A Life With Whom?

The next morning was grim and overcast, with a drizzle of rain now and then; and the clouds became slightly heavier, albeit it was nothing extreme. The rainfall waxed in light downpour, and distant peals of thunder sounded from afar; sheet lightning occasionally shimmered aloft, yet it wasn’t enough to wake the sleeping ponies, exhausted from the previous night. They were too tired to actually transport themselves to Twilight’s bedroom, where a comfortable bed lay, so they slept on the cramped sofa.

With abrupt bustling, Spike entered the living room. He halted for a second, slightly jarred by the radical sight of Rainbow and Twilight embracing one another. Never had he seen something of this nature, but he knew they were close friends since they did spend ample time together in the past. In a way, he found it quite adorable. After a second, he shrugged, having been fine with the pair’s ardor.

Spike prodded Twilight on her left wing, not wanting to startle her, and said, “Twilight?” She responded with a muffled, incoherent response, resulting in vainness. “Twilight. It’s almost eleven o’clock,” he said, his voice louder, while he shook her.

Twilight stirred a bit, her weary eyes still closed, and said, “Rainbow Dash… please don’t go.”

Spike was bewildered to say the least, but he soon came to the realization that Twilight was dreaming about Rainbow Dash. “Don’t worry, Twilight. She’s right next to you,” he said. “She stayed the night with you on the couch.” He prodded her wing once more, evoking a vague sense of coherency.

Currently, Twilight was significantly more awake, and discerned what she had said in her sleep. Her facial nuances depicted that of an embarrassed look as she noticed Spike looking at her. “I’m sorry, Spike. I’m sure you weren’t expecting this—” she cocked her head to the sleeping pegasus—“so allow me to explain.”

“Not necessary, Twilight. You two like each other. Nothing wrong with that. Besides, you two are good friends, I get it.”

Twilight smiled at Spike’s friendly remark as her eyes focused on the resting pegasus. “I never knew half the things she told me last night. It was like I didn’t know her at all.”

“I’m guessing she told you about liking you or something like that?” Spike said as he picked up a fallen cyan feather that was right by his foot.

Twilight nodded. “Yes, everything.” She cleared her throat a little, ridding the built-up mucus in her throat. “She lost so much growing up, and she never said a thing. You think you know somepony really well until they prove to you that you don’t know them at all. And that’s the part that hurts.”

“Aww, it’s gonna be okay, Twilight,” he said.

“One could only hope.”

“Yeah.” For a moment, Spike was reticent at a topic that struck his mind; after all, Twilight was right up against Rainbow, and it could be a suggestion of erotic intimacy. Eventually, Spike spoke up. “So, did you two, you know… do it?”

“Spike!” Twilight said aloud, her voice uproarious enough to wake Rainbow. “No, we did no such thing. How could you even ask that?”

“I dunno, I was curious,” Spike said.

“Well, that’s a question you shouldn't be asking.”

“What are you two going on about?” Rainbow asked, rubbing her head. Her body was as stiff as a quebracho tree, and her mane looked like a bird nest. “Uh, Twi, could you let me out? I gotta stretch. This couch isn’t the most comfortable thing to sleep on.”

Twilight got off, as did Rainbow; then Twilight said, “Oh, nothing, you know how Spike and I get sometimes. Did you sleep well?”

With every extension from the pegasus, there came satisfying cracks of relief. “Aside from my body being all cramped, great.”

“I’m glad you stayed,” Twilight said with a smile. “Especially after everything you told me last night. I didn’t want you to be alone after all that.”

“Me, too,” Rainbow said, simpering back. She noticed Spike standing awkwardly and reticently as she and Twilight talked about last night’s events.

“Hey, Spike. I assume Twilight told you?”

“Yup,” he said. “I’m totally cool with it. I actually find it cute.”

“Aren’t you a good, sport?” Rainbow gave him a friendly nudge. “What time is it? I promised myself I’d go see Fluttershy today.”

“Almost noon,” Spike said. “Just in time for brunch.”

“Oh, ponyfeathers, I shoulda been long gone. I’m gonna have to take a rain check on that, Spike.”

“No worries. Spike and I have some work to do, anyway,” Twilight said. “Spike could you give us a minute?”

“Yup,” he said, having an idea of what they wanted to do. “I’ll be right outside.” He left.

Thereafter, when the two ponies were alone, Twilight, entirely on instinct, embraced her friend. Rainbow didn’t hesitate to return thence, nor was she hesitant to take things a little further. Pulling back, Rainbow then pushed her lips against Twilight’s, which invoked a moan from the unicorn; and despite their lips locked in, neither of their tongues met, for they knew it would ruin the pureness for one another. When they severed their connexion, a tangible chill coursed through their bodies.

Rainbow smiled positively at Twilight—and the taciturn unicorn only stared at her. Never had Twilight thought that Rainbow would be the sentimental one, for she was the one who always regarded herself as a confident plate, not readily showing her emotions, but Twilight saw it with her own eyes; and it came as a surprise to her, though, in a way, she had known Rainbow had a profound side to her. Everypony did.

As time continued to run its course, Twilight stirred for something to say, but her tongue was denser than a vial of mercury, and, as a result, she couldn’t coin the words she wanted to say. She felt an intense feeling of respect, and something profoundly deeper, toward the pegasus, something that scorched hotter than molten glass. In actuality, there was only one thing to be said here, if she was being honest with herself and with Rainbow.

“I love you, Rainbow Dash.”

“I love you, too, Twilight,” Rainbow said, her voice quiet. Neither spoke under false pretence as the words they shared had pure sinceriority and truth. Oddly enough, both of them knew how soon this was, how rapidly they had progressed within not even one day, and it was extraordinary since, more often than not, feelings like these do not manifest themselves overnight, for only time could form the earnest quality of love. But, then again, love pays no attention to the clock or anything… only the things that want it; and that was something they truly wanted.

This time, without the passionate aggression to stimulate the feeling, they pressed their lips gently and tenderly, both taking their time with it. Soon it came to an end when Rainbow pulled back, smiled, and said, “You don’t know how bad I wanna stay here, but I gotta get going. We can finish this up later if ya want.”

“I’ll be here,” Twilight said, a smirk apparent on her face.

“All right, I’ll see you in a bit.” Within a second, Rainbow zoomed out, and a distant click came from the front wooden door of the library.

Better get a move on today’s task before Rainbow gets back, Twilight thought.

As Twilight made her way out to the main section, she noticed a purple tail sticking out from the corner. “Spike is that you?” she asked, moving closer.

“Um… maybe,” he said.

Twilight’s eyes met his and she said, “How much of that did you hear?”

“Enough to know that you’re in love with Rainbow Dash.”

In a way, Twilight’s pores desired to seep molten lava, yet they also wanted to freeze over with ice. “You know, since you are my number one assistant, I may just ask you to do everything around here while I sit and watch.” Tittering built up in Twilight’s throat, and it lead to a quiet peals of laughter.

“Hey, no, fair.”

“But in all seriousness, Spike, do you promise not to tell anypony about this? I would rather have our friends hear it from Rainbow and me.”

“Sure thing,” he said. “You can count on me!”

Twilight caressed his cheek with her own. “That’s my little brother. Now, shall we get to work?”

§

The Ponyville weather team struggled with weather patrol duties when Rainbow Dash took an outstanding vacation from work. Although they cleared most of the rain clouds from the morning’s rainfall, a few scattered clouds hung over Ponyville, but the sun remained dominant with its sunlight shining on the land.

Despite Rainbow being on her well-deserved vacation—considering that she would often be left with most of the workload through insurmountable excuses of either sickness or lateness from her co-workers—she had the heart to quickly assist her team; after all, she was their captain.

A little while later, Rainbow could be found making her way to the cottage—just east of the town. It had been a while since she and Fluttershy spent any time together—time where all they did was talk to one another about the eventful things that were going on in their lives; and even though they saw each other on a regular basis, it wasn’t as special as it was when they were the only ones within each other’s presence. Rainbow knew Fluttershy would appreciate the sincerity and grace upon her unexpected arrival.

By the time Rainbow had passed the bridge in front of Fluttershy's cottage, the clock had struck noon, which would be more than enough time for Rainbow and Fluttershy to catch up; yet, notwithstanding the desire to tell her everything she wanted, there was uncertainty in the pegasus, appraising her that it would be unwise to do so. But it mattered not, for Rainbow told Fluttershy everything—since the day they became best friends—and knew she could confide with Fluttershy all her secrets and confessions.

Upon reaching the doorstep, Rainbow knocked on the door, eliciting a small squeal from the other side. “Who is it?” came a quiet, humble voice.

“Fluttershy, it’s me, Rainbow Dash. Can I come in?”

“Oh, why, of course,” Fluttershy said. The door unlatched, and the modest pegasus greeted her guest. “Come right on in, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow welcomed herself in and said, “I thought I’d drop by for a visit. Just to catch up and stuff. Hope ya don’t mind.”

“Oh, no, no, of course not. I’m actually glad you stopped by.”

“Yeah, me too,” Rainbow said, hugging the shy pegasus. “It’s been a while.”

Fluttershy returned the hug. “It has been, hasn’t it?”

“Mhmm,” Rainbow said, letting go. “Missed spending time with my best gal.”

As always, Fluttershy couldn’t help but laugh aloud, which made Rainbow smile. Rainbow spoke, her voice positive, though it soon became hoarse and raspy through a dry throat, threatening to cease speech at any moment. “Hey, Shy, can I have a glass of water?”

“Why of course. Anything for you, Rainbow. I’ll be right back.” Fluttershy left.

Having been left alone in the living room, Rainbow motioned herself to take a seat on the green sofa, but as she walked toward it, an impressive array of framed photographs—standing on a wooden ledge right above the fireplace—caught the corner of Rainbow’s eye.

Is that what I think it is?

Go and see for yourself.

Upon reaching the ledge, Rainbow picked up a frame, and her eyes scanned every inch of it. The printed images depicted her days in flight school with Fluttershy, specifically their graduation. Rainbow hadn’t seen her school pictures for quite some time, all for good reason. Seeing these photographs again was enough to rekindle the thoughts of the past, which only brought on an onset of anger, pain, and sorrow; and despite Rainbow’s efforts, she couldn’t help but recollect everything that had happened to her during those years, and how it changed her life forever.

Stop it, Rainbow thought as she put the glass frame down. Don’t go there. It’ll be like last time, only worse since you’re remembering it.

The smell of precipitation had always been overpowering after a day of inhaling normal, fresh air. The smell of rain had filled the entire cloud home as if it were a noxious mist. Some of the walls absorbed its pungent odour, but still the odour bit the back of every breath the filly took when she came home. Through her years of growing up, she learned to tolerate the aroma after being absent from home for a long duration.

When Rainbow went inside and yelled her return, she was immediately called to the living room. As she made her way there, Rainbow heard some commotion from thence, and her mind generated awe. When she entered, she saw both her parents standing next to each other with disarrayed expressions.

“What is it?” Rainbow said, her voice suddenly frantic.

“Your mother and I have come to an agreement that you should know the truth,” Rainbow’s father said. “Please, will you sit?”

“No, I’m fine. What are you talking about? What do you mean by ‘truth’?” Rainbow’s voice projection staggered, and her body began to shake in awe.

“What your father is trying to say is that we believe you’re ready to know the truth about something we’ve been keeping from you for a long time,” Rainbow’s mother said.

“I don’t understand. What could you possibly keep from me that I don’t already know about you? I mean, you are my parents,” Rainbow said.

“That’s the thing,” he said. “You see, Rainbow… we aren’t your real parents. You’re adopted.”

Rainbow tittered, then said, “Of course you are. You’re my real parents and you always will be.”

“Rainbow, honey,” her mother said, “we’re not your biological parents. We adopted you at the adoption centre when you were about seven months old. Your biological parents gave you up because they were the ones that didn’t want a filly. They even went as far to have you aborted, but the procedure failed.”

An insufferable pang of toxic sorrow struck Rainbow’s hardening heart, and the mind refused to believe everything that was being said. Eventually, the filly spoke up. “Is this a sick joke? Because if it is, it’s not funny, and you gotta stop lying to me. Just tell me that you’re my real parents.”

“I wish we could, sweetie,” her mother said. “But we’re not.”

“Is it true?” Rainbow asked her father.

“I’m afraid so, supergirl,” her father said.

“I don’t believe any of you,” Rainbow said. Her voice was breaking, tears pooling in her eyes.

“You have no idea how powerful the truth can be, Rainbow,” her father said. “I’m so, sorry, Dashie. It kills me to tell you all of this.” His eyes began to tear up, as did her mother’s.

“I don’t wanna believe the truth.” Rainbow was trembling, snot and tears mixing on her face.

“Shh,” her mother said as she pull her daughter close, wrapped her hooves around Rainbow’s shaky little body.

Rainbow’s voice was muffled against her mother’s chest, but the panic in it was lucid. “I want proof. I want to see if you’re telling me the truth.”

“Look at the table next to you,” her father said, his voice soft.

Rainbow withdrew from her mother’s grasp and glanced at the table. On it, there was a piece of paper that had what looked like paternity test results. She picked it up and read it to herself, eyes reading every line of text. That was when the surrealism of everything sank into the mind. It was true. Everything they had said to her was true.

Rainbow let go of the paper and said, “I need to go. Just… leave me alone.” She ran off.

Rainbow Dash shook her head violently, clearing the memories that had unloaded themselves upon her. Her cheeks were damp, and she attempted to deflect the past from entering her mind any further. “It’s over, it’s over, don’t think about them,” she said quietly to herself.

Shortly after, Rainbow’s reverie was interrupted by Fluttershy.

“Here you go, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said, holding a glass of water in her hoof. “Is everything all right?”

Rainbow accepted the offering and took periodic sips while she continued to look at the array. Eventually, she spoke up. “Don’t worry about me, Shy,” Rainbow said, a sniffle coming shortly after.

Fluttershy detected that Rainbow must have been enduring some disturbing matter. “Were you… were you crying, Rainbow Dash?”

“Me? Crying?” Rainbow’s voice was defensive and abrupt. The truth of the matter could not be concealed, so Rainbow gave in. “Oh, screw it, what’s the point? Yeah, I was crying.”

Fluttershy’s heart sank. “What’s the matter, Rainbow Dash? If you don’t mind me asking that is.”

“Shy, it’s okay.” She took a sip of water, then said, “I was just thinking about my parents, and how they told me I was adopted. And how I was a failed abortion.”

“You remember all that, don’t you?” Rainbow asked, sipping her water.

Fluttershy nodded. “How could I forget? I wouldn’t be a very good best friend if I forgot about all that, now would I?”

“Hehe, I guess you’re right. You were always there for me when I needed ya, Shy. I appreciate it.” Rainbow smiled.

“I wasn’t always there for you,” Fluttershy said as she hid behind her pink mane.

“Huh?”

“When you told me you liked me… I wasn’t really there for you.” Fluttershy concealed more of her face.

Rainbow put her glass down on the ledge, gazed at her friend, and raised Fluttershy’s chin with a wing. “Hey, none of that was your fault. Besides, I was the one who should’ve known that you weren’t into mares.”

Despite Fluttershy’s farouche and somewhat guilty motion, she withdrew from hiding and said, “I just feel so awful for making you feel pain. All because of me.”

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself, Shy,” Rainbow said. “Like I said, it wasn’t your fault.”

“Thank you, Rainbow Dash.”

“Anytime. Here, come sit with me. I have something to tell ya.”

When they were seated on the green sofa, Rainbow said, “So, I’m seeing a certain somepony now.”

“I see,” Fluttershy said, giggling, not feeling inadequate for her bashful nature. “Who is it?”

“Guess,” Rainbow said. “You won’t believe it.”

“Is it somepony I know?”

“Yup.”

“Hmm… Cheerilee?”

“Nope.”

“Is it a him?”

Rainbow shook her head. “It’s Twilight.”

“As in Twilight Sparkle?” Fluttershy asked, her mouth agape shortly after her question.

“The one and only,” Rainbow said.

“How did you two—”

“I was helping Twi out in the library yesterday, and I found her diary. Had some really… let’s just say that it was all about me. Anyways, I was so surprised that she liked me that I had to tell her how I truly felt about her. It was the right time and place, you know?”

Fluttershy nodded with a smile. “That is so adorable!”

“Hehe, thanks, Shy,” Rainbow said, rolling her eyes.

“Why, though?” Despite the question, her smile never faltered, only gained momentum.

“Isn’t she… um… a bit too bookish for your liking? I was thinking more along the lines of you having a crush on Applejack or an athletic pony, no?”

“Eh, Applejack really isn’t my type. She is a great friend, don’t get me wrong, but I can’t see myself being with her. Besides, she isn’t into mares.”

“Not your type? A pony that is as athletic as you isn’t your type?” Fluttershy looked unconvinced.

Rainbow got up and took another sip from her glass of water that sat on the ledge, then said, “Oh, believe me, Twilight is definitely my type. And you do know why.” Rainbow winked at Fluttershy.

“Oh. Oh!” Ken synced in Fluttershy’s mind, remembering the secret Rainbow had told her during the years at flight school. “It’s because you have a thing for unicorns, right? With their horns and all?” Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle after what she had just said.

“Well, yeah, but that’s not the only reason why I like her.”

“Why then?” Fluttershy asked.

“You gotta admit, the eggheadish personality is kinda of adorable, almost sweet. And she’s very bold. Remember that time she saved Ponyville from that Ursa? That kind of thing. She’s brave and thoughtful… if it weren’t for her, we’d be under Discord’s craziness. And besides, who couldn’t resist that smile of hers?”

Fluttershy shrugged. “I’m guessing you can’t.”

“I guess I can’t,” Rainbow said. “Twi and I are gonna be spending a lot more time together now, but I’m kinda worried that I’ll rush things like I always do.”

“Oh, Rainbow Dash, I’m so happy for you.” Fluttershy moved herself over to Rainbow and hugged her tightly. Then she pulled back. “If you’re worried about rushing things with her, talk to her about it. I’m sure she’ll understand since you two are good friends.

“Either way, I’m sure she’ll make you very happy. Something I couldn’t do for you.”

“Yeah, maybe I will talk to her about it later tonight,” Rainbow said. “And, hey, you being my friend makes me happy. Stop being so hard on yourself.”

Maybe she’s right. Maybe I am too hard on myself, Fluttershy thought, mildly frustrated. I can’t let my past get in the way of my friendship.

“Thanks for letting me spend time with you today, Shy. It was really nice.” Rainbow smiled at her friend. “We should do this again sometime.”

“Oh, it was my pleasure. And I would like that.”

“I better get goin’. I promised Twilight I’d stop later today.”

“Oh, okay,” Fluttershy said as she gave her friend a last hug before her departure. “Come by anytime you like, Rainbow Dash. I’ll always be here for you. Oh, and don’t forget to tell me what happens with you and Twilight. I wouldn’t mind hearing the adorable parts.”

“I’ll keep ya posted,” Rainbow said, tittering building up in her throat. She made way to the front door with Fluttershy behind her. “I’ll see ya soon, Shy.” Rainbow opened the door stepped out, and prepared herself for launch, only to be halted by her friend.

“Um, Rainbow Dash.”

“Yeah?”

“I won’t be so hard on myself about you anymore. I’ll take your word that it wasn’t my fault.”

Rainbow couldn’t help but smile. “I’m glad you will. Smell ya later.” She took off into the evening-lit sky, destined to go see her mistress for the rest of the day.