What Happens Outside Sugarcube Corner...

Rainbow took a quick fly by Ponyville to see what was happening down below, when out of the blue she saw Pinkie carrying a pink hearted blanket and candles. Rainbow thought something was up, and saw that Pinkie had a nervous look and ran as fast as she could back to the park. Rainbow wanted to find out what the deal with her was. 'I have to find out what Pinkie is up to’ The cyan pegasus dove through the air dodging trees and other obstacles in order to make the quickest route to her pink target. Approaching, Rainbow slowed to a halt, and floated to the ground, locking her eyes on the earth-pony. "So, uh, what's up, Pinkster?" Rainbow Dash asked, knowing that she didn't sound as casual as she was hoping, considering Pinkie had probably seen her flying after her.

Pinkie was obviously getting ready to run Rainbow reached out her hoof to stop her friend from bolting. "Hey, no need to leave, Pinkie. What's going on? She could clearly see that Pinkie was nervous, so she tried to be as calm as possible; she knew from experience that coming off strong wasn't the best way to start a conversation. Pinkie looked from side to side, and grew tense. 'Oh no, oh no oh no!' she thought. 'What if Rainbow catches onto my plan?! I have to play it safe.' She took in a breath and tried to think up the most believable lie that those few seconds of patience that Rainbow had left would provide for her. “I was just going home, since I just picked up my blanket from the dry-cleaners!” The pink pony said, lying through her teeth. Thankfully, the pegasus didn’t question her any more. “Oh. Well, I was actually going to ask if you wanted to hang today,” Pinkie’s heart beat sped up a bit. “but if you’re busy, I guess I’ll just have to ask Appl-” “Actually, I’m not that busy.” Pinkie Pie interrupted. “But I thought you were taking your blanket home.” Pinkie waved her hoof, trying to play off the lie she told “Oh, it’s really no big deal, Dash! I can just drop it off real quick, and we can ‘hang’!” Rainbow Dash was a little deterred by how peculiar her friend was acting, but then again this was Pinkie Pie, so she couldn’t expect her to be too normal.

“Alright. Well, do you have anything in mind?” Pinkie immediately said, “A picnic!” It was what she had been planning for that day, but not until later. “That sounds like a great idea, Pinks! When should we-” “Six!” Now Rainbow was seriously getting weirded out. Had Pinkie Pie already planned this? “I mean, if six o’clock works for you, that is.” “Uh, six works. So where should we meet?” Rainbow Dash was relieved that she got to finish her sentence before Pinkie gave an answer. “How about in the park? Y’know the one in the middle of Ponyville? Because, uh… it’s the Ponyville, uh, Park? Heh heh…” She was acting more suspicious than Applejack did when she tried to tell a lie! “Yeah, I guess so… But at six, can you try to be a bit less, well, awkward?” ‘Oh no, she thinks I’m awkward! This will never work! I-I should just cancel it, run away, and hide forever!’ Pinkie’s mind was racing with anxiety and nervousness and her facial expression was showing it. “Hey, uh, it’s fine Pinks. Don’t worry. I’ll see ya at six, ‘kay?” “Yeah, okay Dash!” Pinkie was back to her old poofy-haired, bouncy, happy-go-lucky attitude, just in time to wave good-bye to Rainbow Dash as she soared off to seize the day, until six o’clock, that is.

Pinkie always thought Rainbow Dash looked so graceful when she flew, with all those colors flying behind her, illuminating the sky with a spectrum of sheer beauty. Pinkie Pie didn’t often think like this, but when she was around Rainbow, she couldn’t help but notice her arial elegance. It was true, and to some (quite) obvious, that Pinkie was head-over-hooves for her friend Rainbow, but she tried to keep it a secret, for she was sure that Rainbow Dash didn’t feel the same way. ‘Why would somepony as cool as Rainbow like a pony like me, anyways?’ Even though she felt in her heart it would never work out, she couldn’t help but feel nothing but pure love her her pegasus friend. She had been hiding this for too long, and it was just eating her up inside, but she was determined: Tonight, Pinkie Pie was going to tell her true feelings to Rainbow Dash!

Four hours had passed, and it was almost six. Pinkie Pie had her basket ready, and had gotten her heart emblazoned blanket all ready for her dinner with Rainbow Dash. She had been thinking about what she was going to say to hopefully not ruin this potentially perfect night with the mare of her dreams. It just so happened that tonight was the night that Canterlot sets off fireworks in honor of Princess Celestia’s birthday, and Pinkie thought that it would set the perfect mood for the evening. The lights would be visible from their spot in the park, and Pinkie Pie had planned this and thought this through enough to be positive that nothing was going to spoil this picnic!

At six o’clock Pinkie Pie set up the blanket on the grassy meadow, and it wasn’t long at all before her rainbow-maned friend came to join her. “Hi Pinkie, great night it is for a picnic, huh? What with all the fireworks and such. How old is the Princess anyway? Ha!” Pinkie Pie giggled lightly along, trying to match the mood of the pegasus, as to try to make this whole ‘thing’ easier to go through with. Pinkie had already set up plates and the platters of assorted foods including, of course, cake for dessert. “Well, seeing as we’re both here,why not start eating? You must be hungry by now, I know I am.” On that note, the two began to eat their daisy pasta, and the first pyrotechnic was lit. The rocket shot up into the air, and burst into a bright mess of color. Pinkie Pie felt like Rainbow Dash was like a firework in a way. Her happiness, the rocket shooting up, and her positive effect on others, the explosion. When Rainbow opened her heart and spoke what was on her mind, Pinkie thought that was beautiful, and her Rainbow shone across the sky each time she was near the pink pony. She felt ‘sparks fly’ between them when they even stopped to say hello. And when Pinkie looked into the blue pegasi’s eyes, she saw a violet pool with sparkling ripples, and her overall beauty just made her want to hold her and-

“Pinkie? Hellooooo? Equestria to Pie, come in!” A sky-blue hoof waved in front of her aquamarine eyes. Pinkie Pie snapped back to reality and wiped the love-struck look off her face as quickly as possible. How long had she been zoned out? “They’re about to light off the biggest one! I hear it’s awesome!” Pinkie Pie melted when she heard that ever-so familiar voice crack that she had grown so used to, but tried to remain stable, for fear of seeming to, weird and love-y. She knew how Rainbow wasn’t one for mushy stuff, and she surely didn’t want to disappoint her best friend. “Oh! It sounds really cool!” The firework was set off, and BOOM! ‘Couldn’t have come any sooner’ she thought, thankful that the awkward conversation had been pushed back at least a few moments. It may have been a few days, or months. With Rainbow Dash, moments seemed to last for an eternity, not long enough a time to spend with such a beautiful mare, and yet, she cherished every second, like it was their last.

The firework show was coming to an end, and the two ponies had barely made conversation, since Pinkie Pie spent most of it thinking about Rainbow. “Hey, it’s getting kinda late, I think that we should be heading home soon.” Pinkie wished she had more time to spend with the mare, but completely understood that she needed to get back. ‘It is getting pretty late.’ the pink pony reasoned with herself. “Alright. Let’s just get all this packed up, then we’ll go.” As soon as the basket was full with it’s original contents, the two friends headed back towards Ponyville.

They had decided to drop Pinkie Pie off first, since it would be a hassle to fly Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie up to Cloudsdale that late at night. Upon approaching at Sugarcube Corner, Dash walked Pinkie to the door, like a good friend would. They said their goodbyes, and just as Rainbow Dash was turning around to head home, Pinkie Pie stopped her by her hoof. Rainbow turned her head, since she clearly wasn’t expecting this. “Rainbow Dash, I-” She was getting really nervous and tongue-tied. ‘Why did I even take her out on a picnic in the first place? This was a terrible idea! Abort! Abort!’ She wanted to run away from her problems, but she made a promise to herself, and to all of her friends: she was going to be completely honest.

“I wanted you to know I really enjoyed tonight.” “So did I! I love fireworks.” The rainbow pegasus replied. “I mean, spending time, with you. I really enjoyed it.” “Well, I love hangin’ out with you too! Friends are always great to be around.” Pinkie didn’t feel like Rainbow Dash was getting the message. Or she was, but she was trying to hide it, because of how unbearably uncomfortable it was to talk about it. “What I’m trying to say, I guess,” Pinkie had no idea how to approach this, and she was so close to giving up. No. She had gotten so far, she wasn’t going to back down now. She had to face these issues like an adult. “What I’m trying to say is that I-I-I like you, Rainbow.” She wanted to say it quickly, but she couldn’t, and every extra moment it took her to get those words out hurt her, from embarrassment and from the constant worry of being rejected by her crush. “I really like you. I think- I think I like-like you…” Pinkie struggled with every word, and regretted every syllable that managed to escape from her lips.

“Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash truly hoped that she wasn’t saying what she thought she was saying. They were best friends! She didn’t feel this way about her, or at least, she didn’t think she felt that way. She wasn’t ready for a relationship, let alone one with her best friend. She just wasn’t ready for this. “ I like you too.” The earth pony’s heart fluttered within her chest, and she could hardly contain herself. “But I like you the way that I like all of our friends.” Her heart dropped. “I’m not sure what you’re asking me, but I don’t want to be in a relationship with you. I just- not with one of my best friends. Her heart fell to the bottom of her chest and shattered. “I just can’t. I’ve known you forever, and I feel like, I don’t know.” Pinkie Pie felt as if she had gone numb. Was this happening? Was she truly being rejected? She couldn’t feel any feelings anymore. Only what she thought was pain. “I’m so sorry Pinkie Pie. I really hope this doesn’t affect our friendship. I really love having you as a friend, but I just don’t want to be in that kind of relationship with you. I can’t.”

It was 9:00 the next morning when Pinkie Pie went downstairs to take her shift at Sugar Cube Corner. She remembered every last detail from last night: the happiness, the laughter, Rainbow,- God, Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie still loved her, but she knew that she couldn’t. Not after last night’s events. ‘If only you had kept your mouth shut. Kept that secret in a little longer, then maybe things wouldn’t have turned out so rotten.’ Pinkie blamed herself entirely. Her personality, the way she acted last night, and the way she put all that pressure on Rainbow. ‘Why would Rainbow Dash even want to be in a relationship with a crazy party animal who confesses her feelings at the most awful moments?’ She wouldn’t cry. She couldn’t. She didn’t have the right. She shouldn’t have put Dash on the spot light that. She should have picked up that Rainbow Dash didn’t feel the same way about her. If she did, she probably would have told her already. There was no use moping around when there was work to do, and no use feeling sad about last night, because it was in the past and as long as she didn’t think about it-

“Ding!” It was the little bell on the door, that bell that told Pinkie to put on a smile for the customers, the little bell that had never really been necessary, since Pinkie Pie always wore a smile, until now. “Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner, how may I help yooou? Of all of the ponies in town that could have stopped by, it had to be her. The very pony who had crushed her dreams the previous night. ‘Why? Why did she have to come in?’ “Oh, hello Rainbow Dash.”

“Uh, hey Pinkie.” The pegasus trotted right up to Pinkie Pie. “I am SO sorry about what I said last night. I can only imagine how you feel.” Pinkie Pie tried to ignore her, but her magenta gaze was something that she had to fall victim to. “Rainbow Dash, I-” “I acted really stupidly, and it was wrong of me to have put you down like that. It’s just that, well, I…” Pinkie sighed and started over towards the counter to use her time to do something productive while Rainbow Dash mumbled a few words under her breath that made Pinkie Pie instantly look up from what she was doing.

“I only said that because I was embarrassed.” Rainbow sputtered. Pinkie wasn’t sure what she just heard. Did Rainbow Dash just say she was embarrassed last night? “Well, what reason would you have to be embarrassed?” Pinkie Pie tried to keep her tone steady, but she was enraged. Rainbow Dash breaks her heart, and now here she is saying she was embarrassed?! “Because I like you too!” Rainbow half-yelled. They were both glad that the shop had just opened for the morning, because if anypony had heard that, then Rainbow would really be embarrassed.

“You what?” Pinkie asked trying not to yell. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing, or feeling for that matter. Half of her was overjoyed that Rainbow felt the same way, but the other half was furious that Rainbow Dash put her through all that pain, only to confess that she had liked her the whole time. “I didn’t say I liked you, because I was so shocked that you felt the same, and I just couldn’t get it out of me. Seems like it would have taken too much courage than I have.” Rainbow Dash tried to explain. “Yeah. It did.” Pinkie returned, very upset. “Look, I know I messed up and I’m truly very sorry about that, but will you please forgive me?” Rainbow was begging, and Pinkie didn’t want her to go through what she had gone through the night before. “I forgive you Rainbow Dash, but you know you’re going to have to make it up to me.” Pinkie told her with a firm voice. “Yes of course, anything!” Rainbow said, filled with relief that Pinkie forgave her. “I need you to promise me that you will always be honest with me no matter what.” “I promise, Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie shifted her weight into her hind legs, and opened her forelegs to offer a hug to Rainbow Dash, who willingly accepted, and returned the embrace. “All good?” Asked Rainbow Dash, truly hoping the answer would be- “Yeah, we’re good.” “Great!” Rainbow trotted next to Pinkie Pie. “So, dinner tonight? At about 6:15?” “Sounds nice.” Pinkie replied softly, glad that all of the pain was over. “Make sure to wear something nice for our first date!” Rainbow exited the sweet store on that note, and Pinkie got back to work.

******

After Pinkie’s shift ended at 4:30, hurried over to Carousel Boutique to see if Rarity could help her piece together an ensemble for her dinner date. She made it to the Boutique quickly, and was greeted at the door by Scootaloo. “Hi Pinkie! The Crusaders are having a fashion show!” “Ah think we might have talents as models, dont’cha think, girls?” Applebloom’s voice came echoing through the main room. Rarity came bustling down the stairs levitating a large pile of various fabrics. “Ah, Pinkie, darling! So lovely to see you! What brings you to the Boutique?” Pinkie stood and watched as Rarity shooed the Crusaders outside to find their talents elsewhere where grown-ups were not speaking. “Yes, hi Rarity! I’m here to ask for some help getting an outfit. You see, I have this dinner date tonight, and-” Rarity took in the largest gasp Pinkie had ever heard. “OH MY! I have been just DYING to make you a casual evening dress! Come along, we’ll have you fitted!” The unicorn let Pinkie Pie through the room over to her dress rack.

“Now dear, you’re going to have to tell me absolutely EVERYTHING! Who are you going to dinner with? Is it romantic?” Uh, well, I prefer not to say for right now, but I think the answer to #2 is yes.” Pinkie didn’t want to tell Rarity just in case Rainbow didn’t want word getting out immediately. And Rarity was a bit of a gossip, so best not to tell her first, anway. “Well, what kind of look are you going for? A casual gown? A formal dress? A-” “Just a few accessories are fine, I think.” Pinkie interrupted not to be rude, but just to save her friend the time, since she didn’t want a dress at all. Soon enough, Rarity had picked out the perfect necklace and hair clip necessary for Pinkie to look nice on her night out.

At dinner, Rainbow Dash had picked out a nice restaurant, and Pinkie Pie was feeling much more comfortable with being herself in front of Rainbow, since neither of them had anything to hide from each other. The two engaged in casual conversation, and were laughing throughout the night about inside jokes that only they would know. There was nothing that could make this night any better than it was already, or so Pinkie thought.

Rainbow Dash paid the bill, and they headed out of the restaurant, and back to Sugar Cube Corner. Rainbow walked her to the door. “Pinkie, I want this time to be a lot better than yesterday. You’re such an amazing pony, and you’re the funniest, sweetest, and most understanding mare I know. Pinkie Pie, would you be my marefriend?” Pinkie looked into Rainbow’s eyes, she knew that she felt the exact same way, and that the pink pony so touched, that she couldn’t help but say “Absolutely, Rainbow Dash!” She was tearing up, not from sadness like the previous night, no. But from utter love and joy. She leapt forward with her forelegs open, and in addition to this hug, she kissed Rainbow. The pegasus returned the kiss, and it seemed to last forever, but Pinkie Pie broke it, and continued to hold the bright blue mare in her hooves. She wore a big smile on her face, and the two knew that their love was one that would last.