It was the morning after the Grand Galloping Gala. Celestia's sun was beaming down on bustling Ponyville. Ponies filled the square as they shopped and socialized. Rainbow Dash's cloud mansion hovered above the highest hill in the valley, peacefully quiet with the exception of soft snoring. She was curled up in bed, fast asleep. Her rainbow hued mane and tail still in the same style from the night before. Her beautiful dress, a present from one of her best friends Rarity, was lying on the floor. Carefully placed so that it wasn't creased. She was exhausted after her brilliant night at the Gala. Though she hadn't impressed the Wonderbolts like she would have liked to, there was a certain stallion who she had spent more time with than any-pony else. Of course, she knew who he was. It was Soarin'. He was a member of the Wonderbolts team, a colt that she had idolized her entire life. She had always had a secret crush on him. Soarin's posters covered the cyan mare's bedroom walls. He was definitely her favourite Wonderbolt and she had spent her time at the Gala hanging out with him!
Rainbow muttered in her sleep and rolled over, just as a heavy knocking echoed through the house. Her ears pricked up at the sound, and she slowly opened her sleep ridden eyes. Casting her rose-coloured gaze to the digital clock on her bedside table, she read the time. 11:30. Maybe it was one of her friends coming to visit her, but who? Unless Twilight cast her cloud walking spell, none her friends, except Fluttershy, could get up to her house. Maybe it WAS Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash stretched out her hooves and stepped off the bed. She stretched out her back and wings, before trotting to the front door, to see who her visitor was.
As she reached the door she attempted to flatten down her mane, wiped her face and ruffled her feathers. Even if it was one of her friends she had to look awesome. She had an image to keep up. Rainbow let out a stifling yawn and opened the door.
The stranger at the door was NOT some-pony she'd been expecting. Sure they'd had a good night but for them to show up at her door was completely unexpected. Rainbow could barely contain her excitement. A huge grin spread across her cheeks and her eyes widened.
"S-S-Soarin'?"
The pale blue stallion with the wild navy mane and tail was standing on her doorstep. A goofy grin adorning his face.
"Hey Rainbow Dash" He smiled.
"What are you doing here Soarin'?" Rainbow questioned, raising an eyebrow.
What exactly did he want? To show up on her doorstep was thrilling enough, but he also remembered her name!
"Well, I thought that maybe because we had such a good time last night, maybe you wanna hang out again?"
Soarin's cheeks flushed bright red as he spoke. Rainbow's grin grew even bigger. Her rosy eyes sparkling. Soarin's own wide emerald green eyes shone with hope. Rainbow locked gazes with the stallion and raised an eyebrow.
"Of course I'll hang out with you Soarin'. If you think you can handle me" She winked.
"Challenge accepted" Soarin' smirked as Rainbow tackled him into a hug.
Soarin' chuckled and returned the embrace. Rainbow was a beautiful mare and her talent at flying amazed him. He'd never seen a filly so young be that fast and skilled. He gently nuzzled her neck. He didn't want to rush things, he liked her too much to let her slip through his hooves. She was too special for that.
***
It had been 6 months since Rainbow Dash and Soarin' started hanging out. Ever since the Grand Galloping Gala the two of them had been inseparable. Though neither of them would admit it, the rest of the mane six could tell that there was more than just friendship here. Maybe it was the long lingering hugs that they shared, or the secret kisses that they gave each other when they thought no-pony was watching, but these two strong-willed Pegasi definitely were more than just friends. They did all sorts with each other; they raced, they went to the movies, he gave her V.I.P tickets to Wonderbolt's rallies and shows. They were together nearly 24/7. Rainbow had already met the rest of the Wonderbolt's team and had became good friends with Spitfire and Fleetfoot.
So it wasn't unexpected when one quiet night as Rainbow Dash was having a sleepover with her best friends, their was a knock at the door.
"Spike would you go and see who's knocking on the door please?" Twilight called to her assistant/little brother.
The small purple baby dragon, stepped in from the kitchen.
"Sure thing Twilight!" He responded, jogging downstairs to the heavy wooden door.
The mares continued chatting as Spike answered the door.
"Rainbow Dash there's a colt here asking for you, he says his name's Soarin'" A shout came from below.
Rainbow's ears perked up and she smirked. She remained calm, not wanting to show her excitement to her friends, as dearly as she loved them, her close relationship with Soarin' wanted to be her little secret.
"I'll be right down Spike!" She called before turning her attention to the five mares staring at her. "Is it OK if I go and see what he wants?" The mane six nodded, exchanging glances and smirks. Rainbow turned on her heels and flew downstairs.
"H-hey Dashie" Soarin' smiled, running a hoof through his mane. There was excitement in his eyes and a grin on his face. He was slightly trembling with nerves and excitement.
"What are you doing here so late?" Rainbow quizzed, raising an eyebrow.
"Is it OK if we talk alone?" Soarin' glanced at Spike who was standing expectantly next to Rainbow.
She turned to look at the baby dragon who nodded and jogged back upstairs. Rainbow turned back to look at Soarin' who was staring deep into her rose eyes.
"Um Dashie, I was wondering that because we've had such a great time hanging out and everything, that maybe you'd like to, um... be my Marefriend?" His cheeks flushed red as he finished his sentence.
Rainbow's eyes widened, a huge smile spread across her face and she gasped. She couldn't believe it! A WONDERBOLT WANTED HER TO BE HIS MAREFRIEND!!! She cheered with glee and jumped on top of him, squeezing him in a huge hug.
"YES YES OF COURSE I'LL BE YOUR MAREFRIEND!" She exclaimed, squeezing him tighter.
The stallion chuckled and hugged her back. Nuzzling her neck. A huge cheer came from behind the couple and they swiveled round in surprise. The rest of the Mane 6 were sitting on the stairs, clapping and whistling. The two Pegasi rubbed noses and smiled. Neither of them had ever been so happy.
***
The next few months were a blur of hugs, kisses and romance. Rainbow Dash and Soarin' spent most days with each other, save the days when they were both working and hanging out with their friends. Soarin' was treating Rainbow like a princess. Surprising her with fresh roses and chocolates. He treated her to picnics and romantic dinners. He even let her train with him and the rest of the Wonderbolts! It was safe to say she made a pretty good impression on the team and the captain, who was even considering letting her join the team. Rainbow, in return for Soarin's sweetness and romance, surprised him with fresh pies and concert tickets,as Soarin' was a big music lover. Life was bliss for this happy couple and as winter rolled in, the two were excitedly planning a romantic week in Manehatten for their 6 months anniversary.
Rainbow and Soarin' were cuddled together in front of the warm, roaring fire in Rainbow's living room. They had a blanket wrapped around them to shelter them from the winter chill. As good as clouds were, they could only keep out so much cold, so Rainbow's house was pretty chilly. Despite the offers from her friends for her to stay at their houses, she refused saying that as long as she wrapped up she would be fine.
The couple had brochures layed out in front of them as they flicked through. Trying to decide what to do on their trip to Manehatten. They had already settled on a hotel to stay in. The best hotel they had to offer, as Soarin' had said that Rainbow deserved nothing but the best. They were currently deciding on activities.
"Why don't we go ice skating?" Rainbow suggested, pointing at a picture in the brochure she was reading.
"Sounds like fun, oh and how about this. Fall Out Colt are going to be in the city, the same week we're there. I'm sure I could pull some strings and get us decent tickets" Soarin' pointed out, nuzzling Rainbow as he spoke.
Rainbow Dash chuckled and nuzzled him back.
"Sure I'd love to see Fall Out Colt, they're my favourite band. I can't wait for this trip, it's going to be amazing"
"I've heard that Manehatten is magical in winter with all the snow and Hearths Warming lights" Soarin' whispered to Rainbow, a look of love sparkling in his eyes. Rainbow returned the gaze and kissed him.
"And Romantic" She added. Rainbow Dash had never really been one for romance and usually scoffed at the thought but ever since she met Soarin' her opinion had changed.
Soarin' rolled over onto his back and pulled Rainbow on top of him, making sure the blanket was still draped over her in order to protect her against the chill that was swirling through the house. He wrapped his forelegs around her a squeezed her in a tight hug, which she happily returned. Nudging her with his nose, Soarin' planted a huge kiss on Rainbow's lips before burying his head in her mane. He loved spending time with her and didn't want to rush things.
While Rainbow lay on top of Soarin', her face buried in his neck, she let out a large yawn. Signifying that she was tired. Soarin' giggled at the cute sound and lifted Rainbow's head so that he could look into her rosey eyes.
"I think some-pony's sleepy, do you want to call a night to the planning and head to bed?" Soarin' asked in a soft voice. The tired mare nodded and buried her head in the pale-blue stallion's chest. A soft snoring shortly followed.
Soarin' smiled, wrapping his hooves tighter round the sleeping mare.
"Goodnight Dashie"
***
The tickets were booked and the were dates set. As Rainbow and Soarin' prepared to leave on their week long trip to Manehatten, they could barely contain their excitement. They had carefully planned the trip. The week before Hearth's Warming, due to spending the holidays with family and friend, and Rainbow Dash's part in the Hearth's Warming Eve production in Canterlot. Over the next couple of days the couple would be going Ice Skating in Central Park, Viewing the Fall Out Colt concert and meeting the band backstage, Seeing the Bridleway production of Les Maresirables, enjoying relaxing walks, shopping in busy Times Square, and dining in the best restaurants that Manehatten had to offer.
When the day of their departure rolled in Ponyville station was packed. Ponies were travelling to and from Manehatten, visiting friends and relatives. Soarin' and Rainbow stood on the platform with their luggage awaiting the call to board the train. The rest of the Mane 6, Spike, Spitfire and Fleetfoot were all standing with them, exchanging hugs and farewells.
"Have a brilliant time in the big city!" Twilight smiled warmly, giving Rainbow a hug.
Rainbow returned the smile and nodded, replying with they would. Pinkie Pie was merrily bouncing up and down, giggling and chirping about something that no-pony understood. Rarity simply bundled the couple with scarves and cloaks, wishing them well, and reminding Rainbow to look out for new fashion ideas for her. Which Rarity should have known would be a lost cause, but at least she was trying. Fluttershy was hanging slightly back, she didn't take well to crowds and on this particular busy day, she was having trouble coping. Applejack was with her, muttering words of comfort in her ear to try to calm the timid mare down. She yellow Pegasus finally let out a sigh and trotted forward to pull Rainbow into a tight embrace.
"P-please don't forget about us," she murmured in her ear. The cyan mare simply laughed and pulled her tighter.
"We're only going for a week, not forever. Chill out Shy, I'd never forget you," These kind words made tears roll down Fluttershy's cheeks. The call for boarding the train echoed round the packed station. Fluttershy took a step back and wiped her eyes, a small smile etched in her lips. Rainbow turned to look at Soarin', who was finishing up his goodbyes with his colleagues.
"Hey Dash!" Spitfire called, "Look after him will ya, he's one of our best flyers" Rainbow chuckled and nodded. Of course she would look after him. She never wanted to lose him. With a quick nod, the couple turned to board the train, their wings wrapped around each other.
"We'll see you in a week" The group called, waving madly as the train slowly departed.
Soarin' and Rainbow waved back from their First Class carriage before settling down on the velvet seating. The advantage of having a Wonderbolt as your Coltfriend ment that wherever they went, everything was always top of the class. There was champagne chilling in a bucket on a mahogany sidetable next to the door, and fancy milk chocolates piled high on a silver plate. Soarin' certainly knew how to spoil a mare.
Rainbow settled down on the soft cushions and rested her head on Soarin's shoulder.
"Manehatten, here we come"
***
The week so far had been amazing for the Pegasi couple. They had showed off their skating skills to each other. They had viewed Fall Out Colts brilliant concert and even met the band backstage! They shopped in all the best shops in the city and sat in a viewing box at the 5 star performance of Les Maresirables. Unfortunately their week was coming to a close, as Rainbow Dash and Soarin' were packing up their belongings the night before their departure, Rainbow couldn't help but sigh.
"What's up Dashie?" Soarin' questioned, putting down his clothing and trotting over to the unhappy mare.
"Oh nothing" She replied, continuing with her packing.
Soarin' raised an eyebrow and wrapped his hooves around the mare's waste. Nuzzling her neck, he whispered, "Come on, I know you better than that. Now, what's the matter?"
Rainbow turned to face him, and sat down on the bed. "It's just... I don't want this week to end. I've had way to much fun and well, going back to Ponyville just seems dull in comparison" She looked down and flattened her ears. Soarin' gave her a look of sympathy and then smiled.
"Come on, we've got one last night here. First we're going to the best restaurant in the city and then a nice relaxing walk in Central Park, that's gonna be fun.. Isn't it?" Soarin's emerald eyes shone. Rainbow thought for a moment, then gave the grinning stallion a small smile.
"Okay then Sweetheart, i'll make the most of our last night"
"GREAT!" Soarin' cheered, but quickly shut up when he glanced at the clock. "But you might wanna get ready now, we've only got an hour till we have our meal"
Rainbow giggled and planted a small kiss on the stallions cheek. "Okay Babe, just be glad i'm not Rarity or we would miss dinner" she finished with a wink, trotting into the bathroom to get a shower.
***
The meal went brilliantly! The food was delicious and the service was spot on. The couple were having a great last night in Manehatten. A night that was about to get even better. Soarin' was squirming with excitement as they entered Central Park. He had something special lined up for his very special mare.
"Hey Dashie, can you close your eyes for a moment, I want to show you something," He smiled, a cheeky, suspicious smile.
Rainbow Dash cocked her head to the side in confusion and raised an eyebrow. Soarin' was looking at her with his huge emerald eyes, his bottom lip stuck out in a pout. Rainbow shuck her head and nodded, closing her eyes.
As she was plunged into darkness, she could hear whispering and shuffling. Some-pony grabbed her hoof and slowly ushered her forwards. The hooves then gently squeezed her shoulders as if signaling her to sit down. As she sat, music began to play.
"Dashie, open your eyes" Whispered Soarin' soft voice.
Rainbow opened her eyes and was met with a display of roses and ponies, with Soarin' standing in the middle with a dopey grin plastered on his face.
"S-Soarin' W-Wha?" Rainbow began to stutter, but was quickly shut up as Soarin' began to sing.
Soarin's Song
As the song ended, Rainbow was wiping away tears. It had been so beautiful, but there was one last thing Soarin' wanted to do. He trotted towards Rainbow Dash and stopped about a meter away. He then proceeded to bend down onto one knee. And pulled out a ring.
"Dashie, would you do the honor of marrying me?"
Rainbow gasped, tears streaming down her face. She looked down on the smiling stallion, but before she could reply, she heard sobs behind her.
Behind her were all her friends, smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes.
This was the happiest moment of Dash's life, and there was only one answer she could give. She turned back to Soarin' and swallowed.
"Yes, I will marry you!"
Author's Note
It's finally finished, and with a happy ending too. Hope you enjoyed, more stories coming soon. Please like, favourite and comment if you enjoyed.
