Tough Love

The next morning, Fluttershy flew as fast as her flimsy little wings allowed her to. She was headed towards Rainbow Dash’s cloud pad in order to find out anything she knew about Snowflake. As soon as she was in front of the cloud door, she daintily knocked on it thrice. The door poofed open and out popped Rainbow Dash’s head, her multihued mane a mess and bags under her squinting magenta eyes. She looked irritated to be bothered so early in the morning but loosened up as she recognized her visitor as one of her bestest buds.

“Fluttershy? Hey, why are you bugging me so early in the morning?” Rainbow Dash’s tone of voice was soft, letting Fluttershy know that she wasn’t angry.

“Oh, good morning Rainbow Dash. So sorry to be bothering you but I had something I wanted to ask you”, said our adorable little heroine.

“Yeah what is it?” asked Rainbow. Fluttershy just stood there, staring at her hooves, one of which were kicking the surface of the cloud from embarrassment. “C’mon, spit it out!”

“Well…could we go inside first? I doubt anyone would be able to hear us this high up but it would make it a whole lot easier for me to ask you…Please?” asked the now fidgeting Fluttershy.

“Um, yeah sure. Come on in.” As they walked into Rainbow Dash’s house, Fluttershy felt slightly more at ease not being in the open. She looked around and noticed that everything was pretty much the same as any other time she visited, fluffy and adorned with trophies and Wonderbolts merchandise.

Rainbow Dash was the first to speak, “So what’s on your mind Fluttershy?

The timid pegasus gave a shy smile. “Well Rainbow Dash, there was a really important question I wanted to ask you. It’s really embarrassing and I know it’s going to be hard for you to make room in your busy schedule, what with the tornado and all, but I hope you say yes…”After she had spoken, Fluttershy was blushing hard and shuffling her hooves quite a bit. After wondering why Fluttershy was acting so strange, Rainbow Dash remembered that her friend only acted this way when she had a crush on somepony. She knew exactly what the shy Pegasus in front of her wanted to ask and was happy to oblige. She lifted a hoof up and brushed it against Fluttershy’s cheek, moving a few strands of hair to reveal her totally adorbs face.

“Shh, no more words, you don’t have to be shy. I've seen the way you stare and I know exactly what you want. I can make room in my schedule just for you. You don’t even have to ask, the Dash is all yours”, cooed Rainbow Dash in the most sultry way that she could deviate from her normally raspy, tomboyish voice.

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash was in a neck breaking hug as Fluttershy semi-yelled, “Oh, thank you so much Rainbow Dash! I’m so happy right now that I could just scream!” But Fluttershy held in her shout and settled for a squee.

Rainbow Dash gently pushed herself out of the hug and once again mustered her sexy voice. “Look babe, I know you’re excited, but why don’t we start this slow? Give me some time to freshen up and I’ll meet you down at town square around dinnertime. We can talk while we get something to eat. Cool?”

Fluttershy was a little weirded out by the bizarre way Rainbow Dash was talking but she guessed that all of the hard work she was putting into the whole hurricane business must have finally caught up to her. Perhaps she had some sort of cold? Although she was concerned, Fluttershy decided not to pry and said, “So cool! Thank you so much Rainbow Dash. I’ll see you then!” and she flew off to her own home to get ready for her informative rendezvous with Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash watched her go with a dumb smile on her face. Everything was looking up for her. She was leading the making of what was going to be the biggest tornado Equestria had ever seen, she had a chance to impress the Wonderbolts at said event, and the thing that made her heart flutter the most was that she now had a marefriend! And not just any mare either. It was Fluttershy, one of the cutest ponies in town and one of her most trusted and best friends! She had always had a thing for the shy mare since flight school but never pursued it, thinking they were nothing more than friendly affection. That is, until Fluttershy came over. Her appearance and inability to ask the obvious made Rainbow Dash realize that she felt more than just friendly affection for the quiet pegasus. And now she had a date with her! Things were starting to look good for ole Rainbow Dash.

The colorful pony breathed a sigh of content and stepped into the bathroom to get pampered up for her date later that day. She rarely prettied herself up, but this was a special occasion and she wanted to impress Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash walked into the bathroom and looked through the cabinets and soon realized that she didn't have any makeup or hair products to get her unruly mane in control. After a short moment of pondering, she thought out loud, “I better go to Rarity’s. I could give her the lowdown on me and Fluttershy while she gives me a…m-m-makeover.” She almost gagged at the last word but held it in and was soon off to Carousel Boutique at breakneck speed.

~At the cottage~

“Oh Angel, I’m so excited! Today I get to find out all about that nice stallion Snowflake! I can’t wait to meet up with Rainbow Dash”, squeed Fluttershy to her pet, Angel bunny, who was looking none too pleased by his owner’s antics. He knew Fluttershy had fallen head over heels for this “Snowflake” character and he was worried over the way she was obsessing over him. All around her room were blurry pictures of some type of white bulky creature. Angel knew that Fluttershy would only cause trouble in her current state of mind and so he tried to stop her from going out and doing something stupid by thumping one of his wittle bunny legs on the ground in mock expectation.

“Oh, I’m sorry Angel bunny but no snacks right now. Mama’s got some business to take care of before going out. Do behave now and make sure the other animals eat please!” said Fluttershy.

Angel was desperately trying to find a way to stop her, for he knew that his owner did weird things when she got like this. Right when he was about to throw something at her head to get her attention, he heard a door close. Fluttershy was out, finishing whatever she needed to do before meeting up with Rainbow Dash. “Crud”, thought Angel bunny.

~Carousel Boutique~

Rainbow Dash smashed through one of the windows of Carousel Boutique and landed in a heap of tangled limbs and fabrics. She was used to crash landings by now and immediately righted herself. She then noticed a gaping Rarity at the center of the establishment and gave her an apologetic smile before she said:

“Boy do I have some news for you Rarity! Oh, and sorry about the window.”

Rarity was used to her friend’s grand entrances and tried not to let it get to her. With a sigh, Rarity asked, “Are you quite alright Rainbow Dash? And what’s this about news? It’s not like you to just visit my shop on a whim so I assume it’s important.”

Rainbow Dash brushed herself off then spoke. “Oh yeah, it’s a hoot! But before I tell you, I need your help with prettying myself up and junk. Maybe you could take me to that spa you’re always going to or something?”

Rarity was baffled. She had never imagined her spunky tomboy of a friend ever wanting to engage in more lavish activities such as a trip to the spa, let alone a makeover. It was taking a while for her brain to come to terms with what she had just heard and so Rainbow Dash took the opportunity to ask:

“Oh, I’m gonna need you to spot me because I left my bits at home. I’ll pay you in gossip though. Trust me, it’ll be worth it!”

Rarity scowled at that but simply nodded and got her saddlebag, and soon they were off to the spa.

~At Snowflake’s house~

Snowflake was getting fit, well more fit than he normally was, for the upcoming tornado. At that moment he was on his ninety-ninth rep of wing push-ups and was about to take a break.

“ONE HUNDRED! *GASP WHEEZE* This tornado record is going to be high-protein hay cake! BRING. IT. OOOOON!” Snowflake exclaimed, startling a few pony passersby as he did so. Although he was absolutely pumped and looking forward to nuking the tornado record, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something weird was going to happen to him soon.

His muscle senses were telling him that he was going to be the center of a very strange series of events and that made

him feel very uneasy. He decided to call it a day and go to town square for some grub before his photo shoot for the Equestrian news magazine, “Mane Attraction”. Snowflake was excited since all of Ponyville, neigh, all of Equestria would be seeing the fruit of his labor! His head in the clouds, Snowflake proceeded to go into his home and get ready for the day ahead of him.

~At the Ponyville Day Spa~

Rarity and Rainbow Dash were relaxing in the mud baths after skipping the hooficures at Rainbow Dash’s request. They were enjoying some fancy snacks and apple cider while lounging when Rarity asked, “So Rainbow Dash, what was this big news you wanted to share with me, hmm? Do tell.”

Rainbow Dash noticeably turned a shade of red, but the fire in her heart was not quelled and she struck a heroic pose. “Nothing much. You know just same old same ol-I got myself a bucking marefriend! And she’s hot too!”

Rarity threw her hooves in the air, flinging mud all over the room and squeeled. “Ohmygoodnessgetout! Who is it Rainbow Dash, who?! Tell me tell me tell me tell me tell me!”

The rainbow-maned pony tried to look nonchalant by leaning back into the mud bath and examining her hoof. “Oh, I think you know her. In fact, I’d say the two of you are really good pals.” She was enjoying the look of anticipation Rarity wore while waiting for the answer. Then it seemed to hit her.

“Oh. My. Celestia. Rainbow Dash you sly mare you.” Rarity said through squinting eyes. “I always knew you and Berry Punch had a thing going ever since our little soiree at Sugar Cube Corner a few months ago. I am so happy for you two! You have my approval.”

The pegasus shot up at the comment, splattering more mud around the room. “What?! It’s not Berry Punch, Rarity. And we didn’t even do anything that night, it just looked wrong since I was on her when you guys found us and- you know what? I’ll just give a hint. She has wings.”

The fashionista pondered for a moment before lightly bopping herself on the forehead, leaving a spot of mud on her face. “Of course! How silly of me to think your significant other to be Berry Punch. An attractive pegasus mare who is a good friend of mine. It is none other than Derpy Hooves! How could I not have seen the signs!” Rainbow Dash face-palmed. “The two of you both worked for the weather team!”

“Rarity, it’s not-” Rainbow Dash tried to deny it but was cut off by her friend who was in the midst of one of her romantic rants.

“You look past her differences and only see her for who she truly is! Through thick and thin you fight for her honor! Oh, I can see it now. Rainbow Dash and Derpy Hooves working side by side in the weather team. Besting storms together. Licking each other’s wounds…”

The multicolored Pegasus was beginning to feel uncomfortable after seeing the look on her ivory friend’s face, her squinting eyes looking off into nothing and a slight hint of drool seeping down her thin smile. She was thinking naughty things again…

“Oh, how romantic! I wonder what the name of your pairing would be. Perhaps Rainbow Derp. Or Derpy Dash?”

“RARITY!” cried Rainbow Dash in a desperate attempt to knock her friend out of her reverie.

“Huh, wha-?”

“It’s not Derpy.” Said Rainbow Dash bluntly.

“Ah. Ahem. Well, then how about another clue? I am having so much fun with this little game we’re playing, though I am anxious to know who your significant other is.”

With a sigh, Rainbow Dash said, “It’s really not that hard Rarity. She’s in our circle of friends. It might even be obvious now that I think about it. She’s good looking, has wings, is close to us, and hay, I’ll give you another clue. She’s SHY.”

Rarity felt a fool for her previous guesses. “Silly Rarity!” She scolded herself. “How could you not have seen it before! It is obviously Princess Luna!”

Rainbow Dash was about to throw a hoofful of mud at her idiot friend when Rarity stopped her.

“Wait Rainbow dear, I am only toying with you! It’s Fluttershy isn’t it?”

Rarity was covered in mud as soon as she was done speaking. She looked to her friend whose expression told the alabaster unicorn that she was not amused.

“You can’t be serious! If not Fluttershy, then who?”

“No, it’s Fluttershy. That was just payback for messing with me.” Said Rainbow Dash with a devious smirk.

There was a short moment of silence before the two broke into laughter. While they were catching their breaths, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but notice how much fun they had, although she was hesitant at first. Her life was just getting better and better. She was the leader of the tornado project that would break a new record, she had a new marefriend, and today she learned to appreciate not only the soothing nature of Ponyville’s Day Spa, but also her friend Rarity who she once thought to be too haughty for her taste.

Chillin’ in a mud bath with her homefilly Rarity, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but sigh. “This is the life. Just chilling at the spa with my good pal, getting ready for my date with my marefriend.”

Rarity herself gave a pleased sigh, showing her agreement, but then asked, “Wait, you have a date with Fluttershy?”

“Yeah later today, which is why I’m trying to look good.”

“Oh, good for you Rainbow Dash! We should tell the others! They would be so pleased! By the way, Rainbow Dash how experienced in dating are you?”

“Uhh, well you know how mares are always flocking towards me, hoping to get a piece of the Dash! You could say I’m experienced all right!”

Rarity gave her a dead pan look and said, “Darling, never have I seen mares flock towards you. I’ve never even seen you dating!”

Rainbow Dash was on the defensive. “I’ve never seen you date anypony either! And fine, I don’t have much experience. The last time I was with anyone was when I was dating Gilda, and you know how that ended.” She said, slumping down a little lower than before.

“Oh, don’t fret dear, how about me and the girls give you advice while you’re on your date with Fluttershy? We could go in disguises and send you signals, or something of the sort!” suggested Rarity who was no longer lounging but standing and ready to move.

“That’s a great idea!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “This date is going to be so awesome!”

“Indeed! Now, as lovely as this was, we should finish getting you glammed up and go tell the girls. Oh, this is going to be fun!”

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth, but before she could reply, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach and clutched it until the pain subsided. "Aww, my tummy."

"Is everything alright, Rainbow Dash?" asked a concerned Rarity.

"My stomach hurts." Thinking back to what could have caused this, Rainbow Dash thought of only one thing that could have given her the runs this bad. "Rarity, what was in those fancy snacks we ate earlier?"

"Just some sliced fruits and cheese on top of brea-". At that moment, Rarity realized why her friend was in so much pain. She was lactose intolerant!

*End of Chapter 2*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Author's Note~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, this chapter was less creepy than the last. I was trying to put the foundation down for the funny parts later. Or at least I hope you'll find them funny... I don't give Snowflake much commentary because I want him to be that one clueless guy who has a bunch of crazy stuff revolving around him that he doesn't even realize. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It was longer and totes worth the effort I think. Anyways, good luck on your midterms and finals everypony, and stay tuned! There is going to be some dramaaaa~.