Void: United

Chapters

Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter One

Chapter Two

"Mmmm... Dashie...", Fluttershy mumbled, as she pushed her face into Rainbow Dash's neck. Rainbow Dash let out a quiet groan, and yawned as she woke up. When Rainbow Dash looked over Fluttershy, her expression softened slightly. Fluttershy then let out a pleasant squeak, making Rainbow Dash giggle. Rainbow Dash felt her heart skip a beat when the door opened, and Twilight walked into the room.

"Oh! Good morning, Rainbow Dash!", Twilight said, noticing Rainbow's stare.

"Err.. Hey, Twilight.", Rainbow Dash redirected her gaze back to Fluttershy, as she continued to hold the canary mare in her forearms.

"Is it creepy that I REALLY like watching her sleep?... She's just so darn cute, and happy, and pretty...", Rainbow Dash thought, with a raised eyebrow, but a small smile remained.

"...Is something on your mind, Rainbow?", Twilight said, with a concerned expression planted on her face.

"Sort of.", Rainbow Dash said almost instantly.

"Care to tell me?"

"Isn't she just so dang adorable?", Rainbow Dash said without thinking. She then lifted a hoof to her mouth, and she was suddenly fully awake.

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but closed it soon after.

"I... I guess?", Twilight said after a moment of silence.

"Sorry, I'm just really tired... Do you have any coffee or anything?", Rainbow Dash rubbed the sleep from one of her eyes.

"Sure. I'll go get you a mug. Want sugar and milk with it?", Twilight asked, as she prepared to walk off.

"That'd be uhh.. nice. Thanks.", Rainbow responded, putting her face down into Fluttershy's mane with a sigh.

Rainbow Dash stayed like that for what seemed like ages, and she breathed in, and then heavily exhaled. Rainbow Dash lifted her face from the pink paradise, and gazed about the room. Sunlight streamed in from the windows, and the room was warm and comfortable. A sigh came from Rainbow Dash, and she looked down when she heard a quiet, squeaky yawn from the yellow mare. The teal eyes gazed up at Rainbow Dash, and then Fluttershy spoke quietly, "Good morning."

"'Morning, 'Shy.", Rainbow Dash said back.

"I.. Um.. I told you I'd tell you later about... You know.", Fluttershy tensely spoke, averting her eyes to avoid eye contact.

"...You mean when Gilda came by?", Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yes.", Fluttershy mumbled.

"So uh. You're gonna tell me now?", Rainbow Dash questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"...I'm not sure.", Fluttershy responded, fear filling her mind.

"Please?", Rainbow Dash abolished the thick silence between the two mares.

"...I don't know how to explain it... It's just... Gilda um...", Fluttershy slowly started. Rainbow Dash's attention was peaked, and she was intensely listening, hoping to get the explanation.

"She wasn't exactly nice to me in um.. Flight school, and... I think she's mad about when you didn't accept the offer for a race.", Fluttershy stared at the floor, with a strange tone of shame entering her voice.

"Well, she'll just have to chill then. Heh, I'm not gonna ditch you for a race with her just like that.", Rainbow Dash grinned.

"But...", Fluttershy started, before she sighed.

"But... What?", Rainbow Dash urged.

"Isn't that... Sort of... What happened long ago before?", Fluttershy sounded hurt.

Rainbow Dash cringed slightly, and felt mean. She DID ditch Fluttershy alot before for races -- and Fluttershy never seemed to mind.

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I uh... Yeah.", Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head.

"It's okay..", Fluttershy said, looking away with an emptiness in her eyes.

Fluttershy was giving Rainbow Dash an easy exit, to avoid any sort of stress. But Rainbow Dash wouldn't take it, not again.

"No.", Rainbow Dash simply stated, much to Fluttershy's surprise.

"It isn't okay.", Rainbow Dash sighed, "It was uncool of me, it's just... I could race with her 'n have a challenge! I couldn't do that with you, but that didn't make it alright of me. I really am sorry..."

"I... I don't mind. It's not really that. It's just...", Fluttershy started, before sighing, "I'm pretty sure Gilda... um... hated me, though.

"...Oh.", Rainbow Dash mumbled, and she was then met with further silence. The two pegasi looked towards the door as Twilight returned, with a mug of coffee in her levitation.

"Thanks...", Rainbow said, grabbing the mug in her wing once it was brought close to her.

"No problem. If you need anything else, I'll be in the library!", Twilight said, walking off once more.

"I uh... You know I love you, right?", Rainbow Dash asked once the door closed behind Twilight, sipping the coffee.

"...Yes, and I um... Love you too, Dashie.", Fluttershy slowly nodded, and stared at the floor with half lidded eyes, leading Rainbow Dash to gaze off to the side.

"...I'm sorry.", Fluttershy suddenly said, and Rainbow Dash looked at her in confusion.

"What for?"

"I should've told you yesterday.", Fluttershy mumbled.

"...Well, uh... It's fine. I'll probably try and talk to Gilda about it, 'n see what's up with her.", Rainbow responded with a lump in her throat. She wasn't sure what to say in response, so she hoped she said the right thing.

"I'm going to go home, if.. that's alright with you?", Fluttershy said, standing up from the couch.

"Yeah. It's alright. Rough morning, I get it. Want to maybe meet up later on in town so we can do something?", Rainbow Dash inquired. She was slightly concerned, but she really didn't know what to do right there and then.

"That would be... Nice.", Fluttershy gave a weak smile, and then hugged Rainbow Dash. Once Rainbow Dash got over the initial shock, she joined the hug, rubbing Fluttershy's back with a hoof. Once they released the grasp on eachother, Fluttershy left the castle and Rainbow Dash simply fell silent in thought.

"Jeez, I probably should've done something about Gilda looong ago... I mean, wasn't it sort of obvious what was going on?... I wish I was smarter like Twilight...", Rainbow Dash thought, and then sighed. She placed her half unfinished coffee on the table next to the couch, and stood up. Rainbow Dash groaned as she stretched her back and wings.

Rainbow Dash thought for a moment, before sighing and walking right outside the castle into the sunny day. The sun was high, the birds were singing, there were next to no clouds -- yet Rainbow Dash didn't care much about any of that. She was trying to decide on what to do about Gilda. She considered the fact that she would probably have stopped and rested back where she had to deliver whatever she had, and now Gilda would probably come back to Ponyville for another stop.

The cyan mare walked into town and watched the sky in hopes of spotting the griffon she had to talk to. When the sky was seemingly clear besides a pegasus or two, she whistled in thought and lifted up from the ground to fly around. Rainbow Dash figured she could use the exercise anyways...

Rainbow Dash probably spent about an hour just flying around. Gilda most likely already passed by at that rate, and Rainbow Dash gave up on waiting. Rainbow Dash soon found herself resting on a fluffy white cloud.

"Maybe I should just go see Fluttershy...", Rainbow Dash considered outloud, placing a hoof under her chin. She jumped when a loud puff was emitted behind her. She turned around to see a grinning Gilda.

"Or you can jus' hang with me, Dash.", Gilda shrugged.

"Ehhh... I guess, but can't be too long... I gotta ask something though.", Rainbow Dash stood up, and faced Gilda.

"Oh, psh. Race first?", Gilda tilted her head, "C'moooon. Didn't race yesterday, 'cuz Kl-... Fluttershy... was there, but she isn't here NOW, right, Dash?"

"...Guess that's true, but why the heck do you hate her?", Rainbow Dash asked almost venomously.

Gilda coughed, and then hit her chest, "Hate her?", she asked, with an extremely guilty look upon her feathery face.

"Yep.", Rainbow nodded.

"Nah, I don't... Haaate.. Her, she's just... Ugh...", Gilda gazed off to the side.

"Oh? She's just 'what'?", Rainbow's eyes thinned. She couldn't believe her ears! Well, she could, but that didn't lessen her fury any.

"...Race me and I'll tell you?", Gilda quickly said.

"No. I want your clean answer, right now, 'cuz there is NO reason for you to hate my best friend.", Rainbow shoved a hoof against Gilda's chest.

"What? She's your best friend? That pony is so bad at flying!", Gilda exclaimed, with a claw extended into the sky in exasperation.

"So? Plus, she's caught up to me BEFORE! Not like that even matters to me.", Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, well, why's she your best friend, then?", Gilda angrily questioned.

"'Cuz she's not a freaking jerk? That's one! She doesn't care for stupid reputations, so I can actually enjoy my time around her. Plus, she's always listening to me about anything, even if it's something I wouldn't think she cared about!", Rainbow Dash explained.

"Yeah? Well, if you like her so much, maybe you should go marry her!", Gilda exclaimed with a grin.

"Maybe I will!", Rainbow Dash yelled back, causing Gilda's jaw to drop. That certainly wasn't the answer she expected.

"But... Ugh! It's not like you'd ACTUALLY do anything like that! She's so... So... Weak!", Gilda tried to reason.

"Pffft. Gilda, go and stare down a dragon, then!", Rainbow Dash smirked.

"That's freakin' suicide. You trying to tell me off or something?", Gilda asked almost threateningly.

"No. I'm just saying that she's done pretty brave stuff.", Rainbow Dash shrugged, acting careless about the conversation.

"Yeah, sure. Like I'd believe THAT happened. Ugh... Your new friends are weak, so obviously your best friend would have to be the weakest one out of them..."

"Stop calling her weak, seriously! Plus, I thought you didn't care who I was friends with after Pinkie and I visited you...", Rainbow Dash inserted.

"Psh, no. I'm cool with you and Pinks, not all these other ponies."

The two stopped arguing almost immediately, and turned to their right when they saw Pinkie Pie tied to balloons, as she crunched on popcorn.

"Awww! It was just gettin' goood!~", Pinkie Pie sighed, "Oh well! Hey Gilda, wanna come to a party later on?! It'll be superduper exciting! Like, SUPERDY duperdy exciting! I can't tell you the title of it yet though, it's a SEEECREEET! Dunno why! I just feel like it should be. Infact, even -I- don't know the name of the party!", Pinkie Pie put a hoof over her mouth and giggled, "So! You two coming later?"

"...Uhhhhh...", Gilda and Rainbow Dash both stared.

"...Yes?", Pinkie Pie grinned.

"...Yeah, sure. I guess.", Gilda shook her head, and sighed.

"Fine, I'll be there.", Rainbow Dash stared, "So uh... Is that all you needed to tell us, Pinkie?"

"Yep!", Pinkie Pie immediately said, before her balloons made her rise up extremely quickly until she was no longer in sight.

"So random.", Rainbow Dash mumbled.

"Annnyyywaaays... Why the heck do you still hang out with that winged earthpony? She's only going to weigh you down! She's not even cool!"

"Hey! You take that stupid insult back, right now!", Rainbow slammed a hoof down onto the cloud.

"Why should I? Is it EVEN an insult? It's practically fact!", Gilda yelled back in anger.

"Take. It. Back. Right dang now.", Rainbow Dash furiously said, with an angry frown on her muzzle.

"You're not gonna let me go 'till I do, are you?", Gilda said flatly.

"Uh... Right.", Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head.

"Fine. But that doesn't change my opinion of her any.", Gilda said, lifting up off the cloud slightly with a couple flaps of her wings.

"And THAT doesn't help you any. I'll be waiting for you to realize that she's one of the coolest ponies I know...", Rainbow Dash sharply said.

"As if! Look, I'll see you at the party later. Maybe you'll realize the least stupid answer, and then just agree with me...", once Gilda finished speaking, she flew off. Rainbow Dash squinted her eyes as she watched Gilda fly off. Rainbow wasn't too surprised with how Gilda reacted, but she was still angry at her griffon friend.

Fluttershy happily sighed. It's not as though she wanted to be away from Rainbow Dash, she just really needed some time alone. Mostly because she had to care for her animals, but also because she wanted to go and enjoy the grasslands for a small period of time. The canary mare left her cottage with saddlebags in tow. She was carrying two waterbottles, and some food along with the water. She lightly hummed as she walked out into the field of grass and flowers happily, and when she found a good spot, she laid out a red and white checkered blanket, and placed her saddlebags down. She lied happily on her stomach putting her head on top of her forearms with a sigh.

Fluttershy squeaked in surprise and fear when a griffon landed in front of her. She looked up at Gilda, and felt her heart drop when she realized she was both alone with Gilda, and Gilda looked mad and annoyed.

"H-Hello, Gilda.", Fluttershy mumbled quietly, staring down at her hooves.

"What was that? Couldn't hear you!", Gilda yelled.

"I- I'm sorry...", Fluttershy said in response almost immediately.

"Whatever... So, Klutz, why do you hang around Dash?", Gilda asked with venom in her voice.

"I- I...", Fluttershy started to speak, but stopped when a claw flicked her on the nose.

"Y'know she's too cool for you...", Gilda stared at Fluttershy with thinned eyes.

"B-But... We're friends, that doesn't... Doesn't matter.", Fluttershy quietly said, her gaze being unable to lock into Gilda's.

"Oh? Well, I just talked to her, and y'know, I think she might just be getting tired of you...", Gilda devilishly grinned.

"W-...What?", Fluttershy tentatively asked, feeling her heart throb further.

"You heard me!", Gilda screamed, raising her talon in the air, forming a fist, but she put it back on the ground after Fluttershy flinched and clenched her eyes shut.

Fluttershy's ears flattened to her head, and she felt the beginning of tears in her eyes.

"Th- that's not true!", she said back in an attempt to be assertive, but it came out as more of a plea than anything. Fluttershy looked hurt as she stared beneath Gilda, in hopes to avoid eyecontact.

"She said it herself, dweeb! So fluff off from now on, you hear me? She doesn't need weaklings holding her back...", Gilda shoved Fluttershy onto her side, before flying off.

Fluttershy felt tears streaming down her cheeks, and the previous joy she felt before Gilda arrived melted instantly. Fluttershy felt ashamed, and betrayed. Fluttershy put her face into her legs as the tears kept coming in full force. Her emotions fell unstable, and she couldn't take control of her crying.

Rainbow Dash flew over to Sugarcube Corner for the party. The only reason she was really optimistic about going was because Fluttershy would probably be there, and the moment she entered, a loud BANG echoed from Pinkie Pie's party cannon. The ponies inside greeted Rainbow Dash excitably, but Pinkie Pie just looked at her strangely.

"Huh?", Pinkie Pie started, staring next to Rainbow Dash. She then gazed around her with suspicious eyes.

"What is it?... Do I have something on my face?", Rainbow Dash asked, rubbing a cheek with a hoof.

"No... I thought Fluttershy would be with you!", Pinkie Pie said in concern.

"Wait, Fluttershy isn't here?", Rainbow Dash asked, looking around the room in surprise.

"Nopey dopey! Maybe she's... just late?", Pinkie Pie thought outloud, with a frown forming on her face.

"I don't think so... She's NEVER late!", Rainbow Dash said in surprise, "I'll go look for her, I'll be back right after."

"No need, Dash.", spoke Gilda, walking inside of the building.

"Huh?", Rainbow Dash said in confusion.

"She told me she was busy, or something...", Gilda shrugged.

"... Why'd she talk to you?", Rainbow Dash dryly asked in suspicion.

"Don't know. Guess she just didn't want to see you.", Gilda responded with a sly grin and a shrug.

"...Huh. Did I say something wrong?...", Rainbow Dash tapped her chin with a hoof, clearly concerned.

"Probably not... She's probably just too sensitive. So, wanna just stick around here, Dash?", Gilda asked.

Rainbow Dash sighed, and then said, "I'm going to go wait out front for her, incase she was just busy and got caught up. Guess we can just chat 'till she shows up..."

"Ugh, fine! I'd rather do something else, but whatever... She's probably just too scared to come, Dash...", Gilda mentioned.

"Hah, nope. I don't think that would be the case. She's never scared to come to a party full of friends that she can... trust... Oh.", Rainbow Dash had a moment of realization, and she slapped a hoof onto her forehead.

"'Oh', what?", Gilda urged, with a raised eyebrow.

"She probably didn't come 'cuz YOU'RE here.", Rainbow Dash bit her lip.

"What?!", Gilda exclaimed, thinking Rainbow Dash knew what she did.

"Don't even act like you're nice to her.", Rainbow Dash pointed out, while slightly annoyed.

Gilda sighed in both relief and irritation.

"Look, Dash. It's her loss for not comin'."

"Shuddup.", Rainbow Dash simply stated, looking off into town. A smile grew on her face once a canary mare came into view, approaching her.

"Hey, 'Shy! Was wondering if you'd come.", Rainbow Dash put a hoof onto Fluttershy's shoulder. She saw that Fluttershy was clearly sad about something, so her smile became flat with concern growing in her eyes, "Something up?"

"I-It's nothing... I'll stop bothering you from now on.", Fluttershy said, looking off to the side.

"What?", Rainbow Dash wondered.

Gilda thought in her mind, "Oh. I didn't account for this happening... Dweeb should've just stayed away...", once she realized what was probably going to happen.

"Look, Dash, does it really matter? C'mon, we got a party to go enjoy...", Gilda wrapped a claw around Rainbow's tail, pulling on it.

"Hey!", Rainbow Dash grabbed her tail back with a wing, and tugged it out of her talon, "It DOES matter."

"N-No, it's fine. I'll just... Go now.", Fluttershy quietly said.

"Nah, Fluttershy. Did I say something stupid? I do that alot, y'know. I don't mean most of it when I do say it, either.", Rainbow Dash wryly grinned, but seriousness returned to her face quickly after.

"It's just... Um... Gilda told me about how...", Fluttershy trailed off.

"About?...", Rainbow Dash nudged her.

"Look, Dash, c'mon! We don't have time for this!", Gilda said, pulling Rainbow Dash away from Fluttershy.

"Gilda! Knock it off! This is serious!", Rainbow Dash spoke.

"No, it isn't! It doesn't matter. Why'd it matter to you? You're too cool to care about stupid stuff!", Gilda exclaimed.

"Heck no! Screw being cool if it means I can't care.", Dash shoved Gilda's arm off of her blue coat.

"B- We- I... Ugh, fine! I told her the truth!", Gilda exclaimed.

"The truth? You mean that you told her you're an asshole?", Dash questioned.

"No! That you're too cool for her! The stupid dweeb's just gonna hold you back.", Gilda angrily explained.

"Seriously?! That isn't even true!"

"Um... I'm... I'm confused...", Fluttershy said with a mixed tone of confusion, hurt, and fear.

"Shut up, noone asked you.", Gilda said, pointing angrily at Fluttershy. Fluttershy then looked away again.

"Gilda, knock it off... I'm serious.", Dash angrily said through gritted teeth.

"I'll just... Say what I have to say, and then I'll leave you both alone.", Fluttershy said, "So um, I was told by Gilda th--", she was cut off when a talon slashed at her, and sliced her cheek. She put a hoof to the cheek, and then stared at her own blood. Fluttershy didn't make a noise, and just continued to stare at the red liquid. Gilda instantly regretted her impulsive reaction.

Rainbow Dash inhaled in shock, and Gilda started at the result of her actions. Rainbow Dash then lifted a hoof into the air, and punched Gilda straight in her yellow beak. Once Gilda stumbled back, and opened her beak to talk, she panicced and instead just flew up into the air, and quickly sped away from the scene.

Rainbow Dash watched Gilda fly off, and once she was far away, she turned back to Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked like she was in shock, just staring at her own dark blood.

"Are... Are you okay?", Rainbow Dash tensely asked, biting a lip as she walked up next to Fluttershy.

"She... ", Fluttershy started, and then she immediately pulled the cyan mare into her forearms. Blood from her cheek got onto Rainbow's chest and neck, but Rainbow didn't care about that at the moment. Fluttershy's warm tears began to also get onto Rainbow's coat, and that only made Rainbow Dash squeeze her more.

"Sh-she t-told me that.. You said you w-were tired of me...", Fluttershy mumbled in shame.

"Nah, that's stupid. I don't think I could EVER get tired of you!.. And I thought she might try to be friends with you some day...", Rainbow sighed, "I uh... I'm guessing you don't really want to go to the party anymore?", Rainbow asked, even though it was more of a comment than anything.

"I don't know.", Fluttershy sadly spoke, the emotion evident in her voice.

"That's fine.", Rainbow Dash responded, rubbing her back.

Fluttershy giggled slightly, which confused Rainbow Dash, "I... I think she was... um... jealous...", she explained.

"Really?.. I guess that makes sense.", Rainbow Dash mirthlessly laughed, "She got REALLY mad when I called you my best friend. Explains alot, huh?"

Fluttershy's eyes remained tearful, but her expression softened more.

"Do... Do you think she meant to hurt me?", Fluttershy sadly asked, rubbing one of her forearms with the other.

"Dunno, but I'm glad she didn't hurt you too badly...", Rainbow Dash felt lucky that she wasn't hurt that much by Gilda, although the luck wasn't too much to go off of considering the canary mare WAS still hurt.

"Can um... We maybe... Clean the injury, and... And then cover it? If... If that's okay with you.", Fluttershy inserted.

"Oh, right. Do you have the stuff for that at your cottage? Or should I go get some from somewhere else?", Rainbow Dash asked.

"I should have what we need at my cottage, yes.", Fluttershy confirmed, as the two walked along the cobblestone road. The sun was almost down and below the horizon by then, leaving only a few ponies out and about to notice her injury. Rainbow Dash then decided to just jump topics in hopes to lighten the mood.

"Oh, and uh... About... 'Us'...", Rainbow Dash looked off to the side, "Want to tell our friends at our next meetup?"

"I... I don't know. I'm still worried that they'll hate us, or... something.", Fluttershy's eyes were then downcast in sadness.

"I don't think they COULD hate us for something like that. They're our friends, too! If they hate us for it, then they're not our friends in the first place.", Rainbow Dash proudly stated.

"R-Right...", Fluttershy slowly nodded.

When they arrived at Fluttershy's cottage, the yellow mare opened the door and led Rainbow Dash in.

"Um... There should be a first aid kit in my medicine cabinet, up in my washroom. Oh, I'm sorry. That was rude of me to assume you would get it, I'll be right back.", Fluttershy began walking up a set of stairs, but a cyan hoof held her back.

"Heh, Fluttershy, I don't mind. Go wait on your couch. I got it.", Rainbow Dash flew up the stairway, and into the washroom. Once she spotted a big white medicine cabinet, she slid it open and pulled out a red box. The blue mare then dashed back downstairs, and sat infront of Fluttershy. She pulled out a cotton dab, and screwed open a bottle, pouring some of the medical alcohol onto it. Once she returned the plastic bottle to the kit, Rainbow Dash warned Fluttershy, "It'll probably sting a bit."

Fluttershy nodded, and closed the eye above the scratched cheek. Once Fluttershy did so, Rainbow Dash rubbed the cotton ball across the scratch. Rainbow Dash put the cotton dab next to the first-aid kit, and then put a band-aid on the scratch.

"Thank you...", Fluttershy smiled lightly, and pulled Rainbow Dash into another hug.

"I uh... I'ma go wash up.", Rainbow Dash said once they left the hug. She gazed down at the blood on her coat.

"Sorry for that...", Fluttershy mumbled, "Oh, and... Go ahead."

As Rainbow Dash stood up, she then said, "By the way, errr... If someone tells you anything like Gilda did again, just lemme know and I'll go ahead and give them a... Stern talking to?"

Fluttershy giggled, and then said, "Of course, I will."

Rainbow Dash went and turned on the shower to wash up, while Fluttershy went into her kitchen to start on dinner. The canary pegasus decided on having a Phyllo Pizza. By the time Rainbow Dash finished washing up, Fluttershy had put the pizza to bake. Rainbow Dash sniffed the kitchen, and said, "Whatcha making? Smells pretty good."

"Well, I figured that you might enjoy a phyllo pizza with feta, basil, and tomatoes. Oh, but I can make something else if you want, though...", Fluttershy softly spoke.

"Jeez, Fluttershy. You spoil me. That sounds great! Well, anything you make sounds great, actually...", Rainbow Dash kissed Fluttershy on the cheek, causing the yellow mare to blush and giggle.

"So! What's that?", Rainbow Dash asked, pointing to a bottle on the counter.

"I was going to bring out wine for the dinner, but I'm not sure you would like that -- and I don't really like wine that much either, so I pulled out a bottle of apple cider that I got from Applejack not too long ago.", Fluttershy explained, before opening the bottle and pouring out two glasses of the liquid.

"Woah, Fluttershy. I'm seriously being spoiled by you. Not that I'm complaining!", Rainbow Dash's eyes were wide at the prospect of apple cider.

"Oh, well, I just love to spoil you.", Fluttershy licked the blue mares muzzle.

"Heheh. So, when'll it be ready?", Rainbow Dash asked, rubbing her hooves together.

"About eighteen minutes. Could you please um... Take the cider out to the couch? We can sit infront of my fireplace while we eat. I know you don't like... mushy um.. 'romance' stuff, but it's supposed to get cold tonight, and I think it would be nice."

"I'm cool with that.", Rainbow Dash nodded, and grabbed their apple cider glasses with her wings. Rainbow Dash set the glasses onto the coffee table infront of the couch, and then she went ahead and opened the fireplaces gate. Once it was open, she put in firewood, and then looked proudly at the stack. She went ahead and grabbed a match from the fireplaces shelf, and then scraped the match head on the matchbox to light it on fire. Once the match was lit, she placed it in the fireplace, and she stepped back in approval.

Fluttershy entered the room, and placed two plates on the coffee table. The two mares got on the couch, and then looked at the food.

"I hope you like it.", Fluttershy commented. Rainbow Dash looked over at Fluttershy, realizing that she wanted her to try it. The blue mare did as expected, and took a bite. The aroma led her mouth to water, and the moment she bit into the food she felt like she was in heaven.

"Thas goud!", Rainbow Dash said as she chewed. Fluttershy giggled at the blue mares antics, and gladly sighed at her approval of the food.

They both then dug into the meal, hardly talking as they ate.

"So... I'm sorry about Gilda.", Rainbow Dash mumbled.

"It's not your fault, Rainbow.", Fluttershy curled up next to Rainbow, placing her head on her chest, "I'm just glad I had my protector with me..."

Rainbow Dash felt giddy with joy at the statement, but her gaze remained directly on the fire that was ablaze inside of Fluttershy's fireplace. Fluttershy yawned quietly, and nuzzled the blue mare. Rainbow Dash pulled a blanket off of the top of the couch, and then placed it upon her and Fluttershy.

"I love you, Fluttershy.", Rainbow Dash mumbled, and then she yawned.

The two fell asleep there together after a long, stressful day.

Rainbow Dash awoke to the feeling of something wet on her chest. Her muzzle showed disgust as she woke up, and then she looked at what was causing it. She blushed heavily when she realized Fluttershy licked her chest in her sleep. Rainbow Dash wasn't sure what to do, so she froze on the spot and just watched.

After a few moments of staring, she looked over towards the fireplace. The fire had clearly gone out long before sunrise. Rainbow Dash slowly slid out from under Fluttershy, and then she gathered up the dishes from off the coffee table.

"She cooked last night, so I guess I'll do the dishes.", Rainbow Dash reasoned. Once she put the dishes in the sink, she plugged the drain, and then turned on the water. She stuck her hoof under the flow of water, and once the water was warm, she pulled her hoof back out of the water, and grabbed soap from beneath the sink. She squirted the green liquid into the water, and waited for it to fully bubble up while the water continued to fill the sink.

Rainbow Dash stopped the water once the sink was full. She grabbed a white, blue, and green checkered washcloth, and then slowly began to scrub clean the dirty plates, putting them into the empty sink to be dried next. She kept going until there were no longer any dirty dishes, and only wet ones. Rainbow pulled the plug to release the water, and then she grabbed a dry towel and began to dry the wet plates and glasses.

Rainbow Dash sighed after her job was done, and she walked back into the living room. Rainbow Dash was still tired, so she went ahead and pulled the covers up, and then climbed ontop of Fluttershy, hugging her intensely as she pulled the heavy blanket back ontop of them. She exhaled in comfort, and laughed slightly at the situation. Rainbow Dash soon found herself asleep again.

Fluttershy woke up about an hour later, and she tried to slide out but found herself unable to.

"Um... Rainbow?... Please get up?", the shy mare requested.

"Mmm... Five more minutes...", mumbled the mare ontop of her.

Fluttershy felt herself on the verge of panic, but she calmed herself down with an intake of air, followed by an exhale of air.

"Rainbow...", she said. Rainbow Dash's ear twitched, but she remained asleep.

"Rainbow Dash!", Fluttershy yelled, but it came out more as talking.

"Hmm?", the blue mare stirred, and then opened her eyes to look at Fluttershy.

"...Please get up?", Fluttershy half pleaded.

"Oh. Uh... Sorry, 'Shy...", Rainbow Dash got up from the couch, and helped Fluttershy up with her, "I did the dishes earlier by the way. Only fair 'cuz you cooked last night."

"Thank you, Rainbow.", Fluttershy pulled Rainbow Dash into a comfortable hug, and the two sat there in eachothers embrace for a few minutes, before Fluttershy had a moment of realization.

"I have to be at the spa to meet with Rarity today...", Fluttershy commented plainly, and looked over at a clock, "In ten minutes?!", she exclaimed.

"That's plenty of time, 'Shy. Want me to drop you off?", Rainbow Dash asked with a smirk.

"I... I don't know. What if she realizes what's going on?", Fluttershy mentions in fear.

"...Shoot. You're right. We haven't exactly been uh... Uhhhh...", Rainbow Dash searched her mind for a word,

"Inconspicuous?", Fluttershy suggested.

"Yeah!.. I think.", Rainbow Dash nodded, not exactly sure what the word even meant.

"Maybe you could come, and then we could tell everypony one by one, starting with Rarity?", Fluttershy slowly spoke, with a hoof under her chin.

"That sounds like a good idea, actually. But I am NOT getting a hooficure or anything like that...", Rainbow Dash groaned.

"I didn't really think you would.", Fluttershy licked Rainbow Dash's cheek.

"R-Right...", Rainbow Dash was flustered by the bold act from Fluttershy.

"Oh! Right! We should probably go right now.", Fluttershy quickly said, "But... Um... Will you use the sauna with me?... Maybe we could both use the hot tub too? Only if you want to, though..."

"Yeah, that sounds alright.", Rainbow Dash said, following Fluttershy out the door.

"Oh, I'm a mess... Rarity is going to have a heartattack when I get there.", Fluttershy said with a frown, as she used a wing to try to flatten her mane. She wasn't able to, but she still tried.

"She'll live. I think.", Rainbow Dash chuckled as she flew next to Fluttershy as they entered town. The duo arrived at the spa soon in town.

"Fluttershy, darling! So good to see you! Wonderful day, mhm?", Rarity spoke as the two entered. Rarity then screamed when she saw the state of Fluttershy's mane and the band-aid on her cheek.

"Um.. Hello, Rarity. I'm sorry... I woke up late, and I couldn't get ready, so I'll just have to clean up, um... Here.", Fluttershy looked at the ground shyly.

"Y-Yes... But.. What happened?", the white unicorn asked, looking at the band-aid.

"Oh, it's nothing...", Fluttershy faced away.

"..Darling, you can trust me. Anyways, let us move on for now... Wait, Rainbow Dash?", Rarity stopped and looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Uhuh.", Rainbow nodded, landing on the ground next to Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy. You got Rainbow Dash to come here?", Rarity asked, in both shock and confusion.

"Um... Yes? I mean, she's only going to use the hot tub, and the sauna, but ummm... Yes.", Fluttershy nodded.

Rarity closed her mouth, and then reopened it, "Hmm. I'm just surprised is all, dear."

"Oh. Well, um... Right.", Fluttershy looked down at the ground awkwardly.

"...Shall we go ahead and begin our treatment?", Rarity asked.

"That would be nice.", Fluttershy nodded.

"Can we start with the sauna or whatever? 'Cuz we gotta talk to you about something, Rarity.", Rainbow Dash asked.

"Sure, darling! Anything you wish to do first, we shall! It is a miracle you even came here for even just something so simple, so of course!", Rarity smiled at Rainbow Dash, and then led them all into a sauna room. They all relaxed in the steamy room, basking in the heat and damp air.

"So uh... I dunno how to explain it.", Rainbow Dash started, rubbing the back of her neck as she bit her lip.

"Take as much time as you need.", Rarity responded in an attempt to make the two pegasi more comfortable.

"It's just that... Rainbow and I are... Ummm...", Fluttershy trailed off.

"Weeee're..... Uhhhh...", Rainbow Dash started, and then she got a pleading look from her partner, urging her to continue.

"In a relationship.", Rainbow Dash said as she looked away from Fluttershy and at Rarity.

"Like... Dating?", Rarity asked with her head tilted.

"...Yes.", Fluttershy nodded.

The sauna was filled with silence.

"So... Uhh... Guess THAT'S out there now.", Rainbow Dash whistled.

"Right...", Fluttershy slowly looked to the floor with wide eyes.

"That's wonderful! My, my, you know... You two are really good for eachother.", Rarity smiled at the two.

"Huh?", Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy both looked up incredulously.

"Yes. Infact, it's very sweet! Rainbow Dash and you are both perfect for eachother! Strong, protective Rainbow Dash, and sweet, kind Fluttershy. It's simply adorable! Either way, I could tell from miles away! The sleepover at Twilight's had a lot of obvious... As you would say, 'signs'.", said Rarity, "I'm very happy for you two!"

"You took it... MUCH better than I thought you would.", Rainbow Dash said in shock.

"Whatever do you mean?", Rarity questioned, with a raised eyebrow.

"You just... You always talked 'bout the 'perfect stallion' or whatever, and uhh.. It's just... Surprising that you're so accepting of it.", Rainbow Dash shrugged.

"Love is love, simple as that! I believe love and romance is universal! Plus, who could pull you two from eachother eitherway? You're just too cute together.", Rarity squealed at the thought, and held a big smile on her muzzle.

"I'm really happy you're so accepting, Rarity.", Fluttershy said when her nerves relaxed more.

"Think nothing of it, dear! Have you told anypony else yet?", Rarity inquired.

"Oh... No.", Fluttershy mumbled.

"Fluttershy kinda wants to take it one step at a time, ya know?", Rainbow Dash said, wrapping a wing around Fluttershy. Rarity squealed - again - and giggled.

"You two REALLY are adorable together, though. I'm sure every pony will be accepting of it once they see how truly glorious it is.", Rarity spoke, and then she said, "I believe we shall move onto the next area of 'relaxation' now. Coming?", Rarity asked as she stood up, and began to head for the sauna's door.

"Sure! Can we go to the hot tub next? I kinda want to just relax there while you two go on with other stuff.", Rainbow Dash asked.

"Of course!", Rarity nodded with polite smile.

"Um... Would you be alright with Rainbow Dash and I leaving early too?... I want to tell Twilight next, and...", Fluttershy trailed off, looking towards Rarity.

"I'm perfectly fine with that. I understand that if we were to get full treatment, Rainbow might get bored. I completely understand!"

The group arrived at the hot tub, and slipped into the hot water.

"Ahh... Wow! This is actually really nice.", Rainbow Dash praised with a surprised nod.

"Indeed it is, darling. Infact, I think it would be very beneficial for you.", Rarity said.

"What do you mean?", Rainbow Dash asked, looking towards Rarity.

"Hot tubs are known to be very good for your body! It is good for reducing back pain, and it's also good for your cardivascular health. It has the same health benefits of exercise with less heart stress.", Rarity explained.

"Huh. Didn't know that.", Rainbow Dash was surprised, and felt glad she was okay with coming to the spa with her mare.

"Oh, and it does feel nice as well. That's a plus too.", Fluttershy giggled, and put a hoof on her muzzle.

"I agree completely.", Rarity chuckled lightly.

"How do you think Twilight'll react?", Rainbow Dash pondered.

"Oh, she will be very happy for you two, I'm sure of it. She DID grow up in Canterlot, and so it would surprise me if she thought otherwise. Usually rural towns are the least accepting, but Ponyville is very friendly and open to ideas, and with Ponyville being one of the main pathways to and from cities, it makes alot of sense for it to be a great place for things such as this.", Rarity optimistically thought outloud.

"Yeah... It does.", Rainbow Dash admitted.

Fluttershy felt much better after hearing Rarity's explanation, but she was still afraid. The group finished up, and then said goodbye and split up. Rarity remained at the spa, while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy left to go to Twilight's castle. Sometimes Fluttershy got a few looks from concerned ponies because of the large band-aid on her cheek, but it wasn't much so most of the time the attention was short lived. When they both entered the Friendship Castle, they were greeted by Spike.

"Hey Rainbow, hey Fluttershy. You guys want any nachos? We got some in the library!", Spike offered.

"Hello, Spike. Thank you for the offer, but I'm okay.", Fluttershy politely smiled.

"Heya Spike! I might have some when I stop by. Thanks!", Rainbow Dash grinned.

"You here to see Twilight?", Spike asked.

"Um... Yes. We have something important to tell her.", Fluttershy confirmed.

"Oh, alright. Mind if I stick around?", Spike asked.

"Go ahead. I think you might need to hear it too anyways.", Rainbow Dash shrugged.

"Cool! I'll bring you on over to Twilight then.", Spike offered, and began to lead them through the large library until they found themselves at Twilight.

"Hello, girls. What brings you here?", Twilight asked with interest plastered on her face as she levitated a book off to the side.

"Well, literally? Spike brought us.", Rainbow Dash chuckled, "But we got news for you."

Twilight's interest was caught, and she looked over to the two pegasi.

"So... Um... Rainbow, and I... Are... Uhm...", Fluttershy started, before heavily blushing.

"We're dating.", Rainbow Dash simply stated.

"Huh. Well, that's great! It's true that opposites attract, isn't it?", Twilight nodded supportively.

"Well, we're pretty similar in alot of ways. But yeah, pretty true I guess.", Rainbow Dash grinned.

"I thought you two were like... Always a thing.", Spike said in confusion, "Like... I thought you've been dating since before Twilight and I came to Ponyville."

The three ponies stared at Spike.

"You two have always been pretty close...", Spike explained.

"Oh... Well... Um... Okay.", Fluttershy heavily blushed, and looked off to the side.

"So uhhh... Nachos?", Rainbow Dash gazed around.

"Sure.", Twilight levitated a small tray over and then put it infront of Rainbow. Rainbow Dash took a few, and crammed them in her mouth.

"Pretty good.", Rainbow Dash commented.

"Thanks. Spike prepared the cheese and all that.", Twilight explained.

"He is very good at cooking.", Fluttershy praised, happily looking over at Spike.

"Heh heh... Thanks!", Spike said, "I'm gonna head out for a bit. Have you two seen Rarity at all?"

"She was at the spa earlier, but um... She's probably on her way to her boutique now.", Fluttershy answered.

"Thank you, Fluttershy. You're okay with me going, right Twilight?", Spike asked.

"Of course! Have a good time.", Twilight nodded, and then returned to her book once Spike had left the room.

"Did it really seem like we were dating already?", Rainbow Dash asked, with knitted eyebrows.

"I never really noticed, but I guess so.", Twilight chuckled, "So, I'm sure you're probably going to go tell the others now?"

"Um.. I believe so.", Fluttershy nodded.

"Good luck! I'll see you later?", Twilight asked.

"Um... What's later?", Fluttershy asked, tilting her head.

"Pinkie's hosting another 'secret' party. Hardly a secret when everyone in town is invited but, oh well. Huh? What happened?", Twilight asked, pointing to the band-aid upon Fluttershy's yellow cheek.

"Oh... It's nothing. Just a scratch.", Fluttershy said, rubbing her cheek.

"Hm... Okay. Welp, see you at the party.", Twilight said, putting her attention back to her book.

Once Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash left the castle, Rainbow Dash said, "That was pretty easy."

"Yes... It was. But um... How many ponies already think we're dating?... Or... Know, I... Guess.", Fluttershy's ears flattened against her head, and her face held confusion upon it.

"Dunno.", Rainbow Dash sighed, "We probably should tell Pinkie last. Celestia only knows she'll go crazy with it. She'll probably throw a party about it, but I don't think you'd be very uhh.. Comfortable with that."

"R-Right... Can we ask her not to, Dashie?...", Fluttershy asked, as they walked in the general direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

"Yeah. I'd like a party? But that'd be super awkward...", Rainbow Dash admitted, "Wouldn't feel right either, knowing that you wouldn't like it."

"Wait.", Fluttershy said, causing Rainbow Dash to stop and look back at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Do you think... That Applejack won't like... Us for ummm... Being... Fillyfoolers? I'm not sure if her family is... Traditional or not...", Fluttershy mumbled.

"...Oh... Right... Well, uh... Doesn't really matter, right? We've got everypony else and stuff. It would really suck if she didn't approve of it, but well, not our problem.", Rainbow Dash said, "Plus, I'm not gonna leave you over it or something. I'd be giving up something super awesome if that happened."

Fluttershy exhaled, and then spoke, "Thank you. I... I needed that, I think.". The look of fear remained on her face, but the two continued walking up to the gateway into the farm. Once they got inside of it, they were greeted by Applebloom.

"Hey there!", the little filly yelled.

"Hello there, Applebloom. I'm so proud of you and your friends getting your cutiemarks.", Fluttershy happily said, looking at the purple shield-like emblem with an apple upon it.

"I am too, squirt.", Rainbow rubbed Applebloom's mane with a hoof, grinning at her.

"Thanks! Ah gotta go. Y'need my sister? 'Course ya do! She's jus' right in the field! Can't miss 'er!", Applebloom said before running off.

"Alright. The field.", Rainbow Dash repeated, before flying up, and then looking at Fluttershy expectantly. Fluttershy caught on, and flew up with her. The two looked around before spotting Applejack. Once they saw her, they landed next to the hard working orange mare.

"Hey AJ!", said Rainbow.

"Good t' see you two! What brings y'here?", Applejack asked, after bucking an apple tree. The apples fell into buckets around the tree, leaving the branches bare of everything but their leaves.

"Well, uhh... We got some news.", Rainbow Dash explained, biting her lip.

"Right...", Fluttershy nodded, looking at the ground.

"...Uhuh?", Applejack urged, looking inquisitively at the two pegasi.

"We're dating.", Rainbow Dash plainly said.

"Oh. Huh.", Applejack simply stated, before saying, "Congratulations!"

The tense blanket that was on the situation immediately disintegrated, and Fluttershy exhaled a breath she didn't even know she was holding in.

"Thanks! Oh, and, believe it or not? Fluttershy made the first move.", Rainbow Dash wryly grinned, and winked at Fluttershy.

"Wow! Heheh, knew y'had it in you, Fluttershy. Well, ah got work t'do, but ahm sure ah will see ya'll at the party tonight?", Applejack asked.

"Of course! Wouldn't miss it.", Rainbow Dash assured.

"Y'sure missed the LAST party.", Applejack chuckled.

"Weeell, we had our reasons.", Rainbow Dash shrugged.

"Ah see...", Applejack grinned, and winked at Fluttershy.

"Oh n-no.. Not like... Not like that.", Fluttershy quickly said with a heavy blush forming on her face.

"Heheh, well, ah'll see y'later.", Applejack chuckled once more as she walked off to the next tree. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew off and found themselves resting on a cloud above the town. The soft white cloud comfortably acting as a calming cushion for the two brightly coloured pegasi. Rainbow Dash found herself hugging Fluttershy as they both lay upon the cloud, with the sky above them and the sun radiating a warm heat and lighting.

"So... Guess the party is soon, huh?", Rainbow Dash asked, looking at Fluttershy.

"...Yes. I'll feel safe with you, though.", Fluttershy hugged Rainbow Dash tighter.

"'Course you'll feel safe with me around.", Rainbow Dash wryly grinned.

"What even IS the party for?", Fluttershy asked after a few moments of silence.

"It's secret. All I know.", Rainbow Dash sighed, and continued, "I guess we oughta tell Pinkie right 'bout now, huh?"

Fluttershy got up, followed by Rainbow Dash. The two mares then flew upwards and left the soft white cloud with the audible flapping of their wings, off in the general direction of Sugarcube Corner. Once the two arrived, they were immediately met with the yell of a certain pink earth pony.

"Heya Dashie, heya Fluttershy! What's up?! Besides you two!", Pinkie Pie quickly said, rolling her eyes cheerfully.

"..Us two?... Oh...", Fluttershy asked, before realizing what she meant.

"Well uh... Pinkie... We kinda have some news... Like, super important news, that you can't make a party or big deal outta.", Rainbow Dash explained, looking intently at Pinkie Pie.

"You mean like, you two are dating?", Pinkie Pie randomly asked, tilting her head to the right.

"Wh--... What?! How did... I mean... Ho--.... Wha...", Rainbow Dash stuttered, looking back and forth to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie Sense! I sneezed forty seven consecutive times, my legs shook, my eyes teared up, and my hair kept becoming puffy. Well, no, the last one is normal... But anywho, my Pinkie Sense told me that two of my bestest friends were dating! That's why I threw the party!", Pinkie Pie explained, giggling.

"No! We don't want a party!", Rainbow Dash exclaimed, looking at Pinkie while panicking like a pony in a burning house.

"Psssh, that's why it's secret, Dashie! I know that Fluttershy wouldn't like it, so y'know!", Pinkie Pie shrugged, "Anyway, I've got to go and get back to work! Seeya at the party, girls!", Pinkie Pie began to hum as she trotted off.

"...Can we go back to the cloud?", Fluttershy asked, looking at Rainbow Dash.

"...Yeah, I'd like that. I gotta think about things right now.", Rainbow Dash admitted, taking a few steps towards the door. Fluttershy followed afterwards, staring at the ground with a strangely blank expression.

"Sometimes I wish I had the Pinkie Sense, so then I could know about things before they happened. Like if I was going to get tripp--", Fluttershy started to comment, but she then tripped on a root outside of Sugarcube Corner. She fell forwards, onto her own face, and coughed, remaining in place.

"You okay?", Rainbow Dash asked, looking at Fluttershy with a cringe.

"Um... Yes, I'm okay.", Fluttershy nodded her head, standing back up, and flapping her wings to return to their plush cloud safe haven.

Rainbow Dash followed behind, and remained in thought about the whole situation. Sometimes she hated the Pinkie Sense, other times she loved it. But right about now, she had no idea what to think.

Chapter Three

Fluttershy stared intently at Sugarcube Corner, while her blue marefriend walked next to her. A drop of sweat rolled down the canary mares forehead, and she was lightly shaking. Her heart pounded like a drum, and her stomach became increasingly upset over the course of a few minutes.

"Uh... You alright, 'Shy?", Rainbow Dash asked in concern.

"N-...Y-... I don't know.", Fluttershy answered after a few moments. The two stopped, and Rainbow Dash looked into Fluttershy's eyes with a raised eyebrow.

"Hmmm... Well, you're sweating. Like... A lot.", Rainbow Dash observed her, and then asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Um... Nauseous?... Feverish? I'm not really sure...", Fluttershy sighed, looking down towards the ground in shame.

"When did you start... Uh... Dying?", Rainbow Dash asked.

"D-D-Dying?!", Fluttershy half-screamed, "Am I going to die?!", she placed her forelegs onto Rainbow Dash and her pupils shrank exponentially as she stared into Rainbow Dash's eyes.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes while grinning, and then said, "I'd HOPE not. I don't really think you are, but uh... Moving on... When did you start feeling like this?"

"It started when we were going to the um... 'secret' party.", Fluttershy answered, putting a hoof under her chin, "I don't know enough to.. um... really determine what I have. Could we, maybe, go and see what Twilight thinks? I mean, we can just... Go to the party if you want.", Fluttershy tilted her head slightly.

"As much as I'd like to go to the party? You matter more to me, so I guess going to Twilight is a pretty good idea.", Rainbow Dash grabbed Fluttershy, causing the scared mare to emit an adorable squeak from fear. Once Fluttershy was in her arms, Rainbow Dash sped off in the direction of Twilight's castle.

"P-Please slow d-d-down?", Fluttershy requested, shoving her face into Rainbow's neck in hopes of leaving the situation.

"What was that? Speed up?", Rainbow Dash asked, with a chuckle. She slowed down once she heard a hardly audible cry of despair, "Sorry... I shouldn't have done that.", Rainbow said once they were at half the previous speed.

"I-I-It's... Okay... Y-you just... Scared me. Th-that's all...", Fluttershy said with heavy and harsh breathing, causing her marefriend to cringe slightly. Rainbow Dash placed Fluttershy on the ground infront of Twilight's castle, and then helped her up onto her legs. Fluttershy mumbled a 'thank you', and the two pegasi entered the massive crystal tree. Rainbow Dash slapped a hoof onto her face once she had a moment of realization.

"...What is it?", Fluttershy asked inquisitively.

"She'd be at the party.", Rainbow Dash groaned.

"Oh... Right.", Fluttershy said, coughing to clear the silence, before suggesting, "Maybe we could look in her library?"

"I dunno... You know reading isn't my thing. Unless it's Daring Do, obviously.", Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof.

"That's okay. You're fast, so you could find books, and then I can look through them.", Fluttershy smiled at her own idea.

"Huh. That's not bad of an idea. My speed WOULD be pretty helpful in that situation, huh?", Rainbow Dash gave herself some self praise.

"Of course!", Fluttershy nodded. The two went ahead and brought themselves into the large library contained inside of the castle.

"...But what exactly are we looking for?", Rainbow Dash bit the inside of her cheek as they looked along huge rows of books. Way too many to go through, in Rainbow Dash's opinion.

"..I'm not sure. Medical books, but um... We only know the symptoms.... I don't feel.. THAT... bad anymore though.", Fluttershy commented, looking down towards the ground.

"Really? Huh... Maybe you're, like... allergic to parties?... That would suck."

"Hmmm..."

"'Hmmm'?", Rainbow Dash repeated, curving an eyebrow in curiosity.

"I, um... It'll be too hard to look through... All these books, and... Maybe we could just... See what Twilight thinks at the party?... I'll feel safe with you there, so um... It won't be too bad... Right?", Fluttershy asked, looking towards Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah... Yeah! I'll be there, and it'll be just like old times if they do say anything. Not like old-times would be GOOD, it's just... Well, better than being alone.", Rainbow Dash chuckled.

"Of course! I don't know what I'd do without you... I don't know if I'd even be--", Fluttershy started, but cut herself off, "Can we um... Go to the party?"

"Oh, sure. But uh... You don't know if you'd even be, what, exactly?", Rainbow Dash asked as the two pegasi flew from the castle and off into the air. Their flight path was aimed towards Sugarcube Corner, obviously to go to the party.

"It's nothing. Just a... Silly thought I had.", Fluttershy responded quickly.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, "C'mon, Fluttershy! You know I'm here to listen. Plus, I'm actually sorta wanting to know what you were gonna say!"

"I... I can't.", Fluttershy sighed.

Rainbow Dash sighed as well, but remained silent. She was dissapointed, but decided not to worry about it any more. Fluttershy was relieved that she hadn't continued asking -- yet oddly distressed. She was only slightly distressed, but the feeling remained. Fluttershy couldn't put her hoof on the reason, but she shrugged it off as meerly being surprised from Rainbow Dash's lack of pressuring. But the lack of pressuring saddened Fluttershy, because sure, Applejack could ease her out of her out of her shell and give her confidence. Rarity could too, but... Rainbow Dash gave her a burst of confidence that nopony else could.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were left with their thoughts for most of the flight, before speaking,

"Flutter--", Rainbow Dash started to speak, but stopped midway.

"Rainbow--", Fluttershy spoke at the same time, blushing slightly, "Um... Y-you go first."

"Well, alright. I uh... Tell anyone about the sappy stuff I'm 'bout to say, and I'll tickle you 'till next Tuesday. Okay, that a cool enough punishment?"

"Um... Yes.", Fluttershy giggled.

"Just wanted to uh... Say that I probably wouldn't be where I am without you either. Heh, gonna be honest? You taught me loyalty."

Fluttershy gave her a confused look, and Rainbow Dash took that as a signal to continue.

"'Cuz... I protected you 'n stuff back in flight school, so uh... I guess, what I'm tryin' to say... Is that I love you to bits.", Rainbow Dash chuckled sheepishly, "But uh... Well, I'd like to have a non-bitty Fluttershy to love?... That was bad, I won't do that again."

"I think it was cute.", Fluttershy gave her a small smile, "But um... Yes, I'd like to not be... Bitty.", Fluttershy blushed.

"Heheh. Yeah, I'd like to have my Fluttershy, 'n you can have your Dash."

"Yes...", Fluttershy's expression softened, and the two pegasi landed infront of Sugarcube Corner. They walked up the cobblestone pathway, and then up concrete stairs, right into the room filled with talkative ponies, snacks, balloons. The aroma was exactly how it sounded. Rubbery, mixed with chocolate, as well as the distinct smell of ponies. One of which, jumping right at them, smelled of cotton candy, soda pop, and most likely illegal drugs.

"Omigosh! I was wondering if you to were gonna show up! I was so sad that you two might've been away having sweet, sweet sex, but then I remembered that that is a GOOD thing, and so I was happy. Oooo! Did you already finish? Would you, could you in a train? Could you, would you, with a goat? But of COURSE I don't mean that you did it with a goat, just that you--", Pinkie Pie went silent after a cyan hoof was crammed into her mouth. Pinkie Pie's expression didn't change. Her eyes stared ahead, and Rainbow Dash cringed and was extremely grossed out when she felt Pinkie's tongue moving, touching her hoof as the pink mare tried to speak.

Fluttershy stared at Pinkie Pie, blushing and shaking intensely. Her eyes shrank to the size of pin pricks, and her jaw dropped.

"Pinkie, we did NOT do any of those things!", Rainbow Dash exclaimed, slowly drawing her hoof out of the pink mares mouth. Her mouth opened and her nose wrinkled in disgust as she saw the hoof was coated in Pinkie-slobber.

"Ugh...", Rainbow Dash said, as she wiped the slobber off onto a ponies dress. The pony screamed loudly, and then said,

"WHAT?! Rainbow Dash! What have you done! This is... THE, WORST, POSSIBL--", the white fashionista started, but the same blue hoof was shoved into her mouth. Pinkie Pie stared on with a huge and joyful grin, and Fluttershy just felt like throwing up. The slobber from Pinkie Pie's mouth had mostly remained on that hoof, and now the hoof was inside Rarity's mouth.

Rainbow Dash's shocked expression turned to a grin, and then the grinning turned into roaring laughter. She tugged her hoof out of the unicorns mouth, and quickly grabbed a napkin off of a table to clean her hoof. She stared as Rarity's mouth was purely open, and then the white mare's silence turned to screams, and the screams trailed off into the distance as the unicorn mare ran out of the building out towards the direction of her boutique.

"I... I don't think I want to um... Eat anything yet, after seeing that...", Fluttershy commented in the silence that enveloped the party.

"What?! Why nooot! I promise that I didn't accidentally put cyanide pills in the punch this time!", Pinkie Pie pouted infront of Fluttershy.

"Oh, um... I'm sorry... I'll get a glass right now then, if you really want me to...", Fluttershy quietly said, walking towards the punch bowl.

Rainbow Dash grabbed Fluttershy's pink tail in her teeth, slowly pulling her back with a cringe on her face, as she stared at Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy fell onto her stomach, and slowly slid back, staring ahead in confusion and shock.

"What?", Pinkie Pie asked, bubbly as ever, "I said I didn't this time!"

"This time.", Twilight Sparkle inserted, walking up to the trio.

"Right!", Pinkie Pie confirmed.

"THIS time?", Twilight repeated, in a frightful tone.

"Yuppers! Did I say something else? Nope! I said THIS time. Not LAST Time, or NEXT time -- that'd be SILLY! I don't know if I accidentally put cyanide pills in the punch NEXT time! Or maybe I do, I wonder if my Pinkie-Sense can detect that! I could be a detective. No, I already tried that for cake-thieverers... A cyanide pill-detectorer!", she exclaimed, hopping up into the air.

"Right...", Twilight Sparkle dumped the liquid out onto the floor, and levitated the currently empty glass back onto a table. Many ponies ended up doing the same, while others shrugged it off. Twilight Sparkle sighed, and walked off back to her table. The mare pulled a glass of punch from the claws of Spike once she arrived at her destination.

"Sooo, no sweet winged sexitimes?", Pinkie Pie asked the two pegasi. Fluttershy remained on the floor, with Rainbow Dash holding her tail in her mouth still. The only movements from the two was breathing.

"No, Pinkie... Could you just... Not ask stuff like that?", Rainbow Dash asked, after letting the silky tail go from her mouth, slightly angry at the bubbly mare.

"Awww, but I wanna know about your sex-life!"

"But you don't need to, so we won't tell you about it!", Rainbow Dash yelled.

"Oh, okay! But what if I DO need to!", Pinkie asked, batting her eyelashes while a beaming smile was plastered on her face towards Rainbow Dash.

"Not gonna happen.", Rainbow Dash said with a blank expression on her face.

"Oh well, I tried!", Pinkie Pie shrugged while on her hind legs, and hummed happily as she trotted off into the kitchen.

"Errr... Ya'll thinkin' that that was a bit of a wacky scenario?", Applejack asked after approaching the two pegasi.

"'A BIT of a wacky scenario' is putting it lightly...", Rainbow Dash sighed, and picked up the shy yellow mare in her wings. The yellow mare had stopped moving, and her eyes gazed ahead, but she squeaked once the wings picked her up and held her up infront of the cyan mare. Rainbow Dash looked at the shocked mare, and then gave a light peck on her lips. After the kiss, Fluttershy held Rainbow Dash's neck with her forelegs, remaining in her hold.

Applejack chuckled at the sight, and then continued, "Ah guess it is a bit puttin' it lightly... Ya'll make a cute couple, y'know?"

Rainbow Dash blushed, "S-shush, AJ! I'm not cute, I'm... Cool, 'n awesome!"

"Awww, Rainbow... You were very cute as a filly, and you still are cute sometimes...", Fluttershy commented. Fluttershy booped Rainbow Dash on the nose, and then just continued looking up at her from the winghold.

"Uhhhh...", Rainbow Dash blushed even harder, as the teal eyes looked up at her.

"It's true, Dashie.", Fluttershy moved up slightly, licking Rainbow Dash's muzzle.

"Uhhhh...", Rainbow Dash continued.

"Did y'break her?", Applejack asked, with a raised eyebrow.

"Um... I hope not.", Fluttershy commented, biting her lip.

"Uhhh... Fluttershy. Um...", Rainbow Dash started.

"Yes?", Fluttershy tilted her head slightly.

"Just... Wanted to say that uh... You were cute as a... Ugh, this is sappy... You were cute as a filly too, and you still are.", Rainbow Dash mumbled while blushing.

Applejack chuckled as Fluttershy made an audible, "Awwww..."

"Thank you. I'm um... Glad you think so.", Fluttershy smiled up at Rainbow Dash, "I could get used to this. Your wings are very comfortable.", Fluttershy continued.

"Th-thanks.", Rainbow Dash commented.

"Hey Rainbow Da--... Woah.", an ecstatic orange filly started, looking at the scene ahead of her.

"Oh, uh. Hi, squirt.", Rainbow Dash chuckled sheepishly.

"What's going on?", Scootaloo asked.

"Well, uh... I uhhh... You want the truth, or an excuse?", Rainbow Dash finally said.

"I... I guess the truth?", Scootaloo responded, with a dumbfounded expression.

"We're dating.", Rainbow Dash said flatly.

"Oh. That's cool! A little mushy and sappy, but cool! Y'know, I never thought you'd go for Fluttershy. I mean, ugh, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle talked about you two being perfect for eachother or something ALL the time. Can't believe I was WRONG about it though... Anyways, I guess I'll catch up to you two later! Gotta go tell them they were right... I guueessss...", Scootaloo grumbled, but walked off.

"She took it pretty well.", Applejack inserted.

"Uhuh. Kinda surprised, actually...", Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof.

"Scootaloo is a sweet filly, I can't believe you two doubted her!", Fluttershy said with disbelief, "Oh, but um... It's okay. I'm sure you had your reasons.", she quickly inserted afterwards.

"No, no. Ya'll're right.", Applejack nodded.

"I just sorta thought she might think it was... Sappy, 'n stuff.", Rainbow Dash said.

"Sugarcube, she DID think it was sappy.", Applejack responded, sipping her drink.

"I mean... I expected her to react horribly.", Rainbow Dash replied.

"Yea, ah getcha.", Applejack chuckled.

"...Applebloom and Sweetie Belle talked about 'us' possibly being together?", Fluttershy asked after a moment.

"...Oh...", Applejack coughed lightly, showing her discomfort for the situation.

"Huh.", Rainbow Dash sighed, "Guess Spike's not the ONLY one. Sorta."

"Spike's not the only what?", Applejack asked afterwards.

"Apparently he thought we were ALWAYS dating.", Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"Really?", Applejack gave a surprised frown, "Guess it makes som' sense. Way y'two talk 'bout eachother, heh... Might've well as been datin' for a while now."

"Well, we're dating now.", Fluttershy smiled happily.

"Heheh, yep. Oh, and nopony is being jerks about it. See? What'd I tell you, nothing to be afraid of.", Rainbow Dash winked down at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy giggled, and then said, "I never doubted you."

Rainbow Dash blushed at the compliment. Usually she wouldn't, but anything from Fluttershy was almost always true and heartfelt.

"So, ya'll stayin' much longer?", Applejack asked, gazing towards a clock.

"Dunno.", Rainbow Dash sighed, "Maybe we'll stay for a bit? Guess it depends."

"Well, um... I was thinking... We could maybe, go back to my cottage tonight, and ummm...", Fluttershy mumbled.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack stared at eachother.

"Oh, no um... Not like that. I just wanted to know if... If you'd like to cuddle, and... Maybe talk about stuff?", Fluttershy explained.

Applejack chuckled, and gave a smirk.

"I- I uh... Sure, I'd be cool with that.", Rainbow Dash gave a sigh of relief. Rainbow Dash took most stuff pretty quick, but she wasn't very good with relationships already, and the thought of such a thing made her feel very uncomfortable.

"So um... Maybe we'll stay an hour, and then go?", Fluttershy asked.

"Sounds good, 'Shy.", Rainbow Dash nodded, "Wanna do anything?"

"Well, I mean... I usually talk with you or the others, and we've been doing that already... So um... Maybe we could just... Keep doing that?", Fluttershy questioned.

"Alright I guess. So, what's been up with you, AJ?", Rainbow Dash started.

"Nothin' much, farmin' is preddy much it. Ah gotta ask though, when're we gettin' more rain by the orchard?", Applejack questioned.

"Whenever you need. I can get you some early tomorrow morning if you want.", Rainbow Dash shrugged.

"Ah reckon that that'd work.", Applejack replied with a grateful expression.

"'Kay, tomorrow morning it is. I'ma go see what's up with Twilight. Cya in a bit, AJ!", Rainbow Dash said.

"Bye, RD.", Applejack nodded in acknowledgement.

Rainbow Dash continued to carry Fluttershy in her wings, gaining a few cheerful and kind smiles. They found themselves at a table with Twilight and Spike. Twilight had her eyes down into a book, while Spike rested his chin on an arm in boredom.

"Hey 'Twi.", Rainbow Dash said, sitting on a cushion at the table. She adjusted her wings so she held Fluttershy infront of her.

"Hello Rainbow, hey Fluttershy.", Twilight said, smiling happily at the two pegasi, "So, you two showed up this time?"

"Err.. Yeah, eheh. We did.", Rainbow Dash chuckled, nodding at the question.

"Twilight, um... If it's not too much to ask...", Fluttershy started, gaining the attention of everyone at the table.

"Go ahead, Fluttershy.", Twilight gave a small, respectful, smile.

"Something happened earlier, but um... It's not happening anymore, and... I'm not sure what it was, and I was wondering if... If you knew."

"...Alright? Well uh... I guess I need a bit more info.", Twilight tilted her head.

"I felt sort of... Sick before the party, and I was wondering if... You knew why."

"Did you eat anything?"

"Nothing from what I usually eat."

"Did you consume any medicine?"

"No."

"Hmmm... Any specific symptoms?", Twilight asked, pulling out a small clipboard and pen.

"I... I felt nauseous, and... I was sweating alot, and um... I felt like my heart was... 'Racing'.", Fluttershy explained.

"Huh... Well, it's either narcotic abuse, a drug overdose, dehydration, kidney failure, cocaine abuse, lyme disease, hyperhidrosis...", Twilight trailed off.

Fluttershy was on the verge of tears, and Rainbow Dash felt her heart drop.

"...Or a panic attack!", Twilight concluded, "Most likely a panic attack, too."

Fluttershy fainted into Rainbow Dash's arms with a sigh, and Rainbow Dash released a breath she had no idea she had been holding. Twilight stared at the pegasi, and then commented, "I'll have to add fainting to the list of symptoms then... Kidney failure it is!", she decided.

"No, no! Twilight, I think 'panic attack' was the best conclusion.", Rainbow Dash bit her lip, and stared into Twilight's eyes.

"...Oh, hm... I guess fainting COULD be caused by anxiety... Hmmm... If I were to thin it out for a SPECIFIC type...", Twilight tapped her pen against her cheek, and then said, "When was it EXACTLY?"

"While we were on our way towards the party.", Rainbow Dash quickly responded.

"Huh... Did she complain about anything in specific?", Twilight inquired, with a raised eyebrow.

"I guess the symptoms?"

"No, I mean like... Like... I don't know how to explain... Oh, I know. Social phobia!"

"...Social phobia?", Rainbow Dash repeated flatly.

"Social anxiety?", Twilight said back plainly.

"...So like... She's afraid of..."

"Social situations, yes. Best conclusion I have. Definitely not post-traumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Oh, and it only makes sense that FlutterSHY has that sort of anxiety.", Twilight explained.

"Huh. Dang, I kinda feel like a jerk now.", Rainbow Dash groaned.

"Why?", Twilight pondered.

"Because... I guess I've just put her on like, the spot before sometimes, thinking she'd like it...", Rainbow Dash continued to hold the fainted Fluttershy in her arms. When Fluttershy awoke, the yellow mare sighed and just put her face against Rainbow's neck.

"Hm... No, I don't know. She might've liked it more than you know, Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy was probably afraid of being embarrassed or just put on the spot in a bad way. Get what I mean?", Twilight said.

"Yeah... I... I think so. Heh, alright, yeah.", Rainbow Dash nodded proudly, grinning.

"Dashie... You're so soft... Mmm...", Fluttershy mumbled, holding onto the cyan mare. Rainbow Dash blushed, avoiding direct eye contact with Twilight or Spike. Twilight meerly smiled, but Spike seemed to be JUST containing his laughter. A quick glare from both Twilight and Rainbow Dash stopped him, and he slid back down from his standing position onto the floor, holding his claws against his mouth.

"I think it's high-time that I uh... Take 'Snuggles' here home.", Rainbow Dash said to Twilight, as she was scrubbing Fluttershy's pink mane.

"Alright. Bye, Rainbow! Have a good night.", Twilight said, facing back down into her book once more. Rainbow Dash stood up, and scooped the canary mare up in her arms, lifting up into the air and flying outside of Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow Dash made sure to not fly too fast, but she kept at a steady pace that would get them to Fluttershy's cottage quickly. Rainbow Dash let herself inside of the warm cottage, and flew past a grumpy Angel bunny to avoid any delays. Rainbow Dash calmly and slowly slid Fluttershy into bed, and once she closed the wooden bedroom door, Rainbow climbed into bed with her fillyfriend.

Rainbow Dash yawned, pulling the covers up high onto the two of them. Seems they wouldn't get to talk, but the cuddling could still be done. Rainbow pulled Fluttershy's resting form up against her, feeling her warmth fill a hole in her heart that was previously undiscovered. Cuddling with the shy mare was a perfect fix to any situation. Well, emotional ones atleast.

Rainbow enjoyed the feeling of the shy mares warm breath against her coat. It only made the cuddling better. The two tried to sleep while in eachothers embrace.

"I love you.", mumbled Rainbow Dash, as she finally gave a final yawn, and fell asleep. Fluttershy mumbled something quietly in her sleep, but just sighed and went quiet -- minus her breathing.

Chapter Four

It had been a few months since Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash entered a relationship. The fall came, and was nearly in full swing. The leaves had lost their lush green, and replaced it with many shades of orange, yellow, and red. The air was colder, but remained mostly stagnant. The mares had slept together the night before, and were currently lying in the same bed, while sunlight slipped through the windows, lighting up the room in a warm shade of yellow.

Rainbow Dash yawned, and her eyes slowly fluttered open. She attempted to reclose them, but the sunlight forced them back open. The prismatic mare sighed, trying to get up. She didn't get very far, as she heard a mumble from the mare next to her. Rainbow Dash was held in an embrace that might make Rainbow Dash proud in another situation, but she groaned.

"Flutters?", she tiredly said, yawning immediately after she spoke. The shy mare didn't budge, and remained asleep. Rainbow Dash decided to slide out from her embrace by going down and under her arms. When she exited the embrace, she felt a longing to return to the comfortable forearms of the beautiful wonder next to her, but she felt another longing to make breakfast.

Rainbow Dash decided to make breakfast for them both, so that way when Fluttershy woke up, the two could start a day off perfectly fine. Rainbow considered food, and after a few minutes after thinking in the kitchen, she pulled out four slices of bread, a jar of jam, and after Dash filled a kettle with water, she put it ontop of the stove. Rainbow Dash slid the bread into a toaster, clicking them down after pulling a switch. She set the timer to a few minutes, and stared at the toaster. She shook her head a few times to stop her staring, and looked around.

"Aha!", Rainbow Dash had a moment of genius.

She pulled out little packets for oatmeal, and placed two small bowls out. She ripped open the packets with her teeth, and poured the packages contents into the bowls. Rainbow Dash observed the directions, and then when the kettle began to whistle, she pulled it up with her teeth around the handle, and poured the steaming water into the bowls. Rainbow Dash chuckled lightly after she thought about tea, but the chuckles were muffled by the kettle. Rainbow Dash opened a cupboard, and placed two small tea cups down, pouring the water inside. Rainbow Dash placed the kettle off to the side, putting a small teabag into each cup.

Rainbow sighed happily, feeling accomplished. She yelped and hit her head against a roof beam when four slices of toast popped up from the toaster. Rainbow nervously licked her lips, pulling out the toast with her hooves. The toast was slightly burnt, but not that badly. The toast was mostly orange and yellow, which was an accomplishment for Rainbow.

"Good morning, Rainbow...", came a quiet voice. The voice caused Rainbow Dash to stop putting jam onto the slices of toast. She put the utensil onto a plate.

"Hey, 'Shy. I uh... I made breakfast.", Rainbow Dash said, grinning.

"It all looks wonderful, Dashie. You didn't have to do this.", Fluttershy said appreciatively.

"Well, you've been making the meals alot lately, so I decided that I'd do it today. I uh... I kinda owe you.", Rainbow Dash pulled Fluttershy into a hug, which the canary mare then returned in full.

"You don't owe me anything, Rainbow.", Fluttershy softly spoke, rubbing the back of Rainbow's neck.

"I do though. With how you've been cooking so much, and you've always been there for me, and...", Rainbow responded, sighing.

"You protect me, and you're always there for me too. So don't feel like you have to go and do things like this if you don't want to.", Fluttershy giggled appreciatively.

"I wanted to though, so... That's enough to do it, right?", Rainbow Dash left the hug a moment later.

"Of course, if you wanted to do it.", Fluttershy slightly nodded.

"So! How 'bout we go out front? I think it might be nice to sit out at the table outside. I'd clear the table, but I've gotta finish up with the food here, so think y'could do that?", Rainbow Dash asked.

"Mhm. Thank you for breakfast today, Dashie. I'll go clear the table now.", Fluttershy answered, walking out of the kitchen. Rainbow Dash finished putting jam onto the toast, stirred the oatmeal and then she put it all onto two plates. She grabbed the plates with her wings, carrying them outside the front of the cottage. Once outside, she inhaled, and then sighed. Rainbow Dash wouldn't admit it, but slowing down sometimes to just take everything in was nice. She chuckled when she thought, "Wonder who taught me that."

"Pardon?", Fluttershy asked, looking towards Rainbow Dash as the blue mare placed the plates on the table.

"Err... Nothing, just thinkin'.", Rainbow Dash responded.

"Oh, well um... What about?", Fluttershy asked curiously.

"Nah, don't worry about. How'd you sleep? Probably pretty awesomely with ME there, right?", Rainbow Dash winked.

Fluttershy giggled, "Yes. Your awesomeness made it very... Um... Awesome. Oh, and safe. I haven't had a nightmare in so long with you around, and um... Even if I did, you'd be there to make it better."

"Wow... That's really nice of you to say... But uh, I'm glad you've been sleepin' really well lately.", Rainbow Dash's expression softened, as she gazed in Fluttershy's direction

"How'd you sleep?", Fluttershy softly smiled.

"Pretty well, actually. Your bed isn't that bad. I mean, cloud beds are nicer, but your bed is really good.", Rainbow Dash inserted, "Oh, and you were there with me, so that made it about, a hundred percent more comfortable."

Fluttershy blushed, and then said, "I'm glad you slept well. Say, for lunch, do you want to go to Sugarcube Corner? For um... A date?"

"I'd like that. You sure you wanna go there, or is there somewhere else you'd like to go?", Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.

"Um... I think Sugarcube Corner might be best. It's not expensive, and it's not fancy, and I would feel much more comfortable going to a place I'm more used to anyways.", Fluttershy sipped her tea after she finished talking.

"Hey, if you wanna go somewhere fancy and romance-y, I'd be cool with that.", Rainbow Dash shrugged.

"If you want to, we can. But um, no thanks, I'd really prefer somewhere we're used to still."

"Well, alright.", Rainbow Dash said.

The two pegasi ate their respective plates. The shy mare ate at a calm, steady pace, while the cyan mare did practically the opposite. Fluttershy giggled at the sight of Rainbow, and Rainbow looked up at Fluttershy, grinned, and then returned to her meal. Once the two finished their food, they just sat still, and waited.

Rainbow Dash patted her belly, and then said, "Pretty awesome breakfast, huh?"

"Mhm! You made it, so I'm not too surprised it was so um... awesome.", Fluttershy cheerfully commented.

"Heh, yeah. 'Cept you're much better at cooking, much as my ego hates to admit it.", Rainbow Dash shrugged.

"Well, maybe I could help get you better at cooking, then?", Fluttershy suggested.

"Guess that'd be good, just... Is 'patience' a step?", Rainbow Dash asked.

"A step?... Sort of, not fully, but um... Sometimes, patience is part of cooking. When you're waiting on the food when it's cooking, then I guess patience is required, and you have to be careful and patient when it comes to measuring sometimes.", Fluttershy slightly frowned.

"Meh, I'll manage. As long as you're there with me, I'm pretty sure I can.", Rainbow Dash chuckled, "So, how about I'll go put the dishes inside real quick, and then we'll go for a walk or a flight, or... Something?"

"Oh, no, no. I'll go and do the dishes, I'll only be a few--", Fluttershy started.

"Nah, I mean just... I'll bring these in, 'n we'll do them later.", Rainbow Dash explained.

"...Oh, um... Okay.", Fluttershy nodded, and then Rainbow Dash flew up from her cushion, carrying the plates with her inside. Once she entered the cozy cottage, the rambunctious mare placed the dishes inside the sink, running hot water onto them. The moment the dishes were mostly clear of excess food, she turned the water off and flew back outside.

Fluttershy waited for Rainbow Dash, and she obviously didn't have to wait that long at her marefriends speed. The moment the mare flew outside of the cottage, closing the door, the frightful mare jumped in surprise. Fluttershy squeaked after being picked up and brought into the air. Rainbow Dash released Fluttershy to let her fly on her own, and Fluttershy just barely entered flight. Rainbow Dash watched the canary mare, ensuring that she didn't need help or saved. Once Fluttershy got into flight, she felt her heart stop racing, and she let out a sigh of relief -- Rainbow Dash then immediately slammed headfirst into a thick and brown tree branch.

Fluttershy gasped in shock and fear, flying down to Rainbow Dash, "Are you okay?! Oh my goodness!", Fluttershy searched Rainbow for any injuries, but came up with none. It was Fluttershy's turn to sigh in relief.

"Ugghhh... Yeah... I'm fine...", Rainbow Dash sat up, rubbing her head with a hoof.

"...So, um...", Fluttershy lightly bit her soft lip, not sure where to go from there.

"Guess we'll just walk around for now on?", Rainbow Dash suggested, standing up onto her legs.

"Sure, that would be nice.", Fluttershy replied.

The two mares were currently in Whitetail Woods, where the trees were proud and tall, the birds were singing, leaves coated the ground and tree branches in a mix of colours. Fluttershy observed her surroundings while the two walked along a dirt path they had found off to the side of where Rainbow Dash crashed.

"If um... You're bored, then we can... Go do something else.", Fluttershy quietly said.

"No, no. It's fine.", Rainbow Dash assured.

"Are you... Sure?", Fluttershy looked over concernedly at Rainbow.

"Yeah. I like walks with you. Alone they're pretty boring, 'n stuff, but they're cool with you around.", Rainbow Dash grinned.

"Oh... Really?", Fluttershy asked in disbelief.

"Uhuh. Can talk 'n stuff, but uh... You alright with watching me do some tricks at the next clearing? I DO need my sweet cheerleader y'know.", Rainbow Dash said, inserting the final part as praise.

"I'd like that. I just love watching you perform, it's wonderful.", Fluttershy lightly smiled, looking ahead along the path.

Rainbow Dash remained silent. She was glad that Fluttershy enjoyed her performances, mostly because that's how it's been for a long time now. Rainbow Dash performs, Fluttershy cheers. Usually, Fluttershy was the only support she often needed. The canary mare may have been quiet, but she was extremely prominent in Rainbow Dash's mind. Whenever Rainbow had important news, she went to Fluttershy first. Whenever she needed help, she went to Fluttershy right away. Unless it had to do with magic or books, of course. Infact, she loved sharing special days and moments with her. Cider season was always one of those times, where she would bring Fluttershy along right away, and then put the adorable mare ahead of even herself. She mostly let Fluttershy ahead of her so Rainbow could watch over her easier, but it just became a polite thing for her to do with how friendly and safe Ponyville was.

When she considered the thought of friendliness, she chuckled at the memory of Trixie, or the Flim Flam Brothers.

"Hmm?", Fluttershy prompted, curiously looking at Rainbow Dash.

"Remember the 'Great and Powerless Trixie'?", Rainbow Dash asked.

"Oh, yes. She was very... Um... Rude, and mean.", Fluttershy giggled.

"Yeah. You were pretty awesome though, with your super secret mission. I knew y'could do it.", Rainbow Dash wrapped a wing around Fluttershy, pulling her closer. Fluttershy squeaked and blushed when the wing tightly squeezed her flank.

"Plus, I knew you could imitate me as a clone. I mean, with how long we've been friends...", Rainbow Dash trailed off.

"...I'm not sure if I miss 'old times' or not.", Fluttershy randomly commented, her ears flattening against her head.

"'Old times'?", Rainbow Dash repeated in question.

"When we were young, um... Most ponies miss their fillyhood, but... But I really don't. I mean, it wasn't so bad once I met you and when you protected me... But it was still scary, and..."

"Oh... I agree with you there. We get the respect we deserve here in Ponyville. Two of the most awesomest pegasi to leave Cloudsdale, for sure. I mean, we're both Elements of Harmony, we've both got super cool talents. Heh, bet Hoops is hating his basketball cutiemark right about now, the featherhead he is... Only skill he had was a sport in school, and then he never pursued it afterward anyways... He's a weather pony now, isn't he?", Rainbow Dash asked.

"Um... I think so... I was so assertive that one time we went up for the Young Fliers Competition though. Remember that?", Fluttershy smiled proudly.

"Yeah... I do, and it was pretty assertive of ya.", Rainbow Dash supplied, bobbing her head twice.

"It was mostly because you were there though, Dashie.", Fluttershy licked Rainbow Dash's cheek, leaving a line of saliva.

Rainbow Dash blushed from the sudden contact, and gazed off to the side while flustered.

"Hey, why DID you stop callin' me 'Dashie' when we got to Ponyville after we left Cloudsdale?", Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.

"Um... Well, I thought you wanted me to. After we met Pinkie, and she umm... Borrowed it, you sort of seemed mad.", Fluttershy mumbled.

"What?! I wasn't mad at YOU Fluttershy, I was probably mad at Pinkie!", Rainbow Dash explained, "I've always been okay with YOU saying it! Doesn't matter to me."

"Oh... I thought you were mad at me, and... well, your reputation--", Fluttershy quietly started.

"Forget that reputation stuff from now on, 'Shy, really. May have mattered long ago back in Flightcamp, but ugh... Only caused problems here in Ponyville. Sorta. Just, uh... Don't go completely... Mush-ball on me, alright?", Rainbow Dash nervously chuckled. Not the first time she gave Fluttershy advice. Rainbow thought back to times where she tried to explain assertiveness to Fluttershy before, but in the end, she just gave up and watched over her instead.

A moment of silence was born after Rainbow Dash explained her statement. Fluttershy's ears flattened against her head, and she sadly sighed. Rainbow Dash thought back to what she said, not sure if she had said something wrong, but she didn't find much that could've caused this.

"What is it?", Rainbow Dash bluntly asked.

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about... Um... Something.", Fluttershy quickly responded.

"...Alright.", Rainbow Dash pursed her lips in thought.

A few moments later, Fluttershy shivered under a gust of cold wind. The wind picked up slightly, and the stagnant air became cold amongst the motion. Rainbow Dash noticed this, and felt a little cold herself, so she completely put her side up against Fluttershy's side as to share their body heat. Fluttershy blushed, causing Rainbow Dash to chuckle.

The two lovers walked among the dusty dirt path for a while longer until they reached the border of the forest. The path led outwards, entering a long stretch of grass, and with very few trees spread out. Fluttershy sighed calmly, nuzzling Rainbow Dash's neck affectionately. Rainbow Dash giggled at the contact, and once Fluttershy's nuzzling ceased, she nuzzled her back.

Fluttershy took rest at a bench along the path, and Rainbow Dash said, "So, ready to see some cool new tricks?"

Fluttershy nodded ecstatically, "Mhm! I'm so excited."

"Heheh. Here I go!", Rainbow Dash flew up into the sky, pulling off loops and daring dives, swift corkscrews and barrel rolls, and even some special personal moves. The dance of flight continued on and on, with Fluttershy cheering every so often.

"Woohoo!", cheered the shy mare, as Rainbow Dash flew right over top of her. Rainbow Dash grinned at the adorably quiet cheers.

Rainbow Dash did half of a loop, and then pulled sideways, directing her entire body to the left, and finally broke off to the side, remaining sideways. Rainbow then flew over a pond, splashing water upwards around herself. Rainbow Dash twisted around, and then landed harshly on the path infront of the bench that held a gleeful Fluttershy upon it.

"Way to go!", Fluttershy praised while raising a hoof to the air.

"What did you think?", Rainbow Dash asked, coming to sit upon the bench with the canary-coated mare.

"It was amazing! I especially liked the one where you flew right over water. It was very pretty to watch.", Fluttershy pulled Rainbow Dash into a hug, which the cyan mare accepted gratefully.

"Thanks! Still wish you could cheer louder though...", Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her neck, looking off to the side.

"Oh, I'm sorry... Maybe we can try practicing my cheering again?", Fluttershy suggested.

"Nah, nah. No need. I don't think it was helping much, so maybe we'll try something else another time.", Rainbow Dash said, "Besides, we gotta get to Sugarcube Corner."

Rainbow Dash lifted herself up into the air, and then impatiently asked, "Y'coming or what?"

"Oh, sorry.", Fluttershy said while slightly embarrassed, lifting herself up and off of the bench, flying next to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash grabbed Fluttershy's soft hoof, catching the pink maned mare off-guard, and then sped off. Fluttershy was used to being dragged around at that speed by then, but it always managed to get her afraid. She knew she could trust Rainbow Dash, but the possible 'what if' lingered in her head whenever such a thing happened.

Rainbow Dash landed them down infront of Sugarcube Corner, and trotted in, directing Fluttershy as she got her bearings. By the time Fluttershy's eyes weren't spinning around wildly, she had assessed that she was sitting at a table. Fluttershy gazed off to the left, and looked for a bright cyan mare. Once she spotted a prismatic mane, and then the blue coat, she observed what was going on. Rainbow Dash was in a line of ponies infront of Sugarcube Corners frontdesk.

Fluttershy sighed. She hoped for a slower flight over to Sugarcube Corner, but she didn't mind. She understood that Rainbow Dash was quick and would probably just get angry at her if she even suggested such an idea. Fluttershy didn't like when Rainbow Dash was mad. Usually she was able to calm her down, but it still wasn't fun with how Rainbow Dash could easily say something harsh. Even if she regrets it, or didn't mean it, it still hurt Fluttershy immensely. But she accepted the apology whenever Rainbow Dash blew a fuse. Eitherway, it wasn't a common occurance. Not as common anymore, atleast.

Fluttershy didn't notice that Rainbow Dash had returned to their table, she heard an audible tap on the table, and quickly blinked away a single tear that was burning in her eye with her thoughts and memories. She quickly plastered a fake smile on her face, looking towards Rainbow Dash's direction. Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy suspiciously, but shrugged off the wetness from the wind that was probably blowing into her face earlier.

"So, I got cupcakes, bagels, orange juice, and nachos.", Rainbow Dash said.

"Oh, okay. That sounds just lovely.", Fluttershy gave a thankful smile, "Do you want me to pay?"

"No way. I'm paying.", Rainbow Dash assured.

"But... But... I can pay.", Fluttershy inserted, attempting for Rainbow Dash to just let her pay.

"You can, but you're not gonna. I've got it covered.", Rainbow Dash said.

"...Okay...", Fluttershy quietly mumbled, biting into her bagel.

"Something wrong?", Rainbow Dash asked, and then sighed, "Do you reeaally wanna pay, I dunno, half or something?"

"Yes.", Fluttershy responded in a hurt tone.

"Why? I offered to pay fully, and... and... I just don't get it.", Rainbow Dash groaned.

"I'd feel... Nevermind.", started Fluttershy.

"You'd feel like what?", Rainbow Dash asked.

"Please, just don't worry about it.", Fluttershy replied.

"Fluttershy! Just tell me!", Rainbow Dash exclaimed in frustration. When she saw the shocked mare ahead of her, she mentally kicked herself, "Sorry... Just. Can you tell me why?"

"I'd feel like I'm being... 'babied' by you. I already feel that way around most of our friends...", Fluttershy sadly explained.

Rainbow Dash bit her lip, and said, "Oh, I uh... Well, then we'll go with the 'pay half' idea since we ARE both eating. Sound fair?"

Fluttershy nodded, glad that they could come to a fair and simple conclusion. It was true that Fluttershy felt like she was treated as a porcelain doll by most ponies, but Rainbow Dash usually didn't act that way most of the time.

"...Hug?", Rainbow Dash randomly asked, even though it was more of a statement.

"Um... Okay.", Fluttershy felt herself get pulled into a hug by cyan forelegs. Rainbow Dash sighed, placing her head ontop of Fluttershy's mane, and she inhaled the wonderful scent that Fluttershy emitted. Fluttershy decided to just stuff her face against Rainbow's neck, and Rainbow happily accepted the body contact.

When Fluttershy tried to pull away, Rainbow Dash held her in place, "Just a little longer."

"O-okay.", Fluttershy responded.

"I uh... I'm sorry I get so impatient and frustrated at you sometimes.", Rainbow Dash said with a frown.

"It's okay.", Fluttershy quietly said.

Rainbow Dash remained silent, drinking in the comfort she gained from the hug. A few minutes later, the two left the hug, but Rainbow kept close to Fluttershy, with a feathered wing draped around her. The two finished eating happily, and then fell into eachothers embrace once more for what seemed like a few minutes, but what really was an hour.

Rainbow Dash leaned downwards, and then closed her eyes, preparing to kiss Fluttershy. Fluttershy blushed, and leaned toward Rainbow Dash. The two's lips pressed against eachother, and then when Rainbow's tongue pushed up against Fluttershy's lips, Fluttershy granted access to Rainbow's tongue. Fluttershy then let her own tongue move forward, and then they spent the next few minutes tongue-wrestling with eachother. When they spread apart, gasping for air, a thin line of saliva had formed between their mouths.

"Wow...", Rainbow Dash breathlessly said.

"That was... Wonderful.", Fluttershy commented.

"Mmmhm.", Rainbow Dash agreed.

"...Again?", Fluttershy asked with a sheepish smile.

"You just read my mind.", Rainbow Dash replied, leaning towards Fluttershy once more.

Chapter One

The previous moments flooded Rainbow Dash's mind like a tidal wave, threatening to send her spiraling from pure confusion, shock, yet happiness. She wasn't sure how to respond or assess the situation, but one thing was clear: She was madly in love with Fluttershy, and the yellow mare returned such affections.

Fluttershy lifted her head up from Rainbow's chest, and leaned forward.

Rainbow Dash froze when she realized that Fluttershy had just kissed her right on the lips.

"Did... Wh...", Rainbow Dash said outloud. Fluttershy pulled away, with a frown forming on her face.

"I'm sorry!.. Was it too soon?... Oh, you probably hate me now...", Fluttershy spoke, sadness evident in her voice.

"Did... She just... Kiss me?...", thought Rainbow Dash, as she stared at Fluttershy with a blush forming on her face.

"I'm so sorry!", Fluttershy squeaked, tears building in her eyes as she looked towards the ground in shame. The shame turned to surprise as the blue mare returned the kiss, and the kiss became making out. Once the two stopped, and they caught their breath, Fluttershy lightly giggled and pulled Rainbow Dash into a hug.

"So, you up for going out to dinner?", Rainbow Dash asked, grinning.

"Like.. A date?", Fluttershy asked, with a pleased smile on her face.

"Yeah, pretty much. I mean, we can just stay here and cuddle if you want.", Rainbow Dash shrugged slightly, chuckling at the idea.

Fluttershy nodded, and said, "I think I would like that. Want me to make dinner for us here? I mean, I think it might be better than going out right now."

"Sure! Just don't tell anypony about this sappy stuff. Well, I dunno. We'll see what happens, I guess.", Rainbow Dash winked, as they went into the kitchen.

The two pegasi had soon found themselves lying in bed together after the previous night they both came to enjoy. The night was filled with cuddling, kissing, dinner, chatting, and now? More cuddling, except this time in bed. The duo happily lay in bed in eachothers company, as the canary mare fell asleep from exhaustion, but Rainbow Dash remained awake for the moment.

Rainbow Dash wrapped one of her forelegs around Fluttershy, holding her close as they both cuddled in Fluttershy's bed. Rainbow Dash softly smiled, petting Fluttershy's silky pink mane. Rainbow then placed her chin upon the soft pink tuft of hair, happily enjoying the texture and smoothness under her jaw. Fluttershy held her face near Rainbow's chest, and sighed pleasantly. Rainbow Dash wasn't usually the one for 'mushy' stuff, but who could truly resist Fluttershy? She couldn't, and she wouldn't either.

Rainbow happily exhaled, closing her eyes and drifting off into dreamland with Fluttershy held comfortably in her arms, and Fluttershy's arms were wrapped around Rainbow as well. The two held eachother close, as though if they let go the other would cease to exist. Of course, that wasn't the case, but that didn't cease their comforting snuggling any.

Once Rainbow Dash awoke, she had clenched her eyes shut. She hoped to drift back into the warm embrace of her slumber, but when she found she could not, she slowly opened her eyes. She lightly yawned, as she pushed her face deeper into the yellow mares mane. The events from the previous night came flooding back to her memory, and she felt a pleased smile grow on her muzzle. Rainbow Dash then looked at the contently smiling mare up against her blue body.

Rainbow Dash wrapped her wing around the yellow mare, and then lightly shook her. Rainbow brushed her mane again, waiting in hopes that Fluttershy would wake up. Her hopes didn't come true, and she pressed her lips against her cute lovers soft cheek. She felt her heart race as she pulled away from her mare. Rainbow waited impatiently as Fluttershy's eyelids slightly wavered, and then opened up to reveal teal eyes returning Rainbow Dash's gaze.

"Good morning, 'Shy.", Rainbow Dash spoke, ceasing the silence the two had been enveloped by while they stared into eachother's eyes. Fluttershy squeaked and blushed.

"Good morning, Dashie.", Fluttershy responded, before slowly putting her head back under Rainbow's. She then nuzzled her chest, and sighed through her nose. Rainbow Dash lightly giggled from the feeling, before holding Fluttershy closer with her wing, and then she put her forelegs back around Fluttershy's back.

"Usually I would call this sorta thing boring, but this is pretty nice.", Rainbow Dash commented with a slight nod

"Oh, well... We can go do something else if you really want to.", Fluttershy quietly said.

"Errr... I guess we could go out and eat, or something.", Rainbow Dash shrugged slightly, and then she kissed Fluttershy on the forehead.

"That sounds nice, but um... What if somepony sees us?"

"Huh?"

"I'm just... Worried about what everypony might think...", Fluttershy said, her voice wavered slightly in sadness and fear.

"Fluttershy, we live in a town where there's like, six mares to one stallion. At this point, I'd be surprised if it was something ponies didn't expect. Plus, Lyra 'n Bon Bon get by easily. Noone gives them any trouble, right?", Rainbow Dash assured, laughing slightly at the six to one part of her comment -- even if it wasn't a joke.

"Well, okay... I'm sure you're right.", Fluttershy said, smiling hopefully, as she slowly moved out from her position and sat up. Rainbow Dash then followed, as they both climbed up and off of the bed. Fluttershy walked over to her dresser, and slowly tugged on her pink mane with a brush. Once her hair was straight, and all the knots were gone, she smiled into a small mirror. Rainbow Dash simply watched the cute scene infront of her.

"Can I brush your mane?", Fluttershy asked, "If that's okay with you...", she quickly added.

"Weeell... Sure, I'll let you get away with this. You're the only pony I'd let brush my mane.", Rainbow Dash said, causing Fluttershy to blush and gaze towards the floor shyly. Rainbow Dash then sat infront of Fluttershy so she could brush her rambunctious prismatic mane. Rainbow Dash flinched as Fluttershy tugged at knots.

"Sorry...", Fluttershy said, noticing the flinching of Rainbow Dash's.

"Nah, don't worry abou- Ow!", Rainbow Dash said, flinching once again when another knot was pulled at.

"Sorry...", Fluttershy instantly spoke, causing Rainbow Dash to open her mouth to comment on the unnecessary apologies, but she instead rolled her eyes and closed her mouth as she waited for Fluttershy to finish with her mane. Once the yellow mare finished, the hair brush was then promptly put back into its original place on a wooden dresser.

"So, you want to go anywhere in specific?", Rainbow Dash asked, hoping that Fluttershy would have an idea of a place they could go.

"Um... No, but I'm okay with anywhere you want to go.", Fluttershy answered, smiling politely at Rainbow Dash.

The two walked down a set of stairs, and once Fluttershy filled up her animals food bowls, the duo soon found themselves walking down the dirt path leading into town.

"So, uh... We're official now, right?", Rainbow Dash asked.

"Do you mean as marefriends?", Fluttershy asked tentatively, as she wasn't completely sure what Rainbow Dash meant.

"Well... Yeah.", Rainbow Dash thought for a second, and then she answered.

"I would like to think so. If you want to be, that is...", Fluttershy said back, hoping that Rainbow Dash did infact want to be her marefriend.

"I'd love to, Flutters. Heh, everyone'll know that the most beautiful mare is taken, y'know?", Rainbow Dash winked at Fluttershy, lightly nudging her with her wing.

"Um... Who?" Fluttershy asked, gained a groan from Rainbow Dash, who then said, "You."

"Oh... I'm nothing special.", Fluttershy modestly spoke, blushing as her ears flattened against her head in slight embarrassment.

"Heh, y'sure about that?" Rainbow Dash quickly added, wrapping her wing around Fluttershy as the two entered the town. Fluttershy remained silent, but the blush on her cheeks remained a deep shade of red that could put Big Mac's coat to shame.

"But uh... Mind if we... Um... Not tell anypony just yet?", Fluttershy asked.

"Aww, alright... For now.", Rainbow Dash was slightly glad that Fluttershy had wanted that, but she was also sort of sad that she needed to wait a while first. But, ;good things come to those who are patient', Rainbow Dash reasoned. She still wished they could be faster though.

"Welcome. What can I get you?", spoke a well-dressed stallion.

"I'll have a plain daisy sandwich, and a glass of water I guess.", Rainbow Dash shrugged, looking towards Fluttershy.

"A salad, please. Oh, and some tea, if you don't mind...", Fluttershy said, hiding her face behind her bright pink mane.

The two pegasi sat at a table outside of a café in Ponyville.

"So are we going to tell our friends about... Us?", Fluttershy spoke, cutting the thick coat of silence.

"I'm not sure. I'm sure they'd be cool with it, but I'm just not so sure we should do it

just yet. Soon though.", Rainbow Dash replied, as the waiter returned. The waiter then placed their orders on the table.

"Enjoy.", the waiter said, walking away afterwards to serve other customers.

The two ate in near silence, and Fluttershy squeaked in shock when a large griffon landed next to them.

"Hey Dash," said Gilda.

"Oh. Uh, hey G, what's up?", Rainbow Dash responded awkwardly.

"Nothing much. Just thought I'd stop by Ponyville while I was nearby. Can you believe I'm getting paid eighty bits to deliver a package? Pretty cool, right? Get to fly and earn bits doin' it.", Gilda grinned slightly after the mention of bits.

"Huh, that's not too bad.", Rainbow said.

"Better part is I got time to come see you and maybe Pinks.", Gilda shrugged, "Up for a race, or something?"

"Sorry G, not right now.", Dash said, "Fluttershy and I sorta busy."

"Meh, fine. Your loss.", Gilda glared at Fluttershy, causing the canary mare to flinch and then direct her eyes towards the ground.

"I'll see ya around, Dash."

"Bye Gilda. We'll race another time, 'kay?"

"Yeah, sure." Once Gilda finished speaking, she flew off.

Fluttershy stared at the ground in complete fear, and then looked back up once a blue hoof waved infront of her face.

"Fluttershy, you alright?", asked a concerned Rainbow Dash.

"Y-Yes... I'm fine. I just wasn't expecting Gilda.", Fluttershy shuddered slightly.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you... Gilda's cool now.", Rainbow Dash assured.

"Um... R-Right...", Fluttershy quietly spoke, looking off to the side to avoid Rainbow's gaze.

"Er... Something wrong?", Rainbow Dash asked, placing a hoof on the yellow mares shoulder.

"N-No..."

"C'mon, something's up.", Rainbow urged.

"I'll... Um... Tell you later.", Fluttershy said, hoping to leave the topic behind.

"Well... Okay, but I'm expecting answers sometime today.", Rainbow Dash sighed, resting her head on a hoof with her foreleg being supported on the table. The two ate in silence, until another voice was heard.

"Hello, Rainbow Dash, hey Fluttershy!", spoke Twilight, as she aproached the duo.

"Hey Twilight!", Rainbow Dash said, looking in Twilight Sparkle's direction.

"So uh... I gotta talk to you in private.", Twilight said, glancing towards Fluttershy.

"...Why?", Rainbow questioned, with a raised eyebrow.

"Just... Please?"

"Ugh.. Fiiine... I'll be right back, Fluttershy.", Rainbow Dash said, walking with Twilight away from the table.

"Okay...", Fluttershy mumbled, feeling slightly hurt that they didn't trust her with whatever was being talked about, but she didn't show it.

"How did the spell go?", asked Twilight, once Fluttershy was no longer in hearing range.

"Pretty good. I think, atleast. Pretty sure I solved the problem.", Rainbow nodded.

"What was it, exactly?"

"I think that's something private between Fluttershy 'n I. Sorry, Twi.", Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head with a hoof awkwardly.

"Ah, alright. Well, I'm here if you need to talk to me about it.", Twilight winked, "So, you alright with me hanging out with you two?"

"Errr... Maybe we can just all meet up later today?", Rainbow Dash suggested instead.

"Sure! That works. Should I go tell the others?", said Twilight.

"I'm fine with that. Where should we all go?", Rainbow Dash asked, gazing around the town.

"Hmmm... Maybe we could all have a sleepover at our castle tonight!", Twilight beamed, excited about her idea.

"Sounds cool! I'll be there, and I'm sure Fluttershy will too. What time?", Rainbow Dash grinned.

"How does five in the afternoon sound?"

"I think that'll work. If it changes, go ahead and tell us.", Rainbow Dash said, "I'll see ya later tonight!"

Rainbow Dash lifted up into the air, flying back towards Fluttershy. Once she reached their table, she landed.

"We're all gonna meet up at Twilight's castle later on for a sleepover, Fluttershy. You wanna come?"

"That sounds nice. So, of course! I'd love to!", Fluttershy smiled graciously.

"Alright, then it's settled.", Rainbow Dash said while grinning, sitting back down at the table. Silence then filled the table.

"So um... How's work been?", Fluttershy asked, in hopes to remove the silence once more.

"Meh, it's fine I guess. Just wish some ponies weren't as lazy as they were while they're on the job. I mean, I get called lazy ALL the time, but I'm NOT lazy when I'm working. I just nap a ton out of work...", Rainbow Dash growled lightly as she looked off to the side, crossing her forelegs. She then sighed.

"Oh, my... Well, I'm sure you could talk to them about it.", Fluttershy said.

"I guess so. I'll try to talk to them tomorrow, if they're being lazy, that is."

The two mares continued their chatter for hours. The conversation went from work, personal life, the weather, and more. Rainbow Dash had enjoyed the time simply because the two haven't done as much together as they did in the past. Fluttershy enjoyed the time as well for practically the same reason. Neither of them even get bored during the conversation. The two parted ways later on so they could go home and get ready for the sleepover. They would meet up later at the planned occasion.

Once the time to go over to the castle arrived, the two pegasi were together at the door again. Once they hugged and greeted eachother, they both walked inside. They weren't surprised when they found Rarity and Applejack with Twilight, as they talked on and on about one thing or the next thing.

"Hello, girls!", Twilight said as she was anxious to get the slumber party in full swing, "Pinkie couldn't make it. She said she's busy with work... Which is surprising, actually...", Twilight rubbed her chin with a hoof in question, "But oh well. We'll make do!"

"Heya RD! Been a while since y'been down by Sweet Apple Acres. But ahm sure ya got yer reasons.", Applejack said, with a slight grin.

"Hey Applejack. Sorry I haven't been by. I've just been busy.", Rainbow Dash looked over at Fluttershy, and then continued, "Personal reasons, though."

"No problem, sugarcube. Ah don't need an explanation.", Applejack assured.

"I was looking in a guide-book for slumber parties, and I found something interesting!", Twilight suddenly spoke, as she threw a book away with her magic. The book then made an audible slumping sound once it made contact with the floor.

"Again!?", Rarity and Applejack nearly screamed, as Rarity just barely avoided fainting.

"Uh... Yes?", Twilight said, confusion growing on her face.

"Errr.. Don't worry 'bout it, sugarcube...", Applejack said, looking in a random direction and sheepishly smiling.

"Yes... It's perfectly... Fine, darling.", Rarity nodded ecstaticly.

"Riiiight... Well, I'm cool with whatever, I guess.", Rainbow Dash said.

"I'm sure whatever you've got will be fun and... Um.... Interesting?", Fluttershy said, and lightly mumbling the last word with a raised eyebrow.

After nearly a minute of the group looking at eachother, Twilight broke the awkward coat of silence.

"Okay... Well... I've got scary movies, popcorn, chips, coke, and more!"

"Coke?!", Rainbow Dash's eyes shrank, "I didn't know you were that much of a party-animal! I mean, I might've expected that from Pinkie, but jeez!"

"No! No! I meant... Coke as in... Like... The DRINK!", Twilight quickly explained.

"Oh... Well, I guess that's still awesome. I mean -- cocaine isn't awesome!... It's... Uhhh... The opposite of cool."

"Warm?", Rarity suggested, with half-lidded eyes and a small smile.

"Sure! Anything but cool!", Rainbow Dash nodded, causing Rarity to extend her hoof up into her face -- of which had no smile anymore. A classic facehoof, of course.

"Um... So... S-scary movies?", Fluttershy quietly spoke.

"Oh... Right... Well, I'm okay with us not doing that.", Twilight said to make her friend feel more comfortable. It didn't help much for comfort.

"Well... I could manage.", Fluttershy put on a brave face. As brave as she could get, which wasn't much, but it was a brave face nonetheless.

"If you change your mind, just say.", Twilight Sparkle said.

"Plus, don't worry. Won't be scary with ME around!", Rainbow Dash boasted, putting an arm around Fluttershy.

"You mean US?", Applejack slowly spoke through clenched teeth.

"Sure!", Rainbow Dash shrugged, smiling towards Applejack. This caused Applejack to want to punch Rainbow Dash, but she wouldn't. Or maybe she would?... No.

"Well, shall we get to it, dears?", Rarity said in an attempt to defuse the situation, and the attempt was successful. The group all ended up in a large room of beds. There were enough for everypony, and they were pretty large as well. Once they were all organized, Twilight levitated a small bin out from under her bed. Once it was opened, she pulled out a checklist, causing everypony else in the room to groan.

"Um... If you don't mind me asking...", Fluttershy mumbled.

"Hmm?"

"Well... Where's Spike?", Fluttershy asked. Twilight stared in her direction, opening her mouth, and then closing it. She then opened it once more. She then closed it again.

"Uhhhh....", Twilight started, "Where... IS Spike...", she looked around.

As if he were called, the large door slammed open, leaving a purple dragon to walk into the room.

"Hey Twilight! Have you--", he started, "Nevermind... I'll just ask you in the morning.", Spike grumpily left the room, quietly closing the door.

"...Well, that's where he is.", Fluttershy slowly said, and once everypony stopped staring at the door, Twilight finally checked over her checklist. She then checked over her checklist for her checking of her original checklist, and then pulled out a ball. The ball had many labels on it, mostly questions.

"What's that?", everyone said once they saw the ball.

"Well, it's a ball with tons of questions on it!", Twilight gleefully said, clapping her hooves together. "Isn't it just genius?! It's hard to think of questions on the spot sometimes, so I made this in my free time out of perfect conversation starters! We'll roll the ball to eachother, and whichever question is perfectly visible at the angle it rolls to you at is the one you'll read and answer."

"Huh.", Rainbow Dash said.

"Interesting...", Rarity said.

"...Not as dumb as ah thought it might be.", Applejack admitted with a slightly shocked, yet pleased frown.

"Hey!", Twilight yelled in offense.

"Sugarcube, element of honesty, remember? Plus, non'a that was even remotely bad!"

"I guess that's true...", Twilight mumbled.

"I think it's a very good idea... As long as the questions aren't... Scary?", Fluttershy said.

"How can a question be scary?", asked Rainbow Dash.

"I don't know. But isn't the fear of the unknown the scariest?", Fluttershy said as her eyes shrank in size exponentially. Rainbow Dash wasn't sure how to respond to this, so she chose to shrug and just move on.

"Shall we get to this... 'game' now? I'm sure it'll be rather enjoyable.", Rarity spoke.

"Sure! You go first, Applejack.", Twilight said, rolling the ball in Applejack's direction. Once the ball reached her, she stopped the ball with a hoof, and looked at the question.

"'If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be?'...", Applejack slowly spoke as she read the question, "Heh, A'hm not sure. Maybe Chancellor Puddinghead? Ah guess they might have some good stuff t'talk about. Like.. Farmin'?", Applejack raised an eyebrow, as she then rolled the ball to Rarity.

"'What is the first think you notice about a stallion or a mare?'", Rarity rehearsed, "Well, I suppose their fashion sense?... Or maybe... Yes, their fashion sense, and their... Ehhh... Choice of mane style, and things such as that.", she then rolled the ball to Fluttershy. Once Fluttershy recieved the ball, she looked at her question.

"'What type of filly were you?.. Well, um... Quiet?... Shy?... Umm...", Fluttershy said, not entirely to everyponies surprise.

"Awww, really? C'mon, 'Shy. You don't give yourself much credit...", Rainbow Dash winked, causing everypony to look at her in confusion.

"I'm not sure I understand?", Fluttershy mumbled.

"You were like, the smartest filly in class. No, the smartest pony in class -- for sure!", Rainbow Dash said, her arms being tossed into the air in exaggeration.

"Well... I don't mean to brag, but...", Fluttershy lightly blushed, hiding her face behind her mane. Rarity giggled, and then said,

"I'm sure you were also very pretty back then too..."

"'Course she was. I mean, she's pretty NOW right?", Rainbow Dash said almost immediately.

"Weeeeelll... That's true. She wasn't a model for nothing.", Rarity commented, "I think we should move on. Before her blush gets any worse."

"I-I'm not blushing!", Fluttershy said while embarrassed. Rarity giggled, and then once Fluttershy rolled the ball over to Rainbow Dash, the blue speedster read her question,

"'If you became a princess, what is the first thing you would do?', psssh! I'd make myself a Wonderbolt, obviously!", Rainbow Dash said.

"Actually... I don't think you'd be allowed.", Twilight said in thought.

"What?!" Rainbow Dash nearly choked, and looked over at Twilight incredulously.

"You'd be an alicorn?"

"Oh... I don't want to be a princess then.", Rainbow Dash said, crossing her forelegs. She then sighed, and lightly nudged the ball over to Twilight.

"'If money was not an issue, what would you do with your life?'... I'd buy books, and read them?", Twilight shrugged, staring at the question.

"What a shocker!", Rainbow Dash said in mock surprise.

"Rainbow Dash! Quit being so rude!", Rarity quickly commented.

"It's not being rude!", Rainbow Dash responded.

"Cut it out, you two!", Applejack said.

"I was just being honest. Isn't that YOUR thing, Applecrack?!"

"'Ey! There's both honesty, 'n then there's bein' rude! Also, ah don't like that nickname whatsoever!", Applejack exclaimed.

"Oh? What're you gonna do, Applecrack?", Rainbow Dash smirked -- until a red apple smacked into her face.

"Oh, my. Are you okay?", Fluttershy said, glad that the arguing was over, but she wasn't so glad that Rainbow Dash had an apple thrown at her face.

"...Yeah, I'm fine... I deserved that.", Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her muzzle as she sat back up.

"Eeyup. Y'did deserve it.", Applejack confirmed.

"..Now that that's over, want to do group questions?", Twilight asked, looking around at the circle of ponies.

"Group questions? What do you mean by that, darling?", Rarity asked with an interested tone evident in her voice.

"We'll get a question, and we'll ALL answer it!", Twilight said in excitement. Once all the ponies agreed, Twilight rolled the ball towards Rainbow Dash. Once Rainbow Dash caught the ball, she read the question outloud.

"'Did you have any nicknames growing up?'...", Rainbow Dash said hesitantly.

"What's wrong?", Twilight asked, noticing the hesitance to answering the question.

"Uhhh... Nothing... It's just... I didn't exactly have any GOOD names... I mean, I guess there's Dashie. But Pinkie Pie still uses that..", Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head.

"Who ELSE used it?", Twilight asked in interest.

"Well, my mom did. So did Fluttershy, but not in public... 'Cuz, y'know..."

"Hmmm?", Rarity leaned forward, "I know, what, exactly?"

"There were... Um... Rumours about... Us back then.", Fluttershy quietly said.

The ponies all seemed to regret prying now, but the moment passed as quickly as it came.

"So... What were th' not-so-good ones?", asked Applejack.

"You first!", Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

"Fine, fine. AJ. That's... Preddy much it."

"...Well... Twilight?", Rainbow urged.

"Uhh... Egghead?... Bookworm?... Twily?... That's about it, actually.", Twilight thought for a moment, "Oh, and nerd. I embrace the names. Except egghead. I'm just well-read... What about you, Rarity?"

"None! I had no time for such things!", Rarity said.

"...Implying we gave OURSELVES nicknames?", Rainbow Dash asked dryly.

"...It just never happened to me.", Rarity explained with a flat tone in her voice.

"Oh.", Rainbow Dash said, "Well... Rainbow Crash? That's one. There were others, but none of them really come to mind right away. That one was the most common, anyways.", Rainbow Dash felt embarrassed that she had to tell them these, but it had to be done. Not really, but they'd pry until she spilled anyways.

"Sorry for putting that question down...", Twilight said, looking apologetic.

"You should probably remove it when we're done doing this...", Rainbow Dash suggested.

"I might just.", Twilight nodded, "So uh... What about you, Fluttershy?", she asked. Twilight was met with silence, and when she looked over at Fluttershy she realized that she was just pawwing at the ground.

"I... Um... I don't really want to talk about it...", the canary mare answered.

"Oh, but we all answered, darling! What if it's really juicy info?", Rarity said.

"They weren't exactly NICE, Rarity...", Rainbow Dash said harshly.

"Right... Sorry...", Rarity apologized quickly, "But... Uh... Well, If I tell you one of my nicknames... Will you tell me one of yours?", Rarity pressured. She didn't like to do this, and she knew she shouldn't. But she just couldn't resist. She was met with silence.

"I thought you didn't have any!", Rainbow Dash yelled, as Rarity turned away and whistled loudly.

"...Maybe.", Fluttershy lightly mumbled, much to everyones surprise.

"...Antique.", Rarity said through gritted teeth. Once noone said a word, she explained, "It's because antique is a synonym of rarity.", Rarity sighed.

"Could be worse.", Rainbow Dash said supportively.

"How? I honestly think it was one of the worst possible things to ever happen to me! To be called OLD! Me?! Old?! I was so young, and I wasn't an old relic!", Rarity exclaimed.

"Hey! What's wrong with th' elderly?!", Applejack said defensively.

"Nothing! Nothing! It's just... Age doesn't do well with beauty.", Rarity said.

"Oh... Ah see... Err... Self-image problems?", Applejack asked in a softer tone.

"...Yes.", Rarity said in response.

"So um... I guess I have to say one of mine now...", Fluttershy tensely said.

"It's fine, darling! You don't have to. I'm perfectly fine with not knowing.", Rarity assured.

"I... um... just need a few moments to mentally prepare myself...", Fluttershy softly spoke. She could practically feel herself on the verge of a breakdown from the situation, so she inhaled a deep breath, and then let it out through her nose.

"Anxiety is just a feeling... Feelings can't hurt you...", Fluttershy thought in her head multiple times.

"Klutzershy...", she quietly mumbled. Nopony was able to hear, leading them all to listen in -- minus Rainbow Dash, who knew what it was already.

"Pardon, darling?", Rarity politely said.

"...Sorry...", Fluttershy then sighed, "Klutzershy.", she said simply. The shame evident in her voice.

The group fell silent.

"Those brutes!", Rarity angrily exclaimed, "Lead me to them, and I shall put them in their place! To be so rude to such a wonderful mare! It's heartless!"

"I-It's fine... Rainbow Dash protected me.", Fluttershy said, smiling slightly. This caused Rainbow Dash to proudly smile, and everypony held a warm expression on their face afterwards.

"I think that's enough of this game for now. Want to go watch some movies now?", Twilight asked.

"Dunno 'bout you, but ahm plum tuckered out. Ah think a movie would be a preddy good way to fall asleep.", Applejack nodded.

The group found themselves on a large couch. The couch had spots for everyone, and the cushions were plush and soft. Rainbow Dash sat at one end, with Fluttershy next to her, while Twilight was on the other end with Rarity and Applejack next to her. Blankets were laid out ontop of the ponies, with pillows next to them all aswell. Fluttershy almost instantly found herself comfortable next to Rainbow Dash.

The moment the movie started, Fluttershy had her face shoved into Rainbow Dash's chest out of fear. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, and just wrapped an arm around the frightened mare. Rarity gazed at the occurance a far amount of time into the film, and just simply gushed. She giggled in excitement, which caused Twilight and Applejack to look over to the pegasi.

"...What?", asked a bewildered Rainbow Dash, looking at the three ponies gazes.

"Jus' surprised is all, sugarcube.", Applejack chuckled.

"Surprised?", Rainbow Dash repeated with an accusing tone.

"What yer doin' isn't exactly what ah expected?...", Applejack dryly continued, with a single raised eyebrow.

"R-right... Sure.", Rainbow Dash mumbled, returning her gaze back to the movie. By then, the protagonist was running through a forest from the 'killer'. Fluttershy shook lightly from the sound effects, but stopped as she sighed when she found herself being held closer in a wing-hug. She lightly smiled at the comforting gesture. Rainbow Dash felt slightly embarrassed, but she had decided that she wasn't going to put her reputation before her friends any more. Especially not before Fluttershy.

The movie finally ended with the protagonist hardly escaping as the only survivor.

"I wish that Hoofbeat's friends weren't so... Uh... Cliché. I mean, noone would've actually made any of those silly mistakes!", Twilight commented.

"Mhm," Applejack nodded, "Ah mean, who goes out in th' middle of tha night to investigate a sound they heard?"

"I must admit. That movie was... Brutal, for my tastes. I did rather enjoy it though!"

"Ah bet we would've all gotten outta there without a scratch together..", Applejack sighed.

"I don't know...", Twilight said in a tone of questionment, "Pinkie probably would have tried to have a party for the killer."

"Pssh, with her Pinkie Sense she'd have been perfectly FINE!", Rainbow inserted.

"Can't argue with that, I suppose.", Twilight smiled.

"Oh, plus, the killer dude was a unicorn! Twilight could've used her awesome alicorn powers to give you guys wings so we could all fly home.", Rainbow Dash shrugged.

"I'm actually not sure if I'd have enough magic for that. We should try it some day!", Twilight said.

"Ah reckon that'd be preddy fun. With how ah haven't flown before.", Applejack mentioned.

"I'm going to go and wash up before I go to bed. I shall see you all there?", Rarity asked, as she stood up from her spot on the couch.

"Becareful, Rare! Y'might get caught by somepony behind shower curtains!", Applejack mocked a warning.

"Perhaps, but I would just levitate the brute from the room and get the guard involved!", Rarity responded, walking out of the room.

"She'd sooo get killed on the first like, hour...", Rainbow Dash nonchalantly said.

"That's not very nice!", Twilight exclaimed, with a look of shock plastered upon her face.

"I'm kidding, jeez!... Well, SORT of.", Rainbow Dash scratched her head with a wing.

"It's still not funny.", Twilight said in response.

"Yeaaah, I know... Rarity can handle herself well enough, to be truthful. Pretty much all of us could. Pinkie with her pinkie sense, me with my super awesome and cool, daring, and amazing speed, Applejack and her endurance and uh.. Bucking.. skills?... Twilight and her magic, Fluttershy and The Stare.", Rainbow Dash yawned and then talked once more, "I think I might actually sleep here tonight. Who knew a couch could be so comfortable?" Rainbow Dash leaned back into the couch with Fluttershy sleeping soundly next to her. Rainbow was slightly surprised that the canary mare was able to fall asleep so quickly. At the same time though, she wasn't surprised. With her comforting, it probably would have been easy.

Twilight and Applejack both agreed with her reasoning to why they would all survive -- in theory.

"Alrigh', RD. Well, ahm gon' head off and go to a REAL bed. Heh, 'night!", Applejack said as she left and headed for the bedroom.

"I'm gonna go do the same. Have a good night! If you need anything, just ask.", Twilight yawned after she finished talking. She then trailed after Applejack.

Rainbow Dash felt her eyelids grow heavier as her body relaxed. Her mind was sent to a state of happiness and ecstacy from the soft breathing of the yellow mare held close to her. Rainbow Dash fell asleep soon after.