Perhaps Someday

Fluttershy floated about the kitchen sluggishly. The morning sun had not been a welcome sight when it came pouring through the windows and awakening her much earlier than she would have liked. With a yawn, she stretched her back in a vain attempt to loosen the knots that formed during the night. Although her couch was comfortable, it wasn't the greatest thing in the world to sleep on.

Taking another sip of her tea, she opened the cupboard and began fishing through it. She had a big day ahead of her after all. Her animal friends would all be returning soon and she needed to make sure that breakfast was ready for them as she promised. Not to mention, she had to get ready to go to the market to get the last remaining items she'd need for Angel's salad that afternoon as well.

The sound of groaning behind her made her pause and turn around. There hovering in the doorway with her head firmly planted in her hooves was Rainbow Dash, awake much earlier than Fluttershy had assumed she would be. "Why in Equestria does the sun have to be so dang bright?" she moaned, while rubbing her head. "Do you think if I got Spike to send her a letter, Princess Celestia could tone it down a bit?"

Fluttershy laughed. "I don't think it works like that Rainbow."

"Well why not?" she snapped back. Her own loud volume caused her to wince in pain once again. "We're the freaking Elements of Harmony. Couldn't she do it for just one day?"

Fluttershy just shook her head. Grabbing another cup, she poured some more tea. "Here," she said handing it over to her friend. "Drink this. It'll help you fill better."

Rainbow Dash gladly accepted the cup, downing its contents in a couple a large gulps. "Thanks 'Shy," she said pulling the cup back with a sigh. "Now, tell me, how bad was I last night?"

"...Pretty bad honestly. You were pretty out of it I'm afraid."

"Yeah, I could tell," Rainbow said rubbing her head once again. "I can't remember the last time I drank that much."

"Oh," Fluttershy asked hesitantly. "Do you remember much about last night?"

Rainbow sat and thought about it for a moment. "Well, I remember going to the bar and having the first couple of drinks. But... after that everything is just a blur until I woke up this morning and realized where I was." She looked horrified for a moment. "Please tell me I didn't do anything stupid."

Fluttershy smiled. "No, you just showed up here shortly after the bar closed, had a quick bite to eat and went right to bed; nothing stupid at all."

"That's good," Rainbow said with a sigh of relief. "I'm sorry to have to put you through all of this. I wish there was something I could do to make it up to you."

"Don’t worry about it Rainbow," Fluttershy said, the tiniest hint of sadness in her voice. "It's what good friends do." She turned back towards the breakfast she was preparing. "Now, you must be hungry. Have a seat and I'll whip you up a nice breakfast to help you get back on your hooves."

Rainbow shook her head. "Thanks, but I'm afraid I've worn out my welcome enough as it is. Besides, I've got to get to work before the mayor gets after me for their still being clouds in the sky." She placed the cup down on the table and stretched. "Thanks again 'Shy. I owe you one."

"Really, it was no trouble at all," Fluttershy responded. "I'm happy to help out."

For a moment, Rainbow looked nervous. Her head darted around the room as though she was looking to make sure nopony else was around. "No really, I mean it." Stepping forward, she reached over and planted her lips gently on Fluttershy's cheek giving her a quick kiss. "Thanks a lot Fluttershy," she said pulling back with a slight blush in her cheeks. Then, turning tail, she flew out of the cottage without so much as another word.

For a whole minute, Fluttershy just sat there completely stunned. Slowly, she lifted her hoof to her cheek, and caressed the area of Rainbow's embrace. Her heart felt like it was going pound out of her chest as a bright smile slowly formed on her face.

Perhaps someday wasn't as far off as she thought.