“Listen, I forgive you. No-one will hear about what happened here, neither Soarin nor Rainbow Dash. Now, I’m only forgiving you if you can do one thing for me. Just one thing… be happy with being my friend. Can you do that Applejack?”
>She sniffles and looks you in the eye. “Ah’ll tr-try.”
“I suppose that’s the most I can ask for.”
>Applejack returns to her seat and beer, and the two of you remain silent for several minutes while Applejack regains her composure.
“So, Applejack, are you returning to P0nyville or not?”
>”Ah dunno… I miss Sweet Apple Acres, and I’d love nothin’ more than to buck a tree right now, but we’ve still got the café to run… and Soarin likes it here.”
“But will you consider?”
>”Maybe Anon. We’ll just have t’wait an’ see.”
“I’m just thinking of your family, especially Applebloom. She took your leaving pretty badly.”
>Applejack looks down in guilt. “Ah know. Ah feel horrible for abandoning her an’ the others.”
“You did what you had to do. Besides, now that you’re with Soarin, things have worked out for the better, right?”
>The look on her face tells you that she’s thinking hard, before she turns to you and offers a sad smile.
>”Y’know what? You could say that. Ah guess ya could also say the same for ya as well. You’re happier with Rainbow Dash than y’ever were with me.”
>You both ponder this for a while.
“Hey Applejack… if you had known things would turn out like this, would you have run from the barn that day? Would you change anything?”
>”If ah was to be honest, which ah always am… ah would have run.”
>This sends a tingle down your spine.
“Really?”
>”Yeah. Soarin said back at the café that he needed t’change… well, so did ah. We both came outta this better than before, so yeah… ah would go through it again.” She sighs, before jumping off the seat. “Ah think ah’ll head back to ma room now. Soarin an’ Applebloom went out for ice cream an’ they’ll probably be back soon.”
“Ok then Applejack. It’s been good talking to you, and I’m glad to have you back as a friend.”
>She smiles, before saying something that warms your heart.
>”Ah’m glad t’ be your friend as well.”
>You lean down and hug her tightly.
>When the hug is broken off, she smiles to you and flutters her eyelashes. “Although… how about one last roll in th’ hay, just for old times’ sake.”
“Applejack, how can you-“ you splutter.
>”Ah’m jokin’ Anon, ah’m jokin’. The look on your face…”
“Dammit Applejack, that isn’t fucking funny!” You shout, before bursting into laughter. The two of you sit there laughing until tears are streaming down your faces.
“Don’t let Dash find out you said that, she won’t find it funny.”
>”Oh ah know, and ah sure as hay don’t wont to get on her bad side.”
>You let out one last chuckle before leading Applejack to the hotel door.
“Goodbye Applejack. Stay safe.”
>”Cya Anon. Ah’ll be sure to attend th’weddin.”
“Thank you.” You shut the door behind you and return to the balcony.
>A wave of peacefulness washed over you, a chapter of your life finally being closed for good, as a new one was being readied to be written. You and Applejack had forged a new friendship, putting her betrayal behind you, in the past, where it belongs. The wrongs had finally been righted.
>You had pleasant dreams that night.

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>Year 1 in Equestria 
>It’s 2 days until the wedding. 
>You and Rainbow Dash had tirelessly planned for the upcoming moment. Everything was taken care of, from the ceremony, to the after-party, to the guest list. Everyp0ny in p0nyville was invited, as were the Wonderbolts, as well as Rainbow Dash’s and the other’s families. 
>When Rainbow Dash’s parents, Lightning Strike and Thundercloud, had first been told of your relationship, they were confused and hostile, but in time had warmed up to you, and when you told them of the marriage, they were ecstatic. You had taken the opportunity to ask Lightning for permission to marry his daughter.
>”Of course, Anon. You make my daughter happy, that’s all I can ask for and all I want.” 
“Thank you Sir.”
>”And don’t call me Sir, you’re family now.”
>A few manly tears on both sides were shed during that moment.
>”Oh Celestia, I never thought my little Dashie would get so married so early! I was certain she’d be the last of all her friends!” Thundercloud squeed, burying Rainbow Dash in a hug.
>”Gee, thanks mom.” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically.
>Thundercloud failed to pick up on her daughter’s sarcasm and continued fawning over her. ”You’re welcome sweetie! Oh this is going to be wonderful!”
>Fast forward two months, and here you are, sitting in a top-notch Canterlot hotel with Rainbow Dash, making the final few checks for the wedding. 
“One final check. Twilight is in charge of the invitations and double checking this checklist, Fluttershy will provide the birdsong and doves, Pinkie Pie is in charge of the after-party and the cake, Rarity is providing the dress and my suit, Celestia will be the one to marry us, the wedding rings have been bought, and the two weeks in Manehatten have been booked.”
>Rainbow begins ticking boxes on a long scroll of paper. “Yup, that’s everything sorted.”
>You let out a sigh of relief and lean back into the chair.
>”You need to stop worrying so much.”
“Hey, I just want to make this day perfect for you.”
>She jumps onto your lap and kisses you, words of thanks not needed.
>If Larry was here right now, he’d probably tell you two to cut the soppy bullshit. 
>He said that when you asked him to be your best man as well. He was never the person to appreciate a moment like that… not that he declined the offer, of course. He was still your bro.
>You glance at the clock, and notice that it’s only 5pm. You’d spent all day in preparation, but you’d expected to take longer.
“So what do you want to do now? We’ve still got the whole evening to kill.”
>”Why don’t we take a walk through Canterlot? We’ve never really seen the whole city together.”
“Sounds good, let’s go.” You grab your coat and follow Rainbow Dash out of the hotel, onto the busy Canterlot streets. 
>The two of you wander aimlessly until you reach the quieter part of the city, away from the streets, shops and markets.
>”Anon, what would your parents think of our marriage?”
“Jeez Rainbow Dash, I don’t know… they probably wouldn’t understand. Not that it matters anyway…” You suddenly stop in your tracks with an overwhelming feeling of despair.
>”Something wrong, Anon?”
“No, it’s nothing… I just wonder how Mum and Dad and Julie are doing. I miss them all. I miss Earth.”
>You sit down on a bench and Rainbow Dash joins your side as you stare at the ground.
>“Anon…?”
“Yeah Dashie?”
>”If you had the option to go back to Earth… go back to your old life… would you do it?”
>You stare across the street, silently watching p0nies going about their day.
“No. As much as I miss everyone, my home is here now, with you. If never returning to Earth was the cost of being with you, then I’d do it. Between a normal life on Earth, and waking up in Equestria like I did, I’d choose Equestria every time.”
>”You’d really give up your old life for me?”
“Of course Dashie! You know how much you mean to me.”
>You boop her on the nose and rise to your feet. “Let’s not get ourselves down, not with the happiest day of our lives coming up.”
>She beams back up at you. “You’re right. I just… giving up your whole life would be huge, Anon.”
“It’d be nothing compared to what I’d lose by staying on Earth.
>”And what would you lose?”
>You kneel down and kiss her softly.
“You.”
>After your brief intimacy, you decide to press on ahead and find somewhere to eat. You could return to the hotel’s restaurant, but Rainbow Dash argued that you might as well grab a bite to eat from one of the cities’ many other restaurants while you were out here.
>You see a small café across from you which seems to be empty.
“Wanna head over there?” you ask, pointing it out.
>”Sure.” The two of you head over and enter, the ringing of a bell announcing your entrance.
>”Just a minute!” calls a voice from behind a pair of doors.
>This place looks nice. It’s got the classic smell of freshly baked goods; a radio is playing quietly in the background, a worn Stetson hat sitting on the counter…
>Wait a minute… that looks like…”
>”Hey there! What can I get y’a-“ 
>You turn to face the owner of the voice, who is staring at you in shock. 
>”Ah… Anon?”
“Applejack!” You run forward and tackle her with a hug, tears falling down your face. “Oh my God, Applejack! It’s so good to see you again…”
>Rainbow Dash comes over and joins you in your hug, both of you smothering her.
>”Anon, what… what are ya doin’ here? How’d ya find me?”
“I didn’t know you were here Applejack, it’s by luck that we found you! Thank goodness you’re ok!”
>Applejack wrestles her way out of the hug and stares at the floor. “Ah’m sorry Anon, I know ya probably hate me after Ah picked up and left…”
“Are you serious? I’m just relieved that you’re ok! It’s been 6 months without word, I didn’t know where you where or what you’d got up to!”
>”You’re not angry?”
“How could I be angry? I’ve been reunited with a friend; this is a cause for celebration!”
>”Ya still consider me a friend…” Applejack starts bawling and you bring her into a hug, Rainbow Dash crying as well. 
“So why’d you run away Applejack?”
>She sniffles. “Ah thought I’d never be able t’look anyone in the eye again. I thought it would be better to pack ma things and find a new life.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong Applejack. I’ve missed you Everyone’s missed you.”
>”R-really?”
“Really. Especially your family, Sweet Apple Acres isn’t the same without you.”
>”Is Granny Smith still… y’know…”
“Applejack, that crazy old mare isn’t going anywhere for a while. Not even Iron Will could stand up to her.”
>”What about Big Macintosh an’ Applebloom?”
“Why don’t you come with us and find out?”
>”Sorry, but ah can’t return to P0nyville just yet…”
“You don’t have to return to P0nyville, they’re both here in Canterlot!”
>”W-why?”
“Because of the…” You pause and look at Rainbow Dash, who gives you a nod of approval. “Because of the wedding.”
>Applejack perks up. “Who’s weddin’?”
>You pull Rainbow Dash in for a kiss, giving Applejack all the answers she needed.
>”Oh gosh… y’two are gettin’ married… ah can hardly believe it.”
>”I can’t believe it either!” Rainbow Dash squees in excitement.
>You hold your breath, waiting for Applejack’s response.
>”Well… congratulations Anon. Ah’m happy for you.” A genuine smile crosses her face.
“So, you got over me then, yeah?”
>”It took a while, but ah met a stallion who is just the sweetest p0ny ya’ll ever meet…
“That’s great! Will I get to meet him sometime soon?”
>The bell rings, but you don’t notice the newcomer till he speaks. ”You can meet me now. Hey good looking.”
>That voice… that fucking voice! Your mind flashes back to the first wonderbolt’s show you attended… the aftershow bar… a certain Pegasus…
>You turn round to face Soarin as he enters the café. Wait, did he just try and chat up Rainbow Dash? You swear to God, if he did he will…”
>He pushes past you and walks over to Applejack, before giving her a quick peck on the lips.
>What.
>No seriously, what the fuck.
“Whoa whoa whoa, you and Soarin? You two are…”
>”Eeyup.” Applejack nuzzles up next to Soarin, and he drapes a wing over her.
“Well fuck me… How did you two meet?”
>”After I was kicked out of the Wonderbolts, I came here looking for jobs to do. No-one was willing to take me on once they learned about why I was kicked out of the Wonderbolts, so I decided to gamble my bits and set up a café, like my mother did when I was growing up.”
“Oh damn Soarin, I’m sorry. I never thought…”
>”It’s alright Anon. Being kicked out opened my eyes for me, and showed me I needed to change. I’m a better, happier p0ny now, and I have you to thank. Anyways, I set up this café here, and set up a notice offering p0nies with culinary experience. Applejack here applied on the first day and… well, things just played out from there.” He brings Applejack in closer with his wings and she snuggles against his neck.
“I… I really don’t know what to say. I find my ex-special somep0ny after she ran away, with a guy who I got fired after he hit on my now bride to be. It’s like the plot twist from a badly written story.”
>Rainbow Dash laughs. “Yeah, but at least we know this story’s got a happy ending,”
>There’s a momentary silence, not exactly awkward, just… peaceful.
>”So when’s th’weddin’?”
>Soarin raises an eyebrow. “You two are getting married?
“Indeed we are. The ceremonies in two days time.”
>”Well shit, good on ya man.”
“Err, thanks Soarin.” You felt awkward receiving congratulations from a p0ny who, last time you saw him, was fired because of you. “I guess now is the perfect time to invite you two.”
>Applejack’s eyes light up. “Ah’d love to come Anon!”
>”I’d be happy to attend as well.”
>”Well then.” Rainbow Dash says. “The only thing left if for you to come back to the hotel to catch up with the others!”
>”Ah suppose so… Ah hope they aren’t too angry at me…”
“Applejack, they’ll be more happy than angry. I promise you that.”
>Your promise was not broken…

>”APPLEJACK!”
>Applebloom charges at Applejack as the four of you enter the hotel lounge. She begins crying into Applejack’s neck as Applejack kneels down to hug her.
>”Ya came back! Ya came back!” she sobs.
>”Of course ah did sweetie, Ah came back.” Tears of her own begin to run freely.
>”Never leave like that again!” Applebloom shouts, her voice cracking. You suppress a tear of your own.
>”Ah won’t Applebloom, ah promise.”
>”P-p-pinkie p-promise?”
>”Pinkie promise.”
>Applebloom resumes her crying as Big Macintosh and Granny Smith join the hug.
>”Ah’m sorry… I never meant to hurt ya’ll…”
>Big Macintosh clears his throat. “Applejack, ah’m just happy you’re ok.”
>”Ya ain’t mad at me?”
>”Nope.”
>Applejack wipes her eyes with her hoof. “Granny Smith?”
>”Ye scared me half t’death Applejack, an’ ah ain’t exactly in m’prime nomore!”
>Granny Smith sighs. “But thank Celestia y’re fit and well! An’ who’s this ‘ere stallion!”
>Soarin steps forward. “Hello Applebloom, Big Macintosh, Granny Smith. I’m Soarin’, Applejack’s special somep0ny. 
>Big Macintosh steps forward. “You’re mah sister’s special somep0ny?”
>”Yes I am.”
>”Weren’t y’the p0ny Anon here stood up to at th’bar?”
>”I was.”
>”An’ weren’t you fired from th’wonderbolts over that?”
>”I was.
>Big Macintosh glares. “Y’better treat mah sister right.”
>”I will. I’m a changed stallion.”
>You can’t help but laugh as relief floods through Soarin’s pokerface as Big Macintosh snorts, and turns back to Applejack, who was still crying with Applebloom.
>You had a good feeling. Not just about the wedding, but about life. Applejack was happy, you had found her, and you were about to become married…
>Yup. Life is looking pretty good.


>You sat on the balcony of your hotel room, gazing into the sunset as you slowly drank an ice cold beer. 
>Today was the last day before the wedding. 
>You felt… weird. 
>Not scared or anything like that. You weren’t going to crack and run. You were looking forward to marrying Rainbow Dash… and yet you felt weird.
>You watched over the city in silent contemplation. If a year and 2 months ago, you’d been told that’d you’d wake up in a land of pastel p0nies and end up marrying one, you’d have laughed in their face. And here you were…
>This was going to be much, much different than your marriage with Julie. Your ceremony then had been a low key one, nothing like the extravaganza planned for tomorrow, and Julie had been much more independent. It’s not that she didn’t love you; the two of you had made each other as happy as could be. If you were a betting man though, you’d guess that Julie was doing just fine for herself. Rainbow Dash on the other hand, she needed you. Every time you looked into her beautiful magenta eyes and found yourself being lost in them, you could see the need, the unequivocal loyalty and her determination to make you happy. 
>It’s just one of the reasons you love her so much.
>You crack open another beer and return your gaze to the sunset. 
“This one’s for you, Julie.” You say to yourself.
>Behind you, you hear a knock on the hotel door, and you rise to get it.
“Hello? Oh, hi Applejack. What’s up?”
>”Nothin’ much Anon, can I come in?”
“Sure, come on out to the balcony.” You pull out another chair with you and Applejack gladly joins you.
“Beer?”
>”Sure.”
>You crack open a can and hand it over to Applejack who relaxes back in the seat after taking a chug. “So where are Rainbow Dash and th’others?”
“Rainbow Dash is out enjoying her hen party. Sorry about her not telling you, it’d already been booked in advance so you wouldn’t have been-“
>”Oh that’s alright Sugarcube, ah’m more than happy to spend time with you.” She grins. “Ain’t ya worried though, that some stallion will sweep her off her hooves when you ain’t there to stop him?”
>You snort.
“The Element of Loyalty, cheating on me? Not likely.”
>”We ain’t perfect…”
>You sigh. 
“Yeah, I know that from experience…”
>The two of you remain silent for a moment before Applejack locks gazes with you. 
>”Anon… d’ya ever think about what coulda happened? Ever think about if ah hadn’t cheated on ya, if ya hadn’t come to Equestria…?”
>She inches closer to you…
“I try not to Applejack. You can’t change the past, no matter hard you try. You can only plan for the future, and make it as good you can.” You take another drink of your beer. “Though I do sometimes wonder… what could have been… what we could have had…?”
>Applejack leans in so that her head is mere inches from yours, and you gaze into her eyes… her beautiful, green eyes…
>”So do ah Anon. Ah think about it a lot… Do ya think… do ya think we might still have a chance together?”
“I… I don’t…”
>Applejack suddenly leans in and kisses you, taking you by surprise, awakening a part of you long buried, part of you that still longed for her…
>You trailed a hand through her mane, taking in her familiar scent, enjoying the taste of her tongue…
>In your mind, an image of Rainbow Dash crying appears, and you realise what you are doing, what this could cost you…
“NO!”
>You break off the kiss and shove Applejack away, causing her to yelp in surprise.
“Applejack, I still love you… but I’m with Rainbow Dash now. She means everything to me. I can’t let you take that… her from me. We had our chance, and it didn’t work out. Fucking hell, why would you do that anyway, doesn’t Soarin mean anything to you!”
>Applejack grasps for words, before looking down at the floor in shame. “Ah’m so sorry Anon, Ah don’t know what ah was thinkin’… what ah wanted…ah’m sorry.” She begins to cry, and your anger dissipates. “Ah r-really like S-soarin, but I just thought w-we could… ah’m so s-sorry!” Her crying turns into a full blown bawl as she sits on her haunches, hooves covering her leaking eyes.
>Jesus, Mary and Joesph… you did not need this, the night before your wedding.
>You crouch down so that her face is level with hers. 
“Applejack… Applejack!”
>She removes a hoof tentatively.
“Listen, I forgive you. No-one will hear about what happened here, neither Soarin nor Rainbow Dash. Now, I’m only forgiving you if you can do one thing for me. Just one thing… be happy with being my friend. Can you do that Applejack?”
>She sniffles and looks you in the eye. “Ah’ll tr-try.”
“I suppose that’s the most I can ask for.”
>Applejack returns to her seat and beer, and the two of you remain silent for several minutes while Applejack regains her composure.
“So, Applejack, are you returning to P0nyville or not?”
>”Ah dunno… I miss Sweet Apple Acres, and I’d love nothin’ more than to buck a tree right now, but we’ve still got the café to run… and Soarin likes it here.”
“But will you consider?”
>”Maybe Anon. We’ll just have t’wait an’ see.”
“I’m just thinking of your family, especially Applebloom. She took your leaving pretty badly.”
>Applejack looks down in guilt. “Ah know. Ah feel horrible for abandoning her an’ the others.”
“You did what you had to do. Besides, now that you’re with Soarin, things have worked out for the better, right?”
>The look on her face tells you that she’s thinking hard, before she turns to you and offers a sad smile.
>”Y’know what? You could say that. Ah guess ya could also say the same for ya as well. You’re happier with Rainbow Dash than y’ever were with me.”
>You both ponder this for a while.
“Hey Applejack… if you had known things would turn out like this, would you have run from the barn that day? Would you change anything?”
>”If ah was to be honest, which ah always am… ah would have run.”
>This sends a tingle down your spine.
“Really?”
>”Yeah. Soarin said back at the café that he needed t’change… well, so did ah. We both came outta this better than before, so yeah… ah would go through it again.” She sighs, before jumping off the seat. “Ah think ah’ll head back to ma room now. Soarin an’ Applebloom went out for ice cream an’ they’ll probably be back soon.”
“Ok then Applejack. It’s been good talking to you, and I’m glad to have you back as a friend.”
>She smiles, before saying something that warms your heart.
>”Ah’m glad t’ be your friend as well.”
>You lean down and hug her tightly.
>When the hug is broken off, she smiles to you and flutters her eyelashes. “Although… how about one last roll in th’ hay, just for old times’ sake.” 
“Applejack, how can you-“ you splutter.
>”Ah’m jokin’ Anon, ah’m jokin’. The look on your face…”
“Dammit Applejack, that isn’t fucking funny!” You shout, before bursting into laughter. The two of you sit there laughing until tears are streaming down your faces.
“Don’t let Dash find out you said that, she won’t find it funny.”
>”Oh ah know, and ah sure as hay don’t wont to get on her bad side.”
>You let out one last chuckle before leading Applejack to the hotel door.
“Goodbye Applejack. Stay safe.”
>”Cya Anon. Ah’ll be sure to attend th’weddin.”
“Thank you.” You shut the door behind you and return to the balcony.
>A wave of peacefulness washed over you, a chapter of your life finally being closed for good, as a new one was being readied to be written. You and Applejack had forged a new friendship, putting her betrayal behind you, in the past, where it belongs. The wrongs had finally been righted.
>You had pleasant dreams that night.

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