"So, why did you pegasi make such a downpour today?" asked Applejack.

Rainbow Dash took a sip of her warm cider. "I'm not really sure. I kinda forgot to listen."

Applejack chuckled. "Yer good at that, Dash."

"I know…Hey, where's the rest of you Apples?"

"They were all out runnin' errands."

"Oh…Well, I hope there sheltered. This isn't the worst of it."

Applejack's eyes widened. "What d'ya mean 'isn't the worst'?

"There's a real bad storm coming in about ten minutes."

"Y-you'll still be here…Won't you?"

"I'm kinda stuck here. Why?"

"N-no reason…"

The Pegasus watched her friend look down and close her eyes tightly. "Applejack?"

"Huh?"

"What's wrong?"

Lightning hit a tree near the house, sending Applejack to the ceiling with fear.

"Oh… Come here, AJ."

She opened one emerald eye. "What?"

"Come on, don't be afraid."

She followed the cyan Pegasus out of the little kitchen, and into the den. Rainbow Dash grabbed a blanket from the shelf and sprawled it across the floor. "Come on."

"What 'r you up to, Rainbow?"

"You can't see the storm from in here. And I'll protect you."

Applejack blushed. "Ah'm fine."

Another clap of thunder made its way to her ears.

"You were saying, AJ?"

"Please…Please don't tell nopony…"

Rainbow smiled and came over to her friend. "Aw, Applejack. Don't worry! I'm the element of Loyalty; remember?"

"Ah'm sorry ah'm actin' like a filly, Dash…But ah'm just so scare-"

Rainbow had, had enough. She pressed her lips against Applejack's and broke apart quickly.

"Wha… Ah, umm…" Applejack licked her lips.

"That was to make you shut up," laughed the Pegasus.

"You can do that any time ya want…"

"Now will you come on?"

She nodded.

They both lay down side by side. "Dash?"

"Yeah?"

"How long have you felt fer me?"

Another thunder made Applejack flinch, but Dash took her fear away with a kiss.

"I can't remember when it started… But you feel the same, don't you?"

"Yes, ah do. But what happens if we get together and then break up? What would happen to our friendship then?"

"Applejack! Don't say that! I made you a promise when we were fillies that you and I would be best friends forever. And I meant forever… But I would like it to be a stronger friendship…"

"Ah would too."

"Applejack?

"Yeah?"

"I love you.

Applejack kissed her cheek. "Ah love you more."