Work Text:
Applejack skims through the request on her work phone as she steps off the bus, heading towards the repair centre. There are a surprising amount of them stationed around the city, each under the well-known brand "TrustyTools", which Applejack was lucky enough to pass a job interview under a few months prior to this order.
Disregarding her previous experience handling broken trucks at her barn, and the mandatory training at the start of her mechanical apprenticeship, this would be Applejack's first time completing an order without the guidance of her instructor. You can do this. Jus' gotta take it nice and slow.
It's still early, so there are only a few workers milling about, each coupled with a basic toolbox from the desk by Applejack's side. As she takes one for herself and props her safety goggles on, she hears a loud voice.
'Hey repair girl! Over here!'
Applejack faces a girl waving her arms, which is completely unnecessary given her vibrant rainbow hair.
'Come quick! You need to fix this.'
Someone sure is patient. Toolkit clattering in hand, Applejack makes her way over towards the restless client and her motorcycle, which is stygian streaked with rainbow coloured lightning bolts.
'You're...Rainbow Dash?' Applejack asks, glancing at her work phone, though she doubts she needs any more confirmation.
'That's me,' Rainbow shoots back, as if she can't get the words out fast enough. 'Now, can you do your thing? I need this baby ready for an upcoming tournament and I should've started practice five minutes ago!'
Applejack raises an eyebrow but surveys the motorcycle as ordered.
'I already reported that the problem's a clogged fuel filter. What's taking so long?' Rainbow whines, hovering over Applejack's shoulder. Irritation bubbles up like apple cider but Applejack swallows it back down.
'Simmer down, Rainbow,' Applejack starts dismantling a section of the bike. 'I get that you're concerned but I've gotta check that the problem ain't jus' a faulty fuel pump or a dirty carburettor.'
From the way Rainbow scoffs, you'd think she was the professional here. 'Please, like I'd be wrong about my own motorcycle.'
Rolling her eyes, Applejack confirms that all she needs to do is either clean the fuel filter or replace it. She relays this information to Rainbow who interrupts her by demanding, 'Replace it.'
This time, Applejack doesn't restrain her narrowed eyes. 'A "please" would be nice.'
Rainbow folds her arms across her cropped hoodie. 'Fine. Please can you hurry up?'
Applejack shoots her another look.
Rainbow doesn't take the hint. 'I'll pay you double to work twice as fast.'
Applejack huffs through her nose. 'No matter how much money you pay me, I ain't goin' to rush. Whenever I start a job, I do it right.'
Groaning, Rainbow throws herself into a nearby chair. Fighting back a sigh, Applejack continues working. The familiarity of removing the motorcycle's fuel pump and letting the engine run out is grounding, as if releasing all of the fuel pressure helps ease the agitated tension between her shoulder blades.
Afterwards, replacing the old fuel filter with a new one is practically muscle memory. In no time at all, Applejack sets the pick tool down to grease the ring, reconnecting the fuel line with a satisfying snap.
It's only once Applejack starts the engine to check for leaks that she realises that Rainbow had only been quiet since she'd been hastily scribbling away at the obligatory contract on a clipboard. At the sound of the engine, she perks up, tossing the (hopefully completed) form aside and grabbing her fuschia helmet.
'She's good as new,' Applejack declares, straightening her back with that sense of accomplishment she always finds herself chasing.
Within seconds, Rainbow is already on the motorcycle seat, revving the engine so excessively that Applejack can't resist an eyeroll.
She releases a raspy laugh. 'Sweet! Thanks AJ, I appreciate it.'
Before Applejack can say anything else, Rainbow tosses her some cash and takes off, colourful hair whipping around from beneath her helmet. She's lucky Applejack has quick reflexes, who manages to catch the change before it drops.
'How do you know my...' Applejack trails off, remembering the slanted name tag on her uniform which only presents her chosen initials. Shaking her head, Applejack counts off the money, noticing with some surprise that Rainbow had left her a decent tip.
Probably couldn't be bothered to calculate the actual amount.
Still, Applejack feels a little lighter as she walks to the bus stop, waiting for her ride to another station for her following order.
⊹₊ | ✮ | ₊⊹
Applejack returns to that very same repair centre not even a week later. She meets magenta irises the moment she steps foot inside.
'Are you kiddin' me?' Applejack resists the temptation to facepalm when she sees that one of the wing mirrors is missing, with a dangerously sharp stump in its place. That's not even mentioning how the handlebar looks as though it's been through hell and back.
Rainbow rubs the back of her neck sheepishly. 'It's a long story.'
'This'll take anywhere from a day to three days to fix. Likely three,' Applejack informs, analyzing the damage. From the corner of her eye, she catches Rainbow's face crumple. 'I can make it two. But if, 'n' only if, you let me concentrate.'
Rainbow's dejection is replaced with a look of affrontation. 'What's that supposed to mean?'
'It means,' Applejack locks gazes with hers, 'that you'll have to be patient. I can't focus when you're complainin'.'
From the way Rainbow opens her mouth, Applejack's expecting her to defend herself, but she snaps it shut. Probably doesn't want to waste any time.
'Fine,' she huffs, throwing her hands into her pockets. 'It's just that, this tournament means everything to me.'
'I know,' is Applejack's only response as she brings a wrench to the half-broken lock nut. True to her words, she intends to finish the job efficiently.
Applejack manages to concentrate for a grand total of thirty minutes before Rainbow opens her mouth again. Which is longer than Applejack was expecting, in all honesty.
'You don't even know what type of tournament I've been talking about,' Rainbow starts off with, and of course she'd be talking about that. Applejack's expecting her to continue talking, but she pauses. She's waitin' for a reaction, Applejack realises.
Applejack doesn't reply, knowing that multi-tasking isn't effective, but flickers her gaze up from the wrench to let Rainbow know that she's listening. Rainbow's eyes gleam, as if that was all she was waiting for.
She starts off by mentioning that she's part of a motorcycle group, renowned for performing crazy stunts, which explains a lot.
'You should come watch us. Maybe at the tournament, which we're going to win.' Confidence rolls from her words. So much so that Applejack can't resist speaking.
'You sure you're good enough?' Applejack hikes up a brow, setting the broken stump which could double as a dagger across from her client.
Rainbow is unfazed. In fact, she looks pleased. Probably since Applejack finally responded.
'Good?' Her scoff sounds like a laugh. 'I'm awesome.'
Applejack just shakes her head, starting to gradually dismantle the handlebar. Rainbow keeps going.
'Trust me, AJ. You're in the presence of a literal legend.'
'Applejack.'
This takes both of them aback.
'Huh?'
'My name's Applejack,' Applejack elaborates, keeping her eyes on the pick tool as she takes a piece out, setting it atop the nearby tray.
Rainbow hums, twirling one of the company's pens between her fingers, with another contract bouncing on her restless knee. 'AJ sounds 20% cooler.'
Applejack exhales through her nose. 'Suit yourself.'
This mildly entertaining banter continues until closing hours and, despite Rainbow Dash's attempts at convincing Applejack's mentor to let them stay a little longer, the two are essentially kicked out.
'Starin' at it won't fix it up any faster, Dash,' Applejack remarks, leaning against the door. Crisp night air brushes past the entrance, making Rainbow's ponytail sway over her shoulder. This slight motion reveals a small set of wings inked against the back of her neck.
'I know,' Rainbow releases a heavy sigh, dragging Applejack's attention away from the tattoo. She walks past Applejack, the moonlight casting a silver glow against her frame, then glances back with a raised eyebrow. 'What are you waiting for, AJ?'
Applejack lifts her weight from the door, letting it close with a muted thump.
'Ain't you goin' to use one of 'em spare bikes to get back?' Applejack nods towards the parking lot lined with motorcycles for clients whose orders last longer than a day.
Rainbow shrugs. 'None of them can compare to my champion.'
Where Applejack would have thrown back a retort about modesty, she pauses. There's something about the ambiance which seems a lot more...peaceful. And she doesn't want to break it.
'Well, I'll be takin' the bus. You're welcome to come along,' Applejack offers, before frowning at herself. She's only known this girl for two days, yet it feels like so much longer.
'Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass. Buses are way too slow for my liking,' Rainbow responds with a wink. 'See ya, AJ.'
'Get home safe,' Applejack waves back, watching as the girl's rainbow hair disappears around a corner. On the bus ride home, her mind returns to the daring motorcyclist who gave herself wings.
⊹₊ | ✮ | ₊⊹
The second day passes similarly to the one prior. Applejack steps off the bus, grabs her toolbox, and walks up to Rainbow, who is somehow always there earlier than her.
Conversations are carried out, mainly on Rainbow Dash's end, as Applejack tightens the new handlebar into place.
When Rainbow asks her about her Stetson hat, Applejack decides that there's no harm in revealing that she lives on an apple farm, which triggers the motorcyclist to go on a rant about how obsessed she is with apple cider. Truth be told, Applejack finds that working this time around is a lot more pleasant than her first visit.
'Hey AJ,' Rainbow begins, eyes glinting. 'If I ever dropped by Sweet Apple Acres, would you give me a free bottle of apple cider?'
Applejack blows a strand of hair out of her face. 'Why would I do that?'
Rainbow leans in to nudge her shoulder playfully. 'Come on, we're practically best friends at this point.'
Applejack shakes her head. It strikes her, right at that moment, that it's no longer out of disapproval but fondness. A phone ringing snaps her out of this revelation.
Applejack feels the vibrating in her pocket, but it's not her work phone. Rainbow steps backwards a respectful distance as Applejack accepts the call.
'Hey sugarcube,' Applejack starts, not noticing how Rainbow perks up. Then her heart drops to her gut. 'Granny Smith collapsed?!'
The few motorcyclists and mechanics surrounding them go silent at Applejack's outburst, but the only thing she's focused on are her sister's panicked words. 'I'm comin' sugarcube. Tell Big Mac to get her to the closest hospital.'
Applejack's already running as she ends the call, but somebody steps in front of her.
'Wait!'
It's Rainbow Dash.
'Sorry Dash. Swear I'll fix your motorcycle up later.' Applejack's frantic Southern lilt is so heavy now that she doubts Rainbow can understand but the motorcyclist only blocks her path once more.
'That's not what I meant.' Rainbow wears a determined expression and, before Applejack can respond, she grabs her wrist and races towards a spare motorcycle.
'Take this.' In one swift movement, Rainbow sweeps Applejack's hat away, plopping a helmet on instead.
Without wasting a single second, Rainbow swings herself onto the vehicle, offering out a hand. By now, Applejack has caught on. Abandoning any doubts, she grabs Rainbow's hand and leaps on.
'Here.'
Rainbow places one of Applejack's hands firmly around her waist, and pushes her beloved hat into the other. Applejack almost drops it as Rainbow takes off.
'Woah!' Applejack tightens her grasp on Rainbow's waist instinctively as they make a sharp right onto the road. Belatedly, she realises that she can feel Rainbow's lean muscles beneath her fingertips. Get your head outta the clouds.
'You good back there?' Rainbow calls out, her raspy voice muffled over the wind rushing past their helmets.
Applejack nods, which is impractical given their positioning. 'Yeah,' she responds breathlessly. It's only when they hit a traffic light that she remembers Rainbow Dash has no idea where to go. 'Take a right over here.'
'Got it,' Rainbow replies, somehow increasing their speed without getting caught by any cameras. If Applejack was in a clearer mindframe, she would've noticed that Rainbow had already broken several driving rules during the ride.
'Take a left here.' You better be alright. 'Keep goin' straight.' Ain't no way I'm losing another Apple. Please stay alive, Granny.
Applejack doesn't realise she said that last line aloud until Rainbow responds, her tone softer than she'd ever heard it before. 'We'll make it, AJ. All of us.'
Applejack just chalks off the strange sensation in her chest to adrenaline when Rainbow stops so suddenly that they lurch forwards. We're here.
'I'll park this. Just go!' Rainbow insists. Applejack can't comprehend the gratitude she feels at that moment. So, instead, she honours Rainbow's urgency, leaping off the backseat and racing towards the hospital entrance.
⊹₊ | ✮ | ₊⊹
'Applejack!'
Applebloom is a blur of crimson as she crashes into Applejack's arms. Big Mac stands up from a chair in the waiting room, offering out a cup of coffee.
''m here now, sugarcube,' she reassures, patting her sister's back before addressing her brother. 'Is Granny in there?'
She nods to the closest room. 'Yup,' Big Mac frowns, grip tightening around the paper cup. Applejack releases a shaky breath, politely refusing his cold coffee.
She's alive, Applejack thinks. She's alive, she's alive, she's alive.
When Applebloom finally peels herself away, she hastily rubs at her eyes. ''m scared.'
So am I. Applejack ruffles her little sister's hair. 'C'mon now, Granny would hate to see us worryin' 'bout her like this. Y'know what she'd say?'
Applebloom lifts her head. 'An apple may be sweet but its core is mighty strong.'
'Exactly,' Applejack responds gently, guiding them both to the seats beside Big Mac.
⊹₊ | ✮ | ₊⊹
Hours pass by. The wait is unbearable. By now, the adrenaline has worn off, replaced with exhaustion and a cold dread lingering in every breath she takes.
Applejack rests her head against the wall, letting her Stetson droop past her tired eyes. If Rainbow Dash was beside her, she'd be bouncing her knee like there was no tomorrow.
The thought is enough to momentarily snap Applejack out of her fatigue. Why am I thinking about her?
Suddenly, Applebloom whips her head up from where she'd been dozing off on Applejack's shoulder. 'Granny?'
Applejack's features soften as she watches Applebloom soak in their surroundings with noticeable disappointment. 'It was jus' a dream. We're still waitin'. Ain't that right, Big Mac?'
'Yup,' her brother responds, another coffee cup in hand. That's his third. Applejack is about to voice her concerns when Applebloom darts off the chair as if it were as hot as blue blazes.
'Doc! 'S our granny gon' be alright?' Applejack's gaze shifts from her little sister to an approaching doctor, who looks surprised to find a child racing up to him. His expression shifts to a cordial smile as he readjusts his slanted glasses.
'You're the Apple family, I presume?'
Applebloom nods her head vigorously.
'Then yes, your grandmother will be fully recovered in a couple of days. We've checked for injuries, and there's some bruising around her hips and elbow but that's completely normal. The most likely cause is exhaustion but we'll still need to run some tests to be safe.'
Relief floods Applejack so strongly that she's almost swept away by it, her shoulders no longer burdened by the impending fear.
'Can we visit her?' Applejack asks. She realises that she's standing now, filled with newfound energy.
'Of course. Just make sure to tell her to rest up and take it easy,' is the welcome response, and Applebloom is already bounding towards the door.
'Thanks doc, this means a lot to us,' Applejack says with a grateful smile.
'Yup,' Big Mac adds on, with less words but no less sincerity.
The doctor gives another warm response, but his words are muffled, drowned out by pure joy. All Applejack remembers is Big Mac answering, and then opening the door.
'I told you to not bring me to the hospital. 'S too darn expensive,' Granny scolds them, as if they don't earn more than enough from the farming business. Stubborn as a mule. Applejack's eyes sting with happiness.
'We wouldn't have to if you'd take a darn break for once in your life,' Applejack responds, biting back a grin. She's alive, alright. Alive and kickin'.
'Someone has to show you youngins how 's done,' Granny Smith harrumphs, crossing her arms as if she's not lying down in a hospital bed.
'You've shown us plenty, Granny.'
'Yeah! We don't want you gettin' hurt,' Applebloom adds with a pout.
All eyes turn to Big Mac. 'Yup.'
Granny Smith huffs one last time before breaking into a smile of her own. 'Oh alright. Only 'cause you're my favourite grandkids.'
'Yay!' Applebloom dives onto the hospital bed, squeezing Granny into a tight hug. Applejack can't find it in her to tell her sister to give her some space. Plus, she should give Granny Smith some credit. She may be old but she sure is stronger than she looks.
With Big Mac sitting contently by Granny Smith's side, and Applebloom rattling off tales from school, Applejack decides to slip away to thank a certain somebody.
As it turns out, she doesn't need to walk that far. Applejack finds her crouched before a vending machine.
'Figured you'd have gone by now.'
Rainbow catches her eye and - regarding how relieved Applejack must look - visibly relaxes. As she stands up, she gives a simple shrug. 'Somebody taught me that it's worth being a little patient.'
Applejack's heart does a strange gallop.
Popping a can open, Rainbow asks, 'Is everything good?'
'She'll be as right as rain in no time,' Applejack responds, grateful that she can say the words.
'I didn't doubt it.' Rainbow's lips quirk up into a smile. 'Catch.'
Just like their first encounter, Applejack manages to catch the small carton with one hand. She turns it over to discover that it's apple juice.
'Thought you'd like it,' Rainbow adds, taking a swig from her own energy drink.
Applejack chuckles, the sound as warm and welcome as the tingling in her chest. 'I owe you a "thank you".'
Rainbow waves a hand dismissively. 'It's nothing.'
'Not jus' for the juice, but for breakin' every traffic law possible to get me here,' Applejack shakes her head. 'I never thought I'd be glad to see you rushin', but I don't know what I'd do without you.'
Rainbow stares. Then she breaks into a crooked grin.
'Does this mean I'll get a free bottle of apple cider?'
This girl.
Releasing an amused sigh, Applejack pierces the straw into the box. 'You really know how to ruin the moment, don't you?'
Rainbow snorts. 'Duh, someone's got to stop us from getting all sappy. Besides, you still haven't answered my question.'
Just because of that, Applejack takes a long sip from the carton. She can see the impatience forming on Rainbow's expression. Finally, she takes one last, satisfying gulp.
'You'll get your free cider when you win that tournament of yours.'
It's worth it, watching the pure elation spread across Rainbow's glowing face.
'You said "when".'
Applejack can feel her lips tilting upwards.
'Don't get too cocky now.'
'You're coming to watch?'
'Someone's gotta make sure your motorcycle's in top shape.'
Rainbow laughs, raspy and carefree.
It does wonders to Applejack's pulse.
'I like you, AJ. We should meet up after you fix my motorcycle. But, like, without me breaking anything else.'
Applejack almost doesn't catch the following sentences since her mind is still latching onto those first three words. I like you. Biting back a grin is impossible, so Applejack decides to tease her instead.
'At this rate, I'm impressed you're still alive.'
Rainbow opens her mouth to protest, but Applejack beats her to it.
'I'd like that.'
At that moment, none of the hospital's blinding lights shine as brightly as Rainbow's eyes.
'I could teach you how to ride my motorcycle.'
'Don't push it.'
'Come on. You know you want to,' Rainbow nudges her shoulder playfully.
With a sigh, Applejack relents, and Rainbow Dash throws her fist triumphantly in the air. Despite her love for grounding routines and taking her time, Applejack knows she won't regret this.