Fearless

Two years later...

"Queen Celestia has recalled all troops deployed overseas. Every man and woman is being returned to further police the escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Princess Luna has declared a period of silence and mourning.

"Rioters defaced ponymorph memorials and gravesides in response to the bombing of Camelot Academy of Military Science. It took police 5 hours to regain control of the situation. The Princess advocated for a peaceful meeting, where a solution might be found, rather than continue needless violence.

"Others are not so calm. Ponymorph activists are encouraging civil disobedience in the streets. Some are even saying that if the systemic abuse of ponymorphs doesn't come to an end, then segregation from the Solar Empire is eminent.

"The frightening statistics of ponymorph military service personnel that agrees gives reason to lock your doors at night. Perhaps observant critics were correct, and our nation is heading down a dark, dangerous path."

Fluttershy reached a hand out. A single, delicate snowflake landed on it. Then another, and another. She smiled. Raising her head, Fluttershy stuck out her tongue, catching more on it. The freezing crystals melted almost immediately.

"Hi, girl!"

Fluttershy felt a strong pair of arms hugging her from behind. Cyan blue hands wrapped over her waist, and Fluttershy's smile grew.

"Hey, baby."

"Who you callin' 'baby'?" Rainbow Dash laughed as she lifted Fluttershy up. Fluttershy giggled, kicking her feet and squealing in mock protest.

Rainbow Dash's triumphant laugh was cut short, as she slipped on the sidewalk. She fell on her back, Fluttershy landing on top of her. Rainbow groaned as Fluttershy rolled off to lay next to her.

"You, you big baby." Fluttershy booped Rainbow Dash on the nose, before standing up. "Are you alright?" She asked, offering Rainbow Dash a hand.

"Oh, I don't know," Rainbow Dash moaned in despair. "I think I broke something," She rubbed her bottom, making a pouty face at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy gave Rainbow Rainbow a pitiful shake of her head. "Doctor Fluttershy is in. Do you need an examination?"

"Oh yeah. Full body, actually. Never know what might be wrong with me."

"I think I have an idea," Fluttershy giggled, tapping Rainbow Dash on the head. "My diagnosis: just a booboo."

Rainbow Dash wrapped her arms around Fluttershy's waist, leaning her forehead against Fluttershy's. "Kiss it and make it better?"

Fluttershy stifled a laugh. "Where's the affected area?"

Rainbow Dash innocently pointed to her lips. Fluttershy cracked, her breath crystallizing as she laughed.

"You are so corny!"

Rainbow Dash tilted her head, shrugging. "I could die, doc. I need help."

Fluttershy rolled her eyes, still smiling. She pressed her lips against Rainbow's, tasting a sweet warmth. Fluttershy draped her arms over Rainbow Dash's shoulders as they kissed. Eventually, they pulled apart, their eyes gazing into each other's.

"All better?"

"You just saved a life, doc." Rainbow Dash gave Fluttershy another peck on the cheek. The pair started down the street, hand-in-hand.

"So, the Winter Sno-Ball is coming up at my school." Fluttershy casually brought up.

"Yeah?"

"I would be most honored if you accompanied me."

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head. "You know that's not a good idea, 'Shy."

"On the contrary," Fluttershy sighed, "I think this will be a very good opportunity for both of us. And show people that this senseless discrimination can end."

Rainbow Dash shook her head. "All it's gonna do is give those assholes even more excuses to pick on you."

"I'm a big girl," Fluttershy tossed. "Besides, at the end of the day, you're my girlfriend. I want to show you off to the world."

Rainbow Dash groaned loudly. "Fine. But if it gets any worse, I'm picking you up after school."

"Deal."

Fluttershy leaned her head against Rainbow's shoulder as they walked. After a moment, she giggled to herself.

"I can't wait to see you in a dress."

"Wait, what?"

Rainbow Dash fidgeted. She did not like how vulnerable her legs felt.

"I never thought I'd see the day." Rainbow Dash's father laughed. "Oh, your mother would be shocked. I barely even recognize you."

"It's just for tonight." Rainbow insisted, studying herself in the mirror. In a way, she did look kinda cute. Rainbow Dash hated it.

"Do you want me to be your chauffeur for the night?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head. "I got it. Thanks, Dad."

"Alright then, as long as you're sure. Be safe tonight." Her father hugged her. "Use protection," He added with a wink.

Rainbow Dash snickered. "Whatever you say, Dad."

Fluttershy sat at the kitchen table, waiting patiently. Her mother had helped style her strawberry blonde hair in a fancy bun (that she honestly thought didn't suit her). She hoped Rainbow liked it.

Fluttershy jerked at the sound of a knock on the door. Eagerly, Fluttershy pushed back her chair and stood up. Taking a second to smooth her dress, Fluttershy opened up the door.

"H-H-Hey there, B-Butterfly." Rainbow Dash shivered.

Fluttershy forced her jaw not to drop. Rainbow sported a dashing slim dress that matched her hair. Her hands were over her bare arms, and Fluttershy forgot it was below freezing outside.

"Oh, oh come in!" Fluttershy gestured frantically, moving aside.

"Th-Th-Thanks."

Fluttershy wrapped her arms over her girlfriend after shutting the door.

"Car's running, babe. You wanna head out?" Rainbow Dash shuddered.

Fluttershy hugged Rainbow tightly. "Let's warm you up a bit, first."

Rainbow Dash snuggled up to Fluttershy. "You look beautiful, 'Shy."

"You too, Dashie. Dress, necklace, bracelets. Did you style your hair, too?"

"Well, don't get used to it, it's just for tonight. And it's just for you. I don't like hiding my tail like this."

"Aw, my sweet little Dashie, you poor baby." Fluttershy poked Rainbow's belly.

Rainbow Dash laughed softly. "Alright babe. Let's hit the road. We got a party to crash."

Rainbow Dash walked stiffly next to Fluttershy. Fluttershy's arms were entwined with Rainbow's right arm that was completely parallel with her body.

"It's okay. You can relax, baby." Fluttershy whispered.

"I'm trying, it's just these goddamn high heels." Rainbow Dash wished it was just the dumb shoes. Every passing look. Every disgusted glare. Every shocked eye-widen. Rainbow Dash felt them all locked onto her.

Fluttershy seemed a little nervous, too. But, she was Fluttershy; she never liked crowds to begin with. Rainbow Dash assumed a steely look, eyes aimed straight ahead.

The gymnasium floor had a few scattered dancers, mostly girls. It was hot and dark, but still light enough to make out details. There was no blending in here.

Fluttershy gently massaged Rainbow's shoulder with one hand. "Baby, if you're that spooked, we can just go back to my house and watch a movie."

Rainbow Dash faked a laugh. "Nothing scares me, 'Shy. Come on, let's dance!" Rainbow Dash grabbed Fluttershy's waist, moving along with the heavy dance mix. Fluttershy giggled at Rainbow's nonsensical moves, but quickly joined in.

The girls laughed, constantly tripping over each other, song after song. Rainbow focused entirely on Fluttershy. Her cute smile, the happy glow in her eyes, the shimmer of the soft light on her hair.

Song after song played, and the pair danced and danced. They probably received a lot of stares from curious onlookers, but neither of them noticed.

Fluttershy woke up from her haze, detecting a slow song coming on.

"Oh, do you know what that means?" She smiled slyly at Rainbow Dash.

"Oh no," Rainbow pleaded. "I can't dance dance."

Fluttershy placed her lips on Rainbow's, softly letting her savor it.

"It's okay," Fluttershy promised with a coaxing whisper. "I'll teach you."

Resistance fading, Rainbow Dash let Fluttershy guide her left arm back down to Fluttershy's waist. She took Rainbow's right hand, holding it out to the side. And slowly, slowly, they began to sway to the music.

It wasn't a tune Fluttershy recognized, but she didn't care. Her whole world right now was the sky blue girl in front of her. Rainbow Dash looked deep into Fluttershy's eyes as they moved. She could practically read every passing thought that flashed across those teal irises.

Rainbow was overjoyed to see the longing and desire she felt reflect in Fluttershy's eyes. She closed her eyes, leaning her forehead against Fluttershy's. Fluttershy smiled, grateful to be spending this moment with her love.

"To all those who flood the streets, to those who campaign violently and with no regard to your fellow citizens, hear your Queen now.

"Such aggressive acts will no longer be tolerated. I understand your anger, but I ask that you let justice be served in a court of law. Our nation is in a period of conflict, and I do not wish for us to divide over petty differences.

"Return to your homes. Go on with your lives. Go to work, enjoy the comfort of your families. I only ask that these abominable acts of hate, both towards ponymorphs and humans, come to an end.

"Do not test the authorities' willingness to enforce my decree. Any and all further violations, great or small, will be punished severely."