"One Thing In Return For Another"
You are quite clearly... a fillyfooler!
The words rang loudly through Rainbow Dash's ears as she restlessly lay in bed. Sleep evaded her despite how comfortable she felt next to her marefriend. Pinkie's loving warmth could only ease the troubled pegasus throughout the day, her pains distracted by the strategically random actions that only the infamous pink party pony could conjure.
As the night spread, however, Rainbow would find herself tormented by her thoughts... Her memories. She was haunted by the images of Applejack and Derpy, tortured by her own rage-fueled outbursts, and mocked by her inability to make sense of the situation.
That doesn’t make me a fillyfooler and you know it, Pinkie.
So much had changed in the few, short weeks since the incident. Everything that Rainbow thought she knew about herself, her friends, and her desires was changing. She felt like a filly just learning how to walk again. Her emotions were a raging torrent and she was but a mere salmon fighting against the current. The metaphor only left her feeling more confused; she was a pegasus, not a fish. However, she was proud at how cleverly she applied it to her situation.
Save it, Applejack. I don’t wanna know.
She could only regret that statement more if she had said it twice. Dash longed for some explanation, though her fears of what the truth might be kept her from approaching her once-cherished rival... Her dear friend. She couldn't bear the idea that there was never really a friendship between the two, though that's what she was beginning to suspect at this point.
She's supposed to be the most honest of ponies... and she lied to me.
Time slowly crept forward for the cyan mare, but the echoes never ceased. Though her eyes were closed, tears were still freely escaping; she tightly clenched her jaws together, hoping that the burning in her cheeks would relieve the coldness enveloping her chest.
It only made her teeth hurt too.
It's just that I'm tired of everyone thinking me and Applejack were a couple. They claim they know it, but they couldn't be more wrong. We were just really close friends.
Unable to take the building anxiety, she decided some fresh air would do her some good. If anything, it'd give her a reason to be awake this late in the evening. As she crawled out of bed, a smile found its way across her tear-streaked face.
Pinkie was still soundly sleeping, her light snores breaking the silence as she breathed softly.
I'll love you no matter what you are, Pinkie.
Perhaps the only recollection that didn't make her cringe, Rainbow took a minute to appreciate just how lucky she was to have such a wonderful lover. Though the sniffing made her feel uneasy from the memories that surfaced, she could easily accept the pink pony just as she was. Realizing that Pinkie may wake while she was out, Rainbow plucked a feather from her wing and gently tucked it in the mare's curly hair just around the ear. She knew that only this little party animal would be able to decipher the gesture as a way to say, "I'll be right back." After giving her a tender kiss on the forehead, the pegasus silently stepped away. With a few, quick stretches, she pushed open the window and flew into the night, taking note that the clock on the wall showed it was around midnight before she left.
Keeping a brisk pace, Rainbow Dash made a few laps around Ponyville. She wasn't sure how much time had passed, but she was glad to finally burn some energy. The warm air was complemented by a faint, cool breeze; a familiar scent of moisture soothed her with each deep inhale. It certainly helped clear her mind, and her chest didn't feel as suffocatingly tight as it had before. Gliding about the overcast, she allowed herself to fall into an almost trance-like state. Heavily relaxed, and ready for a break, she perched atop a cloud above the town's centre.
Her eyes drifted about the skyline. Ponyville lacked an elaborate decor, unlike Cloudsdale which boasted intricate designs. The pride pegasi had for their race was obvious, and Rainbow Dash was no exception. She would grow nostalgic of the cloudy city from time to time, longing for their traditions, celebrations, and social gatherings. Breaking a smile, she couldn't help but giggle as she recalled years from her youth. One memory in particular would always brighten her mood...
*Camera pans back, slowly angling towards the full moon until only it and the night sky can be seen. Cue digital effects. The darkness and moon morph into the sun and a mid-day, clear sky. Camera pans back towards where it was orginally, except now the scene is in the Cloudsdale centre. Cue flashback.*
"C'mon, Fluttershy! We're going to be late!" A cyan filly excitedly urged her best friend as they galloped towards the Cloudsdale Colosseum. Neither had been old enough to be licensed fliers within the city, so they had to make the journey on hoof.
"Oh, I hope we can make it on time! I'd just feel absolutely horrible if I made you miss the opening..." Fluttershy stated, knowing that Rainbow Dash's procrastination was the reason they were running behind schedule. She didn't let that restrain her excitement though. This was the day that they were finally old enough to watch the gladiators fight in the arena. The yellow pegasus always wanted to go, but she couldn't leave her closest friend alone. Instead, she put it off for a year just so they could attend together. Dash would never admit it, but Fluttershy's loyalty to their friendship impacted her immensely; it was--without a doubt--the coolest thing anyone had ever done for her. There was a growing inspiration burning within her soul; the light-blue pegasus secretly vowed that from that day forward, she would become the kindest pony that anyone has ever known, especially to Fluttershy. A soft, content grin formed across her face as she ran beside the shy pegasus.
"Don't worry about it. Nobody cares about the introduction anyway! At least we'll miss it together, right?" Rainbow gave her signature smile, hoping to reassure the most loyal pony. She really didn't care who was fighting, and she definitely didn't want Fluttershy to feel bad for any reason. Today was their special day, and if the brash little filly had any control of the matter, it was going to be her dearest friend's best day ever.
Her cheeks began to glow bright red as she gazed into Dash's vibrant eyes. So bold... So full of life. Her eyes alone radiated such confidence and self-assurance. Everything else just complemented the fact. It was such an attractive quality that never bothered the pink-maned filly. She could still remember when they first met, but felt that having a flashback during her friend's flashback would be terribly rude.
"To... gether...? EEP!"
Failing to watch the path ahead, Fluttershy's front hooves caught a dip in the clouds sending her muzzle-first into the road. Rainbow watched in horror as her cherished friend hit with relative force and skid a few lengths, all of her body weight forced on her chin and forelegs. She immediately stopped and turned to help her friend, who just lay there motionless, flank up, head down. She could tell from the yellow filly's expression that she was in immense pain, though Fluttershy didn't utter a sound.
"Flutter! Are you okay??" Dash knelt down next to the inert filly, leaning in close to check on her. The injured little pony didn't respond. "Hey... Fluttershy?" Panic continuing to rise, Rainbow turned her ear towards her life-long friend's muzzle to confirm she was still breathing.
Feeling her blood run cold, the cyan pegasus went pale at what she heard next.
Hic... Hic...
Quickly facing her friend, she could see tears were starting to pour from her large, innocent eyes. Fluttershy's painful cringe was emphasized as her lips quivered uncontrollably and as her body shook while she tried to catch her breath. The impact had knocked the air from from her lungs, and now that she was crying it would be even harder for the young mare to inhale properly. The result of which were faint, desperate gasps.
Rainbow Dash could feel her own eyes welling up at the pitiful sight. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she knew that this was no time to break. Her friend needed her, and she had to stay strong if she wanted to help the yellow filly. The first thing she needed to do was to get Fluttershy calmed down enough to be able to speak coherently.
If she keeps this up, the poor thing will start to hyperventilate and probably pass out...
"Hey, girl... You gotta breathe... C'mon... Easy now..." Speaking like a mother comforting her foal, she placed a hoof on the crying pegasus' wing and began stroking her feathers slowly and gently, massaging her muscles at the base where the wing connected to her back from time to time. "Shhhhh... It's okay..."
It was working. Fluttershy was actually starting to take some breaths, and they were gradually getting deeper. An uplifting sensation of relief swept over Rainbow as her best friend's shakes began to subside. She sighed and looked into her friend's eyes with a sincere smile, whispering, "There we go... Everything's gonna be okay. Here, lemme help you up."
Lifting her friend back on all fours, the golden filly stumbled in place before sitting down to maintain balance, wincing from the pressure that she put on her throbbing, sore forelegs.
Now that she's up and stable, I need to check for injuries or broken bones... Rainbow thought, feeling quite grateful that her mother made her attend Filly Scout's Camp all those summers.
"Here, let's get you on your back so I can see if you broke anything, okay?"
"But... what about the fight? You should go ahead so you don't miss it... I'll be fine."
"Are you kidding me? You're way more important than some lame old battle. Those happen every week anyway! We can always catch another one. Besides, it wouldn't be any fun with out you. Now hush while I make sure you're okay."
"O-okay..." Fluttershy sniffled as the kindest pony she knew lovingly eased her onto her back for examination. She really didn't know what hurt worse: her bruises, or her humiliation. The disbelief lingered in her mind.
Oh, Fluttershy... Look at what you've caused... Why were you staring at her like that anyway? You know she'd never be interested in you. Now because of your stupid fantasies you've ruined what could've been you're only chance to win her. You need to grow up and face the fact that she doesn't like you like that.
Her tears seemed to fall even more while she lay on her back. It felt as if her heart was being torn right from her chest. She knew that Dash wasn't interested in her, but that didn't stop her from loving the rainbow-maned filly. They were best friends; having grown up together and spent most summers together, the pair was inseparable. The bond they shared was without limits... and yet, Fluttershy still felt so restricted.
Rainbow's eyes produced a few drops after seeing her poor friend continuing to sob. In all their years of having known each other she has never seen shy pegasus this upset.
Oh man... Fluttershy must really be hurt if she's crying like this... Celestia, please let her be okay. I shouldn't have distracted her while we were running like that... If she's really hurt... I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive myself...
"Don't worry, Hummingbird. Your ol' pal Color-wheel will have you fixed up in no time." Maintaining her composure, Dash gave her that beautifully smug smile and used the names they had given each other that her best friend loved so much. Though she knew that it probably wouldn't help much, she didn't want the beautiful filly to cry anymore. Not over something she felt at fault for.
The sweet pegasus began to blush more than before. She almost felt ashamed of herself for enjoying the attention as much as she was. As if she had been taking advantage of Rainbow's kindness, but that wouldn't stop her from letting the brash pegasus do what she obviously wanted. That only made it all the more special for her. The circumstance was starting to seem like a blessing for her... for them.
"Color-wheel..."
"Yes, Hummingbird?"
"What are you doing up here all alone? Is everything alright between you and Pinkie?"
Rainbow Dash snapped back to reality with a quick spin and a startling gasp. Facing her new company with an extremely guilty expression, she jumped back and stared into her eyes, a deep red clearly visible across her muzzle and her wings fully erect.
"FLUTTERSHY! You almost gave me a heart attack! Since when did you get so sneaky? I didn't even realize you were there!"
"Oh, um, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to scare you... I-"
"WHOA WHoa whoa, now! Who said anything about gettin' scared! I... uh... just... What're you doing here this late anyway?"
"Well, I always wake up around two in the morning to take care of the nocturnal animals. After I tend to them, I usually go for a walk until I get sleepy again... That's when I saw you up here and I wanted to make sure everything was alright. You do usually stay at Pinkie's after all... I was worried you two might have gotten into a fight or something, but..." Fluttershy paused, giggling as she noted Rainbow's demeanor, outspread wings, and the clear fluid making its way down her thigh before continuing with a wink, "You seem to be doing REALLY well to me."
The blush intensified--along with her arousal--as her most dearest of friends openly acknowledged the situation, in an almost flirtatious way at that. The thought crossed Rainbow's mind as to how Fluttershy even knew that she stayed at Pinkie's, but she disregarded it as she attempted to conceal the obvious by crossing her legs and sitting down. She tried to avoid eye contact as she stammered, "H-hey! I was.... Well... It's just... It's not what it looks like! I was just... thinking..." Dash was quick to contest, knowing good and well she was caught wet-hoofed, as it were.
"Oh, Color-wheel, you don't have to be embarrassed. It's not like you've never masturbated around me before... I don't mind it at all. You must have been imagining something really nice about Pinkie to be this worked up."
Immediately, Rainbow's eyes locked towards Fluttershy without hesitation. The shy mare's large, beautiful eyes were blankly staring downwards. There was something different about them though. There was a sense of melancholy dwelling in her expression. A sort of longing that forms when the one you love is with someone else.
"That's not it at all... I was thinking about... well... you, Hummingbird..."
Fluttershy's expression instantaneously became a mix of shock, confusion, and happiness.
"M-me?? But... Why? I thought you and Pinkie-"
"Me and Pinkie are together... And we're not fighting either... I couldn't sleep 'cause I was worrying about the whole Applejack thing, so I flew around for a bit... when I was sitting up here relaxing, I just started thinking about my fondest memory. I think you remember what I'm talking about. It always cheers me up whenever I'm upset."
"I... I'm not sure I know what you're favourite memory is..."
"Well, c'mon, girl! Take a seat, and I'll tell you allllll about it."
* * *
"Thank you..." The injured filly smiled with watery eyes. "Thank you so much for always being there for me..."
Rainbow Dash wiped Fluttershy's tears away before whispering, "Why wouldn't I? You're amazing Hummingbird. I'll always be there for you. Now let me know if any of this hurts..." She took the yellow pegasus' foreleg in her hooves and carefully maneuvered it about in several different positions. "Nothing?"
The shy little filly could hardly hear her friend's words. She was lost in a euphoria. The love of her life was moving her hooves about her foreleg. The thought occurred that maybe she shouldn't be enjoying this as much as she was, but it was easily pushed aside by her own passionate desires.
If I would have known it was this easy I would have tripped myself any time I had the chance!
"Oh... No, that doesn't hurt at all, Color-wheel... It actually feels kinda good."
"Awesome! The joints are still intact then. Let's check the other one then." Dash stated as she leaned over the filly lying on the cloud road before repeating the process on Fluttershy's adjacent foreleg.
Her cheeks continued to burn as her best friend checked to make sure nothing was dislocated. It was as if the Princesses had planned everything to be in her favour today, as now she was in the perfect position to admire Rainbow's every feature, from her muscular, slender body, to nearly the tip of her sensitive, luscious love nub.
Oh... My... If she'll just move just a little bit more I could have a clear view! Celestia, if you can hear me, give me this much and I promise I'll never lie to my parents about eating cookies before dinner ever again!!
As soon as Fluttershy made the promise, her friend begin to move. The golden filly was almost squirming as her best friend began to move into position. Her heart skipped a beat and her pupils had dilated whenever Rainbow paused for a moment. Holding her breath in anticipation, she wanted so desperately to throw her forelegs around the cyan filly and pull her in for the passionate kiss she so craved. Unfortunately, her heart sank as she watched her lifelong friend return to her normal position next to her before she could get a clear view of her lover's tight lips, happily declaring, "Great! Your other leg is just fine too! A little scuffed up and scratched, but no joints are dislocated."
.... You better not expect me to ever be honest about cookies again...
"...R-really? You sure you can't... well... double-check?"
Rainbow Dash just laughed softly. "I know you're worried, but trust me! Nothing's out of place."
Just like that, the pink-maned pegasus' nirvana was gone. She felt the wall of reality come crashing down upon her. All the opportunities she had to make an advancement towards her heart's desire had been wasted. Feeling as if there was an empty pit in her chest, she sighed and asked, "I guess we should head over to the fight then, huh?"
"Are you kidding? You're in no condition to go the Colosseum! We need to get you home and bandaged up. Besides, I haven't even checked you for any hairline fractures yet!"
A sudden rejuvenation surged through her body as Fluttershy's ears perked up at the almost miraculous statement. "Really?? I mean... If you say so. How exactly do you check for hairline fractures anyway?"
Rainbow giggled at the excited filly, "Here, lemme carry you back to your house and I'll show you when we get there." She offered a hoof to the shy young mare, which was happily accepted. Though her forelegs were sore, she climbed onto her rainbow-maned friend's back with relative ease.
"Make sure you hold on tight; I don't want you getting hurt again. I'll try not to run too fast so you can keep your balance. Let me know if you need me to slow down, okay?"
Fluttershy immediately noticed upon wrapping her forelegs around her friend's neck that because of the angle she was lying her dripping-wet, golden tip was rubbing directly against Rainbow Dash's muscular back. The tickle of her fur brushing against it was almost too much to bear. She couldn't imagine having to endure this sensation the entire ride home without potentially making a mess.
"Uhhh, Color-wheel... I don't know about this..."
"Aww, don't be afraid. I'll make sure to take good care of you, little Hummingbird." She gave her arrogant smirk and winked. The aroused pegasus wasn't anymore assured by the gesture. Feeling more of the warm liquid collect where they were making contact confirmed that she was going to be in for the ride of her life.
"Oh, my..."
I take back every bad thing I ever said about you, Celestia.
Dash beamed as she began to trot, eager to head back to Flutterhshy's home. There was something enticing about the whole situation. Everything just felt so natural... so right. She'd be lying if she said she didn't love every second of it as well. Given every opportunity to tease her shy friend, she never hesitated. The quiet filly wanted her confident friend. The headstrong pegasus longed for her precious companion. She knew that today really would be their perfect day. The day that they could finally express the extent of their friendship. Where they could confess their love for each other; to claim each other as their own.
The day in which they lost their virginity.
* * *
Fluttershy's body was tingling as her lover retold their shared moment. Excitement, nostalgia, and content flourished about her as she savored every intimate detail like it was a story she had never heard before and was entirely captivated by. There was a growing tension between her legs; her lips quivered and tightened as a clear, lubricating fluid began to secrete from the source, quickly finding its way down her thighs. Her pungent musk was easily detected by Rainbow Dash, urging a more passionate, sensual response. It was a smell she knew all too well; something that took her mind back to when they were just fillies. Through all the time that they were together intimately, she never forgot Fluttershy's aroma.
Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and gave a peaceful smile, inhaling slowly and deeply.
"That scent... I remember that scent, Hummingbird... Don't you?"
The yellow pegasus bit her lip, trying to withhold her growing heat, but the more she thought about it, the more she longed to be with her lover... Her little Color-wheel. Rainbow couldn't hide her frustration either; they both sat on their haunches, wings fully erect, and blushing with just a few lengths between them.
"It's just like our first time..." Fluttershy spoke with a shaking voice. Her heart was pounding against her chest. She was taking short, shallow pants; it felt as if she couldn't catch her breath, but the sensation was uplifting. The little mare could almost taste herself on the air as she inhaled through her mouth. The fact only flustered her futher.
"I wonder... Can you smell me too? Or am I just not wet enough?" Rainbow Dash scooted closer to her dearest friend, staring passionately into her wide perfect eyes. Those eyes... So full of innocence. So full of love. Fluttershy had the most beautiful eyes the cyan mare had ever seen. To make eye contact with the golden pegasus was to truly know the meaning of compassion.
"Oh, Color-wheel... M-may I?" Fluttershy gulped, anxious for the rose-eyed pegasus' response.
Rainbow closed the distance between the two and pressed her cheek against the shy pegasus', whispering into her ear, "You never had to ask before. I don't want you to think you have to now." Her hot breath and sweet words warmed the pink-maned pegasus' ear, complementing the tickle of Rainbow's fur against her cheek. It was almost too much; she almost felt as if she could have an orgasm at any moment from the teasing alone. Rainbow then lifted the mare's hoof and held it against the center of her chest with her own. Fluttershy could feel a fast, strong throb as her lover's heart beat just as rapidly as her own.
"See, Hummingbird? You've always had my heart... I'll always belonged to you... I want you just as much as you want me." She turned and pushed her muzzle against the beautiful little mare's, staring deeply into her eyes. Her words were sincere and reflected a lifetime of admiration, though there was a melancholy undertone... one that grew from years of restriction... Denial.
None of that mattered right now though. The only thing on the two mare's minds was each other. This was a moment that was long overdue for the lovers; one that neither would pass up. Not even for all the bits in Diamond Tiara's dresser. Though neither knew how many actually were in her dresser, they could only assume that it would be a lot.
Fluttershy was almost in tears. This was the happiest she had been in the longest time. Though they had never left the other's side, it had been since their fillyhood that Rainbow Dash gave her this kind of attention. She knew that there was a reason for it, but she never could bring herself to ask why. It didn't bother the sweet pegasus at least; they were still best friends through it all. Even more so whenever Dash asked her to move to Ponyville with her. That meant more to Fluttershy than she could ever have imagined... And now this was happening. It was almost too good to be true.
Fluttershy glared up at the author, letting him know that if all this turned out to just be a dream she would see to it that his flank would be promptly kicked. He contemplated how entertaining the mass reaction would be if he took that route, but decided it wouldn't help develop the plot in the direction he was aiming for. Giving her a reassuring nod, he continued writing the story that should have been released weeks ago.
Rainbow wrapped a hoof around the yellow mare's neck and smiled with half-closed eyes. "Take what's yours, Hummingbird. I want you to take me like you did before. Make me yours again."
A light jolt went through Fluttershy's body upon hearing the heated words. Her damp, sensitive lips pulsed as more juice found its way down her inner thighs. She reached a hoof out behind her lover's head and tilted her so that their foreheads were touching. As the pegasi stared intimately into each other's eyes, the pink-maned mare smiled blissfully before taking Dash's wings and interlocking them in her own, holding them sweetly and gently.
"I love you... I love you so much Color-wheel."
"I love you too, Hummingbird... I always have and always will, no matter what."
The two didn't hold back their tears as they gazed into the other's eyes, holding wings and smiling.
"Okay... You can smell me. It's my turn to smell you." Fluttershy winked as she pushed their noses back together and playfully grinned.
Rainbow couldn't help but lick the tip of the yellow pegasus' muzzle before spreading her legs wide apart. " Oh, is it your turn? Hmmmm... I dunnnno... Maybe."
"'Maybes are for babies.'" The sweet mare slid her hooves to the cyan pegasus' chest, massaging the muscles from her neck to her stomach. Running her hooves in circles, she eased the tension from Dash's athletic build. Rainbow loved every second of it. She gasped and panted as Fluttershy brushed against her fur, pushing it up before rubbing it back down. They never broke their gaze, savoring every detail of the other's expression.
Unlocking their wings, she began to push the brash pegasus onto her back. Rainbow wore a lustful smirk, whispering, "Atta girl" as she lay on the cloud waiting for her lover's advancement. Keeping her hind legs wide, she reached her hooves down and spread her dripping, moist lips apart. The sensation was beginning to take its toll on the athlete; her body craved sexual relief, and her mind wanted this beautiful mare to be the one to alleviate her frustration. Her legs were tingling with excitement as she silently begged Fluttershy to love her. Of course, by "love" she really meant "sexing-it-up" in this context.
The shy pegasus' eyes widened at the sight. There, lying before her, was the only pony she had ever been with--and ever wanted to be with--inviting her to become whole again. Fluttershy leaned down and wrapped her forelegs around the cyan pegasus' thighs, her mouth not even an inch away from Dash's burning crevice. Rubbing her lover's flanks, Fluttershy closed her eyes and slowly inhaled as deeply as possible through her nose.
Immediately, Rainbow reacted with a quick spasm. Her lips pulsed and tightened as she tried to keep them spread for the golden mare before her. A warm, thick fluid leaked from her center; having her beloved indulge in her aroma had always excited the athlete. She began to pant and sweat, focusing all her attention on the beauty with her now. Her little pony.
Feeling the mare's muscles tightening, Fluttershy peeked up with a seductive expression. "Oh? Did you like that?"
The rainbow-maned pony couldn't form any words. Her mind was was left with only one thought... One need. She could manage only a shallow, shaky breath from her mouth as her eyes locked with her lover's. The reaction enticed the seductive pegasus to take another lungful of Dash's musk. However, this time as she exhaled she slowly blew the cool air directly inside her sensitive, gaping organ.
Rainbow Dash gasped loudly and dug her back hooves into the soft cloud, her eyes rolling into the back of her head as the sudden chill brushed her moist inner membrane. She could feel herself contracting with pleasure as every muscle in her body reacted to the sudden jolt coursing though her.
"Make sure you keep your lips spread for me, Color-wheel. If you let go before you finish, you won't get anything else tonight." Fluttershy spoke in a sweet, domineering tone as she firmly held the pegasus' thighs in place.
Biting her lip, she forced her eyes closed as she held her hooves in place, making sure not to slip while having her orgasm. From how exciting the foreplay was, she knew that things could only get 20% more erotic from here, if she obeyed the sensual mare's order at least. Dash was never really turned on by submission, but seeing her lover this assertive was only adding to her tension. It was the interest that really ruffled her feathers; she was thrilled seeing that their feelings hadn't expired over the years. The attention Fluttershy gave her was the most exciting aspect of it all. Fetish and kinks were immaterial now. These mares simply wanted to make the other happy; they longed to express their affection in the most intimate of ways, not caring for reciprocation nor their own desires.
Though that didn't stop them from being naughty, of course.
When the last vibrations subsided Fluttershy gave her a wink of approval, pleased with the exotic display. Her own body was pulsing with passion; she knew exactly what her mare loved and was more than eager to deliver. Leaning up with a sincere smile, she took Rainbow's hooves against her own before embracing her. With fur tickling the other's chest, they found their tongues becoming intertwined, locking in a tantalizing bliss. Sweet moans and breathless gasps escaped as their love flourished. Almost instinctively, the two focused their magic, lifting the cloud higher into the overcast, assuring their privacy from the outside world.
Concerns of what tomorrow held were far from thought.
* * *
The morning sun began to rise, though the sky remained dark. The air was thick with moisture; a storm was beginning to form around Ponyville. A sleeping mare grinned as she emerged from a dream, allowing her eyes to ease open as she sleepily spoke aloud, "Good morning, Dashie..." Turning to greet her marefriend, she was instead met with a a stark loneliness as she realized she was all alone in her bed.
"... Dashie?" Pinkie called out, hoping for the pegasus to come join her.
There was only silence.
The pink pony began to contemplate the possibilities as sadness crept about her. It was almost routine for her to wake in Rainbow's arms, or at least by her side. The unsettling pang pierced her chest; it reminded her of the time Dash first left her to go see Applejack. Her ears drooped while random thoughts of random scenarios began flooding her mind. Of all the possible adventures and dangers the athlete could be in right now, the source of the party pony's sorrow still remained:
She was alone... and she didn't like it at all.
Pinkie sulked for a moment as she entertained different thoughts before dismissing them for another, until one finally struck her as obvious.
Applejack...
Growling at the name, she knew that the apple-bucker had something to do with the missing pegasus, and she was going to find out what.
With a sudden surge of energy, she leaped from her bed and angrily hopped out of the room, failing to notice as the cyan feather slipped from her hair and drifted to the empty floor.
* * *
Fluttershy lay atop Rainbow's chest on their cloud in the morning overcast, sleeping peacefully with their wings locked in one another. A faint rumble of thunder interrupted their slumber, sending a light tingle through each other's body. Their instincts told them that it something was brewing. Through half-closed eyes, they looked about the scene as they were pulled from unconsciousness.
"Hey, Hummingbird. We weren't scheduled for any rain today... were we?" Rainbow Dash softly spoke to her lover, already knowing the answer to the question.
"Oh, it's just like that rhyme we were taught as fillies! Color-wheel, it's true! It really is true! Isn't that just wonderful?" Fluttershy pressed her muzzle against the cyan mare's, boasting with the widest grin she could manage, unable to contain her excitement. "You remember it, don't you? We used to recite it to me all the time!"
"Of course, I remember. Learning it was the first thing we ever did together... How old were we even? That seems like forever-"
"Will you recite it with me? Oh pretty please, Color-wheel? It will be so much fun!"
The athlete couldn't help but giggle as they raised to their haunches and pressed their hooves together. "Yeah, yeah, I guess I could." She jokingly teased, having no intentions of denying the shy pegasus' request. They stared into each other's eyes while the chilly, damp air danced about them.
* * *
Applejack clung to her hat as she stepped into the ever increasing wind. She gave a smirk, feeling accomplished for having already stored the apple bushels in their cellars the week before.
"Hah! Ain't no storm takin' our crops this year!" She called out in triumph as her little sister and Derpy trotted beside her, helping her shut and properly bar the barn door.
"Y'all know why the Weather Team's even doing this for, Derpy? I thought we were getting plenty of rain lately." Applebloom inquired as a few drops began to fall from the sky.
The gray pegasus just shrugged as one of her eyes focused above the filly and the other below her. "I dunno, Lil' Sis. They didn't send me a letter about it or anything... Maybe they just didn't need my help with it then? Rainbow Dash probably knows since she's the Captain... I wonder if she's still upset over everything..." Her ears drooped as she frowned, remembering their tension.
"Hey now. Don't you let that bother you one bit, ya'hear? She'll come around. Whole thing was just a big misunderstanding, I'm sure." Applejack assured as the three walked back to their house, only to be interrupted by a sudden pink flash.
"Oh, jus' uh big understandin', huh?" Pinkie Pie spoke through gritted teeth as she lowered her head, resembling a predator about to pounce their prey.
The rain began to fall about them while lightening broke across the sky.
* * *
"Of all the tales of heroes and warriors,
With every epic and poem,
To a pegasi's love they cannot compare,
As two sweet hearts become whole.
For the power of Love is a mighty force,
Ensnaring all in its web,
Forever growing, manifesting the source
For our match and future wed.
By our power and pride, you'll know by the signs
That your heart is finally won.
The clouds will collect, and covering the Skies,
Sweet Rains will begin to flood.
Revere the magic in the Storm formed by Light
It's nothing you should beware.
Thunder and Winds overflowing at the site,
Reflects the Passion you share.
For in every tale of heroes and warriors,
Not a single one has shown,
The Beauty and Strength in the romantic cores,
Of every Pegasi's Soul."
* * *
"So, that's what the Apples call it when they betray their friends, huh? Just a misunderstanding?? You really have some nerve... Especially after everything you two have been through..." There were tears forming in Pinkie's eyes as she stood before the trio, caught between a mix of rage and sorrow. The rain was falling steadily, matting her mane against her body.
"Y'all better go on inside... Seems like Pinkie and I have a couple of things we need to discuss..." Applejack didn't break eye contact with the mare before her, bracing herself for anything the pink party pony may try.
Derpy and Applebloom nodded before trotting to the house, leaving the two alone in the storm's crescendo.
The two Earth ponies glared, as the farmer called out, "So y'all come here to fight, or did you wanna settle this like grown mares?"
Pinkie just shook her head. "All I want to know is where Dashie is. I know you know where she is!"
"RD? I ain't seen her since she walked-in on me and Derpy..." The change in tone was evident when she realized why the pink mare was here, easily understanding why she was upset.
"Ugh! I didn't come here to listen to you brag about cheating on Dashie!! Now tell me-"
"Now you wait just a moment there, partner." Applejack interrupted, trying to make sense of everything. "What in tarnation do you mean by "cheatin'"? RD and I weren't even dating! We were just some good friends having a little fun... I thought she knew that."
Disbelief struck the party pony as she heard what the orange pony was saying. "That's... That's exactly what Dashie said too... But still! That doesn't give you any right to lie to her about being into mares! That's what upset her the most anyway!"
"Say what now?"
"You and Derpy! You told Dashie that you weren't a fillyfooler when you really are!" Pinkie slammed a hoof into the mud as lightening flashed, illuminating the dark.
"Oh for... Look, sugarcube. Why don't we go get dried off and I'll tell you everything." Applejack approached the tense mare, placing a hoof on her back. "We're both just gonna get sick if we stay out here."
The party pony recoiled, but relaxed after she realized the sincerity in her tone. Nodding her head, they walked together inside of farm house as thunder echoed throughout the town.
* * *
Fluttershy held Rainbow tightly as they remained inside the center of the overcast. She was more happy now than she had been for the longest time, barely noticing the storm about them.
Though the winds and rain were chilling the air the two still felt quite warm, their magic maintaining their own homeostasis.
As the two pressed their foreheads together and enjoyed the weather, Fluttershy whispered something that made Rainbow Dash's blood run cold.
"So, what are we going to do about Pinkie Pie?"
Her eyes shot open and her pupils dilated as she could only imagine a depressed little mare crying alone in her bed.
"Oh pony feathers... I didn't even think about her!! Oh this is bad... This is really bad-"
The shy pegasus just kissed the tip of the cyan mare's nose, holding her in comfort. "Now don't you worry you're pretty little head, Color-wheel. I think I know exactly how we can handle this." Her voice was lowered in an almost devious tone. Rainbow Dash could only cock an eyebrow as she pondered what Fluttershy could possibly be scheming.
* * *
The group all sat around the fireplace in Applejack's living room, letting the heat dry their coats. Applebloom sat quietly watching the rest, intrigued by the complexity of their situation. Derpy gave Pinkie an nervous smile; she hated that the pink Earth pony was upset, and felt herself largely to blame for it all. The sadness in her crooked eyes was clear. She really did miss Rainbow Dash.
Pinkie Pie leaned over to the pegasus and gave her a warm hug, whispering, "Sorry for being such a big jerky jerk-face..."
Derpy just smiled and returned the hug. "It's okay, Pinkie P. You're just worried about Dash. I can understand."
Reconciled, the two smiled as Applejack came from the kitchen when some cups of cocoa on a tray. "Awww, see now? Ain't it just so much better when we all get along? We're friends! There's no reason for us to be bickerin'."
The pink mare let out a sigh. It did feel great to be talking to her friends again. She hated that there had been any animosity between them.
"So, tell me everything. What exactly happened between you and Dashie?" She asked, taking a cup into her hoof.
"Well, it happened back when we were talking one day... We got on the topic of what we enjoyed doing in bed, and we kinda was flirtin' a little... Ended up being made into a competition between us over who could last longer and such. I'll skip the details, but that's how it all happened. From there, we just kept on. It never even got any further than us just making jokes and insultin' each other while the other would be... eh... "workin'", let's say. We'd always laugh and have a great time, and afterwards if she felt like heading out, she would. We never talked about dating or anything serious though. Nothing really changed between us, except we had something new to argue over. I didn't think that she was gettin' attached or anything, else I would've just called it off ahead a time."
"That's the thing though... She told me what really upset her wasn't that you were with Derpy, but that because you had told her you weren't a fillyfooler. She said she felt betrayed by you because you lied to her about it."
"But AJ isn't a fillyfooler though, Pinkie P. She's a double-dipper!"
"A... what?"
"Uggg... It's what she calls me for being into stallions and mares. Rainbow asked me if I was a fillyfooler and I told her I wasn't. Guess she must've meant if I was even into mares at all... That's why I said it was just a big misunderstandin'. I would never lie to RD, Pinkie, and y'all know that."
Pinkie looked between Derpy and Applejack. She could tell they were being sincere; they both really did love Rainbow Dash. Remembering her feelings when she was away from the athlete for that short amount of time, she sympathized for these two having been away from her for over a month.
"That's IT!" She proclaimed, standing in front of the two. "We need to find Dashie so that we can all get this settled then."
The orange Earth pony laughed at the enthusiastic little mare. "Okay, okay, we'll help ya find RD, but why don't y'all just wait 'til tomorrow? Ain't no way we're findin' her in this weather." She stated, pointing a hoof to window. The storm was now at its full potential, howling wind and crashing thunder periodically.
"Yeah, I doubt I could even fly out there, Pinkie..." Derpy placed a hoof to her chin, contemplating if she actually could before being stuck by a better idea. "Oh! OH! I know! Why don't you stay the night here? It can be like an all-day-and-slumber party!"
The party pony's eyes lit up at the offer. The idea of partying for that amount of time was quite alluring to her. The two both made eye contact with Applejack, examining to see if she had any objections.
"Sure, I don't see why not! Shoot, Ah couldn't send you out in this weather. Y'all can sleep in my bed when you're ready. I'll sleep with Applebloom tonight."
Derpy wrapped her hooves around the two's necks, pulling them into a hug with a wide grin across her face. "Oh, I don't think any of us are going to be doing any sleeping for a long time. We have too many games to play and toys to play with." Intentionally adding an awkward emphasis on certain words, she wanted to imply there was a grander scheme for this group.
Applejack just laughed as they both turned and looked to Pinkie Pie. She nervously giggled, experiencing a familiar heat between her legs and beginning to blush.
Applebloom smiled as she finished her cocoa. Taking her empty cup to the kitchen, she noticed something under the couch as she passed.
Realizing what it was, she eagerly called out, "Oh, hey, Big Sis! I found your rope!"