Calm Before The Storm

Chapters

The Storm
Fluttershy's Cottage
Do You?

The Storm

The night was getting cold and Rainbow Dash was heading home to get some sleep after her long day of work on the weather patrol around Ponyville. They had spent the majority of their day preparing a storm and it was scheduled to start later on in the evening. To say the least, all that hard work had made Rainbow tired. When she got home, she fed her pet tortoise and got ready for bed. It was only until a couple hours or so later on that she could hear the sound of thunder crashing.

The crashing got louder as the thunderclouds moved closer to her house. Then she could hear the heavy rain. It was only lucky Rainbow had reinforced the walls of her house when she built it to hold against strong winds and other forces if it comes her way. She laid in bed, trying to sleep off her tiredness but the loudness outside was keeping her from falling into the world of dreams. She fidgeted around in bed as she tried to get into a comfortable position, pulling cloud pieces from her pillow and sticking them in her ears.

''I gotta remember to hit my team in the head for making this a bit too strong...'' Dash muttered under her breath as she once again closed her eyes and snuggled her cheek deep into the pillow. Rainbow was finally getting comfortable, having managed to block out most of the sound of the storm outside but it all ended as she felt the surface of her cloud-floor shake. She shot up in bed as it got worse, eventually climbing from her bed to find out what it was. Her eyes widened when she got downstairs, seeing that one of her supports had shaken loose, causing the floor it was once supporting to sag down, pulling the walls and surfaces of the upper floors with it.

It wasn't long before the roof broke completely in a mist of white, more of the supports giving out as Dash stared in horror. Her house was being destroyed by the storm! Rainbow tried to fix the supports as fast as she could but it was of no use. Too many of them were being destroyed and she wasn't going be able to fix them fast enough. Then the walls collapsed around her, the outside visible. The winds threw Dash off of her hooves and into a cloud wall, knocking her straight through it and into the forceful winds that raged everywhere. Even for Rainbow, it was hard to avert herself into a flying position as she was twisted and thrown around in the wind, unable to balance herself.

She had no idea where she was in the air and as she soon was able to see the ground below her, her eyes went small, her nerves ringing with fear as she knew what was about to happen. She was going to be thrown into the floor if she didn't do something but the fear seemed to take over. She just fell, falling faster and faster as she neared the ground, eventually coming into contact with it, her vision going black.

*** *** ***

The smell of antiseptic filled Rainbow Dash's nose as she weakly opened her eyes. Her head was spinning softly and one of her hooves hurt. When she tried to move her foreleg, she found she couldn't. Looking down, Rainbow could see it in a cast, wrapped tightly and securely around the majority of its length. A stallion with a yellow coat and brown mane entered the room, wearing a white doctors coat and levitating a clipboard in green magic. He looked a little surprised to see she was awake as he smiled at her.

''Good morning, Miss Dash, glad to finally see you're awake. How are you feeling? I'm Doctor Stable, I'm sure we've met before?'' Doctor Stable said, still smiling as he looked at Rainbow, seeing that she looked more hurt than when she was brought in. The pain was so evident if one would look her in the eyes.

''W-What happened?'' Rainbow asked groggily, using an unrestrained hoof to rub the back of her head. The doctor lifted the clipboard, telling Dash what had happened and why she was here. Doctor Stable looked uneasy as he looked Dash in the eye again before looking back at the writing on his clipboard.

''Miss Dash, first I've gotta tell you that during the storm that happened a couple days ago-''

''Wait WHAT?! A couple days ago?! I've been here TWO DAYS?!'' Rainbow exclaimed loudly, clutching her bad hoof as pain shot through it as she writhed in bed. Doctor Stable used his magic to stop her limbs moving, stopping her hurting herself.

''Miss Dash, please! You must calm down! Let me finish!'' Doctor Stable said as he locked eyes with her, half pity and half anger lingering within them. Seeing it, Rainbow calmed down, letting the doctor speak again.

''Thank you. Now, as I was saying, you've been here two days after being knocked out. You suffered some head trauma and broke one of your legs and both of your wings. You're lucky to be alive, thanks to one of your friends.'' Rainbow's ears perked and her face grew pale. Broken her wings and leg? Friend saved her? Who?

''One of my friends saved me? Who?'' Rainbow asked softly, her tone a whisper as she tried to hold back the urge to scream and thrash around in bed at knowing she probably won't be flying for a long time.

''Ah. I think...pink mane, yellow coat. Doesn't talk much-''

''Fluttershy?'' Rainbow interrupted, ''Fluttershy saved me?'' Her heart slowed as she remembered the intensity of the storm. It was probably one of the strongest the weather team had ever created. But Fluttershy? What was she doing out there in that time? More importantly, did she get herself hurt? ''Where is she? Is Fluttershy alright?'' Rainbow asked, her worry for her life-long friend growing.

''Oh, yes, she's fine. As a matter of fact, she's in the waiting room. One more thing, Miss Dash, while you were unconscious, Fluttershy offered to pay for the expenses. Be sure to thank her, she's worried about you.'' And with that, Rainbow immediately felt guilty. If it hadn't been for Fluttershy, she would of probably died, meaning that she pretty much owed her her life. And then she paid for the hospital expenses? Rainbow was at a loss for words. ''Luckily, you'll be able to leave today, Miss Dash. Given the circumstances, Fluttershy had offered to take you in for the meantime, so you'll be staying with her.''

''Wait, what circumstances?''

''Oh, right.'' He coughed nervously, ''Well, during the storm, the strong winds...destroyed your house. I'm truly sorry.''

Rainbow felt like she had been hit in the head with a hammer. She covered her face with her hooves as she began to feel tears invade her eyes. She really hoped she heard that incorrectly. Her house was destroyed by the storm? Everything she owned was in that house! Even her trophies and valuables! That included her Element of Loyalty necklace and her signed Wonderbolt picture by Spitfire.

*** *** ***

When Rainbow Dash was wheeled into the waiting room by a nurse, she was almost immediately greeted by an extremely worried but relieved Fluttershy. The nurse had left them both alone with each other and it wasn't long before Rainbow found Fluttershy locked around her barrel, hugging her tightly but not enough to hurt her damaged limbs.

''Oh, Rainbow, you're alright! I was so worried!'' Fluttershy cried, letting go of her friend and looking into her eyes, seeing that Rainbow looked upset. ''Hey, what's wrong?''

Rainbow looked down, sighing softly before looking back up, faint tears glazing her eyes.

''Fluttershy...I...why were you out that night? You shouldn't of been out while the storm was at its worst! You could of gotten yourself hurt!'' Rainbow said, looking dead into the eyes of her friend whom was clearly taken aback by what had just been said to her. Fluttershy only placed a reassuring hoof to Dash's shoulder.

''Rainbow, calm down. I was out because I wanted to see you. I swear I didn't know about the storm but it was a lucky thing that I found you. You're house was destroyed and when I did eventually find you, I brought you here.'' Rainbow could see the tears form in Fluttershy's eyes. Saying nothing, Rainbow drew her friend closer, hugging her in a grateful embrace.

''Thanks, Fluttershy. I'm sorry I yelled at you. You saved my life.''

''It wasn't any trouble, Rainbow. I couldn't leave you there. But anyway, I think you should come with me back to my place. Its the least I can do after all you've been through.''

''Thank you, Fluttershy. Should we get going then?''

Without saying another word, Fluttershy wheeled Rainbow out of the hospital and headed towards her cottage.

Fluttershy's Cottage

When Fluttershy brought Rainbow back to her house, she had taken Dash upstairs and placed her on her bed, careful not to hurt her already badly damaged limbs and body. She knew that Rainbow didn't like other ponies touching her hooves but Fluttershy wanted to take a look at it. Before they left, Fluttershy had been told by the doctor that Rainbow's bandages shouldn't be removed for a week or so and that the rest of her injuries would take a while to heal. A month or so to be precise.

Rainbow thought that the feeling of Fluttershy's bed was itchy and way too flat for her liking but from living in a cloud house and having a clouds as her main structure material, she just wasn't used to it. She had spent pretty much all her life in the clouds. She was a pegasus, after all. She saw Fluttershy approach her bandaged foreleg and was about to protest right before she saw Fluttershy smile reassuringly at her, somehow putting her at ease as the butter pegasus undid the bandages and looked at her friend's hoof, shocked at the condition.

Rainbow's hoof was very badly bruised and swollen, indicating that her landing from the house as it broke apart in the storm was quite forceful. Fluttershy hated seeing her friends hurt, especially Rainbow Dash. The two of them have been friends since they were around two-years old. As gentle and as careful as she could, Fluttershy felt the wound, feeling Dash tense up after she nudged the broken bone within.

''Sorry, Dash! I didn't mean to-''

''Its okay, Fluttershy. Just ached a bit is all.'' Rainbow tried to smile reassuringly at her but Fluttershy knew it was fake. She knew how sensitive Dash could be sometimes. Fluttershy looked at Dash's bandaged up wings, knowing how badly damaged they must of been. She couldn't help but feel a tear run down her cheek as she looked at her injuries, thinking about that night when she found her lying on the floor not far from where her house used to be.

''Hey, what's wrong?'' Rainbow asked Fluttershy, noticing the tear that went down her cheek and impacting with the wooden floor of her bedroom. She tried to look away from Rainbow but when she did, she felt Rainbow's hoof touch her shoulder, causing her to look back to her, meeting her magenta eyes.

''Its nothing, Rainbow. I just...I...when I found you in the storm...lying on the ground, I thought of the worst! I actually thought that I'd lost you, Rainbow!'' Fluttershy weeped as Rainbow stared in silence, a mixture of shock and pity for her pegasus friend. Even though she knew Fluttershy was like that sometimes, she could tell that this one had scared her all too much. Granted, seeing your best friend hurt and laying motionless in a deafening storm must of been terrifying. Rainbow didn't say anything but hugged her instead, holding her close.

Fluttershy gladly returned the embrace, a small blush appearing on her cheeks that didn't go unnoticed by Rainbow but she let it slide. It wasn't that long until Fluttershy had come upstairs in the short while she had been in the kitchen, a tray holding a nice-smelling bowl of soup in her mouth. Fluttershy placed it on her bedside table, Rainbow taking in a huff of the inviting aroma it was giving off. It smelled like alfalfa and daffodil.

''Well, here it is, alfalfa and daffodil soup - a family favourite of mine.'' She smiled at Dash, noticing that she seemed to be enjoying the scent of it but was more curious weather if she like the taste or not. Dash eagerly took a sip of the thick, sweet-tasting brew, her face lighting up in approval, Fluttershy smiling beside her.

Wow, what a guess!

''W-Wow,'' Dash said softly, the taste still lingering on her tongue. ''I've never had soup that tasted so good before!'' She turned to Fluttershy, smiling at her, ''I didn't know you could cook, Shy.'' She giggled when she saw Fluttershy blush a soft pink at the compliment.

''Why, thank you, Dashie. It's nothing, really.'' The shy pegasus replied, hiding behind her curtain of pink mane.

''You kiddin'? This is something alright!''

''Well, Rainbow, I should probably be getting some sleep and so should you. Eat that and get yourself to sleep, you're very tired.'' Fluttershy said, turning for the door and before she went out, Rainbow called out to her, grabbing her attention and making her turn back to face her, looking her in the eyes.

''Fluttershy...I just wanna say...thanks. Not just for this but for everything you've done for me. I just hope I aren't much of a burden while I'm here.'' Dash said to Fluttershy, both their cheeks burning a soft crimson.

''You're not a burden to me, Dash. Before I took you in, I barely even had many things to do around here. I don't think I've spent more time caring for somepony or an animal as much as I do for you.'' As those words left Fluttershy's mouth, her cheeks as well as Dash's were burning a bright crimson. Still hiding her deep blush behind her mane, Fluttershy walked out of the room, flicking off the light, looking back to Rainbow before closing the door. ''Now, get some rest. I'll see you in the morning, Dashie.''

''Thanks again, Fluttershy.'' Rainbow said softly moments after Fluttershy had left the room, closing the door silently behind her. After finishing her soup, Rainbow found it hard to sleep in Fluttershy's bed but her relaxed state seemed to overtake that. She was laying on her side, covers tucked up to her chin as she stared out of the window and up at the night sky. It was a starry night, purple-blue light from the moon illuminating a small portion of the bedroom from the window. It was simply beautiful to look at.

Rainbow couldn't help but feel like a stranded bird; seeing all of that free, open sky and not being able to fly due to injured wings. Up there, she was as free as she could ever imagine to be but down on the ground, she was restrained by her own injuries for a while. As much as she hated the thought of not flying for what seemed like a millennium to her, the one thing that scared her most was dying. Being dead meant that she would no longer be able to fly. She would just be buried in the ground, unmoving. She shivered violently as the thought settled deeper into her mind, knowing that it could of happened very easily when she was plunged into the ground by the winds.

She thought about how scared Fluttershy was when she saw her again after she was out of hospital, remembering those eyes she had, those emotions behind them. Rainbow knew how much she meant to Fluttershy. She was a very important part of her life, much like she was in hers. They had been friends for a long, long time, since they were very young fillies, even, and the thought of losing one another was just painful to think of. And for some strange reason, Rainbow actually wished that Fluttershy was not downstairs but rather up here with her, laying next to her in bed and watching the stars twinkle in the sky.

You like her, don't you?

Wait, what?! Me like Fluttershy?

Isn't it obvious? She saved your life and took you in when you had no home to go to.

What does that have to do with me liking her? We're only friends...

The voice didn't answer and for a moment she mentally smacked herself from acting delusional. That last thing the voice said, though, got her thinking. True, she did do both them things but what does it have to do with her having feelings for Fluttershy? She was too tired to think. Rainbow just stared at the night sky again, watching the stars twinkle like small fireworks, soon drifting off into a deep sleep.

*** *** ***

Sunlight poured into the room from the window, landing on Rainbow's face and causing her to wake up to the inviting warmth. Strangely, she could feel something on her hoof, almost feeling as if it was being massaged. Cracking an eye open, Rainbow could see that Fluttershy was looking at her broken hoof while stroking it up and down gently. Rainbow could feel her cheeks burning at the soft touch of Fluttershy's hooves. They felt just as soft as a cloud. While Fluttershy was tending her injured hoof, she looked up to Rainbow's face, unaware that she was actually awake. She even giggled when she saw that blush igniting her cheeks.

Rainbow couldn't help but feel disappointed when she felt the caring hooves of Fluttershy let go of her hoof. She lightly cracked an eye open, watching Fluttershy, whom seemed to be staring back at her, noticing she was awake. What gave that away was the blush on her own cheeks and Rainbow knew she only blushed like that when she didn't realize somepony was watching her while she was doing something such as what she was doing with Rainbow's hoof.

''Morning, Dashie.'' Fluttershy said softly in her usual, sweet voice.

''Morning, Fluttershy.'' Rainbow replied, a soft smile on her lips. ''Didn't think you'd be up this early.''

''Oh, I'm always up early. I enjoy watching the sun rise in the morning. By the way, Dash, you should be able to walk now.''

Her ears perking a little, Rainbow moved her hoof back and forth off of the edge of the bed, surprisingly feeling no pain. Her eyes widened in joy of having the control of her hoof back. Climbing out of bed, she stood up, testing all her hooves as she walked and she couldn't help but squee at the joy she was feeling.

''My Celestia! H-How...just...wow! How did you do that?'' Rainbow asked as she turned to hug Fluttershy, her eyes glistening like the stars in the night sky. Fluttershy hugged back before responding, her blush intensifying to the point were she was practically sharing the properties of a light-bulb.

''It was nothing, really, Rainbow. I bought some medicine to go on your hoof to see if it would work. I know you don't like being stuck in a bed all day, so I decided to try it.'' Fluttershy explained, the joy on Rainbow's face faltering a little. For some reason, Rainbow couldn't help but think something of the medicinal kind that Fluttershy used on her hoof didn't come cheap. Now Rainbow really was starting to feel uncomfortable.

''Fluttershy,'' Rainbow began slowly, looking into Fluttershy's eyes, the look in them almost looking as if that she knew what she was about to say. ''Please tell me that you didn't go and blow a whole lot of bits on whatever it was you used...''

Fluttershy only pawed at the ground awkwardly, looking anywhere but at Rainbow's upset eyes. She knew what her answer would be from how she reacted to the question.

For a while, she didn't look up, unable to find her voice as her ears flopped down on her head. ''Rainbow...I...I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable about anything...but-''

''Fluttershy, just...please...stop. I appreciate all you've done for me, but I can't live with myself knowing you are spending Celestia knows how many bits on me just so I can recover. I just don't know how I could possibly repay you for anything and everything you've done for me!''

Fluttershy only hugged Rainbow, holding her shoulder with a hoof as she broke away, looking into her eyes. ''Rainbow, I know that you feel uncomfortable and I'm sorry about that, but I don't expect anything back from you. Please understand, Rainbow. I'm sorry for making you feel that way.'' Fluttershy pleaded, Rainbow gently removing her hoof from her shoulder before placing it back down to the floor, still making eye contact.

''It isn't right, Fluttershy. It just isn't. I think this is getting a little out of hoof.'' Rainbow said softly, ''I couldn't ever pay you back for all you've done for me already.''

''It's alright, Rainbow Dash. Really. I already told you I don't expect anything back. I'm your friend and I'd do anything for you, Rainbow.''

Rainbow sighed, ''Friends or not, Fluttershy, it just isn't right.'' And then she left, leaving a now saddened Fluttershy behind. Quietly, Fluttershy curled in a ball and cried silently, knowing that she had just emotionally hurt one of her closest friends.

*** *** ***

Rainbow Dash walked along the dirt path, drawing herself further away from Fluttershy's cottage with each step. Right now, Rainbow just wanted some alone time to clear her mind. Whenever Rainbow felt down, she would always take a walk or go flying to take her mind off of things, but the situation she was in was going to take her some time to get over, even though she knew she would probably remember it for as long as she lived. All she felt was guilt.

While she walked further along her aimless routes, she admired the scenery or more or less tried to find something else to focus her mind on. Anything. She didn't even know she had come to a place all too familiar to her. Wide open spaces, trees in the surrounding areas. She now knew what this place was. This is where her house used to be. If it wasn't the scenery that told her that, it was the remnants of her belongings scattering the floor. Though most of them were in pieces, she knew they were hers.

She couldn't help but feel a tear stroke her cheek and land on the floor. Rainbow gently trotted around the remnants of her belongings, taking anything that wasn't completely destroyed or beyond repair. She had managed to only get a hoof full of her things by time she had gotten tired. She had managed to recover her photo album, filled with memories of the past, including her and Fluttershy as well as her other friends. Rainbow had even managed to find her signed picture of Spitfire, thankfully untouched. It was just a good thing that she had laminated it.

The only thing she knew was missing was her Element of Loyalty necklace. And Tank. She hadn't seen him since the destruction of her house during the storm around a few days ago. Her insides felt like they were in a knot and her eyes burned with fresh tears upon thinking what could of happened to her hard-shelled, flying companion. Then she saw a twinkle in her eye, towards the tree line. Looking in the direction it was coming from, Rainbow approached it.

When she neared it enough to see, she noticed it was something golden and shiny, stuck in a tree. Only a part of it was hanging off of the edge of the tree, out of Rainbow's reach from the ground. If only she could fly, she could get it. She wrapped her hooves on the tree trunk, attempting to climb it, thankful that her once broken hoof was restored enough to function. She fell a couple of times but on the third climb, she managed to jump up, grabbing the end with her teeth and yanking it free of whatever was restraining it.

She landed flat on her rump, the shiny, golden object landing on her lap. When she looked down at it, her eyes widened. It was her Element of Loyalty necklace. It was a little battered up and scratched in various places. The red, gemstone-thunderbolt in the middle had a crack down the middle, running a majority of its length, but at least it was intact. She smiled as she fastened it around her neck, feeling somewhat relived. The only thing that she'd missing besides her necklace and house was her pet and she still had to find him.

But she really didn't need to. The thing that held her necklace in place on the tree was the flying mechanism used to help Tank fly, as she found when she looked at the bottom of the tree. The propellers were bent at insane angles and the turning mechanism was cracked and badly damaged, beyond repair. She took it in her hooves and held it to her chest, clinging tightly onto it, tears pouring from her eyes and down her cheeks. She had cried until it had started to get dark, the moon just coming over the peak of the mountains in the distance.

She got up and walked back towards Fluttershy's cottage, Tank's flying mechanism on her back.

*** *** ***

Rainbow trudged back into the home of Fluttershy, falling down on the floor moments later, her energy drained from all the crying. Fluttershy must of heard the bang because in a matter of seconds she was beside her, noticing her drained state and red, puffy eyes.

''Oh my gosh, Rainbow Dash! Are you okay?!'' Fluttershy shrieked in a panic, helping Rainbow to sit on her haunches. How weak she looked ate at Fluttershy's heart. She held onto Rainbow's hooves and let Rainbow cry on her shoulder.

''F-F-F-Fluttershy...he-he-he's gone! Tank is gone!'' Rainbow sniffled, her crying becoming heavier as she hugged with Fluttershy's mane, trying to find comfort but it didn't help. Neither did Fluttershy's gasp of horror.

''Tank? What do you mean 'he's gone'?'' Fluttershy said, her voice lowering itself to a sad tone, like she was on the verge of tears herself.

''I-I-I couldn't find him! All I have is this...'' Rainbow took the flying mechanism off of her back, placing it between the two, horror and shock plastered on Fluttershy's face. She picked up the object, checking it over to make sure it was indeed the one that belonged to Tank. She shrank back as the answer was confirmed. Rainbow held onto her, not wanting to let go as she continued to weep. ''I'm sorry, Fluttershy, I'm so sorry for yelling at you earlier! I just felt so guilty about everything!''

Fluttershy was at a loss for words. She had never seen Rainbow cry so much before. It made her heart ache even more. One of the many things she hated seeing was one of her friends in a state such as Rainbow. All she could do was hug her. She held her tight and close, stroking her back with a hoof, attempting to calm her down. Around half an hour passed in the time they sat there cuddling. Rainbow had stayed awake, unable to sleep from the days events. The night had gotten into its latest hour and Rainbow could only snuggle with Fluttershy, trying to find comfort that her troubled mind wouldn't allow.

Fluttershy had her tail wrapped around Rainbow's flank and just around her lower body while she rested her cheek into Rainbow's, sleeping soundly. Rainbow lay there in Fluttershy's embrace, partly playing with her long, silky-pink mane. She even seemed to smile in her sleep as she ran a hoof through it. Rainbow closed her eyes and snuggled deeply into Fluttershy's mane, soon finding warmth and comfort, eventually falling into a deep sleep.

Do You?

''Rainbow? Are you feeling alright?'' Fluttershy asked her cyan friend as they trotted side by side down the dirt path and towards Ponyville. As down as Rainbow was, Fluttershy decided it would be best if she got her some fresh air to clear her mind. Fluttershy needed to head into Ponyville to get a few groceries and accessories. She also figured that since they haven't seen their friends for a while, it would be the perfect opportunity to catch up. After all, she knew that the rest of their friends were eager to know how Rainbow was doing after she was nearly killed.

Rainbow didn't respond to Fluttershy's voice, nor acknowledged her. She just kept her gaze fixed to the floor, head hung low and ears flat on her head. She really seemed to be taking the loss of her pet hard. Fluttershy knew that he was everything she wanted in a pet, despite him being slow because of his species. He had the loyalty of Rainbow Dash herself and was unstoppable, again sharing something that was important about his being.

''Aw, come on, Dashie. I know you're upset, but I'm sure we can find you another pet.'' Fluttershy reassured her, but only seeming to infuriate the cyan pegasus. She saw the twitch in Rainbow's eye as she saw them glaze over with what she suspected were tears. She stopped in her tracks and wiped a hoof across her eyes, Fluttershy noticing and going up to her, concern plastered on her face.

''You don't understand,'' Rainbow said, looking up into Fluttershy's soft green eyes. ''No other pet can replace him. Tank was the most loyal pet I could of asked for. Now I probably will never see him again.'' Rainbow weeped. Fluttershy only managed a half smile as she placed a hoof to her shoulder, giving her friend a one-hoofed hug.

''Now, come on, Rainbow, it'll be okay. I'm sure he didn't get taken by the storm. He may still be around if you look hard enough.'' Even though Fluttershy's kind words moved her a little, Rainbow still felt pain tug at her heart. She really hoped it to be true. She didn't really know if Tank had somehow managed to escape or not during the destruction of her house, but she really, really hoped he did. To her, he was irreplaceable.

The rest of the way into town had been quiet, Rainbow nor Fluttershy making conversation. Even if she wanted to, the only answer would be that of miserable silence. They walked together down the streets, soon being greeted by a pair of their friends. Applejack and Rarity. They waved to them, Fluttershy waving back.

''Howdy, Fluttershy. It's been a while.'' Applejack greeted them, smiling.

''Yes, dears, it really has been a while. Have things been going fine for the both of you?'' Rarity said, moments later noticing the miserable-looking expression upon Dash's face. Her face turned to one of worry and concern. ''W-What ever is the matter, Rainbow? Are you alright?''

Fluttershy looked over to Rainbow momentarily before looking over to Rarity, a frown on her lips. ''She hasn't been feeling good lately, girls.'' Fluttershy said, not too keen on saying the rest. The last thing she wanted was for Rainbow to make a scene and embarrass herself. Applejack came next to Rainbow, placing a hoof on her chin before raising her head to meet her saddened gaze. Just the look in Rainbow's eyes made Applejack concerned.

''What's eatin' ya, Rainbow? Come on, you can tell us, we're your friends.'' Applejack said, smiling softly to her wounded friend. Rainbow held her frown while her eyes just became filled with tears. She didn't want to cry right then and there, but it was almost impossible to hold back the emotions lingering inside of her, just waiting to be set free. She etched back from Applejack's touch, keeping her head down to prevent them seeing the tears that were escaping her eyes. Fluttershy placed a hoof to Rainbow's back, gently stroking her. It wasn't long before Rainbow calmed herself, being able to look Fluttershy in her concerned eyes.

''Fluttershy, I'm just going to go...I...'' She was shushed by Fluttershy.

''Shh, it's alright, Rainbow. I know what you're going through is hard. You don't have to hide it, we're all here for you.'' Fluttershy hugged her, Rainbow slowly returning the embrace. After they broke from each other's arms, Rainbow noticed that Fluttershy was blushing, but she thought it would be best not to mention it. She also could of sworn she heard both Rarity and Applejack giggle from behind.

''What's funny?'' Rainbow asked, feeling her defensive side kicking in as she looked her friends in the eye.

''It's nothing, Rainbow. Anyway, since you two are here, why don't you hang out with us? It's been a while since we all hung out together.'' Rarity asked them. True, it had been a while since they all hung out together, but with Rainbow in the condition that she was currently in, she needed her rest.

''Thanks for the offer, girls, but Rainbow needs her rest. Besides, I've got some shopping to do while I'm in town. I shouldn't be long, but I think Rainbow should be getting back now. She-''

''No, it's alright, Fluttershy. I'll be fine, I can stick around a while longer.'' Rainbow interjected, looking her friend in the eye.

''Are you sure, Rainbow? I mean, your hoof shouldn't be used as much, even after I fixed it.'' Fluttershy motioned to her once broken hoof, but Rainbow raised a hoof, stopping her from saying anything further.

''I'll be alright, Fluttershy. Now, what do you need, exactly?''

*** *** ***

A quick round of shopping later, Fluttershy and Rainbow were heading back towards the cottage. In the time it took them to find what they needed, it had started to get dark and grow colder. Rainbow could see that Fluttershy was shivering from the low temperature and moved closer to her, transferring her body heat to her cold frame. Even though her cheeks were a hue of rosey-red from the cold, Rainbow could tell she was blushing. She was too, and she hoped Fluttershy didn't see.

''T-T-Thank you.'' Fluttershy said through chattering teeth, smiling at Rainbow whom smiled back. The rest of the way, they didn't speak a word. The night air was getting colder, the howls seeming soothing yet biting at their coats.

Why don't you just tell her how you feel?

No, not now. As much as I want to tell her how I feel, I'm...scared.

Scared? Since when is Rainbow Dash scared? You're never going to know unless you tell her.

I guess so. I'm just so scared about knowing it could be the end of our friendship. I've known her since forever and I'd die if I lost her. What if she hates me? What if she never wants to see me again?

She won't hate you. Fluttershy is your friend, is she not? She loves you as a friend, but maybe even more if you talk with her about it. All you've gotta do is come out with it. Confess your feelings for her.

''Rainbow? Are you alright?'' Fluttershy asked Rainbow, whom was standing still, appearing almost frozen. Her eyes were fixed upon Fluttershy and didn't seem to move. Fluttershy worriedly approached her, waving a hoof in front of her eyes, still getting no response. ''Rainbow!'' She shouted, snapping the pegasus from her trance. Rainbow blushed softly before looking up to her friend, feeling embarrassed.

''Hey...you alright, Rainbow?'' Fluttershy asked once more. Rainbow didn't answer for a moment, unable to speak in her embarrassment. When she managed to make eye contact with her friend, Fluttershy noticed her blush, immediately knowing something was on her mind. Knowing Dash from a very young age, Fluttershy could tell when she had something on her mind or if something was troubling her. ''Rainbow? What have you got on your mind? I know that look, Dashie.'' Fluttershy smiled sweetly.

Rainbow hesitated before finding her voice. ''Erm...Fluttershy? I...I kinda need to talk with you about something...you know, personal.'' Fluttershy only nodded, moving closer to Rainbow. They continued to walk towards the cottage, and upon entering, Fluttershy and Rainbow sat down on the couch. Rainbow couldn't help but fidget with her hooves. She was looking everywhere but at Fluttershy. She even flinched slightly when Fluttershy touched her shoulder.

''What is it you wanted to talk about then, Rainbow?'' Fluttershy asked Rainbow in he soft but sweet voice. Rainbow looked nervously towards her before sighing out loud through her nostrils. She held Fluttershy's hooves, gently stroking them, feeling just how cold she really was. She took in a deep breath before she could look her in the eye, about to tell her the truth of what she thinks of her.

''Well...Fluttershy, the truth is...I...I...IreallylikeyoualotandhavealwayslikedyouasafriendandmaybeevenmorethanthatandIrreally,reallyloveyou.'' Rainbow said at high speed, barely even more than a couple words being understood in that hyperactive sentence by Fluttershy. Rainbow clenched her eyes shut, waiting for her response. She cracked an eye open, seeing Fluttershy sat there motionless as she kept her gaze fixed upon her. What Rainbow did expect was a reaction that maybe involved a hoof to her cheek or something more along the lines of 'I never want to see you again' but it never came. Instead Fluttershy just stared silently at Rainbow before speaking.

''Can you repeat that, please? Preferably in a slower tone?'' Fluttershy asked, causing Dash to sigh, this time quieter.

''I love you, Fluttershy. I have for a long time, even since we were fillies. I never really said anything about it because I was just so scared about how you'd react to it. Please don't hate me...'' Rainbow whimpered as she said the last part, her lips trembling. The last part seemed to take Fluttershy aback a little. She tightened her grip ever so slightly around Rainbow's hooves and leaned forward until she was an inch or so away from being able to touch her nose.

''I don't hate you, Dashie. Why would you ever think that? And I haven't been completely honest with you, either, Dash.'' Rainbow's ears perked. ''I feel the same about you, too, actually. In fact, since we were fillies I have always liked you. You were the only one who ever believed in me and you always stuck up for me whenever I got picked on. You challenged those bullies to a race just to defend me. For that, I am grateful. Ever since then, I've felt much more close to you than ever. Then when you moved into Ponyville and we saw each other again, all my emotions and feelings for you seemed to come back, reminding me of how much I really do love you.''

And then the world seemed to stop as Fluttershy placed a kiss to Dash's lips, making her tense up and freeze. It was short but passionate. Both their cheeks were burning like candles as she broke away from her lips. Soon, Rainbow found herself locking lips with Fluttershy, both of them fighting each other's mouths with their tongues. Fluttershy's lips tasted sweet and smooth on Rainbow's own. Several minutes had passed by time they broke from the kiss. They lay together on the couch, Fluttershy atop Rainbow Dash, snuggling with her mane. Rainbow smiled up to her friend. No, not her friend. Her girl. Her marefriend.

*** *** ***

When Rainbow woke up, the first thing she saw was Fluttershy, smiling down at her. She truly was beautiful. Rainbow stroked her mane with a hoof, enjoying the silkiness of it. Fluttershy rubbed her chin into Rainbow's upper chest, her soft touch feeling relaxing against her coat and skin. She planted a quick kiss on Rainbow's lips, Rainbow returning it with great affection. She enjoyed the taste of Fluttershy's lips, adding more bliss to the moment their lips connected.

Fluttershy gently climbed off of the top of Rainbow and helped her friend to her hooves. She looked at the bandages surrounding her wings, wondering how they were healing.

''Rainbow? How're the wings doing? Feeling any better?'' Fluttershy said as she unwound the gauze surrounding them that held them tight to her body. Rainbow hadn't really given it any thought. In fact, she had forgotten that she even had wings since the day Fluttershy took her in. When Fluttershy had taken the bandages off of Rainbow's barrel, she told Dash to try move them, and to her surprise, she could move them and feel them. The doctor told her that it would take a couple months for her to recover from the damage caused to them by the storm. Looks like he was wrong. A tingle of joy ran down Rainbow's spine as she flapped them, hovering off of the floor, her hooves a couple feet from the ground before dropping back down again.

''I-I can fly! I can fly! Celestia, I can fly!'' Rainbow beamed, grinning widely. Fluttershy smiled with her. Rainbow did a quick loop in the air before tackling Fluttershy into a tight hug, rubbing her cheek into hers before kissing her on the lips.

''That's great, Rainbow.'' Fluttershy said, sounding disappointed. Rainbow seemed to notice and stopped hugging her friend, looking into her eyes with a slightly raised brow.

''What's wrong, Fluttershy? You don't sound quite as happy as I do.''

''Well...you can fly again...I guess it means you're going to go back into the clouds again?'' Fluttershy looked down. Rainbow didn't know how to feel at this point. Fluttershy thought she was going to abandon her because she has the use of her wings back? After all she's done for her while she was laid up?

''Fluttershy...I...'' Rainbow stammered. ''I...No. No, I'm not off back. My house was destroyed along with everything I own. I have no place in the clouds, and building a new home like the one I had will take me forever. I couldn't possibly ever replace that house.'' Fluttershy looked back into Rainbow's eyes, feeling somewhat relieved.

''Does...does this mean you can stay down here...with me?'' Fluttershy asked her friend hopefully, praying that she would.

''Fluttershy...you've already done so much for me, I couldn't possibly pester you even more. You saved my life, cared for me, kept me out of trouble and put up with me when I was down and given me your love. I can't ask for more. It doesn't seem right.''

Fluttershy sunk down at that, her hope seeming to vanish. ''But where will you go without any place to live? I saw your house get destroyed! I want you to stay with me, Dashie! Please!'' Fluttershy pleaded. Rainbow was at a loss for words at this point. Was she serious? After all that she put her through? All Rainbow could do was pick up Fluttershy in her hooves, kissing her in mid-air as she hugged her, seeming to raise her hopes as she settled into her hooves. They stayed locked in hooves and lips with each other in the air for a while, kissing passionately.

''Okay. I'll stay with you.'' Rainbow said as she broke from the kiss, panting for breath. Fluttershy kissed her on the cheek before snuggling with her neck.

''Thank you, Rainbow. I love you.''

''I love you, too, Fluttershy.''

END