Void: United

"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.