Rainbows and Apples

"Now Dash, we must must make sure you are all set for this date ... hm, ooh girls how about a sleepover and we all help?"

I groaned: they had all been talking about this for the past hour, nagging me with questions and getting the occasional glare from Apple Jack. I sighed: the only way out was to fly away, but then they'd probably all just attack me with more questions.

"Guys ... Guys ... GUYS!" They all turned to face my annoyed look.

"Rainbow, we’re just trying to help. Right, girls?" Twilight smiled at me, and the others gave small nods: other than Pinkie who decided to bounce around. I sighed and shook my head.

"Fine. But after this you leave us alone."

I could see hesitation on a few faces, but they all nodded.

"Good."

I flew off, glad to escape all their chatter. Only two ponies could follow me ... with pinkie being a bonus. I decided to fly over Ponyville, and then toward sweet apple acres to practice, taking my mind off all the girly things Rarity insisted I do. I shuddered: going to the spa was something I'd never do. Pushing that thought deep down I started twirling around, until all the bad memories became nothing but thoughts of flight. Soon my wings felt heavy: sighing I headed home. Waiting for me was Tank: he was getting very old now and even FlutterShy was worried. I rubbed my hoof over his shell.

"Come on, you should be resting."

He followed me slowly to his bed, before I got him some food. I let out a breath as he ate: I can only feel helpless because he's getting so old. I know one day he won't be there when I wake, or sleep. I looked through my window: seeing the moon slowly rising into the sky and with a last glance at Tank happily settling down to sleep, I sat on the windows edge. Looking out at the view, seeing the red and orange colours melting into the light blue, I felt my eyes widen. How hadn't I realized this before? I watched them closer as they both faded into the colour of the night. My gaze drifted to where he'd be right now, probably just finishing his work. I flapped my wings quickly before heading to bed, a smile on my face; we were just like an evening sky. I needed a long sleep: days like this take all the energy out of me.

Knock, knock.

I awoke to the sound of hooves against my door. I blinked my eyes to see the sun had just come up: who had the nerve to wake me right now? I stumbled toward my door, my eyes glaring at it as I began to open it.

"Oh, hello. Good morning, Dash."

I groaned.

"FlutterShy, it's so early."

She shuffled on her hooves.

"Oh, yes, I know, but Pinkie said the sleepover is, um, starting now."

"The sun just came up and she wants a sleepover? No. I'm going back to bed; I'll join when it's the right time to join."

"RAINBOWDASHTHEPARTYINGISSTARTINGNOW!"

I turned on the spot to see Pinkie in her balloon waving her hooves around, the others also unable to fly sat with small, forced smiles on their faces.

"No, I want to sleep. I'll go later. Please, I just need to sleep." I said before yawning.

"Oh um, sorry Dash. I-I'm sure Twilight will um, let you sleep at her place ... right?"

I blinked to see the purple fur come into view.

"That I can do: come on, Dash. My bed is as comfortable as a cloud, since both Flash and I have wings."

I looked at all the faces: seeing an expectant AppleJack I nodded, wiping my eyes. This was for her brother after all, right? I shook myself, and gave my wings a flutter.

"Let’s go get it over with."

Pinkie started to fly the balloon down while I followed Twilight to her house, my eyes drooping with every flap.

"Um Rainbow, are you ok?"

I looked up at FlutterShy.

"Of course I am. I'll be fine; it’s just a little early for me."

I brushed it off: a bad night’s sleep can't keep me down. I forced myself to wake up, looking at the sunlight to keep me awake.

"Ok girls, now this is the plan -" I tuned out as Pinkie started rambling on. Her and Rarity seemed to like this whole idea the most; Twilight was taking it all in, the blush on her cheeks probably because she was thinking of Flash; FlutteryShy was paying attention, but kept silent; but AJ, she just looked thoroughly uncomfortable, though I suppose that's partly my fault. I walked toward her and nodded my head toward the door. She blinked at me but followed, looking back to glance at the others still caught up in Pinkie’s activities.

"What's the matter, Rainbow Dash?"

I gave a small breath before turning to her.

"Are you really ok with this? I know it takes time to, adjust but, well are you ok with it?" She looked taken aback, but she managed to answer without too much thought.

"Now Rainbow, my element is honesty, and though I still need to get my head around you an' ma big brother, I am fine with it. If I wasn't, I would have said. I wouldn't have stopped you, I mean, you are both old enough to make these decisions-" I hugged her before she could finish, and pulled away when my eyes began to droop.

"Thanks Apple Jack. It really means a lot."

Just as the girls walked in, I gave a large yawn, and looked up at them slowly.

"Sorry guys. Still a little tired. I'm sure Pinkie can wake me up soon enough."

"Quite the opposite darling." I frowned at Rarity: everything Pinkie does can keep somebody awake. I stood as they looked at each other before laughing: Apple Jack's being the loudest.

"Come on ya'll. I think that Rainbow will love the spa."

Just as I started to fly away, Twilight's magic caught me

"Nope. You promised, and while I said you could sleep here, you can also sleep at the spa. I did the first time."

"Oh I know you did, Twilight. It was rather amusing, might I add. Now come on, Rainbow dear. Today is going to be simply wonderful."

I groaned before muttering under my breath.

"I hate you all."