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There was many things Rainbow Dash could do on a Saturday night.
A soccer game? Going out for drinks with friends? Having dinner and watching her favourite series?
All reasonable and enjoyable things to do.
So why is she currently queuing up to enter a concert to an artist she barely listens to? Not just a concert, no - a massive one with the supposed title called “show of the year” and a huge crowd with over half of Canterlot’s population! Matter of fact, the place was so crowded it was almost impossible to breathe, everyone dressed in outfits they’d probably planned months ahead of time.
And the reason Dash doesn’t listen to the artist was simple.
Because who in their right mind would listen to their ex-girlfriend’s music, beautifully poetic lyrics and pin over her lovely voice that had Rainbows knees going weak!?
Yeah, not the usual way to spend a Saturday night.
Nevertheless, she found herself here anyway, stood side by side with her literal new girlfriend, Lightning Dust, hand-in-hand. It wasn’t like Dash had bought the tickets, because she’s not stupid enough to put herself into the position of seeing her ex even after a couple years and have her heart broken all over again.
But how could she say no when Lightning Dust turned up to her door with a box of pizza and two general admission tickets?
Rainbow was a weak woman for the people she dated after all.
All she needed to do was avoid the fact that Lightning Dust doesn’t know that she and the singer preforming dated for over four years, and that she may or may not be still slightly in love with her but won’t admit it. Atleast not to herself. Gosh, this was gonna be one hell of a night.
And Dash likes Lightning Dust. She truly does. She had met her through soccer when she’d first started playing for the Wonderbolts three years ago, they formed a friendship that then turned into… well this. They’d only been dating for a couple months, the whole relationship thing fairly new, and although Dash enjoys their time together… it wasn’t the same as being with her.
It wasn’t the same as those four years she thinks about every waking hour and every day. It wasn’t the same feeling every time they kissed or were being intimate with one another. Nowhere close to the constant thoughts, the nostalgia and happy memories that came with it. It wasn’t the same without the competitiveness, bickering, and obsessiveness she had when she was with her.
It wasn’t like the overwhelmingly beautiful love she felt years ago.
They’d broken up solely because their dreams were someplace else. Dash wanted to pursue her soccer career, get into the Wonderbolts and win multiple championships (check, check, and check). She wanted to share her music, a passion she’s had since she was little, and become a successful singer.
They’d both accomplished what they wanted, but at what cost?
And Rainbow knew that she’d only ever hurt Lightning Dust. Because what’s the point in dating again if you still yearn for the person - the one person you’ve ever truly loved?
And going to this concert was either going to shatter their relationship to shreds, or let Rainbow finally get the closure she didn’t receive when they broke up three years ago.
So yeah, Dash is quite literally fucked, nervousness almost overbearing as her free hand fiddles with the ends of her shirt, hoping that Lightning Dust wouldn’t catch on to her abnormal behaviour.
But, somewhere deep down, there’s this slight hint of something else pooling at the pits of her stomach.
Something that has her impatient for more.
“Alright Canterlot! How are we this evening?!”
The all too familiar voice was impossible to miss, the soft southern accent booming through the speakers around the stadium as she spoke into the microphone.
The same second, Dash froze.
The echos of cheers and applauses that erupted almost brought Rainbows attention back to the present, though her mind was clouded and she swore she felt her heart almost stop beating as her eyes settled upon her.
And for a moment, everything came crashing back.
Every second, every memory, every special day spent together.
It felt like a million bricks falling atop of her at once, taking her breath away and clenching her body so tight she couldn’t break free of its grip.
And oh, even under these circumstances, how she wished her heart wouldn’t do the same old stuttering flip in her chest.
Standing there, proudly smiling at the crowd, freckled face practically glowing, familiar green eyes shining brightly - was her.
The girl who stole Dashes heart. Loved her with every ounce she could, held her, kissed her, smiled at her, encouraged her, brought happiness every place she went.
The person Rainbow never thought she’d ever loose.
The person she never wanted to know what it was like without her in her life.
Applejack .
Applejack .
Applejack .
It was the only thing Dash could comprehend as she watched the person she used to know so closely - so intimately, interact with a crowd she’s never seen before.
She felt as if she’d been punched in the gut, her knees weak, body shaking with tears threatening to roll down her cheeks.
As still as a mosh pit could be, Rainbows world faded out, her mind solely focused upon golden blonde hair, tan freckled skin, and a smile she missed waking up to.
It was as if time stopped just for that minute. Seeing her, up there, was like reuniting with someone lost, yet hadn’t wanted to be found. And Dash couldn’t even deny how apart of her still ached for the touch of Applejack, the weight of her body against hers, the underlying safety her presence gave.
She vaguely heard Lightning Dusts excitement beside her, but she couldn’t bring herself to look away from Applejack, the fear of her leaving again too scary to act upon.
Pressing herself further into the fence for support, the only thing separating her, the stage, and the woman she was so dearly in love with - Rainbow felt close enough to watch, but not enough to reach out.
Not enough to get too, not enough to keep.
Not enough to hold.
Then, that voice came ringing out again.
“Damn, it’s been a while since I’ve been back in my hometown. Since it’s been soo long, how bout we go from the start?” Applejack said, taking a deep breath. “Now this song is fairly old. Have y’all ever heard of…”
The cheers erupted again as the soundtrack began to play, and Rainbow watched as Applejack danced, sung, and performed so beautifully, her voice clear, loud and powerful - but also very soft, warming and sweet.
And if anyone saw the tears that spilled down Dashes cheeks? No one mentioned it.
It was nearing the end of the concert, having it been almost three hours since it had begun. Applejack had sung multiple songs, interacted with the audience, and even suprised everyone with a few songs that hadn’t been named on the set list.
The crowd was hyped up, every chorus and verse either being followed along or belted out. There was jumping, dancing, heck at one point there was even a dance battle in the centre of the mosh pit.
To say that the concert was successful was an understatement.
And despite the mental turmoil Rainbow was facing at the beginning, somewhere along the night she had loosened up and joined in on the fun. Luckily, Lightning Dust had yet to comment about her unusual behaviour, so Dash was able to continue their “date” with little to no problems.
The song currently playing slowly tuned out signalling the end, and Applejack - slightly out of breath, delicately placed the microphone back onto it’s stand. Applauses engulfed the air as the singer took a moment to compose herself, wiping her sweaty hands along her shorts.
Right. Those shorts.
Remember when Dash was able to continue the date with little to no problems? Well she lied. Big time.
Applejack was always a stunning sight. From when she was younger and definitely to now, she’d always had a certain natural beauty that made it hard not to stare. For God Sakes she had blonde hair, tan skin, freckles to die for, green eyes and a beautiful smile.
She was the definition of gorgeous.
But something about those shorts.
Denim. Impossibly short. Low-rise. Fraying along the bottom edges. Dark-washed.
It was so her. In the best way possible. The way the thin fabric just hugged her in all the right places. It didn’t help that her white-cropped t-shirt, the words “I <3 Canterlot” (definitely pre-made) practically covered nothing, exposing her toned abs and a waist Rainbow could just curve her arm arou-
It was a literal wake up call to Rainbows mind.
And maybe hormones.
Plus, with the way Applejacks hair - left down and curly, was slightly crazy and sticking to her face from sweat, her cowboy boots clicking against the stages floors, and the fact she looked slightly flushed - made Dash almost topple over.
Because Jesus Christ she was hot.
Then, the singer walks back towards the mic, a small smirk plastered on her face. “Have ya’ll ever been so in love with someone, ya just can’t get over em?”
The crowd screams.
And maybe, just maybe Rainbow stiffens slightly.
With a small chuckle, Applejack shook her head, unhooking the mic from the stand. “Right. Well I won’t lie, It’s not just ya’ll. I don’t know how, but somehow Im still into her even after all these years… this’ll be the last of tonight ya’ll.”
Applejack takes a quiet breath, lips twitching at the corner of her lips.
“This is Still Into You, everybody.”
It takes everything in Rainbow’s willpower to try and force herself into believing the song wasn’t about her, but something about the way Applejack introduced the song made her second guess herself.
Can’t count the years on one hand that we’ve been together
I need the other one to hold, make you feel, make you feel better
It’s not a walk in the park to love each other
But when our fingers interlock, can’t deny, can’t deny your worth it
Rainbows whole body was frozen, the lyrics engraving into her brain with each passing note. Her hands grip the fence before her, knuckles going white, as she gulps down the tightness in her mouth. Was her throat that dry before?
‘Cause after all this time
I’m still into you
There’s a long pause between what’s real and what’s fake as Dash tries to process things, the gears in her head turning. But time outside her thoughts doesn’t wait.
I should be over all the butterflies
But I’m into you ( I’m into you)
And, baby, even on our worst nights
I’m into you (I’m into you)
Let ‘em wonder how we got this far
‘Cause I don’t need to really wonder at all
Yeah, after all this time
I’m still into you
By now, all Rainbow can do is just stare, her mind coming up with different possible scenarios per second.
Why was her heart suddenly beating out of her chest? Why does she feel as if someone’s stabbed her with a knife, said something impossibly sweet, then left her for dead?
It couldn’t even be about her for goodness sakes!
Recount the night that I first met your mother
And on the drive back to my house, I told you that, I told you that I loved ya
You felt the weight of the world fall off your shoulder
And to your favourite song, we sang along into the start of forever
Nope. Nope. Definitely about her.
Of all things, the night Applejack met Rainbows mother, Windy Whistles, was one of the most memorable. Despite the couple only being young, eighteen in fact, Windy had accepted Applejack and treated her as her own.
Back then they’d only been dating for a couple months. And after dinner with Rainbows family, Applejack blurted out that she loved her. Dash was so taken aback that she barely heard it, asking her to repeat it. Once she did, Dash just kissed her and said it back. And the rest was history.
And after all this time
I’m still into you
Dash feels like she’s about to faint.
I should be over all the butterflies
But I’m into you ( I’m into you)
And, baby, even on our worst nights
I’m into you (I’m into you)
Let ‘em wonder how we got this far
‘Cause I don’t need to really wonder at all
Yeah, after all this time
I’m still into you
Rainbow was spiraling, shes still like’s me, she still like’s me, she still like’s me on repeat.
Then there’s a pause, and for a moment, Rainbow almost thought she missed it. But she didn’t.
How could she?
She couldn’t miss the pure shock that painted her past lovers face as she met Dashes eye, the look of guilt, longing and yearning flashing through her pained expression. It was like watching a montage of emotions pass by in mere seconds. She hadn’t seen her the whole night despite Rainbow being front and centre, and now - singing a song directed at her, Applejack felt her heart drop.
But there was something there, in the frozen time between old lovers, everything else zoning out behind them. Maybe it was courage? Maybe it was quiet happiness?
Or maybe, it was hope.
And just before they could get stuck in each other’s gaze, Applejack begun singing again.
Some things just, some things just make sense
And one of them is you and I (hey)
Some things just, some things just make sense
And even after all this time (hey)
Then Applejack looks at Rainbow again with a small, almost guilty smile as she builds up her voice.
I’m into you
Baby, not a day goes by that I’m not into you
I should be over all the butterflies
But I’m into you (I’m into you)
And, baby, even on our worst nights
I’m into you (I’m into you)
Let ‘em wonder how we got this far
‘Cause I don’t really need to wonder at all
Yeah, after all this time
I’m still into you
I’m still into you
I’m still into you.
The cheering once again overwhelmed the stadium as the music faded out, but Rainbow wasn’t focused on that. Neither was Applejack, who was breathing heavily, eyes never wavering once.
There wasn’t anything to say. The only thing spoken between them being their shared gaze, mostly a mixture of shock and sadness. But, even so, somewhere along the way showed something different. Something more vulnerable. Something more pure.
Unfinished business.
Things left unsaid.
The look of someone you love.
Applejack exhaled, biting her lip slightly. A nervous habit. She blinked a few times, before turning around and signaling something to people behind stage.
Rainbow was so very confused, felt like breaking down then and there, and was on the verge of tears. Those ugly tears that resulted in hours of crying. But she couldn’t, not right now. Not in front of her.
Then the singers voice came booming back into the speakers. “Look, I know I said that was gonna be my last song, but we’ve had a slight change of plans…”
Applejack turned to the audience. “It’s been awhile since I’ve preformed this one, but I do know it’s a favourite down here. And I just realised that the person this song is about may or may not be in the crowd,” her eyes flicker to dash, “so I hope it’s alright that I keep ya’ll for another couple minutes.”
With the approval of clapping and loud applauses, Applejack smiled brightly.
“I hope you’re ready…”
And even though it’s said towards the crowd, Rainbow knows it’s directed at her. The familiar hum of the song began.
Think of me when your out, when your out there
I’ll beg you nice from me knees
And when the world treats you way to fairly
Well, its a shame I’m a dream
The whole stadium was loud, practically every single person knowing the lyrics off by heart. And Rainbow would be lying if she didn’t know the words as well.
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you
The song leads way to an instrumental pause, Applejack gripping the microphone ever so tighter, bracing herself.
Think I’ll pace my apartment a few times
And fall asleep on the couch
And wake up early to black-and-white reruns
That escape from my mouth (oh, oh)
Then the chorus hit, and Applejacks words came out controlled, loud and confident, like she was screaming from the heart.
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you
Rainbows mouth went dry, heart hammering, eyes slightly wet from unshed tears.
I could follow you to the beginning
Just to relieve the start
And maybe then, we’d remember to slow down
At all of our favourite parts
Rainbow liked the sound of that. If she could go back, she’d do it right. She wouldn’t let Applejack walk away. Not again. She’d beg, she’d plead, she’d work things out. She’d show her that they could achieve what they wanted with each other by their sides.
And just like that, Applejack belted out the last of the song, free hand clutching her chest as she sang with a newly ignited passion. The passion being the girl just a few metres away from her.
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you.
The last line rung out, her voice never wavering as she finished the last word.
There was things being thrown, excited cheers, screaming and crying from the crowd.
But none of that compared to what Applejack saw now.
Eyes locked on each other, hands trembling, breathing heavy. Applejack didn’t know how long they’d been staring at one another, everything else around them no longer mattering.
Rainbow let out a shaken chuckle, the smallest smile reaching her lips. The singer saw it, of course she did.
Applejack adverted her eyes. “Thank you, Canterlot. You’ve been amazing.”
And before the lights turned off, her gaze turned back to Rainbow. With the smallest smile, tears dripping down her cheeks, she lifted her hand and blew Dash a kiss. The gesture small, a sign of affection and love.
Rainbow bit her lip, cheeks turning a soft red, heart fluttering in her chest, her own tears flowing down.
She didn’t regret blowing one back.