Sapphiresby JrzfineChaptersChapter 1: Crash-LandingChapter 2: The Secret's OutChapter 3: LostChapter 1: Crash-LandingCrash-Landing Rainbow Dash enjoys sleeping. She always has, and today was no exception. It was a chance for her mind to roam freely, not needing to be restricted. As she rested her head on her cloud-bed, she began to think about Rarity, as she did almost every night. However, with the rain she helped create pouring down, it was easy to lose your mind someplace else. As Rarity trotted up the Carousel Boutique steps to her room, she sighed with content. It had been a good day at the Boutique, and she had finished ten dresses; a new record for her standards. Her clients had all been happy today, meaning that her Boutique was just that much more known. As she plopped her plot on the bed, she remembered that it was Rainbow Dash who recommended that she buy the latest sewing machine, which had the capability of making a back stitch and a top stitch on the same machine.Because of her recommendation, Rarity was able to make as many dresses as she did. She sighed once more, and fell fast asleep. "H-hey, Rarity?" Dash asked with uncertainty at the darkness. "Yes, Dash?" Rarity asked, appearing in front of me. "I've been meaning to t-talk with you about...um..."Dash faltered. "You don't have to say a word, Dash. Now, let me ask you, were you expecting me to fall head over hooves with YOU, of all ponies? A dirty, uncultured brute of a Pegasus? I don't even feel that way about mares, so what makes you think that I would just forget, hmm?You think I don't notice those looks you give me during our daily meet-ups? You think I'm waiting for you to ask? Were you expecting me to kiss you and confess my undying love for you?" Each word hit Dash like a brick wall. She took a step back with each insult, until she was backed up against a wall. She shrunk on the ground, trying to make herself fade out of existence. No such luck. "News flash, Rainbow Dash. I. Don't. Love. You. Now get your silly little flank out of Ponyville NOW! AND DON'T EVER COME BACK!" she shrieked. Dash woke up with a start, and instantly flew out of the window, terrified out of her wits. She flew as fast as she could, trying to hold the tears back. She was failing. The tears clouded her vision as she proceeded to crash land into the Everfree Forest. Fluttershy woke up to a very grumpy-looking Angel hopping up and down on her stomach, frantically pointing downstairs. "Hmm? Oh..good morning Angel.. don't you think it's a bit early for breakf-" She was cut off as Angel closed her lips and attempted to drag her downstairs. The bunny gave her an urgent look, and Fluttershy knew all she needed to know. "Show me what's wrong, Angel." Fluttershy instructed. Urgent times was the only place Fluttershy would allow herself to be assertive, for fear of hurting her friends like she did last time. Never trust minotaurs , she concluded with a giggle. Angel urgently hopped out the door and into the forest, towards Zecora's house. Halfway through, however, Angel made a sharp turn into the inner forest. "A-are you sure about this Angel? I think that..um..maybe we should turn back...um, if you want to, that is...I haven't even brushed my mane.." Once again she was silenced by Angel. The little bunny hopped into a clearing where Fluttershy saw all she needed to. Rainbow Dash was lying on the floor against a tree which he had collided with,blood on the ground. She gasped and ran to aid her best friend. "Thanks, Fluttershy. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't come." Rainbow said as she limped to the door. "Oh, no, don't thank me, thank Angel, who saw it all." Fluttershy smiled warmly at her friend. "But, before you go...could you, um..maybe..tell me what happened? Um, if you want to, that is..." Rainbow winced, from both the pain in her leg and the memory. " I...I had.....a nightmare. A-about..you know who." She finished lamely. "Oh...I see...it must have been pretty bad for you to...um...crash like that. Did she..." Fluttershy whispered the last part, "Reject you...? In the dream, I mean." Rainbow put her head down and let her ears droop. "Um...yeah." "Oh, i see...don't let that get you down. It was just a dream, after all..." "Yeah...your right, Fluttershy. I think I'll go speak to her on my way home." Rainbow smiled her best smile, and walked out the door. "Are you sure you don't want to go see the doctor? I mean, if you want to..." Fluttershy called out, being no more audible than a whisper. "Nah, I'm fine! Thanks again!"Rainbow smiled again and looked back to the road. Rainbow Dash stood in front of the Carousel Boutique. She had been here so many times, yet it never got easier to hide her feelings. On so many occasions she wished she could tell her to be done with it, but she wouldn't. Rainbow wanted to be able to tell her with her eyes. She was never good at talking about romantic stuff, so she thought that this way she couldn't screw it up. Every time she visited the Boutique, she tried to show Rarity, but she never saw it, for one reason or another. For a drama queen who reads romance novels in her spare time, she really isn't good at noticing love at all. Rainbow sighed, and raised her right hoof, and knocked. She instantly cried out in pain. She used her injured hoof to knock. "Idiot..." she mumbled to herself as the door opened. "Why hello there, Rainbow-"Rarity stopped as she saw her hoof. "My goodness, what ever happened to your hoof? Come in, come in!" Rarity hastily allowed Rainbow inside, who slowly entered. "So, Rainbow Dash, tell me all about your mishap." Oh, crap. Rainbow Dash thought. How the buck am I gonna get outta this one? I really don't want to lie to her, but I don't want to confess either.. "I had a nightmare" She blurted. Stupid. Do you ever think straight around her? "Whatever was it about darling? I don't see how a nightmare could injure your hoof." "I, um...I fell out of the house while I was having the nightmare." Dash said, avoiding the question. Better. At least it's half right. "You fell out of your house?! I simply cannot allow you to return there then! You might have the same thing happen again! You could injure yourself ten times worse!" Rainbow Dash's eyes slightly widened. Does that mean...no, don't make any assumptions yet. "I shall hire some ponies to make your house safer. In the meantime, you will stay with me. Don't worry, I just had a guest room built upstairs." Rarity finished, turning around. "Come, come. I will show you the guest room." Rainbow's jaw dropped. "I..I couldn't impose..." Rarity turned her head towards Rainbow. "Nonsense, it is not a problem at all.The workponies should take no more than a week to get the job done." Rainbow's mind was working overtime. I can't believe it! She just invited me to stay with her! This is the perfect opportunity to tell her! This is going to be great! "Hey, Rarity..." Dash gulped. "Yes, darling?" Rarity turned back toward her, giving her full attention. "I...uh, wanted to.." Dash was visibly shaking now. "I wanted to tell you..that,um..." Rarity was looking at her with concern. With her sapphire eyes looking at her expectantly, burning through Dash's soul, lips slightly puckered, huge eyelashes, the Sun shining through her purple mane, off her snow white coat, catching it perfectly, making her almost blindingly white. Dash broke down at the sight. "I wanted to tell you that, um...that...I think your mane is pretty!"Dash blurted. Instantly she covered her mouth with her good hoof. Luckily Rarity was turning around, and didn't see Rainbow's expression. "Thank you, darling. I think your mane is quite dazzling as well, although it could use a brushing. Why don't I help you with that?" Dash groaned, partly because of her getting her hair brushed, partly because of her near-miss. As Rarity combed her hair using her magic on a brush, Rainbow was obedient, surprisingly enough. Only two things were going through Dash's head at the moment; I will let my feelings be known to Rarity, and it will be through her eyes This is going to be a loooooong week. "Why did Rainbow dream about my sister?" Sweetie Belle asked the Cutie Mark Crusaders. All three of them were sitting near Fluttershy's cottage, trying to piece together Rainbow and Fluttershy's conversation. "What did Fluttershy whisper to Rainbow?" Scootaloo inquired. "Too many questions..." Applebloom murmured. "Alright, crusaders! We need a plan of action!" Scootaloo said, raising a hoof to her chin. "Well, ah suppose I could ask my sis', Applejack.." Applebloom pondered. "Good idea! I will talk to Fluttershy." Scootaloo said. "I'll talk to Rarity about it." Sweetie Belle commented. "Alright, Crusaders! Our mission is to find out why Rainbow Dash crashed into the forest. Who knows, we might even get our Cutie Marks for being detectives!" Scootaloo cheered. "Cutie Mark Crusaders, away!" Scootaloo said as she got on her scooter and sped towards Fluttershy's cabin. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom watched her go, looked at each other, nodded, and made their way home, to have a chat with their sisters. Chapter 2: The Secret's OutThe Secret's Out "She did what now?" Applejack stared at her little sister. "Rainbow Dash crashed into the Everfree forest because he had a dream involving Rarity." Applebloom repeated. "Ah heard you the first time, sugar. I just don't understand it. Why? Have you talked to Rainbow?" "No." "Then how did ya find that out?" "I, uh, overheard it." Applebloom said sheepishly. "Mmhmm. So then it was a private conversation y'all 'overheard'" Applejack looked at her sister sternly. "You know that's not right. You should be ashamed." Applebloom's ears drooped. "It was by accident that we heard it! Honest! We were on our way to Fluttershy's house to learn how to tend the animals so we could get our cutie marks! Rainbow was already there, though! Honest!" "...Ah believe ya, sis. Just try not to do it again. Now, I s'pose I need to talk to R.D 'bout this...Stay here, Applebloom. I believe you've caused enough trouble for today. Do you know where she went?" "Uh, she said somethin' about the Carousel Boutique." "Thanks, sis." Applejack then turned and galloped towards the Carousel Boutique, determined to get some answers. "Need any help with the sewing?" Rainbow asked, cautiously walking towards Rarity. "I'm fine, darling." She said, looking at me through her work glasses. "Although you, on the other hand, look like you have something to say." "M-me? Something to say? No siree, not me." Rainbow replied, nervously laughing. "Rainbow, you're a worse liar than Applejack. Tell me what's wrong." She said, patting a hoof next to her on the couch. Rainbow slowly made her way next to Rarity and sat. Of all of the times for her to read my eyes, she chooses now?! "So, tell me what's plaguing your mind." Rarity asked, lowering her hooves from the stitching machine and taking off her work glasses. "You know you can tell me anything. We've been sharing secrets since the changeling invasion. Before then, even! Won't you please tell me?" Rainbow bit her lip. Now or never, I suppose. "I..." Rainbow stopped. She had to tell Rarity with her eyes. She got up and slowly put her face closer and closer to Rarity's, until their noses were touching. There, Rainbow stopped. Rarity was frozen. Rainbow closed her eyes, mustered every ounce of feeling she had for Rarity. Not just her beauty, but her generosity, willing to give up secrets in order to make you feel better, how concerned she always was from her friends. Rainbow felt that Rarity gave her...sympathy for other ponies. And she loved Rarity for it. All of these feelings she brought forth, and she opened her eyes, completely revealing all of her feelings through them. Rainbow let every barrier she had fall, every lock break, every guard fired. She stared at Rarity, looking in those sapphire eyes, looking for something, anything. "...Won't you please tell me?" Rarity asked. She looked at her friend, who seemed to be having a war inside herself. Rainbow bit her lip, and began. "I..." Rarity waited for more, but there was none. Rainbow had gotten up and...is getting closer. Not sure what to do, Rarity did nothing, as her friend got closer to her, until their noses were touching. What in Equestria is she doing?! Rainbow closed her eyes and halted from getting any closer. Rarity stood still, mind racing. Then, Rainbow opened her eyes, and she understood. Her eyes went wide as she saw it. The thing plaguing Rainbow Dash's thoughts was...her. She opened her mouth to speak, but there was nothing to say. Rainbow's eyes said it all. They stood there, frozen in each others eyes. Somehow, Rarity understood everything. This is why Rainbow got closer to her. This is why Rainbow hurt herself. This is why Rainbow came to her. This is why Rainbow was acting different. She found it amazing that two....pretty....magenta eyes could tell her everything she needed to know, without a single word being said. They stood there, just looking at each other, for what seemed like an eternity. Just when Rarity thought that she should break away, a squeak came from the door. Eyes wide, Rarity quickly stepped back and looked at the door to see Sweetie Belle and Applejack staring at them, eyes wide, mouths open. The pair blushed immensely. "I..."Rarity began, when Applejack cut her off. "And what do you think you two are doin'!" Applejack said, growing more and more furious. "Ahm sorry, was I interrupting something? Oh don't mind me. Ahm just your average straight mare! Ah didn't realize that this was the fillyfoolin' bucking Boutique!" Applejack seethed, turned around, and stormed out of the boutique. "Applejack! It's not what you think!" Rarity called. "It's not?" Rainbow Dash's voice was tiny. "No, it isn't." Rarity narrowed her eyes, turning to face her. "And who exactly gave you permission to do that?! Hmm?! You storm in here, faking a wound, abusing my generosity, only to try and land a smooch on a straight mare! How could you stoop so low, Rainbow!" Rarity yelled. Rainbow said nothing. Eyes wattering, she whispered, "Sorry that I ever loved you. I'll leave town now.." She then bolted through the window. Rarity, confused at the entire situation, sat on the floor and cried her heart out. "Um..Should I leave?" Sweetie Belle asked, inching her way to the door. Rarity replied with more tears. "I'm...gonna take that as a yes...bye..." With that she walked out the door,head low. It took Rarity an hour to summon enough willpower to get up, close the Boutique, and go to bed. Chapter 3: LostChapter 3: Lost So that's it then. Rainbow Dash thought, throwing her Gala dress and train ticket inside the suitcase. I just...leave. She wiped away a tear and closed the suitcase, clicking shut. Another Cloudsdale incident. She sighed. She no longer cried, because all of her tears were spent. Pull yourself together, Rainbow Dash! Coolest, fastest,strongest pony in Equestria! Legendary stunt woman, pulling off the legendary Sonic Rainboom! Three times! Pull yourself together! Your going to go down there and say goodbye to everyone.They should feel lucky that I stuck around for a week, anyways. I'll just get them together! Yeah...that'll work! Rainbow threw her suitcase to the floor, her hoof now healed. She took off through the window, headed for the post office. " To the Mane 6, Your presence is needed at the Sugarcube Corner. Meet at 6." "Anypony know what this is about?" Twilight asked. They were all sitting around a large table. "No idea, sugarcube." Applejack snorted. "Rainbow Dash 'aint here yet. I'll bet my bits she's got somethin' to do with all this." "Rainbow Dash? She's probably just running late, like always silly-billy! She's probably eating cupcakes!Speaking of cupcakes should I name this cupcake Chimmycherry or Cherrychonga? Chimmycheery? Cherrychonga? Chimm-" "Pinkie!" Twilight said, silencing her with magic. "Why do you think Rainbow Dash is involved?" " I reckon he's just gonna tell everypony that doesn't already know that she's a-" "Applejack. That's quite enough." Rarity finally spoke up. Everypony looked at her, finally noticing her mane. "Um, what happened to your mane? Did you forget to comb it?" Fluttershy inquired. Rarity's mane was askew, being closer to Rainbow Dash's mane than anything else. Rarity sighed. "No, darling. Don't you worry about me. Look, there's Rainbow Dash." She said, pointing at the door, where a sad-looking Rainbow Dash walked through the door. She looked like she hadn't slept in days, her mane was slightly greyed, and she slouched. "Hey, guys," She said, lamely. "Rainbow Dash! Where have you been?" Twilight asked. "W-why haven't you gotten any sleep?" Fluttershy whispered. "Why didn't you get any cupcakes yesterday, Dashie? You always get some on Tuesday!" Pinkie smiled, jumping up and down. "Why'd ya even show up in the first place?" Applejack spat. Rarity said nothing, just staring at Rainbow Dash in her terrible state. "Not important," Rainbow said at no pony in particular. "I'm just making sure you get your final goodbyes in." Everypony stared at Rainbow Dash, mouths open. Then Applejack snickered. "Bye." She spat, and walked out of the Sugarcube Corner, pushing Rainbow Dash aside. Everypony watched as Rainbow Dash twisted his face up, an indescribable emotion on his face. "Rainbow, don't!" Rarity yelled, but it was too late. Rainbow was out the door in a flash, and on top of Applejack. "What do you have against fillyfoolers!? Why is it wrong to love Rarity!?" Rainbow shouted, directly in Applejack's ear. She had her pinned, Applejack squirming to free herself. "Answer me!" Rainbow screamed, pushing a hoof into Applejack's. "Rainbow, this is insane! Stop it!" Applejack hollered. Rainbow released Applejack, only to encircle her torso and fly straight upwards. Rainbow kept flying upwards, with Applejack screaming. "Applejack," Rainbow whispered in her ear. "Answer me." Applejack, terrified, replied, " I-It's not right! The world intended c-colts and m-m-mares to be together! You can't just decide that it's okay for mares to d-d-d-date! I-it's not right! I-it's not like you can have fillies anyways! W-what's the point?!"Applejack was crying now. Rainbow stopped her ascent. "It's not a choice! You think I chose to be this way?! I would be infinitely happier if I could've just liked colts! I got kicked out of flight school because of that! And you think its a choice?!" Rainbow's fury was now gone, and she slowly lowered herself and Applejack to the ground once more. Just before they touched down, Rainbow whispered, " Shows how much you know.." and she let go of Applejack, who scurried off, towards Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow sighed deeply, and turned to the Sugarcube Corner, where her friends had exited the shop and were staring at her. Rainbow had no energy to say anything except, "There, now you know. I'll see you...never, I guess." With that, Rainbow took to the air, but stopped and turned around."Oh, and I'm sorry, Rarity. I really am." Rainbow said, and turned to take off. Except she couldn't. An aura of light blue magic brought her to the ground and towards her friends. "Rainbow...I won't let you leave us." Rarity said firmly. "What happened to the Element of Loyalty? Or did that disappear when you decided that running away would make all your problems better?" Rainbow said nothing, staring at the floor. " As for you and I... I don't know. I need more thinking time. Now... are you all right with this?" She said, turning to her other friends."About Rainbow Dash and her...sexuality, that is." "I-I'm fine with it..." Fluttershy squeaked. "Okey dokie lokie!" Pinkie said, bouncing up and down. " If that's what you want to do, I don't see why not." "I don't want to!" Rainbow Dash snapped. "I don't just 'decide' my sexuality. It's born with me." She hissed. "...I don't get it. I don't see how this is right. All the books I read said that-" "Forget the books already!" Rainbow yelled, shutting Twilight up. "This is love we're dealing with! You can't just read a book and understand love! "I..guess. I don't really get it, but I won't treat you any differently for your decis-" "IT'S NOT A DECISION!" Rainbow roared, stamping her hoof, ready to charge, were it not for Rarity's magic. "..Right. Sorry, Rainbow." Twilight replied, looking down. "I will talk to Applejack." Rarity exclaimed, releasing Rainbow Dash. "Do NOT run away, you hear me, Rainbow Dash?" She said, walking away. "Yes, ma'am," She whispered, watching Rarity leave. "Um.." Twilight started, kicking at the dirt below her. " Should I tell Spike about this? His crush on Rarity and all..." "No, I'll tell him." Rainbow Dash said as she took to the skies towards the library. "Anybody up for cupcakes?" Pinkie chirped. "They're on the house!" "Sure, Pinkie. That'd be nice..." Twilight mumbled. Fluttershy only nodded in agreement as they headed inside.
Chapter 1: Crash-LandingCrash-Landing Rainbow Dash enjoys sleeping. She always has, and today was no exception. It was a chance for her mind to roam freely, not needing to be restricted. As she rested her head on her cloud-bed, she began to think about Rarity, as she did almost every night. However, with the rain she helped create pouring down, it was easy to lose your mind someplace else. As Rarity trotted up the Carousel Boutique steps to her room, she sighed with content. It had been a good day at the Boutique, and she had finished ten dresses; a new record for her standards. Her clients had all been happy today, meaning that her Boutique was just that much more known. As she plopped her plot on the bed, she remembered that it was Rainbow Dash who recommended that she buy the latest sewing machine, which had the capability of making a back stitch and a top stitch on the same machine.Because of her recommendation, Rarity was able to make as many dresses as she did. She sighed once more, and fell fast asleep. "H-hey, Rarity?" Dash asked with uncertainty at the darkness. "Yes, Dash?" Rarity asked, appearing in front of me. "I've been meaning to t-talk with you about...um..."Dash faltered. "You don't have to say a word, Dash. Now, let me ask you, were you expecting me to fall head over hooves with YOU, of all ponies? A dirty, uncultured brute of a Pegasus? I don't even feel that way about mares, so what makes you think that I would just forget, hmm?You think I don't notice those looks you give me during our daily meet-ups? You think I'm waiting for you to ask? Were you expecting me to kiss you and confess my undying love for you?" Each word hit Dash like a brick wall. She took a step back with each insult, until she was backed up against a wall. She shrunk on the ground, trying to make herself fade out of existence. No such luck. "News flash, Rainbow Dash. I. Don't. Love. You. Now get your silly little flank out of Ponyville NOW! AND DON'T EVER COME BACK!" she shrieked. Dash woke up with a start, and instantly flew out of the window, terrified out of her wits. She flew as fast as she could, trying to hold the tears back. She was failing. The tears clouded her vision as she proceeded to crash land into the Everfree Forest. Fluttershy woke up to a very grumpy-looking Angel hopping up and down on her stomach, frantically pointing downstairs. "Hmm? Oh..good morning Angel.. don't you think it's a bit early for breakf-" She was cut off as Angel closed her lips and attempted to drag her downstairs. The bunny gave her an urgent look, and Fluttershy knew all she needed to know. "Show me what's wrong, Angel." Fluttershy instructed. Urgent times was the only place Fluttershy would allow herself to be assertive, for fear of hurting her friends like she did last time. Never trust minotaurs , she concluded with a giggle. Angel urgently hopped out the door and into the forest, towards Zecora's house. Halfway through, however, Angel made a sharp turn into the inner forest. "A-are you sure about this Angel? I think that..um..maybe we should turn back...um, if you want to, that is...I haven't even brushed my mane.." Once again she was silenced by Angel. The little bunny hopped into a clearing where Fluttershy saw all she needed to. Rainbow Dash was lying on the floor against a tree which he had collided with,blood on the ground. She gasped and ran to aid her best friend. "Thanks, Fluttershy. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't come." Rainbow said as she limped to the door. "Oh, no, don't thank me, thank Angel, who saw it all." Fluttershy smiled warmly at her friend. "But, before you go...could you, um..maybe..tell me what happened? Um, if you want to, that is..." Rainbow winced, from both the pain in her leg and the memory. " I...I had.....a nightmare. A-about..you know who." She finished lamely. "Oh...I see...it must have been pretty bad for you to...um...crash like that. Did she..." Fluttershy whispered the last part, "Reject you...? In the dream, I mean." Rainbow put her head down and let her ears droop. "Um...yeah." "Oh, i see...don't let that get you down. It was just a dream, after all..." "Yeah...your right, Fluttershy. I think I'll go speak to her on my way home." Rainbow smiled her best smile, and walked out the door. "Are you sure you don't want to go see the doctor? I mean, if you want to..." Fluttershy called out, being no more audible than a whisper. "Nah, I'm fine! Thanks again!"Rainbow smiled again and looked back to the road. Rainbow Dash stood in front of the Carousel Boutique. She had been here so many times, yet it never got easier to hide her feelings. On so many occasions she wished she could tell her to be done with it, but she wouldn't. Rainbow wanted to be able to tell her with her eyes. She was never good at talking about romantic stuff, so she thought that this way she couldn't screw it up. Every time she visited the Boutique, she tried to show Rarity, but she never saw it, for one reason or another. For a drama queen who reads romance novels in her spare time, she really isn't good at noticing love at all. Rainbow sighed, and raised her right hoof, and knocked. She instantly cried out in pain. She used her injured hoof to knock. "Idiot..." she mumbled to herself as the door opened. "Why hello there, Rainbow-"Rarity stopped as she saw her hoof. "My goodness, what ever happened to your hoof? Come in, come in!" Rarity hastily allowed Rainbow inside, who slowly entered. "So, Rainbow Dash, tell me all about your mishap." Oh, crap. Rainbow Dash thought. How the buck am I gonna get outta this one? I really don't want to lie to her, but I don't want to confess either.. "I had a nightmare" She blurted. Stupid. Do you ever think straight around her? "Whatever was it about darling? I don't see how a nightmare could injure your hoof." "I, um...I fell out of the house while I was having the nightmare." Dash said, avoiding the question. Better. At least it's half right. "You fell out of your house?! I simply cannot allow you to return there then! You might have the same thing happen again! You could injure yourself ten times worse!" Rainbow Dash's eyes slightly widened. Does that mean...no, don't make any assumptions yet. "I shall hire some ponies to make your house safer. In the meantime, you will stay with me. Don't worry, I just had a guest room built upstairs." Rarity finished, turning around. "Come, come. I will show you the guest room." Rainbow's jaw dropped. "I..I couldn't impose..." Rarity turned her head towards Rainbow. "Nonsense, it is not a problem at all.The workponies should take no more than a week to get the job done." Rainbow's mind was working overtime. I can't believe it! She just invited me to stay with her! This is the perfect opportunity to tell her! This is going to be great! "Hey, Rarity..." Dash gulped. "Yes, darling?" Rarity turned back toward her, giving her full attention. "I...uh, wanted to.." Dash was visibly shaking now. "I wanted to tell you..that,um..." Rarity was looking at her with concern. With her sapphire eyes looking at her expectantly, burning through Dash's soul, lips slightly puckered, huge eyelashes, the Sun shining through her purple mane, off her snow white coat, catching it perfectly, making her almost blindingly white. Dash broke down at the sight. "I wanted to tell you that, um...that...I think your mane is pretty!"Dash blurted. Instantly she covered her mouth with her good hoof. Luckily Rarity was turning around, and didn't see Rainbow's expression. "Thank you, darling. I think your mane is quite dazzling as well, although it could use a brushing. Why don't I help you with that?" Dash groaned, partly because of her getting her hair brushed, partly because of her near-miss. As Rarity combed her hair using her magic on a brush, Rainbow was obedient, surprisingly enough. Only two things were going through Dash's head at the moment; I will let my feelings be known to Rarity, and it will be through her eyes This is going to be a loooooong week. "Why did Rainbow dream about my sister?" Sweetie Belle asked the Cutie Mark Crusaders. All three of them were sitting near Fluttershy's cottage, trying to piece together Rainbow and Fluttershy's conversation. "What did Fluttershy whisper to Rainbow?" Scootaloo inquired. "Too many questions..." Applebloom murmured. "Alright, crusaders! We need a plan of action!" Scootaloo said, raising a hoof to her chin. "Well, ah suppose I could ask my sis', Applejack.." Applebloom pondered. "Good idea! I will talk to Fluttershy." Scootaloo said. "I'll talk to Rarity about it." Sweetie Belle commented. "Alright, Crusaders! Our mission is to find out why Rainbow Dash crashed into the forest. Who knows, we might even get our Cutie Marks for being detectives!" Scootaloo cheered. "Cutie Mark Crusaders, away!" Scootaloo said as she got on her scooter and sped towards Fluttershy's cabin. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom watched her go, looked at each other, nodded, and made their way home, to have a chat with their sisters.
Chapter 2: The Secret's OutThe Secret's Out "She did what now?" Applejack stared at her little sister. "Rainbow Dash crashed into the Everfree forest because he had a dream involving Rarity." Applebloom repeated. "Ah heard you the first time, sugar. I just don't understand it. Why? Have you talked to Rainbow?" "No." "Then how did ya find that out?" "I, uh, overheard it." Applebloom said sheepishly. "Mmhmm. So then it was a private conversation y'all 'overheard'" Applejack looked at her sister sternly. "You know that's not right. You should be ashamed." Applebloom's ears drooped. "It was by accident that we heard it! Honest! We were on our way to Fluttershy's house to learn how to tend the animals so we could get our cutie marks! Rainbow was already there, though! Honest!" "...Ah believe ya, sis. Just try not to do it again. Now, I s'pose I need to talk to R.D 'bout this...Stay here, Applebloom. I believe you've caused enough trouble for today. Do you know where she went?" "Uh, she said somethin' about the Carousel Boutique." "Thanks, sis." Applejack then turned and galloped towards the Carousel Boutique, determined to get some answers. "Need any help with the sewing?" Rainbow asked, cautiously walking towards Rarity. "I'm fine, darling." She said, looking at me through her work glasses. "Although you, on the other hand, look like you have something to say." "M-me? Something to say? No siree, not me." Rainbow replied, nervously laughing. "Rainbow, you're a worse liar than Applejack. Tell me what's wrong." She said, patting a hoof next to her on the couch. Rainbow slowly made her way next to Rarity and sat. Of all of the times for her to read my eyes, she chooses now?! "So, tell me what's plaguing your mind." Rarity asked, lowering her hooves from the stitching machine and taking off her work glasses. "You know you can tell me anything. We've been sharing secrets since the changeling invasion. Before then, even! Won't you please tell me?" Rainbow bit her lip. Now or never, I suppose. "I..." Rainbow stopped. She had to tell Rarity with her eyes. She got up and slowly put her face closer and closer to Rarity's, until their noses were touching. There, Rainbow stopped. Rarity was frozen. Rainbow closed her eyes, mustered every ounce of feeling she had for Rarity. Not just her beauty, but her generosity, willing to give up secrets in order to make you feel better, how concerned she always was from her friends. Rainbow felt that Rarity gave her...sympathy for other ponies. And she loved Rarity for it. All of these feelings she brought forth, and she opened her eyes, completely revealing all of her feelings through them. Rainbow let every barrier she had fall, every lock break, every guard fired. She stared at Rarity, looking in those sapphire eyes, looking for something, anything. "...Won't you please tell me?" Rarity asked. She looked at her friend, who seemed to be having a war inside herself. Rainbow bit her lip, and began. "I..." Rarity waited for more, but there was none. Rainbow had gotten up and...is getting closer. Not sure what to do, Rarity did nothing, as her friend got closer to her, until their noses were touching. What in Equestria is she doing?! Rainbow closed her eyes and halted from getting any closer. Rarity stood still, mind racing. Then, Rainbow opened her eyes, and she understood. Her eyes went wide as she saw it. The thing plaguing Rainbow Dash's thoughts was...her. She opened her mouth to speak, but there was nothing to say. Rainbow's eyes said it all. They stood there, frozen in each others eyes. Somehow, Rarity understood everything. This is why Rainbow got closer to her. This is why Rainbow hurt herself. This is why Rainbow came to her. This is why Rainbow was acting different. She found it amazing that two....pretty....magenta eyes could tell her everything she needed to know, without a single word being said. They stood there, just looking at each other, for what seemed like an eternity. Just when Rarity thought that she should break away, a squeak came from the door. Eyes wide, Rarity quickly stepped back and looked at the door to see Sweetie Belle and Applejack staring at them, eyes wide, mouths open. The pair blushed immensely. "I..."Rarity began, when Applejack cut her off. "And what do you think you two are doin'!" Applejack said, growing more and more furious. "Ahm sorry, was I interrupting something? Oh don't mind me. Ahm just your average straight mare! Ah didn't realize that this was the fillyfoolin' bucking Boutique!" Applejack seethed, turned around, and stormed out of the boutique. "Applejack! It's not what you think!" Rarity called. "It's not?" Rainbow Dash's voice was tiny. "No, it isn't." Rarity narrowed her eyes, turning to face her. "And who exactly gave you permission to do that?! Hmm?! You storm in here, faking a wound, abusing my generosity, only to try and land a smooch on a straight mare! How could you stoop so low, Rainbow!" Rarity yelled. Rainbow said nothing. Eyes wattering, she whispered, "Sorry that I ever loved you. I'll leave town now.." She then bolted through the window. Rarity, confused at the entire situation, sat on the floor and cried her heart out. "Um..Should I leave?" Sweetie Belle asked, inching her way to the door. Rarity replied with more tears. "I'm...gonna take that as a yes...bye..." With that she walked out the door,head low. It took Rarity an hour to summon enough willpower to get up, close the Boutique, and go to bed.
Chapter 3: LostChapter 3: Lost So that's it then. Rainbow Dash thought, throwing her Gala dress and train ticket inside the suitcase. I just...leave. She wiped away a tear and closed the suitcase, clicking shut. Another Cloudsdale incident. She sighed. She no longer cried, because all of her tears were spent. Pull yourself together, Rainbow Dash! Coolest, fastest,strongest pony in Equestria! Legendary stunt woman, pulling off the legendary Sonic Rainboom! Three times! Pull yourself together! Your going to go down there and say goodbye to everyone.They should feel lucky that I stuck around for a week, anyways. I'll just get them together! Yeah...that'll work! Rainbow threw her suitcase to the floor, her hoof now healed. She took off through the window, headed for the post office. " To the Mane 6, Your presence is needed at the Sugarcube Corner. Meet at 6." "Anypony know what this is about?" Twilight asked. They were all sitting around a large table. "No idea, sugarcube." Applejack snorted. "Rainbow Dash 'aint here yet. I'll bet my bits she's got somethin' to do with all this." "Rainbow Dash? She's probably just running late, like always silly-billy! She's probably eating cupcakes!Speaking of cupcakes should I name this cupcake Chimmycherry or Cherrychonga? Chimmycheery? Cherrychonga? Chimm-" "Pinkie!" Twilight said, silencing her with magic. "Why do you think Rainbow Dash is involved?" " I reckon he's just gonna tell everypony that doesn't already know that she's a-" "Applejack. That's quite enough." Rarity finally spoke up. Everypony looked at her, finally noticing her mane. "Um, what happened to your mane? Did you forget to comb it?" Fluttershy inquired. Rarity's mane was askew, being closer to Rainbow Dash's mane than anything else. Rarity sighed. "No, darling. Don't you worry about me. Look, there's Rainbow Dash." She said, pointing at the door, where a sad-looking Rainbow Dash walked through the door. She looked like she hadn't slept in days, her mane was slightly greyed, and she slouched. "Hey, guys," She said, lamely. "Rainbow Dash! Where have you been?" Twilight asked. "W-why haven't you gotten any sleep?" Fluttershy whispered. "Why didn't you get any cupcakes yesterday, Dashie? You always get some on Tuesday!" Pinkie smiled, jumping up and down. "Why'd ya even show up in the first place?" Applejack spat. Rarity said nothing, just staring at Rainbow Dash in her terrible state. "Not important," Rainbow said at no pony in particular. "I'm just making sure you get your final goodbyes in." Everypony stared at Rainbow Dash, mouths open. Then Applejack snickered. "Bye." She spat, and walked out of the Sugarcube Corner, pushing Rainbow Dash aside. Everypony watched as Rainbow Dash twisted his face up, an indescribable emotion on his face. "Rainbow, don't!" Rarity yelled, but it was too late. Rainbow was out the door in a flash, and on top of Applejack. "What do you have against fillyfoolers!? Why is it wrong to love Rarity!?" Rainbow shouted, directly in Applejack's ear. She had her pinned, Applejack squirming to free herself. "Answer me!" Rainbow screamed, pushing a hoof into Applejack's. "Rainbow, this is insane! Stop it!" Applejack hollered. Rainbow released Applejack, only to encircle her torso and fly straight upwards. Rainbow kept flying upwards, with Applejack screaming. "Applejack," Rainbow whispered in her ear. "Answer me." Applejack, terrified, replied, " I-It's not right! The world intended c-colts and m-m-mares to be together! You can't just decide that it's okay for mares to d-d-d-date! I-it's not right! I-it's not like you can have fillies anyways! W-what's the point?!"Applejack was crying now. Rainbow stopped her ascent. "It's not a choice! You think I chose to be this way?! I would be infinitely happier if I could've just liked colts! I got kicked out of flight school because of that! And you think its a choice?!" Rainbow's fury was now gone, and she slowly lowered herself and Applejack to the ground once more. Just before they touched down, Rainbow whispered, " Shows how much you know.." and she let go of Applejack, who scurried off, towards Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow sighed deeply, and turned to the Sugarcube Corner, where her friends had exited the shop and were staring at her. Rainbow had no energy to say anything except, "There, now you know. I'll see you...never, I guess." With that, Rainbow took to the air, but stopped and turned around."Oh, and I'm sorry, Rarity. I really am." Rainbow said, and turned to take off. Except she couldn't. An aura of light blue magic brought her to the ground and towards her friends. "Rainbow...I won't let you leave us." Rarity said firmly. "What happened to the Element of Loyalty? Or did that disappear when you decided that running away would make all your problems better?" Rainbow said nothing, staring at the floor. " As for you and I... I don't know. I need more thinking time. Now... are you all right with this?" She said, turning to her other friends."About Rainbow Dash and her...sexuality, that is." "I-I'm fine with it..." Fluttershy squeaked. "Okey dokie lokie!" Pinkie said, bouncing up and down. " If that's what you want to do, I don't see why not." "I don't want to!" Rainbow Dash snapped. "I don't just 'decide' my sexuality. It's born with me." She hissed. "...I don't get it. I don't see how this is right. All the books I read said that-" "Forget the books already!" Rainbow yelled, shutting Twilight up. "This is love we're dealing with! You can't just read a book and understand love! "I..guess. I don't really get it, but I won't treat you any differently for your decis-" "IT'S NOT A DECISION!" Rainbow roared, stamping her hoof, ready to charge, were it not for Rarity's magic. "..Right. Sorry, Rainbow." Twilight replied, looking down. "I will talk to Applejack." Rarity exclaimed, releasing Rainbow Dash. "Do NOT run away, you hear me, Rainbow Dash?" She said, walking away. "Yes, ma'am," She whispered, watching Rarity leave. "Um.." Twilight started, kicking at the dirt below her. " Should I tell Spike about this? His crush on Rarity and all..." "No, I'll tell him." Rainbow Dash said as she took to the skies towards the library. "Anybody up for cupcakes?" Pinkie chirped. "They're on the house!" "Sure, Pinkie. That'd be nice..." Twilight mumbled. Fluttershy only nodded in agreement as they headed inside.
