Everypony Loves

Chapters

Chapter 1: Everypony Meets
Chapter 2: The Feelings Begin
A Perfect and Confusing Evening
Losing Control
Party Shenanigans
Making the best of things
Some Friendly Advice
Breaking News And Breaking Hearts
A Little Motivation

Chapter 1: Everypony Meets

Everypony Loves

Chapter 1: Everypony Meets

It was a rather beautiful day in Ponyville, the sun was shining and even though there were a few clouds hovering above the sun’s rays still shone through and warmed the citizens below. It was the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration and this year Ponyville was the city chosen to host it. Everypony was busy doing something to get ready for the festivities; the princess of Equestria herself was going to be making an appearance. Princess Celestia had sent her most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, to ensure that everything was going according to plan.

There was one pony who knew everypony in Ponyville, and little did she know she was about to make a new acquaintance. Pinkie Pie was a genuinely cheery pony, and there were very few, possibly none in Ponyville who had ever seen her so much as frown. Her entire body was pink and she had a beautiful poofy pink mane. On her flank she had a cutie mark composed of balloons to show her area of expertise which happened to be parties. She was walking down the street a huge smile plastered on her face.

“Come on Twilight, just try.” The voice broke Pinkie from her daydreaming and she opened her eyes to find out where the voice was coming from. The speaker had been a baby dragon named Spike; he had purple scales and a faded green underbelly. Standing beside the dragon was a purple-bodied unicorn pony. Her mane went in front of her face and just barely covered her eyes; it was a combination of blue and purple with a brilliant rose streak going down the middle of it. The purple mare smiled awkwardly, as though she wasn’t even sure what she was doing and then she spoke. “U-um…Hello?”
Pinkie Pie tilted her head a little as she observed the two in front of her. She’d never seen them before, so that must mean that they were new to Ponyville. She jumped into the air and gasped loudly; her mouth hung wide open before she dashed forward and disappeared, leaving a cloud behind her.

Twilight turned around and watched the pink pony run off. “Well that was interesting all right.” She rolled her eyes towards her baby dragon and made her way down the street to begin checking on the preparations for the festivities to come.

Twilight had already inspected the food, in fact she felt as though she had eaten more than half of it. Next on her list of things to check though was the weather. There was a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash who was supposed to be keeping the skies clear for the event, yet clouds drifted lazily overhead. Twilight was just making a snide comment about what a poor job said Pegasus pony was doing when she felt as though she were rammed in the side by a train. She was face down in the mud and her head was spinning. She wasn’t even sure which way was up anymore and she groaned. She didn’t even bother moving, today was not going well.

Twilight could feel the weight of somepony else atop of her but the weight was quickly lifted followed by an unapologetic laugh. “’ ‘Scuse me?”

Whoever this pony was she did not seem very apologetic and Twilight groaned before lifting her face from the mud. She was not amused in the slightest. There was more laughing followed by an offer for help. She’ll probably only make it worse Twilight thought to herself. Twilight sat up and by the time she had the Pegasus pony had returned with a cloud and held it above Twilight. She began hopping on it, and it got rid of the mud on Twilight but completely ruined her mane. Twilight was not like some ponies who were obsessed with their manes but this on the other hoof was just ridiculous.

Twilight slowly looked up, glaring up at the Pegasus pony who was only now noticing the effects that little shower had had on the purple mare. There was a little more giggling.

“Oops I guess I overdid it. Um..How ‘bout this?” Twilight opened her mouth wide and wanted to shout out a protest but it was too late. The Pegasus began flying around her in a rapid circle, around and around, faster than anypony she’d ever seen fly before. She couldn’t even make out what was in front of her anymore and could only faintly hear the unhelpful Pegasus talking. She’d only caught the last few words though.

“…Rainblow dry.” If only that was all the pony had had to say.

Her eyes were closed as she placed herself back on the ground speaking smugly. “Now, now don’t thank me. You’re quite welcome”

How smug can somepony get?

Twilight’s mane was completely ruined. It was messy and all poofed up, not straight like it should be. Whatever the mare had done it had had the same effect on her tail, and once she had noticed it she seemed shock for a moment, and Twilight thought she was going to apologize, but no. She began laughing, she laughed so hard she fell to the ground and Twilight had even seen tears form in her eyes. Once Spike saw the effects he joined in too. Twilight had, by now, noticed the mares appearance and with the addition of having her “Rainblow dry” it was a fair conclusion to assume this was the Pegasus in charge of the weather. She glared down at the Pegasus.

“Let me guess. You’re Rainbow Dash?”

“The one and only!” Her reply was instant, and she quickly stood up proudly, lifting a hoof up to her chest, almost as though she was showing herself off. Her body was a light blue, similar to that of the sky and she had one of the most unique manes Twilight had ever seen. It was Rainbow colored and consisted of various colors, as did her tail. On her flank rests a Lightning Bolt. “Why? You heard’o me?”

“I heard you’re supposed to be keeping the sky clear.” Twilight sighed and turned towards Rainbow Dash. “I’m Twilight Sparkle and the princess sent me to check on the weather.” Well Twilight had been talking Rainbow Dash had found a nice comfy cloud and settled herself upon it, hardly even paying attention.

“Yeah, yeah. That’ll be a snap. I’ll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I’m done practicing.”

“Practicing for what?”

“The Wonderbolts! They’re gonna perform at the celebration tomorrow and I’m gonna show ‘em my stuff!” Rainbow Dash loop-de-looped and landed on another cloud.

“THE Wonderbolts?” Twilight asked smugly.

“Yup.”

“The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?”

“That’s them”

“Pfft, please. They’d never accept a Pegasus who can’t keep the sky clear for one measly day”

“Hey! I could clear the sky in ten seconds flat!”

This was exactly the reaction Twilight had hoped for. She narrowed her eyes and grinned. “Prove it.”

In that exact second Rainbow Dash unfurled her wings and began flying around, kicking all the clouds. Twilight and Spike watched below in disbelief as Rainbow Dash soared from Cloud to Cloud, knocking each of them out of the sky one after the other before finally landing and grinning. “What did I tell ‘ya? Ten. Seconds. Flat. I’d never leave Ponyville hangin’!”

Twilight and Spike didn’t move. They were in utter disbelief and what the rainbow-maned pony had just managed to do.

“You should see the look on your face.” Rainbow Dash said as she drifted around the two.“You’re a laugh Twilight Sparkle. I can’t wait to hang out some more!”
And with that Rainbow Dash disappeared leaving the purple unicorn dumbfounded.

Rainbow Dash soared above the clouds, her powerful wings keeping her adrift. From the ground people would barely be able to make out her blue body, which almost blended in with the color of the sky, but there was never mistaking her mane. She didn’t know of any pony in the world that had a mane like hers, and she was proud of it. It set her apart from the other ponies. That wasn’t the only thing that separated her from them, but she would never admit that to them. There was only one other pony in all of equestrian who knew her secret and Rainbow Dash was determined to keep it that way.

Dash noticed a pony below, somepony she would never mistake for anyone else. She was almost as unique as Dash in a sense, but they were also the same in another way too. This was the pony that knew her secret and Dash knew hers. Her closest, best friend and so much more. Even from so high up she could tell that down below she wasn’t walking as the other ponies did. This pony had a habit of bouncing everywhere she went, and no matter where she went or who she met up with she always brought a smile to their faces. It was Pinkie Pie, the happiest, most fun-loving mare in all of Ponyville, possibly in all of Equestria. Not only were her and Dash extremely close but she was also Dash’s pranking partner. No one could pull a prank like Pinkie.

Dash decided now was as good a time as any to visit her friend. She sped up in the air going much farther in front of her before extending one wing and pulling the other in against her body. She turned and once she’d completely turned around she tucked both of her wings against her body and went into a dive towards the ground, leaving a rainbow trail behind her, it was practically her trademark. She landed in front of Pinkie Pie standing tall and proud, one of her front hooves was lifted, almost as though she were posing.

“Dashie!” Pinkie shouted, jumping forward to give her friend a hug.

“Hey there Pinkie Pie.” Came Dash’s reply. “What are y-“

“Come with me!” Pinkie cut Dash off mid-sentence.

Dash tilted her head curiously but before she could ask what that was all about Pinkie had already taken off, bouncing joyfully along. Dash rolled her eyes. She knew there was no point trying to reason with Pinkie Pie. She was just so random. She flapped her wings and lifted herself from the ground and followed Pinkie. They engaged in meaningless chit-chat until they reached Sugar cube Corner. It was the best bakery in Ponyville, not to mention Pinkie Pie’s home and job. She worked there as a baker with Mr. And Mrs. Cake. It was the perfect job for Pinkie Pie, since she was so obsessed with sweets. They entered, Mr. And Mrs. Cake were nowhere to be found. They were probably getting ready for the festivities. Dash and Pinkie made their way up to the pink earth pony’s room and shut the door behind them.

“Why did we come all the way here Pinkie?”

“I need to get some party supplies!” Came Pinkie’s reply. She was zooming around the room, collecting streamers and balloons and other such party accessories. She’d put a large, pointed party-hat on and was grinning towards Dash, a grin which Dash quickly returned.

“And here I thought you just wanted to be alone with me”

Pinkie Pie giggled at Dash’s response and bounced over to her, nuzzling herself into her friends colourful mane. They had never meant for it to happen but after a while they couldn’t deny it anymore. They knew that they shouldn’t have been feeling that way about each other but the heart wants what it wants and they wanted each other. They’d never shared their secret with anypony, and they probably never would. They’d never heard of two mares being together or falling in love, and they shuddered at what their friends would think of them if they found it. It was easier this way, for them and for everypony else. Sometimes it was hard, hiding who they really were from their friends, but it was necessary and at the end of the day they always got through it together.

“Of course I wanna spend time alone with my marefriend, but I have a party to plan!”

Dash laughed at their made up word for what they were to each other before responding. “Are you throwing a party for all the ponies to get together and watch the sun rise?”

“No. Yes. Kind of! I hadn’t thought of that before but now that you mention it that sounds like a super, spectacular wonderifical idea! Every pony in Ponyville is invited anyway so we can do that too and it’ll give everypony a chance to meet the new mare here.” Pinkie seemed pleased with the new idea.

“New mare?”

“Oh right! I forgot to tell you, Dashie. On my way home I ran into a purple unicorn and she said hi to me but I’d never seen her before, and I know everypony in Ponyville, and since I’d never seen her before then that must have meant that she was new! Since she’s new to town she probably hasn’t had the chance to meet many people so I had the brilliant idea to throw her the bestest, biggest, funest party ever! By the end of it she’ll have lots and lots of friends!”

Dash tilted her head; her marefriend must be talking about Twilight. “You mean Twilight Sparkle?”

“Oh you met her too? Maybe she already has friends then.”

“I just crossed her in the street. I showed her what I can do! By the time I was done she didn’t even know what to say!” Dash struck another proud pose, and Pinkie giggled again.

“Silly Dashie” She nuzzled herself into her again. “I’m gonna throw the party anyway, I love making new friends and I wanna find out all about her. I hope she likes parties! Do you think she’s gonna like parties Dashie? I hope so! Maybe she’ll like pranks too. I bet she comes from somewhere reaaaally interesting and she’ll have lots and lots of stories to tell us about her hometown!”

“Maybe.” Was Dash’s short reply. She averted her gaze, thinking for a minute. Pinkie was rather interested in this mare, but Dash shouldn’t say anything. She knew it was nothing, Pinkie would never do anything to hurt her. Sometimes she got jealous, but she’d gotten better at it. If people knew that Pinkie was hers she’d probably feel better, but it wasn’t worth exposing their secret because of a bit of jealousy. She’d get it under control.

Pinkie giggled because she her the rainbow-maned pony all too well. She bounced over Dash again and again until her giggles subsided. “Aww Dashie, are you jealous?”

“What! N-no!” Dash turned her head to the side and firmly sat her rump on the ground.

Pinkie laughed, and kissed her marefriend on the cheek. “Silly Dashie.”

This calmed Rainbow Dash down a little bit and she smiled. She always had to have the last word though. “Yeah well...I could make you jealous too you know.”

Pinkie Pie’s eyes widened as she seemed to have one of her bright ideas. “Oh like a game? Dashie, that’s a great idea! We’ll see who gets the most jealous! I wish I could stay longer but I gotta go plan the new mare’s – Twilight you called her? – party! I’ll see you there Dashie!” She kissed her on the cheek again before bouncing out the window, a box on her back was filled with everything she would need to get the party ready. She’d get the information she needed from other residents of Ponyville and enlist some of her friends help to decorate and all that. She bounced down, planning the party in her mind without a care in the world.

Dash was stunned, and as she watched her pink-bodied friend bounce away she couldn’t help but feel a little angry, and then a little upset. She wished Pinkie hadn’t turned this into her game, her feelings for Pinkie weren’t a game, in fact they were far from it and she wasn’t pleased with this turn of events. On the other hoof though she couldn’t refuse a challenge. She sighed as she left through the same window, taking to the skies. She had a feeling somepony was going to end up unhappy with this game.

“Wasn’t she wonderful?” Came Spike’s voice from his resting spot atop Twilight’s back. He was referring to the fashion obsessed pony they had just met. Her name was Rarity and she was in charge of the decorations for the evening. She seemed to care more about appearance than anything else. As soon as she had seen Twilight’s mane that had been destroyed by Rainbow Dash it had seemed almost as though she would die. She had insisted on fixing up Twilight’s mane, and if that was not bad enough she forced Twilight to try on outfit after outfit. Twilight had quickly made her way out of there while Rarity had gone to collect a ribbon. It may have been a bit rude but if she ever ran into Rarity again she would make up some excuse about being busy with the Summer Sun Celebration. She wasn’t expecting to see anyone ever again though. Hopefully by the end of the day tomorrow she would be back in Canterlot, back with her precious books. It would obviously take a while before Spike forgot her though.

“Focus Cassanova. What’s next on the list?” Twilight said as she turned her attention to Spike. She was just itching to finish everything up. She suspected something bad would happen tonight, and luckily the princess had made arrangements for her to stay in a library tonight. The perfect place to do some research, no distractions, no noise, and nopony to keep trying to befriend her.

“Music, It’s the last one.”

Twilight was pleased to hear this, and it showed too. A large smile was on her face as she made her way down the dirt roads of Ponyville. She had come to a large clearing, trees everywhere, and it was clear tons of animals lived here. From a short distance away she could hear birds singing, in rhythym, a pleasant melody. She made her way towards where the sound was coming from.

It wasn’t intentional but when she reached where the sound was coming from her and Spike were partially hidden by a bush. A large tree was before them, and on the branches were birds of every color and kind. It made a beautiful rainbow of colors, not much different from Rainbow Dash’s mane. A lovely yellow pegasus pony hovered in front of the tree, directing the birds. Waves of pink fell along her neck, and a strand of pink hair covered part of her face. This was clearly the pony in charge of music and Twilight simply observed for the moment.

All the birds sang in unison, except for one. A regal blue-feathered bird was singing rather off key. For what seemed like the longest time the yellow pegasus hovered without saying anything, but cringed every once in a while so she was clearly aware of the problem, yet said nothing. Eventually something had to be said. “Oh my...Um stop please everypony. “ Her voice was low and sweet and held no ill intentions. She seemed to genuinely feel bad to have to criticize anyone at all, even if it was for such a minor problem. She flew up a little higher, to reach the bird above her.

“Um..Excuse me sir, I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeeeny tiny bit off.” She hovered back to her original position, seeming relieved that the confrontation was out of the way. “Now follow me please. A one. A two. A one, two three-“

“Hello.”

Her greeting did not have the effect Twilight had expected. The yellow pegasus jumped, and screamed. All the lovely birds that had been on the branches flew away and the yellow pony turned to see who had greeted her. She hovered a few feet above the purple unicorn and was looking down at her with an awfully concerned expression. Maybe a little encouragement would help Twilight thought to herself.

“Oh my. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten your birds. I’m just here to check up on the music and it’s sounding beautiful.”

The yellow pegasus slowly landed in front of Twilight. Twilight hoped she hadn’t angered her by scaring her birds away. She didn’t seem mad or frustrated or anything really. She still seemed more worried than anything else. She was looking away from Twilight, and the side that faced the purple unicorn was the side that her bright pink mane covered. She shuffled with her front hoof, digging at the dirt. She glanced, only a quick look into the purple unicorns violet optics before quickly looking away.

Twilight wasn’t sure what to do, this was the first genuinely interesting pony she had met in Ponyville today, but it seemed as though she wouldn’t be able to get a single word out of her. Twilight just forced a smile. Things were getting awkward, time continued passing but the yellow pegasus did not say anything, and Twilight now doubted she would.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight paused expecting a response but none came. As Twilight spoke the pegasus’ wings were brought in tighter against her back. Her bright sky-blue eyes glanced at the purple unicorn quickly but just as fast she pulled them away to aimlessly glance at the ground. She adjusted herself so her pink face prevented Twilight from seeing her face.

“What’s your name?” Twilight continued when she realized the other pony was not going to respond.

The yellow Pegasus shuffled on her hooves some more and kept her eyes firmly planted on the ground. She began stuttering out, and since she wasn’t facing Twilight it was hard to hear her, her mumbling didn’t make it easier. “Um...I’m Flutter..” The last part of her name was lost as she only mumbled it out.

Twilight smiled awkwardly again glancing from side to side. “I’m sorry. What was that?”

“Um..I’m...F...” The mumbling got worse. The yellow Pegasus frowned now and she backed away, looking afraid. Her mane covered her face more, as she practically cowered, her knees bent slightly maker her seem smaller than she really was.

“Didn’t quite catch that.” Despite the pegasus’ ridiculous shyness Twilight couldn’t help but find something cute, and endearing about the whole thing. Not to say it wasn’t ridiculously annoying, but still.

The yellow Pegasus moved another step back and her eyes narrowed more fearfully. This time there weren’t even any words that left her lips, simply a loud squeak. There seemed to be nothing that Twilight could do, she couldn’t get to know this pony without even knowing her name.

All the birds that had flown away at Twilight’s appearance had fluttered back now, and Twilight knew that it was time for her to leave. “Well it looks like your birds are back, so I guess everything’s in order. Keep up the good work.” It had all sounded so fake and cheesy but Twilight felt as though there was nothing more she could do. The pegasus offered another audible squeak in response, but nothing more. “Ooookay...” Twilight turned on her hooves and made her way back to Spike, who had decided to stay behind during this whole incident.

“Well that was easy” Twilight said to Spike as he checked off the last of the items on the checklist. It was finally over there was nothing left to do, all of her tasks were complete so Twilight could finally head on to the library and continue her research on the tale of the mare in the moon.

“A baby dragon!”

At first Twilight was confused, she hadn’t realized it was the yellow pegasus’ voice, because she had hardly heard it. She’d barely had time to turn around when she felt her hooves leave the ground. She was hit so hard her entire form went flying over first and she landed belly first in the dirt. Her legs spread out on either side of her and everything seemed to be spinning. The yellow pony had pushed her hard enough to do this? Twilight was still recovering, but she still heard what the yellow pegasus was saying.

“Oh! I’ve never seen a baby dragon before! He’s soooo cute!”

Spike turned around, placing his claws proudly on his hips and grinned at Twilight. “Well, well, well.” Spike then turned his attention back to the pony in front of him.

“Oh my. He talks. I didn’t know dragons could talk. That’s just so incredibly wonderful I...” The yellow Pegasus began hovering in the air from her apparent excitement. She brought her hooves up before her, no longer looking afraid, or concerned, only pure joy. Her wings flapped slowly, keeping her airborne just a little above Spike. “I just don’t even know what to say!”

During the time that the yellow mare had been obsessing over Spike Twilight had recovered and made her way past her. She rolled her eyes at Spike who was standing there with his arms crossed over his chest, obviously enjoying the reaction to him. She didn’t want him getting too full of himself now. Her horn sparkled, and a purple aura surrounded it and Spike’s eyes widened as he was unexpectedly lifted from the ground, and placed on Twilight’s back. She’d used her magic to carry him there, magic is something all unicorn ponies possessed.

“Well in that case we’d better be going.” Twilight started walking off.

“Oh, wait, wait! What’s his name?” The yellow Pegasus began following behind them at a steady pace, close enough to be able to talk to Spike clearly.

“I’m Spike.”

“Hi Spike, I’m Fluttershy.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. To Spike she gives her name without any problems. Twilight couldn’t help but feel a little hurt at this. She’d been having a horrible day. The first pony she’d tried to speak to hadn’t said anything and had run away. She’d gotten along rather well with the second, but nothing extraordinary, just lunch. Now on the pony she’d actually made an effort to speak to, not only had she been able to get any words out of her, making it effectively the second time she’d been ignored, but she’d seen Spike and could talk to him without any problems. It’s not fair Twilight thought to herself, and she honestly wondered why she had thought that. To her surprise it wasn’t just rejection she was feeling but underneath it, ever so slightly, she felt a pang of jealousy, and she couldn’t figure out why. Sure the yellow pegasus seemed like a nice enough mare, but to get jealous over her ability to talk to Spike without any problems? It just wasn’t logical.

“Wow, a talking dragon. And what do dragons talk about?” Fluttershy continued, her interest only seeming to increase.

“Well what do you want to know?”

“Absolutely everything.”

Twilight sighed. It was going to be a long walk to the library.

During the entire time there she was forced to listen to Spike talk from the very moment she had hatched him as an egg at her entrance exam, up to today. He had effectively gone through his entire life story and the entire time Fluttershy seemed to not lose interest at all, not only that but not once had she addressed Twilight or asked her a question. After a while Twilight had just shut them out, trying not to listen and even thought it worked for the most part the whole time it was like an unpleasant buzzing in the background. She just wanted some peace and quiet after the day she’d had. Finally she could see the library she would be staying at. It was a lovely place, a large tree that had been hollowed out and turned into a library.

Spike was just making an offer to tell Fluttershy about the day he had had today, and Twilight couldn’t handle another moment of this. She had half-expected the mare to decline but she should have known better with her rotten luck. Fluttershy gladly agreed, but enough was enough. She turned around and faced the Mare.

“I am so sorry, how did we get here so fast? This is where I’m staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.” Twilight said dramatically. Spike started to protest but she kicked her back hooves up, knocking him down into the dirt. “Awww, wook at that. He’s so sweepy he can’t even keep his widdle balance.” She gave a false smile towards Fluttershy, not expecting her to believe it.

Faster than Twilight had expected Fluttershy swooped forward and picked Spike up in her arms, cradling him against her chest as she hovered in the air. “Poor thing.” Fluttershy cried out. “We must get him to bed.” Without any second thought Fluttershy flew into the library, carrying Spike with her. Before she could get to far Twilight ran ahead of her. She used her magic again to remove Spike from Fluttershy’s arms and place him on the ground and placed her head against Fluttershy’s body and quite literally pushed her out the door.

“Yes, yes. We’ll get right on that. Well, goodnight!” Twilight slammed the door in her face and made her way into the oddly dark library. She couldn’t even see one step in front of her.

Spike was standing with his claws on his chest again, but not proudly this time. He glared at Twilight, not that she could see it. “Rude much?”

Twilight did feel a little guilty. “Sorry Spike, but I have to convince the princess that Nightmare Moon is coming and we’re running out of time. I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where are the lights?”

No sooner had Twilight spoken those words that the lights flickered on. A large yell of “Surprise!” was shouted and she jumped. She definitely was surprised. Balloons and streamers decorated the room. A table filled with cupcakes and punch was at one extremity of the room and she was in the middle of a circle of ponies. She recognized some of them: Applejack, the mare in charge of the food, the pony in charge of decorations, Rarity. Rainbow Dash was also present, as was the pink mare who hadn’t spoken to her this morning. Even Fluttershy had crept her way back in. It was a surprise party, for Twilight. Something she’d never had before and only one thought came to mind.

Oh no.

The party had been going on for quite some time now and Dash had been observing from afar. Right from the moments the light had flickered on Pinkie Pie had been stuck to Twilight like glue. She’d followed her around, spoken to her every second since the party had started and truth be told Rainbow Dash could not be more jealous. If this were in fact a game, she was losing big time. She’d decided she wasn’t going to play this game, a lot of things she could handle but turning feelings into a game was not something she could do.

Dash had attempted to talk to the purple mare a few times but without success. She didn’t seem very interested in talking to anypony, it seemed more like she wanted to be alone. Maybe this party wasn’t a good idea? Dash thought to herself. It was true Pinkie Pie could be pushy sometimes, but usually after throwing a party for somepony they warmed up to her right away, but not this time. Twilight was spending her time avoiding the others. Dash sighed.

“Rainbow Dash?”

Dash turned, and sitting where there was the least action, all by herself was Fluttershy. The timid pony was also trying to avoid everypony. Dash had gone to flight camp with Fluttershy and had known her since they were fillies. Fluttershy’s attitude was nothing new, and a lot of the other ponies in ponyville often got annoyed with her but Dash always tried her best to be patient with her, it wasn’t her fault after all. Rainbow Dash had witnessed the other fillies’ cruelty first hoof. Fluttershy was always the target of their abuse and jokes and it was a habit for everypony to mock her flying abilities.

“Hey there Fluttershy. I didn’t see you there.”

“O-oh um...I hope I’m not bothering you...” Came the quiet reply.

“Nah. It’s okay Fluttershy.”

“You just seemed a little sad and I was hoping there was something I could to help...”

Dash couldn’t help but smile. Uncomfortable but still willing to help others. Fluttershy’s kindness knew no bounds. “Don’t worry about it ‘Shy. What about you? You met the new pony in town yet?”

“Oh yes, she seemed very nice. She had a baby dragon with her. He could talk, and he was sooo cute.”

There was absolutely, positively no way Fluttershy would ever say this out loud but she felt bad about what had happened earlier. Twilight had tried to talk to her and she hadn’t even said hello. She wished she had to. Not many ponies tried to talk to her, and she was very grateful that Twilight had. She’d been so nice and polite to her. It almost made Fluttershy feel like crying. She hadn’t been any better on the walk to the library either! She spent the whole time talking to Spike. Again she wanted to talk to Twilight but she was too afraid. Fluttershy had always been more comfortable talking to animals than other ponies. They never said mean things to her, or judged her, or made fun of her because she couldn’t fly very well. She had secretly hoped to make friends with Twilight, but now she’d ruined any chances of ever being friends with Twilight Sparkle and there was nothing she could do about it now.

Then she realized there was something she could do about it. She could go talk to Twilight now. But oh...How would I approach her? Fluttershy thought to herself. She’d worry about it once she was done talking to Rainbow Dash.

Dash began to laugh at her friends words, but turned when she heard a loud noise. Twilight had tears coming out of her eyes, but she didn’t seem upset over anything. Her cheeks were puffed out and she was coughing. Twilight ran off and disappeared, and Pinkie Pie was left alone. Dash wanted to go talk to her but she had so much on her mind she wasn’t sure it was a good idea.

“I’m gonna go take a quick fly to clear my head. Try and have some fun, alright Fluttershy?”

“Okay, but Rainbow Dash...If your sad you can talk about it.”

Rainbow Dash smiled a little, and only nodded towards her foalhood friend as she made her exit. She took to the sky and instantly forgot all her troubles.

Fluttershy retreated back to her corner, where there were less ponies, less noise and less chances of somepony she didn’t know talking to her. She was alone again, Rainbow Dash was gone and she’d lost her chance to make friends with Twilight Sparkle. Sometimes she realized how her shyness limited her, but it was who she was, and there was no getting around it, but sometimes it would be nice to have pony friends too, not just her animal friends.

Twilight was coughing, and her tongue still burned. What kind of crazy pony leaves hot sauce where drinks are served!? She was already irritated at the day she’d had, and now things had only gotten worse.

Twilight took a seat and sighed. Her hooves hurt from the walking around she’d done all day and it was good to finally have a seat and relax. She did feel a little bad about abandoning the party Pinkie Pie had worked so hard to throw for her, but in the end it didn’t really matter. She’d be gone tomorrow and would never see any of these ponies again. It was for the best anyway, all she needed were her books and she’d feel comfortable. She’d never needed other ponies, and she liked to think she never would, her studies came first.

Her mind did keep going back to Fluttershy though. She spent a long time trying to figure out what she’d done wrong. She’d actually tried to engage Fluttershy in conversation, she’d been polite and talkative but nothing had worked. When Fluttershy had seen Spike on the other hoof she instantly opened up, so therefore Twilight had to conclude it was something she did. Maybe she was just unapproachable. She sighed again and crawled into bed. Tomorrow it wouldn’t matter, she would leave and never have to even think about Fluttershy ever again, everything could be back to normal.

Chapter 2: The Feelings Begin

Chapter 2

The Feelings Begin

Books flew around the library, returning to their proper positions on their respective shelves. The brilliant midnight mane of the powerful unicorn shone brilliantly at the center of the room. Her face strained with focus and her horn was glowing faintly from the magic used on the books. She always did this. She would leave the books wherever she pleased and would only come on the off chance that somepony was going over. Normally Spike would be here to help, but he’d been working hard for Twilight so she’d given him the day to do whatever he wanted. Luckily she had somepony else coming to help and encourage her while she practiced a spell she was trying to perfect: her teleportation spell.

As the books flew back to their rightful place Twilight began thinking of the last couple weeks. She and her newfound friends had stopped Nightmare Moon. Twilight had found herself feeling a little smug that she had been correct. Though denying her irritation was a difficult task. If the princess had listened to her to begin with everything that had happened could have been avoided. Everything had turned out for the better, Twilight just wished somepony had taken her seriously.

Twilight only realized she'd lost track of time when she saw what time it was. Fluttershy would be arriving any moment, and she was not yet done! Twilight closed her eyes and focused, and the few books that remained zoomed back to where they belonged. She summoned as much magic as she could and focused on performing a variety of complex spells at once. All at once the floor was mopped, the shelves and surfaces were dusted and not a single object was left out of place. A tired sigh escaped Twilight's lips and she slumped to the ground, it seemed she'd overdone herself a little.

She closed her eyes and took deep breaths, trying to relax. With her two forehooves she began patting her mane down, it had gotten messy while she cleaned. She knew she hadn't needed to clean so vigorously. Fluttershy would have been fine had she walked into an absolute pigsty. Twilight was honestly just trying to work off her nerves, the entire prospect of an extended period of time alone with the butter mare caused her stomach to squirm in a way that was both unpleasant and incredibly enticing. All her new friends were important to her, of that there was no doubt. Fluttershy however seemed to occupy a special place in her heart. There was a special something about Fluttershy that Twilight simply couldn't put her hoof on. Being around Fluttershy meant it was impossible to frown. Whether it be from her kind words or her adorable demeanor Twilight always found herself grinning ear-to-ear in her company. Sometimes she could barely bring herself to look the pegasus in the eye and she wondered if that was how Fluttershy felt all the time.

Twilight was entirely new to friendship, and she'd tried to understand it on parchment but everyday seemed to contradict her previous findings. Fluttershy too had trouble with social situations and was always the most understanding when Twilight did something odd or unacceptable. Her other friends cared for her just as much, she was sure but Fluttershy was by far the most understanding.

A knocking at the door brought Twilight from her daydreams and she jumped as though the knocking at the door were much louder than it actually was. It was such a gentle tapping but it sounded to her as though Applejack was slamming her hind hooves into the door with all her strength. Time passed and still Twilight did not answer the door, she paced in front of it, contemplating how to greet her friend. She didn’t realize it had already been a minute until the knock came again, just as quiet as before. Twilight took a deep breath and swallowed trying to calm the fluttering in her stomach before finally opening the door to greet the pony behind it.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Dashie please open up. I’m really sorry” cried Pinkie Pie.

This was not the first time Rainbow Dash had heard the pink mare say this over the last couple weeks. Rainbow Dash had certainly not been happy with her, but it had not been that big of a deal. She had gotten over it rather quickly but Pinkie Pie insisted on apologizing time and time again. It was as though the pink mare felt as though apologizing was not enough even though Rainbow Dash had assured her that it was all over and done with. Rainbow Dash exhaled sharply and took a peek out of her window as it dawned on her that her cloud home was high above the ground and Pinkie Pie did not have any wings.

Outside of her door was Pinkie Pie, she had dozens of balloons on strung around her abdomen. Another series of knocks and Pinkie Pie finally noticed the rainbow-maned mare in the window. Her sky-colored irises looking pleadingly into Dash’s magenta ones, a look of such sadness it made it impossible for Rainbow Dash to deny her anything. She strode to her door and opened it, sighing.

Pinkie Pie flailed in an attempt to bring herself forward, but wasn’t doing a good job. She wiggled back and forth in place and Dash shook her head and released another exasperated sigh. She extended her cyan hoof forward and pulled Pinkie Pie in, leading her towards a sofa. She untied the balloons from around the pink mare. Although she could not walk on the clouds, as long as she remained on the sofa she should be fine. Pinkie Pie opened her mouth and Dash reacted instantly, putting a hoof onto Pinkie Pie’s mouth.

“No more! If you apologize one more time I’m going to explode!” Dash’s words came out quickly.

Pinkie Pie giggled positioning herself comfortably on the couch. “I was just going to ask how your day was.”

“Oh...” Rainbow Dash felt kind of silly for jumping to conclusions. She quickly regained her confidence. “Well, you could have been apologizing. Again”

“Could have, but wasn’t” Pinkie replied cheerfully.

Dash shook her head from side to side and did her best to hide the smile that was slowly forming on her lips. It was hard to bring Pinkie Pie down, and she began to realize that maybe instead of acting the way she had been for the last couple of weeks, perhaps she should have made Pinkie Pie understand that she really was okay, that they really were okay. Rainbow Dash opened her mouth but began to speak but she was cut off by Pinkie Pie, this wasn’t exactly rare though.

“I’m really sorry for what happened at the party Dashie. It was really inconsiderate of me to not take your feelings into account and that’s not what I wanted to do, actually it’s something I never want to. The last thing I want to do is make you feel uncomfortable or jealous because there’s no other pony I’m interested in. There are lots of other things I’m interested in like candy, parties, making people happy but not a single other pony.”

Dash’s heart skipped a beat. Her cheeks began to warm and she averted her eyes. She was happy she hadn’t averted Pinkie Pie. This is what she wished Pinkie Pie would have told her when this whole thing had started. Any concerns she may have still had evaporated and she could see Pinkie Pie was tilting her head, wondering about Dash’s reaction. Dash turned back to pinked and wrapped both of her front hooves around the pink mare, speaking softly into her ear.

“Thank you, Pinkie Pie”

“Oh Dashie, you don’t have to thank me!” Pinkie Pie’s cheerful voice came as Rainbow Dash pulled away with a sheepish expression on her face; her wings were tucked in tightly against her back. Pinkie Pie bounced on the spot making the couch wiggle, speaking as she did causing her voice to come out shaky.

“Now that everything is good we should go out and celebrate!”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Oh! Oh! We should go out for a picnic! It’ll be soooo much fun!” As Pinkie Pie spoke her voice seemed to speed up, each word coming out faster than the next. Rainbow Dash paced back and forth as she responded, her magenta eyes showing her concern.

“Someone might see us Pinkie Pie...” As Dash finished her phrase Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing.

“So what?”

“You know what the problem is Pinkie Pie!” Dash felt like this was another argument they’d had loads of times.

Before they had gotten together Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash had no problems hanging out together or being seen together in public, but ever since they had shared their feelings for each other Rainbow Dash was always concerned with what people would think if they found out, Pinkie Pie was concerned too but not in the same way. In Pinkie’s opinion they could overcome it, and in the end their true friends would accept them, but Rainbow Dash was more concerned with her reputation. She didn’t want people making fun of her, or thinking of her as a freak. She had always been considered cool, and it wasn’t something she wanted to lose. Pinkie sighed and shook her head from side to side, her poofy mane waving wildly as she did.

“Before you and I ever got together Rainbow Dash you would have said yes, and everyone would assume we were just eating lunch together, and that’s the same thing they’ll think now.” Her voice wasn’t its usual speedy self, and that’s how it was apparent Pinkie Pie was upset. “I’d like to be able to spend some time with you outside every once in a while.” Pinkie Finished.

“I-I know Pinkie Pie, but...” Rainbow Dash looked down but only for a brief instant, she was finding the words to express herself. “I know it’s hard on you Pinkie Pie and we...We’ll get there someday. Just please be patient with me.” It wasn’t enough for Rainbow Dash; she hated to see Pinkie Pie sad. “ How about we go out for that picnic at night? Tomorrow?”

It wasn’t exactly what Pinkie Pie had hoped for, but it was at least an improvement. Pinkie Pie’s seemed to cheer up and she started bouncing again. “It’ll be sooo much fun. We’ll bring lots of food and drink and we’ll sit there and talk and spend time togeth-“ Rainbow Dash cut her off before she could really get into her rant.

It seemed as though things would be okay after all.

“Fluttershy!” Twilight’s voice was loud, and overly-enthusiastic. She realized this and swallowed hard, realizing it was Fluttershy she was greeting, the shy pony not somepony like Pinkie Pie. She lowered her tone and continued with her greeting. “How’s it going?” Twilight finally noticed Fluttershy was holding a basket in her muzzle. She dropped it and gently nuzzled it forward with her muzzle and gave Twilight a shy smile.

“Oh, hello. I’m doing well.” Her voice was quiet and there was a pause before she continued talking. “I brought this for you.” As Fluttershy finished her sentence the unicorn looked down at the basket. It was a plain woven basket and inside it contained various fruits: Apples, oranges, peaches, and various other tasty looking fruits.

Twilight smiled and replied gratefully. “Thank you Fluttershy but you didn’t have to bring me anything.”As they spoke Twilight had made her way into the library, prompting Fluttershy to follow her. She brought the basket into the back of the library into the kitchen area.

“Oh I know, I just thought it would be nice” As they spoke Fluttershy had followed Twilight into the kitchen and she stood there awkwardly, looking at the ground and shuffling timidly.

Although Twilight had been in Ponyville for a couple of weeks already the truth was she had not seen her friends much since they had stopped Nightmare Moon and gotten the royal sisters talking again, and Fluttershy was the one she had seen the least of. From what she had gathered Fluttershy had been busy caring for her animals and her bunny Angel had gotten sick. Twilight was glad they were going to be able to spend this time together.

Even though she was glad to be with Fluttershy this afternoon she was also a little nervous too. This was the first time any of her five friends had come to spend time with her alone and the fact that it was Fluttershy did not alleviate any of Twilight’s nervousness. She’d already decided before she had even invited Fluttershy over that she wouldn’t mention anything about it to her (or anyone else) and try to hide the butterflies in her stomach as best she could, at least until she could figure out what it meant.

“What do you need my help with today Twilight?” Fluttershy spoke in a low tone.

“I was hoping you could help me with a new spell I’m learning.”

“Oh, okay...But I’m not a unicorn.”

Twilight giggled a little before responding. `You can still help. Moral support, youll be here in case something goes wrong.” Fluttershy just nodded her head, and with a wave of her head Twilight signaled the yellow mare to follow her. They left the kitchen and made their way into the main area of the library where all the books were located. Fluttershy, still unsure of what was going to happen, trotted slowly behind Twilight and took a moment before finally asking.

“What spell are you trying to learn?”

As she trotted into the center of the library and took a look at the book she responded without even looking over. “I’m trying to learn the teleportation spell. I think it would have plenty of uses.”

“Oh yes.”

“The principal is easy, you focus really hard on another spot and using magic you move yourself from one spot to the other in the blink of an eye, ponies who are adept with the spell can even move other ponies along with themselves.” She exhaled before finishing. “The problem is if you lose your focus you could end up somewhere completely different and risk injuring yourself.”

“Oh my, I’m sure you’ll be able to get it.”

“I hope so.”

Both ponies retreated into silence; Twilight was scanning the contents of the book on the teleportation spell. She hoped it wasn’t beyond what she was capable of, but learning that she was the element of magic had made her think it was time to start learning a few more difficult spells. She’d been slacking off on her studies, and this spell was a great way to catch up.
Twilight had carefully read the passage several times at this point and the entire time Fluttershy had kept quiet. Even though Fluttershy was silent Twilight was still extremely aware of the mare’s presence. Every small breath Fluttershy took, Twilight was aware of it. It was making it hard to focus on what the book had to say, and as the time came closer to her performing the actual spell she was becoming more and more nervous of embarrassing herself in front of Fluttershy. Being scared of humiliating herself with a failed spell wasn’t something uncommon, but the level it was at now was unnatural. Her legs felt weak, and her brain kept imagining the worst outcome such as Fluttershy thinking poorly of her, or finding her to have no real skill in magic. She knew this was ridiculous because Fluttershy was the kindest pony, but she couldn’t seem to get a hold of her emotions.

Fluttershy herself wasn’t sure what to do. Her eyes would occasionally wander, looking around the library but there wasn’t all that much to look at so her eyes always returned to the purple mare before her. She tried her best not to stare but she continued to regardless of what she wanted. She was fascinated with Twilight’s beautiful and unique mane. The pink stripe that ran through the center of her mane made her mane stand out even more than it already did. Fluttershy found herself intimidated and wasn’t sure what she would do or how she would explain herself if Twilight were to catch her eyeing her.
She was intimidated by Twilight. She was arguably the strongest of the elements of harmony and it was thanks to her they had defeated Nightmare Moon and in comparison Fluttershy felt weak and pitiful. After all kindness could only take you so far. That wasn’t to say she wasn’t thrilled but it was how she was to be down on herself. When she compared herself to Twilight she felt envious. Twilight was beautiful, smart, strong-willed, and a great role-model for anypony. As Fluttershy’s mind processed her thoughts she couldn’t help but wish that she were more like Twilight and her cheeks turned red at her thoughts. She hoped Twilight didn’t have a mind reading spell. Twilight’s voice brought Fluttershy back to attention.

“Okay, I think I’m ready to try it.” Twilight sounded confident outloud, but inside she was nervous as could be. She forced her legs to move her to the center of the room and Fluttershy smiled warmly at her, her smile containing only the best of wishes for Twilgiht’s attempt and she felt her knees weaken even more than they already had.

Twilight closed her eyes and cleared her mind. She focused on a spot only a few feet in front of her. She let the magic gather and her lavender horn glowed. An aura of the same color gathered around it and in her thoughts she willed herself forward. There was a loud noise, as though several ponies were stomping at the exact same time and a large cloud of purple dust but when it cleared Twilight was still where she was except she was now on her belly, legs spread in all directions and her mane a little wild.

She heard Fluttershy gasp and rush over to her. Twilight hid her face in front of both of her front hooves her cheeks burning. Everything she had been worried would happen did, and she was almost wishing she’d done this alone as to not embarrass herself. Everything had to be perfect, and she had to have control of the situation, and she’d already lost it. She clamped her teeth on her bottom lip and sighed, unsure of what to expect.

Fluttershy didn’t see this as a failure; she saw it as an attempt. She rushed over to the lavender mare and nuzzled her head under Twilight’s left side, helping her get onto her hooves. Fluttershy helped Twilight sit in a more dignified position. She flipped a pink strand of her mane out of her eyes before talking.

“Twilight, are you okay? Does anything hurt?” Concern seemed to ooze out of every word that escaped Fluttershy’s mouth.
Twilight’s cheeks still burned, but not as intensely, she replied groggily. “ ‘Mokay.” To which Fluttershy only giggled at how silly Twilight sounded. Twilight turned her head away, a little wounded at the laughing. “That was horrible. “

“That wasn’t horrible at all. You did your very best and if you keep trying you’ll get it for sure.”

Twilight turned back to Fluttershy, realizing Fluttershy hadn’t been laughing at her, in fact nothing about this was funny to her at all. It crashed over her, why she’d wanted Fluttershy here in the first place. It was because out of all her other friends Fluttershy was the most supportive, the pony who when she got it wrong would encourage her to step back up and try again. Twilight nodded.

“Thanks Fluttershy.” Twilight’s words held more meaning than a simply sign of thanks, and even thought Fluttershy wasn’t sure exactly what was behind them, she could tell. After making sure Twilight was okay Fluttershy retreated to where she had been previously, lifting a hoof into the air and speaking in an encouraging, yet somehow quiet tone.

“You can do it Twilight!”

Twilight smiled and despite the butterflies in her stomach shook her head to get her mane placed correctly again and prepared herself to try again. Once again she focused, closing her eyes and let the magic come to her. She felt good about this attempt, but Fluttershy cleared her throat and at that moment Twilight’s mind thought of Fluttershy instead of the general area before her but it was too late. She unleashed the magic, and screamed.

She’d popped above Fluttershy and crashed onto her, and even though Fluttershy was surprised her scream was somehow quiet, if that was even possible. After Twilight re-oriented herself she realized Fluttershy was on her stomach in the manner Twilight had been just moments before and Twilight was horizontally along her back, her head stuck in Fluttershy’s mane.
Fluttershy shook her head, getting her own bearings. The first thing that came to her mind wasn’t that Twilight had fallen on her, or misjudged where she would appear it was the fact that Twilight had managed to teleport at all. “Oh Twilight, you did it!” It was the most excited Twilight had ever heard the yellow mare.

Twilight smiled. She couldn’t help but feel pleased with herself. Teleporting was a rather advanced spell and she’d managed to accomplish it, and it was thanks to something that she’d dismissed as pointless for years: friendship. She honestly didn’t know if she’d have been able to do it without Fluttershy’s encouragement, and her cheeks flushed at the thought of what she was about to say, but Fluttershy deserved to know how much she had helped.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you, Fluttershy. Thank you.” Twilight’s voice was sincere, she was extremely grateful for the help. Fluttershy turned her head, looking behind her so she was looking directly at Twilgiht.

“Oh thank you, but I didn’t do anything really.”

“You helped a lot, with your encouragement.” Twilight noticed Fluttershy’s eyes, they were a bright cyan color, the same color as the sky on a bright summer day. “Your eyes are really pretty.”

Twilight couldn’t believe she’d just said that, and she couldn’t understand why. Sure, it was the truth, but it wasn’t something you just randomly told somepony. Twilight quickly bounced onto her hooves and trotted to where her book was, clearing her throat and magicking the book shut. “I guess I’ve practiced enough for today.”

At the comment on her eyes Fluttershy didn’t know what to say. Nopony ever commented on her appearance and she never went out of her way to make herself noticed like Rarity did. She kept her mane nice and that was about it. She pushed herself back up so she was standing, and felt as though maybe she’d done something, since Twilight was suddenly ending her practice session.

“Oh okay...”

Fluttershy trotted to the door, Twilight magicking it open to be polite. “Thanks for your help Fluttershy. I really appreciate it.” She was having trouble forming words. It wasn’t that Fluttershy wasn’t beautiful, all of her friends were attractive, but it she only really ever paid attention to Fluttershy in terms of attractiveness.

Fluttershy smiled. “Thank you for inviting me. I’m glad I could help.”

Both ponies smiled awkwardly at each other, and after their goodbyes Fluttershy trotted off but after a few minutes spread her wings and took off slowly back towards her cottage at the edge of the Everfree Forest.

Thinking about it she was happy that Twilight had said that, she’d been self-conscious since she was a filly and it was rare that she believed other ponies compliments but there was something about the way Twilight said it, and the way she’d looked at her. Fluttershy could tell that she had really meant it. Her thoughts eventually led her to thinking about Twilight herself.
Twilight was attractive too. Her lavender coat was shiny and soft to the touch as she had found out today. The waves of midnight blue that fell along her neck with the bright streak through the strands were a nice contrast to her lavender fur. Her eyes were wise, and they seemed to hold all the answers. Yes, Twilight was very pretty...

“Oh my, Fluttershy. You shouldn’t be thinking about another one of your friends like this, especially not another mare”
She pushed her thoughts of Twilight out of her mind and headed home to take care of the wonderful creatures that awaited her upon her return.

Meanwhile back at the library Twilight was pacing again. It was time she figured this out. She would figure this out the same way she figured everything out. She focused and using her magic brought a book down from the shelves. Big bold letters on the cover read “Friendship 101.” She opened it and immersed herself within the words.

A Perfect and Confusing Evening

A/N Alright chapter 3! I'm not going to lie...I'm not too fond of this one. I'm not happy with how some of the parts turned out but I've finally figured out where I want to go with this story so no more super long time between updates! I hope that makes some people happy at least, haha! Starting in the next chapter the chapters should be longer again and I'm going to get back to Fluttershy and Twilight. I know it probably wasn't worth the wait but here it is, chapter 3. I hope you enjoy everypony.

Chapter 3: A perfect and confusing evening

The day was rapidly coming to an end, the majority of ponies hurriedly returning to their homes, anxious to return to their families. Shops were closing, the sun setting, casting a beautiful orange glow across Equestria. Soon, the moon would rise into the air, followed by darkness coating the sky until Princess Celestia raised the sun once again on the dawn of the next day.

Although most ponies were returning home, there was one earth pony far from home.

Somewhere on the outskirts of Ponyville, Pinkie Pie had found a nice secluded spot elevated on a hill. It had a wonderful view of the sky, the pink mare deeming it to be the perfect spot for her picnic with Rainbow Dash. No one should find them out here.

Pinkie Pie set the blanket down and she hopped around, setting everything up. She carefully set out the plates before the food, the food being questionable choice for a meal, but no less tasty.

Fidgeting, the pink mare rearranged the picnics contents, a deep look of concentration settling across her face. This has to be perfect, she silently reasoned.

Minutes passed as the mare settled back down, a content and proud smile dancing across her face.

"Perfect!" She announced to no pony in particular.
There was nothing left to do but relax and wait for Rainbow Dash to arrive.

Rainbow Dash flapped her powerful cyan wings with all her might. She was flying as fast as she could, leaving a short rainbow trail behind her. She was already late for her meeting with Pinkie Pie and that was bad. Pinkie was already upset with her and she didn’t want to make matters worse. This was just another thing she would have to make up for and as she thought about it the perfect thing came to mind.
Being sweet and romantic usually wasn’t in her nature but she did her best when it came to Pinkie Pie. She truly did care for the pink mare a lot she just wished she had an easier time expressing it. Ever since she was a filly she’d had a difficult time showing her emotions due to the deep-rooted issues of her past but with a shake of her head she sent those thoughts out of her mind and returned them to the beautiful pink mare she would be arriving to any second. She would have to speed up for her surprise to work as soon it would be completely dark out.
She doubled her efforts. She knew it wouldn’t last very long but she was sure that the gesture would be sufficient. She flew far faster than she had on her way here leaving behind a beautiful rainbow behind her. She spotted Pinkie Pie below her and tucked her wings in diving down towards the ground only to open them at the last moment to fly over where the picnic was set. She landed and looked above her and was more than satisfied with the result. It was like their own personal rainbow above where they would be eating.

She grinned proudly and turned to Pinkie Pie.

It had been a long and confusing day for Twilight and she felt as though she was bubbling with jumbled emotions she couldn’t understand. She’d always found emotional attachment silly, but since she’d come to Ponyville she realized how mistaken she was. After she finally started to understand friendship she thought understanding other emotional feelings like love would just come naturally but it was the complete opposite.
She needed to talk to someone, someone who could help her figure all of this out. That was why she was making her way to Sweet Apple Acres to talk to Applejack. With Applejack being the element of honesty she couldn’t think of anypony better to talk to.
Twilight slowly trotted up to the front door of Applejack’s home and tapped at the door gently. She could hear some commotion inside and a few moments later the door was pulled open to reveal Applejack on the other side, surprised to see her violet maned friend on the other side of the door. Not displeased, just surprised. She smiled at Twilight before speaking.
“Why howdy Twilight. What can ‘ah do for ‘ya this evenin’?”
Twilight wished she actually had an answer. “I was hoping maybe I could talk to you. In private.”
“Sure thing, Sugarcube.” Applejack made her way outside and led Twilight to a more secluded part of the farm, underneath one of the many large apple trees that graced her land. Both of them took a seat underneath the tree.
For a while no words were exchanged between the two. Applejack had considered saying something but whatever was on Twilight’s mind was clearly bothering her quite a bit so she figured when Twilight gathered enough courage she would tell the yellow mare herself. Twilight didn’t seem overly nervous or anything, just pensive. She was trying to find the best words to express how she was feeling without necessarily revealing everything.
“Do you think Friendship and love are the same thing Applejack?” Twilight asked bluntly facing the yellow mare directly.
Applejack was stunned for a few moments and unsure how to reply. She collected her thoughts before speaking. “Nah, ah don’t think so.” She didn’t elaborate, unsure of what answer Twilight was truly after.
“What’s the difference then? Because I’m certain I love you and Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash and all our other friends too.”
“’Course ‘ya do sugarcube, but it’s a different kinda love. Ah know ‘ya aren’t really used to these kinda things so how can ah put this…” She placed a hoof under her chin. “Lovin’ a friend is different than the way ‘ya’d love a significant other.” A quill and pad floated by Twilight, scribbling notes and Applejack rolled her eyes.
“How can you tell the difference though?”
“ ‘S complicated…When ‘ya love someone as more than a friend ‘ye’ll know Twilight. When ‘yer ‘’round ‘em you’ll feel funny. You’ll think about that person all the time.” TwilIght nodded as Applejack spoke as her quill continued to take notes. “But why are ‘ya askin’ all this for?”
It was now Applejack’s turn to be curious.
“Oh you know me.” Twilight’s lips curved upwards into a smile. “Just curious, research. Since I’ve never experienced romantic feelings or a romantic interest in anypony I was wondering if I’d be able to recognize it if I did.”
Although it seemed logical from a twisted Twilight point of view Applejack felt as though something didn’t add up. Her mind was running in overdrive and it was as though her brain was screaming at her what was going on from a long distance away, just far enough so she couldn’t hear properly and then suddenly it made sense. Twilight wasn’t asking for any of the reasons she said she was. The truth was she was experiencing it already but being insecure and having been mostly secluded from others she just wanted to make sure. Applejack smiled broadly.
“You wanna know what ah think Twilight?”
“Of course.”
“Ah think that you already found someone that makes you feel funny and you should be more confident Twilight. Whoever this stallion is he’d be lucky to have a mare like you liking him.”
Twilight wasn’t very good at subtlety and she understood it would be pointless trying to deny her interest in somepony, but she still wouldn’t reveal who. She already felt bad hiding things from her friends as is. “Yeah…The stallion…”
Applejack narrowed her eyes, as any of Twilight’s friends would have had they been there. Something about the way she said that. Applejack readied herself to question the purple unicorn further but Twilight stood up abruptly.
“I’m sorry Applejack it sure is getting awfully late and I have to get home now, Spike may have burned down the library by now.” A nervous laugh escaped her. “Thanks for your help though, it’s really appreciated.”
Applejack was just in the middle of saying goodbye when Twilight spun around and ran off back towards her library. But this wasn’t over.

Just wait, I’ll figure out what’s going on Twilight Sparkle.

“I’m so sorry darling, I’ll be done soon I promise.” Rarity said as she looked over Fluttershy, making sure everything was proper. Rarity was making a dress for a mare with a similar build to Fluttershy so she’d asked Fluttershy over to help and being the perfectionist that she was it was taking longer than she expected. Fluttershy had already been there for over two hours. Rarity was happy for the company though, and for the help. She enjoyed being around Fluttershy as she was so easy to be around. A lot of people had difficulties with her but Rarity and the yellow mare had been friends for a long time and they made sure they at least had every Thursday for themselves.
“Oh, it’s okay Rarity really.” Fluttershy was just happy to be able to help. She had nothing planned for the evening anyway and since she knew how Rarity could get she’d made sure all her animal friends would be okay. This also gave her a lot of time to think while Rarity changed the size of the dress, or took notes or other various things.
She hadn’t seen or spoken to Twilight since she’d helped with the teleportation spell but she kept thinking about the compliment Twilight had given her. Compliments were scarce, or didn’t happen at all and even when she got one Fluttershy was usually to embarrassed or didn’t think she deserved it so she didn’t truly accept them. When Twilight said it though her stomach did a back flip. It had felt as though she was going to be sick but was oddly happy at the same time.
Then on the way home thinking about how pretty Twilight was as well. Fluttershy had a feeling she knew what was going on but she’d always been taught that it was…Wrong. There must be a reason people hid it, or were scared to admit it. They hid because they were embarrassed, they were freaks but was that really the case? Twilight wasn’t a freak, at least not in Fluttershy’s eyes…And what she was feeling didn’t feel wrong or like something to be embarrassed about. It had been what she was taught, but it didn’t mean she had to believe or agree with that point of view, did it?
“Fluttershy?”
“Oh I’m sorry Rarity, what was that?” Fluttershy snapped back to reality. She smiled sheepishly towards her friend as the white mare shot her a concerned look.
“Is everything alright Fluttershy?”
“Oh, yes. Why do you ask?”
“I finished quite a few minutes ago and you seemed to be staring off into space. I must say I was getting quite worried.”
“Um…It’s nothing Rarity.”
It wasn’t uncommon for Fluttershy to be timid but this was over the top even for her. Rarity’s eyes narrowed. There was nothing to be shy of or embarrassed of here. It was only the two of them but Fluttershy’s cheeks were still splashed a faint shade of pink.
“My my Fluttershy, you are blushing almost as though you’re thinking of some beautiful stallion.” Rarity chuckled, impressed at her own humor.
Fluttershy hid behind her mane, mumbling behind it. “Who? Me? I’d never….Can’t even….Never even…”
Rarity was known for keeping track of gossip around Ponyville. She loved hearing what was going on with everypony in Ponyville. Which ponies were getting together. Who had a crush on who but never once had a rumor of Fluttershy having a crush on someone reached her ears which made this all the more surprising. Sure, she was jumping to conclusions but she was fairly certain in her assumption.
“Fluttershy! How could you not tell ME your best friend about this!?”
Before Fluttershy could be interrogated anymore she got herself out of Rarity’s dress in record time and mumbled something about being tired and that she had to go before storming out of Crousel Boutique.
Rarity grinned.

This sure got interesting.

The night had been downright magical. Perfect. Everything that Pinkie Pie had wanted from the evening. Now her and Rainbow Dash lay on their backs looking up at the stars holding each other’s hoofs. Rainbow Dash listened as Pinkie Pie pretended she knew what the constellations were, giggling because she thought Rainbow Dash actually believe her when in reality she just didn’t want to ruin Pinkie Pie’s moment.
It was getting late though, and it was time to pack things up. Rainbow dash turned her head to look towards the hyperactive mare. “I think it’s about time we headed home Pinkie.”
“Aww, already? I was having such a good time.”
“Me too.” Rainbow Dash smiled as Pinkie Pie nuzzled herself into Dash’s rainbow colored mane.
Both of them flipped themselves over and began packing everything up. They did it in silence occasionally glancing at each other with a grin. This went on until Pinkie Pie finally broke the silence. “Maybe we can do something like this again soon, Rainbow Dash.” Her voice was full of hope and excitement, it was obvious she already couldn’t wait for the next time they’d have a chance to be together like this.
“Yeah me too Pinkie. Soon I hope.” Dash didn’t exactly sound like she thought she believed they would be doing this again soon and Pinkie Pie knew exactly what the problem was. She huffed sending the tip of her mane that covered her face up and glared at Rainbow Dash for a moment before talking.
“We’re going to have to tell people on day Rainbow Dash.”
Dash shuffled uncomfortably. “I know Pinkie Pie… I-“
“I mean if we don’t tell people one day people are going to figure it out and-“
“I know Pin-“ She hadn’t even heard Dash.
“Then it’s just going to look worse. Besides I’m not worried about people knowing and I don’t know why you are. I love you and I’m pretty sure you love me and that’s all that matters. And if you don’t love me you should tell me now because I don’t want to waste my time here. Like when you spend a long time baking a perfect soufflé and then you open the oven too son and it pops. Talk about a waste of time.”
“Um Pinki-“
“But I don’t think you’re a waste of time. I mean if you’re so nervous than we could start out by just telling our friends. Twilight and Fluttershy. Rarity and Applejack. They’d understand I’m sure. None of them seem like judgmental judgementy pants! They’re out best friends and they’ll love us no mat-“
Rainbow Dash took a step forward and pressed her lips against Pinkie Pie’s. For once Pinkie Pie just shutup and closed her eyes. She melted into the kiss and her heart sped up whereas time seemed to slow down. She wasn’t sure how long they stood there with their lips pressed together but when they came apart Pinkie Pie exhaled sharply. “Wow.”
“Yeah…” Dash coughed. “I..I’ll work on it okay Pinkie? We’ll tell our friends soon. Since it’s so important to you okay?”
Pinkie smiled and not a single word was spoken again. Instead both of them finished cleaning up and headed home walking together a little bit of the way both of them with a huge smile on their faces.

Losing Control

Losing Control

It had literally only been a few seconds since Pinkie Pie had slammed the door to the library shut. This is why Twilight was surprised when it opened again. Pinkie stomped right up to Twilight. Their noses touched as Pinkie stared directly into Twilight’s eyes.

“I have a GREAT attitude!”

Twilight thought Pinkie seemed awfully offended over something so minor. “I know Pinkie! I didn't mean to insult you.”

Pinkie kept staring for a few moments then sat her rump down. Her facial expression was completely different than before. Her anger subsided and turned to sadness. Ever since the picnic she had barely seen Rainbow Dash. Finally they got some time together and then Gilda came and ruined everything. Stupid Griffon. I wish you’d never come! Pinkie’s eyes widened. She couldn't believe she’d just thought that. It was so un-Pinkie of her. She sighed. “Maybe you’re right Twilight...”

Twilight placed a hoof on her pink friend’s shoulder. “You’re getting really jealous over nothing Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash just wants to catch up with an old friend.”

“I know. It’s just I've barely seen her since our last date.” Pinkie didn't even realize what she said.

Twilight did though. “Date?”

Pinkie gasped. “Oh no! I promised Rainbow Dash I wouldn't tell anypony! She’s going to be so upset with me. Twilight you can’t tell her, please! Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplea-“

“You’re dating a mare!?” Twilight’s voice rose. She couldn't believe what she’d just heard.

“Wow.” Came Spike’s voice from the side. Both ponies turned to the young dragon.

“Spike could you please go outside?”

The look Twilight was giving him definitely meant she didn't want to be told no right this moment. He nodded and quickly went for the door. As he was shutting it on his way out Twilight voice called out after him. “And don’t speak to anypony about this.” Spike nodded again and went to keep himself busy.

“You’re dating a mare!?” Twilight said with an incredulous look.

“Yeah! So what?” Pinkie glared at the unicorn. She was completely misunderstanding Twilight’s reaction. “Of all ponies I never thought you would be so judgemental! That is unbelievable Twilight there’s nothing wrong with dating another mare. So long as two ponies love each other!” Pinkie turned angrily and stomped towards the door. Although clearly angry her heart ached a little. She honestly believed her friends were better than that.

Twilight ran ahead of the pink pony and blocked the door. “No wait, you don’t understand!”

“I think I get it. You’re a judgemental judgementally mean judgemental pants!”

Twilight had never seen Pinkie Pie so angry. She raised a hoof. “ I'm not judging Pinkie. I'm just curious, really. I've never met a mare who likes other mares.”

“We’re not some kind of new specimen Twilight.” Pinkie’s gaze drifted away, hurt.

“No, that’s not what I meant either! I just want to understand.” Twilight was desperate to talk to Pinkie about it. Maybe it would help shed some light on what she was feeling herself. If she could help a friend while at it too then that only made it better.

“I love Rainbow Dash.” Pinkie didn't hesitate in her choice of words. She was perfectly comfortable with what she was saying.

“Simple as that?”

“As simple as that.” Pinkie replied.

“So long as you love another pony it... Doesn't matter who it is?”

“No it doesn't. So long as you're both in love and do what your heart tells you to! Books are great and all but your heart knows more about love than any book ever will. You can't control who you love. It just happens! And I’ll never be ashamed for loving Rainbow Dash. Even if she doesn't exactly feel the same way...”

Twilight led Pinkie back to the centre of the room. as she spoke. “ So Rainbow Dash doesn't want others to know?”

“No. She’s worried others will make fun of her for it. “ Pinkie’s voice sunk again.

It was all beginning to make sense to Twilight. From what she understood Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash had been marefriends for quite some time. Pinkie Pie was perfectly fine with people knowing this. Rainbow Dash on the other hand, always worried of what others thought of her, was not. This entire Gilda thing made much more sense now too.

“ I'm not exactly knowledgeable on this subject Pinkie. If Rainbow Dash loves you though, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. I'm sure she’ll also tell everyone when she’s ready.”

“I know.” Pinkie Sighed.

“I just wouldn't expect everyone to react the way I did.” The rest of our friends might not be developing crushes on mares too.

“Why? You really think some of our friends might not be so accepting?” Pinkie groaned.

“I don’t k-“

“I just need to get out of here.” Pinkie just stood and left without another word. She needed some time for herself, to think.

Twilight sighed. That could have gone better.

I need to clear my head too.

Twilight had spent the last little while trying to avoid Fluttershy as much as possible.. It wasn't because she didn't want to see her. She was just trying to sort things out. Her talk with Pinkie Pie had helped some but she though it wouldn't hurt to do a little more research. That was why she had her nose buried in a book called “Friendship 101.” She also had “Love: For Dummies” in a bag at her side. It was a nice day so she’d decided to do some reading outside. She'd taken her books and found a peaceful bench that was drenched in sunlight. She laid down upon it and had begun her reading. She wasn't having any luck though. She was starting to think this wasn't something she could learn about in a book.

Through some twist of fate it was then that Fluttershy flew by. Her pink mane covered her face but Twilight could hear the sobs. Fluttershy didn't even notice the purple mare as she flew by. Twilight didn't know why Fluttershy was upset or where she was going. Her cottage wasn't that way.

“Fluttershy?” Twilight called as she zipped by. It was to no avail. Fluttershy did not hear her.

Twilight stood up and without thinking took off after her. She didn't realize she’d left both of her books there, nor that Applejack had seen what had happened. Applejack rushed after the two of them but stopped when she saw Twilight’s books. That Twilight. How unlike her to leave a book lyin' 'round in a place like this. She picked up the book and chuckled at the title as she placed it in the bag. She then noticed the title of the other book with a grin and thought triumphantly I knew it, but who could she...? Then Applejack thought back to how Twilight had taken off after Fluttershy.

Could it be...?

Fluttershy landed and without delay laid her head on both of her front hooves. She sobbed loudly, now that no one was around it wasn’t as embarrassing. Her fur was stained with tears now. What had she done? She hadn't mean to offend the Griffon.

“Fluttershy?” a hesitant voice chimed from the background.

Fluttershy lifted her head up and turned to see who was there. Twilight flashed her a small smile. Fluttershy knew helping crying ponies wasn't Twilight's strong suit. This only made her appreciate the purple mare's attempt to come cheer her up even more. Twilight took a few steps towards the butter-yellow mare. Fluttershy realized she hadn't said anything yet.

“Oh, hello Twilight. How are you?” She tried to sound cheery but sobs threatened to escape at any moment.

Twilight began walking towards Fluttershy and reached one hoof forward. Fluttershy flinched, much to Twilight surprise. The unicorn was overwhelmed with sadness for her friend. She must have experienced some rather horrible things for her to recoil like that. Twilight gently brushed Fluttershy’s cheek. Some grass had gotten stuck to the fur around her eyes. Most likely due to the tears. Twilight gently wiped those away too.

Fluttershy tilted her head. She looked into Twilight’s lovely mauve eyes and tears welled up again. Twilight quickly pulled her hoof back, thinking she’d done something wrong. She stammered out an apology. The pegasus quickly shook her head.

“No Twilight. You didn't do anything wrong. I'm just so...” She trailed off and hiccuped. “Grateful.”

“It’s what friends do.” Friends... Twilight thought to herself. It was time she stopped lying to herself. She was beginning to realize what she really wanted. No, the truth was she knew. She just didn't want to admit it. Logic dictated she should fall for a stallion, not a mare. Was loving another mare really wrong though? She wasn't even sure if she cared any more. Pinkie doesn't seem to think it matters...

“You’ve already been so kind, and I hate to ask for anything more.” Fluttershy wiped her eyes. “But I was hoping, um, if you don’t mind that is, if maybe you could walk home with me.”

More time to talk to Fluttershy? Twilight nodded her head eagerly.

Together they began the walk back to Fluttershy’s cottage.

This was the first time Rainbow Dash hadn't been around Gilda since she’d arrived in town. It was good to have some time alone, finally. It also gave her time to think about a certain pink pony she’d been avoiding.

She truly loved Pinkie, that had never been in question. Was she really ready for others to know though? She was thoroughly considering it. She wasn't afraid of anything, after all. It was also very important to Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash was also beginning to realize it was important to be comfortable with who she was as well. She wasn't doing anything wrong either.

Then there was the matter of how she’d been treating Pinkie Pie since their date. Avoiding her. Even when being directly addressed by Pinkie as she flew by. How awful. Rainbow Dash stifled a sigh and pushed her head in the middle of the cloud she was laying on. This was all so complicated. Why couldn't things just be easy?

It was time though, and she knew it. Time to talk to Pinkie Pie about telling ponies. Or at least their friends. Dash stood up then let herself fall from the cloud she had been on. She opened her wings at the last moment and dashed back into the air.

Time to find Pinkie.

Pinkie Pie giggled as she set up the decorations. Now here was something that was taking her mind off of all the icky things going on. It was hard to feel bad when you were planning and setting up a party. The invitations had been sent. The decorations had been placed up. Really the only thing that was left to do was enjoy the atmosphere until all the guests showed up. Then the day finally took a turn for the better.

“Pinkie?” came Rainbow Dash’s uncertain voice from the doorway of sugarcube corner.

“Dashie!” Pinkie bounced with joy.

Rainbow Dash entered and looked around to make sure there was nopony around. She closed the door to sugarcube corner and approached Pinkie. She double checked that nopony was around and planted a soft peck on the pink mare’s lips. Then as they pulled away Dash went in again and gave her another kiss. This one was much longer. They locked lips several times, and Dash’s tongue snaked it’s way into Pinkie’s mouth for a brief second. It then pulled out as though it had been teasing her and then they pulled away from each other.

Pinkie giggled softly. “What was that for?”

“Apology. I’m sorry for everything over the last little while. I also came here to tell you I'm ready.” Rainbow Dash could almost feel herself hyperventilating. She couldn’t take it back now.

“Ready for what?”

“To tell our friends, Pinkie. If it’s important to you it’s important to me and I want to feel comfortable with who I am. If I can’t be who I really am around our friends then they’re not really good friends are they?””

“Oh Dashie!” Pinkie Pie glomped Rainbow Dash. She squeezed the cyan pegasus tightly. She placed pecks all over Dash’s face.

“Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash softly pushed the pink mare off and got back on her hooves. They both stared at each other for a moment then burst out laughing.

Pinkie felt as though this were a dream. One she hoped she wouldn't wake up from. She thought her and Rainbow Dash had been growing more distant. Instead this was the best thing that could happen for them at the moment. She wasn't sure anything could make this day better. Or dampen her spirits.

“Oh I'm throwing a party for Gilda!” She bounced circles around Dash.

“That’s a good idea. I have a good one too though, I think...” Dash said with a mischievous smile.

“What’s that?” Pinkie tilted her head.

“We’re gonna get Gilda good.”

The walk was slow. Not many words were exchanged but it didn't matter. Both mares were just grateful for the others company. It was nice and calming. It couldn't last forever though, unfortunately. They were nearing Fluttershy’s cottage now. Twilight racked her brain trying to think of something to talk about. She wasn't quite ready to leave the yellow mare yet.

“Have you ever had a coltfriend?” She blurted out without thinking.

Fluttershy seemed surprised. Most people could easily guess the answer. “Oh, uh..No.”

“Why not?” Since she’d already started she might as well roll with it. They were standing in front of Fluttershy’s door at this point.

“I’m far too shy for that Twilight. And nopony wants to date a shy pegasus like me. I'm not that pretty either. Not when there’s mares like Rarity or you around.” Fluttershy shifted her gaze to the ground. She gnawed at her lower lip. She’d spoken without thinking and was regretting it now.

“Geez I'm not pretty. I'm just...Studious. And geeky, kind of an egghead really. I'm more interested in books than anything. Colts don’t find that attractive.” Twilight was the one looking at the ground now. No one had ever called her pretty before. It made her feel a little warm. Embarrassed too.

Fluttershy lips twitched into a shy smile. “That’s silly. It just means you’re smart. You’re the smartest mare I know, and I'm sure a lot of colts find your brains just as nice as your, uh, body Twilight.” Small patches of blush could be seen forming on Fluttershy's cheeks

Twilight’s eyes met Fluttershy’s now. Her heart skipped a beat. Fluttershy’s words ran through her mind. I'm smart. I'm pretty. She wanted Fluttershy to understand how amazing she was as well. “You’re amazing too Fluttershy.” Wait, she never called me amazing. Oops...Now I probably look conceited. She hoped complimenting the other mare would make her seem less full of herself. ”You’re pretty and kind and caring. You’re fantastic with animals.” Twilight frowned. “Not that you’re not great with ponies too, even though you’re kind of shy.” Twilight gasped. “Wait! I didn't meant that in a bad way. It’s cute and endearing. I just- I...” She just let herself trail off.

Fluttershy was staring at Twilight. Her expression was both flattered and confused. Twilight shifted from one set of hoofs to the next. She was used to being in control and knowing exactly what to say. I should have planned this out! I should have made a step-by-step guide on what I would say. Listed every possibility and a counter-action to every outcome. I should have...I need to regain control.

For a few seconds both stood there in silence. Then Twilight leaned forward and Kissed Fluttershy.

I don’t think this was staying in control...

Party Shenanigans

It was difficult for Twilight to describe her first kiss. She never thought she'd have a first kiss since she was more interested in books than in dating. It wasn't like stallions were forming a line to be with her. And she sure did not think it would be with a member of the same sex. She was freaking out internally. Her first kiss was both awful and wonderful at the same time.

It was awful because she'd accidentally missed Fluttershy's lips at first and had to readjust herself. She wasn't entirely sure she'd done it right. She was terrified she'd just ruined her friendship with Fluttershy and of rejection too. Then there was a part of her that was relieved. The way her lips felt against Fluttershy's was divine and her heart felt as though it were going to burst. It felt right and let out a lot of the stress she'd been building. For better or worse everything was out in the open. The question of Fluttershy being attracted to her was about to be answered.

Twilight took a couple steps back and the lavender mare watched her friend for a few moments. She knew this probably had not been the way to reveal her feelings. She should have just told Fluttershy and hoped for the best. Not kissed the shyest mare in Ponyville. If anything it made it worse because of how shy Fluttershy was. It seemed there was only one thing left to do.

"Fluttershy, I'm really sorry." Twilight kicked one of her front hooves back and forth in the dirt. "Every book I read says that a kiss is a good way to express romantic feelings. It wasn't how I wanted to let you know but I panicked. I freaked out a little bit. I wasn't thinking and I hope you understand. I'm just going to...Go now..." Twilight backed up a little bit.

Just as the unicorn began to turn Fluttershy muttered something inaudible. Twilight turned back and tilted her head, a curious expression on her face.

The pink-maned mare gave a series of loud squeaks. Very similar to when the two of them first met. Twilight wasn't sure Fluttershy was trying to tell her something or shoo her away.

"One more time Fluttershy, please?" Twilight tried her best to not be rude, especially after what she'd just done.

The words were at least audible this time. "I didn't mind..."

Twilight took a hesitant step back towards her friend. "You...Didn't?"

"I like you too Twilight. I have for a little while now. I've been, um, meaning to, um, tell you. You know how I am though. I just, um...Couldn't bring myself to...Say anything..." Finding the right words to describe what she was feeling was proving difficult.

"You like like me?" Excitement was barely contained in her voice.

Fluttershy gave a slight nod yes. Twilight began hopping up and down in circles. She continuously chanted "Yesyesyesyesyesyesyes" and the shy mare couldn't stop a giggle from escaping her lips. For Twilight it was a feeling of euphoria. She'd never experience the feeling of confessing to that special somepony and being told the feeling was mutual. After a minute or so of this, Twilight calmed herself.

"I guess this means we have quite a bit to talk about then?" Twilight asked, exhaling sharply. She'd ran out of breath with all of her chant-jumping.

Fluttershy's cheeks were beginning to change colours. "Yes. Would you, um, like to come in?"

Together they made their way into Fluttershy's cottage. Both of them were happier than they'd been in a long while.

Gilda's party was well under way and everyone had shown up already excluding the guest of honour. Everypony was mingling, talking to friends and just having a good time. Not many were familiar with Gilda's poor reputation, although they soon would be. Twilight and Fluttershy had arrived to the party together, They'd had a good talk in Fluttershy's cottage.

Neither of them had ever dated before and it made each comfortable with the other. Neither of them had more experience than the other so neither of them had any expectations. They'd each traded stories of how their crush had developed. Their storied were similar, which had made each of them chuckle. They'd made the decision together to see where this brought them. They didn't want anypony knowing quite yet although Fluttershy was obviously far more concerned on what everypony would think. This worried Twilight because she couldn't help but remember how miserable Pinkie Pie had seemed. She took comfort in thinking that she wasn't quite ready for people to know either. They'd have plenty of time to worry about that later, so they simply tried to enjoy Gilda's party.

"You've met Gilda, haven't you? What's she like?" The prospect of meeting a griffon was exciting to Twilight.

Fluttershy was immediately uncomfortable, but Twilight only attributed it to the party. They'd never gotten around to actually talking about what had made Fluttershy so upset earlier. "Oh, well um, I'll tell you later, Twilight." Fluttershy then excused herself to go speak to Pinkie Pie, promising Twilight she'd be back shortly. The unicorn couldn't help but flash Fluttershy a fond smile.

It was this moment that Applejack, who had been chatting with Rarity, noticed Twilight standing by herself. She excused herself from Rarity and trotted over to Twilight. "Howdy Twilight, how are 'ya'll doin' today?"

Twilight greeted the pale-orange earth pony with a smile. "I'm doing quite well, how about yourself?"

"Ah'm doin' just dandy." Applejack grinned and leaned in to whisper into her friend's ear. "Ah have somethin' that belongs to 'ya though. A certain saddlebag 'ya left in town earlier today."

Twilight's eyes widened. She then realized it was no big deal. She'd already spoken to Applejack about her issues previously. The books didn't reveal anything more on the subject as none of them specifically spoke of fillyfoolers. Twilight had completely forgotten about those books when she'd taken off after Fluttershy. If Applejack hadn't told her about them she might have not even remembered until she took inventory in the library.

"Thank you Applejack, I appreciate you picking them up." Twilight couldn't understand why Applejack's grin wouldn't subside.

"Ah think I figured the mystery out Twilight." She chuckled softly. "Ah reckon 'ya got 'yerself a little crush on Fluttershy from the way 'ya gone'n took off after her."

Twilight wasn't sure what to say. She'd never predicted somepony figuring it out. "Applejack, please you can't tel-" Before Twilight could really get into what she was about to say she was interrupted.

"'Ya don't gotta worry. 'Yer one of mah best friends Twilight. 'Yer sexual orientation don't mean nothin' to me. You'n Fluttershy're gonna make one mighty cute couple if 'ya get the nerve to tell 'er. I know she might not like mares but ye'll never know unless 'ya try." Applejack placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "Ah know this must be a difficult time for 'ya since 'yer comin' to terms with this stuff but just know ah'll support 'ya anyway I can. 'Ya can count on me 'ta keep this 'ta mahself until 'yer up 'fer people knowin'." She gave Twilight a warm smile.

Twilight knew she could have interrupted her friend at any time to tell her the latest events. She was just too touched by her friends words to ruin such a kind speech. All she could do was return Applejack's smile before breaking the news to her. "I already told her." Twilight's voice was giddy and enthusiastic. She was just waiting for the apple-bucking earth pony to ask how it went.

"Ah'm guessin' it went good since 'ya can't even stand still?"

"It did! I kissed her and at first I thought I did then wrong thing but then Fluttershy told me she feels the same way! We talked about it for a bit and we agreed we wanted to be together, just not let everypony know about it yet." It was as though Twilight couldn't get the words out fast enough.

Applejack patted Twilight on the shoulder. "Ah'm happy for 'ya gal!"

That just about described Twilight's emotions as well.

In the meantime Fluttershy had caught up to Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie had told Fluttershy to leave it all to her, but that didn't reassure her at all. The guest of honour arrived as their conversation ended and Fluttershy quickly found somewhere to hide where she wouldn't be in Gilda's way.

The party hadn't gone as well as expected. The 'guest of honour' had left in a rage, and it essentially had spelled the end of the friendship between Rainbow Dash and her. The cyan mare was still hung up on the speech she'd given Gilda. If being cool is all you care about... It was really beginning to dawn on her how uncool she'd been to her marefriend recently. She felt awful about it, and that speech easily could have been about her. She couldn't remember a time she'd felt so bad in a long while.

Then there was the Gilda incident. She'd just lost an old friend. She was upset about that but what was more upsetting was how Gilda had acted to her friends while she was there. Pinkie Pie hadn't told her, and Rainbow Dash really wondered why. Was the cyan mare so bad of a marefriend Pinkie Pie thought she wouldn't believe her? If so she had every reason to feel as awful as she did.

It wasn't until much later in the party that Pinkie Pie came to find Dash. It was unusual for her to find the faster flier in Ponyville alone during a party. She hopped towards the cyan pegasus. "What's wrong Dashie?"

"Nothing." despite the smile plastered on Dash's lips Pinkie knew something was wrong. She could see Rainbow Dash's eyes were a little watery than usual and that how she knew something was seriously wrong. She frowned and nudged Dash with her elbow gesturing her towards the kitchen with a head nod. Dash followed her in.

The moment they got in the kitchen Pinkie Pie leaned in for a kiss but Rainbow Dash turned her head away.

"What's wrong Dashie?" It was the second time she'd asked that in the last couple minutes. Her voice oozed concern at this point.

"Why didn't you tell me...?"

Pinkie Pie didn't quite understand.

"About all the mean things Gilda was doing around Ponyville?" the rainbow-maned mare now turned back to face the pink one. "I would have believed you, Pinkie Pie. I swear. You must think I'm so awful an-" Pinkie's hood was pressed against Dash's muzzle, silencing her.

"Rainbow Dash..." Pinkie's eyes softened as she looked at the mare she loved. "That's not it at all, you silly filly." Pinkie's hoof moved from the pegasus' mouth to gently stroke her cheek. "I knew Gilda was important to you and that's why I didn't tell you. I thought throwing her a party might make her a little nicer. Then it wouldn't have been a problem any more. I didn't want to make you think any worse of one of your best friends."

"You did this for me? Even after some of the stuff I heard she did, like what she did to Fluttershy, you did this for me?" Dash's voice cracked as she spoke.

"Of course. I'd do anything for you." She nuzzled her lover.

"But I've been avoiding you, been pretty rude. I've been making you feel bad by keeping us a secret. Ignoring you and you still do something like this? Why?"

"Because I love you. I know I can be a little...Invading at times, and I guess you just needed space. I totally understand. You're silly if you think I'd think so poorly of you."

"Pinkie...How did I get stuck with somepony as amazing as you?"

Pinkie Pie giggled softly. "I guess you just got lucky."

They shared a kiss and for once Rainbow Dash wouldn't have cared if somepony walked in.

Twilight found Fluttershy after Gilda had left. She'd only just heard of what had happened between the two of them. In a way she was kind of grateful to the griffon. If it wasn't for that she may never have confessed to Fluttershy. That did not mean she was happy about what Gilda had done.

"I'm sorry Fluttershy, I completely forgot to ask what had happened earlier. I only just found out it was Gilda that had you crying earlier."

"Oh, don't worry Twilight. I'm really happy with how things turned out." She gave Twilight a knowing smile.

"Me too. I just don't like the thought of someone bullying you." It infuriated the unicorn.

"Oh, well...I'm used to it." Fluttershy looked back down, obviously recalling all the times it had happened. "I'm just not very good at standing up for myself."

Twilight raised the peagsus' chin up so that she was looking at her. "Then next time, if you need it, I'll stand up for you." She wouldn't let anyone bully Fluttershy again.

Fluttershy's eyes moistened for the second time that day, this time it was out of joy. If she were ever going to open her heart up to somepony she was glad it was going to be Twilight. She couldn't think of a pony more trust worthy than the mare she was now calling her marefriend. "That means a lot to me." Fluttershy wrapped her front hooves around Twilight's neck for a hug.

"I said the right thing?"

"You said the perfect thing."

"Well, I am a super smart smarty-smart pants." She giggled softly, reciting what Pinkie Pie had said earlier.

"Yeah but you're my super smart smarty-smart pants now."

Twilight wouldn't have it any other way.

Author's Note

I pumped this one out rather fast compared to how I've been updating since I started writing this. I'm quite pleased with how this one turned out, especially the Twishy stuff. I'm focusing mainly on this fic now, so I'm hoping to keep updating at this pace. I also wanted to thank everyone for all their lovely comments and support. It means a lot to me!

Making the best of things

Just relax, Fluttershy...No need to be jealous... Even as she kept repeating it to herself she knew she would be unable to control it. Twilight's main interest was magic, wasn't it? It wasn't as though Fluttershy had a lot to talk about when it came to the subject. The way Twilight's eyes had lit up when she'd heard about a powerful unicorn didn't help ease Fluttershy either. Fluttershy gave a nervous glance sideways towards Twilight, wondering what was on her lovers mind.

Even as Twilight had watched that pony, Trixie, harass her friends there was still without a doubt a glimmer of impression in her violet optics. The fact that Trixie was using her magic to showboat and make fun of Twilight's friends hadn't really sat with her that well; the blue unicorn's skill on the other hand was quite impressive. Twilight didn't doubt that Spike was correct, she probably was better than Trixie; but that didn't diminish Trixie's skills.

Throughout the entire display Spike had continued to ask Twilight to put that pony in her place; something she had adamantly refused each time. Fluttershy had only overheard part of the conversation and wasn't sure why Twilight hadn't wanted to. It seemed odd for Twilight to choose not to defend her friends if she possessed the ability to but Fluttershy didn't bring it up. It wasn't really any of her business.

Now Fluttershy was escorting Twilight home, mostly in silence. The two would exchange the odd word every now and then but the pegasus could tell Twilight was still thinking about Trixie's impressive display of magic. Fluttershy was beginning to think that maybe she should say something when they finally reached Twilight's home. Her heart sank; now it was too late to say anything and the shy pegasus knew she would be worrying about it all night.

"Well, looks like we're here." Twilight said cheerfully, a pleased smile crossing her lips.

Fluttershy stood awkwardly before her new marefriend, one of her forehooves shyly kicking at the ground. She nodded, unsure of what to respond to Twilight's statement of the obvious.

"I'll see you tomorrow right?" despite Twilight's best efforts she couldn't hide her amusement. The shyness of her mare friend was too adorable. It made her want to pick the yellow pegasus up and shower her with kisses. If it wouldn't potentially embarrass her to death there is a good chance Twilight would have.

Fluttershy nodded again. She then took a slow breath. "I- um, well....Twilight...." she began but was unable to continue. Fluttershy had always heard that honesty was key in a relationship but now when the time came to practice it she couldn't. She put on a smile and nodded. "Of course. Good night, Twilight." and with that Fluttershy returned home leaving Twilight to ponder what could have been wrong for the remainder of the night.

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie lay beside each other. Both of them were panting heavily after having spent some "intimate" time together. The pink mare nuzzled her head into Rainbow Dash's neck with a huge grin plastered on her face. Clearly she was satisfied; Dash couldn't help but have a smug smirk on her face.

"That's every night this week Dashie. You're lucky we haven't gotten caught yet." Pinkie looked up at Dash with a grin. Sneaking into Sugarcube Corner wasn't the ideal place for the two of them to spend the night. Getting up to Rainbow Dash's cloud home was always such a pain though.

"You're not getting tired of it already, are you Pinkie?" Dash said it almost as a challenge.

Pinkie giggled and scoffed. "I'm always good if you are." A dreamy sigh left her mouth. "And things sure have been going good lately."

"And next time we're all together I'll tell our friends about us."

"We'll tell our friends." Pinkie raised her head to give Rainbow Dash a loving kiss which the cyan mare happily returned.

"Our friends will totally be okay with it." It seemed like Dash was reassuring herself more than Pinkie Pie.

"I already know Twilight is." Pinkie casually let out.

The effect was instantaneous. Rainbow Dash sat up as though the are under her upper body was on fire. "What!?"

Pinkie sat up too, although much slower than Dash had. "Yeah, it came up while Gilda was here."

"Pinkie! That was a long time ago!" Dash concern was growing into anger. "How could you not tell me!?"

"I-I forgot! I didn't think it was important!" Pinkie stammered out her words quickly.

"Not important? What if Twilight told somepony?"

"She promised she wouldn't Dashie! You trust Twilight don't you!?"

"Yeah, but it looks like trusting you was a mistake." Rainbow Dash snapped back.

"Dashie, just li-."

"Don't call me that!" Rainbow Dash snapped again. She wasn't in the mood for lovey-dovey names any more. "Letting it slip is one thing but keeping it from me for as long as you have is so uncool Pinkie Pie." Dash let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm gonna go, I just...Need to be alone."

Without another word Rainbow Dash unfurled her wings and with a rainbow streak out the window, disappeared.

Twilight knew she probably should have gone to sleep but there was too much on her mind. The first thing was that Fluttershy had clearly been bothered by something. Twilight hadn't wanted to seem like one of those cling-need-to-know-everything kind of marefriend so she dropped it...At least for now. She trusted that Fluttershy would tell her in time

The next was The Great And Powerful Trixie's claims to have bested an Ursa Major. Quite a feat, if possible, would be incredible. So Twilight headed out into the night back towards where Trixie had been on her shows. It seemed she was staying somewhere around there; at least according to Snips and Snails. Twilight spotted her and began quickly trotting over there. As she did a swell of excitement rushed over her and she couldn't help but grin stupidly. There were a good deal of unicorns in Ponyville but none of them were exceptional at magic beyond what they needed it for. So to have somepony like Trixie come along who, even though she was a loudmouth, also seemed to possess some skill was a rare treat for Twilight. With that being said she didn't want to reveal her own skill with magic lest she be seen as a showoff. She didn't want her friends to think of her as they did Trixie; especially not Fluttershy.

Twilight approached Trixie cautiously and cleared her throat. Trixie spun around and her eyes narrowed as she observed Twilight. She scoffed and waited for Twilight to say something.

"Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle. I was watching your performance earlier an-" Twilight had started talking pleasantly enough but Trixie interrupted her with an amused chuckle.

"Oh yes, Trixie remembers. You were the unicorn too chicken to challenge the great and powerful Trixie!" she grinned as she finished speaking and her eyes gleamed with amusement most likely at the idea of having an inferior unicorn to torment.
Twilight truly believed Trixie wasn't a bad pony. Just one who was rude, cocky and very overconfident. Twilight still wanted to believe there was good in her. After all, she was quite gifted and despite her showboating she wasn't using her magic for anything bad. Yet talking to her like that was certainly anger inducing.

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about something you said during your show today." Twilight continued as pleasantly as she could.

"Oh?" Trixie barely seemed surprised. "And what is it that your untrained mind did not comprehend?"

"I was just wondering how you vanquished an Ursa Major."

Something flickered across Trixie's face. Concern, maybe? It quickly disappeared and was replaced with her usual smug look.

"The great and powerful Trixie could explain it to you but worries that it would be lost on you. After all not there is no unicorn around who can perform magic as well as I, the great and powerful Trixie!" Sparks exploded behind her as she posed.

Twilight could only roll her eyes. At this point she was itching to show Trixie what she was made of but still, she restrained herself. "Try me."

"Ha! Did the great and powerful Trixie not just tell you it would be a waste of time? Begone with you. Trixie needs her rest from performing such impressive feats of magic!"

Twilight sighed. Arguing was pointless and Trixie had already started walking away. She turned around to start heading back towards the library and her eyes widened when she noticed a distraught looking Fluttershy standing only a few hooves ahead of her.

"Fluttershy?" Twilight called out not even bothering to mask her concern.

Fluttershy sobbed softly before turning around without a word and running off.

For the second time that night Twilight wasn't quite sure what had happened but was left with the idea that she'd done something wrong.

It was already getting pretty late which only made Rainbow Dash's visit all the more surprising. Pinkie had been getting ready for the following morning when her marefriend had shown up. She didn't feel like talking to Rainbow Dash, not after earlier.

"Pinkie."

"No, Dashie. I don't feel like talking right now." Pinkie spoke sharply and went to the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner.

Dash looked around to make sure no one was looking and followed her marefriend into the back. "Please, Pinks?"

"I don't want to talk Dashie! What you did was super mean. It was really "uncool"." Pinkie tried to imitate Rainbow's voice with the last word. "I've been patient with you, and I've been doing my best but I need some space right now Rainbow Dash."

"Dinner." Dash said, oblivious to what Pinkie was saying.

"No." Simple.

"Picnic."

"No." One worded.

"Pranking!" Dash was desperate now.

"No!" Answers.

"Pinkie, please..."

"I'd appreciate if you left, right now Rainbow Dash." Pinkie frowned. "And you can leave from the back door here, like that no one will see you."

Rainbow Dash winced. So that's what that feels like...Not very pleasant. Rainbow Dash was defeated. She nodded and left through the back door.

Pinkie watched as her marefriend left and sighed again. You did the right thing, Pinkie...Maybe Dashie will realize she doesn't want to lose me.

That or she won't care enough to do anything.

Be quiet, you!

Pinkie Pie grabbed a fresh tray of cupcakes and went back to the front counter to set them on display for the following day. An impossibly huge smile painted itself onto her face as she walked out; in case one of the Cakes came down. She had to keep reminding herself of her number one rule.

Remember, Pinkie. Smile. Smile. Smile.

Twilight had immediately gone chasing after Fluttershy. Unfortunately the pegasus didn't seem to be in any of the places where Twilight thought she might have gone. Not only was it incredibly upsetting it was frustrating as well. Twilight's intellect had always given her a certain advantage when it came to problem solving. This time her mind couldn't seem to make sense of anything.

Funnily enough, just as she was about to give up, Twilight found Fluttershy in the last place she'd expected to find her: standing in front of the library door. Twilight let out a sigh of relief and rushed over to her. "Fluttershy! I was so worried about you!"

Fluttershy's eyes were still a little red from her earlier sobbing. After she'd calmed down she realized she owed Twilight an explanation. Hearing that the unicorn had been worried about her was definitely a relief, though. "I'm sorry, Twilight..." Fluttershy sighed.

"Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything." Celestia's prized student tilted her head.

"I, well...Um...Was, um, kind of jealous...." over the course of the sentence Fluttershy's words had grown softer and softer until they were almost inaudible. Twilight had definitely understood the word jealous, though.

"Jealous? Of what?" the way she spoke made it sound like jealousy was the most ludicrous thing Fluttershy could have been feeling.

"Trixie..." the shy pegasus mumbled out.

Twilight stared at her blankly for a few seconds before bursting out into a fit of laughter. Fluttershy's eyes immediately began watering again and upon noticing this Twilight quickly placed a hoof on her shoulder. "No, Fluttershy. Don't misunderstand me. It's just ridiculous that you would think that. Trixie is nothing. Just a loudmouth unicorn who thinks she's better than everypony else."

"But she's good in magic!" The look of confusion on Twilight's face made it clear she should elaborate. "I don't know how talking to me could be interesting. I can't really talk to you about magic because I'm not a unicorn. Magic is such a big part of your life and it's a part that I can't be a part of."

Twilight smiled and kissed Fluttershy's cheek sweetly."I don't know anything about animals."

Fluttershy's cheeks flushed. "Huh?"

"I don't know anything about animals, so I'm in the same dilemma. By being with you, though, I'll learn. I may not be able to fully share my magic with you but you'll always be there to listen. Just like I will."

Before Fluttershy had a chance to respond Spike came running up to them, panting heavily and obviously concerned...

Twilight was exhausted. Sending that Ursa back to the Everfree Forest had really tested her limits. Magic as she had performed did not come easy, and she was just grateful she'd been practicing so much lately. It was time to get some rest though. Fluttershy was also impressed with her marefriend. She'd been showering Twilight with compliments since the incident, their earlier problems forgotten. Now they walked back towards the library together. Fluttershy wanted to make sure Twilight got home safely, she seemed likely to pass out in the middle of the road. Spike followed behind them.

A shiver ran down Twilight's spine. Although the days were still hot the nights were beginning to get chilly. Winter would be here soon. Fluttershy had seen Twilight shiver. She took a quick look around to make there that there was nopony around. She then untucked her wing from her side and extended it around Twilight back. It brought them closer together so that as they walked their bodies were against each other. The chilly night air couldn't bother Twilight anymore. Fluttershy flashed Twilight an embarrassed smile, all that Twilight could do was return it. She leaned her head against the pegasus' pink mane and sighed happily. It was soft and warm against her cheek, more comfortable than any pillow she'd ever slept on.

From that point on they walked in silence. Content just to be with the other. When they finally reached the library Fluttershy accompanied Twilight inside. Twilight immediately found the dining room table, whereas Spike immediately went to find his bed. A quill and piece of parchment floated over to Twilight, although they wavered in mid air. Both landed in front of her.

"What are you doing?" Came Fluttershy's voice from behind.

"I'm writing my letter to Princess Celestia." Twilight tapped a hoof to her chin as she replied.

"You seem really tired though. maybe you could wait until tomorrow to write it?"

Twilight was about to argue that it was best to do it right away. Then she thought that maybe it would be best to wait. That way mistakes could be avoided and it would give her more time to focus her thoughts. She turned her head around and gave Fluttershy a quick peck on the lips. "You're right."

Fluttershy escorted the lavender unicorn up to her bedroom. Twilight immediately collapsed on the bed with a comfortable sigh.

They hadn't been together long but neither pony could remember a time when they had been happier. It was easy to be themselves when around the other. Twilight wasn't worried about sounding nerdy around Fluttershy. The pegasus was always glad to listen to anything Twilight had to say. She would even often ask how the unicorn's experiments were going, or if she'd learned any new spells lately.

The same went for Fluttershy. When she was around Twilight she didn't have to worry about being shy. Fluttershy knew she could go to her marefriend with anything, no matter the issue. She wouldn't be judged or ridiculed instead the unicorn would try and make it okay anyway she knew how. It made Fluttershy feel good about herself, knowing somepony cared for her as much as Twilight did.

Fluttershy watched Twilight as she stretched. She couldn't help but admire the unicorn. The pegasus was extremely impressed with how Twilight had bravely confronted the Ursa. Compared to Twilight she wasn't brave at all.

"How do you do it, Twilight?"

"Sorry?" The unicorn turned to her marefriend a curious look across her face.

"How do you manage to be so brave? Compared to you I'm so weak and cowardly. If our friends were in danger I'd never be able to protect them...I'm always the one who's going to be needing help..." Fluttershy was clearly upset at this though. She didn't want to make this about her she just wished she understood where bravery came from. As somepony who'd been afraid her whole life the concept of "standing up for yourself" was lost on her.

Twilight raised a lavender hoof and stroked Fluttershy's cheek softly. "Don't ever use me as a way to make yourself look bad. You don't have to be brave. You're so many other things. You're the element of kindness. It's your kindness that won me over, remember?" Despite being new at this twilight wanted to make Fluttershy feel better. She'd do anything to see her smile. "You help all your friends in so many other ways. You'll show all of us your bravery one day, Fluttershy." Twilight felt as though everything she was saying was awkward and wrong. Showering her marefriend with compliments wasn't the way to make her feel better. It was about finding that one special thing about Fluttershy that would shine above everything else. She wasn't quite sure what it was but when she found out the unicorn would be sure to let Fluttershy know.

"Thanks." Fluttershy was blushing. Twilight believed in her and for now that was all that mattered. "I'd better get going though. It's getting awfully late."

Twilight yawned. She was tired too but she didn't want to see Fluttershy go quite yet. That's when the idea sprung into her mind. "Or you could spend the night here!"

Fluttershy jumped back in surprise. After all, Twilight had just randomly sprung up and raised her voice. The lavender mare gave her marefriend an expectant look. "Oh, um...I'm not sure. I mean Angel would worry and I don't have any of my things..."

Before Fluttershy could get out another word Twilight interrupted her. "It could be like a sleep over! I've never had one of those."

Fluttershy considered it, she really did. The idea of falling asleep with Twilight and waking up next to her was pleasant, to say the least. She also doubted Twilight intended for anything other than sleep to happen, but still Fluttershy's nervousness got the best of her. "I'm sorry Twilight, I really can't. I have to go. I'll see you soon." With a quick peck on the cheek Fluttershy left the library without even giving Twilight a chance to say goodbye.

Twilight was left standing there and she sighed. She couldn't help but think that she'd done something wrong. If she had, what was worse, is that she had no idea how to fix it.

Ugh...I thought being in a relationship would be easy.

Pinkie had spent the better part of the night sobbing. Even when the Ursa had attacked she hadn't been scared. The pain was too overwhelming for her to feel fear. Now it had been dealt with so she'd returned to her room, curled up and began crying again. It had been a rough day for her.

Everypony always told her she needed to grow up, that she was too childish. She thought confronting Rainbow Dash HAD been the grown up thing to do. Instead the only thing it seemed to have accomplished was make her single. Thinking it over though it almost made sense. Rainbow Dash was beautiful and athletic. There was nothing in Pinkie Pie that Dash would be interested in. In fact Rainbow Dash didn't even really like sweets!

Pinkie gave a hopeful glance out her window, half expecting Rainbow Dash to pop in, apologize and make everything okay. Instead it was only the blackness of night.

Pinkie Pie sighed and tried to get some sleep.

The next morning Fluttershy had woken up feeling guilty. She'd rushed over to the library to apologize to Twilight. Of course sleep had barely found her the night before. Not to mention the images of falling asleep with her back firmly placed against Twilight's belly, the purple unicorn's hooves wrapped around Fluttershy. None of those had helped her find sleep. Deep down it wasn't that she hadn't wanted that, it was simply that she wasn't ready. All she would of had to do is explain that to Twilight. Not make her feel awful about it by leaving. It was just seeing Twilight looking at her so expectantly...

Fluttershy gave several timid knocks upon the door. From the other side she heard Twilight yell out "Spike! Door!" She could even hear Spike muttering to himself on the other side of the door before he opened it. Behind Spike Fluttershy could see that the library was a mess. Books were flung onto the floor without care, while several others floated around. It took Fluttershy a few moments to realize it but each book shared a similar theme: Romance. The pegasus gulped, she'd really made a mistake this time.

"Oh hey Fluttershy." Spike spoke with his usual cheery demeanour, but there was sometihng underlying in his tone. "Maybe you can talk to Twilight. She's been up all night going through these books. Kept me up too." He emphasized this with a yawn.

"Oh my...I'll see if I can maybe help."

With that Fluttershy let herself in, Spike walked off grumbling again. Twilight still wasn't aware of her presence and Fluttershy watched as she flipped from book to book frustratedly.

"No. No! NO!" Twilight allowed a loud groan to pass her lips and with her magic dispersed the books angrily. She then sighed and mumbled "One minute we're fine and the next we're not...I don't understand..."

"Um, Twilight...I was hoping I could maybe, um, talk to you...?" Fluttershy kneaded at the ground with her hoof.

Twilight turned around quickly, surprised that Fluttershy had even shown up. The unicorn was exhausted, as Spike had said she'd spent the entire night awake looking through book after book to figure out what she'd done wrong. There was no chapter in any book titled "Why your marefriend won't spend the night with you and why she'd rather run away." Even though she wasn't sure what she'd done Twilight could think of only one thing to fix it. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I didn't mean to upset you."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. Both from Twilight's apology and from her appearance. Her mane was dishevelled and there were bags under her eyes. She really has been up all night... Fluttershy was overcome with guilty. She tread carefully around the dozens of books on the floor to make her way to Twilight. Without warning she wrapped her forehooves around Twilight's neck and brought her in close for a hug.

"Oh, Twilight I'm so sorry. I feel absolutely awful." Her hoofs tightened around Twilight's neck.

"I-what? You're sorry? What did you do, Fluttershy?" Twilight didn't understand.

"I made you feel absolutely awful. I never wanted to do that." Fluttershy sighed as she pulled away. "Last night had nothing to do with you Twilight and had everything to do with me. I was conflicted and then you were looking sooo hopeful and expectant." Fluttershy felt as though she were rambling, having trouble getting to the point.

"So, I pressured you." Twilight concluded.

Fluttershy huffed angrily. "No, that's not what I'm saying." Twilight seemed surprised, she'd never seen Fluttershy take a stand like that before. "I wanted to stay, Twilight. I really did. I thought about falling asleep with you all last night and it felt good. You know how I am though. I got scared, too frightened to actually go through with it. I'm not good at standing up for myself either. I panicked and I left. I shouldn't have done that. Our relationship means more to me than just leaving when things get hard." Fluttershy concluded, rather proud of her point.

Twilight was moved, "Fluttershy..." She spoke softly.

Fluttershy interrupted her again. "We haven't been together for very long but you already mean so much to me. I care for you a lot and I know that I can talk to you about anything. You've told me that I can. I just wish I'd listened instead of making you feel like you did something wrong. You didn't, I promise."

"Thank you, Fluttershy." There was a pause as she tried to think of something else to say. Instead all she came up with was "Thank you." again.

Fluttershy gave her marefriend a sheepish smile before leaning in to press their muzzles together.

Maybe it'll be easier than I thought. Twilight contently thought to herself.

Author's Note

Alright so, for those who aren't aware I messed up. Between the last chapter and this one...Well the sequencing was off. So I kind of combined the two into one mega chapter. Unfortunately it has affected it quite a bit...It had been o long since I'd written a chapter for this that I had forgotten what exactly had happened. It was a dumb mistake. Anyway here is the new and improved chapter. Hope you enjoy.

Some Friendly Advice

It had only been a few days but Pinkie pie truly felt as though it had weeks. Her relationship with Rainbow Dash was in limbo. They'd never talked after what she'd said so she wasn't sure whether Rainbow Dash was done with her or not. The way she'd been acting it seemed as though she were, and the idea that her possible former marefriend was not even willing to try and talk and work things out broke Pinkie Pie's heart even more than the actual possible break-up.

It wasn't like they hadn't seen each other either. They'd crossed paths on more than one occasion. Their eyes would meet, but only for a moment before they were quickly averted and each returned to whatever they'd been doing. In these situations it took all of Pinkie Pie's control to not run over and hug Dash, begging for things to return to normal. Then the darker side of her mind reminded her Rainbow Dash would never forgive her. All she cares about is appearances, don't ever forget that. She tried to come up with a good argument for that but she never could.

Now she would go to work miserable and despite her best efforts to keep the charade of happiness up others were beginning to see through her deception. She was distracted and often caught daydreaming. There had been no mention of parties from her lips since the Rainbow Dash incident and all, if not all, of her free time was spent moping in her room (although when asked she maintained that she was not moping.) She was at her wits end, nothing seemed to make her happy and there was nopony she could talk to about it without further angering Rainbow Dash; although part of her was inclined to let her friends in on the secret just to spite the Rainbow pegasus. Left with no recourse she kept her pain to herself until she realized there was a solution.

She was on her way to the library, to talk to Twilight. Surely speaking to Twilight couldn't possibly anger Rainbow Dash anymore, at least that's what she figured. She was almost there now; ponies had been watching her for most of her trek there. She seemed more thoughtful than anything, there was no bouncing, no cheerful 'hello's' to the other residents of Ponyville and they were taking notice. Some even tried to talk to her but Pinkie brushed them off claiming she had something important to do. She would speed up just until she was out of the other ponies' line of vision then resume her slow pace until finally she reached twilight's library.

Her pink roof rose as she prepared to knock on the door but she hesitated when she heard giggling. Pinkie frowned and pressed her ear to the door. She honestly didn't think she was intruding until she heard a little more of what was going on. There was more giggling, and shuffling then a loud cry.

"Twilight, stop, that tickles!" there was no mistaking Fluttershy's voice, which now that Pinkie heard her speak sounded a little winded.

"Isn't that sort of the point?" Twilight replied and Pinkie could practically hear the smile on her face.

Pinkie's heart skipped a beat and all of a sudden her face felt very, very warm. Her cheeks flushed crimson, although the additional colour was mostly hidden by her pink fur. She'd just overheard Twilight and Fluttershy doing...Inappropriate things. There was initially a wave of guilt, then shame at the eavesdropping. What they were doing was risky, Pinkie though to herself. Sure, Twilight lived there but the library was still open. Anypony could have walked in an caught then. Pinkie heard another loud yelp and her cheeks flushed more. She turned around with the intention of leaving quickly but she tripped and fell to the ground with a loud scream of her own. The pink mare groaned and forced herself back to her hooves.

"Pinkie Pie?" Twilight asked curiously. "What are you doing?"

Pinkie Pie was mortified.

Rainbow Dash was in the middle of performing one hell of a dive, she was heading headfirst towards the water at an unknown yet ridiculous speed, with the intent of pulling up at the last minute. She was in the zone, master of the air, the best flyer in all of Equestria. Until a certain pink pony popped into her head, her mind went fuzzy and she only came to when she crashed into the water.

Her frustrated scream couldn't be heard from under the water but the moment she burst through the angry yell echoed across the entire area. Dash wasn't sure if anypony had heard her but she hoped not, it would be difficult to explain. Okay, maybe not that difficult she could just say she was frustrated she messed her trick up. She shook her head to bring herself back to reality. That wasn't what was important. What was important is that she needed to talk to Pinkie Pie. She'd known that for days yet couldn't go find the pink mare because she knew exactly how that conversation would go.

Pinkie Pie would (very reasonably) want to make their relationship open, there was no possible way Rainbow Dash could go back to her if she wasn't ready for that. She didn't feel ready, but maybe she would never feel ready and she would just have to jump in. Would it really be worth it to save her relationship. She sighed. Thinking about all this stuff wasn't her idea of a fun evening.

Rainbow Dash slowly lifted off the ground and began flying. She wasn't sure where she was going or what she was going to do. All she knew is she hoped that things would get better soon.

"You thought we were WHAT!?" Twilight screamed, completely scandalized. Fluttershy's own face was hidden behind her mane, but she probably looked more mortified than Pinkie had when Twilight had opened the door.

"It was an honest mistake, okay?" Pinkie Pie whined. She wanted the subject to be dropped. Twilight already knew even if they had been doing that Pinkie Pie wouldn't have had a problem with it. "It has nothing to do with why I came here" Pinkie hoped to ends this specific topic with that.

Pinkie pie had been wrong in her assumption of what Twilight and Fluttershy had been up to. She'd thought they had been doing...lewd thing. What Twilight had actually been doing was tickling Fluttershy. Which made a lot more sense than what Pinkie Pie had thought they were doing. They were just having fun being together, neither of them was overly worried about being caught and Pinkie found herself jealous of their relationship. Jealous, but still happy for two of her best friends.

"Are you here to talk about Rainbow Dash again?" Twilight asked, clever as always. Then again, it hadn't been hard to tell it was painted all over Pinkie Pie's face and the pink mare nodded in response to Twilight's question.

"They're...?" Fluttershy's question trailed off but it was pretty obvious what she was going to ask.

Twilight was about to answer her but Pinkie Pie answered for herself "We used to be..."

Saying it outloud was painful, one of the most painful things Pinkie Pie had ever had to say. Her bottom lip quivered and she could feel herself about to cry but she mustered up all the inner strength she could and held the tears back.

"I don't know what to do anymore. She's rude and doesn't want people to know about us. She yelled at me when she found out that I told you, Twilight, but I love her. I really, really do."

"I see...I wish I could help Pinkie pie, but I don't really have any advice."

"Well, what would you do if you found out Fluttershy had told somepony else that you liked dating other mares?"

There was an awkward pause before Twilight answered because she was wrestling honesty with making Pinkie feel better. "Well, I know Fluttershy would never do that, so..."

The two lovers exchanged a glance and a smile was shared between them, Pinkie's jealous rose up again "Oh, why don't you two just get a room!?"

Her two friends turned to her with shock on their faces. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Pinkie quickly stammered out.

"It's okay." Much to pinkie's surprise it was Fluttershy had spoke. "Um, I'm sorry if i'm sticking my muzzle where it doesn't belong, but..." Pinkie Pie nodded encouragingly; any advice was welcome. "If being Twilight has taught me anything it's that you should always be able to be who you are around your significant other. I'm not saying you can't be with Rainbow Dash but if she's just not ready I don't think pressuring her is the best solution...N-not that I'm an expert or anything..I just...With Twilight..." Fluttershy felt as though she'd rambled on a little too much and her words had devolved to a squeak at the end.

"I think the best solution is to talk to Rainbow Dash, Pinkie." Twilight chimed in.

Pinkie Pie sighed and muttered under her breath "It all comes down to talking to Rainbow Dash..."

Author's Note

This chapter has been a long time coming guys. Not much happened in it but it's actually set up a few things that are going to happen over the next few chapters. This story is special to me, it's the first one I published here and it still has a long way to go, but looking back I feel like I've already learned a lot about writing since the first chapter of this.

Expect updates to keep coming and thank you all for your support.

Breaking News And Breaking Hearts

Rainbow Dash lay in the field sweaty and panting. She'd just given herself one hell of a work-out. Taking her mind off of things. She was supposed to meet her friends later, all of them. That means seeing Pinks... Rainbow Dash thought solemnly. There was nothing much she could do about it, though. Which brought her back to keeping it off her mind, hence the work out. She was so lost in her own head she never even heard Thunderlane land beside her, only noticing him when he cleared his throat.

"Oh, hey, Thunderlane. You here to lose another race against me?" Rainbow Dash gave him a cocky grin, she'd never once lost a race. Not against Thunderlane anyway.

The black stallion rolled his eyes as he responded "No, I was actually here to ask you if you were busy tonight."

"Tonight? I'm meeting my friends in a bit but I don't think that'll be too long..." Rainbow Dash frowned, wondering what all of this was about. "Why? What's up?"

Thunderlane seemed to turn shy then, kneading at the grass with one of his hoofs. it gave Rainbow Dash an idea of what was coming next. The stallion actually intended to ask her out; it happened quite a lot. With nopony knowing of her sexual preference she always had to come up with some excuse why she wasn't interested in whomever was asking her out. She actually had a few excuses saved up for times like this.

"I was thinking maybe you'd wanna hang out tonight, y'know?" he asked.

Rainbow Dash was ready to decline but something stopped her. This is the perfect cover... her mind told her, and it was hard to find an excuse to counter it. But using Thunderlane like that would be wrong...Wouldn't it...? She was arrogant and cocky but she didn't think she had it in her to actually purposely be mean to somepony. Just a little...Everyone will know you went out so nopony will suspect anything. No harm, no foul.

"Yeah, sure. Why don't we meet up at Sugarcube corner later?" Dash tried her best to sound enthusiastic about all of this.

"Yeah, great, wow! i'll see you then!" and with that Thunderlane took off, and when he left that's when Pinkie Pie came into view.

She'd never looked so scary. Her features were contorted in rage, but her eyes were overflowing with moisture. Rainbow Dash was overwhelmed with guilt, as she knew she should be. Her marefriend (well, definitely not so anymore) looked completely deranged and it was all her fault. "Pinkie, I-."

"FUCK YOU!" She screamed at the top of her lungs before turning around and running off.

Rainbow Dash's eyes had never been so wide, nor had she ever been so surprised. Never in her life had she seen Pinkie Pie be mean, or swear at all.

I think I fucked up...

Fluttershy paced nervously, nothing new for sure, but this time she was more nervous than usual. Any minute her and Twilight would be leaving to meet up with their friends with the intention of letting them know that the two of them were now romantically involved. It was nerve-wracking, frightening and all of a sudden Fluttershy found herself no longer wanting to do it. Perhaps it wasn't all that sudden, truth be told she had been fine with it up until when she had woken up that morning.

She'd had horrible nightmares about her friends reaction. They had laughed at her and teased her, called her hurtful names and even pushed her around. In her dream they'd spread the news all over Ponyville until it got so bad Fluttershy had to move away. She knew it was on the ridiculous side, but that was just how her mind worked; Fluttershy was her own worst enemy. It didn't take long for Twilight to notice her marefrirend's anguish, of course.

In the short amount of time the two of them had been together Twilight had learned a lot about Fluttershy. There were certain qurks the unicorn had managed to pick up on. When Fluttershy was uncomfortable she always hid behind her mane and kept her eyes away. When there was something she wanted to say but was too afraid to, that was when she stuttered the most. One way that Twilight knew something was particularly wrong at the moment was that Fluttershy seemed to have started to hyperventilate, and that was new. With their coming out only a short ways away that really could be the only thing bothering her.

"If you're not ready we don't have to do this, Fluttershy." the purple hoof rested comfortingly on Fluttershy's back. Twilight leaned in to nuzzle herself into Fluttershy's cheek. "I'll understand if you need more time."

The pegasus' heart skipped a beat. Twilight was so good to her; she wanted more than anything to make her that happy and repay Twilight for being so kind and understanding with her. Perhaps letting their friends know was the way to do just that. After all couldn't her friends be trusted with anything?

She looked back on Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie as an example and her nervousness returned in full force. That had essentially torn them apart and that is what worried her. How long until Twilight got sick of sneaking around and lost her temper, claiming she no longer wished to be dating the pegasus? In all fairness Rainbow Dash's attitude had not helped either, but still...

"I don't want to pressure you." Twilight continued, her voice washing over her marefriend with a soothing tone.

"What if they laugh at me?" Fluttershy voiced her concerns "Or think we're gross and don't want to be our friends anymore? What if-" silenced with a kiss.

The kiss was long and soft. When Twilight finally pulled away the pegasus was pulled into a hug. "There's no way that would ever happen, but if you want to wait we will."

Fluttershy pulled away and looked into Twilight's violet eyes. There was so much there that she felt she was being sucked into them, almost in a trance yet none of it was bad. There was no reason not do it, now or later the result would be the same and there was no point delaying it.

"Let's do it." She exclaimed as her stomach backflipped in protest.

Twilight and Fluttershy were the last to arrive to their little gathering. Rarity and Applejack seemed pleasant enough, they were chatting each other up. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash on the other hand, well...It was obvious something there was not right. Dash was as far away from Pinkie Pie as she could get, and Twilight couldn't help but notice the dangerous glares Pinkie Pie kept shooting towards Rainbow Dash's direction.

"Howdy, Twilight!" Applejack called out upon the two lovers' arrival. Everypony else joined in offering their own welcome to the last two to arrive. There was idle chit-chat and catching up over events that had transpired since last they had all been together. This is actually really nice... Twilight thought to herself. We really need to get together like this more often.

Twilight cleared her throat rather loudly and everypony turned to her. Now it was her turn to become nervous. She began reciting a chant in her head They're your friends, they'll accept you. She kept repeating it over and over again, as though doing so would undoubtedly make it true, not that that particular outcome was impossible either. Twilight just wished she had some kind of guarantee, but it was too late to back out.

"There's actually I reason I asked you here." Twilight started. "I - Well, Fluttershy and myself - have some news we'd like to share with you." At the mention of her name Fluttershy's face turned red, despite her embarrassment she made her way to side beside Twilight. She did her best to look confident but she ended up hiding her face behind her mane, having so much attention on her was too much. It was a good thing it wasn't up to her to do the talking. Four sets of eyes were on the two lovers, waiting to hear this news they had been gathered to hear. "I haven't been here that long, but in the short time I have I've come to love each and every one of you. You're all my best friends, without you I'd still have my muzzle buried in books all the time. Well, I still do most of the time, not that that's a bad thing mind you but friends are so much better than books. I wish there were some sort of book on friendship though...It would certainly make understanding all of this a lo-"

"Ahem..." Rainbow Dash interrupted to bring Twilight back to focus, with her eyes on Twilight she didn't notice the death glare Pinkie shot her.

"That was awfully rude, Rainbow Dash." her voice was laced with venom, not a very attractive trait on a pony that prided herself on always being happy.

Applejack had to concede that Rainbow Dash's action had been rude, but perhaps necessary too. Besides, Rainbow's attitude was nothing new to them. It was Pinkie's tone that worried the orange mare more. Never had she heard her friend speak that way to anypony. Ever. Applejack was quite diplomatic though, her face didn't betray anything and she kept her mouth shut. It was not the time to be discussing this. Rarity on the other hand looked completely scandalized, Fluttershy frightened and Twilight thoughtful.

Guess their talk didn't go so well... she thought to herself.

"I'm sorry, I just needed to get Twilight to focus, y'know...?" It was not lost on anypony that Rainbow Dash didn't even bother to glance towards Pinkie Pie and the usual arrogant, cocky voice of their rainbow-maned friend was low and guilty.

"You could of been nicer about it." Pinkie shot back the moment Dash had finished talking, and the cyan mare's face sank.

Twilight was seriously reconsidering now and from the look on Fluttershy's face she could tell that her marefriend was thinking it might be best to postpone as well. Her friends weren't getting along and she didn't know how this news would affect everypony. Not to mention bringing that up might remind Rainbow Dash about why her and Pinkie had been fighting in the first place. If Rainbow Dash started getting nasty too things were going to end badly, for everypony. In her daydream Twilight had lost track of Rainbow Dash's and Pinkie Pie's (mostly Pinkie Pie's) bickering. Rarity and Applejack were caught in the middle not quite sure what to do. Eventually Applejack broke.

"Now you two stop this silly bickerin' right now. The last time I seen you two 'yeh were glues together like two peas in a pod. Now one of you is lookin' like 'ya wanna kill the other'n the other looks guilty. I don't know what's gotten into the two of 'ya but gosh darnit right now is not the time for this. Twilight just finished tellin' us how much she cares about us all and that she has something' to tell us, and Rainbow Dash you're surprisingly off the hook for this one, but you Pinkie Pie. Well, ah must confess I'm surprised and disappointed in 'ya." Applejack finished with a huff and Pinkie's anger seemed to subside for a bit. Everypony was looking at each other, exchanging glances with whomever their eyes met of course Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash's eyes never met once.

"You're right...I'm sorry." Pinkie apologized. "That wasn't nice of me at all."

"Oh, it's, um, okay." much to everypony's surprise it was Fluttershy that spoke. Her eyes met Pinkie with a knowing gleam in them and Pinkie offered her a subtle nod in thanks.

"Now perhaps if we're done with all this unpleasant business..." Rarity chimed in "Twilight, could you continue?"

"Huh? Oh, right! Sorry..." Twilight swallowed. It was now or never. "The truth is I don't know how any of you are going to react to this..." She knew that was a lie but she didn't want to let on that she'd let anypony know before anypony else. "But Fluttershy and I have started....Seeing each other." Once again, at the mention of her name, Fluttershy's face became conveniently hidden behind her mane.

It took a moment for everypony to register what Twilight had said, and to understand the actual meaning meant behind 'seeing each other' but when it did click Twilight and Fluttershy could not have expected a better response. They were swarmed (much to Fluttershy's dismay) but everypony was congratulating them, and offering them pats on the back and hugs all around. All except for one pony who had stayed behind in the initial rush to congratulate their friends. It wasn't because she was unhappy for them just shocked that they had told all of them just like that. Twilight had made it look easy, and Fluttershy might not have spoke but clearly she'd been okay with it or else Twilight wouldn't have told them.

Pinkie's voice rose louder than the others. "Wow, it must be nice to finally get that off your chest, huh?" on the last word she turned towards Rainbow Dash.

Nopony even noticed the rainbow mare leave until she was nothing more than a rainbow streak in the sky.

Author's Note

This chapter is finally back up to a decent legnth and I'm going to try and keep it that way.

A Little Motivation

Things had been incredible the past few weeks. It seemed as though Twilight's life was falling perfectly into place. Her studies in friendship were advancing well in her opinion. Everyday brought something new; whether it be a chance to overcome adversity with her friends or simply the chance to deepen their bonds. Things on the romantic front were progressing perfectly too, perhaps even better than her friendship studies. It wasn't as though they had outed themselves to the entirety of Ponyville, but on the other hoof the two lovers did not go out of their way to hide. It all seemed innocent enough, and it was obvious the only ones who knew the truth were still their friends and that was fine. It wasn't like they needed the extra attention, especially Fluttershy. Content was the best way to put it.

Pinkie Pie on the other hoof wasn't doing as well. Getting Rainbow Dash in her mind had become an impossibility, but thinking of her former marefriend hurt more than she thought possible. Emotional pain was not something Pinkie was new to, but somehow the pain of her recent breakup seemed worse. It seemed ludicrous to be unable to move past the problem yet somehow she always found herself laying in bed, aching to see Rainbow Dash but she already knew how that would have gone.

On Rainbow Dash's side she'd never ended up going on her date. Instead she'd let the poor stallion down east, and gave some lame excuse as to why she couldn't make it. Things had gotten more difficult since then. Dash found herself unable to focus on even the most mundane of tasks and both her professional and personal lives were taking a hit. She was finding that even her flying seemed to have slowed, going too fast whilst so distracted would prove to be dangerous. She couldn't bring herself to go see Pinkie Pie either so until either of them could find a way to stand being near each other, it seemed they were at a standstill.

Dash was more worried than ever about somepony finding out about her. That in itself was odd, as she was no longer dating Pinkie Pie. The more disturbing thing was the nightmares that accompanied her fears. She'd even had one where Pinkie Pie had told Ponyville, simply to spite her. When Dash had woken from that one she'd felt even worse than she had before. That was her lowest, and the time she'd almost caved in and gone to find Pinkie Pie. Instead she remained rooted in her bed, terrified. Rainbow Dash could not keep living as she was, something was bound to give. She wished she could talk to somepony, but nopony could know... Perhaps she could talk to somepony who already knew, though. Twilight knew. Rainbow hadn't been especially please with that information but since the damage was already done...

That was how the pegasus found herself fidgeting nervously in Twilight's library, a cup of tea clutched between her hooves. Even with Pinkie Pie she'd never said the actual words. She'd maybe said a variation of them, or perhaps she'd even said it without actually saying it. Every time she admitted her feelings to Pinkie Pie or kissed her, technically she was admitting it. "Twilight, I..." Rainbow dash began but the words caught on her throat.

Dash hadn't spent an exceedingly large amount of time with Twilight, so talking about something so personal was still difficult. She also knew Twilight was exceedingly smart so she knew that the powerful unicorn must at least suspect the reason for her visit. It would be so much easier if Twilight could initiate the conversation but Pinkie had probably warned her of how she'd reacted... Dash curled herself further back into the chair and simply blurted out something else instead. "How is Pinkie Pie?" the words came out quickly, even for Rainbow Dash.

Twilight blinked, the question having caught her off guard. She shook her head softly and sighed. "Rainbow Dash I'm not going to claim I know exactly what you're going through. I'm also not going to tell you what to do because the short answer is that I don't know. The only thing I can suggest is talk to her. That's the only way you'll get any answers." the unicorn reached out to gently pat her friend on the shoulder.

"I wish it were that easy Twilight, I really messed up. I really hurt her feelings. I kept trying to do the right thing, I kept trying to fix it but I always made it worse until I made my final mistake. I just didn't want anyone to find out about us." Rainbow Dash hid her face amidst her hoofs as she spoke, obviously embarrassed.

Twilight nodded, pouring each of them another cup of tea with her magic. "I'm sure it's not easy. I didn't understand what I was feeling at first, Rainbow Dash. Talking to my friends is what helped me figure it out, and it all worked out for the best. If I'd buried it I wouldn't be where I am now. It's sort of a taboo subject; in fact I'd never heard of ponies of the same sex falling in love before. I only began to look it up when I started experiencing feelings for Fluttershy." Twilight inhaled sharply, and seemed to be carefully considering her next words. "I think you have to be true to yourself, Rainbow Dash. Even if everypony else judges you you will always have a safe place here. You will always be able to be yourself with the rest of our friends too. They may not know yet but I hope you know that when you do tell them everything will be okay. We'll keep you safe if we have to, from all the harsh words that may come your way."

Rainbow Dash was overcome with emotion, though she kept it hidden well. For somepony who claimed to not have a good grasp on friendship the studious unicorn had outdone herself. It was a moving speech and it gave Rainbow Dash a lot to think about. Though she'd been in the wrong, that much was certain, her side merited concern too. She may never forgive herself properly for what she'd done to Pinkie Pie. She could maybe get to a place where she could forgive herself for being how she was though. Learn that she didn't need to be anypony else but herself and perhaps even be proud of herself. That would be the kind of mare Pinkie Pie wanted by her side again. She wasn't quite ready to speak to the party pony yet. Things would undoubtedly still be rocky between them for a while, but talking to Twilight had been the first step. At least that's what Dash thought, anyway.

"Thanks Twilight. That means a lot to me, I mean it. I guess even I can forget how awesome I am sometimes, so it's nice I have friends who know it too. Good thing they'll remind me when I need it too, heh." Rainbow Dash chuckled softly as she finished her second beverage. Her face wrinkled up and she stuck her tongue out, clearly not a fan of tea. She set the cup down and got up. As Rainbow Dash pushed the door upon she unfurled her wings and lifted herself off the ground. "You're a good friend, Twi. Even if you are kind of an egghead. Guess that's why we love ya." Rainbow Dash offered her friend one final, cheeky grin before disappearing in a streak of colors. It left Twilight shaking her head again, though she was pleased she helped.

"You totally did that on purpose!" Rainbow Dash screamed. She tossed the ball into the air behind her and as it came down she kicked it with her back legs as hard as it could. The ball flew backwards as though it were possessed and was quickly gone from their field of vision. That ball was definitely lost forever.

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash's reunion was worse than either of them had expected. Dash's love of sports was no secret to anypony but especially to Pinkie Pie. She'd bumped Rainbow Dash while counting the ponies for whom she would need to make balloons for. Not only had it ruined Rainbow Dash's ball bouncing, for which she was trying to set a record. It had also sent her off in a huffy fit. She'd flown away and Pinkie Pie had immediately chased after her knowing instantly what Rainbow Dash would have been thinking.

Rainbow Dash was convinced that Pinkie Pie had done it on purpose. Surely the excitable earth pony was still upset with her. Though she had every right to be upset it did not give her the right to ruin something Rainbow Dash was excited about. The pegasus had finally found something to distract herself from her troubles, be it momentarily. Then the one she was trying to distract herself from pulled her right back in. Perhaps the universe was trying to tell her something?

On Pinkie's side she was regretful the moment she'd pushed her former lover. Pinkie hadn't meant to ruin Rainbow Dash's undertaking, it truly had been an accident. That wasn't to say she was pleased with Dash, no, she was still quite upset. Furious, in fact. She didn't wish harm on Rainbow Dash, though. Pinkie Pie still missed her, and wished they'd never fought. She wished they were okay and as they were. Instead they were fighting and she was being accused of something she did not do. "I did not!" Pinkie screamed back. She hadn't even intended to yell but emotions began to swell inside of her the moment Rainbow Dash had opened her mouth. "I was going to throw a party to celebrate your accomplishment!"

Anypony else might have found the pitch of Pinkie's voice annoying; but not Rainbow Dash. To her it was endearing and cute. A depressing reminder of what she'd given up. How nice it was to hear a declaration of love from the beautiful sing-song voice of the most beautiful mare in Equestria. "You did it because you're mad at me, Pinkie Pie! Don't act like you want to throw me a party." Dash scoffed.

"It's true." the hurt was obvious in Pinkie's voice. "I care when my friends accomplish something..."

"Oh, we're still friends?" Dash snapped back.

Enough was enough. "Just because you don't care doesn't mean I-"

"I CARE!" For the first time since they'd broken up Rainbow Dash felt the tears come. "I care!" She screamed again, though in her mind it came out pathetic. "I care. All I do is think about you. I feel bad all the time, Pinkie Pie. I never meant to hurt you, I never meant to hide. I can't take it back. I never even went out with him! I cancelled, because all I could think about was you. I can't even sleep because of what I did to you, Pinks!"

Pinkie Pie was taken aback. She stepped back slightly, eyes wide in confusion. She was beginning to think that she may have the situation wrong. She thought Rainbow Dash was fine, happy even. She imagined it would be a great relief to not have to sneak around anymore. It was impossible to get caught if there was nopony to get caught with. "Dashie, I..." Her sentence trailed off, no longer certain her anger was warranted.

Looking back perhaps she had been a tad pushy. She hadn't meant to be, she thought she was helping. Seeing Rainbow Dash as she currently was though... It was proving to be somewhat of an eye opener. Rainbow Dash was not fine, in truth she seemed worse off than she was herself. Rainbow Dash's issues were deeper than Pinkie Pie had first thought. There was more to it than caring with other ponies would think of her. Some deep rooted fear of rejection perhaps. Seeing her like this, Rainbow Dash no longer seemed like the bad mare, no... Pinkie wasn't the bad one either. They had both played a part in the events that led to the breakup, and there was no longer a clear pony to blame. "Rainbow Dash, I'm really super sorry. That wasn't very considerate of me to say. I know you care, I promise." Her voice was no longer quite as high pitched as it had been. She pawed at the ground sheepishly, somewhat ashamed.

"I'm sorry too, Pinkie Pie." Dash sniffled out. She rubbed at her eyes with the front of her leg, dampening the fur slightly. "I didn't mean to hurt you, but I wasn't ready to tell anypony. I'm still not. I'm trying to work on it though, I talked to Twilight about it. Well, kind of..." Rainbow Dash managed to compose herself and stop the tears. "I did an awful thing and I'm sorry, I hope you can forgive me one day."

The next moment happened so quickly that Rainbow Dash never even saw it coming. The pink mare had her forelegs around Rainbow Dash's next before she could utter even another 'sorry'. Dash sighed contently and relaxed. She nuzzled Pinkie's cotton candy mane and sniffed one last time. It didn't mean they were back together, it didn't even mean they were completely okay. They would at least be able to be amiable, it seemed.

Out of all the ways Fluttershy had thought she'd be spending her day, stopping a dragon was not one of them. She'd tried to stay behind, she really had but Twilight had told her she was needed. It was impossible to deny her. Especially with the fate of Equestria hanging in the balance. Staying behind would have been selfish but even as their trek began Fluttershy couldn't see what help she would be. All of her friends expected her to be able to tame a wild dragon. It was all based off of her skills with animals. Her animal friends were not terrifying, fire breathing dragons though. She wasn't only being useless but she was slowing the rest of the group down as well. They seemed to like reminding her of it at every turn, too. Especially Rainbow Dash.

If any ponies were to be understanding of her situation surely it would have been Rainbow Dash or Twilight. Rainbow Dash had been her friend since they were foals and had seen first hoof some of the bullying she had endured. As for Twilight that went without saying and the shy pegasus did not think it was too much to expect a bit of understanding. It was the opposite though, and they seemed to be the ones most frustrated with her. With each step they took it seemed things grew worse. It was almost enough to break down and cry. If she did though Twilight would simply remind her that "We don't have time for that."

Rainbow Dash had been the most vocal about Fluttershy's shortcomings. Before they'd even left Fluttershy had heard her and Twilight speaking about her. It had broken her heart and only made her more nervous. She wanted to make no mistakes to prove that she was as worthy as the rest of her friends instead she'd failed at every stop. She hadn't even been able to climb the mountain. Fluttershy had tried to get Twilight's attention before they headed up to say something, but she couldn't be bothered or couldn't hear her. It had forced Applejack to literally drag her the long way around and it had delayed their group several hours. Rainbow Dash had commented on it rather quickly too, and Twilight couldn't even hide her disappointment.

She hadn't been able to jump over the smallest of gaps even with her friends encouragement. The poor pegasus could practically hear the jokes in each of their heads. She felt like the biggest of losers and an embarrassment to her race. Fluttershy kept asking herself what sort of pegasus couldn't bring herself to fly over a tiny gap?

The avalanche had been the worst, though. She'd single hoofedly almost killed them all. When the rocks had begun to fall Fluttershy had curled herself up and hoped for the best. She'd gotten lucky and hadn't been hit. Meanwhile her marefriend was almost crushed and even when she cried for help it did not get Fluttershy up. Instead she had to watch as Applejack saved the mare she was falling in love with from an avalanche she had herself caused. Rarity had dodged the rocks as well and Pinkie Pie seemed to enjoy the entire ordeal. Rainbow Dash's glares shot daggers through her after, and her apologies didn't seem to mean much to anypony.

Then they got to the top, and Twilight volunteered her to go see the dragon. It was perhaps the worst moment of her life. Everypony was counting on her and seeing the disappointment in Twilight's eyes hurt more than any bully had managed to hurt her in the past. Again Rainbow Dash wasn't shy with expressing her irritation with the other pegasus. Fluttershy hid behind the largest boulder she could find, and did everything she could to keep the sobs at bay.

Twilight was the first to fail at removing the dragon and it was only after that failure she seemed to click on that she'd been ignoring Fluttershy for most of the day. I'm sure she understands, I mean... The fate of Equestria is at stake. she told herself, dreading seeing her special somepony upset. She approached the rock cautiously, peeking behind it and uttering a soft "Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy lifted her head from in between her forelegs to catch a glimpse of the violet unicorn approaching her. She quickly buried her muzzle back where it had been and whispered something inaudible. The only thing Twilight could hear was a series of high-pitched squeaks thought she assumed there were words buried underneath them. Hesitantly she moved to the crying pegasus and poked her lightly. "Fluttershy...?" she repeated.

The only thing that escaped were more muffled squeaks and sobs. Fluttershy's wings were pressed tightly to her back and her body rocked from her weeping. Everything seemed to fade from Twilight's world except for Fluttershy. She was barely even aware of the rest of her friends attempting to subdue the dragon. None of it mattered, Equestria didn't matter. What truly mattered was stopping Fluttershy's weeping because with each sob that passed the pegasus' lips Twilight's heart broke a little more. A hundred years of darkness suddenly seemed like a small price to pay if it kept Fluttershy by her side. "Please talk to me."

"You didn't seem very interested in talking earlier." Even as the words left her lips Fluttershy felt pathetic. It was kind of a low blow. The sobbing mare wasn't trying to be mean but those were the only words her mind had allowed to leave her mouth. Fluttershy was needier than she liked to admit. She hid it well in her opinion though and never really asked much of Twilight. The sad reality was that she'd needed her all day, for the first time truly needed her, and she hadn't been there. It was an incredibly selfish thing to think when there were more important things on the table, yet it couldn't be helped. She couldn't push aside the thought that the entire situation was somehow her fault.

"Oh, Fluttershy... I know. I can't apologize for worrying about Equestria but that doesn't I can't apologize for ignoring you." As she spoke Twilight got down beside Fluttershy, laying on her belly beside the pegasus. One leg snaked itself around Fluttershy's midsection and pulled her close. Violet and yellow met in a warm embrace. Twilight knew Fluttershy would never say the things she should. She would never take any of the blame on herself. She would take it all on silently and Twilight knew that couldn't be healthy. It seemed as though their would be many-a-talk in their future. Twilight would seek to understand and more importantly to help. All she could do in the moment was say the things she knew needed to be said herself. To show Fluttershy she could share the blame with her and be there for her. She also suspected it would do the mare some good to know that someone was willing to stay with her romantically despite some of her more anxious traits.

"I know you didn't want to come." She ignored an echoing roar that came from behind the personal bubble they had built behind the rock. "I know it's been scary for you. You've had to do a lot of things today that you're not comfortable with but at least you tried, right? I know it probably hurt your feelings when you heard Rainbow Dash questioning whether or not you should have come along. I know it probably felt like I was talking about you behind your back, and... I guess I was. I know I never even asked your opinion on any of this, and just sort of expected you to perform. I know you better than that. It was wrong, but Fluttershy..." She placed a soft peck to Fluttershy's cheek. "Do you know why I did all of that, though?"

Fluttershy never rose her head, nor did she speak but Twilight felt her head shake from side to side.

"I did it because I know you can handle it. Maybe my interactions with Rainbow Dash made it seem like I didn't believe in you, but trust me Fluttershy I do. If I didn't think you could do this, I never would have asked you to come along. You're much stronger than you realize, trust me on this. You're incredibly important to me, Fluttershy. I write to Princess Celestia about how strong you are all the time, I swear. I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. Then you could see how incredible you are. How much I l-"

Fluttershy's ears perked up.

"Twilight, we could really use your help up here!"

Twilight wasn't sure which of her friend had called her but she rushed to them, knowing that Fluttershy would understand. All hell was breaking loose and even hidden behind the rock Fluttershy could hear the dragon exit his cave. She afforded herself a small peek over the rock at the same time as her friends crashed into it. They lay in a pile before her with the large, red beast rapidly approaching them. Fluttershy's mind seemed to blank and she narrowed her eyes.

It had all turned out for the better, and the group had noticed small changes in Fluttershy. As early as the moment they'd gotten back from the mountain they'd noticed the changes. With just the six of them she had seemed more comfortable somehow, even teasing Rainbow Dash due to an unfortunate joke by Pinkie Pie.

Then even later on when it was just Twilight and herself she'd seemed proud of herself, something Twilight wasn't sure she'd ever seen. "Did you see me, Twilight?" She kept saying, unable to contain her excitement even a little. Twilight indulged her every single time too, if only to see the brilliant smile on her face each time she assured her that she had been very brave.

Author's Note

Alright!

Now I'm not going to say this was perfect, but I am quite proud of it. (Though by all means if it sucked, please, tear it down in the comments!) Just a few notes on the future of this:

I plan on including the rest of the mane 6 more soon too, gotta get them more active.

I'm not entirely sure on PinkieDash permanently, but I feel like it may stay on that course for a while longer still.

I hope you all liked the Twishy portions of this as much as I loved writing them. I felt like it was important for Twilight to say things the way she did, if that makes sense... More like how Twilight didn't fully apologize, but instead acknowledged Fluttershy's strengths. I don't know, I'm just a sucker for Fluttershy.

I think a lot of those old mistakes I used to make (longtime readers may know what I'm talking about) have been caught. Not all of them! I'm sure there's some in there that I missed, and I'm sure there's some choppy writing that could have been fixed but for now I'm content with it. I still think it's far better than when I was posting as fast as I could.

ANYWAY!

Thank you so much for reading, and I'm glad to be back! I hope everyone is having a great summer so far!