Gambling Away the Twilightby Death2924ChaptersChapter 1Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6EpilogueChapter 2Chapter 1"Come on girls, we have to catch our train." -said Twilight.- "The 09:00 to Las Pegasus leaves in ten minutes." "Oh, I think I may have forgotten something." fretted Rarity looking at the mountain of bags that trailed her. Applejack gave her a disgruntled look. "Rarity, we don't have time to go over everything now, the train is leaving soon." The spicy aroma of rainbows already invading their snouts. "So, I bet you're pretty excited about going to Las Pegasus, especially on one of the cloud trains." said Rainbow Dash, flying at a leisurely pace beside the group. "Oh yes, I've studied their schematics. It's really interesting how they can make it run on rainbows rather than coal." -rambled Twilight.- "And how they can make the fuel last the 900 miles to Las Pegasus I will never know." Rainbow used to hate it when Twilight talked like this, but now she thought it was.. well. Kind of cute. "Well you are a princess now. I bet you could just ask." she said. Twilight blushed but to her relief a whistle sounded before she could give an answer, followed by the loud cry "All aboard!" "We'd better hurry, the train is about to leave." said AJ The group sped up the platform stairs and nearly into the conductor. "Ah, you ladies just caught us. Tickets please." The group filed into the carriage, the soft cloud floor let their hooves sink in. They found some seats and sat down. Rainbow made subtly sure she sat next to twilight.This is the week. It's now or never. She decided she would strike up some light conversation. "So Twilight, have read up on Celestia's Palace. I heard it's the most awesome place, they've got nearly everything there." "Yes, I've heard they have the largest book and scroll shop outside of Canterlot there." said Twilight dreamily. "I've heard from Fancy Pants that the fashion shopping is simply divine." squealed Rarity. "Oooohhh, oooohhh. I've heard they have the biggest party supplies store in Equestria there. I'm gonna just have to absolutely definitely visit it." shouted Pinkie, jumping up and down. "Well I don't know about y'all but i'm going to mah' cousin's new store." said AJ. "You're cousin has a store there?" asked Rarity. "Eyup, he's got a farm supplies store there. I hear that Las Pegasus has thousands of acres of pear country nearby. Mah' cousin is one of the Pear family. They're our third cousins twice removed." said Applejack proudly. "That's really nice." -said Fluttershy in a soft voice.- "I was hoping to go to the animal and wildlife shops there. If you girls don't mind that is." "Fluttershy, you are free to do as you wish. You are a grown mare after all." said Twilight. "Ah but let's not forget why were here." -said Rarity as Twilight blushed.- "We're here for you Twilight. And for us, so that we can have fun together." "Together." said everyone in sync. "So what do you guys wanna do now?" -asked Rainbow.- "We have two hours until we reach Las Pegasus." "I've brought some brand new books with me that everyone can read. Rarity I have a new fashion guide from Canterlot. It specializes in Fall wear." said Twilight as she handed it to Rarity who squeaked in delight. "Fluttershy, I have got a special book on Mojave desert animals." The timid mare took it with a quiet but earnest, "Thankyou." Applejack received a volume on Mojave crops, Pinkie received a guide to the best clubs and party areas in Las Pegasus. "And Rainbow, this just came in this morning. Daring Do and Rosetta in the Jungle of Perils. It has very good reviews and was a nominee for the Unicorn Awards." The look of obvious delight on Rainbow's face made Twilight feel nice and happy. She liked to see Rainbow smile, more than anyone else. She didn't know why but there was something about that smile which made her feel warm especially when it was something to do with books. "Sweet. Thanks Twi', you're the best friend anyone could have." said Rainbow. "You're welcome. Well, I suggest we all settle down and read." the alicorn replied. They all lay down on the soft fluffy clouds that comprised the seats. They were completely alone in their carriage save for one stallion at the far end. Twilight noted how fast they appeared to be travelling, the ground was passing below them by like lightning. However it felt like they weren't moving. Twilight marveled at the anti-g force technology used in these trains. Rainbow looked really into the new Daring Do book. The smile on that young mare's face as she read made Twilight feel the same warmth. She looked away from rainbow and began digging in her saddlebags for her book. 'Advanced teleportation and mind link spells'. "This looks good." The scorching jungle was unforgiving. The screeches of wild animals filled the air, there was nothing tame about this place. The pair of ponies trudged through the heat, their coats sticky with sweat. The clank and whirr of machinery was faint in the distance but it was getting louder by the minute. "So what do we expect to find Daring." quizzed her faithful companion Rosetta. "I don't know." -replied Daring.- "But I don't expect it to be good." They neared a drop, the noise of the machines louder than ever. They crept to the edge of what was apparently a cliff and looked down. "Goats. Hundreds of them." said Daring bluntly. "What are they doing?" asked Rosetta, shaking with fear. "Hey! What are you two doing?" -they spun round to see three goats staring at them, weapons drawn.- "Hey it's those two from the bar. Get 'em." Daring got ready to charge the goats ony to find Rosetta giggling. "Rosetta what's gotten into you? We're about to be blown away!" shouted Daring. Rosetta looked at her and said. "Rainbow. Rainbow. We're here." "Rainbow. We're here." giggled Twilight. "Whu' where..?" replied a groggy Rainbow. "We're in Las Pegasus dummy. You fell asleep whilst reading your book. You must be really tired." said Twilight. Rainbow shot up. "Oh, me? Sleeping? Be serious Twilight, I was just resting my eyes. Yeah, resting my eyes. The strain from all that reading." "Come on y'all, hustle up. We need to be at the hotel by 12 o'clock." said Applejack. "Coming" said Twilight who turned around. Rainbow watched Twilight's rump sway in front of her. She walked over to the rack and picked up her suitcase. I don't know if I can do this. Chapter 3"Rainbow." Twilight's voice rang from the bathroom. Rainbow looked up from Daring Do. "Huh?" "I'm gonna take a shower before we go for dinner. Do you want to go first?" said Twilight. "No, you go. I'll read until you're done." replied Rainbow. She settled down into her book as she heard the hum of the shower start up. She began to think about Twilight, that beautiful mare. Her first real crush. How am I going to do this. Will it ruin our friendship? The last thing I want is for Twi' to be mad with me. She got up and walked over to her bed. Sighing she sat on the soft mattress. Not quite as soft and comfortable as the clouds she was used to, but they felt nice. She lay on her back and stretched her limbs across the sheets, groaning as she did so. All the while the pitter patter of the shower hummed in the background. She reached for her saddlebags, carefully lifting them up and placing the before her. She opened one of the buckles and opened the bag. The lone cyan feather stood out against the beige lining of the bag. She picked it out and inspected it. The light from the setting sun catching the fibers making them glow in the middle of Rainbow's forehoof. She heard the shower stop and hoofsteps on the marble floor of the bathroom. Carefully replacing her feather she set her saddlebags down by the sideof her bed and pickedup Daring Do, trying to look as innocent as possible. Twilight came out of the bathroom draped in a white towel, her mane dripping water. Rainbow couldn't help but stare. "The shower's free Rainbow." she said giggling at Rainbow. "Oh, yeah." she said, lifting herself from the bed and on to her hooves. She trotted past Twilight and through the door of the bathroom. "How long until dinner?" Twilight glanced at the clock. It read seven. "We've got an hour until we've got to be there. Plenty of time." She sat down on the couch and began to think. I wonder what Rainbow really wanted to talk about. It sure wasn't anything to do with hotel floors. She's been acting weird around me for a while now. Especially since the coronation. I hope Spike's okay, I just hope the library hasn't been destroyed. The splash of warm water on the neck made Rainbow feel calm, her muscles relaxed and she spread her wings out underneath the gentle stream of the shower. I can't think this way about Twi' can I? I mean, she's a princess. She's probably going to live forever. I'm just a normal old Pegasus, what can I give her? She picked up the already used shower gel and poured a godly amount of it onto her hoof. Putting the bottle down she rubbed her hooves together and began to work the gel around her body. Rubbing it in as she went, still thinking about Twilight. She didn't notice that she had started crying until she tasted the salty sweetness on her lips. C'mon Rainbow. Get a hold of yourself. This'll work out. Won't it? She wiped the tears away from her eyes, the rims of which were already a distinctive red. She turned to the shower knob and twisted it until the warm trickle of water ceased. Opening the shower door she walked over to the mirror that occupied the wall behind the sinks. Her eyes were bloodshot, the area around them was a pinkish hue. She sniffed and turned the tap. Cool water began to flow from the spout. She let the sink fill before she dunked her face into it, trying to get rid of the red marks around her eyes. After a few vain attempts she came up with an alibi and walked towards the bathroom door. "Rainbow! Are you okay? Have you been crying?" Twilight rushed over to her friend to see why she looked terrible. "It's fine Twi'. I just got a little shower gel in my eyes that's all. Nothing Rainbow Dash can't handle." She lied batting Twilight off. "Well if you say so." Twilight backed off. "We should get ready." Saying this she pounceded over to her bag and undid the lock. Rarity had made Twilight several new dresses to accommodate her new wings, as well as modifying some of her old dresses. Twilight looked across the room to see Rainbow staring at her glassy eyed. "Rainbow? Are you okay?" said Twilight, her voice showing concern. The cyan pegasus's face turned a bright pink as she turned away from Twilight to hide the blush. "Uh, nothing Twi'. Just zoned out for a second there." she gave a half hearted laugh as she flew cautiously over to her bags. Twilight pulled out a simple navy dress with gold trim. One of Rarity's attempts to tone down the ostentatiousness of her styling. She pulled it on and looked in the mirror, admiring its simplicity. "Rainbow. Do I look okay?" asked Twilight, turning to the mare. Rainbow looked up. When she saw Twilight she gave out a small gasp, she looked beautiful. "You look awesome Twi'." Rainbow began to dig in her own bags, looking for her favorite dress. At last she found it, she pulled it out. A little creased but not bad. It was a white dress with silver trim. She slipped it on and bounded over to the window. The sun was starting to set behind the mountains of the Mojave which jutted up above the clouds. Their red peaks burning in the last light of the sun. Twilight glanced at the clock that lay on the bedside table. It's black hands indicated that it was half past seven. "Rainbow, we have half an hour until we have to meet the girls. I wanted to take a look at the grand library on my way down. Would you like to come with me?" asked Twilight enthusiastically. "Sure Twi'." said Rainbow, turning away from the window and trotting towards the mare. C'mon Rainbow, now is as good a time as any. But what if she doesn't even like mares. What if I just make a huge embarrassment of myself. Ugghh, brain. You never help me. "So, Twilight. What floor is the library on anyways?" asked Rainbow. "It's on the second floor. Same floor as the restaurant we're having dinner at tonight." chuckled Twilight, opening the door. She let Rainbow trot past her before walking out herself. The luxurious apartment fell under darkness as she closed the door. The pair walked down the hallway, nopony else was around. Rainbow felt at the peak of her nerves. More so than before the young flyers competition, this had nothing to do with flying. But even trying to get off the ground to be able to speak to Twilight was proving impossible. "So, Rainbow. I've heard they have a whole section on flying down in the library. I really want to get some practice in when we get back to Ponyville. I was wondering if you would maybe help me?" said Twilight as she pressed the button for the elevator. ~DING~ How can I not be able to do this. I mean, me, THE Rainbow Dash. Fastest flyer in all of... "Ahem! Rainbow." Twilight stood in the elevator tapping her hoof on the marble floor. Rainbow gave a sheepish look and followed her in. The doors slid shut and the elevator began to drift downwards towards their destination. Every floor they passed was signified by a sharp buzz from the speaker system within the spacious box. "So, um... Twilight. How do you think Spike is doing. Looking after those kids can be really tough." said Rainbow, unable to come up with a better topic of conversation, constantly avoiding the one the weighed heavily on her mind. "I don't know. I just hope everything is alright." responded Twilight. Chapter 4The hallways were packed with ponies. Each one navigating the vast spaces, making their way to some boutique or restaurant. The ceiling was magically painted to give the image of the sky. It was very realistic, the clouds moved and looked as though they were good enough to sleep on. However none of this presented itself to Rainbows mind as she walked alongside Twilight. She had only one question on her mind. "So, Rainbow was there anything you wanted to do before we got to the library?" enquired Twilight, her voice small but discernible over the din. "Huh?" said Rainbow as she processed Twilight's remark. "Oh, no I didn't." She turned herself away from the Alicorn, unable to make any kind of eye contact with her one true love. Instead she tried to concentrate on something else. She surveyed the area, all she could see were shops and ponies. Suddenly something began tapping on her right shoulder. Rainbow jumped a few meters into the air and swiveled around to see Twilight looking up her in bewilderment. "Rainbow are you okay?" asked the mare, sounding concerned. "Oh, Twilight that was you." said Rainbow with a half hearted chuckle. She slowly descended to earth and landed with a small thump. "Rainbow, you've been on edge all day. Something must be bothering you. You know you can tell me, i'm your friend." said the purple Alicorn looking her friend in the eyes. Rainbow desperately looked left and right, then hid her face from Twilight, even though she couldn't avoid the question. "I, uhh... I'll tell you later Twi'." Twilight looked skeptical but began to shift away. "Alright Rainbow, but you Pinkie promise that you will tell me later?" Rainbow sighed. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." When Twilight seemed satisfied that Rainbow would tell her she decided to quickly change the subject. "Ah, I see the library. Doesn't it look wonderful?" Rainbow looked in the direction that the excited Twilight was pointing. Large marble columns rose up from the floor, their capitals reaching into the magical sky. Two large oak doors stood majestically beneath the lintel, watching silently as ponies trotted in their wake. Twilight rushed over to the inviting glow of the library. Rainbow followed at a more somber pace, trudging past screaming filly's and their exasperated parents. Making her way towards Twilight and the library. Why so full of questions Twilight? Ugghhh... you're only making this harder. Rainbow stepped through the large doorway into a cavernous space. The library was a big cylinder with several balconies with rows and rows of shelves lining the walls. Twilight had somehow managed to get up to the third balcony, pulling out books and replacing them in the exact spot she found them. As Rainbow watched the speedy Alicorn in awe as she worked her way around the library. She could never stop looking at Twilight. Sometimes she could just get lost, that lavender mare never failed to get her attention whether she wanted to or not. Rainbow was so wrapped up in Twilight she failed to notice the library attendant trying to make contact with the cyan mare. "Excuse me miss." Rainbow was finally brought down to earth when the attendant tapped her on the shoulder. "Excuse me miss, you seem lost. Am I able to help you?" Rainbow stared at her blankly. Taking a few moments to process her question. "Ummm, no. I'm just waiting for a friend." said Rainbow. She sighed as the attendant walked away. Still only friends. Twilight was still scavenging for books on the fifth balcony. Rainbow thought it would be prudent to fly up to see if she could help. She always loved helping Twilight at the library. It wasn't so much that she enjoyed tidying and looking for books. It was that she loved being with Twilight. As she soared up the balconies she passed ponies going about their daily business. Looking for books, cleaning books, tidying big messes of books made by their children. It looked like a day in the library after the Cutie Mark Crusaders had been for a visit on the hunt for a book on getting Cutie Marks. She neared Twilight who was searching hungrily through shelves of non-fiction on magic. Landing gracefully on the metal gantry she folded her wings and steadied herself on the railing the ran along the inside to the walkway. "Uh, T... Twilight." The purple Alicorn gave no reply and continued searching through the books, not paying the slightest piece of attention to the Pegasus. Rainbow rolled her eyes and moved to tap Twilight on the shoulder when suddenly her lavender friend shouted at the top of her voice. "Aha!" For the second time that evening Rainbow jumped several meters into the air, her feathers standing on end. Twilight managed to notice amidst all her excitement that she had caused something to happen behind her. Swiveling around she was surprise to see a shakey Rainbow Dash fluttering to the gantry before her. "Rainbow, i'm so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." said Twilight putting a hoof on her friend in an attempt to comfort her, the thick leather book she held clattering to the ground. "I... i'm wasn't sta... startled Twilight." said Rainbow, trying to sound as confident as she could. "I'm the R... Rainbow Dash. Nothing can scare me." as she said this she unconvincingly put her hoof down on the metal grating that separated the two ponies from thin air. "Rainbow, seriously now. Are you okay?" said Twilight in a caring yet stern voice. Rainbow visibly shrank in front of Twilight, she didn't know what to do. "Uh... I'd rather not talk about it Twi'. It's kind of embarrassing, I guess. But I promise I will tell you later. After dinner." Real smooth Rainbow. Now you're going to have to tell her you big idiot. "Well you'd better tell me. Sometimes I worry about you Rainbow, you don't have to hide your feelings from me." said Twilight, saying this she put a wing over Dash affectionately. Suddenly Rainbow Dash felt her confidence returning, as if Twilight holding her had somehow made her stronger. She knew that she had to tell her. There was no way she couldn't. She know that Twilight was the one. Twilight retracted her wing from around Rainbow, not noticing that the cyan Pegasus had completely left the world, on a mental level at least. She turned to the railing and was about to fly down to the marble floor of the library when she remembered her book. Turning around Twilight saw that Rainbow was simply staring into space with no awareness of anything going on around her. She rolled her eyes and slowly walked over to her friend. "Rainbow Dash. Are you coming or not?". Rainbow immediately came crashing down to earth. "Oh, yeah Twi'. I was just thinking." "Thinking? Something is definitely wrong with you." she said sarcastically. Rainbow gave her a hurt yet amused look. "Aww I don't think that's fair Twi'." said the Pegasus. The thing is I can't stop thinking about you. Chapter 5Rainbow Dash walked slowly up the staircase. Not bothering to fly or run. She was too busy thinking. Thinking about what she was going to do, what she wanted to do and why she wanted to do it. She loved Twilight, there was no doubt about that but... what would her friends think of her? What would Twilight think of her. If Twilight said yes then it would be all perfect, but if she said... no Rainbow would probably have to leave Ponyville. Go and live somewhere in exile where nobody she knew could find her. Trottingham should do it, or Detrot. "Rainbow." said Twilight, cutting of the Pegasus' train of thought. "What?" said Rainbow, mildly annoyed. "You're going the wrong way." said Twilight, cocking her head to one side. Rainbow had indeed walked off in a completely different direction. "Sorry, Twi'. I've had a lot on my hooves lately." came Rainbow's reply along with a sheepish grin. She rejoined Twi' and carried on next to her. Still thinking but being careful not to wander off. Now where was I?... Ah... Oh yes... Detrot. Never mind. "There it is." said Twilight, once again cutting off Rainbow's thoughts. "There is what?" said Rainbow. "The restaurant. Hay Seed is over there." Rainbow looked ahead of her and saw the restaurant. It wasn't a grand place. The design was more modern and sleek compared to the library. She saw that their friends were waiting inside, chatting away. Twilight began to walk towards them and she motioned for Rainbow to follow. Play it cool Rainbow. Just play it cool. As they neared the restaurant their friends noticed them and waved from their seats. They walked through the door when Rarity spoke "Where have you two been, I would expect Rainbow Dash to be a bit late but you Twilight, the thought never would have presented itself to me." "Sorry girls, we got held up a bit at the library. That and Rainbow's antics." said Twilight, apologetically. Rainbow blushed slightly as she sat down. "So what did you girls do to fill your time?" "Oh you know, usual stuff. Pinkie went crazy at that party store and had a load of stuff sent to our room." said Applejack looking at the pink earth pony. "Oh yes." said Pinkie. "It was so much fun, they had everything. Balloons, hats and confetti." as she said this she was bouncing gleefully up and down on her seat. "Well, Fluttershy and I went to the fashion boutique and the pet shop. We had so much fun didn't we darling." She turned to Fluttershy who gave a nod and a smile. "So what's on the menu?" said Rainbow Dash, swiping up the menu and scanning the paper. There wasn't much, mostly upper end food she had no care for. Then she noticed a specific dish near the bottom. Daisy sandwich with honey and hayseed. She vaguely remembered Twilight making something similar on one of her numerous visits to the library. "Well I know what i'm having." "Good then we should be ready to order. Twilight have you found anything?" said Rarity. "Yes, I think a nice Lily Caesar Salad will do the trick." replied Twilight. Applejack hailed the waiter who sauntered over, notebook and pen already glowing in magical aura. "Can I help you ladies?" The six mares took turns to tell the waiter their orders and just as he was about to move off Rainbow suddenly thought of something. "Oh and waiter. Could we have one of your best red wines?" "Of course madam." and he walked off. "I'll pay for it, naturally." said Rainbow to her friends. "Now Rainbow, don't tell me that the wages you get from the weather team are that high." said Applejack. "Let us help pay for it. "Don't worry AJ, I save money. And it's not like i'm paid with bread crusts." retorted the cyan Pegasus. "I'm paying for it and there's nothing you can do to stop me." It took a few moments but the others seemed to accept and Rainbow felt very pleased. Then it hit her, she was no closer to being able to talk to Twilight about how she felt. If we get drunk she may not take me seriously, maybe I will do something I regret. What if I go saying it out loud in this restaurant with everypony to hear. "So Twilight. How'dya think Spike is doin' with all them critters?" said Applejack. "He seemed to handle them well enough when we went to the crystal empire." "I don't know. Spike's probably got it under control." replied Twilight. "Come now dears. This isn't something we should be worrying about. Were here to have fun." said Rarity. "I agree, we shouldn't we worrying about what's happening at home." said Fluttershy. The waiter returned with the wine. He laid six glasses out on the table and poured some of the red liquid into each. They thanked him and he walked back towards the kitchens. "This is very good." said Twilight. "A 972 Chardonnay." She looked at Rainbow. "Are you sure you can afford this?" "Sure? 120% sure." said Rainbow. "Don't worry Twi'." "If you say so." Rainbow's face fell when she looked away. How am I going to do this? Not only am I not telling Twilight how I feel, but i'm also gonna end up broke if this goes on. I will barely survive buying the wine. She furrowed her brow. No. I can do this. I'm THE Rainbow Dash. I can do anything, can't I? "Your food ladies." said the waiter, startling Rainbow. As she collected herself he laid it out in front of them. Her Daisy sandwich looked delicious. She looked around and courteously waited for everyone to start before thanking the waiter and digging in. The sandwich was wonderful. It nearly took her mind off the most important matters. Nopony said much as they ate. Only the occasional comment on the food or the events of the day. All the while the anxiety built up inside the rainbow maned Pegasus. When they finished and paid for the meal they other four mares decided to retire to their rooms and go to sleep. Rainbow was about to follow them when Twilight spoke to her. "Rainbow. We went to the library but we didn't do anything you wanted to do." "I only wanted to be with you... uh. I mean. Going to the library was fun. I don't really want to do anything else." stammered Rainbow. Oh crap. What did I just say. Twilight looked at her strangely. "Ummm. Are you sure. Well, maybe we could go to the museum. They found a lot of interesting artifacts in the desert beneath us." What did she say? "I'm really tired Twi'. Maybe we could go to the museum tomorrow." said Rainbow, faking a yawn. I hope she didn't hear me. "Okay Rainbow. We'll go tomorrow." said Twilight when she suddenly remembered. "And you're going to tell me what's up when we get to the room." "Fine." Damn! Chapter 6The two ponies trudged through the doorway of their suite. The light entering the dark room like the sun spreading over the rolling hills of equestrian. Switching the light on Twilight turned to her friend. "So Rainbow. You were going to tell me why you are acting so strangely." Rainbow Dash froze. She had hoped that Twilight had forgotten but clearly the game was up. She had no choice. Besides it was best that Twilight reject her now than her not ever knowing what she would have said. "I. Uh... Twilight. You know how a few months ago I told everyone that I like mares." Twilight raised her eye brow. "Yes, I remember. Go on." she said, walking over to Rainbow and putting a hoof on her friend's back. "Well. I kind of like somepony and don't know if they like me back." said Rainbow trudging over to her bed and hiding her face in the sheets. "And I don't even know if she likes mares." "Oh really." Twilight said sympathetically. "Yeah." "Who is it. You don't have to hide your feelings from me. I'm your friend Rainbow." said Twilight, sitting beside her friend. Rainbow sighed and stuck her head in one of the fluffy white pillows that adorned the bed. She wished that she could tell Twilight, and yet she wished she didn't have to. "It's not that simple." she said as she brought up her face from the pillow. "If I tell her it could ruin my friendship with this pony forever." She began to cry. "If that happened I would have to leave Ponyville. Maybe even Equestria." "Well then who is it. Applejack? Fluttershy? Please let me help you Rainbow." said Twilight, her voice trying to soothe the trembling Pegasus. "Twilight. Do you remember about what you said to us when we defeated Nightmare Moon. How you were so happy to see us coming up the stairs and it lit a spark inside of you." said the Pegasus sniffling out every word. "Yes. Why?" said Twilight cocking her head to one side. "Because that's how I feel whenever I see you. But this can't be fair, I can't ask you to be with me if you live forever. I can't put you through that." stuttered Rainbow thrusting her head back into the pillows. "Right... wait. What?!" exclaimed Twilight. "It's me?" The damp sounds emanating from the pillows told her all she needed to know. And with that Twilight's world imploded. She didn't know what to do. This is why Rainbow had been so eager to visit the library so often. This is why she was so excited to be in the room with her, and why she was so afraid to be around her. "Why me?" said Twilight, collapsing into the sheets beside her friend. "Why me?" "Because you are the only pony who I have ever truly been able to love. I never knew my parents Twi'. But.. but when I saw that you were okay after you changed our cutie marks back I was just so happy." said Rainbow, tears still rolling down her face. "I thought we'd killed you Twi'." She thrust her head back into the sodden bedding. Twilight sat beside Rainbow a solemn tear falling down her cheek. "I love you too Rainbow." Slowly the sobbing began to die down and a tear stained face emerged from the pillow to look at her. "Wha... What?" Before Rainbow could process what she had heard Twilight pulled her into a tight embrace. "I love you too." she said the tears beginning to streak down her face as well. The two ponies sat on the bed. Tight in each others embrace, sobbing on each others shoulder. Until Twilight realized that the whole corridor must have been able to hear them. "Hey... Rainbow. Do you think we should take a bath." she said between sniffs. "Yeah. You go first." said Rainbow. "No, I meant we should take a bath." said Twilight smiling through her tears. Rainbow picked up on the hint. "So, do you want to be my marefriend?" Twilight smiled again. "Of course I do Rainbow. More than anything else." as she said this she leaned forward and gave the blushing Pegasus a peck on the muzzle. "I'll go run that bath." The warm water fell into the basin of the tub. Splashing up at Twilight as she steadied herself on the side of the bath. The last ten minutes had been so confusing but so enlightening. Twilight sighed as she went over to the sink. She looked in the mirror, her eyes were puffy and red. Tear stains streaked down her face. "Oh Celestia." Suddenly the bathroom door swung open and Twilight turned round. "Hey Twilight." said Rainbow still with a slight stammer. "Hey Rainbow." said Twilight. A small smile returning to her. "You know I wouldn't normally have a bath. I would just fly through a raincloud at the end of each day." said Rainbow, a giggle coming from her mouth. "I don't even have a bath in my cloud home." Twilight put her forelegs around the shoulders of the Pegasus. "I think you'll be staying at my place a bit more often now." The two ponies laughed a little at the thought. Twilight walked over to the bath and turned the tap until the flow of steamy water ceased. She motioned for Rainbow to join her. The Rainbow maned Pegasus stood by her marefriend at the edge of the tub, gazing into her eyes. The two ponies climbed over the edge still locked in each others gaze. The water felt warm on their hooves as they stepped in. The two sat at opposite ends of the bath, waiting for the next move. Twilight felt she had enough of waiting. She leaned forward and locked her lip with Rainbow Dash's muzzle, poking and prodding with her tongue. The cyan mare gave a whinney of surprise before opening her mouth and exploring her partner's muzzle. Rainbow had never felt so good, the sensation of Twilight being so close to her made her feel like she'd never felt before. The two lay in the bath for what seemed an eternity, Twilight leaning over Rainbow. The couple kissing until Twilight pulled away. "We should probably wash." said the lavender unicorn reaching for the various lotions spread along the side of the bath. Rainbow giggled. "Yeah." The two ponies sat in the bath together. Twilight running a creamy ointment through Rainbow's tangled locks, her partner clearly enjoying the treatment. "Rainbow. I know we have plans to go to dinner with the girls again tomorrow night but..." Twilight hesitated for a moment, she didn't want to disappoint her friends. But this was more important. "Would you like to go to dinner with me? Just the two of us?" "I would love to Twi'. I heard there is a really nice new restaurant down the street. We could go there." said Rainbow, her old self returning at last. When the two finally emerged from the bath they were both sparkling. Nearly all hint of the evenings events washed away from their faces barring a slight red tint around their eyes. Trudging back into the bedroom their eyes fell upon the tear stained mass that was Rainbow Dash's bed. "Rainbow. Would you like to sleep with me?" said Twilight glancing at her marefriend and then back at the soaking sheets. "Nothing would make me happier." said Rainbow. And with that the two ponies climbed into bed, snuggling up tight against each others fur. "Twilight?" said Rainbow, wrapping her forelegs around her. "Hmm?" moaned Twilight, shifting around to face Rainbow. The Pegasus smiled. "This has been the best night of my life." " EpilogueThere was a knocking at the door. "Applejack dear. Would you mind getting that." said Rarity, gesturing towards the door. "Fine." said the farmpony, huffing slightly. Opening the door Applejack saw Twilight practically beaming at her. "Hello there Twilight." said Applejack. "Hi AJ." said the alicorn. "I'm afraid Rainbow Dash and I will be unable to come to dinner tonight if that's okay." "Sure thing Twi'." said Applejack. "Oh good. See you later." said Twilight, turning around and bouncing along the corridor. Applejack sighed, wondering what could have come up. She closed the door and made her way back into the bedroom. "What was that all about?" said Rarity. "RD an' Twilight aren't coming to dinner tonight. No idea why." said the farmpony. "Ooooooohh!" squealed Rarity jumping off her bed. "Rainbow told her!" "What is it?" "Can't you tell?" said Rarity looking funnily at Applejack. "No. The way I see there ain't much to tell. They ain't comin'." "Exactly. Because they're going on a date." "What?" Chapter 2~Welcome to Las Pegasus, the greatest city in the sky.~ "More like second greatest." huffed Rainbow as she looked at the sign. The train station was a grand affair, much larger than the small stop in Ponyville. The tall colonnades created a majestic atmosphere in the hall, the arched windows between them admitted rays of golden sunlight into the large cavernous space. "How d'you reckon we get to Las Pegasus Boulevard from here." asked AJ. Rainbow Dash looked at her. "McCarran Station is only a few minutes from the Bridleway by carriage. They will have some outside." She motioned for her friends to follow her. "Hang on girls I just need to check I have all my bags." said Rarity looking suspiciously at them. "I feel that I might be missing something." She began to count the bags opening each one as she went along. "Y'know, we are only here for four days Rare. I don't think seventeen bags are really necessary." uttered Applejack. "Ooooohh this is so exciting. I can't wait to get to our hotel, I wanna see if we get little chocolates on our pillows." squealed Pinkie bouncing up and down. "Okay, they're all here. We can go now." said Rarity picking up her bags in a magical grip. The group trotted out of the door. Sure enough there was a line of carriages waiting outside the station. They walked over to the first available one. Twilight spoke. "Hi, were going to Celestia's Palace." The lead stallion of the four who drew the carriage nodded and the group climbed in whilst Rarity attached her bags to the roof. Once they were all inside the carriage drew away and began to pick up speed. The rolling clouds of Las Pegasus flew by them as they cruised along the skyway. Suddenly there was a jolt as they lifted off the clouds and flew over the numerous cloud houses that made up the Las Pegasus suburbs. They could see the Bridleway in the distance, the numerous hotels and casinos towering above the other buildings. They were all vying for a place at the window to get a view of the cloudscape. "So, room grouping. Who goes with who? There are three rooms each with two double beds." said Twilight. "I have done some initial grouping but if you want to change it then that's fine with me." "Uuuumm, who is going with who then?" whispered Fluttershy. "Well, Pinkie, you are with Applejack." -the two whooped.- "Rarity, you are with Fluttershy." -the two mares exchanged smiles.- "And Rainbow, that leaves you sharing with me." The Pegasus shot up suddenly. "Say what?" she enquired. "I said you will be sharing a room with me. If that's okay with you." Twilight answered. "Oh, that's fine I just wasn't listening ad I heard my name." said Rainbow. That makes it easier, but so much harder. Ugghh why does this have to be so difficult. Her train of thought was interrupted by a squealing from the window. "Oooohhh, I see it! I see it! Celstia's Palace." The group again piled to the window. And there it was, Celestia's Palace. The Hotel was in all of it's grandeur, the columns stood tall and proud amidst the many sculptures that adorned the façade. The fountains in front of the doors spouted rainbows, several other carriages were stationed outside the hotel. "Hey you guy's, there's the cloudesium. That's where were gonna see the Cirque de Celestia." said Rainbow, pointing out the structure just next to Celestia's Palace. It looked much like the cloudesium in Cloudsdale but was smaller and had a roof. They began to descend to the surface of the clouds, the soft whiteness coming closer at every moment. The carriage swooped down to land in front of the entrance to the hotel, bouncing softly as is hit the clouds. There was a fairly large crowd in front of the hotel. Ponies leaving, ponies arriving. There was no shortage of passengers needing carriages. A porter trotted over with two luggage trolleys in tow. He gasped when he saw the number of bags on the roof of the carriage, he motioned for another porter quickly who came with another two trolleys. "Let me take your name ma'am so I can have your baggage sent to your room." "My name is Twilight Sparkle." she said. "You're bags will be up soon after you in your room ma'am." he said making a short bow before attending to the luggage. "Thankyou." -she turned to her friends.- "Lets go and check in, then we can settle into our rooms." The group walked through the large doors and into a very extravagant lobby. The ceiling was painted to look like the night sky. Twilight noted that it looked right and she silently congratulated the artist in her head. The floor was made of spotless white and green marble which Rainbow could see herself in. She marveled at how they could get marble to rest on the cloud. There was a long desk with twelve ponies seated behind it. The group made their way over to the nearest available desk. "Hi, i'm Twilight Sparkle. We would like to check in." she said cheerily. The mare at the desk didn't seem to show such enthusiasm. In fact she looked very bored. "You have three rooms booked. You're on the twelfth floor, rooms 12:10,12:11 and 12:12. The elevators are over there." -she pointed towards the casino.- "Have a nice day." The group took their room keys and trotted off towards the elevator. They were well away from the desk when Rarity spoke. "Well, I think she was rather rude." "Don't be like that." said Applejack. "I mean, being a hotel receptionist ain't exactly the most glamorous job in Equestria." "Well I would expect it is easier to get a good job in Ponyville. Everything no matter how small seems so important." said Twilight. She pressed the button for the elevator and the one to their right opened almost instantly. They all piled in through the doorway only to find themselves in a rather spacious area. The elevator was so large that twenty ponies could easily fit in it. "Floor twelve." said Twilight as she hit the button. There was a whirring noise as the elevator slid up the shaft. "So who has which rooms?" asked Rarity. "Well you and Fluttershy have ten. AJ and Pinkie have eleven. So Rainbow and I have twelve." replied Twilight. "They're all the same so it doesn't matter." ~Ding~. The doors slid open and the group walked out into the hallway. There was a sign pointing the way to the rooms. "Looks like were this way girls." said Twilight. They walked down the corridor and reached their rooms. ten and eleven were close together and the occupants of those rooms went in to explore their new rooms. Rainbow and Twilight were left to walk to their room alone. As they neared the doorway Rainbow spoke. "So. Ummm... Twilight. There was something I wanted to talk to you about." "Oh. Really what is it?" replied Twilight. "Oh. Ummm... Don't you think it's interesting that they don't have a thirteenth floor in these hotels." DAMNIT
Chapter 1"Come on girls, we have to catch our train." -said Twilight.- "The 09:00 to Las Pegasus leaves in ten minutes." "Oh, I think I may have forgotten something." fretted Rarity looking at the mountain of bags that trailed her. Applejack gave her a disgruntled look. "Rarity, we don't have time to go over everything now, the train is leaving soon." The spicy aroma of rainbows already invading their snouts. "So, I bet you're pretty excited about going to Las Pegasus, especially on one of the cloud trains." said Rainbow Dash, flying at a leisurely pace beside the group. "Oh yes, I've studied their schematics. It's really interesting how they can make it run on rainbows rather than coal." -rambled Twilight.- "And how they can make the fuel last the 900 miles to Las Pegasus I will never know." Rainbow used to hate it when Twilight talked like this, but now she thought it was.. well. Kind of cute. "Well you are a princess now. I bet you could just ask." she said. Twilight blushed but to her relief a whistle sounded before she could give an answer, followed by the loud cry "All aboard!" "We'd better hurry, the train is about to leave." said AJ The group sped up the platform stairs and nearly into the conductor. "Ah, you ladies just caught us. Tickets please." The group filed into the carriage, the soft cloud floor let their hooves sink in. They found some seats and sat down. Rainbow made subtly sure she sat next to twilight.This is the week. It's now or never. She decided she would strike up some light conversation. "So Twilight, have read up on Celestia's Palace. I heard it's the most awesome place, they've got nearly everything there." "Yes, I've heard they have the largest book and scroll shop outside of Canterlot there." said Twilight dreamily. "I've heard from Fancy Pants that the fashion shopping is simply divine." squealed Rarity. "Oooohhh, oooohhh. I've heard they have the biggest party supplies store in Equestria there. I'm gonna just have to absolutely definitely visit it." shouted Pinkie, jumping up and down. "Well I don't know about y'all but i'm going to mah' cousin's new store." said AJ. "You're cousin has a store there?" asked Rarity. "Eyup, he's got a farm supplies store there. I hear that Las Pegasus has thousands of acres of pear country nearby. Mah' cousin is one of the Pear family. They're our third cousins twice removed." said Applejack proudly. "That's really nice." -said Fluttershy in a soft voice.- "I was hoping to go to the animal and wildlife shops there. If you girls don't mind that is." "Fluttershy, you are free to do as you wish. You are a grown mare after all." said Twilight. "Ah but let's not forget why were here." -said Rarity as Twilight blushed.- "We're here for you Twilight. And for us, so that we can have fun together." "Together." said everyone in sync. "So what do you guys wanna do now?" -asked Rainbow.- "We have two hours until we reach Las Pegasus." "I've brought some brand new books with me that everyone can read. Rarity I have a new fashion guide from Canterlot. It specializes in Fall wear." said Twilight as she handed it to Rarity who squeaked in delight. "Fluttershy, I have got a special book on Mojave desert animals." The timid mare took it with a quiet but earnest, "Thankyou." Applejack received a volume on Mojave crops, Pinkie received a guide to the best clubs and party areas in Las Pegasus. "And Rainbow, this just came in this morning. Daring Do and Rosetta in the Jungle of Perils. It has very good reviews and was a nominee for the Unicorn Awards." The look of obvious delight on Rainbow's face made Twilight feel nice and happy. She liked to see Rainbow smile, more than anyone else. She didn't know why but there was something about that smile which made her feel warm especially when it was something to do with books. "Sweet. Thanks Twi', you're the best friend anyone could have." said Rainbow. "You're welcome. Well, I suggest we all settle down and read." the alicorn replied. They all lay down on the soft fluffy clouds that comprised the seats. They were completely alone in their carriage save for one stallion at the far end. Twilight noted how fast they appeared to be travelling, the ground was passing below them by like lightning. However it felt like they weren't moving. Twilight marveled at the anti-g force technology used in these trains. Rainbow looked really into the new Daring Do book. The smile on that young mare's face as she read made Twilight feel the same warmth. She looked away from rainbow and began digging in her saddlebags for her book. 'Advanced teleportation and mind link spells'. "This looks good." The scorching jungle was unforgiving. The screeches of wild animals filled the air, there was nothing tame about this place. The pair of ponies trudged through the heat, their coats sticky with sweat. The clank and whirr of machinery was faint in the distance but it was getting louder by the minute. "So what do we expect to find Daring." quizzed her faithful companion Rosetta. "I don't know." -replied Daring.- "But I don't expect it to be good." They neared a drop, the noise of the machines louder than ever. They crept to the edge of what was apparently a cliff and looked down. "Goats. Hundreds of them." said Daring bluntly. "What are they doing?" asked Rosetta, shaking with fear. "Hey! What are you two doing?" -they spun round to see three goats staring at them, weapons drawn.- "Hey it's those two from the bar. Get 'em." Daring got ready to charge the goats ony to find Rosetta giggling. "Rosetta what's gotten into you? We're about to be blown away!" shouted Daring. Rosetta looked at her and said. "Rainbow. Rainbow. We're here." "Rainbow. We're here." giggled Twilight. "Whu' where..?" replied a groggy Rainbow. "We're in Las Pegasus dummy. You fell asleep whilst reading your book. You must be really tired." said Twilight. Rainbow shot up. "Oh, me? Sleeping? Be serious Twilight, I was just resting my eyes. Yeah, resting my eyes. The strain from all that reading." "Come on y'all, hustle up. We need to be at the hotel by 12 o'clock." said Applejack. "Coming" said Twilight who turned around. Rainbow watched Twilight's rump sway in front of her. She walked over to the rack and picked up her suitcase. I don't know if I can do this.
Chapter 3"Rainbow." Twilight's voice rang from the bathroom. Rainbow looked up from Daring Do. "Huh?" "I'm gonna take a shower before we go for dinner. Do you want to go first?" said Twilight. "No, you go. I'll read until you're done." replied Rainbow. She settled down into her book as she heard the hum of the shower start up. She began to think about Twilight, that beautiful mare. Her first real crush. How am I going to do this. Will it ruin our friendship? The last thing I want is for Twi' to be mad with me. She got up and walked over to her bed. Sighing she sat on the soft mattress. Not quite as soft and comfortable as the clouds she was used to, but they felt nice. She lay on her back and stretched her limbs across the sheets, groaning as she did so. All the while the pitter patter of the shower hummed in the background. She reached for her saddlebags, carefully lifting them up and placing the before her. She opened one of the buckles and opened the bag. The lone cyan feather stood out against the beige lining of the bag. She picked it out and inspected it. The light from the setting sun catching the fibers making them glow in the middle of Rainbow's forehoof. She heard the shower stop and hoofsteps on the marble floor of the bathroom. Carefully replacing her feather she set her saddlebags down by the sideof her bed and pickedup Daring Do, trying to look as innocent as possible. Twilight came out of the bathroom draped in a white towel, her mane dripping water. Rainbow couldn't help but stare. "The shower's free Rainbow." she said giggling at Rainbow. "Oh, yeah." she said, lifting herself from the bed and on to her hooves. She trotted past Twilight and through the door of the bathroom. "How long until dinner?" Twilight glanced at the clock. It read seven. "We've got an hour until we've got to be there. Plenty of time." She sat down on the couch and began to think. I wonder what Rainbow really wanted to talk about. It sure wasn't anything to do with hotel floors. She's been acting weird around me for a while now. Especially since the coronation. I hope Spike's okay, I just hope the library hasn't been destroyed. The splash of warm water on the neck made Rainbow feel calm, her muscles relaxed and she spread her wings out underneath the gentle stream of the shower. I can't think this way about Twi' can I? I mean, she's a princess. She's probably going to live forever. I'm just a normal old Pegasus, what can I give her? She picked up the already used shower gel and poured a godly amount of it onto her hoof. Putting the bottle down she rubbed her hooves together and began to work the gel around her body. Rubbing it in as she went, still thinking about Twilight. She didn't notice that she had started crying until she tasted the salty sweetness on her lips. C'mon Rainbow. Get a hold of yourself. This'll work out. Won't it? She wiped the tears away from her eyes, the rims of which were already a distinctive red. She turned to the shower knob and twisted it until the warm trickle of water ceased. Opening the shower door she walked over to the mirror that occupied the wall behind the sinks. Her eyes were bloodshot, the area around them was a pinkish hue. She sniffed and turned the tap. Cool water began to flow from the spout. She let the sink fill before she dunked her face into it, trying to get rid of the red marks around her eyes. After a few vain attempts she came up with an alibi and walked towards the bathroom door. "Rainbow! Are you okay? Have you been crying?" Twilight rushed over to her friend to see why she looked terrible. "It's fine Twi'. I just got a little shower gel in my eyes that's all. Nothing Rainbow Dash can't handle." She lied batting Twilight off. "Well if you say so." Twilight backed off. "We should get ready." Saying this she pounceded over to her bag and undid the lock. Rarity had made Twilight several new dresses to accommodate her new wings, as well as modifying some of her old dresses. Twilight looked across the room to see Rainbow staring at her glassy eyed. "Rainbow? Are you okay?" said Twilight, her voice showing concern. The cyan pegasus's face turned a bright pink as she turned away from Twilight to hide the blush. "Uh, nothing Twi'. Just zoned out for a second there." she gave a half hearted laugh as she flew cautiously over to her bags. Twilight pulled out a simple navy dress with gold trim. One of Rarity's attempts to tone down the ostentatiousness of her styling. She pulled it on and looked in the mirror, admiring its simplicity. "Rainbow. Do I look okay?" asked Twilight, turning to the mare. Rainbow looked up. When she saw Twilight she gave out a small gasp, she looked beautiful. "You look awesome Twi'." Rainbow began to dig in her own bags, looking for her favorite dress. At last she found it, she pulled it out. A little creased but not bad. It was a white dress with silver trim. She slipped it on and bounded over to the window. The sun was starting to set behind the mountains of the Mojave which jutted up above the clouds. Their red peaks burning in the last light of the sun. Twilight glanced at the clock that lay on the bedside table. It's black hands indicated that it was half past seven. "Rainbow, we have half an hour until we have to meet the girls. I wanted to take a look at the grand library on my way down. Would you like to come with me?" asked Twilight enthusiastically. "Sure Twi'." said Rainbow, turning away from the window and trotting towards the mare. C'mon Rainbow, now is as good a time as any. But what if she doesn't even like mares. What if I just make a huge embarrassment of myself. Ugghh, brain. You never help me. "So, Twilight. What floor is the library on anyways?" asked Rainbow. "It's on the second floor. Same floor as the restaurant we're having dinner at tonight." chuckled Twilight, opening the door. She let Rainbow trot past her before walking out herself. The luxurious apartment fell under darkness as she closed the door. The pair walked down the hallway, nopony else was around. Rainbow felt at the peak of her nerves. More so than before the young flyers competition, this had nothing to do with flying. But even trying to get off the ground to be able to speak to Twilight was proving impossible. "So, Rainbow. I've heard they have a whole section on flying down in the library. I really want to get some practice in when we get back to Ponyville. I was wondering if you would maybe help me?" said Twilight as she pressed the button for the elevator. ~DING~ How can I not be able to do this. I mean, me, THE Rainbow Dash. Fastest flyer in all of... "Ahem! Rainbow." Twilight stood in the elevator tapping her hoof on the marble floor. Rainbow gave a sheepish look and followed her in. The doors slid shut and the elevator began to drift downwards towards their destination. Every floor they passed was signified by a sharp buzz from the speaker system within the spacious box. "So, um... Twilight. How do you think Spike is doing. Looking after those kids can be really tough." said Rainbow, unable to come up with a better topic of conversation, constantly avoiding the one the weighed heavily on her mind. "I don't know. I just hope everything is alright." responded Twilight.
Chapter 4The hallways were packed with ponies. Each one navigating the vast spaces, making their way to some boutique or restaurant. The ceiling was magically painted to give the image of the sky. It was very realistic, the clouds moved and looked as though they were good enough to sleep on. However none of this presented itself to Rainbows mind as she walked alongside Twilight. She had only one question on her mind. "So, Rainbow was there anything you wanted to do before we got to the library?" enquired Twilight, her voice small but discernible over the din. "Huh?" said Rainbow as she processed Twilight's remark. "Oh, no I didn't." She turned herself away from the Alicorn, unable to make any kind of eye contact with her one true love. Instead she tried to concentrate on something else. She surveyed the area, all she could see were shops and ponies. Suddenly something began tapping on her right shoulder. Rainbow jumped a few meters into the air and swiveled around to see Twilight looking up her in bewilderment. "Rainbow are you okay?" asked the mare, sounding concerned. "Oh, Twilight that was you." said Rainbow with a half hearted chuckle. She slowly descended to earth and landed with a small thump. "Rainbow, you've been on edge all day. Something must be bothering you. You know you can tell me, i'm your friend." said the purple Alicorn looking her friend in the eyes. Rainbow desperately looked left and right, then hid her face from Twilight, even though she couldn't avoid the question. "I, uhh... I'll tell you later Twi'." Twilight looked skeptical but began to shift away. "Alright Rainbow, but you Pinkie promise that you will tell me later?" Rainbow sighed. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." When Twilight seemed satisfied that Rainbow would tell her she decided to quickly change the subject. "Ah, I see the library. Doesn't it look wonderful?" Rainbow looked in the direction that the excited Twilight was pointing. Large marble columns rose up from the floor, their capitals reaching into the magical sky. Two large oak doors stood majestically beneath the lintel, watching silently as ponies trotted in their wake. Twilight rushed over to the inviting glow of the library. Rainbow followed at a more somber pace, trudging past screaming filly's and their exasperated parents. Making her way towards Twilight and the library. Why so full of questions Twilight? Ugghhh... you're only making this harder. Rainbow stepped through the large doorway into a cavernous space. The library was a big cylinder with several balconies with rows and rows of shelves lining the walls. Twilight had somehow managed to get up to the third balcony, pulling out books and replacing them in the exact spot she found them. As Rainbow watched the speedy Alicorn in awe as she worked her way around the library. She could never stop looking at Twilight. Sometimes she could just get lost, that lavender mare never failed to get her attention whether she wanted to or not. Rainbow was so wrapped up in Twilight she failed to notice the library attendant trying to make contact with the cyan mare. "Excuse me miss." Rainbow was finally brought down to earth when the attendant tapped her on the shoulder. "Excuse me miss, you seem lost. Am I able to help you?" Rainbow stared at her blankly. Taking a few moments to process her question. "Ummm, no. I'm just waiting for a friend." said Rainbow. She sighed as the attendant walked away. Still only friends. Twilight was still scavenging for books on the fifth balcony. Rainbow thought it would be prudent to fly up to see if she could help. She always loved helping Twilight at the library. It wasn't so much that she enjoyed tidying and looking for books. It was that she loved being with Twilight. As she soared up the balconies she passed ponies going about their daily business. Looking for books, cleaning books, tidying big messes of books made by their children. It looked like a day in the library after the Cutie Mark Crusaders had been for a visit on the hunt for a book on getting Cutie Marks. She neared Twilight who was searching hungrily through shelves of non-fiction on magic. Landing gracefully on the metal gantry she folded her wings and steadied herself on the railing the ran along the inside to the walkway. "Uh, T... Twilight." The purple Alicorn gave no reply and continued searching through the books, not paying the slightest piece of attention to the Pegasus. Rainbow rolled her eyes and moved to tap Twilight on the shoulder when suddenly her lavender friend shouted at the top of her voice. "Aha!" For the second time that evening Rainbow jumped several meters into the air, her feathers standing on end. Twilight managed to notice amidst all her excitement that she had caused something to happen behind her. Swiveling around she was surprise to see a shakey Rainbow Dash fluttering to the gantry before her. "Rainbow, i'm so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." said Twilight putting a hoof on her friend in an attempt to comfort her, the thick leather book she held clattering to the ground. "I... i'm wasn't sta... startled Twilight." said Rainbow, trying to sound as confident as she could. "I'm the R... Rainbow Dash. Nothing can scare me." as she said this she unconvincingly put her hoof down on the metal grating that separated the two ponies from thin air. "Rainbow, seriously now. Are you okay?" said Twilight in a caring yet stern voice. Rainbow visibly shrank in front of Twilight, she didn't know what to do. "Uh... I'd rather not talk about it Twi'. It's kind of embarrassing, I guess. But I promise I will tell you later. After dinner." Real smooth Rainbow. Now you're going to have to tell her you big idiot. "Well you'd better tell me. Sometimes I worry about you Rainbow, you don't have to hide your feelings from me." said Twilight, saying this she put a wing over Dash affectionately. Suddenly Rainbow Dash felt her confidence returning, as if Twilight holding her had somehow made her stronger. She knew that she had to tell her. There was no way she couldn't. She know that Twilight was the one. Twilight retracted her wing from around Rainbow, not noticing that the cyan Pegasus had completely left the world, on a mental level at least. She turned to the railing and was about to fly down to the marble floor of the library when she remembered her book. Turning around Twilight saw that Rainbow was simply staring into space with no awareness of anything going on around her. She rolled her eyes and slowly walked over to her friend. "Rainbow Dash. Are you coming or not?". Rainbow immediately came crashing down to earth. "Oh, yeah Twi'. I was just thinking." "Thinking? Something is definitely wrong with you." she said sarcastically. Rainbow gave her a hurt yet amused look. "Aww I don't think that's fair Twi'." said the Pegasus. The thing is I can't stop thinking about you.
Chapter 5Rainbow Dash walked slowly up the staircase. Not bothering to fly or run. She was too busy thinking. Thinking about what she was going to do, what she wanted to do and why she wanted to do it. She loved Twilight, there was no doubt about that but... what would her friends think of her? What would Twilight think of her. If Twilight said yes then it would be all perfect, but if she said... no Rainbow would probably have to leave Ponyville. Go and live somewhere in exile where nobody she knew could find her. Trottingham should do it, or Detrot. "Rainbow." said Twilight, cutting of the Pegasus' train of thought. "What?" said Rainbow, mildly annoyed. "You're going the wrong way." said Twilight, cocking her head to one side. Rainbow had indeed walked off in a completely different direction. "Sorry, Twi'. I've had a lot on my hooves lately." came Rainbow's reply along with a sheepish grin. She rejoined Twi' and carried on next to her. Still thinking but being careful not to wander off. Now where was I?... Ah... Oh yes... Detrot. Never mind. "There it is." said Twilight, once again cutting off Rainbow's thoughts. "There is what?" said Rainbow. "The restaurant. Hay Seed is over there." Rainbow looked ahead of her and saw the restaurant. It wasn't a grand place. The design was more modern and sleek compared to the library. She saw that their friends were waiting inside, chatting away. Twilight began to walk towards them and she motioned for Rainbow to follow. Play it cool Rainbow. Just play it cool. As they neared the restaurant their friends noticed them and waved from their seats. They walked through the door when Rarity spoke "Where have you two been, I would expect Rainbow Dash to be a bit late but you Twilight, the thought never would have presented itself to me." "Sorry girls, we got held up a bit at the library. That and Rainbow's antics." said Twilight, apologetically. Rainbow blushed slightly as she sat down. "So what did you girls do to fill your time?" "Oh you know, usual stuff. Pinkie went crazy at that party store and had a load of stuff sent to our room." said Applejack looking at the pink earth pony. "Oh yes." said Pinkie. "It was so much fun, they had everything. Balloons, hats and confetti." as she said this she was bouncing gleefully up and down on her seat. "Well, Fluttershy and I went to the fashion boutique and the pet shop. We had so much fun didn't we darling." She turned to Fluttershy who gave a nod and a smile. "So what's on the menu?" said Rainbow Dash, swiping up the menu and scanning the paper. There wasn't much, mostly upper end food she had no care for. Then she noticed a specific dish near the bottom. Daisy sandwich with honey and hayseed. She vaguely remembered Twilight making something similar on one of her numerous visits to the library. "Well I know what i'm having." "Good then we should be ready to order. Twilight have you found anything?" said Rarity. "Yes, I think a nice Lily Caesar Salad will do the trick." replied Twilight. Applejack hailed the waiter who sauntered over, notebook and pen already glowing in magical aura. "Can I help you ladies?" The six mares took turns to tell the waiter their orders and just as he was about to move off Rainbow suddenly thought of something. "Oh and waiter. Could we have one of your best red wines?" "Of course madam." and he walked off. "I'll pay for it, naturally." said Rainbow to her friends. "Now Rainbow, don't tell me that the wages you get from the weather team are that high." said Applejack. "Let us help pay for it. "Don't worry AJ, I save money. And it's not like i'm paid with bread crusts." retorted the cyan Pegasus. "I'm paying for it and there's nothing you can do to stop me." It took a few moments but the others seemed to accept and Rainbow felt very pleased. Then it hit her, she was no closer to being able to talk to Twilight about how she felt. If we get drunk she may not take me seriously, maybe I will do something I regret. What if I go saying it out loud in this restaurant with everypony to hear. "So Twilight. How'dya think Spike is doin' with all them critters?" said Applejack. "He seemed to handle them well enough when we went to the crystal empire." "I don't know. Spike's probably got it under control." replied Twilight. "Come now dears. This isn't something we should be worrying about. Were here to have fun." said Rarity. "I agree, we shouldn't we worrying about what's happening at home." said Fluttershy. The waiter returned with the wine. He laid six glasses out on the table and poured some of the red liquid into each. They thanked him and he walked back towards the kitchens. "This is very good." said Twilight. "A 972 Chardonnay." She looked at Rainbow. "Are you sure you can afford this?" "Sure? 120% sure." said Rainbow. "Don't worry Twi'." "If you say so." Rainbow's face fell when she looked away. How am I going to do this? Not only am I not telling Twilight how I feel, but i'm also gonna end up broke if this goes on. I will barely survive buying the wine. She furrowed her brow. No. I can do this. I'm THE Rainbow Dash. I can do anything, can't I? "Your food ladies." said the waiter, startling Rainbow. As she collected herself he laid it out in front of them. Her Daisy sandwich looked delicious. She looked around and courteously waited for everyone to start before thanking the waiter and digging in. The sandwich was wonderful. It nearly took her mind off the most important matters. Nopony said much as they ate. Only the occasional comment on the food or the events of the day. All the while the anxiety built up inside the rainbow maned Pegasus. When they finished and paid for the meal they other four mares decided to retire to their rooms and go to sleep. Rainbow was about to follow them when Twilight spoke to her. "Rainbow. We went to the library but we didn't do anything you wanted to do." "I only wanted to be with you... uh. I mean. Going to the library was fun. I don't really want to do anything else." stammered Rainbow. Oh crap. What did I just say. Twilight looked at her strangely. "Ummm. Are you sure. Well, maybe we could go to the museum. They found a lot of interesting artifacts in the desert beneath us." What did she say? "I'm really tired Twi'. Maybe we could go to the museum tomorrow." said Rainbow, faking a yawn. I hope she didn't hear me. "Okay Rainbow. We'll go tomorrow." said Twilight when she suddenly remembered. "And you're going to tell me what's up when we get to the room." "Fine." Damn!
Chapter 6The two ponies trudged through the doorway of their suite. The light entering the dark room like the sun spreading over the rolling hills of equestrian. Switching the light on Twilight turned to her friend. "So Rainbow. You were going to tell me why you are acting so strangely." Rainbow Dash froze. She had hoped that Twilight had forgotten but clearly the game was up. She had no choice. Besides it was best that Twilight reject her now than her not ever knowing what she would have said. "I. Uh... Twilight. You know how a few months ago I told everyone that I like mares." Twilight raised her eye brow. "Yes, I remember. Go on." she said, walking over to Rainbow and putting a hoof on her friend's back. "Well. I kind of like somepony and don't know if they like me back." said Rainbow trudging over to her bed and hiding her face in the sheets. "And I don't even know if she likes mares." "Oh really." Twilight said sympathetically. "Yeah." "Who is it. You don't have to hide your feelings from me. I'm your friend Rainbow." said Twilight, sitting beside her friend. Rainbow sighed and stuck her head in one of the fluffy white pillows that adorned the bed. She wished that she could tell Twilight, and yet she wished she didn't have to. "It's not that simple." she said as she brought up her face from the pillow. "If I tell her it could ruin my friendship with this pony forever." She began to cry. "If that happened I would have to leave Ponyville. Maybe even Equestria." "Well then who is it. Applejack? Fluttershy? Please let me help you Rainbow." said Twilight, her voice trying to soothe the trembling Pegasus. "Twilight. Do you remember about what you said to us when we defeated Nightmare Moon. How you were so happy to see us coming up the stairs and it lit a spark inside of you." said the Pegasus sniffling out every word. "Yes. Why?" said Twilight cocking her head to one side. "Because that's how I feel whenever I see you. But this can't be fair, I can't ask you to be with me if you live forever. I can't put you through that." stuttered Rainbow thrusting her head back into the pillows. "Right... wait. What?!" exclaimed Twilight. "It's me?" The damp sounds emanating from the pillows told her all she needed to know. And with that Twilight's world imploded. She didn't know what to do. This is why Rainbow had been so eager to visit the library so often. This is why she was so excited to be in the room with her, and why she was so afraid to be around her. "Why me?" said Twilight, collapsing into the sheets beside her friend. "Why me?" "Because you are the only pony who I have ever truly been able to love. I never knew my parents Twi'. But.. but when I saw that you were okay after you changed our cutie marks back I was just so happy." said Rainbow, tears still rolling down her face. "I thought we'd killed you Twi'." She thrust her head back into the sodden bedding. Twilight sat beside Rainbow a solemn tear falling down her cheek. "I love you too Rainbow." Slowly the sobbing began to die down and a tear stained face emerged from the pillow to look at her. "Wha... What?" Before Rainbow could process what she had heard Twilight pulled her into a tight embrace. "I love you too." she said the tears beginning to streak down her face as well. The two ponies sat on the bed. Tight in each others embrace, sobbing on each others shoulder. Until Twilight realized that the whole corridor must have been able to hear them. "Hey... Rainbow. Do you think we should take a bath." she said between sniffs. "Yeah. You go first." said Rainbow. "No, I meant we should take a bath." said Twilight smiling through her tears. Rainbow picked up on the hint. "So, do you want to be my marefriend?" Twilight smiled again. "Of course I do Rainbow. More than anything else." as she said this she leaned forward and gave the blushing Pegasus a peck on the muzzle. "I'll go run that bath." The warm water fell into the basin of the tub. Splashing up at Twilight as she steadied herself on the side of the bath. The last ten minutes had been so confusing but so enlightening. Twilight sighed as she went over to the sink. She looked in the mirror, her eyes were puffy and red. Tear stains streaked down her face. "Oh Celestia." Suddenly the bathroom door swung open and Twilight turned round. "Hey Twilight." said Rainbow still with a slight stammer. "Hey Rainbow." said Twilight. A small smile returning to her. "You know I wouldn't normally have a bath. I would just fly through a raincloud at the end of each day." said Rainbow, a giggle coming from her mouth. "I don't even have a bath in my cloud home." Twilight put her forelegs around the shoulders of the Pegasus. "I think you'll be staying at my place a bit more often now." The two ponies laughed a little at the thought. Twilight walked over to the bath and turned the tap until the flow of steamy water ceased. She motioned for Rainbow to join her. The Rainbow maned Pegasus stood by her marefriend at the edge of the tub, gazing into her eyes. The two ponies climbed over the edge still locked in each others gaze. The water felt warm on their hooves as they stepped in. The two sat at opposite ends of the bath, waiting for the next move. Twilight felt she had enough of waiting. She leaned forward and locked her lip with Rainbow Dash's muzzle, poking and prodding with her tongue. The cyan mare gave a whinney of surprise before opening her mouth and exploring her partner's muzzle. Rainbow had never felt so good, the sensation of Twilight being so close to her made her feel like she'd never felt before. The two lay in the bath for what seemed an eternity, Twilight leaning over Rainbow. The couple kissing until Twilight pulled away. "We should probably wash." said the lavender unicorn reaching for the various lotions spread along the side of the bath. Rainbow giggled. "Yeah." The two ponies sat in the bath together. Twilight running a creamy ointment through Rainbow's tangled locks, her partner clearly enjoying the treatment. "Rainbow. I know we have plans to go to dinner with the girls again tomorrow night but..." Twilight hesitated for a moment, she didn't want to disappoint her friends. But this was more important. "Would you like to go to dinner with me? Just the two of us?" "I would love to Twi'. I heard there is a really nice new restaurant down the street. We could go there." said Rainbow, her old self returning at last. When the two finally emerged from the bath they were both sparkling. Nearly all hint of the evenings events washed away from their faces barring a slight red tint around their eyes. Trudging back into the bedroom their eyes fell upon the tear stained mass that was Rainbow Dash's bed. "Rainbow. Would you like to sleep with me?" said Twilight glancing at her marefriend and then back at the soaking sheets. "Nothing would make me happier." said Rainbow. And with that the two ponies climbed into bed, snuggling up tight against each others fur. "Twilight?" said Rainbow, wrapping her forelegs around her. "Hmm?" moaned Twilight, shifting around to face Rainbow. The Pegasus smiled. "This has been the best night of my life." "
EpilogueThere was a knocking at the door. "Applejack dear. Would you mind getting that." said Rarity, gesturing towards the door. "Fine." said the farmpony, huffing slightly. Opening the door Applejack saw Twilight practically beaming at her. "Hello there Twilight." said Applejack. "Hi AJ." said the alicorn. "I'm afraid Rainbow Dash and I will be unable to come to dinner tonight if that's okay." "Sure thing Twi'." said Applejack. "Oh good. See you later." said Twilight, turning around and bouncing along the corridor. Applejack sighed, wondering what could have come up. She closed the door and made her way back into the bedroom. "What was that all about?" said Rarity. "RD an' Twilight aren't coming to dinner tonight. No idea why." said the farmpony. "Ooooooohh!" squealed Rarity jumping off her bed. "Rainbow told her!" "What is it?" "Can't you tell?" said Rarity looking funnily at Applejack. "No. The way I see there ain't much to tell. They ain't comin'." "Exactly. Because they're going on a date." "What?"
Chapter 2~Welcome to Las Pegasus, the greatest city in the sky.~ "More like second greatest." huffed Rainbow as she looked at the sign. The train station was a grand affair, much larger than the small stop in Ponyville. The tall colonnades created a majestic atmosphere in the hall, the arched windows between them admitted rays of golden sunlight into the large cavernous space. "How d'you reckon we get to Las Pegasus Boulevard from here." asked AJ. Rainbow Dash looked at her. "McCarran Station is only a few minutes from the Bridleway by carriage. They will have some outside." She motioned for her friends to follow her. "Hang on girls I just need to check I have all my bags." said Rarity looking suspiciously at them. "I feel that I might be missing something." She began to count the bags opening each one as she went along. "Y'know, we are only here for four days Rare. I don't think seventeen bags are really necessary." uttered Applejack. "Ooooohh this is so exciting. I can't wait to get to our hotel, I wanna see if we get little chocolates on our pillows." squealed Pinkie bouncing up and down. "Okay, they're all here. We can go now." said Rarity picking up her bags in a magical grip. The group trotted out of the door. Sure enough there was a line of carriages waiting outside the station. They walked over to the first available one. Twilight spoke. "Hi, were going to Celestia's Palace." The lead stallion of the four who drew the carriage nodded and the group climbed in whilst Rarity attached her bags to the roof. Once they were all inside the carriage drew away and began to pick up speed. The rolling clouds of Las Pegasus flew by them as they cruised along the skyway. Suddenly there was a jolt as they lifted off the clouds and flew over the numerous cloud houses that made up the Las Pegasus suburbs. They could see the Bridleway in the distance, the numerous hotels and casinos towering above the other buildings. They were all vying for a place at the window to get a view of the cloudscape. "So, room grouping. Who goes with who? There are three rooms each with two double beds." said Twilight. "I have done some initial grouping but if you want to change it then that's fine with me." "Uuuumm, who is going with who then?" whispered Fluttershy. "Well, Pinkie, you are with Applejack." -the two whooped.- "Rarity, you are with Fluttershy." -the two mares exchanged smiles.- "And Rainbow, that leaves you sharing with me." The Pegasus shot up suddenly. "Say what?" she enquired. "I said you will be sharing a room with me. If that's okay with you." Twilight answered. "Oh, that's fine I just wasn't listening ad I heard my name." said Rainbow. That makes it easier, but so much harder. Ugghh why does this have to be so difficult. Her train of thought was interrupted by a squealing from the window. "Oooohhh, I see it! I see it! Celstia's Palace." The group again piled to the window. And there it was, Celestia's Palace. The Hotel was in all of it's grandeur, the columns stood tall and proud amidst the many sculptures that adorned the façade. The fountains in front of the doors spouted rainbows, several other carriages were stationed outside the hotel. "Hey you guy's, there's the cloudesium. That's where were gonna see the Cirque de Celestia." said Rainbow, pointing out the structure just next to Celestia's Palace. It looked much like the cloudesium in Cloudsdale but was smaller and had a roof. They began to descend to the surface of the clouds, the soft whiteness coming closer at every moment. The carriage swooped down to land in front of the entrance to the hotel, bouncing softly as is hit the clouds. There was a fairly large crowd in front of the hotel. Ponies leaving, ponies arriving. There was no shortage of passengers needing carriages. A porter trotted over with two luggage trolleys in tow. He gasped when he saw the number of bags on the roof of the carriage, he motioned for another porter quickly who came with another two trolleys. "Let me take your name ma'am so I can have your baggage sent to your room." "My name is Twilight Sparkle." she said. "You're bags will be up soon after you in your room ma'am." he said making a short bow before attending to the luggage. "Thankyou." -she turned to her friends.- "Lets go and check in, then we can settle into our rooms." The group walked through the large doors and into a very extravagant lobby. The ceiling was painted to look like the night sky. Twilight noted that it looked right and she silently congratulated the artist in her head. The floor was made of spotless white and green marble which Rainbow could see herself in. She marveled at how they could get marble to rest on the cloud. There was a long desk with twelve ponies seated behind it. The group made their way over to the nearest available desk. "Hi, i'm Twilight Sparkle. We would like to check in." she said cheerily. The mare at the desk didn't seem to show such enthusiasm. In fact she looked very bored. "You have three rooms booked. You're on the twelfth floor, rooms 12:10,12:11 and 12:12. The elevators are over there." -she pointed towards the casino.- "Have a nice day." The group took their room keys and trotted off towards the elevator. They were well away from the desk when Rarity spoke. "Well, I think she was rather rude." "Don't be like that." said Applejack. "I mean, being a hotel receptionist ain't exactly the most glamorous job in Equestria." "Well I would expect it is easier to get a good job in Ponyville. Everything no matter how small seems so important." said Twilight. She pressed the button for the elevator and the one to their right opened almost instantly. They all piled in through the doorway only to find themselves in a rather spacious area. The elevator was so large that twenty ponies could easily fit in it. "Floor twelve." said Twilight as she hit the button. There was a whirring noise as the elevator slid up the shaft. "So who has which rooms?" asked Rarity. "Well you and Fluttershy have ten. AJ and Pinkie have eleven. So Rainbow and I have twelve." replied Twilight. "They're all the same so it doesn't matter." ~Ding~. The doors slid open and the group walked out into the hallway. There was a sign pointing the way to the rooms. "Looks like were this way girls." said Twilight. They walked down the corridor and reached their rooms. ten and eleven were close together and the occupants of those rooms went in to explore their new rooms. Rainbow and Twilight were left to walk to their room alone. As they neared the doorway Rainbow spoke. "So. Ummm... Twilight. There was something I wanted to talk to you about." "Oh. Really what is it?" replied Twilight. "Oh. Ummm... Don't you think it's interesting that they don't have a thirteenth floor in these hotels." DAMNIT
