Loyal to a fault

by Twidash fanatic

Rating: everyone
Tags: Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Romance, Slice of Life, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6
Length: 7132

A short series about an issue I can easily see Twilight and Rainbow having early on in their relationship

It's common knowledge that Rainbow Dash would do anything for those she cares about. It's what makes her the element of Loyalty, and it's why Twilight asked Rainbow out in the first place. But when Rainbow's devotion to those around her starts to impede on their relationship, what will Twilight do? Can she save her budding romance with Rainbow Dash?

Published 2016-01-11 19:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2016-02-08 03:50:58 UTC

Blissful ignorance

For the first time in a long while, Ponyville was enjoying a warm and sunny day. Winter Wrap Up had finished over a month ago, but the cold and wet weather decided to stay a while longer. Thanks to Rainbow Dash and the rest of the weather team the heat was back, allowing everypony to venture outside again without fear of catching a cold or coming home soaked. Ponies were enjoying the day in their own unique ways, which for Rainbow meant flying through the skies above the peaceful town.

Flight was more than an action to Rainbow. To her, flying was letting instinct take over and guide her actions. The way she could feel the wind resist her in different directions and different intensities every day was nothing short of magic. It was more than leaving the ground, moving fast, more than a part of daily life. Flight was part of Rainbow's identity, something she simply couldn't see herself without. Pulling off tricks and winning races would always be her talent and passion, but sometimes a slow glide with the sunshine at her back was all that she could ever ask for.

"Rainbow?" The pegasus smiled at the sound of her name. It was a reminder of who was flying beside her, another something she couldn't fathom her life without. Her head turned to face the source of the sound, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Though she had only been the alicorn's marefriend for a few short months, Rainbow knew Twilight better than almost anypony. Years of friendship and perilous adventuring together was a pretty good way to grow close to somepony, after all.

"Yeah, Twi?" Rainbow responded. She gave her purple companion a quick once over with her eyes. First was her horn, which Rainbow had seen perform magic so strong it rivaled that of the princesses back when Twilight was a unicorn. Next were her eyes, the beautiful purple gems that could command Rainbow's attention for hours. Her mouth, which had been placed against Rainbow's own more and more these past months. Her wings, still imperfect and flapping weakly but growing stronger every day. As Rainbow's eyes drifted past Twilight's flanks, cutie mark, and all of her tail flowing in the wind, she smirked proudly. Yeah, I did pretty well for myself. She thought happily.

Twilight smiled back at her marefriend. "I just want you to know how much this means to me. I'm sure you're really tired from all the rough weather you've been clearing, but you still wanted to fly with me. That you would do that for me... it really means the world. So... thank you." The princess blushed and faced forward, leaving Rainbow shocked and blushing herself at the sudden heartfelt speech.

Whoa... where did that come from? Rainbow wondered. Twilight isn't usually so comfortable being open and vulnerable like that. She then giggled as she had a small revelation. I'm not so mushy and readable, myself. Maybe the reason we fit together is because we can communicate without always using words. That being said... "Twilight, look at me." The lavender mare obeyed. "There is no place I'd rather be than right here with you." High on emotion and with Twilight's lips on her mind, Rainbow flew ahead of the princess a short ways and turned around. She slowly drifted towards the alicorn, whose face had gone completely crimson. When at last her vision was completely filled with Twilight's blushing face, she leaned in and kissed her marefriend.

Kissing while flying was nothing like kissing on the ground. It was more difficult to focus and become lost in sensation when trying to stay aloft, but there was so much more passion. With lips locked and wings flapping in graceful unison, the mares found themselves in a romantic dance of mouth and body. Rainbow rose a hoof up to run gently through Twilight's mane and another to the mare's back, deepening the kiss and guiding their bodies into a more vertical position. Twilight hugged Rainbow tightly around the middle with both hooves, unwilling to provide any space more than the pegasus needed to breathe. After a few long minutes of complete bliss, the mares separated and stared at each other dreamily, both smitten and exhausted.

As if the universe itself knew that everything was going far too well, a scream could be heard from below Rainbow and Twilight. Without even considering a glance at her companion, Rainbow fell into a nosedive. She was determined to reach the call for help as quickly as she could, and save whoever was in danger. When the ground beneath her came into focus, Rainbow easily spotted the origin of the scream. Applebloom, little sister to Applejack and proud member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, was rolling through town at breakneck speed on a little red wagon. The wagon seemed to be filled with apples that were rapidly being tossed out from the sheer force of the speeding wagon.

Wasting no time, Rainbow raced to catch up to the rogue cart. Upon spotting a building a ways away that the wagon would soon ram into, she doubled her velocity. Soaring low and dodging ponies on both sides, the daredevil pegasus easily gained on the wheeled red blur. Applebloom's shrieks and pleas for help rang in her ears as she reached out to grab the filly. With no more than a second to spare, Rainbow latched onto the yellow earth pony with her front hooves and pulled up into the sky again. The wagon continued on to crash violently with the building, and any remaining apples were unceremoniously thrown to the ground.

When she finally stopped screaming, Applebloom realized that she was not only unharmed, but she was floating. Straining to look up at her savior, her eyes met Rainbow's. "Rainbow Dash!" The filly exclaimed. "Ya saved me!"

Rainbow chuckled kindly in response. "Of course I did, kiddo! You didn't think you could crash into a building with old Dash around, did you?"

The two laughed merrily and gently returned to the ground. Mere moments later Rainbow noticed the elder Apple sister sprinting their way with tears in her eyes.

"Applebloom!" Applejack cried. At some shock to her sister, she scooped the filly up in a loving and concerned hug. "Are you hurt? Ah saw the wagon start to roll but ah couldn't get you off of there in time. Ah'm so sorry!"

"It's alright, big sis, Rainbow saved me! She flew down and pulled me out of the wagon before it smashed into a house. It was awesome!" Applebloom and Applejack both looked to the blue pegasus, who offered a broad grin.

"Heh, it was pretty cool I guess. In any ca-" Rainbow was interrupted by her orange friend, who had all but tackled her in a hug of her own.

"Oh Rainbow, ah can't thank you enough!" Applejack said. "If you hadn't been here, Applebloom might have gotten hurt, or worse!" She detached herself from her flying friend and returned to her sister's side. "We oughta get back to our apple stand, but thanks a million, sugarcube!"

Rainbow waved to her friend happily as she walked off with Applebloom in tow. In need of a break from all the unexpected excitement, the element of loyalty sat down and rested. It wasn't until she heard the sound of wings nearby that she perked back up, and remembered what she was in the middle of before the rescue.

"Rainbow, is everypony alright?" Twilight asked in concern as she finally lowered to the ground. "You rushed off so quickly, I had no clue what was happening!"

Standing and rolling her neck to work out any kinks, Rainbow relayed the story to Twilight. "Yeah, everypony is just fine. Applebloom was just in the middle of a demolition derby involving a wagon and some apples, but I kept her out of harm's way."

"What a relief!" Twilight responded. "Um, not to change the subject, but about what we were doing... y'know, just a moment ago...?"

Rainbow's mind could not boast the same speed as her wings. When all the proper connections had been made, her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my Celestia! I didn't mean to ditch you at a time like that, Twi! I'm sorry..." Rainbow's head hung low, but was soon raised by a purple hoof.

"Rainbow..." Twilight reassured, "I'm not mad you went and saved somepony. I was just wondering if we could... well... pick up where we left off?" The alicorn's face turned sultry, and Rainbow immediately felt her face heating up once more. Though there were few things she desired more in Equestria than to take her marefriend up on the offer, the pegasus found she could not accept.

"I would really like that, honestly, but I promised Pinkie that I would help her with a new prank today." Rainbow sheepishly smiled in embarrassment. "Can we wait until tonight?"

Twilight, feeling as if she'd just been slapped, quickly hid her surprise and disappointment. "Y-yeah, sure thing, Rainbow. Go and help Pinkie, I'll see you tonight."

Ignorant to the pain she had just caused, the pegasus mare gave her marefriend a bright smile and a peck on the cheek. "Awesome, thanks for understanding, Twi! See you later!" Taking to the air and making for Sugarcube Corner, Rainbow's head buzzed with happy thoughts. What a great day! Made out with Twilight, helped somepony in need, and now I get to spend the afternoon pranking with Pinkie Pie! Everything is perfectly balanced. I mean, what kind of element of loyalty would I be if I started playing favorites?"

Author's Note

Will Dash figure out that she needs to devote more time to her marefriend? Will this entire story focus on Dash's thoughts instead of Twilight's? Is this a direct sequel to my one-shot? I'll never tell!

Creeping Suspicion

A short flight and a stylish landing later, Rainbow stood outside the entrance to Sugarcube Corner. Inside were all kinds of colorful and delectable foods, from cookies and cupcakes to the incredibly unique Cherry Chonga. The pegasus' mouth watered at the smell of freshly baked goods, but they were not the reason for her appearance today. Rainbow's reason for visiting the store was her friend and fellow prankster, a pink mare with more energy than everypony else in town combined.

Once inside the pastry shop, Rainbow was greeted warmly by the very pony she was looking for. "Dashie! I'm so glad you made it!" Pinkie exclaimed. "I've got an idea and every ingredient Mrs. Cake let me use. Ready to bake?"

"Baking?" Rainbow questioned. "Pinks, I thought you wanted to pull off a prank. How can we do that from the kitchen?"

The party mare smirked and ushered her friend over to a table. When Rainbow had sit down, Pinkie conjured a white board from seemingly nowhere. "See this? I spent all night drawing up this sketch, and now we can put it into action!" She pointed erratically to different shapes and numbers on the board, and after roughly two minutes of explaining the plan, Rainbow nodded with a smile.

"Y'know Pinkie, I think this might just work."

***

The sun was almost ready to set when Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie left the bakery. The latter held a box containing their efforts on her back, quite a feat considering she bounced along rather than walked. The former, while initially on board with the planned hi jinks, found herself having second thoughts.

"You don't think Rarity's gonna be mad, do you?" Rainbow Dash asked tentatively.

"No way, Dashie! The brilliant part about this prank is that it tastes so good, Rarity won't even think to be mad!" Pinkie responded confidently. The young pink earth pony beamed with happiness and a small amount of pride. With Rainbow's help, she had developed a doughnut that would explode into fluffy filling when bitten. It had taken the pair several hours to perfect the taste and assure that the explosion was harmless, but they could finally claim success. She adjusted the box balanced on her back and approached the front door of Carousel Boutique. With Rainbow a few steps behind, Pinkie knocked on the door and waited for their target to appear.

Just as planned, the door was opened by a white unicorn with three diamonds as a cutie mark. "Terribly sorry, but we're closed tod- Oh! Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash! What brings you two by?" Rarity's coat looked freshly washed and sparkling white, which would make the resulting mess even more hilarious.

Pinkie was already struggling to stop herself from giggling, leaving Rainbow to step in and save their prank. "Pinkie and I have been working on a new pastry, and we wanted our friends to taste it first! Interested?" She gestured to the box on Pinkie's back appealingly.

Rarity eyed the box with sudden intrigue. "Well... I am trying to watch my weight, but how could I pass up a new and mysterious creation of Pinkie's?" Rarity levitated the box off of Pinkie's back and opened the door wide. "Darlings, please come in!" She led her two friends back into the boutique, setting the box down on a coffee table and proceeding to her kitchen. "Sit down, I'll prepare some tea!"

Rainbow and Pinkie looked to each other and stifled laughs before following the fashionista. They sat down on Rarity's plush couch in the living room.

"Don't get me wrong, I appreciate you two stopping by," Rarity called from the kitchen, "but Rainbow, didn't you have a date with Twilight today?"

"Uh, yeah, that's right." Rainbow responded. "We took a flight around town this morning."

"Well don't be shy, darling! Tell us how it went!" Rarity requested. Looking to Pinkie for help but finding her just as interested, Rainbow sighed. She had a hard enough time being all mushy around Twilight, but Rainbow knew Pinkie and Rarity wouldn't judge her.

"To be honest, it went great! Awesome, really. I met Twilight after breakfast and we spent the morning soaring above Ponyville. We didn't talk much, but out of nowhere Twilight told me how much I meant to her." Rainbow was growing redder than the streak in her hair, but felt giddy in reliving the moment. "We... well, we kissed. A lot. Then I saved Applebloom from crashing into a building, and left to meet Pinkie at Sugarcube Corner."

Rarity appeared from the kitchen with three mugs in her magical grip and a confused look on her face. "Saved Applebloom? Left for Sugarcube Corner? Wait, you mean you two were kissing and then you suddenly went to do something else?"

Rainbow responded with an equal level of confusion. "Well, of course. I had to go and help Pinkie. I'm sure Twilight understood, and I'm gonna see her tonight anyways."

Rarity sat down and gave Rainbow and Pinkie their tea. "I don't think you quite understand, darling. I remember talking to Twilight a few days ago, and she was lamenting over all the work you'd been doing to fix the weather troubles. She really misses you Rainbow, and I think she wanted to spend the entire day with you."

"But Twilight and I planned our date days ago, and I told her that I needed to visit the bakery."

Pinkie finally spoke up. "Dashie, you know you could have just cancelled with me. I don't want our pranks to come in between you and Twilight. That would totally bum me out, and then there wouldn't even be a point to us pulling pranks together, cause I'd be all sad and you'd be all lonely."

Rainbow took a minute to process what her friends had told her. Still unsure of what to think, she looked about the boutique. Her eyes came to rest on Rarity's clock, which read 7:23. Rainbow gasped. Had her baking with Pinkie really taken that long? "Oh jeez, I was supposed to show up at Twilight's twenty minutes ago! Sorry guys, can't stay!" The cyan pegasus charged out a window of the boutique, nearly knocking over the couch as she flew off.

"Goodness, me!" Rarity cried. "Someday, that mare is going to hurt herself more than she can heal. I do hope she and Twilight aren't starting up a rough patch in their relationship. But enough worrying, let's share these treats you've brought, Pinkie dear." The unicorn levitated the cover off of the box and lifted a plain-looking doughnut to her lips. Upon sinking her teeth into the soft pastry, a gushing sound filled the room and white filled Rarity's vision. When she recovered her shock, the fashionista looked down to find her entire chest covered in a pale, puffy cream.

Pinkie erupted into laughter. "Oh wow, Rarity, you should see the look on your face! If only Rainbow had stuck around to AHHH!" The party mare screamed as Rarity hurled a doughnut her way. The tasty bomb blew up on contact, coloring Pinkie the same flour-white as her friend. Taking the counter prank in stride, Pinkie reached into the box and picked up two more doughnuts.

Rarity's eyes widened. "Oh no..."

"Food fight!"

Author's Note

Thinking about doughnuts while writing pony fics, how classy. Hope to start cranking these chapters out every week, so thanks for staying tuned!

Desperate Denial

It was past 7:30 by the time Rainbow landed near Twilight's front door. On her way over, the speeding pegasus' mind had been filled with doubts and worry over what Twilight wanted from her. Was Rarity right? Was Twilight feeling neglected, or lonely? She had been busy this last month with the weather, but surely Twilight didn't blame her for doing her job?

With a heavy conscious and a lack of confidence, Rainbow knocked on the door to her marefriend's castle. When the door opened, the purple alicorn who lived inside emerged wearing a new dress and a strained smile.

"Rainbow! I was worried you had forgotten about tonight." Twilight said. She seemed relieved to see Rainbow, as if she had been expecting her marefriend to stand her up.

The mare in question flattened her ears against her head in shame. "I'm really sorry Twi, Pinkie and I lost track of time." Still feeling guilty, Rainbow realized how dolled up Twilight was. "Hey, you look nice. What's the occasion?"

"Well, I had some dinner reservations all set up, but we've missed our window by now." Twilight responded. At this, her blue companion's face fell, regretful of ruining their night out. Determined to salvage what she could of their date, the princess rose a hoof to Rainbow's cheek. The daredevil rose her eyes to meet Twilight's gaze. "Hey, don't worry about it." She reassured. "Why don't we just go for a walk around town, instead?"

Rainbow nodded, leaning into Twilight's touch. "That sounds awesome, Twilight." Before her marefriend removed her hoof from the side of her face, Rainbow's stomach growled. Blushing, the pegasus chuckled. "But we're gonna find something else for dinner first, yeah?"

***

What was supposed to be a high class dinner in town turned out to be some fruit from Twilight's pantry, eaten on a couch in the library. The couple had shared many meals on this exact couch, and even more books. In a way, it was more romantic than the pomp and circumstance of eating in public, trading quality of food for comfort and closeness.

Rainbow finished off her meal and leaned back against the couch in satisfaction. Feeling a warm, soft mass against her side, she smiled and cuddled up against Twilight. The cyan flier could have easily fallen asleep right there, but she knew Twilight still wanted to go for a walk. "Ready to go to the park, Twi?"

"Mm, yeah." The princess purred. "Let's go so we can enjoy the warm weather." She slowly rose from the couch, nuzzling Rainbow's neck as she stood up. Twilight stretched her wings out and locked eyes with her marefriend. "Care to fly with me?" Instead of being answered, Twilight was swept off her hooves by her strong companion.

"Actually, I'd rather you fly with me, Twi." Rainbow developed a smug grin as Twilight blushed in her forelegs. Without warning, she flew out of Twilight's castle and carried the alicorn all the way to the park.

Landing gently for her passenger's sake, Rainbow set Twilight down near the edge of Ponyville's park. Proceeding in comfortable silence, the pair set off on a stroll along the dirt path. Since it was still early in the year, the sun was long gone, making their walk one under the stars. As they went, Twilight pointed out constellations and Rainbow listened with interest. The couple was happy to find they had the park all to themselves, and felt completely at peace with each other.

All the tension that had been building throughout the day began to melt away. Twilight and Rainbow traded stories from the week and told each other jokes. Before long, they stopped focusing on what was around them and gave their full attention to one another. Between laughing happily, walking so close their bodies remained in contact, and genuinely cherishing the evening, the pair lost track of time. Eventually the two stopped to rest on a bridge, draping their forelegs over the side.

Content to simply enjoy her marefriend's company, Rainbow looked on in silence until the alicorn beside her spoke up. "Thank you for this, Rainbow." She started. "I'm having a really nice time." She smiled at the pegasus, wishing the night would slow down just for them.

Rainbow Dash smiled right back at her princess. "Me too, Twi. I still feel bad that this night didn't go the way you wanted, but I'm glad we're here now."

Twilight blushed a deep red, which made Rainbow raise an eyebrow in question. "W-well, that's not entirely true, Rainbow." She laughed nervously. "This date could still go the way I w-want it to, if we just..." The purple mare was now trembling.

"Are you okay, Twilight?" Rainbow asked in concern. "What is it? What would make this date perfect?"

"It... it would be perfect if you spent the night with me." Twilight turned away to hide her burning face. Completely taken aback, Rainbow attempted to wrap her mind around what her marefriend had just proposed. The couple had taken naps together, even cuddled in bed before, but Rainbow understood the implications of what Twilight had said. She was offering intimacy, something that would solidify their relationship beyond mere words and kisses. The daredevil would be lying if she claimed to have never thought of sharing such a moment with the alicorn in front of her, and nearly every fiber of her being wanted to accept.

Then Rainbow remembered something. She had promised Applejack that she would help clear some flooding in Sweet Apple Acres. The farmer needed the fields dry by midday, which meant Rainbow and her weather team would need to arrive early in the morning.

What should I do? The cyan mare wondered frantically. I want to stay with Twilight, but I need to be alert and rested in order to help AJ tomorrow. I can't just duck out on my promise... "Ah... um... look Twi, I'm totally ready for... y'know, that. It's just that Applejack needs my help tomorrow morning. I kinda need to be awake really early." Rainbow regretted every word as it left her mouth. "I'm sorry, honestly."

Looking to her marefriend, Rainbow saw utter disbelief on Twilight's face. "Rainbow... You would rather spend time on Applejack's farm than spend the night with me?" Tears began to form in her eyes, making Rainbow desperate to fix the situation.

"No, Twilight, I would much rather spend tonight with you. But I promised AJ I'd help her days ago. She's our friend, and I can't leave her hangin' when she needs help."

The surprise on Twilight's face melted away into frustration. "Look, I get it. You agreed to help Applejack, and now you feel obligated to stick to that promise. But we're marefriends now. I don't want to sound clingy, but I expect a little priority over your errands." The alicorn didn't intend on sounding insulting or malicious, but Rainbow took offense.

"What, you want me to brush off AJ? To give up on helping ponies whenever we have a date?" The brash speedster didn't mean to lash out, but found she couldn't stop herself from continuing. "I know we're a couple, but being loyal is what defines me. It's who I am, Twi, and I thought you liked me for that."

Suddenly, Twilight found herself backed into a corner. "I-I do like you for who you are, Rainbow Dash. That's why I want to spend more time with you, can't you see that?"

"Twi, I want to spend all my time with you, but we both have lives to lead. Ponyville couldn't function without their princess and weather manager."

"Is that all our relationship is to you, just a part of your life?" Twilight demanded. "What makes me more important to you than anypony else?"

Rainbow had no response. Her experience with romance was non-existent before Twilight, and she still fumbled with what to say and how to act. Though Twilight meant more to her than anything, Rainbow couldn't put into words why.

"I can't deal with this, Twi. Not now, not today. I'm sorry, but I need to go." Before her marefriend could see her cry, Rainbow took to the skies, heading towards her house. She heard Twilight call out to her, but couldn't bring herself to turn around. Her instinct was to get away from the source of her confusion. The blue pegasus desperately needed an answer to Twilight's question, but she wouldn't find it here.

Reaching her house in record time, Rainbow Dash burst through her front door in tears. She flew up to her bedroom and collapsed onto her cloud bed. "What do you want from me, Twilight?!?" She yelled to nopony. "Why can't you understand that I need to be there for our friends, even if it gets in the way of out time together? I can't give up my element for you, even though I would in a heartbeat. Why do I feel so guilty for just doing my job?"

With no answers for her growing pile of torturous questions, Rainbow cried herself to sleep.

Sudden Realization

Pain. Physical pain from straining her wings too hard, exerting more force than she would for any maneuver. Pain was all Rainbow could use to avoid thinking about her marefriend, and what made her so important. It hurt to spin this tight a circle for so long and so quickly, but it wasn't nearly so painful as not knowing what made Twilight the most important pony in her life.

"...ainbow...sh..." The call fell on deaf ears. All Rainbow was concerned over was answering the question that had plagued her dreams all night.

I know that you're more important than some duty, Twi! She thought angrily. Why do I have to put words to it, Celestia damn it! You of all ponies should know how bad I am with this stuff!

"Rai...Das..." Came another call from somewhere. In her blind confusion and determination to focus on anything else, Rainbow only spun faster and faster.

What is it that makes Twilight so special? I could go on for days about how she helps me with new words and never thinks to mock me, how adorable she looks when she buries herself in a book, or-

"RAINBOW DASH!" Finally reaching its target, the scream made Rainbow bring her forward movement to a halt. Once the world came back into clarity, the weather mare saw the small tornado she had created disperse. What she didn't see were any of her fellow pegasi, all of them replaced by one earth pony with an orange coat and blonde mane. The mare in front of her chuckled. "Finally heard me, did ya?"

Too dizzy to stand, Rainbow sat on her haunches and tried to calm her spinning eyes. "Sorry, AJ. I was a little distracted. Did we clear out all that water?"

"The water? Ya darn near cleared out mah orchard, sugarcube!" Helping the pegasus to her feet, Applejack looked to the skies. "Yer weather squad left a minute ago, said they were too busy to wait for you to calm down. I'm impressed, but a little worried at how long ya kept that there twister going all on your own. Something got you wound up, Rainbow?"

"Well, yeah actually." The blue mare rubbed at the back of her neck with a hoof. "It's me and Twilight. We're... I'm having a bit of a problem." She sheepishly turned away from her friend. While she prepared to say goodbye and fly off, Applejack spoke up.

"You wanna talk about it, sugercube?"

No, no I don't. I'm just gonna refuse and fly off. Nice and simple. "I do, I really do AJ." Horseapples. Rainbow flew the short distance to a strong branch in a nearby apple tree. After getting comfortable she addressed her farmer friend, who was patiently waiting on the ground. "You know how I saved Applebloom in town yesterday?"

Applejack nodded. "Of course ah do, and ah can't thank ya enough for it."

Rainbow's nose scrunched up as she recalled the rest of the day. "Right, well afterwards I ended my morning date with Twi. I had already promised Pinkie some help, which I spent the afternoon doing. That night, me and Twi had another date, right? Everything was going great, until she..." the cyan mare blushed and trailed off. "Not important. What's bothering me is that when I told her I had promised to help you here today, and that I couldn't stay up late with her, she flipped. Out of nowhere she starts telling me I need to start taking our relationship more seriously than my duties. And it's not like I don't understand that, I do! But then she asked me what made her more important than just another friend I felt loyal to."

"Okay. Well, what did ya say to her?" Applejack questioned.

Cringing, the pegasus answered. "I didn't say anything, really. I couldn't find an answer, so I ran, and I still can't say why she means so much to me!" Rainbow Dash threw her forelegs into the air and fell back against the tree. "Why can't I answer that question, AJ?"

Applejack frowned thoughtfully. "Well, ya feel guilty, don'tcha? Guilty that ya can't spend more of your time with her instead of working?" Rainbow nodded. "Do you feel guilty for coming to help me instead of spending the night with your marefriend?"

The speedster's eyes narrowed. "What are you getting at, AJ? Yeah I feel bad, but I'd never leave you out to dry."

The earth pony shook her head. "I know that, sugarcube, but hear me out. Imagine I asked you to stick around and talk to me right now, but you already told Fluttershy you'd help her with something. Would you feel bad about leaving me to help her?"

Rainbow closed her eyes in thought. Before long she shook her head in kind. "No, I wouldn't feel bad, because I promised Fluttershy. But I don't see how this helps me with Twilight."

Applejack smiled. "Why do you feel bad for leaving Twilight behind to go and be loyal, but not for me?"

Still oblivious to what her friend had discovered, Rainbow grew agitated. "Oh come on, AJ, you know I like all you girls, but she's Twilight Sparkle! My marefriend, the pony I want to spend every moment of my life with! It's different because I-" She cut herself off before the words could spill out. Covering her mouth with both hooves, Rainbow looked down at Applejack with wide eyes.

The grin on the farmer's face grew. "Ah thought so. Ya got something to tell Twilight now, RD?"

"Yes! Oh yes, do I ever! Thanks for everything, AJ, gotta go!" With no hesitation, Rainbow Dash took off from the tree and raced towards Ponyville.

Watching the speedy flier tear through the sky, Applejack laughed to herself. "Ah should be thanking you, RD. After all, you're the one who got rid of all this standing water."

***

Across Ponyville, in a castle that a blue pegasus was racing towards, Twilight had just sat down for breakfast. Her night had been spent crying over Rainbow's abrupt exit, but she was determined not to let today be ruined by it. The princess was a smart mare, and knew that she would say something she'd regret if she faced Rainbow now. The purple mare decided to take a day without her marefriend on her mind, and approach her about the problem when they were both calmed down and sure of themselves. Twilight's plan was realistic, well thought out, and lasted for about ten seconds.

To the alicorn's surprise, Rainbow Dash burst in through a nearby window. "Twi, we need to talk." She asserted without landing, hovering nervously above Twilight's table. "Well, I need to talk, starting with an apology for last night."

A tired and irritated Twilight leaned back in her seat. "Go on, Rainbow." Her eyes narrowed expectantly.

"Ah... um... right! You wanted to know what makes you more important to me than any other aspect of my life." The cyan pegasus stuck out her chest proudly. "Well, I figured it out!"

Rainbow's audience was not impressed. "Wait, Rainbow, don't be brash." Twilight's glare softened. "We're both really emotional right now, and I'm sorry if I put you on the spot. Take your time and calm down before you answer."

The speedster shook her head. "No, you don't understand, Twi. I'm completely sure of this, and waiting to tell you would be torture." She took a deep breath. "Twilight, I love being the element of loyalty. I love having my friends know how reliable I can be, and I love helping them when they need it."

Twilight stood up. "What does that mean for you or me? For us?"

"Just wait 'till I finish and it'll make sense, I promise." Rainbow landed and walked up to her marefriend. "Normally I wouldn't hesitate to take off from anything if my friends were relying on me, but with you, I feel guilty whenever my duties tear me away. It makes it hard to balance our relationship with everything else, Twi."

"Excuse me? Are you saying you feel guilty for dating me?"

Rainbow leaped back. "No, not at all! The reason I feel guilty is because you're more important to me than those other things! You make me want to disregard my responsibilities, even when I can't."

Twilight's brow furrowed. "But why? You can't seem to give me a straight answer. What makes you feel this way?"

"Don't you see? I could give you hundreds of reasons why I feel like this, but they all mean the same thing. Everything in my life pales in comparison to my relationship with you!"

"Stop dancing around this! How can I compare to the duties you love so much, Rainbow?!" Twilight was yelling now, begging for an answer.

"Because I love you more than any old duty! I love you more than my reputation! I love you, Twilight Sparkle!"

Silence dominated the room. The two mares stared at each other, each with a thousand unique thoughts racing around in their minds.

She isn't responding. Rainbow noticed. Like, at all. Was it too much? Should I say something else? She closed her eyes to avoid Twilight's piercing purple eyes. No, it's over. I messed it up by coming on too strong. She probably wants to break up and- LIPS! There are lips on my lips! After recovering from her shock, the pegasus melted into the kiss. It was more passionate than any kiss the couple had shared, deep and loving, but chaste and romantic. It was more a celebration of their love than a confirmation of it. For Rainbow, the kiss was an end to her life of balance and the beginning of a life devoted to her marefriend.

Twilight was smiling wide when she finally separated from Rainbow. "I love you too. I'm so sorry I stressed us both out over this. Is there any way I can make it up to you?"

In the heat of the moment, with a beautiful mare in front of her and their newly proclaimed love still fresh, Rainbow's thoughts brought a smirk to her face. "Wanna pick up from where we left off last night?"

Author's Note

Looks like everything worked out! Epilogue next week, thanks for all the love and support, everypony!

Lovely contentment

After spending the morning in the bedroom, Twilight and Rainbow left the castle to go and find something for lunch. The couple enjoyed a daze of happiness and relief, leaning against each other and nuzzling as they walked into town. The good weather had stuck around from yesterday, the skies cleared by Rainbow's coworkers and the ground warmed by Celestia's sun. Flowers were in bloom and the grass shone a vibrant green, lighting up Ponyville's first days of spring.

Twilight sighed in bliss. Despite the confusion and emotion that ripped yesterday apart, she was next to the pegasus she loved, sharing the beautiful day together. The alicorn waved at passing ponies, smiling shyly whenever they smirked or giggled knowingly. Still feeling passionate, she turned and kissed Rainbow's cheek, which immediately developed a blush.

"Heh, thanks, Twi." The daredevil responded. Rainbow's eyes wandered across the signs above Ponyville's restaurants and shops, unsure of what she felt like eating. "Any ideas on lunch?"

The princess shook her head. "I don't really care. How about we just eat at the cafe?" She pointed across the street, drawing Rainbow's attention to a small building with two tables set outside its doors.

"Alright, sounds great." Rainbow guided her marefriend to the cafe, stopping at the door where a pink and purple mare stood. "Hi, Berryshine. Can we get a table for two?"

The mare offered the pair a smile. "Sure thing, Rainbow Dash." She walked over to one of the tables and set down two menus. "Why don't you two take a look at our menu, and I'll be right back with some water." With Twilight's thanks, Berryshine walked inside the cafe.

The princess of friendship sat down across from her marefriend and picked up her menu. The alicorn's eyes scanned the choices before her until she heard a giggle. Glancing up, Twilight found Rainbow with a hoof over her mouth, stifling a laugh. "What's so funny, Rainbow?" She inquired.

In response, Rainbow shook her head and looked down to her menu with a smile still plastered on her face. "It's nothing."

Twilight cocked her head. "What? C'mon, just tell me." Her marefriend's giggling continued before she received a proper answer.

"I just think you look cute when you read." Rainbow told her new lover.

At this, Twilight blushed. She tried to give the mare across from her a glare, but couldn't stop herself from smiling. "Not as cute as you look when you smirk like that."

Rainbow chuckled and leaned across the table, gently placing her lips on Twilight's. This kiss was not the most passionate or deep that couple had ever shared, but it was just as meaningful. The cyan pegasus closed her eyes and spread her wings, relishing in her marefriend's soft lips and warm breath. She was all but lying on the table, completely lost in emotion, when a timid interruption came from the couple's waitress.

"Umm... You two ready to order?" Berryshine asked quietly. Once Rainbow scrambled back into her seat, cheeks redder than the streak in her hair, Berryshine continued. "Sorry to butt in, girls. Need a minute to look at the menu some more?"

Twilight recovered faster than her companion, forcing down the pink on her face. "No thank you, I think we're all set. I'll take a daisy sandwich, and Rainbow..." Her marefriend nodded silently. "Rainbow will have the same."

Once the mare had left with their orders, Twilight and Rainbow locked eyes. Embarrassment faded away and grew into matching grins, which turned into hysterical laughter. The couple were in tears, overwhelmed by the absurdity of the situation. After the two calmed down, they heard a sound in the distance. Turning to look at the source of the foreign noise, the ponies saw a large storm cloud coming from the Everfree Forest. Rogue streaks of lightning shot out sporadically, rain pouring from the bottom of the monstrous puff. Members of the weather team raced towards the offending cloud, ready to turn it away from town.

"Oh man, and I was gonna take the afternoon off!" Rainbow exclaimed. The daredevil stood from her chair, but quickly stopped herself from leaving. A short, one sided debate filled her thoughts for only a moment before she sat back down. She addressed Twilight casually, showing her back to the approaching storm. "Eh, my team can handle it. I have more important things to do." She laid her head down on her forelegs, staring sweetly at her marefriend.

Twilight, while flattered, gave Rainbow a concerned look. "I appreciate the sentiment, honestly, but I think you should make an exception for this. We can't have our date if that cloud floods Ponyville, anyway." The alicorn leaned in and kissed Rainbow again, only more quickly and chastely. "Go be a hero, okay?"

Rainbow flared her wings and pumped a hoof into the air. "Yes, ma'am! Love you Twi, be right back!" The pegasus wasted no time in bolting from the cafe, charging towards the cloud with not only a desire to reach it, but to return as quickly as she could.

Twilight sighed as she watched her marefriend fly away. Her wings beat with power and authority, and her colorful tail fluttered behind her like a banner. Rainbow was the kind of pony that could move mountains, and would not rest until she had helped anypony and everypony who needed help. That mare could have anypony she wanted, but she chose me. The princess thought. Yep Twilight, you did pretty well for yourself.

Author's Note

Whoa, it's over! This series was fun to write, and I'm over the moon from all the support! Sorry for the short epilogue, but I didn't want to stress over a long ending when I already resolved the conflict. Thanks a ton for reading, your time means a lot to me! Let me know what you think I could do better, or what you want to see next!