In Need of a Hobby

by Sweetheart_a_Light

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Rainbow Dash
Length: 4651

With Applejack and Rarity out of town and Pinkie and Fluttershy becoming more and more close to each other, Twilight and Rainbow find themselfs feeling lonelly, so they start hanging out some more.

Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy? Working together at Sugarcube Corner and Fluttershy's new business as a animal care-taker.
Applejack and Rarity? Traveling through all of Equestria together.
What could Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle could do?

Edited by, you guessed it, Krickis. Thanks again, buddy!

Published 2015-12-20 04:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2015-12-23 20:23:05 UTC

Chapter 1: News

The weather was sunny in Ponyville. Rainbow Dash had just finished her work of cleaning the clouds off the sky.

She stopped by her mailbox to see if there was correspondence, or even better, a letter from the Wonderbolts needing her as a reserve for a show.

Instead, there was a letter from Applejack. Of all ponies, why would Applejack be the one to send her a letter from... Manehatten? The day couldn’t become weirder then it already was.

Well, that's what Rainbow thought before she read the letter.

She went flying off to somepony leaving a desperate rainbow trail.

The weather was sunny in Ponyville. Twilight had just finished reorganizing her books with the help of Spike.

She went through the large hallways of her crystallized castle to the entrance. She still remembered the day that Spike tried to eat the place.

Twilight headed to the mailbox to see if there was correspondence, or even better, the new book from Star Swirl the Bearded's archive that Princess Celestia promised to give her.

Instead, there was a letter from Applejack. Maybe she wanted to talk about something that happened on her vacation? Before Twilight could think about it, she felt a hard bump a saw a rainbow in front of her.

“Twilight, quick! It’s an emergency!”

Still feeling a bit dizzy, Twilight opened her eyes slowly, only to reveal a shocked Rainbow Dash in front of her.

“C'mon Twilight, wake up!” Rainbow complained, but with a hint of worry in her voice. “Oh my gosh, are you alright?”

“Well, if you consider getting hit by a crazy mare this early in the morning alright, then yes, I'm perfectly fine,” Twilight said with a sarcastic tone. “What's going on?”

“Didn't you get Applejack's letter?" Rainbow asked.

“I did, but you came acting all crazy before I could even open it,” Twilight answered.

Rainbow blushed a bit "Oh right. He he... Sorry! It's just that I still can't believe what I just read! I even asked Pinkie and Fluttershy to see if it was real and–”

“What are you talking about?" Twilight asked, confused.

“Oh, right," Rainbow said "You haven't read it yet…”

Twilight just rolled her eyes at that. She opened the letter and started reading it.

Howdy there, Twi. Applejack here.

Just wanted to say that me and Rarity are having lots of fun here in Manehatten. I guess we really needed that time away from all the work we do everyday.

But what I really want to say here is something that as great as a hot mug of cider in a cold winter!

We're dating!

We always had a thing for each other, but yesterday we finally confessed to each other. By the time you're reading this, we've already gave each other our special somepony ornaments, and decided to use our last days of vacation to travel through all of Equestria.

We're really sorry that we couldn't tell you in person, but we couldn't just go who knows where Rarity wants to and come back with such big news.

After Pinkie and Fluttershy's announcement, I really hope that you're happy with our decision!

And don't you worry, we'll be back before you notice.

See you then!

- AJ

Twilight stared at the letter for a moment and blinked a few times.

“Wow,”was all she was able to say.

“I know right?” Rainbow said. "I didn't even remember that they were on vacation, and then Applejack comes with a letter saying ‘Oh hey guys, you know what? Me and Rarity are dating. Ok, bye!’”

“This was unexpected," Twilight said. "But it's wonderful news! We need to meet up with Pinkie and Fluttershy.”

“But why?" Rainbow asked with a rather angry tone. "They already know about it.”

“Because we need to discuss about that," Twilight said. "Even though they decided to celebrate on their own, that doesn't mean we won't do anything together when they come back!"

Rainbow calmed down a bit and thought about that for a second.

“Yeah, you're right," she said. "But where we're meeting them?”

“Sugarcube Corner," Twilight said. "We can decide what to do about this while having a breakfast!”

“Sweet!" Rainbow celebrated “I'm really hungry!"

Twilight just giggled at that. Then, they headed of to the bakery.

“You know what, Twilight?” Rainbow said. "I bet Pinkie already has a party planned."

Author's Note

It's finally here! Though it hasn't even been a month since I finished the last instalment, but I decided to publish the story already. :derpytongue2:
And unlike last time, where I wanted to update the story daily but ended up getting sick and updating it only 3 days later? :twilightblush: That's because I used to write the chapter and then publish it, one by one. But now, I write the whole thing first and then publish it! This story is 100% complete and it will be updated daily! :pinkiehappy:
Think of it as my Christmas gift to you all, as this story will end one day before Christmas Eve! :heart:

Chapter 2: What To Do?

“I already have a party planned!”

The four girls were sitting at a small table at Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie Pie had provided tons of baked goods for them to eat while thinking of what kind of surprise to give to Applejack and Rarity for declaring themselves to be a couple. But Pinkie Pie, to nopony’s surprise, had a party planned for them already.

“Oh, c’mon now, miss Narrator! If it was soooo obvious, then why would you put that cliffhanger in the last chapter?”

Ok, Pinkie, first of all: stop. Maybe this whole 4th wall breaking thing was funny back in the first story of this trilogy, but stop. This isn’t about you anymore. It’s about your friends. You had your moment, now it’s theirs.

And second: this is my story and I can do what I want. Case closed.

“Sheesh, fine”

“Who were you talking to, Pinkie?” Fluttershy asked. “Oh, is it the narra–”

“No!” Pinkie shouted. “No, no… Nopony… He he… Continue.”

Twilight and Rainbow gave concerned looks to each other.

“Ok, then…” Twilight said. “What kind of party is it, Pinkie?”

“Oh, it’s a ‘Welcome Back Home, We’re Glad That You’re Dating’ party!” Pinkie said, completely exited. “It’s kinda like the party that I made for me and Flutters, but adding a ‘Welcome Home’ party into the mix!”

“See, told ya,” Rainbow whispered to Twilight.

“Well, Pinkie is there anything we can help you with?” Twilight asked.

“Not at all!” Pinkie answered. “All you gotta do is wait until the party and celebrate!”

“Are you sure you don’t need any help?” Twilight asked again

“Don’t worry, Twilight,” Pinkie said, petting Twilight like a puppy. “You see, Fluttershy here is a wonderful organizer! She’s always helping me getting everything I need to make a perfect party!”

Fluttershy lowered her head and hid behind her mane.

“Oh please, you’ll make me blush.”

“Aww, but I love it when you blush, Flutters!” Pinkie complained “You look sooo cute when you do it! More then you already are of course!”

Fluttershy covered all her face with her mane at that point. Nopony could see, but she was already blushing.

“Well, if you say so,” Twilight said. “I’ll leave all the preparations on your hooves.”

“Woo hoo!” Pinkie Pie shouted in happiness.

“And sorry to say girls,” Twilight said, “but I really need to get going.”

Rainbow jumped out of her chair.

“Yeah, me too,” she said. “I’m really tired from all the work I’ve done today.”

They both trotted out of the bakery.

“Bye!” Fluttershy mumbled.

Before they went off to their respective houses, Twilight became curious about something.

“Uh, Rainbow?” Twilight asked. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure!” Rainbow said.

“You were working before reading the letter right?” Twilight asked. Rainbow nodded in agreement.

“But then you said you were hungry. Didn’t you have breakfast today?”

“Of course I did, Twilight,” Rainbow answered, “but it was hours ago.”

“When?”

“4 AM.”

“You wake up that early?” Twilight asked.

“Well, duh!” Rainbow said. “Who else will clear the skies in the morning?”

“Huh, I never really thought of that…” Twilight said.

“Nopony does,” Rainbow said. “So, I’ll be going now.”

Before she could fly off, Twilight stopped her. “Wait!”

Rainbow looked behind her.

“If you start feeling alone in that big cloud house that you have,” Twilight said. “You can come and we could talk about the new Daring Do book coming up, or something else.”

“Of course, Twi,” Rainbow said with a smile. She flew off leaving a multicoloured trail.

Chapter 3: You Can Come By

After a few minutes, Twilight arrived at her castle. This castle served as her home since the day Tirek had destroyed her old house, the Golden Oak Library. At first, the castle seemed too lonely for Twilight to spend her time there, and even with the help of her friends, that castle still looked as lonely as it was, ominous even, especially at night.

As she trotted down the hallways, Twilight heard someone knocking on the door.

“Hey, Twilight,” Rainbow said while opening the door. “Can I come in?”

Twilight tilted her head to the side. “Sure, but–”

“I was thinking about what you said earlier,” Rainbow interrupted, “even with Tank there with me, my house can be pretty empty.”

Twilight blinked a few times before looking at the book that Rainbow was carrying.

“Oh, you’ve came for a little reading!” Twilight said with a smile. Rainbow nodded. “Follow me, then. This place can be a bit… confusing.”

As they walked through the hallway, Dash gasped with awe.

“Wow,” she said, “I never noticed how big this place is!”

“Well, you usually only come here with the other girls, so it tends to be a bit different,” Twilight explained.

They walked in silence for a few minutes until Twilight stopped in front of a door.

“You remember the library, right?” she asked.

Rainbow gave her that confident smirk that always irritated Twilight in the past, until she learned to love it. “Of course!” she said, puffing her chest like a bird. “This is where I put my awesome Daring Do posters so you could always remember me!”

“Sure.” Twilight giggled. “Just checking.”

Twilight then opened her door to reveal a surprisingly small room, with a large shelf filled with books in the wall, ranging from the top of the room until the floor. The rest was just a empty space filled with just a large pink pillow.

“This place looks smaller than I remember.” Rainbow pointed out.

“I bought new books and this pillow for me to sit on,” Twilight explained.

“So…” Rainbow started, “you only have this pillow?”

“Well, yeah…” Twilight answered shyly. “I’m the only one who comes here, and–”

Rainbow chuckled. “Just kidding with ya, Twi,” she said. “I may be no ‘Element of Generosity’, but I don’t mind sharing things at all.”

She then walked towards the pillow and laid down, opening the book.

“You coming, Twi?” Dash asked, petting the space she left for her.
With a soft blush of red on her face, Twilight walked towards the pillow and lay down comfortably next to Rainbow.

“So, have you read this chapter yet?” Rainbow asked. “I mean, everything that happens in it is just so awesome, but I don’t wanna spoil anything to you.”

“No, no… I’ve read it already…” Twilight said quietly, almost imitating Fluttershy.

“Sweet!” Rainbow celebrated. “Didn’t you just loved when Daring Do tricked Ahuizotl into thinking that that piece of junk was the Griffin Goblet? Ha! What an idiot!”

Twilight couldn’t help but smile at that mare next to her. Twilight had already read that chapter dozens of times, and it never surprised her. That’s just something any good tactician would come up with to trick their enemies. But for Rainbow, that was her all-time heroine, being a ‘super awesome genius that she is and kicking that stupid Ahuizotl’s flank,’ as Rainbow would say. Twilight knew that it was all because she put herself in Daring Do’s place - even though they did look awfully similar.

They both enjoyed the reading time as much as they could.

Author's Note

I know it's short, but it's something. :twilightblush: The next chapter is going to be a bit longer, believe me!
Also, that Daring Do and the Griffin Goblet part is completely made up. I know that there is actual Daring Do books in real life, but I don't have any... :fluttercry:

Chapter 4: Discoveries

The reading time flew by, as the afternoon went on. The two mares were so focused on the story that they didn’t notice it was almost 3PM.

As Rainbow closed the book, she let out a yawn.

“This was really cool, huh Twi?” she asked.

“Sure it was…” Twilight said in a daydreaming tone.

“We really need to do more of that!” Rainbow said. “But not all the time, though. My wings need to work out more.”

With that comment, she realized how to attract the attention of her friend. She loves books too, sure, but there was another activity in which she had helped Twilight with a lot. Flying.

“Then why don’t we go for a fly together?” Twilight suggested, trying to not sound nervous. “You could even teach me another thing or two. I’m not really good at it yet.”

“You sure you wanna practice more?” Rainbow asked, raising a eyebrow. “You pretty much denied most of the times that I tried to teach you.”

“It’s just that I’ve never thought that it would be important for me to know how to fly around like you do.” Twilight explained. “But what if some sort of emergency where it’s necessary for me to fly happens, like, falling from the sky? Nopony knows!”

Rainbow raised her other eyebrow and gave Twilight a smug grin.

“Yeah, right,” she said. “C’mon Twilight, spit it out! I know that you don’t really care about flying at all. You can’t fool me.”

Twilight ears flopped. She wasn’t ready to tell Rainbow,even though she wanted to. She didn’t know how.

Then a tiny, little idea surged on her mind. She didn’t have to tell the real reason, but she didn’t have to lie.

"Well, it’s just that once Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie started dating, seeing them so happy together made me realize that maybe I wish I could date, uhm, somepony... ” Twilight looked away and quickly changed the subject. “And now Rarity and Applejack also started to date each other, and… Now they’re far away, enjoying each other’s companies as much as they can…”

When she looked back, she saw Rainbow was also not meeting her eyes. She sat with her ears folded down and her shoulders slouched.

Twilight pushed herself to continue. “I’ve started feeling lonely…Pinkie and Fluttershy are spending more and more time with themselves, and Applejack and Rarity aren’t even here… You’re the only one left, Rainbow. You’re the only one I can come to for some company. Heck, you’ve came all the way down here just to make me feel better!”

“No wonder why I’m the bearer of Loyalty,” Rainbow said, self-confident.

“But honestly, I’m really thankful that you came here,” Twilight said in a serious tone. “None of the other girls would come here and read a book with me, being single or not.”

“And none of the girls would come flying with me,” Rainbow added. “Fluttershy doesn’t really like flying too high, and Applejack probably would if she could, but her and the other girls don’t have wings. There’s a reason why I was so happy to know that you had grown wings. Somepony to keep me company. I really don’t like being alone, you know?”

“Who does?” Twilight asked playfully.

Rainbow laughed. “C’mon Twi, follow me!” she said as she flew off the open window.

“Wait!” Twilight yelled as she followed the rainbow trail off the window.

Rainbow Dash was far ahead of Twilight, but she was still following her. She was pretty visible, even with the forest of clouds that they were going through. It was almost like Rainbow wanted Twilight to follow her, but since Twilight had just achieved the status of ‘average flier,’ she had to slow a bit down. As Rainbow stopped her craziness and lay down in a near cloud, Twilight went panting.

“What –” she inhaled heavily, trying to get some air to breathe “– what was that for?”

“Wow, Twilight, you look terrible!” Rainbow said in a sarcastic tone. “Why don’t you lay down here with me and relax? I’ve got something to tell ya.”

Twilight didn’t thought twice and lay down next to Dash.

“I know what you’re feeling,” she said in a more serious tone. That caught Twilight’s attention.

“Being alone sometimes isn’t bad,” Rainbow continued. “It’s perfectly normal if somepony just want some time for themselves. But when you start feeling too lonely, that’s bad. I hate being alone as much as losing a competition. And seeing all of our friends getting together like that hit me hard. Not that I’m jealous, I’m really happy for them, honest...” Rainbow's ears dropped for a moment, before returning to normal. “It’s just that we’ve seeing each other less and less after all of that.”

“I hope the surprise party we’ve planned for Applejack and Rarity will change things a bit…” Twilight finally spoke up.

“You’re right…” Rainbow said. “Hey, you know what? Let’s forget all this sad talk and go flying a bit. I’ll slow down for ya.”

Twilight just gave a warm smile and nodded. She really wanted to fly.

“Rainbow?” she asked quietly.

“Yes?” Rainbow tilted her head.

“Can we fly together all day?” Twilight asked. “I’ve got nothing better to do.”

Rainbow smiled at her and shrugged. “Me neither.”

And then, they went off flying through the skies, with no destination, until Luna’s moon lit the sudden dark blue sky.

Chapter 5: Night

When the moon reached it’s highest point in the sky, Twilight and Rainbow were heading off to the castle, swirling in the air and laughing without a care.

“Well, I guess that’s the end of the road for me,” Rainbow said, still smiling.

“Not at all,” Twilight said. “I want you to stay for dinner.”

“Somepony needs to feed Tank,” Rainbow said in a really sarcastic tone

“You’re not that irresponsible, Dash,” Twilight responded with a laugh. “I know you didn’t leave your house with the intention of staying out all day without leaving enough food for him.”

“You’re really smart, huh?” Rainbow said.

“I am egghead, after all,” Twilight said, giving a wink.

They both let out a laugh.

“But seriously, Rainbow,” Twilight said, “I do insist that you stay for dinner.”

“No need to insist,” Rainbow said, patting her belly. “I’m hungry as a horse!”

“Yeah, me too,” Twilight admitted. “Flying takes a whole lot of energy.”

They entered in the castle and walked down the hallways. Twilight went ahead to a different door and knocked.

“Spike?” she asked. “Are you wake?”

The door opened almost immediately, revealing the small purple dragon.

“Hey Twilight!” he said. “Thank Celestia you’re back! I was starting to get worried.”

“No need to, Spike,” Twilight said. “I was just taking some lessons with Rainbow. I was hoping you could make a special dinner for us.”

“What kind of ‘special?’” Spike asked, confused.

“‘Special’ as in ‘actual dinner,’ not just a daisy sandwich.” Twilight answered. Spike gave her a deadpan face. “You know that I would cook myself if I was a better cook, Spike. Just do it this time please?”

Spike sighed. “Fine, fine. C’mon ladies. To the kitchen.”

The dinner was absolutely delicious. The table was filled with two pots of lettuce, tomato and carrot salad, with a cherry on top. There was a big basket of various fruits, such as apples, oranges and pears. It also had a vegetable pie and a chocolate cake as a desert. There also was a bowl of gems in the left corner.

The two friends barely talked to each other during the dinner. They were too busy filling their stomachs.

Spike was eating his jewels quietly at the side of the table, but Rainbow and Twilight were devouring their food like two hungry manticores. He really didn’t mind, knowing how each of their friends ate, and that these two acted like carnivores. Fortunately, Spike hadn’t made any hayburgers.
It took some time until they finally finished the dinner.

“I haven’t dined that much since I left my parent’s house!” Rainbow said, half asleep.

“Me neither,” Twilight admitted. “I don’t usually tell Spike to make the dinner, but when he does, it’s never like that!”

“Well, I just thought that it could be really special,” Spike said.

“Thanks, kid.”

“Thank you, Spike.”

“No problem!” Spike said.

Twilight turned to Rainbow, blushing a little.

“By the way, Rainbow,” she started, “I want to thank you for the time we spent together today. We should do more of that.”

“Totally!” Dash agreed. “Actually Twi, I wanted to ask you something.”

Twilight’s little blush turned into a big one. “What is it?”

“Can I stay with you tonight?” Rainbow asked in what sounded to Twilight was a nervous tone. “It’s already late in the night, and it’s pretty cold outside…”

“No, it’s okay!” Twilight immediately answered. “Really, no problem. You can totally stay with m- us tonight!”

Spike noticed almost instantly what was going on and got out of their way.

“Well, if either of you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen, washing those dishes,” he said. “Good night.”

And with that, he left the two mares alone.

“Uh…” Twilight fumbled over her words as she thought of what to say. “So, do you want to choose a room or–”

“Can I sleep with you?” Rainbow interrupted, pretty worried.

“As in the same room or…” Twilight asked.

“As in… the same… bed…” Rainbow answered slowly.

Twilight couldn’t hide it anymore. She couldn’t. Not after everything they did today. Twilight simply smiled at her friend.

“Yes,” she said calmly.

Rainbow looked in shock at her friend. She was accepting that? But as soon as she saw her smile, she realized what happened. She gave a big smile back and flew off to Twilight’s bedroom.

As Twilight couldn’t reach Rainbow, she teleported herself in front of the door.

“Hey, not fair!” Rainbow complained. Twilight just showed her tongue.

Rainbow Dash then grabbed Twilight and lay down in the bed.

Twilight laughed “Good night, Dash.”

“Good night, Twi,” Rainbow said.

And so they slept peacefully, dreaming about the lesson they learned that day. Being loyal has it’s own magic.

Chapter 6: Happy Endings All Around Us

The sun’s rays were fading, leaving room for the evening, two mares were walking down to the local bakery, the Sugarcube Corner. Inside, there was a small party going on, with tons of sweet treats, music and a banner saying ‘Welcome Back Home, We’re Glad That You’re Dating’ with big, capital letters.

The party wasn’t loud and extreme, it was more like a meeting, if anything. It was the surprise party that Pinkie, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow planned for Applejack and Rarity.

But only Pinkie and Fluttershy were the ones who said ‘Surprise!’ when the newly formed couple arrived at the bakery.

“Pinkie, darling,” Rarity asked, “are you sure that they didn’t say anything?”

“They told me that they were going to be late,” Pinkie answered, “but I really don’t know why!"

“Do you think something bad happened to them?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

“Nah, they’re fine!” Pinkie said. “That’s Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle, remember? The most brave and powerful ponies ever!”

“She’s right, Fluttershy!” Applejack said, comforting the shy pegasus. “If there’s anypony who could beat any monster or critter, it’s those two!”

Fluttershy hid behind her mane. “I hope you’re right... I don’t want anything happening to them.”

“No way something like that’s going to happen to them!” said a confident and familiar voice. “They’re way too awesome for being eaten by some monster!”

The four ponies all turned to the door to see Rainbow and Twilight, side by side.

“What a relief!” Fluttershy sighed.

“We were starting to get worried about you!” Rarity said.

“What happened?” Pinkie asked.

Twilight and Rainbow then turned their heads to the opposite side and uncovered their ears.
They were wearing special somepony ornaments. Twilight’s earring was shaped like a white cloud with a red, yellow and blue lightning bolt, with a blue feather hanging from it. Rainbow’s earring was shaped like a six-pointed magenta starburst, with white points appearing in between the points of the starburst, with five smaller white starbursts around the bigger one, with a purple feather hanging from it.

The other four friends couldn’t believe it.

“We always had a thing for each other, but only now we had courage to admit it,” Twilight said, breaking the silence.

“Well, we do know how that feels!” Rarity said. They all nodded.

“We couldn’t say earlier because we thought that it would end our friendship,” Rainbow admitted.

“But it only made it stronger!” the six friends agreed in unison

“Yeah, we know how that is,” Fluttershy said.

They all laughed.

“So, it looks like we have to celebrate a ‘Glad We’re All Dating’ party now!" Pinkie cheered, jumping and throwing streamers out of nowhere. “Woo hoo!!”

Suddenly, Spike enters in the bakery, huffing and panting.

“Did I miss anything?” he asked.

“Not at all Spike,” Twilight answered. “Did you bring the music we wanted?”

Spike took a vinyl disc out of his backpack.

“Right here!” he said.

“Thanks,” Twilight said”

She took the disc and put it on the disc player. Pop music started to play.

The six friends turned into three pairs and started dancing while Spike devoured the cupcakes in a faraway table.

This Is Our Big Night

This is our big night
We’re getting ready
And we’re doing it up right
This is our big night
Friendship survived,
Now we’ll start it out right
The time’s right, gonna make it last ’cause it’s the first night
That we’re ever gonna start to just have fun together
We’re so glad, so happy we could never be mad
Did it right now, this is our big night now
Six friends on the way up now
Six friends here to show you how
This is our big night
We’re getting ready
And we’re doing it up right
This is our big night
We made it happen
Now let’s party all night
We’re here now and we worked so hard to make it come around
To tonight so let’s try to make it last forever
This is our big night
This is our big night
This is our big night
This is our big night

Author's Note

That's the end of the road for us again! I hope you enjoyed it! :twilightsmile:
Here's some cute PMV's I found on YouTube to celebrate!! :pinkiehappy:

Barbie Twilight by Tridashie (TwiDash)
Everyday I Chase After Her by residentmaria (TwiDash, RariJack and FlutterPie)

Oh and a little fun fact: the song in the end was supposed to be Love is in Bloom, but some of the lyrics didn't match with the story, like the "a beautiful bride and a handsome groom" part, so I used that song that everybody hates from the first EQG movie. Why? Because it's pop music and I think the lyrics fit very well. I also was skeptical to wheater or not use it, but I did anyway. It's not really bad in my opinion, it's just very cliché...