FlutterDash: Publicityby Emerald FlightChaptersChapter 1 - The First Summer NightChapter 2 - RevelationChapter 3 - Just Making SureChapter 4 - Lunar EffectChapter 5 - ConfessionsChapter 1 - The First Summer Night Rainbow Dash could feel so much romance in that one embrace, as they lay there together, overlooking the cliffs and the ocean. Fluttershy was breathing deeply and calmly on her chest. Dash looked down at her... so peaceful, so beautiful. How had this happened? One autumn day, just one, was enough to send her and Fluttershy deeply into a romantic bliss. Nopony else knew about this yet, this secret love between two best friends. They appeared the same around others, but inside they had such... deep feelings for one another. It was an example of the perfect relationship, thought Dash as she leaned down to kiss Fluttershy lovingly on the top of her head. They were together, alone, on a rocky mount overlooking a beautiful shore. Dash put thought after worried thought out of her mind. Fluttershy was more comfortable than any other time in her life, and glanced up every few minutes just to look into Rainbow Dash's eyes... those perfect rose eyes. They both leaned onto each other, in a full-body hug. They were in total peace, and both fell slowly into a dreamy sleep. "Oh, hi there, Fluttershy," Twilight greeted her, looking up from her parchment. "And Rainbow Dash, too... what are you guys doing here?" "You forgot already?" Rainbow Dash said, grinning at her. Twilight laughed. "No, of course not," she replied. "But is it time to go already?" She glanced out the window... the sun was about to set. It was almost seven. She smiled politely and stood. "Guess I just lost track of time." "It's almost started, though! Do you want to miss it?" "No... of course not." The three ponies walked rather quickly through the slowly darkening streets. If they didn't make it to the ceremony before the sun set, they wouldn't be allowed in. Dash just sighed, and looked over to Fluttershy. She looked back, grinned, and nodded. The two pegusi took hold of Twilight from both sides and took off into the crimson sky. Twilight shrieked, and closed her eyes, covering them with her hooves. Then her eyes snapped open again, and she looked back to Rainbow Dash. "Hey, move your right hoof!" she shouted above the wind. Dash looked confused, then grinned sheepishly and grasped Twilight more fully under her chest. They were able to make the ceremony in time, thankfully, but only just. They were able to find seats close to the back of the massive theatron, and Twilight smiled. She'd totally forgotten how exciting this could be. When Celestia walked out onto the stage, everypony began cheering, along with the three in the back. When everypony quieted down, Celestia finally began to speak. "My little ponies," she began, looking around the audience at all of her subjects. "Tonight we have gathered together here for the greatest summertime celebration ever created by the pony race..." She paused for effect. "The First Summer Night!" At here, all the ponies in the audience burst with cheers and whistles. Princess Luna walked out onto the great wooden stage. "Hi, everypony!" she shouted into the audience. She was very good at doing that. She waved to everypony and smiled. Her sister had given her her own festival when she came back from the moon four years ago. Nightmare Night wasn't the only celebration for her; she had a happy one now, too. She turned around, and stared up into the sky. She concentrated as hard as she could; the audience was still. A powerful bluish beam shot out of the end of her horn and the audience gasped as the largest moon they had seen in a while was lifted high into space by the superior magic of the royal allicorn on the platform in front of them. It was almost the size of the harvest moon, but slightly bigger. It was best, most awe-inspiring distance the moon had ever been from the earth. The ponies in the audience cheered as Luna turned and bowed. The three ponies in the back were standing and cheering with the rest, and, suddenly, a strange feeling swept over all the ponies. The moon had a... certain effect to it that differed from pony to pony. All the ponies remained cheering, but all could feel the moon's power. Oh, well. It wasn't really anything to be bothered with; it was ignorable. Besides, Twilight and the princesses may have been the only ones to know the effect was actually happening to everypony. The ponies filed out of the gates of the theatron and began to head towards the city square, where everything was already set up for the night's celebration. The three friends arrived at the celebration at about the same time Pinkie and Rarity did. They all met up, and began walking down the carnival-like aisles of booths set up for the festival. Everypony was talking and laughing around them (including Pinkie). They met up with Applejack a while later at the Apple Family confectionary booth, after Rainbow Dash had won a huge pink bear in a carnival game and Pinkie Pie ate almost four cotton candies already. The group stood around the booth, having a great time, when Rainbow Dash took Fluttershy aside for a second. "I've been thinking," she said, sighing. "I don't want... us... to be a secret anymore." Fluttershy looked away. "I've thought the same thing," she said softly, "but I've also thought about the results." Rainbow Dash smiled at her. "What could be the worst?" She looked over at the group, who were in high spirits. "And what better time to tell them besides now?" She looked back at Fluttershy. "I want to get this over with." Fluttershy looked back to Rainbow Dash, who seemed so confident. She began to blush, and whispered to her. "I trust you." Dash grinned and looked back to the group. "Together?" Fluttershy smiled. "Together." Chapter 2 - Revelation Fluttershy stayed close to Rainbow Dash throughout their... short speech, for lack of a better word. It was difficult to really make an impact, or to be understood, with all the music and voices around them, so Dash decided finally to guidethem all into a nearby alleyway. It was much quieter here, albeit much cooler... and damper. Dash sighed, and Fluttershy reamined on her left side as Dash began to speak. "Fluttershy and I have something we need to tell you all," she began, trying with difficulty to keep her emotions straight. "We're... urrgh. Fluttershy, help me out here." Fluttershy shook her head. "C'mon, Fluttershy, I thought we agreed on this." Hearing the tone in her voice, Fluttershy leaned against the baby blue pegasus a bit more and drew herself to full height. Her confidence may not have been restored, but it had definitely increased. "Rainbow D-" she stopped. It was much less embarrassing when it was in her head. But... why should love be embarrassing? Then she realized - it wasn't embarrassment. It was a fear of failure. In her head, she had gone over the possible outcomes multiple times, but just assumed she could muster up the courage in real life as she could in her imagination. She was able to speak, just this one line, without her voice wavering. "We're in love." The other four looked positively shocked. Except Applejack. "Um... could y'all repeat that, please?" she asked. Rainbow Dash nodded, and put her wing around Fluttershy's back. "She wasn't lying. We... figured it out two weeks ago." She smiled at Fluttershy. "We really are in love." Silence. Then Pinkie burst out laughing. "That's - that's so ironic! You two - have been best friends for - for what, forever?" She continued laughing. Just cause she was the Elelment of Laughter doesn't make that any less rude. Rarity interrupted Pinkie. "Well, I think it's sweet." The other two (minus Pinkie) looked at her in surprise. She looked back. "What? I'm just saying. It's nice that a love could blossom between two best friends." Twilight looked at the two and blushed. "So you guys are - " she edged herself into the word slowly - "llllllesbians?" Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy. "You know what, I never thought of it that way. Yeah, I guess so." She looked back at Twilight. "Why?" Twilight shook her head. "N-no reason." Pinkie Pie continued laughing. Rarity nudged her with her hoof. "Stop that, Pinkie! That's really rude!" Pinkie looked at Rarity and forced her mouth shut. Applejack had remained silent the entire time. "Well, uh... haven'tcha ever had, maybe, a crush on a stallion before?" Applejack asked quietly. "Actually," Fluttershy replied, "it's both of our first romances." Applejack looked at them and shook her head. "Never seen anything like it before," she said. "But, ya know what, you two are some o' mah best friends. If it's alright with you, it's alright with me." "I don't get it," Twilight said. Rainbow Dash suddenly got defensive. "What's there to get?" Her voice began to raise. "It's just love! It's not really right or wrong!" Twilight shrunk back. Applejack returned her anger. "Well, ah never said there was anything wrong with it!" "I wasn't talking to you!" "Girls!" Twilight almost shouted. "This is a fun celebration, not an angry one. I don't even know why you had to tell us now, at the First Summer Moon festival. I mean-" "It was my fault," Rainbow Dash said. "I wanted to get it out of the way, to make sure you guys accepted us." She looked down. "I just wanted to make sure we would still be friends. I'm - I'm sorry." Fluttershy turned to Rainbow Dash and leaned in. They kissed for a solid ten seconds, and Fluttershy broke off. That left Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and Applejack standing in front of them, mouths open. Pinkie Pie's eye twitched, and a smile appeared at the corners of her mouth. Twilight and Applejack blushed, looked at each other, then back at Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Rarity looked down and wiped her eyes with the back of her hoof. Twilight looked at Rarity. "What?" she replied. "Love is beautiful." Twilight continued to stare at Rarity in silence. "I just think it's nice." Twilight closed her mouth, pursed her lips, and turned back towards the two pegusi. They were looking at Applejack, who had turned a deep shade of red. "So, uh... Is everypony alright with it?" Rainbow Dash asked. Rarity was the first one to react. "Well, yes, of course! Who would I be to break up such a beautiful thing?" Pinkie was next. "Sure, I mean, if you guys like it, than whatever!" She grinned and bounced in place. Rainbow Dash looked over at Twilight and Applejack, who were still ruddy and slightly surprised-looking. Applejack spoke first. "Like ah said. You two are some o' mah best friends, and if it's alright with you, then it's alright with me." Twilight replied last. "Um... okay... I guess. It just confuses me, is all. I don't like things that confuse me." Dash and Fluttershy looked and each other and at the group. "Thank you guys so much! I didn't think it would go so well!" Fluttershy said. "I'm glad I can feel comfortable again." "Yeah," Dash added. "It was terrible, not knowing whether you would fit in. But I'm just glad none of you really disliked us." Applejack smiled. "Well, what kinda ponies would we be if we just isolated our own friends for their... uh... preferences?" Rainbow smiled back at Applejack. "Let's git back to the party, shall we?" Chapter 3 - Just Making Sure The group emerged from the alleyway to the festival in the square. There were maybe two hours left until sunrise, so the party would wrap up with the rising of the sun. Of course, an awkward feeling had been created during that little confrontation, and the moon's natural emotional aggravation didn't help matters. They tried to shrug it off, both individually and collectively, but... it was still pretty difficult. All of them had individualized feelings towards this new development according to their characters (so Pinkie was perfectly fine with it, of course). These conflicting emotions made conversation more difficult that it could have been. "Hey, Twilight," Rainbow Dash said while they were playing darts at a booth. "How... how do you feel?" "About what?" Twilight asked politely. Making a big deal out of it may seem rude, like it wasn't normal. "You know," Dash replied. "How do you, just you, feel about it?" Twilight looked thoughtful for a second, and turned to throw a dart. "I can't be biased against my friends, Dash. As the Element of Loyalty, you should know that. Friendship comes first." She turned to smile at Dash. "After all, it's not, like, illegal or anything." Dash looked at Twilight and smiled, her eyes glowing. "Thanks, Twi. You're always really nice to me." Meanwhile, in the Hall of Justice... Fluttershy was walking along an aisle of booths with Applejack and Pinkie. They were generally silent (except for Pinkie's constant, random babble). Fluttershy was embarrassed a little bit, because before any of this happened, AJ was Fluttershy's sturdy ground, someone to rely on. Anypony above her in her mind who didn't... approve of something she was doing unsettled her. Applejack had behaved strangely to the news, as though she accepted the fact, but... only because they were friends. She made it seem like if Dash and Fluttershy weren't her friends, it wouldn't have turned out for the better. Fluttershy considered this while the group was walking past game booths and vendors. She finally decided to make a move. "Applejack?" Fluttershy asked quietly. "Hmm?" "Um... what do... what do you really think about..." "It's alright with me if it's alright with you." Applejack interrupted decisively. "That's not what I'm asking," Fluttershy replied. "What... how do you feel about it, though?" Applejack looked at Fluttershy, then at the ground. She began to bite her bottom lip, her honst characteristic beginning to overcome her manners. "Ah've never seen it before, and I don't think it's normal!" she said before realizing that what she said could hurt Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked up at Applejack hopefully. "Is... that bad?" Applejack returned her friend's worried look, but became calmed by the knowledge that her next statement would be totally true. "Of course not, sugarcube." Pinkie Pie, unbeknownst to the two mares on her left, had been listening carefully. She looked down at the ground, too, in deep thought as the friends talked. Contrary to her actions, she had actually been deeply troubled by the pegasi's proclamation, which confused her because... she didn't know why. She was just uncomfortable imagining two of her friends in a relationship that she had been raised to know was only for a mare and a colt. Not only was it difficult to understand, it was strange that ponies she'd heard of actually existed... and two were her best friends. It was just confusing. She knew better than to say anything, though. Until... "Pinkie?" a voice from her left asked. "Yeah?" Oh no. Yeah? That wasn't like her at all. She had to make something up. "What's up, buttercup? Or, in this case, Fluttershy?" She giggled. "Do you want to come apple bobbing with us?" Oh. Good. At least she didn't have to think of something to say quite yet. "Of course! Free apples plus a game? The fun has been doubled!" [What is wrong with me?] Chapter 4 - Lunar Effect "Luna?" Celestia asked, making her way through a group of ponies to a small competition in the middle. "Can I, uh, pull you aside for a second?" "Sure, I guess," Luna replied, wedging herself out of a pickle barrel she had been trying to sit in. They took off through the night to the Whisper Tree. The Whisper Tree was a tree grown for revealing secrets, because each one of its immense, sturdy, thick fruits could hold up to five ponies (or two princesses) and were totally soundproof. Celestia shut the door after her sister, and both shifted around a bit, trying not to touch each other. After a few moments, Celestia spoke. "You do know what the moon does to ponies, right?" Celestia asked. "Yeah, yeah, uh, of course I do... um... yes?" Luna replied unsurely. Celestia raised an eyebrow. Luna sighed. "No, I don't know what effect the moon has on ponies," Luna said softly. Celestia groaned, and covered her face with her right hoof. "It... boosts emotions. Like if you're happy, you're really happy, and if you're sad, youre... really sad, etcetera. That's why we usually keep he moon at the same distance throughout the year, and even on full moons it can get pretty hectic. And what did you do? Ya threw up a huge moon, just to impress your friends." Seeing the expression on Luna's face, Celestia felt compelled to smile. "I mean, I suppose it couldn't hurt just one night a year. But be caref-" Too late. Luna was already flying back to the party, a huge grin on her face. Celestia rubbed her forehead. She was going to need extra security tonight.* The six friends had been unfortunately been dissolved in the crowd, and the group, well, it... didn't exist anymore. Pinkie Pie was left at a cotton candy vendor, Applejack was abandoned in a crowd, Rarity had met up with Fluttershy, but nopony else, and Rainbow Dash and Twilight were together still at the dart booth. "Fluttershy?" Rarity asked. "Is that you? Darling, I simply can't see you over this awful crowd! Help me, please!" she cried above the noise. Fluttershy could hear Rarity's voice, and was able to pull her out of the crowd (but just barely). "Thank you, Fluttershy," Rarity said when they were both safely situated on the ground. "No problem," Fluttershy said, walking alongside Rarity. "Um, where are you going in such a hurry?" "Well, I'm going to go find Twilight," Rarity replied. "Rainbow Dash is with her, right?" Fluttershy asked, trying it keep up with Rarity. "Well, yes of c- waaaaait... do you miss her?" Rarity smiled and slowed down. "It - it was just a question, I didn't really say-" "You do, right? Oh, that's so sweet! You long for the companionship of your love, who was hidden from you in this rambunctious festival crowd!" Rarity looked positively joyful. "Well, um, that was kinda rude -" "Oh, it's just so romantic! I could write a story about it - nay, two stories! Two stories and a poem!" Rarity's eyes sparkled. Fluttershy drew herself to full height (it made her feel more confident). "I'd rather you not, thank you," she said sternly.'"Why are you obsessing over us?" "Obsessing? No, I just love the romance of it -" "Well, it may have been easier on us if you'd just be confused like the others were!" Fluttershy was rather angry now. "Oh, I'm very sorry, I didn't mean to insult anypony... I apologize," Rarity said finally, looking down at the ground. At this, Fluttershy became regretful of what she'd said, and leaned her head against Rarity's as they continued walking. "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have had such an outburst. I mean, it, uh... it is kind of romantic, isnt it?" They continued laughing and talking until they reached the dart booth. Applejack looked around, and couldn't see any sign... of, really, anypony. So she figured she was done with the others for now, and turned to head back to the Apple Family's booth. On the way there, though, she saw a streak of neon pink. "Uh... hey! Pinkie? Is that you? Ah'm kinda lost in th' crowd over here..." Pinkie jumped when somepony mentioned her name (she was pretty deep in thought), but turned around to see Applejack behind her. "Oh, hi, Applejack!" Pinkie shouted over the music and voices. She rushed over to her, making her way through tons of candy-colored ponies. Applejack caught her as she tripped and nearly fell to the floor. "Gee, ah'm glad ta see you, Pinkie!" Applejack said, helping the fellow earth pony off of the tiled ground. "Took quite a tumble there, didn't cha?" Applejack laughed. Pinkie stood and shook herself off. She offered Applejack a little stick of cotton candy; she was carrying, like, six or seven. Applejack accepted it. "Thanks, Pinkie. How'd we get separated? This crowd ain't nothing compared to the Sugar Rush festival in Saddlesburg last year." "There was a what?" "A Sugar Rush festival, that, uh, celebrates sugar." At this, Pinkie's eyes widened. "I wanna go! I wanna go!" she cried, bouncing up and down insanely quickly. applejack put a hoof on her shoulder. "Okay, then, Pinkie, ah'll try ta find the details fer this year," Applejack said, calming the pink pony down. "Jist, uh... whah don't we try to find th' other four?" They set off walking towards the dart booth. Meanwhile, in the Hall of Justice... "Hey, guys!" Rainbow Dash said, being the first to notice Rarity and Fluttershy walking up behind them. "Where'd you guys go?" "Well, I was with Applejack and Pinkie, but I lost them somewhere by the cotton candy booth." "And she just happened to find me, almost being carried away by the crowd!" Rarity added. "Which cotton candy booth?" Rainbow asked. "The one to the East." "Oh." Dash put down the dart and walked over to Fluttershy. "You wanna play darts?" she asked. Twilight out down the dart she was holding, too, and stepped away. "I need to talk to Rarity for a minute anyways," she said, walking over to the white unicorn. Dash and Fluttershy looked at each other and walked over to the darts. Twilight stood next to Rarity, watching the pair playing darts together from behind. Dash was winning, as she did with Twilight, but she was taking it easier on Fluttershy, who was having a hard time grasping the darts. Every once it a while, one of them said something and the two pegusi giggled, continuing to the best of their ability to throw the remaining darts. Twilight turned to Rarity. "I never really imagined this happening... I mean, two of my best friends... just... I don't know." Rarity turned back. "I never really thought that would happen to Rainbow Dash, but I always rather thought...I mean, er, I just couldn't imagine Fluttershy with a - a colt," she stumbled through her thought. She let out a small, nervous chuckle, and became embarrassed at the look on Twilight's face. "You mean you actually think about the love lives of your friends?" She rolled her eyes and threw her forelegs into the air. "I mean, what the hell, Rarity?!" "I don't know, I just... I've never been in any kind of... relationship with anypony before. And just seeing what they have, it warms my heart, but it - makes me feel rather jealous, actually," Rarity replied. She didn't really know why she was saying what was on her mind. She wasn't really the type of pony to do that. But, she always felt like she could talk to Twilight. After all, Twilight was her best friend. Twilight replied, "I mean, you know me, heh; I've never really taken the time to be with anypony either. But I couldn't do what they're doing. Especially with a friend like that. It would just be too uncomfortable." "Personally, I've been trying for years to find the right colt, but he just hasn't come up yet. I still have my youth for another good ten or twelve years, but again, I'm just so upset that I can't find the right pony for me." "Well, tell me when you do, and then ask whether he has a brother." The two unicorns erupted into laughter, which even then was nearly indistinct above the noise of the festival around them. Then they heard Rainbow Dash say, "Hey, AJ! Hi, Pinkie! Where'd you guys go?" Chapter 5 - Confessions The orange and pink earth ponies walked up to the dart booth, greeting the other ponies. "Sorry, everypony!" Pinkie apologized lightly. "I guess we got separated somewhere in this super-huge crowd!" Rainbow Dash put her darts down, and, followed closely by Fluttershy, walked over and joined the small group of four; Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack. She smiled. "It looks like we only have about a half hour left; the princess is starting to raise the sun." It was true; the sky had become much lighter by then. "I think we should all start heading home," Twilight said. All the ponies around them were still in full party mode, but the six friends had definitely been emotionally drained by the night. "Wait!" Pinkie shouted. "Why can't we just do, like, two more booths? C'mon! Pleeease?!" she begged. All her friends looked at her, and at each other. "Uh... yeah, I mean, I guess it's okay." "I suppose." "Why not?" They turned, almost in sync, and began walking down the aisle. "Ooh, uh, how about a beanbag toss?" Twilight suggested. Pinkie shrugged. "Sure," she said, and bounced over to the booth. The huge moon still lingered in the sky, overlooking allthe friends as though it were an eye of great power and importance. Rainbow Dash went up first to compete with Pinkie; she volunteered because there was something still itching at the back of her mind. They threw a few rounds, missing occasionally, but Pinkie was actually really hitting the target. Dash paused and looked over to Pinkie. "Wow, Pinkie! You're not bad at this! I mean... jeez!" She threw another. "I just can't keep up!" Pinkie remained silent, still in deep concentration - or in deep thought. Dash and Pinkie threw a few more rounds before Dash finally asked what had been bugging her. "Pinkie, um... Fluttershy and I asked everypony else, but I just wanted to ask you." She inhaled a little. "What... what do you think?" "You're doing really good, Dash! Usually, ponies can't beat me at beanbags!" "No, not - urgh. I mean, about Fluttershy and me." Pinkie stopped throwing. She knew what she thought: she was uncomfortable. But she didn't know why. She thought for a while, the game temporarily on hold. Dash looked over to her. "Uh, Pinkie?" she asked. Pinkie continued to remain silent. She - she just couldn't think of why. "Pinkie?" Pinkie turned to Dash, suddenly having become very... not Pinkie. She stared at Dash for a few minutes, feeling a terrible sting behind her eyes. She'd figured out the reason. "I... never thought it would end up between you and Fluttershy," she said, softly. Dash looked confused, and concerned for her friend. "I always thought it would end up between you and me." That was profound... and terrible. Dash was suddenly filled with compassion, and felt her friend's hurt. She placed a hoof gently on Pinkie's shoulder as tears began to travel down the pink mare's cheek. "I'm... so sorry, Pinkie, I - don't know what to say." She sighed, and leaned over to her friend. "Does it really hurt you to see me and Fluttershy?" Pinkie looked back into Dash's eyes, and... smiled. Dash was surprised. Pinkie, tears still rolling down her cheeks, said, "No... it doesn't. It - makes me happier than ever." Dash's mouth fell open. "I'm just glad to see that you're happy." Dash became hugely upset, and her eyes watered. She pulled the soft pink mare up to her and hugged her. The four behind them were... confused. Absolutely thunderstruck, actually. Applejack tilted her head to the side. "What, uh... what just happened there?" she asked, staring with the others at the scene playing out in front of them. They saw Pinkie begin to cry, Rainbow Dash trying to comfort her, then they hugged, and went backto their game. Twilight shook her head. "No idea," she replied. "Well, isn't it nice?" Rarity said. Twilight squinted, and turned her head to Rarity. "Why is everything so 'nice' tonight?" she asked. Rarity shrugged. "Well, I mean, eeh, you, um... I mean, it's all just..." Twilight's eyes grew wider and she looked up. "Oh no," Twilight said, and looked up at the moon. "I totally neglected to tell you guys," she began, looking sheepishly at the group of ponies around her. "The, um... about the Lunar Effect." the other ponies looked at the purple unicorn as if they were saying, 'okay?' She cleared her throat and continued. "It, um, amplifies feelings and emotions, so everything you're feeling probably isn't normal." She sighed. "I've been keeping myself prepared and under control for the entire night, to keep myself from doing something I would regret, but I forgot to tell you guys to be on your guards." Fluttershy began rocking on her hooves. "So that means..." Twilight grinned nervously again. "Yeah, that kinda explains why you guys decided to tell us tonight, and, uh, it probably increased our reactional feelings." She glanced from left to right at the ponies in front of her. They looked pretty pissed. "Well, I told you guys now, so, you know, be on your guards for the last... fifteen minutes," she finished anxiously. Applejack stared at Twilight, bemused. "So ah didn't need to tell anypony mah feelin's tonight? It was the moon's fault?" Fluttershy spoke up. "I'm glad it did, though; it was nice to learn abou your guys' feelings tonight, fully, instead of trying to get it out of you later to a lesser result." Twilight smiled as Pinkie and Dash returned to the group. "Well-spoken, Fluttershy." "Well-spoken what?" Dash asked. The group smiled. "Nothing," Fluttershy replied.
Chapter 1 - The First Summer Night Rainbow Dash could feel so much romance in that one embrace, as they lay there together, overlooking the cliffs and the ocean. Fluttershy was breathing deeply and calmly on her chest. Dash looked down at her... so peaceful, so beautiful. How had this happened? One autumn day, just one, was enough to send her and Fluttershy deeply into a romantic bliss. Nopony else knew about this yet, this secret love between two best friends. They appeared the same around others, but inside they had such... deep feelings for one another. It was an example of the perfect relationship, thought Dash as she leaned down to kiss Fluttershy lovingly on the top of her head. They were together, alone, on a rocky mount overlooking a beautiful shore. Dash put thought after worried thought out of her mind. Fluttershy was more comfortable than any other time in her life, and glanced up every few minutes just to look into Rainbow Dash's eyes... those perfect rose eyes. They both leaned onto each other, in a full-body hug. They were in total peace, and both fell slowly into a dreamy sleep. "Oh, hi there, Fluttershy," Twilight greeted her, looking up from her parchment. "And Rainbow Dash, too... what are you guys doing here?" "You forgot already?" Rainbow Dash said, grinning at her. Twilight laughed. "No, of course not," she replied. "But is it time to go already?" She glanced out the window... the sun was about to set. It was almost seven. She smiled politely and stood. "Guess I just lost track of time." "It's almost started, though! Do you want to miss it?" "No... of course not." The three ponies walked rather quickly through the slowly darkening streets. If they didn't make it to the ceremony before the sun set, they wouldn't be allowed in. Dash just sighed, and looked over to Fluttershy. She looked back, grinned, and nodded. The two pegusi took hold of Twilight from both sides and took off into the crimson sky. Twilight shrieked, and closed her eyes, covering them with her hooves. Then her eyes snapped open again, and she looked back to Rainbow Dash. "Hey, move your right hoof!" she shouted above the wind. Dash looked confused, then grinned sheepishly and grasped Twilight more fully under her chest. They were able to make the ceremony in time, thankfully, but only just. They were able to find seats close to the back of the massive theatron, and Twilight smiled. She'd totally forgotten how exciting this could be. When Celestia walked out onto the stage, everypony began cheering, along with the three in the back. When everypony quieted down, Celestia finally began to speak. "My little ponies," she began, looking around the audience at all of her subjects. "Tonight we have gathered together here for the greatest summertime celebration ever created by the pony race..." She paused for effect. "The First Summer Night!" At here, all the ponies in the audience burst with cheers and whistles. Princess Luna walked out onto the great wooden stage. "Hi, everypony!" she shouted into the audience. She was very good at doing that. She waved to everypony and smiled. Her sister had given her her own festival when she came back from the moon four years ago. Nightmare Night wasn't the only celebration for her; she had a happy one now, too. She turned around, and stared up into the sky. She concentrated as hard as she could; the audience was still. A powerful bluish beam shot out of the end of her horn and the audience gasped as the largest moon they had seen in a while was lifted high into space by the superior magic of the royal allicorn on the platform in front of them. It was almost the size of the harvest moon, but slightly bigger. It was best, most awe-inspiring distance the moon had ever been from the earth. The ponies in the audience cheered as Luna turned and bowed. The three ponies in the back were standing and cheering with the rest, and, suddenly, a strange feeling swept over all the ponies. The moon had a... certain effect to it that differed from pony to pony. All the ponies remained cheering, but all could feel the moon's power. Oh, well. It wasn't really anything to be bothered with; it was ignorable. Besides, Twilight and the princesses may have been the only ones to know the effect was actually happening to everypony. The ponies filed out of the gates of the theatron and began to head towards the city square, where everything was already set up for the night's celebration. The three friends arrived at the celebration at about the same time Pinkie and Rarity did. They all met up, and began walking down the carnival-like aisles of booths set up for the festival. Everypony was talking and laughing around them (including Pinkie). They met up with Applejack a while later at the Apple Family confectionary booth, after Rainbow Dash had won a huge pink bear in a carnival game and Pinkie Pie ate almost four cotton candies already. The group stood around the booth, having a great time, when Rainbow Dash took Fluttershy aside for a second. "I've been thinking," she said, sighing. "I don't want... us... to be a secret anymore." Fluttershy looked away. "I've thought the same thing," she said softly, "but I've also thought about the results." Rainbow Dash smiled at her. "What could be the worst?" She looked over at the group, who were in high spirits. "And what better time to tell them besides now?" She looked back at Fluttershy. "I want to get this over with." Fluttershy looked back to Rainbow Dash, who seemed so confident. She began to blush, and whispered to her. "I trust you." Dash grinned and looked back to the group. "Together?" Fluttershy smiled. "Together."
Chapter 2 - Revelation Fluttershy stayed close to Rainbow Dash throughout their... short speech, for lack of a better word. It was difficult to really make an impact, or to be understood, with all the music and voices around them, so Dash decided finally to guidethem all into a nearby alleyway. It was much quieter here, albeit much cooler... and damper. Dash sighed, and Fluttershy reamined on her left side as Dash began to speak. "Fluttershy and I have something we need to tell you all," she began, trying with difficulty to keep her emotions straight. "We're... urrgh. Fluttershy, help me out here." Fluttershy shook her head. "C'mon, Fluttershy, I thought we agreed on this." Hearing the tone in her voice, Fluttershy leaned against the baby blue pegasus a bit more and drew herself to full height. Her confidence may not have been restored, but it had definitely increased. "Rainbow D-" she stopped. It was much less embarrassing when it was in her head. But... why should love be embarrassing? Then she realized - it wasn't embarrassment. It was a fear of failure. In her head, she had gone over the possible outcomes multiple times, but just assumed she could muster up the courage in real life as she could in her imagination. She was able to speak, just this one line, without her voice wavering. "We're in love." The other four looked positively shocked. Except Applejack. "Um... could y'all repeat that, please?" she asked. Rainbow Dash nodded, and put her wing around Fluttershy's back. "She wasn't lying. We... figured it out two weeks ago." She smiled at Fluttershy. "We really are in love." Silence. Then Pinkie burst out laughing. "That's - that's so ironic! You two - have been best friends for - for what, forever?" She continued laughing. Just cause she was the Elelment of Laughter doesn't make that any less rude. Rarity interrupted Pinkie. "Well, I think it's sweet." The other two (minus Pinkie) looked at her in surprise. She looked back. "What? I'm just saying. It's nice that a love could blossom between two best friends." Twilight looked at the two and blushed. "So you guys are - " she edged herself into the word slowly - "llllllesbians?" Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy. "You know what, I never thought of it that way. Yeah, I guess so." She looked back at Twilight. "Why?" Twilight shook her head. "N-no reason." Pinkie Pie continued laughing. Rarity nudged her with her hoof. "Stop that, Pinkie! That's really rude!" Pinkie looked at Rarity and forced her mouth shut. Applejack had remained silent the entire time. "Well, uh... haven'tcha ever had, maybe, a crush on a stallion before?" Applejack asked quietly. "Actually," Fluttershy replied, "it's both of our first romances." Applejack looked at them and shook her head. "Never seen anything like it before," she said. "But, ya know what, you two are some o' mah best friends. If it's alright with you, it's alright with me." "I don't get it," Twilight said. Rainbow Dash suddenly got defensive. "What's there to get?" Her voice began to raise. "It's just love! It's not really right or wrong!" Twilight shrunk back. Applejack returned her anger. "Well, ah never said there was anything wrong with it!" "I wasn't talking to you!" "Girls!" Twilight almost shouted. "This is a fun celebration, not an angry one. I don't even know why you had to tell us now, at the First Summer Moon festival. I mean-" "It was my fault," Rainbow Dash said. "I wanted to get it out of the way, to make sure you guys accepted us." She looked down. "I just wanted to make sure we would still be friends. I'm - I'm sorry." Fluttershy turned to Rainbow Dash and leaned in. They kissed for a solid ten seconds, and Fluttershy broke off. That left Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and Applejack standing in front of them, mouths open. Pinkie Pie's eye twitched, and a smile appeared at the corners of her mouth. Twilight and Applejack blushed, looked at each other, then back at Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Rarity looked down and wiped her eyes with the back of her hoof. Twilight looked at Rarity. "What?" she replied. "Love is beautiful." Twilight continued to stare at Rarity in silence. "I just think it's nice." Twilight closed her mouth, pursed her lips, and turned back towards the two pegusi. They were looking at Applejack, who had turned a deep shade of red. "So, uh... Is everypony alright with it?" Rainbow Dash asked. Rarity was the first one to react. "Well, yes, of course! Who would I be to break up such a beautiful thing?" Pinkie was next. "Sure, I mean, if you guys like it, than whatever!" She grinned and bounced in place. Rainbow Dash looked over at Twilight and Applejack, who were still ruddy and slightly surprised-looking. Applejack spoke first. "Like ah said. You two are some o' mah best friends, and if it's alright with you, then it's alright with me." Twilight replied last. "Um... okay... I guess. It just confuses me, is all. I don't like things that confuse me." Dash and Fluttershy looked and each other and at the group. "Thank you guys so much! I didn't think it would go so well!" Fluttershy said. "I'm glad I can feel comfortable again." "Yeah," Dash added. "It was terrible, not knowing whether you would fit in. But I'm just glad none of you really disliked us." Applejack smiled. "Well, what kinda ponies would we be if we just isolated our own friends for their... uh... preferences?" Rainbow smiled back at Applejack. "Let's git back to the party, shall we?"
Chapter 3 - Just Making Sure The group emerged from the alleyway to the festival in the square. There were maybe two hours left until sunrise, so the party would wrap up with the rising of the sun. Of course, an awkward feeling had been created during that little confrontation, and the moon's natural emotional aggravation didn't help matters. They tried to shrug it off, both individually and collectively, but... it was still pretty difficult. All of them had individualized feelings towards this new development according to their characters (so Pinkie was perfectly fine with it, of course). These conflicting emotions made conversation more difficult that it could have been. "Hey, Twilight," Rainbow Dash said while they were playing darts at a booth. "How... how do you feel?" "About what?" Twilight asked politely. Making a big deal out of it may seem rude, like it wasn't normal. "You know," Dash replied. "How do you, just you, feel about it?" Twilight looked thoughtful for a second, and turned to throw a dart. "I can't be biased against my friends, Dash. As the Element of Loyalty, you should know that. Friendship comes first." She turned to smile at Dash. "After all, it's not, like, illegal or anything." Dash looked at Twilight and smiled, her eyes glowing. "Thanks, Twi. You're always really nice to me." Meanwhile, in the Hall of Justice... Fluttershy was walking along an aisle of booths with Applejack and Pinkie. They were generally silent (except for Pinkie's constant, random babble). Fluttershy was embarrassed a little bit, because before any of this happened, AJ was Fluttershy's sturdy ground, someone to rely on. Anypony above her in her mind who didn't... approve of something she was doing unsettled her. Applejack had behaved strangely to the news, as though she accepted the fact, but... only because they were friends. She made it seem like if Dash and Fluttershy weren't her friends, it wouldn't have turned out for the better. Fluttershy considered this while the group was walking past game booths and vendors. She finally decided to make a move. "Applejack?" Fluttershy asked quietly. "Hmm?" "Um... what do... what do you really think about..." "It's alright with me if it's alright with you." Applejack interrupted decisively. "That's not what I'm asking," Fluttershy replied. "What... how do you feel about it, though?" Applejack looked at Fluttershy, then at the ground. She began to bite her bottom lip, her honst characteristic beginning to overcome her manners. "Ah've never seen it before, and I don't think it's normal!" she said before realizing that what she said could hurt Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked up at Applejack hopefully. "Is... that bad?" Applejack returned her friend's worried look, but became calmed by the knowledge that her next statement would be totally true. "Of course not, sugarcube." Pinkie Pie, unbeknownst to the two mares on her left, had been listening carefully. She looked down at the ground, too, in deep thought as the friends talked. Contrary to her actions, she had actually been deeply troubled by the pegasi's proclamation, which confused her because... she didn't know why. She was just uncomfortable imagining two of her friends in a relationship that she had been raised to know was only for a mare and a colt. Not only was it difficult to understand, it was strange that ponies she'd heard of actually existed... and two were her best friends. It was just confusing. She knew better than to say anything, though. Until... "Pinkie?" a voice from her left asked. "Yeah?" Oh no. Yeah? That wasn't like her at all. She had to make something up. "What's up, buttercup? Or, in this case, Fluttershy?" She giggled. "Do you want to come apple bobbing with us?" Oh. Good. At least she didn't have to think of something to say quite yet. "Of course! Free apples plus a game? The fun has been doubled!" [What is wrong with me?]
Chapter 4 - Lunar Effect "Luna?" Celestia asked, making her way through a group of ponies to a small competition in the middle. "Can I, uh, pull you aside for a second?" "Sure, I guess," Luna replied, wedging herself out of a pickle barrel she had been trying to sit in. They took off through the night to the Whisper Tree. The Whisper Tree was a tree grown for revealing secrets, because each one of its immense, sturdy, thick fruits could hold up to five ponies (or two princesses) and were totally soundproof. Celestia shut the door after her sister, and both shifted around a bit, trying not to touch each other. After a few moments, Celestia spoke. "You do know what the moon does to ponies, right?" Celestia asked. "Yeah, yeah, uh, of course I do... um... yes?" Luna replied unsurely. Celestia raised an eyebrow. Luna sighed. "No, I don't know what effect the moon has on ponies," Luna said softly. Celestia groaned, and covered her face with her right hoof. "It... boosts emotions. Like if you're happy, you're really happy, and if you're sad, youre... really sad, etcetera. That's why we usually keep he moon at the same distance throughout the year, and even on full moons it can get pretty hectic. And what did you do? Ya threw up a huge moon, just to impress your friends." Seeing the expression on Luna's face, Celestia felt compelled to smile. "I mean, I suppose it couldn't hurt just one night a year. But be caref-" Too late. Luna was already flying back to the party, a huge grin on her face. Celestia rubbed her forehead. She was going to need extra security tonight.* The six friends had been unfortunately been dissolved in the crowd, and the group, well, it... didn't exist anymore. Pinkie Pie was left at a cotton candy vendor, Applejack was abandoned in a crowd, Rarity had met up with Fluttershy, but nopony else, and Rainbow Dash and Twilight were together still at the dart booth. "Fluttershy?" Rarity asked. "Is that you? Darling, I simply can't see you over this awful crowd! Help me, please!" she cried above the noise. Fluttershy could hear Rarity's voice, and was able to pull her out of the crowd (but just barely). "Thank you, Fluttershy," Rarity said when they were both safely situated on the ground. "No problem," Fluttershy said, walking alongside Rarity. "Um, where are you going in such a hurry?" "Well, I'm going to go find Twilight," Rarity replied. "Rainbow Dash is with her, right?" Fluttershy asked, trying it keep up with Rarity. "Well, yes of c- waaaaait... do you miss her?" Rarity smiled and slowed down. "It - it was just a question, I didn't really say-" "You do, right? Oh, that's so sweet! You long for the companionship of your love, who was hidden from you in this rambunctious festival crowd!" Rarity looked positively joyful. "Well, um, that was kinda rude -" "Oh, it's just so romantic! I could write a story about it - nay, two stories! Two stories and a poem!" Rarity's eyes sparkled. Fluttershy drew herself to full height (it made her feel more confident). "I'd rather you not, thank you," she said sternly.'"Why are you obsessing over us?" "Obsessing? No, I just love the romance of it -" "Well, it may have been easier on us if you'd just be confused like the others were!" Fluttershy was rather angry now. "Oh, I'm very sorry, I didn't mean to insult anypony... I apologize," Rarity said finally, looking down at the ground. At this, Fluttershy became regretful of what she'd said, and leaned her head against Rarity's as they continued walking. "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have had such an outburst. I mean, it, uh... it is kind of romantic, isnt it?" They continued laughing and talking until they reached the dart booth. Applejack looked around, and couldn't see any sign... of, really, anypony. So she figured she was done with the others for now, and turned to head back to the Apple Family's booth. On the way there, though, she saw a streak of neon pink. "Uh... hey! Pinkie? Is that you? Ah'm kinda lost in th' crowd over here..." Pinkie jumped when somepony mentioned her name (she was pretty deep in thought), but turned around to see Applejack behind her. "Oh, hi, Applejack!" Pinkie shouted over the music and voices. She rushed over to her, making her way through tons of candy-colored ponies. Applejack caught her as she tripped and nearly fell to the floor. "Gee, ah'm glad ta see you, Pinkie!" Applejack said, helping the fellow earth pony off of the tiled ground. "Took quite a tumble there, didn't cha?" Applejack laughed. Pinkie stood and shook herself off. She offered Applejack a little stick of cotton candy; she was carrying, like, six or seven. Applejack accepted it. "Thanks, Pinkie. How'd we get separated? This crowd ain't nothing compared to the Sugar Rush festival in Saddlesburg last year." "There was a what?" "A Sugar Rush festival, that, uh, celebrates sugar." At this, Pinkie's eyes widened. "I wanna go! I wanna go!" she cried, bouncing up and down insanely quickly. applejack put a hoof on her shoulder. "Okay, then, Pinkie, ah'll try ta find the details fer this year," Applejack said, calming the pink pony down. "Jist, uh... whah don't we try to find th' other four?" They set off walking towards the dart booth. Meanwhile, in the Hall of Justice... "Hey, guys!" Rainbow Dash said, being the first to notice Rarity and Fluttershy walking up behind them. "Where'd you guys go?" "Well, I was with Applejack and Pinkie, but I lost them somewhere by the cotton candy booth." "And she just happened to find me, almost being carried away by the crowd!" Rarity added. "Which cotton candy booth?" Rainbow asked. "The one to the East." "Oh." Dash put down the dart and walked over to Fluttershy. "You wanna play darts?" she asked. Twilight out down the dart she was holding, too, and stepped away. "I need to talk to Rarity for a minute anyways," she said, walking over to the white unicorn. Dash and Fluttershy looked at each other and walked over to the darts. Twilight stood next to Rarity, watching the pair playing darts together from behind. Dash was winning, as she did with Twilight, but she was taking it easier on Fluttershy, who was having a hard time grasping the darts. Every once it a while, one of them said something and the two pegusi giggled, continuing to the best of their ability to throw the remaining darts. Twilight turned to Rarity. "I never really imagined this happening... I mean, two of my best friends... just... I don't know." Rarity turned back. "I never really thought that would happen to Rainbow Dash, but I always rather thought...I mean, er, I just couldn't imagine Fluttershy with a - a colt," she stumbled through her thought. She let out a small, nervous chuckle, and became embarrassed at the look on Twilight's face. "You mean you actually think about the love lives of your friends?" She rolled her eyes and threw her forelegs into the air. "I mean, what the hell, Rarity?!" "I don't know, I just... I've never been in any kind of... relationship with anypony before. And just seeing what they have, it warms my heart, but it - makes me feel rather jealous, actually," Rarity replied. She didn't really know why she was saying what was on her mind. She wasn't really the type of pony to do that. But, she always felt like she could talk to Twilight. After all, Twilight was her best friend. Twilight replied, "I mean, you know me, heh; I've never really taken the time to be with anypony either. But I couldn't do what they're doing. Especially with a friend like that. It would just be too uncomfortable." "Personally, I've been trying for years to find the right colt, but he just hasn't come up yet. I still have my youth for another good ten or twelve years, but again, I'm just so upset that I can't find the right pony for me." "Well, tell me when you do, and then ask whether he has a brother." The two unicorns erupted into laughter, which even then was nearly indistinct above the noise of the festival around them. Then they heard Rainbow Dash say, "Hey, AJ! Hi, Pinkie! Where'd you guys go?"
Chapter 5 - Confessions The orange and pink earth ponies walked up to the dart booth, greeting the other ponies. "Sorry, everypony!" Pinkie apologized lightly. "I guess we got separated somewhere in this super-huge crowd!" Rainbow Dash put her darts down, and, followed closely by Fluttershy, walked over and joined the small group of four; Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack. She smiled. "It looks like we only have about a half hour left; the princess is starting to raise the sun." It was true; the sky had become much lighter by then. "I think we should all start heading home," Twilight said. All the ponies around them were still in full party mode, but the six friends had definitely been emotionally drained by the night. "Wait!" Pinkie shouted. "Why can't we just do, like, two more booths? C'mon! Pleeease?!" she begged. All her friends looked at her, and at each other. "Uh... yeah, I mean, I guess it's okay." "I suppose." "Why not?" They turned, almost in sync, and began walking down the aisle. "Ooh, uh, how about a beanbag toss?" Twilight suggested. Pinkie shrugged. "Sure," she said, and bounced over to the booth. The huge moon still lingered in the sky, overlooking allthe friends as though it were an eye of great power and importance. Rainbow Dash went up first to compete with Pinkie; she volunteered because there was something still itching at the back of her mind. They threw a few rounds, missing occasionally, but Pinkie was actually really hitting the target. Dash paused and looked over to Pinkie. "Wow, Pinkie! You're not bad at this! I mean... jeez!" She threw another. "I just can't keep up!" Pinkie remained silent, still in deep concentration - or in deep thought. Dash and Pinkie threw a few more rounds before Dash finally asked what had been bugging her. "Pinkie, um... Fluttershy and I asked everypony else, but I just wanted to ask you." She inhaled a little. "What... what do you think?" "You're doing really good, Dash! Usually, ponies can't beat me at beanbags!" "No, not - urgh. I mean, about Fluttershy and me." Pinkie stopped throwing. She knew what she thought: she was uncomfortable. But she didn't know why. She thought for a while, the game temporarily on hold. Dash looked over to her. "Uh, Pinkie?" she asked. Pinkie continued to remain silent. She - she just couldn't think of why. "Pinkie?" Pinkie turned to Dash, suddenly having become very... not Pinkie. She stared at Dash for a few minutes, feeling a terrible sting behind her eyes. She'd figured out the reason. "I... never thought it would end up between you and Fluttershy," she said, softly. Dash looked confused, and concerned for her friend. "I always thought it would end up between you and me." That was profound... and terrible. Dash was suddenly filled with compassion, and felt her friend's hurt. She placed a hoof gently on Pinkie's shoulder as tears began to travel down the pink mare's cheek. "I'm... so sorry, Pinkie, I - don't know what to say." She sighed, and leaned over to her friend. "Does it really hurt you to see me and Fluttershy?" Pinkie looked back into Dash's eyes, and... smiled. Dash was surprised. Pinkie, tears still rolling down her cheeks, said, "No... it doesn't. It - makes me happier than ever." Dash's mouth fell open. "I'm just glad to see that you're happy." Dash became hugely upset, and her eyes watered. She pulled the soft pink mare up to her and hugged her. The four behind them were... confused. Absolutely thunderstruck, actually. Applejack tilted her head to the side. "What, uh... what just happened there?" she asked, staring with the others at the scene playing out in front of them. They saw Pinkie begin to cry, Rainbow Dash trying to comfort her, then they hugged, and went backto their game. Twilight shook her head. "No idea," she replied. "Well, isn't it nice?" Rarity said. Twilight squinted, and turned her head to Rarity. "Why is everything so 'nice' tonight?" she asked. Rarity shrugged. "Well, I mean, eeh, you, um... I mean, it's all just..." Twilight's eyes grew wider and she looked up. "Oh no," Twilight said, and looked up at the moon. "I totally neglected to tell you guys," she began, looking sheepishly at the group of ponies around her. "The, um... about the Lunar Effect." the other ponies looked at the purple unicorn as if they were saying, 'okay?' She cleared her throat and continued. "It, um, amplifies feelings and emotions, so everything you're feeling probably isn't normal." She sighed. "I've been keeping myself prepared and under control for the entire night, to keep myself from doing something I would regret, but I forgot to tell you guys to be on your guards." Fluttershy began rocking on her hooves. "So that means..." Twilight grinned nervously again. "Yeah, that kinda explains why you guys decided to tell us tonight, and, uh, it probably increased our reactional feelings." She glanced from left to right at the ponies in front of her. They looked pretty pissed. "Well, I told you guys now, so, you know, be on your guards for the last... fifteen minutes," she finished anxiously. Applejack stared at Twilight, bemused. "So ah didn't need to tell anypony mah feelin's tonight? It was the moon's fault?" Fluttershy spoke up. "I'm glad it did, though; it was nice to learn abou your guys' feelings tonight, fully, instead of trying to get it out of you later to a lesser result." Twilight smiled as Pinkie and Dash returned to the group. "Well-spoken, Fluttershy." "Well-spoken what?" Dash asked. The group smiled. "Nothing," Fluttershy replied.
