As always, time seemed to freeze when Rainbow Dash appeared on the doorstep. By Celestia, she is so perfect. She never needed ornaments or makeup like other mares, she shone with her own light without any effort. Fluttershy tried to set aside those thoughts. You can do it Fluttershy, you can do it. She strived to smile while tried at same time trying not to tremble.

"Are you ready, Fluttershy? I know that I should have come earlier, but I was occupied," Rainbow took a look at back, a bit annoyed.

"No... no matter. I only have to... pick... a thing," Fluttershy returned to the kitchen, where her basket was waiting to be collected. Oh, I really hope that Rainbow likes. She took a few deep breaths and returned to the door with the courage to look directly to her friend. "I'm ready."

Rainbow Dash's eyes lit up with appetite to see Fluttershy with her own food. "Perfect, I'm starving. Follow me!"

They took flight, catching an updraft and gliding one next to the other. Fluttershy wondered where they would go. For a moment, she imagined herself watching a boxing match or eating in a crowded burger restaurant, options more than reasonable for anypony who knew to Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy grinned to herself. It was impossible that Rainbow had something like that in mind, at least this night. Her friend could be inconsiderate sometimes, but Rainbow knew exactly that she liked or not.

Quietly, they crossed throughout the night sky. The night prepared by the Princess Luna was perfect, not too cold or too warm, with a full moon that shone almost as if it were daylight. Fluttershy was surprised when they left the edges of Ponyville and headed to west, an area that she had never explored. For a moment, Fluttershy felt a twinge of fear at the thought of the dangers that they could found there, but a look from Rainbow was enough to calm her down completely. Dash could be very reckless, but she would never take to her to a really dangerous place.

A few minutes later they went down to the shore of a lake surrounded by strange trees; which were very gnarled, with white bark and cascaded leaves like a weeping willow. A small space that at the light of the moon seemed cozy, quiet and isolated from the outside world. A place where somepony could relax, and be oneself without fear of being judged. Other ponies would be unable to understand, but Fluttershy couldn't have dreamed a better place for a dinner.

"Rainbow, this is... I mean... this place is... beautiful. How did you find it?"

"Twilight told me. She had just gotten her wings, tried a slightly longer trip and crashed here," Rainbow smiled, satisfied with herself by the look of joy on Fluttershy’s face. "I was sure you'd like it."

"I love it," answered Fluttershy sincerely. "But you shouldn’t have bothered, really, since you apologized ..."

"I did! None of our friends would have forgiven me as easily as you did. There is nopony that deserved this more than you."

Before this affirmation, Fluttershy blushed and hid the face behind her mane. In her life, she barely ever got compliments. She didn't really expect one. She didn't have anything that made her special, she was a normal pony, mostly mediocre. As much as her friends insisted, sometimes Fluttershy thought that their words were nothing more than an attempt to make her feel good. But a compliment of Rainbow was a totally different thing; had to be something very impressive for her to admit it. And because one kind word she said was worth a thousand times more than of other ponies.

Then Dash's stomach gave a loud roar. Now it was Rainbow's turn to be ashamed as Fluttershy laughed very softly. The tension that had been building since she went out of home was completely dissipated and Fluttershy now was quite, able to dine with Rainbow as if they weren't alone. It was just Dash, her best friend, with the same insatiable appetite that made Fluttershy laugh when they were fillies.

"Yeah... it will be better we once start to eat," said Rainbow quickly, trying to deflect attention. "What have you brought?"

"Er... some salad and two apple pies. And you?"

"You'll know in a moment, just let me prepare it everything. I can't let my best friend sit on ground, don't you think?" she pointed with a smile as she worked with the speed that characterized her. Moments later, she had prepared a magnificent evening picnic, with extra illumination from a few strategically placed candles. Sitting opposite each other, Rainbow began to serve the food.

Another surprise. Paella? Since when did Dash know about that kind of food? Fluttershy took a small bite of her portion and her eyes widened. She always was a good cook, but living alone and having to take care of all of her animals gradually motivated her to learn more about cooking; something she was very proud of. But the food in front of her exceeded her expectations. Everything was in the right proportion, forming a harmony of flavors.

"You did this?" she asked, really impressed.

Rainbow Dash was starting her second plate of food, eating like a herd of dragons would steal it. With some effort she managed to swallow a part and answered to Fluttershy with all the elegance as she could while her cheeks seemed to want explode.

"If I had done it, my house would be in flames. You know that the kitchen and I have never gotten along," said Rainbow waving her hoof in disdain. "Spike did all of this. That greedy little dwarf charged me two rubies for all this, can you believe it?" she remarked angrily waving wings, making Fluttershy smile. "You want some wine?"

"Yes, please."

The only alcoholic beverage she drank with some regularity was Apple Family cider and only in small amounts; however after Dash just said, she was more than ready for a drink or two. The nerves had returned with more force and with reason too. Fluttershy couldn't believe that Rainbow had asked for help. She never asked for help! Rainbow was too proud and independent to admit her limitations unless there wasn't any other choice. First Twilight and now Spike. All this just to organize an apology.

Or was there something more? A faint flame of hope was born in the heart of Fluttershy. She didn't dare to believe it; it was too wonderful, too unreal. They were only friends, good friends. The idea of Rainbow Dash, the most amazing pegasus in Equestria, could feel something special for her was just a childhood dream. She couldn't let her thoughts wander in that direction, it was madness.

Rainbow started talking and Fluttershy was relieved to have an excuse to get away from her thoughts. Quickly the conversation turned to the major concern of Rainbow these days, the Equestria Games, which began in just a week. As expected, Rainbow spoke most of the time and Fluttershy just intervened to ask a question or give a reason, but this didn't bother her. Years with Rainbow had infected her taste for sports and the truth is that she was also somewhat excited about the chances to win a medal for Ponyville in the relay race, so Fluttershy listened with interest even though every now and then disconnected her mind.

"... and therefore the chances of Phillydelphia to take the gold are low. Don't you think, Fluttershy?"

"Ehhh ... I guess," Fluttershy reviewed the last thing she heard, trying to answer something meaningful, but the face of her friend denoted that she had already realized what was happening. Fluttershy looked away, embarrassed for not having paid more attention, but then noticed the touch of Rainbow's hoof on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry," the guilt was evident on the face of Rainbow Dash. "It's supposed be a dinner for you and I take an hour talking about me and the Games. You should have stopped me before."

"No, it's okay..." Fluttershy said insistently, well aware that Rainbow was touching contact with her. She tried to say more, trying not to be distracted by the beautiful, regretful crimson eyes. "I was having a good time, I swear. I was just distracted. All this... all of this dinner was great. I wouldn't want be anywhere else than here with you."

Only seconds after Fluttershy realized what she had said and her cheeks returned to flushing with such intensity that she wouldn't have been surprised her ears started smoking. She closed her eyes tightly. What she said was virtually a declaration of his feelings, nothing less than to the mare she loved.

In the privacy of her home she had tried countless times; she stood facing the mirror, imagining Rainbow Dash's face reflected instead of hers and she told everything to her. But even when she is alone her voice locked and her body trembled like a newborn foal. In her worst moments, when she felt more depressed, even imagined Rainbow mocking her. There was no way that someday Fluttershy could deal with their fears and confess her true feelings.

Until that night.

Fluttershy almost didn't dare to breathe, much less to open her eyes. She couldn't remember when her heart had beat so strong; even when they had to face the dragon to save Ponyville from a one hundred years smoke cloud. The next thing that Rainbow said would change everything, for better or worse. But she didn't expect to hear a laugh, a laugh so intense that made her open her eyes. Rainbow Dash had fallen back and clutched her chest while trying not burst out laughing, unaware of Fluttershy's bewildered look.

Seconds later, calmer, Rainbow could finally speak. "Fluttershy, silly, you're always so kind. You've to learn to be more assertive, really, you can't go saying yes to everything," with a jump, Rainbow got up of the ground. "So you wouldn't want to be with another pony, eh?" she said in an exaggerated joking tone. "And who wouldn't? It's me we're talking about, Rainbow Dash," she stood on two legs and inflated her chest, acquiring a proud pose. "A living legend, the coolest pony that has ever existed."

Without being able to avoid it, Fluttershy began to laugh. In part because Dash was being very funny and for other part because she was relieved that her friend hadn't taken her seriously. A small part of Fluttershy would have wanted to hear a response from Rainbow, but she wasn't sure she could handle a direct negative. It was a cowardly option, she knew, but she was accustomed to keep her feelings in secret, at least with that could keep her hopes up. While she would have to Rainbow beside her, everything else didn't matter.

"That's my Fluttershy," affirmed Rainbow, glad to make her friend laugh. "From now on nothing more from me, tonight is yours and only yours. Ok?"

"Ok. Well, you know, if that's fine with you."

"It's perfect. But before I still have to give you one last surprise. Do you think you can wait a little more?" requested Rainbow while looked at night sky. "I know you normally don't go to sleep so late, but this is special, trust me."

Fluttershy couldn't imagine that Rainbow could have more tricks on her sleeve, but she nodded, intrigued. Indeed, it was truth that she was beginning to feel a little tired, but the whole evening was so nice that she could stay up all night if it was necessary.

Desserts were finished and after some other unimportant talk, the two ponies were satisfied with their stomachs full. With a yawn, Rainbow Dash lay face up and watched at night sky. Fluttershy imitated her, wondering to herself when Rainbow would show that special surprise. However, she soon found herself spellbound watching the night sky, wrapped in the silence and tranquility of the forest. It was not the first time she did it; in his cottage she often found lying on the roof to admire the sky, especially if Princess Luna had prepared a show like comets or other stuff. Compared with the enormity of the sky all her problems seemed small and distant.

Now she turned her head to see Rainbow and was surprised to see that her friend seemed worried. Touching her flank to get her attention, Fluttershy stepped closer to her and asked.

"Rainbow, is everything alright? You seemed a little unhappy."

"Don't worry," replied Rainbow with a reassuring smile, though she still seemed restless, "it's just that tonight ... well, brought me some memories of long ago."

Taking Dash's hoof with her, Fluttershy smiled back. She didn't understand what saddened to her friend, but she knew how she could cheer her up. Pressuring her wasn't going to work, Fluttershy knew the only way that Rainbow would open up was leaving that decision for herself. Fluttershy simply stood still, just wanted that Rainbow know she was there, with her, no matter what was the problem.

Finally, the wait was successful. The following words were barely a whisper, but perfectly audible. "Can I ask you a question, Fluttershy?"

"You know that yes, Rainbow."

"Why did you leave of Cloudsdale? You knew I had gone on a one-week trip with my father and when I returned you had just left a letter in my mailbox saying that you had left with your aunt and you would not come back to town. You didn't give any further explanation. I tried to investigate, but I just knew that something had happened at your house, that the Royal Guard had been there and you were taken to a hospital, but nopony knew more details. I was so worried about you. I thought you would send me letters, that we would continue to keep in contact. They never came. We never came back to talk. I want to know what happened."

Several years had passed, but Fluttershy's heart hadn't forgotten the pain. Even now, a long time later, she couldn't forget that feeling of choking, of fear, of uncertainty. Tears formed at the edge of her eyes as she struggled desperately to stand firm and answer the question.

"My father committed suicide."

The phrase left Rainbow in shock. For a moment she tried to convince herself that she had heard wrong, that something like that could only be a bad trick of her mind. However, Fluttershy kept talking and her words didn't leave space for doubt.

"Actually, I don't remember well, just fragments. But I remember that my father never came to be the same since my mother's death. When she was alive it was different. She mades us optimistic even when we went to see her at the hospital and she was skin and bones. After the funeral my father couldn't stand it and he began to drink. When he wasn't working was the only thing that relieved him. A year later he... had a knife, I tried to stop him... but he pushed me and I fell down the stairs... when I woke up..."

Fluttershy's voice broke as she suddenly she found herself between Dash's forelegs and wings, who wrapped her in a warm embrace. "That's alright, Fluttershy. You don't have to say anymore," said Rainbow, kissing her forehead, cursing herself for asking.

It was the signal that Fluttershy's body was waiting. With a muffled groan Fluttershy began to cry in silence, sharing the pain she had hidden for so many years from everypony. Rainbow kept hugged her throughout the process, and felt her injuries like if they were own. One after another, the tears fell until finally —after what seemed like hours— disappeared and the penalty was petering out.

Gradually, Fluttershy began to breathe more relaxed, but still remained embracing Dash. As close as they were, she could feel the quiet beating of her heart and each taking deep breaths. Even the smell. She blushed a little, realizing she had gone so long without establishing such an intimate contact with anypony. She rose her head slightly for giving thanks and immediately her gaze was drawn to what was happening in the clearing.

"Rainbow, look at that." she pointed with his foreleg.

The pegasus' head rose and smiled to see what Fluttershy was pointing at. In the branches of the trees white flowers slowly began to bloom that were very similar to orchids, but with one important difference. Their petals gave off a golden glow and there were so many of them that they illuminated the glade as if it were a stage.

"They are Night Fairies," explained Rainbow. "They bloom at midnight during the full moon and attract fireflies. At least that's what Twilight told me," she clarified, fearing that she sounded too much like an egghead. "Look, there they are!"

This had to be the surprise that Dash spoke about before. Fluttershy got up and approached, wiping the remains of the tears she had. Both ponies admired the wonderful natural spectacle they had before their eyes. Distracted, they neither realized that the foreleg of a pink pony reach out from under the tablecloth and turned on the record-player before disappearing in a hurry. Fluttershy did a little jump when the music caught her by surprise, while Rainbow Dash examined the place, puzzled.

"But what ...?" Dash had recognized the song instantly, it was one of her favorite groups. "Give me a second to turn that off."

"Dance with me," Fluttershy said suddenly.

"What?!"

"Dance with me," repeated Fluttershy, full of a strange courage. Perhaps what just happened or more likely the wine she had drunk had taken effect, but her habitual shyness had disappeared. "You said tonight was mine, remember? And this is one of my favorite songs."

Rainbow blinked in surprise. Since when did Fluttershy listen Skillet? "But it's not music to dance together... "she shut up, seeing the determined look on her friend. Of course, it happens to me for saying that she should be more assertive. "Ah, I guess it doesn't matter."

They joined their hooves and were carried away by the rhythm of the music, improvising a dance that doesn't quite fit, but they likewise enjoyed. Circling, they continued dancing even when the record-player finished.

Author's Note

Fluttershy is orphan by fault of Disney, they traumatized me, so many main characters with his parents dead...
This is the song that appers in the escene, is one of my favourites, enjoy all us!