Never Let Me Go

by Argenti Luna

Rating: teen
Tags: Human, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Rainbow Dash, Romance, Fluttershy, Equestria Girls, Main 7 (EqG), Slice of Life
Length: 55208

Everyone's been feeling disconnected from Rainbow Dash for a while, but when she comes back it brings feelings back to a certain Shy girl. All the while the rest of the friends are realising things about themselves in the background.

Rainbow Dash has been so busy recently she's hardly been around and some of her friends are beginning to feel the tension on their relationship with her, will she be able to patch things up with the others or maybe create something even stronger. Is it as her father says just one big distraction or is there more to life than soccer. Follow the mane 7 on their slice of life adventure, through the mundane and the crazy forming stronger bonds as they cut their own paths through life.

The fic will be heavily Flutterdash based but will include other ships that will be given attention in the background or in their own chapter if something big happens

Published 2019-04-27 11:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2025-01-03 02:54:10 UTC

Chapter 1 : Dawn of a new day

A light began to seep through into the room as the sun began to rise in the world shining its light through the gap between the curtains seeping light into a bedroom revealing the messy stashes of books scattered around the room with a few covered in scrap paper that had obviously been used for excessive note-taking. The light rose to reveal a small alarm clock on a desk showing 6:29 am resting on a table beside the bed of the aspiring scientist Twilight Sparkle or Sci-Twi to her friends. Twilight had only recently managed to find herself a group of friends she felt she fit into making her days a little brighter as she learnt to adjust into her new life with them, her dreams were often filled with memories she’d been having with her newfound friends like when Pinkie had burst out of a cake to scare Rarity causing the whole group to erupt in laughter. Twilight although asleep was smiling at this memory however it was soon to be cut short as the alarm clock switched to 6:30.

*Beep Beep* … *Beep Beep*

The young scientist groaned at the familiar yet unwelcoming sound as she hid under her blanket attempting to escape the new sound echoing around her room.

*Beep Beep* … *Beep Beep*

Another groan escaped the girl as she slowly uncovered herself sitting up and rubbing her eyes taking in her surroundings of the dark room with a slight glow coming from the fish tank near her door. She heavily arose from her bed letting her feet find themselves on the carpeted floor beneath them sluggishly dragging them across the floor towards the curtains. While moving she would feel her feet hitting and rubbing against object she presumed to be books reaching out and pulling back her curtains. Like a flash the room erupted into light blinding the girl momentarily causing her to rub at her eyes helping them adjust to the newfound light. Her eyes opened fully revealing the extent to her messy book collection scattered around the room from her late night studying, she quickly got to work tidying up her room collecting the piles of books and pieces of clothing found straying around her room.

“Sweetie,” a familiar voice called, “Are you up yet breakfast will be served soon.”

“Yes, mother I’ll be down in a minute,” Twilight called back looking at herself in the mirror stunned at how messy her hair was, she let out a yawn grabbing the nearest brush and walked out of her room and towards the smell of food all the while brushing the knots out of her hair. She entered the kitchen and found her seat across from her older brother who unlike her looked wide awake and full of energy already fully dressed and ready for the day wearing a smart suit fitting for his new role at crystal prep as its headmaster a role he shares with his fiancé Cadence after the old headmistress Mrs Finch was ousted during the friendship games it only seemed fair for the two vice principals to take over together letting them split the work with Cadence being more focused on loving and leading the students and ensuring they achieve whilst Shining much preferred to be the guardian of the school keeping the students safe and secure.

“Morning sweetie how did you sleep,” Said a calm Twilight Velvet or more commonly known to twilight as mother, and to twilights friends Mrs Sparkle.

“I had a really good dream last night, so I slept great,” she sighed, “I wish it didn’t have to end.”

Velvet could tell her daughter was disappointed that whatever her daughter had dreamed of she was fond of it and thought it was better left unproved as to not embarrass the growing teen.

“OOOH was it about your imaginary boyfriend,” her brother Shining armour began to tease.

“That’s enough Shining,” Velvet gently warned placing down two sets of pancakes for the pair to eat.

Just then a rather rugged man came rushing through the kitchen pinching on of twilights pancakes and kissing her on the head.

“Sorry everyone I’m running rather late so good luck on your days and we can chat later,” said the man rushing around the kitchen only stopping to kiss his wife on the cheek. The rushed man was twilights father Night Light who despite his panicked tone kept a calm composure not showing a sign of worry on his face.

He gave his wife a final kiss as and grabbed his bag leaving for work, “bye honey, bye kids have a good day, I love you.”

“Love you too,” the rest of the family said in unison as they dug deeper into their breakfasts with shining finishing first and getting up to leave himself wishing the remaining family members a good day.

“He’s more like his father than he realises,” Velvet said to herself aloud picking twilights attention.

“And I’m like you according to 90% of the population,” Twilight said with a giggle.

“That you are my special daughter,” Velvet smiled back lovingly, “now what was that dream about.”

Twilight stayed quiet for a minute embarrassed at the idea of confessing how she felt about having friends for a change but took a breath and started to describe the dream her mother warmly smiling at the happiness her daughter was giving off as she recounted it.

“Well you know how at crystal prep I was sort of singled out and picked on and just hated it there and then there were the friendship games where we played against Canterlot high and all the girls were so much nicer and I made friends with them so quickly so I asked you if I could move school and we went through that whole little episode about me being too good for it.” Twilight took a deep breath after the sudden burst of words, “well… I’m still friends with them and I was just dreaming about how nice it is to finally have friends and be accepted, so I just dreamed about us having a sleepover and having fun.”

Velvet took a moment still smiling to think of how she should appropriately respond to her daughter, “You know a simple dream like that could become a reality I’ve already said you should invite them all over for dinner sometime so we can all meet them.”

“I don’t know mother they’re amazing and I know they don’t judge me for who I am and going to crystal prep but we’re kinda rich and I don’t want them treating me different because of it, I don’t want to lose what I got, and they just think I’m some stuck up posh girl,” Twilight said with worry in her tone and watery eyes.

“Oh sweetheart,” Velvet took twilight into a close embrace wrapping her arms around her, “your friends won’t judge you for where you live and your background these people are your friends they like you for you most of the time people try and be friends with people because they have money, not the other way around.”

Twilight sniffled a little composing herself, “you’re right, you’re right I just don’t want them thinking I’m just as snooty as the others from Crystal prep.”

“They won’t darling don’t you worry, now you’ll be late for school if you don’t hurry go and get ready.”

Velvet wiped away the last few tears away from twilights face and dabbed at her eyes with her sleeve before lifting her chin and sending her on her way upstairs.

Twilight stopped in the doorway before heading upstairs and turned back to look at her mother, “thank you mom, I love you.”

“I love you too,” Velvet said with a smile using her hands as a pushing movement urging her on her way.

Twilight simply smiled and headed upstairs straight into the bathroom, she checked the time to see she still had a good hour left till she needed to leave one of the quirks of going o a nearer school that didn’t require the bus. She gently grabbed her toothbrush and applied to the toothpaste and started brushing her teeth looking at herself in the large bathroom mirror she stared at herself seeing herself smile at the things her mother had said along with the knowledge that in an hour she’ll be reunited with her friends after a weekend that lasted a weekend too soon in twilights opinion the more time she got with her friends the better. She finished brushing her teeth and splashed some water against her face reaching for a towel and dabbing herself dry. She took one last look in the mirror before heading down the hall towards her bedroom she got changed into her typical clothing type of a skirt and top and tied her hair back into a ponytail before taking the spare time she had to read some more of her books. Just then her phone began a to vibrate and a bubbly ringtone started to ring throughout her room, Twilight picked her phone up of her desk to reveal a photo of her and Pinkie Pie with the name pinkie across the top. Twilight without any hesitation answered the phone eager to hear one of her friends’ voices after the few days of solitude.

“Hey Hey HEEEEEEY, I’m gonna be at school like super early and I'm gonna need my best friends to keep me company can I count on you Sci Twi the amazing to be there,” started an overactive pinkie pie.

Twilight laughed into the phone replied with a grin, “of course I can be there I’ll just get my things together and start heading to school.”

“SUPER DUPER,” cried Pinkie trying her best not to shake the phone around too much, “See you soon."

“I’ll see you soon pinkie I promise.”

Twilight hit the end call button finishing the conversation and rummaging around for her most important books, trying to cram a few too many into her backpack forcing the zipper shut and slowly putting her arms through the straps pulling them to make sure it was secure and headed downstairs where her mother was sat in the living space reading the latest fashion and flowers magazine it wasn’t that her mother cared for much for vanity but she still took pride in how she presented herself and the appearance of her home. Twilight stood awkwardly in the doorway with her hands behind her back for a few seconds before moving into the room and taking a seat on the other couch across from her mother.

What felt like hours went by as Twilight sat there wondering when the right time to begin talking to her mother was after all it would be rude to interrupt her while she was in the middle of a page she thought to herself not quite realising the extent of which she sat staring at her from the other side of the book.

“Twilight your burning a hole in my face are you alright darling you’re staring,” Velvet asked raising an eyebrow and lowering the magazine enough to peer over the top of it.

“Oh, sorry I didn’t mean to distract I just needed to ask if you could drop me off at school early”.

“Is there a particular reason why, like are you may be meeting someone?” Velvet said with a smirk hidden behind the magazine.

“Yeah I'm meeting my friends like Pinkie and whoever else comes,” Twilight said the thought of her friends helping her to gain some confidence in the social situation.

“Pinkie… Pinkie” Velvet pondered aloud, “Is that the one who gave you that cake for being a new friend that you brought back home and tasted simply divine.”

“That’s the one Mom,” Twilight giggled at the memory even though the cake was intended for twilight her mother made sure as hell she shared at least half of it with her.

“You know I'm kinda disappointed, you’ve made all these new friends but still no sign of a boyfriend,” Velvet was purposely teasing at this point she didn’t mind the fact her daughter hadn’t got into dating yet, but she still enjoyed seeing twilight blush whenever the concept of love was brought up.

“Well I um, guess um, MOM,” Twilight tried to say as she felt herself shrinking in the spotlight of the conversation.

“I'm teasing darling I'm teasing, can’t expect me to see you having all this fun with your friends and me not to take a slice a cake if you’ll pardon the pun,” Velvet giggled turning over to the next page.

“So about going early,” Twilight asked beginning to regain her confidence.

“Yes, yes it's fine when do you need to leave.”

“Anytime now I guess.”

Velvet folded the corner of the page she was on so as to not lose her place and closed the magazine leaving it on the coffee table and getting up.

“Make sure you wear your coat, today sweetie, there’s a chill in the air now that winter is nearing.”

The pair got up and prepared to go out the door with twilight collecting her bag and putting on her coat while her mother gathered the keys for the car and the house with them both rendezvousing by the front door once they were ready.

“All set yet mom?” Twilight asked as her mother who was digging through a box in the cupboard under the stairs pulling out two articles of clothing.

“Here we are you’ll need these,” Velvet said wrapping a green scarf around Twilights and placing a red bobble hat on top of her head, “we’ll need to get you a matching set this weekend, not that you look silly it’s just not perfect,” she giggled a little before taking the lead and heading outside with twilight close behind who headed to the passenger side of the car while Velvet locked up. The pair got into the car and began heading towards the school.

Pinkie had woken up without the aid of her alarm clock that morning and had quickly thrown herself out of bed and gathered up all her things for the day ahead including stuffing a few pieces of candy into hidey holes within her hair so she could have a snack or two during her lessons later. She in pinkie fashion got dressed energetically accidentally putting her tee on the wrong way around causing her to giggle uncontrollably for a few minutes.

“What are you laughing about sister,” came a monotoned voice as the door began to creak open.

“My shirt was on the wrong way around my dearest most humorous sister."

“I’m not the funny one boulder comes up with all the jokes I just tell them for him."

“well give my compliments to the rock,” Pinkie joyously replied before bouncing past Maud and down the stairs towards the kitchen raiding her personal stash of breakfast cupcakes and stuffing her break and lunch cupcakes into a box in her bag and left it by the door and took a seat in the lounge thinking of ways that she can pass the time when Maud came in with a brow slightly burrowed in a way that anyone with an untrained eye would be unable to spot she wasn’t her usual flat expression, of course, Pinkie knew her sister and she knew this expression well something was wrong and it was a sisters job to get to the bottom of it.

“You okay Maud you seem down,” a worried Pinkie asked leaning over the arm of the couch in a very odd way that if the laws of gravity applied to the energetic girl would lead her to find her face colliding with the floor, but this was Pinkie.

“You know those minerals that were delivered yesterday evening while we were eating dinner, well I can’t seem to remember where I put them down, any ideas,” Maud asked still showing little to no sign of worry despite her true concerns.

“Yesterday… yesterday,” Pinkie pondered for a moment when gravity decided it was time to turn on causing her to fall landing on the floor with her legs still on the couch and her body on the floor, “oh yeah you put them on top of the fridge for safe keeping."

Maud slowly walked to the fridge sliding a chair from the table up against it and stepping up onto it effortlessly “You were right Pinkie I had put them here, thank you."

Maud retrieved the glass case of various minerals and wrapped it in bubble wrap and placed it inside a box for safe keeping. She then looked over at her sister still slumped on the floor giggling to herself and went over helping her up to her feet and dusting her off.

“Thank you again, I could have gotten into quite a bit of trouble at work if I’d lost those,” while her voice and face didn’t show it Pinkie had a way of detecting how appreciative Maud really was and she threw her arms around her hugging her.

“It’s okey-dokey Maud you know I wouldn’t want my bestest sister getting into any trouble."

Maud returned the hug giving the faintest of smiles before breaking apart and getting herself some breakfast, in this free moment Pinkie dived back onto the couch almost crushing her bag of sugary treats and pulling out her phone calling some of her favourite people. In particular a Miss Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer with her intention being to be able to get them to agree to come to school earlier that day in order for them to hang out. Once she had done phoning the duo she placed her phone back into her pocket and watched as Maud began gathering her usual things for school like her coat and bag however this time she was also taking the box of minerals which came as no surprise considering her older sister worked over at the museum specifically in the geology exhibit as her extensive knowledge of rocks and minerals could easily outclass Twilights knowledge but Maud didn’t like the brag and boast in fact as far as anyone could tell Maud didn’t like anything other than rocks and she seemed happy with that she even had a pet rock called boulder but for as long as they had been living together Pinkie had her doubts about her sister and whether she was truly happy with just her rocks.

“Maud are you happy,” Pinkie asked with worry showing on her face.

“I’m thrilled Pinkie, can’t you tell, we’ve finally got the last missing rocks for the mineral shelves at the exhibit,” said Maud giving no indication to what emotions she was showing.

“I just mean I'm happiest when around you and my friends so I'm wondering if you might need more friends,” Pinkie winced at how she’d accidentally insulted her sister with her wording.

“I’m fine Pinkie and besides you know I made friends with Lily Valley as we are both in the gardening club at school I do the rocks she does the flowers, why do you ask me this so often Pinkie do you not believe me when I tell you.”

It was true that Pinkie had asked this question a few times already in the past month and form how this one had started the pattern probably would have continued.

“I’m sorry Maud I just worry about you being lonely,” Pinkie said guiltily her hair starting to fall flat.

“it’s okay I know you are just showing you care, oh and I have work after school so don’t worry if I'm not home straight away” she took Pinkie in for a hug her face still flatlined empty of all emotion. Pinkie didn’t mind she could see her sisters’ feelings and felt relieved that she hadn’t caused her any harm causing her to perk back up to her normal self.

“OH MY GOSH, I forgot I promised Twilight and Sunset that we could be at school early come on Maud we are going to be late to join my friends” Pinkie started to lose her cool letting her energetic side take control again causing her to pick up her things and practically drag Maud out the door.

“I’ll meet you at school Pinkie I want to take these minerals to the museum before school to make sure I don’t damage them, so I’ll see you there” and with that Maud took off walking at a slow speed leaving through the gate and heading in the direction of the museum. Pinkie stood in the silence for what felt like days as she watched Maud head off in the other direction to the way she was going. Once she’d snapped out of the daze she remembered her destination Canterlot high as she stepped closer and closer to the school the reality of the situation started to kick in. Pinkie was alone, she couldn’t stand being alone.

Across the other side of town in an apartment block, a bacon haired girl was still fast asleep having slept through both the alarm and the backup alarm when her phone suddenly began to buzz as if by fate and a shed load of luck the Pinkie Pie was calling. The ringtone caused the girl to shoot up sitting back dazed and confused scanning around her room for the source of the noise when it the phone chimed again vibrating her bedside table. She reached over and pulled open the door taking out her phone sliding the button to accept the call and putting it to her ear.

“HEEEY SUNSET WHATCHA DOIN,” Came an excited cry from down the phone taking Sunset by surprise momentarily deafening her.

“Huh. what. Who? Pinkie that you?” replied a still half asleep Sunset who’s room was still plunged in darkness besides a small glow coming from the phone causing strain to her eyes.

“Well, of course, it's me could you not tell it was one of your most bestest friends from her voice alone how shameful, anywho I'm super bored and going to school early so I can meet twilight you should come like puuhlease,” Pinkie replied waking Sunset more and more with each word.

“Twilight will be there? This early?” Sunset answering the question once again with a question.

“Yeah, Twilight is already on her way slowpoke so ya gotta hurry or you might miss us,” A tone of seriousness growing yet the traces of silliness remained.

Sunset let out a yawn “yeah yeah I’ll get up and get ready I mean what time is it” he eyes drifting across the room at her clock above her oven on the opposite side of her apartment, “8 AM,” Sunset shouted throwing herself out of bed and dashing into the bathroom, “I’ve got like 10 minutes before I gotta leave we’ll have to see if I'm there see ya Pinks ill meet you at school.”

“Alright Sunset ya sleepy head, now be there or be square” Pinkie cheerily ended the call with a laugh causing sunset to feel a warm feeling inside either because Pinkie had saved her from oversleeping and dealing with vice principal Luna’s wrath or because she just enjoyed her friends company, either way, Sunset had a new mission and that was to fit half an hour into 10 minutes. She shot up out of the bed and dashed down the steps of the raised platform that held her bed and went down into the lower space and entered into the bathroom to tidy herself up as best she could before coming back into the main room and opening her wardrobe looking in to see the vast number of clothes shed gathered all following the similar trend of rocker girl, she pulled out a pair of ripped jeans and simple top picking out which leather jacket she’d want to wear, she picked the usual one with a sun cresting the back of it while putting it on she glanced around to check her apartment was tidy just in case she brought any of her friends over after school seeing the one-room apartment with the raised bed sitting above her study areas which besides a few misplaced books looked presentable enough for her with that side checked she scanned her eyes over to the other side of the room seeing her couch and tv along with her guitar and amp. It wasn’t much but it was home, and Sunset liked it that way grabbing an apple and the bag she’d prepared last night and heading out the door to attempt to catch up to her friends in time to meet them.

Author's Note

Authors note: Yo I wasn’t sure how long to make certain aspects of this and how much detail to go in so I’ve kinda just experimented with different things let me know if the twilight bit is too much or if you think the pinkie part is too short just so I can get a feel. Thank ya

Future point : A little point I should make is this is kinda just the introductory chapter along with 1.5 where I was getting a feel for each of the characters to give you a bit of what their personalities will be like, it takes a more linear route after this and doesn't bounce around as much

Chapter 1.2 : Fresh Start

Chapter 1.5 : Fresh Start

Earlier that morning the sun was beginning to rise against a collection of trees revealing the bright red apples gleaming as the sun hit the skin of the fruit giving a red glisten to the ground around the trees. The only lively thing upon this quiet farm was a small house filled with chickens resting upon fresh eggs when out of them rose a rooster awoken by the natural light of the sun who began to walk out into the small pen surrounding the coop and started to crow at the breaking of dawn. It was this caw that stirred the small world of the farm waking animal and people alike in particularly a farm girl sleeping on a few hay bales her cowboy hat slid down over her face. She lifted she sat up catching her hat against her legs and picked it up placing it upon her head adjusting it to fit tightly and rubbing at her eyes with the other hand.

“APPLEJACK,” a young voice called out, “WHERE ARE YOU.”

Applejack knew this voice it was her younger sister Applebloom who had no doubt been told to find the resting cowgirl.

“Am here in the barn sugar cube, I musta dozed off last night after putting all the tools away.”

“SHE'S IN THE BARN GRANNY,” the young girl cried out again before sticking her head into the barn wearing a nightgown covered in an apple print, “You’ve been in the barn all night Applejack how could ya sleep out here when you got a comfy bed inside?” the young girl asked confused.

Applejack yawned before replying in a groggy voice, “It was an accident Applebloom guess I was jus exhausted after working yesterday and besides I’ve slept on a fair few floors in my time when having sleepovers this hay bale is like an angels kiss compared to that blasted spare mattress dash had.”

Applebloom just looked at her older sister and giggled watching her rub the sleep from her eyes for the fifth time since she had seen her, “if you say so big sis anyway breakfast will be done soon I gotta just get the morning eggs come in when you finally wake up.”

Applejack rolled her eyes climbing to her feet and heading out the barn taking her little sister with her, “you go back into the house and get dressed I’ll get the eggs.”

Not wanting to even attempt to argue and lose a chance to avoid work Applebloom went running back into the house telling Granny Smith the outcome of the interaction and heading upstairs to get ready. Meanwhile, Applejack was taking off her straw cowboy hat and turning it upside down to create a makeshift bowl and diving headfirst into the chicken coop gathering up the eggs and softly placing them soflty inside of the hat. She slowly picked up the hat as to not damage any of the eggs and carried them inside placing them into an actual bowl so she could reclaim her hat and place it back where it belonged upon her head.

Just then an old woman slowly walked into the room complaining to herself about something stopping surprised when she spotted her granddaughter delivering the eggs, “Oh hey there Applejack you look gosh dang awful how many times do I gotta tell you to not sleep out there in the barn, now hurry off and get yerself cleaned up right.”

Applejack turned to look at Granny with guilt in her eyes, “aww shucks I’m sorry granny it was an accident,” she sighed guiltily heading towards the stairs only to be stopped by a young Applebloom charging down in her direction nearly knocking applejack down while talking on the phone to her friends about what activities they were going to try today.

“It's alright just don’t want you getting sick, the nights are getting colder as we get closer to winter,” a concerned Granny said as a last thing before starting to cook breakfast, “and Applebloom slow down ya gosh darn nearly toppled ya sister over.”

Applebloom went quiet for a moment out of guilt but quickly chirped back up as her conversation with her friends started to involve her again. Meanwhile Applejack was already halfway up the stairs crossing a larger character, her older brother big Macintosh or big Mac for short, they exchanged short glances as they crossed the older brother quickly realising the situation at the sight of his sister with her clothes still being clad in the dirt of yesterday and clumps of straw sticking out from her hair and pockets. He gave a small chuckle knowing too well he had been in that situation more than a few times letting her cross past him and shoot into the bathroom. The farmgirl quickly fiddled around with her buttons and belt undressing and stepping into the shower cleaning herself of all the dirt and dust, she couldn’t expect to show up at school covered in muck especially with a friend like Rarity. Applejacks thought drifted to think about her fashion-loving friend.

*it's not like I want to impress her anything just want to look decent so I don’t get an earful,* the now soaked girl thought to herself as she stepped out wrapping a towel around her to dry herself off and heading out of the bathroom and into her own room to retrieve her clothes. She drew her clothes out of the wardrobe and started getting changed using the mirror to check she looked decent. It was here a glint in its corner caught her eye causing her to turn around to remember the dress Rarity had made her for the fall formal, she stared at it quietly looking at how it somehow reflected everything about her so well. She wondered if Rarity was simply a good designer or if she had taken extra notice of her, in turn, giving her the inspiration to create the piece. In Applejacks mind she knew full well it was just the skill of the fashionista that allowed her to create such wonderful things, but a small hope lingered in her mind that there might have been something more. Applejack laughed at the silly thought she wasn’t even sure if she was gay never mind if she had feelings for Rarity, she put it down to mindless thoughts and closed her wardrobe putting the dress back in the closet where it couldn’t be damaged. Applejack prepared her things for school and headed downstairs to see what Granny had whipped up for breakfast, entering the kitchen she saw the old apple setting down a few plates for the already seated apples and one for the newly arrived. It was a simple breakfast but that didn’t mean it wasn’t filling if there was anything Granny Smith could do it was fill a belly there was a reason she worked as the head of the Canterlot high lunch lady team. The family sat talking about school and the state of the farm and preparations they’d need to make for winter when all of a sudden Applebloom shouted out announcing the cutie mark crusaders would be trying the rock climbing wall they were bringing to the school today for an extra curriculum at the end of the day. Applejack knew what this meant she’d have to wait around for an hour or so at the end of the day so she could bring her sibling home with her though rock wall climbing didn’t sound too bad maybe she’d give it a go herself. With breakfast finished and cleaned up she sat a while watching tv with her younger sister not needing to leave to catch the bus as she can now drive the family truck

In another corner of the town a certain fashionista was starting her day, she began much like twilight by waking to the sound of an alarm clock however much earlier than the scientist as Rarity had to make sure she looked perfect and stunning not for anyone in particular. It was just her job as a representative of the fashion world in her group of unlikely friends. She starts with the usual sequence of heading into her on suite bathroom and turning on the shower letting steam begin to fill the room letting her easily peel away at the face mask she’d put on the night before, taking the time to admire the soft and clear skin it left behind. With that over with she was ready to get showered stepping inside and closing the door shut letting the hot water hit her skin and run down over her body, but this was only the start as she would need to use her two separate body washes and then the face wash before using shampoo and conditioner a lengthy process but the upcoming fashion designer felt it was completely necessary. Once she was satisfied Rarity turned the taps off shutting off the water letting the steam disperse adding a slight chill to the air, she didn’t like this leading her to grab several towels and a robe covering herself head to toe in soft plush material wrapping her hair within the towel and draping the robe over herself heading back into her bedroom to locate her hair dryer and brush. She had a technique like no other heating the towel from the outside using the hair dryer to let small streams of hot hair flow through the tiny gaps in the towel letting it dry in a way that left it light and soft the touch but let it keep its curled shape. She would then spend over 10 minutes looking through one of her various wardrobes at the mix of purchased and crafted clothing trying to figure out what would be the perfect outfit for today, it had to be trendy but unique, stunning but practical and for that she had gone with her usual white top and purple skirt.

“there was nothing wrong with having a style you are renowned,” for she thought to herself, “especially one that’s so divinely made,” she laughed to herself marvelling her handiwork before getting dressed and heading downstairs with the aim of finding the perfect healthy breakfast. She settled for a fruit salad neatly cutting and slicing at the various fruits blending a few up to create a type of sauce to increase its flavour taking it to the table and preparing a napkin before sitting down and starting to eat. Just then her rather rough father came into the kitchen half dressed and even less awake opening the fridge and taking a drink directly from the milk bottle causing rarity to look away in disgust.

“I’d really much prefer it if you would get a cup for that, you know we all have to use that don’t you”.

Her dad turned to look towards her putting the milk back and rolling his eyes, “I paid for it I can drink it how I like,” he said slightly irritated he was already getting an earful so early in the morning before letting out a belch causing Rarity to gag and her father to laugh. Just then a more refined woman walked into the room observing the situation and shooting her husbands a glare

“Honey, don’t drink directly from the bottle it’s rather disgusting.”

That was Rarity’s mother Cookie Crumbles the only one of her parents that let you understand how Rarity fit into the family, her father was scruffy and frankly gross at times while her mother was always calm and clean definitely the neater of the pair but Rarity loved them both for who they were and while she would prefer it if her father would decrease some of his more gross outbursts like the belches. She knew while she could have the fashion world at her fingertips if she worked hard enough somethings she could never change. It reminded her of her one of her friends Applejack who lived and worked in an apple orchard on the outskirts of town, she was much like her father and had rather boyish and had her own set of vulgar and tasteless moments but she wouldn’t wish her to change either, she had grown rather close to the farm girl much closer than with a few of her other friends but that was only because for as much as they would clash they would also learn more about each other. These happy thoughts of Rarity’s were quickly snatched away from her as her sister came charging into the kitchen on the phone to her group of friends one of which was Applebloom Applejacks younger sister.

“Sweetie Belle” Cookie Crumbles called out in a warning voice, “how many times do I have to tell you about running in the house, the outdoors is for running not my kitchen.”

Sweetie stopped in place looking at the ground trying to hide the expression of guilt growing across her face, “Sorry Mom I will try my best to remember that,” she remained looking at the floor and sheepishly slid into the nearest chair at the table sitting across from Rarity and spotting her breakfast of assorted fruits reaching over to take a few pieces causing Rarity’s jaw to drop in a mix of shock and betrayal.

“Sweetie, please don’t touch mine my diet requires me to stick within the calorie guidelines I can't have you messing me up,” Rarity now ate more cautiously, ever watching the swiping hands belonging to her younger sister watching as she hastily and quite messily tipped cereal into a bowl spilling some over the table, then grabbing the milk and pouring it into the bowl also spilling drops of that over the table leaving a rather unimpressed Rarity to ponder how she could be related to such an untidy person. However, her questions were very soon to be answered as her father returned back into the kitchen making himself a bowl of cereal in very much the same fashion and manner as Sweetie Belle. Rarity hastily finished up her breakfast she knew it was unladylike to rush but she couldn’t risk being covered in food then excused herself from the table and washing her dish before heading up to her room to spend some time before school working on a few designs.

“Sweetie Belle we’re leaving for school in 20 minutes so make sure you are ready,” Sweetie tried to reply with her voice but was quickly stopped by her mother the second she opened her mouth due to her still having food in there causing her to go quiet and simply nod leaving Rarity free to go up to her room and work on her designs. Usually, Rarity would use this spare time before school to peruse the latest fashion trends and etiquette, but she had no time for that the Canterlot high Christmas ball was coming up and it was her job to ensure she and her friends glistened like diamonds by personally making each of their dresses. She went over to her desk and sifted through the many binders and folders of collages and design patterns she had created looking for the one she’d developed for her friends taking it out and opening it up. Inside the folder was cut up into sections for each of her friends listing previous outfits they’ve worn that suited them well and all the collected sizes along with their hobbies and interests. She flicked through the many pages not because she needed reminding about who her friends were but because she needed inspiration for the last few days she had been racking her brain hoping for a spark of ideas for what to create for her friends that she knew so well. She fell back onto her bed wanting perfection to appear in her mind when a knock came at the door snapping Rarity back into reality.

“Who is it, you may come in,” Rarity said composing herself and hiding her frustration.

The door slowly opened, and her younger sister popped her head into the room, “it’s Sweetie we need to leave for school soon.”

Rarity tapped her finger against her phone causing the screen to light up showing a picture of her and all her friends together causing a smile to fill her face along with even more determination to create the perfect dresses, but that wasn’t why she checked her phone, she was looking for the time and upon seeing it was getting close to 8 her younger sister was correct and they did need to get a move on and go.

On the other side of town, a Rainbow haired girl sat on the top of a hill taking the time to catch her breath and watch the sunrise. This was Rainbow Dash the star athlete of Canterlot high and captain of the soccer team. For one who would usually be considered a to be a competitive hothead, there was always that little bit in her that let her enjoy the more simple and quiet things like this sunrise. She watched as the street lamps shut off around the park and the sunlight did its job bringing light into the world, she took a few deep breaths smelling the freshness of the air and pulled out her phone taking a selfie with her back to the sun letting the light outline her curves and muscles perfectly while still having enough light to show the smile on her face. She quickly sent it to her best friend before putting her phone away and beginning her run back home, the world around her was peaceful with flowing streams and singing bird, the dew covered tips of the grass glistening. It was certainly a pretty spectacle and the aspiring athlete could appreciate that, but she was inside her own world right now headphones in and rock music playing inspiring her to run for as long and as fast as she could, she had to be on her A game this season, if there were any scouts for the college teams she’d need to impress them if she ever wanted to take a career up in the sport she worked so hard for. Of course, she couldn’t win games alone and as team captain she was already thinking of different practices and plays they could try to get the upper hand on their opponents. Last year crystal prep won the year trophy and this year it’ll be Canterlot high or else my name isn’t Rainbow Dash she thought to herself fuelling her determination and runner faster pushing herself to her limits and before she knew it she had run through the park and several blocks reaching her front door checking her phone to see how long it had been since she sent the photo.

“10 minutes I'm getting faster,” she said proudly to herself opening the door and walking into the home to see her parents arguing in the kitchen. This had been a common occurrence the past few days they would start arguing over something and Rainbow would go out for a run hoping they had finished by the time they returned but it was a first time for it being this early in the morning. It wasn’t that they were bad parents, in fact they were incredibly supportive even about the fact that Rainbow Dash had come out as a lesbian, it’s just while her mother supports her with love and kindness complementing her on how well she performs, her father would pick at her faults leaving her to consider him more of a coach than a father at times. The moment the pair realised Rainbow was stood in the doorway they both stopped immediately and went back to what they were doing avoiding even acknowledging that they had been arguing in front of Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, hey my superstar breakfast is all ready for you, so you just take a seat,” beamed Windy Whistles, Rainbows mother.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and slid into the nearest chair trying to avoid making eye contact and making the situation anymore awkward than it needed to be watching as her mother started making up the plates leading her to look towards her father hidden behind a newspaper well at least what was left of one over 80% of it had been tossed into the recycling bin leaving just the sports section in his hands.

“Here Rainbow eat up,” said her mother encouragingly handing her a plate piled with food full of protein and energy.

Upon receiving his breakfast Rainbow father Bow Hothoof dropped his paper to one side looking hungrily down at the plate before lightly punching Rainbow in the arm.

“Yeah eat up champ you’ll need all the energy you can get in order to ace it out there on the field today.” he looked at her for a moment full of pride before his nose perked at the scent of food causing him to turn back and start digging into his own breakfast. Rainbow Dash smirked as she began to eat knowing full well she didn’t need any of this to ace the field but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t accept a chance to be even more awesome. Breakfast carried on in a similar fashion with the topic of the conversation being based around sports and Rainbow Dash's ability to play sports along with the upcoming soccer season she would be partaking in.

“So, have you got a new midfielder yet since Merry left the team.”

Dash wasn’t paying attention she was too busy smiling down at her phone replying to a text she’d received in response to the picture she had sent that morning.

“Dash!” her father said louder gripping at her attention causing her to look up at her phone and towards her dad.

“Huh what did you say, I was replying to Shy,” Rainbow said rubbing at the back of her neck and stretching

Bow sighed and repeated himself frustration growing in his tone, “I said have you found a replacement for that traitor Merry,” Rainbow was shocked by the harshness of his tone towards someone he’d never even met.

“She’s not some traitor, she simply wanted to try other things she was good at soccer, but she just didn’t enjoy it as much as the rest of the team, you can’t blame her for that.”

Bow grinned in a way that filled Rainbow with dread, she knew that grin, that blasted grin. He leaned back in his chair looking Rainbow up and down before turning to her mother, his wife.

“See I told you she was far too loyal, the girl goes and ditches the team right before the season starts, potentially if she isn’t replaced by someone competent it'll lead to the teams downfall, I can’t think of a more selfish thing to do,” he paused for a second turning back to look at his athletic daughter, “Our daughter the team captain still defends her, it makes me wonder if its loyalty or stupidity.”

“That’s enough Bow,” Rainbows mother snapped glaring at him preparing to give him an earful at how that was completely out of line but was stopped as Rainbow got up from the table and headed straight for her room, she didn’t usher a word or give any indication what was said had hurt her, all that could be seen as the fire in her eyes raging. Her parents sat in silence Windy’s eyes locked on her husband annoyed and stunned that he could say something so foul to their daughter. Bow looked over in her direction not a strain of guilt or worry on his face at the potential consequences of his actions.

“You done staring at me I just stated the obvious, not my fault she feels some sort of loyalty to anyone that gives her the time of day, just like that girl whose more mouse than girl, I know they’ve been friends for years but I thought she’d ditch her when she realised she was a coward using her for protection.”

Windy took a deep breath trying to contain her frustrations rising up from her chair to gather up the dishes, “SHE is your daughter and that friend of hers has a name to its Fluttershy and she’s a lovely and sweet girl, don’t know why I have to tell you this you would the one who always suggested she came over for sleepovers and that she was welcome anytime.”

Bow raised an eyebrow before getting up and grabbing the things he needed for work, “Yeah I said those things years ago when nothing dash did had a major impact but we are talking about her future as a soccer player she needs to focus 100% on this season if she hopes to get scouted, and if that Fluttershy is going to keep distracting her and make her lose it then she clearly isn’t all that sweet.”

Windy sighed shaking her head “Sometimes I wonder who the angsty teen is supposed to be in this house” she sighed again “You should go to work and think about how pathetic you just sounded.”

Bow grunted grabbing his coat and storming to the door, “I see I'm the only one who actually cares about our daughters future,” and with that he left slamming the door shut behind him shaking the house and leaving Windy stunned in the kitchen and an upset Rainbow Dash sat upstairs with her back leaning against the door questioning if it was something she did wrong. Minutes ticked by and Rainbow hadn’t moved from her spot against the door her mind rushing with newfound doubts about whether or not Canterlot high even stood a chance this year with or without a midfielder when a knock came at the door and her mother's gentle voice called, “Rainbow darling can I come in,” the annoyed girl delayed any response for a few moments finally coming to the conclusion that she should get up and let her mother in. Doing so caused Rainbow much surprise as her mother stood their tears welling in her eyes as she moved into the room wrapping her arms around her daughter.

“I'm sorry about your father I know his work is stressful training all those athletes in his gym, but he has no right to speak about you or your friends in that way.”

Rainbow was stunned to see her mother in this way especially not over something her dad had started, “Mom don’t worry its chill, you know how dad can get I’m not that bothered trust me,” the renowned confidence that Rainbow Dash was known for was clear in her voice but this was her mother and she knew Rainbow better than the rest.

“You know you can drop the tough girl act with me it's not like you don’t drop it for Fluttershy sometimes.”

Rainbow smirked, “Yeah yeah whatever you say Mom now I got to get ready, so out please.”

“Alright alright,” she replied regaining her cheer as she was encouraged out of her daughter’s room leaving Rainbow Dash alone to herself again. She fell back landing on her bed relaxing for a moment this morning had been way way out of the ordinary and definitely not cool, a few quiet minutes passed before she checked her phone alerting her to having received a new text message she looked down at her phone the wallpaper of Rainbow and her band the Rainbooms all together on stage as best friends. She pushed a few buttons bring up the text seeing it was from that familiar name Fluttershy.

Fluttershy’s morning had gone far more peacefully than Rainbow’s she had woken up to the little pitter patter of rabbit feet as her pet rabbit Angel Bunny had woken up and started to hop about in its cage for food and water making just enough sound to stir the sleeping girl. This girl was Fluttershy the animal lover and the gentle soul of her friends. She very calmly arose from her bed that morning and went straight over to her pet opening the cage to let him run about of his own free will before moving back to where she came from. She crawled back into bed curling up into a ball and wrapping the blanket over and around herself making a cuddly cocoon, closing her eyes and drifting into her own tiny form of hibernation closing her eyes to grasp onto even the smallest bit of extra sleep. Sleep precious sleep, Fluttershy repeated to herself as she slowly slipped back to sleep. After some time had passed Fluttershy couldn’t help being dragged out of her sleep to the sound of fabric ripping at first Fluttershy had cast it off as nothing, before once again the sound was heard and her eyes shot open remembering that somewhere in her room a little white bunny was hopping around getting itself into trouble. She quickly threw herself out of bed searching around frantically for the rabbit while keeping her ears perked listening as desperately as she could to hear the noise again in order to pinpoint the bunny’s hidey hole. *Vriip* she heard coming from a low point of the room causing her to essentially throw herself down to the floor peering trying to look under her desk and bed when she caught a glimpse of light reflecting from the rabbits eye coming from under the bed causing her to slowly start to scoot over to the other side of the room and began to crawl under the bed to try and negotiate the item away from the rabbit.

“Angel bunny I don’t mean to be rude, but would you mind maybe giving me that, please.”

The Bunny looked at the girl almost as if it understood what she had said but didn’t seem to want to listen causing Fluttershy to grow a slight frown out of sadness and frustration at the stubborn bunny. A bunny who took notice of this frown, rolling its eyes which is rather unnatural for a rabbit but this was angel bunny and Rainbow Dash would argue that he was no normal bunny, no one could figure out when it had occurred but Angel had become a little more human after interacting with Spike from the other world. Sunset had made the assumption some of the equestrian magic must have rubbed of onto him but Fluttershy couldn’t see any difference he was still a cute fluffy bunny with his own personality like the rest of the animals she knew. Once Angel had let go of the item Fluttershy quickly pulled it away in case his moment of sympathy faded crawling back out from under the bed and spreading it out in front of her to see what it was. To her surprise it was a jacket but not one that she could remember ever wearing curious as to where it came from she pressed it to her face hoping to pick up the scent of whoever had worn it last. She took a breath in through her nose smelling a mix of sweat and vanilla, her mind raced wondering who it could belong too and why it was under her bed when her phone vibrated causing her desk to shake slightly startling her and breaking her concentration. She hated leaving people waiting in case they thought poorly of her picking up the phone to check the notification seeing it was a picture message from Rainbow Dash.

“I wonder what this could be about, probably wanting me to check over the answers for her homework,” she giggled to herself quietly as to not bother the bunny hopping around her feet and she quickly opened up the picture. What she saw was a stunning image of a rainbow-haired girl wearing tight sports clothing with the sun hitting the back of her body bending around her form to show her curves and defined muscles. Fluttershy blushed and she blushed hard her cheeks turning a crimson red and pressing the phone against her mouth to hide it, she looked down at the rabbit by her feet wondering how she should respond.

“Oh, angel what do is say do I compliment her, the sun or the nature around her I don’t even know,” she slid down onto her knees letting the rabbit hop up onto them where she sat stroking it for a while before typing her response.

*What a pretty view*

The shy girl sat still for a moment anxious to how her friend would respond, for minutes she sat there looking at the screen for any indication that her message had been received. The frown from before returning to her face casing Angel to push itself into her stomach in an attempt to comfort her.

“Don’t worry angel I know she’s busy with her own things, I’m probably not the only one who got that and I’m more of a hindrance than anything always relying on her to protect me,” she let out a long sigh before putting her phone down and went back to discovering who the jacket belonged to hesitant to check the pockets as it was rude to snoop through someone else’s things but felt it was necessary to figure out who it belonged too pulling out a piece of paper and unfolding to see it was maths homework from a few weeks ago with notes scribbled across it about different plays in soccer and a few doodles recognising the handwriting as Rainbows. “So, this must belong to Rainbow,” she said to herself picking up the jacket and smelling it again now instantly recognising the smell as her daring friend. At this point, she realised why she had heard a tearing noise earlier that morning as there was a hole about the size of an orange in the sleeve causing her to instantly panic she couldn’t give this back to Rainbow dash damaged what would she think of her ruining something she owned. A tear began to form in her eyes worried that this would cause her friend to think less of her it was bad enough they didn’t get to talk all that much now with Rainbow dash being busy with sports she didn’t want to give her another reason to avoid her. She sat petting Angel for a while when her stomach began to rumble startling both her and Angel causing her to let out a small giggle lightening her mood. Fluttershy got up and put Angel back into his cage with half a lettuce for his breakfast and headed downstairs into the empty kitchen and opened the fridge and began rummaging through pulling out a few items to put into a salad and closing the door to see her mother sat at the table scrolling through her Phone. This sudden appearance scared Fluttershy causing her to drop her items on the floor causing a scene. Panicking and leaning down to pick up the mess the flustered girl quickly picked it all up and placed it on the counter awkwardly looking over in the direction of her mother who was watching the whole time trying to hide her smile as to not further embarrass her daughter.

“Sleep well?” her mother spoke up in a calm voice startling her daughter again

“Y.. yes, thank you,” Fluttershy sheepishly replied preparing her breakfast.

“You seem more tense than usual this behaviour around others I can understand but with me is different what’s bothering you sweetie?”

“Angel Bunny tore the sleeve of one of Rainbows jumpers that was under my bed,” Fluttershy squeaked out tears welling up in her eyes.

“Well that’s alright bring it to me, and I’ll see if I can’t patch it up,” her mother replied remaining calm as to not worry her daughter further.

“Oh no, I could never impose upon you like that you are busy yourself…”

“it's not an issue sweetie, go and get it for me and I’ll take a look,” she said interrupting Fluttershy mid-sentence.

Fluttershy smiled a weak smile and walked out the room reaching the stairs out of her mother’s view and bounding up the stairs a feeling of excitement replacing the sadness inside as she grabbed the jacket and hopped down the stairs mimicking angel bunny stopping at the door and slowly walking back into the kitchen and handing it to her mom.

“that was fast, did you run?” her mother smiled laughing softly to herself.

“no.. my room isn’t that far from here,” Fluttershy whispered diverting the question.

Her mother pushed her hand along the sleeve of the jacket looking and measuring the hole created using her fingers to gain a measurement and wondering how best to go about repairing it. Fluttershy stood watching getting tingles down the back of her neck from the situation and the potential thought of being able to give it back to Rainbow and the happiness she would show her for returning it fading into a dream world of her being spun around by Rainbow them both laughing at the reunion of the jacket.

“Okay I think I can fix this I’ll go see if I can sow it back together now and I’ll get it back to you before you head out for school, you get back to your breakfast and make sure you clean up after yourself when you’ve finished.”

“oookay,” Fluttershy said sheepishly going back to work while keeping watching her mom walk out the room with the jacket in hand waiting until she was out of sight before doing a little celebration to herself. She quietly went about doing her morning routine eating her food and getting dressed and washed, preparing her bag and checking Angel was okay in his cage and had all the necessities when her phone buzzed in her pocket seeing that Rainbow had replied to the earlier text getting them into a conversation over text.

*Yeah one of the benefits of a morning run.*R

*You must see so many animals while on your run.*F

*I’ll the occasional squirrel or bird flying around but no normally I just hear the birds not see them.*R

*oh, that is a shame they can be so pretty and lifting to see.*F

*Yeah I guess but you’re the animal person so I might not get the same kick it why I think about sports rather than look at the surroundings.*R

*yes, I remember that the soccer season starts now.*F

*Yeah it’s pretty exciting I assume you’ll come to my games with the others like usual.*R

*I’ll try my best for you.*F

*Thanks, I know I can count on you all to be there, but anyway, what are you up to.*R

*Oh, I'm just petting angel, how about you?*F

*Eating breakfast while doing my best to ignore my dad XD.*R

*I kinda know what that’s like he’s always complaining about the animals that come into our backyard x3.*F

*You always do such cute emojis even when laughing*R

*Oh, I don’t know about that :3.*F

*I swear you are doing this on purpose now XD.*R

*I'm not it’s just the emotes I always use :3.*F

It was here the back and forth texting stopped which caused great confusion to Fluttershy thinking to herself that it was going so well and they were going to have a normal conversation again although inside she knew it would be like the rest where they talk once every week or two the rest of the time she’s busy with her sports. Her eyes saddened at the thought of them drifting apart they were always the best of friends but now they were growing up and it's not about Rainbow protecting her from bullies. She thought back to the past while they were in middle school Fluttershy was backed into a corner on the playground with three boys stood around her picking on her for her small and weak appearance when a voice called out challenging them to bully her instead, Fluttershy could remember it so clearly she was stood there like a knight, her knight who was arriving in her time of need to protect her scaring away the bullies and stretching out a hand.

“Hi, I am Rainbow Dash who are you.”

Fluttershy remembered how she was frozen lay on the floor looking up at the hand that was being offered to her and anxiously placed her hand against it with the brave girl pulling her up and waving her hand in front of her face.

“I asked for your name,” confusion and worry growing on her face as to why the girl would not respond to her. “I didn’t scare you did I?”

Fluttershy froze even more than before no one else other than her parents had ever been concerned about how they had impacted her they usually just picked on her, this girl was different, and she must try and be brave like her.

“I'm flut…” her voice fell off into a whisper causing the tiny young Rainbow confusion.

“I didn’t catch that dude.”

Fluttershy steadied herself taking a deep breath trying to grow her courage “Fluttershy” she said again quietly but loud enough for the other girl to hear.

“Well hi Fluttershy, do you maybe want to be friends.”

Fluttershy’s eyes lit up in hope she’d never had a friend before and here she had a girl come and defend her from the bullies and now offer her friendship what kind of dream was she living.

“I would very much like that.”

And with that she came back into her room and out of the memory smiling at the happy moment, they’d been best friends from that point onwards, well till at least a few weeks ago when she started to feel like Rainbow had been drifting away from her, but it wasn’t her place to ask those kinds of questions and invade on her privacy. When all of a sudden someone began to call her causing her phone to ring, looking down only one word was written across the screen Rainbow Dash impulsively she answered putting it to her ear.

“Hello, Fluttershy speaking."

“Hey Flutters its Dash, you free to talk for a bit.”

“Yes I'm free right now, you sound upset is something wrong.”

“Yeah yeah I'm Rainbow dash everything is perfect with me, my dad is the problem.”

“Oh is he still putting pressure on you.”

“still putting pressure,” Rainbow laughed, “He’s been adding more and more with each passing day since this year started.”

“Maybe he’s just trying to push you to try harder.”

“I do try my hardest, he makes me feel like that’s not enough and I'm not a good enough sports player because I'm too soft.”

“Rainbow you are the strongest girl I know, how you could feel soft?”

“Not physically soft flutters mentally soft.”

“Oh,” Fluttershy went quite unsure how to respond to a comment like that.

“he basically said I'm stupid for not thinking Merry was a traitor.”

“Merry was the girl who left the team right?”

“Yeah Shy, that’s the one.”

“Well I don’t think you are stupid or overly loyal for being okay with her leaving the team it shows how good a friend you are and how mature you can be.”

“Me, mature tell me another joke shy,” Rainbow laughed her smile being heard through the call causing Fluttershy to smile and giggle too.

“You know,” Rainbow added, “I feel like its been ages since we just hung out together.”

“it’s been a good while,” Fluttershy replied sadness growing in her voice, “But it’s okay I know you are busy training and working with your team it's okay,” she quickly added covering her tracks.

“Yeah, I’m sorry I should make time for you and the other girls how about this morning I remember Pinkie saying she was going to be there early this morning want to meet up with the gang a little before school starts so we can chill since I’ll be busy with training after school.”

“I’d very much like that it’ll be nice to see all the girls before I have to go into class might give me the energy to survive maths,” Fluttershy joked causing the pair to laugh together.

“Alright, Shy I’ll see you later.”

“Bye Bye Rainbow.”

The call ended with a beep and Fluttershy was left with a joyous feeling at the opportunity to hang out with all her friends with Dash being there it was like a cherry on top of the ice cream. She went downstairs and sat a while watching Monkey life a program about a group of monkeys living in the jungle and the shenanigans they get up too. After a while, the front door opened and in came a tired looking man who came in and gave Fluttershy a kiss on the forehead before slumping down onto a couch across from the one Fluttershy was sat on and watched the tv a while his eyes visibly heavy. Like the meeting point of the house Fluttershy’s mother also then came into the room wishing her husband good morning and handing Fluttershy the jacket.

“I’ve patched it up it’s a little rough on the edges, but it’ll suit Rainbow’s style, so if anything she will consider it an improvement,” her mother laughed to herself at the thought of her saying it looks way cool.

“Thanks, mom it means a lot,” Fluttershy smiled folding it up neatly and placing it into her bag.

“What’s this, what’s what,” the slouched man, Fluttershy’s dad said in a loud and sleep heavy tone.

“Oh, it’s nothing dear Fluttershy just found Rainbows jacket in her room and Angel took to chewing it so I patched it up so she can pass it back.”

“Ahh, I told you that rabbit causes more trouble than he’s worth” Her dad responded satisfied with the answer he’d been given. Meanwhile, Fluttershy was rolling her eyes at the comment about Angel and moved across to the side as her mother sat down beside her.

“You know Fluttershy I do wonder what an item of Rainbows clothing is doing under your bed, something you want to tell us,” her mother said teasingly intentionally joking to fluster her daughter.

“Oh, I don’t know she probably took off when we were all over here studying a few weeks ago and it found its way under there,” She responded blushing at the implications of the questions.

“You sure you won’t find any other items of clothing up there,” her mother came back with laughing aloud now more obviously teasing.

“That’s enough,” her father commanded, “That’s not something to joke about can’t even imagine her having an interest in girls.”

“Maybe you should get off to school now,” her mother gently said into her ear, “And quiet down you Zephyr is still asleep,” she said much louder for her husband to hear.

Fluttershy gathered her things and headed out the door the sounds of her parents talking behind her.

Author's Note

Soo this is the end of the initial morning stuff and all the main characters are introduced which means we can start getting into the plot now, hope you've enjoyed it so far and I'm eager to hear your thoughts. :raritystarry:

Chapter 1.3 : The last of the group

Chapter 2 : As Good A Reunion As Any

Twilight sat in the passenger seat of the car leaning her head against the window watching the world rush past her, she and her mother had shared a few brief conversations during the journey over various topics from where they were going to purchase the scarf to what they were going to eat for dinner that night. Twilight shuffled her feet a little twisting her body to get into a more comfortable position letting her look out the window more easily, she liked watching passers-by on their way about the world to work, school or wherever their journeys take them, it was almost like she was getting a glimpse into someone else’s world.

“Twilight darling don’t lean on the window you’ll leave marks,” The sudden voice of her mother snapped Twilight out of her observational gaze lifting her forehead away from the glass turning her attention towards the only other person in the car.

“Sorry, I was looking at all the people out there,” Twilight replied an almost embarrassed tone in her voice to admit she had been kinda spying.

“Well you know they probably look back at you and think why is that girl staring at me,” Her mother jokingly said letting out a small laugh.

Twilight turned back towards the window rolling her eyes and responding in a tone dripping with sarcasm, “They probably wonder why I'm in a car with such a weird lady.”

Velvet joined in on the joke performing an over the top gasp for dramatic effect, “Twilight Sparkle how could you say such a thing about me, you’re loving and amazing mother.”

Twilight laughed along being drawn back into the outside world noticing one or two people that she recognised seeing around school like Silver Moon and her boyfriend Forest Blast, all the while her mother was still having a rather one-sided conversation not yet realising Twilight wasn’t paying attention.

“You know, ever since you made these new friends you’ve become far more sociable wouldn't you say so?…. Uhh, Twilight.”

The purple haired girl was once again pulled away from the world around her and back into the moment, “Yeah Mom.”

“I asked you a question,” Velvet replied raising her eyebrow at the response.

Twilight looked down embarrassed that she had zoned out again “Sorry I lost my train of thought is all.”

Velvet took a breath preparing to repeat herself, “I said you’ve become a lot more sociable since making these new friends but I’m doubting it now,” She let a small grin begin to grow on her face at her attempt to tease. It was at this point that a traffic light up ahead turned red causing the car to halt letting Twilight look back out into the street around her, usually, she would drift from person to person but today her eyes were locked on someone walking ahead of the vehicle. She couldn’t figure out why this person had captured her attention but the leather jacket they were wearing looked familiar.

Velvet caught onto her daughters staring looking in the same direction to see what she was looking at, “You’re staring, do you know that person”.

“I don’t know, maybe,” she replied not fully confident in her answer. It was at this point that the light turned green allowing them to carry on with their journey towards the school and heading past the unidentified person, this gave Twilight the chance to get a closer look, by this point they were heading past the person letting twilight see their face hidden inside of a hood and half covered by flaming red and yellow hair.

“You know I’ve been thin,” Velvet began to speak.

“STOP THE CAR PULL OVER,” Twilight blurted out interrupting her mother and startling her causing her to quickly pull up against the sidewalk.

“What, what are you okay is something wrong,” Once again she received no response as Twilight pushed the passenger side door open and shot out the door heading towards the person, “what on earth is that girl doing,” she said to herself aloud watching her daughter approach the stranger tapping them on the shoulder.

The character turned around taking one glance at the scientist and instantly recognising her, “Twilight, oh my god what are you doing here I thought you were meeting Pinkie”.

“I was heading there now with my mom in the car when I recognised you,” Twilight said in an excited tone, happy to be reunited with her mystery friend.

“Well, it's great to see you, it feels like forever since I last saw you,” The girl said taking off her hood to reveal the full extent of her flame-coloured hair.

“It’s been three days Sunset,” Twilight said with a smile growing across her face and a giggle slipping out from between her lips.

“To Pinkie that’s a lifetime,” Sunset responded giggling alongside her friend, “But anyway since you are here you want to walk with me to school.”

Twilight looked at her with an eyebrow raised before grabbing her hand and pulling her in the direction she came from “You can come with us in the car dummy.”

The flame-haired girl didn’t resist the scientist letting her drag her further down the street towards an awaiting car, “You sure Twilight, I don’t mind walking.”

“I was being driven to school anyway and besides it’s faster in the car,” Twilight opened the door to the back seats and urged Sunset to get in before following herself.

Velvet had watched the situation go down from the start from when he daughter had rushed out of the car, to the conversation she couldn’t hear, to now the moment where her daughter was bringing a stranger into the car with her.

“Twilight sweetie I don’t mean to sound rude but who actually is this, you kinda shot off without a word.”

The studious girl thought for a second realising how strange and random this whole sequence has been while an awkward Sunset sat in the other corner looking at Twilights Mother with a perplexed expression across her face.

“Mom this is Sunset,” Twilight said smiling between the two other people inside the car with her satisfied that her answer explains everything. All the while Sunset was giving a sheepish wave with an awkward smile on her face not entirely sure how she should react in the strange situation.

Velvet thought for a moment piecing together the pieces of the puzzle of the situation that had been thrust upon her settling for a calm approach, “Hello Sunset I’m Velvet, Twilights Mom, but twilight where exactly are we taking her and how do you know her.”

“Mom she’s one of my new friends you know out of the six of them this is Sunset,” Twilight responded rolling her eyes.

“Oh, so you are Sunset,” Velvet said a smile growing across her face, “It’s a pleasure to finally meet one of Twilights friends but anyway let’s get you girls to school”.

The rest of drive was made up of Twilight and Sunset talking about the various things they’d done over the weekend from the fifty books Twilight had read to the new video game Sunset had been playing. Velvet had remained fairly quiet adding little bit to the conversation here and there just enjoying the sight of her daughter showing signs of having a social life with the drive soon ending with them at Canterlot high.

“Thanks for giving me a ride Mrs Velvet you really didn’t have too,” Sunset said getting out of the car and waiting for Twilight to give her goodbyes.

“Not to worry Sunset we were heading here anyway its only natural you should join us,” Velvet gave a smile to Sunset before turning her attention to Twilight, “Have a good day sweetie, I love you”.

“Love you too Mom,” Twilight replied slightly blushing at the sight of Sunset who had a massive grin from watching the two of them

“Give me a ring if you want a lift home or anything and I’ll see you later Sweetie.”

“Bye Mom,” Twilight said closing the door and beginning to walk into school with Sunset.

Suddenly the driver side door shot open and Velvet stepped out letting Sunset get a good look at the woman, her grey and violet hair running down and over her shoulders, “Forgot your bag Twily,” She called across to them lifting a bag out and passing it to her shocked by its weight, “Jeeze Twilight what is in this thing.”

“10 bucks it’s all books,” Sunset added laughing to herself and earning a glaring look from Twilight.

“I’m not taking a bet I know I’ll lose,” Velvet replied joining in on the teasing and letting out a small giggle.

Twilight stood looking between the two dead faced at their attempted teasing, “of course it’s books how else am I going to ace every class.”

Velvet gave another giggle, “Darling we are all very proud of your grades and such but try to remember to have a little fun, you’ve got the friends for it.”

She gave a final loving smile before getting backing into the car and driving away leaving the two students stood there watching. Sunset turned to Twilight and the two laughed together over what had happened and headed inside together in search of Pinkie, they checked usual spot in the cafeteria finding her at their table pushing buttons on her phone with her tongue sticking out talking to herself about a princess and a castle. As they got closer Pinkie looked up spotting her two friends shoving her phone into her pocket and bouncing over to them both throwing herself at them wrapping her arms around them in what she called the Pinkie jumping hug welcome. They sat down together talking about Pinkies weekend and how she has been perfecting a muffin recipe with the help of a muffin expert.

“But anyway, how come you two came in at the same time, did you have a secret one on one meet up first,” Pinkie looked at the two girls with shifty eyes.

A small blush started to grow across Twilights face as Sunset began to retell the steps that led up to them being here now, Pinkie giggling the whole time even at the boring bits.

“You invite any of the others Pinkie,” Twilight brought up starting a new discussion.

Pinkie looked at them both with a big smile growing on her face, “Nope just the ex-demons.”

Twilight awkwardly looked in the direction of Sunset screams for help lighting up her eyes in what she should say. Sunset uncomfortably brushed her shoulders off seeing the concern in Twilights eyes she decided to take the lead.

“You know Pinkie we don’t exactly enjoy being reminded of that.”

Pinkie looked at them both not realising the discomfort she caused them, “Well duh it's like your bad history so I invited you here to show you that even though you went all evil we’re now the bestest friends ever, so much so that I’d invite just you two.”

“That’s very sweet of you Pinkie, I did feel like I was wanted as your friend this morning,” Twilight softly added taking the compliment through the insult, “Though you should read a few extra books to help you work on your vocabulary, that way you can say things the way you want too.”

“No thanks you are the book girl I’m the candy girl.” The pink haired girl said digging into her pockets to pull out an assortment of different candies and dropping them onto the table.

Sunset instantly picked up a few and tossed them into her mouth with Twilight hesitantly taking one questioning how long they had been in her pocket when a new arrival appeared sitting down besides Twilight, laying a jacket in front of her and slumping her head into it, her soft pink hair covering her face and ears like a blanket.

“Morning Fluttershy,” Twilight said smiling down at the girl.

“You alright there Shy,” Sunset added tapping her on the head causing the pale girl to shoot up.

“Yes, I’m okay don’t worry, it's just comfy to lie on,” Fluttershy said this in her usual public tone which meant anyone who wasn’t within close proximity wouldn’t know she even opened her mouth.

“Have a good weekend?” Pinkie asked handing her a few pieces of candy.

“Oh yes thank you two of the animals got adopted from the shelter so if anything, it was a really good weekend,” A smile was beaming from Fluttershy’s face. The pleasantries continued as the group began greeting Fluttershy getting the typical quiet responses before Twilight began to engage them all in the discussion over the math test happening on Friday. No one really wanted to have this conversation particularly Fluttershy she hated maths not because she was bad but because the teacher Mr Iron Will was particularly aggressive in his teaching methods calling people out on the spot to test their skills. While the test of her skills was no issue as Fluttershy always did little bits of studying with Twilight, it was the pressure of being called out that was enough to trap her tongue making her seem dumber than she was. She often wished she could be in the other math class with all her friends and be taught by Miss Cheerlie, but fate can be cruel.

“Oh, I should mention I spoke to Rainbow Dash this morning on the phone and she said she was going to be hanging out with us this morning before class.”

Pinkie who was far more interested to learn more about her friends than maths jumped at the opportunity to change the conversation topic, “Really Dash?”

Fluttershy nodded firmly certain that it was a fact.

“That’s a nice change to actually see her properly, feel like the only time we’ve seen her these past three weeks are when we have a class together.” Sunset upon bringing up the point caused a few sad looks to form around the group. Seeing this Sunset quickly interjected adding, “But remember girls she’s just busy with sports and she still texts in the group chat we have so it's not like she’s abandoning us.”

“Then let’s throw her an I hope you do well in the league party!” Pinkie shouted standing up putting both her hands down on the table.

“I'm all for a party Pinkie but you can’t exactly throw it in the gymnasium since you got a month party ban by principal Celestia,” Twilight said having not spoken for the past few minutes.

“Hey, it’s not my fault someone slipped alcohol into the punch and Soarin drank too much and threw up,” Pinkie said defending herself from the accusation.

“Yeah but Pinks you were the one who put it in there,” The flame-haired girl replied starting to laugh.

“Ooooh yeah,” Pinkie said giggling along, “and I’d do it again, I’ve never seen Fluttershy so confident.” Now giggling even louder

“It wasn’t funny Pinkie,” Fluttershy added before the whole group erupted into laughter together after sharing the pleasant memory.

By this point other students were beginning to arrive bringing with them two familiar faces that of Applejack and Rarity, though whilst Applejack always looked a little rough around the edges it was unexpected to see Rarity that way having a few hairs straying from where they should and her clothes having a small layer of dust over them.

“Woah what happened with you Rarity” Pinkie asked as the two joined the table.

Rarity took a breath gaining her composure, “You would not BELIEVE the morning I’ve had; I mean don’t get me wrong it was all going great when all of a sudden. Complete. Disaster. I mean just look at my hair.”

“So, what did happen,” Twilight said scribbling a few notes down on a piece of paper curious to know more.”

“Come on Rarity we gotta go,” A desperate Sweetie Belle called from the backseat of the small Volkswagen Beetle.

“Yes, yes darling I know, I know.” Rarity kept turning the key to start the engine of the car but was met with the same result of the ignition priming a few times before fading away, “For some reason, it’s deciding to not start.”

By the third attempt, Sweetie Belle was losing her patience rocking her legs back and forth and knocking the seat in front of her texting away to the other members of her club. Meanwhile, Rarity was beginning to feel the stress of the moment gently placing her head against the steering wheel, digging through her brain to figure out how she would find the answer to the current problem.

“Applejacks car works why can’t yours,” Sweetie Belle moaned.

While it would be expected that this complaint would only further agitate the older girl it instead gave her an idea, she reached across to the other seat opening up her silver purse and softly sifted through it as to not upset the many containers of various types of makeup in the aim of retrieving her phone. Upon doing so she turned it on and flicked through a few of her contacts before selecting the one she was after and placing the phone to her ear.

“Who are you calling,” Sweetie Belle asked from the back her feet still pressed against the chair in front of her.

“Hush I’m on the phone and get your feet off that seat I don’t expect to have to pay for this car to be fixed and then thanks to you require it to be cleaned.” By this time the person Rarity had called picked up the phone and they began talking about the situation Rarity and her sister had found themselves in.

“Yeah, it won't start…. No, not at all…… Really you don’t mind?.... Thank you Thank you, considering I am meant to be the generous one you are certainly giving me a run for my money… Okay, see you soon thank you again.”

About five minutes had past and Sweetie Belle was none the wiser as to how Rarity had solved the issue, or who she had talked to despite how much she had pestered; a surprise Rarity had said it’s a way of getting to school so how could it possibly be a good surprise. By this time a truck had pulled up in front of the car with Sweetie instantly recognising who it belonged to when a small Apple girl got out and ran over to Rarity's car.

“Apple Bloom what are you doing here,” Sweetie called out as she too got out of the car running to meet her friend.

“Well me an ma sister are here to rescue you y’all” Apple Bloom responded while gesturing to the older farm girl that was getting out of the driver’s side of their vehicle.

The two pieces of the triangle that made up the CMC (Cutie mark crusaders) ran over to the truck climbing into the back of it while giggling and chatting leaving Applejack to head over to Rarity who was still in her car and open the door looking in at her.

“You coming sugar cube?” Applejack said extending her hand for the more refined girl to grab onto.

“Yes, just one moment darling,” Rarity replied her body leaning across the car to the passenger side while she collected her purse and bag containing more fashion sketchbooks than school books, she handed her jacket to Applejack placing it on her extended hand as she got out of the car locking it behind her. All the while Applejack stood bewildered at how she had managed to become a coat rack. They walked over to the apple’s vehicle with Applejack opening the trunk for Rarity to place her things inside before walking around and them getting into the car themselves.

“I must say Applejack you’ve certainly been my knight this morning saving me from that disaster.”

“Ahh think nothing of it sugar cube,” Applejack said tipping her hat to then flawlessly start her car which slightly annoyed Rarity that the bucket of dust and bolts worked but her lovely little car wouldn’t, but she was far too ladylike to show her annoyance to something so petty. The drive went rather smoothly besides a few bumps and potholes in the road that couldn’t be avoided knocking the inhabitants of the vehicle around a bit. The two younger girls in the back were treating it like a rollercoaster performing little screams as they went up and down the bumps, however this bumpy ride did not amuse Rarity as she would feel herself move around in her seat having her head moved across the headrest causing her hair to become frizzled and bits of dust to collect on her clothes.

“Sorry Rares if I knew you’d be with us this morning I’d have tidied this thing out.” Applejack said guiltily looking over at the fashion girls attempts to dust herself off.

“It’s alright Applejack you are already giving me and Sweetie Belle a ride to a school I couldn’t ask you to move a second mountain for me.” Rarity said with a sigh after giving up on her attempts to save herself from the dust.

“Nonsense” Applejack replied with her smile being heard through her voice “Aint nothin I wouldn’t do for a friend.”

“Well you certainly are one of the best friends I could ask for,” Rarity looking at Applejack with a smile.

Inside Applejacks mind was glowing happy to be helping one her friends when they were in need, she loved being the reliable shoulder they could all lean on and would always make sure to go to the furthest measures in order to help them, well except maybe wearing dresses and putting on a shedload of make-up, or if it meant she would put someone else in danger, or… you get the point.

Back to the current time, Applejack was sat on the other side of the table next to Pinkie listening to Rarity tell the story from her perspective making a few things a bit more dramatic than they actually were but Rarity couldn’t tell a story without adding a little of her own flair into it. By this point, Rarity had roped Twilight and Fluttershy into helping her fix her hair as she pushed the dust of her clothes with little result.

“This blasted dust is going to ruin my whole outfit,” Rarity complained distress evident in her voice.

“Ya gotta puff ya clothes out and shake em flat and it’ll come right off,” Applejack added motioning for the fashionista to copy her movements.

“OH, I TOTALLY FORGOT!” Pinkie yelled startling Fluttershy, Twilight and Rarity causing Fluttershy to hide behind both her and Rarity’s hair in defence. “Rainbow Dash is gonna be here this morning with us,” Pinkie said following up her previous statement but with her tone dramatically reduced.

“Well that is a nice surprise I haven’t seen her in a quite a few days, almost a week in fact, are you sure she isn’t busy being captain of the soccer team?” Rarity said pleasantly surprised that her day was going to improve now that she was able to reconnect after a week of not seeing her friend.

“Yeah, Fluttershy said she was gonna be here,” Pinkie replied pushing the spotlight onto Fluttershy.

Rarity now curious turned to Fluttershy with a smug look on her face, “So you’ve still been speaking to her then I assume darling?”

“Oh… no… um, just this morning on the phone,” Fluttershy meekly replied pulling Rainbows jacket from the table in front of her and clutching it to her chest.

“And that jacket is far too sporty for your tastes, not that I’m prying but we’ve been through your wardrobe together darling, so might I ask whom it belongs too.” Rarity said the smug look starting to become more devilish and teasing.

“Oh, its Rainbows I found it under my bed and was hoping to return it,” Fluttershy innocently said not realising the spark it was lighting inside of her fashion friend.

Rarity upon hearing this leaned over placing her elbow on the table with her hand to support her head, “and might I pry further in asking how it got there.” All the while Rarity was making slight eye movements that she aimed for only Fluttershy to see but had caught the silent attention of Twilight who didn’t say anything, only taking the information into herself to think on.

“Oh, I don’t know it could have been there weeks from one of the group's study sessions at my house, Flamenco.” While everyone else was satisfied with her response they all remained confused at her use of the word flamenco, well all except for Rarity who seemed disappointed returning back to an upright position and applying the finishing touches to her hair. Twilight once again to neither girl’s realisation had caught onto Rarity’s reaction and how it was different from everyone else, but she once again kept quiet making small connections in her head.

“Flamenco?” Applejack questioned raising an eyebrow at the shy girl.

“Ignore it, no idea why I said it, it must have slipped out when I started thinking about the show I was watching with my mom last night.” Fluttershy tensed up hoping no one else in the group would probe further taking a sigh of relief when no one did.

The group talked together for about ten more minutes discussing various subjects such as the upcoming ball and potential parties that Pinkie was planning to have when Applejack rose from her seat and shifted around the table to slide in next to Rarity leaning in to whisper something.

“I don’t really wanna let any of these girls down, but I’ve got a feeling dash ain't gonna be joining us this morning,” Applejack spoke her hushed tone unable to hide the concern in her voice.

“But why, what makes you say that,” A confused, and equally concerned Rarity replied keeping her voice down as to not alert the rest of the group to their secret conversation.

“Look over by the door there across t’other side of the canteen.” Applejack said making a small notion with her eyes of which direction she should look in.

Rarity turned and scoured the other side of the canteen seeing the open doors stretching out into the main corridor of the school, there a Rainbow haired girl could faintly be seen walking in the opposite direction to them carrying a ball under her arm while talking to two other members of the school’s soccer team Fleetfoot and Spitfire. Rarity watched with worry as she saw the three sports players get further and further down the hall finally heading into the changing rooms obviously with the intent of getting some practice in before she had gym class in her first period. The fashionista turned to her farmer friend her eyes narrow with anxiousness only to find the look was being returned to her.

“What do we do, should we say something,” Applejack whispered unsure of how to bring the subject up to the remaining unaware friends.

“Say something about what?” Pinkie asked having heard what Applejack had said.

“Pinkie darling don’t you know its rude to eavesdrop on a private conversation,” Rarity stated tutting in the direction of the energetic girl.

“It’s also rude to whisper,” Sunset Shimmer boldly added a smug grin appearing on her face.

“Well if you all must know me and Applejack were simply discussing the current whereabouts of our dear friend Rainbow Dash,” Rarity said proudly defending herself against the claim that she was being rude.

“And where is she?” Sunset asked raising an eyebrow and shrugging her shoulders.

“Well dear you see…” Rarity stopped herself mid-sentence looking beside her at the shy girl who was becoming visibly more and more disappointed that her athletic friend wasn’t going to be here.

“ya see we just saw her heading in the opposite direction into the locker room,” Applejack said taking charge of the situation.

“WHAT WHY WOULD SHE,” Pinkie shouted getting rather aggravated that once again she wasn’t going to be able to to see her prank partner in crime, “Fluttershy did she promise she’d be here.” The bright pink haired girl called turning to question the more paler pink haired girl.

“Well um no she didn’t say she promised,” Fluttershy responded the sadness chipping away at the corners of her mouth causing a slight frown to appear that her friend was going to go back on what she had said. While the rest of the table continued the dispute on whether or not this meant Dash was ditching them for the fourth time in the past two weeks when she said she would be there, or if she was just caught up in some sports stuff that she couldn’t escape. Either way, Fluttershy sat there silently battling her thoughts.

*Of course she wouldn’t want to come this morning, why would we get our hopes up we aren’t even that important to her. *

*But she said she would make it up to us, maybe she still will. *

*Yeah but who knows when that will be, it gives her plenty of time to forget us. *

As the battle continued between her thoughts in her head she felt a hand delicately place itself on her shoulder.

“Are you alright darling, you look a little down,” Rarity said quietly as to not draw any more attention to the girl with a sympathetic but still warm smile on her face.

“I’ll be okay Rarity thank you,” Fluttershy said not looking up at the girl as to hide as much of her sadness as she could.

Rarity leaned in a little closer giving Fluttershy a small hug, “Try not to take it personally sweetie, I doubt she is doing it intentionally.”

Just then the bell rang signalling for all the students to begin making their way to their classes causing the group to all get up giving their goodbyes with Rarity giving Fluttershy another hug and sending her on her way to math class as Sunset left mentioning how she had gym with Rainbow Dash so she would talk to her about what happened this morning. As they slowly drifted apart to head to their own lessons Applejack and Rarity remained for a moment sharing a concerned look between each other as for their friend Fluttershy as they watched her slowly walk away her eyes glued to her feet.

Author's Note

Hey sorry this chapter took a while to come out I was a little preoccupied with working on stuff for my finals but once they are all over I'll make sure you get far more updates to the story from me

Thanks for reading and remember to leave me any criticisms you have.
Thanks again :derpytongue2:

Chapter 2 : As Good A Reunion As Any

Chapter 3 : Coffee Anyone

The sound of the frost covered grass crunching under foot rippled through the ears of the class running on it with each step creating a sound that mimicked the last. The warm-up lap around the field, as far as the substitute gym class teacher Ms. Harshwhinny was aware this was a necessary ritual as the previous Coach had always done this even when she was much younger and had to partake in the class herself. The class had naturally separated itself into two packs with the sportier pupils in the one pack much further along the track all pushing themselves to their limits and a second much slower pack of students who were taking their time and treating it more casually. Ms Harshwhinny could see two people, in particular, standing out from the groups. The first was obviously the school’s star athlete Rainbow Dash leading the charge egging the members of her soccer team that were in the class to push themselves and use this as a way of getting more practice for when they are out on the field. The second was Sunset Shimmer who found herself pushing out and ahead of the slower pack her hair flowing behind her like a trail of fire as she worked to catch up to Rainbow, she had a few things she wanted to say to that girl and you could be sure she was going to hear them before this was over. Throwing her legs in front of her one after the other she swung her arms forward feeling her speed increase as the group ahead of her began to draw nearer. However this wasn’t the end, she needed to push through to reach the front, Sunset could feel the cold morning air fill her lungs with each breath she took which was simultaneously met with the exhale of warm air forming a thin haze of precipitate in front her against the colder outside world. With each step, she saw herself get closer and closer to the leader of the pack; who at this time was turning around to egg her team on further. Her attention instantly being drawn to the new face giving it her all.

“Yeah Sunset keep it going, you’re showing my team up here” Rainbow cried both complimenting Sunset and urging her team to work harder.

Sunset growled to herself she wasn’t here to be used by Rainbow as motivation for her team she was here to give Rainbow a piece of her mind, she let this rage fuel her as her feet gripped into the ground beneath her as she pushed herself further through the group. Rainbow Dash wasn’t giving it her all she needed to keep close to her team, but she was still trying, and it was for that reason that her jaw dropped as the Flame headed girl started to creep into the corner of her vision as she caught up alongside her.

“Sunset uh hey there,” Dash said surprised to see the girl beside her a smug grin growing across her face.

Sunset was panting heavily looking over at the smug girl next to her, she glared at Rainbow her eyes matching her hair, “Cut it Dash where were you this morning.”

Rainbow looked over puzzled for a moment before her eyes glazed over locked down at the floor, by this point the lap was coming to an end and the pair slowed to a standstill sitting down beside the finish their breathing heavy as they tried to regain themselves.

“Dash, why did you skip out on your word again,” Sunset asked again her tone harshened with aggravation.

Rainbow Dash finally looked at Sunset directly her eyes drowned in guilt, “I was on my way to find you guys and I bumped into Spitfire and Fleetfoot and we got talking about the work they’d been putting in together over the weekend and I got sidetracked and it slipped my mind and to summarise I’m an awful friend.”

Sunset who was not surprised by the response still found herself a little taken aback when she referred to herself as a bad friend. “No Rainbow you aren’t a bad friend to us, we all just miss you and when you say you’ll be there and don’t show up it’s kinda like you are intentionally avoiding us.”

Dash feeling even worse at this point by what Sunset had said let out a sigh, “I’m not intentionally avoiding you, I’d never. It’s just I’m so focused on this season and the pressure I’m getting from hom.. Making my team succeed it’s just stacking up and I’m just losing myself in it all I guess.”

Sunset put an assuring hand on Rainbows shoulder, “it’s alright Dash we know you’ve got a full plate its just we miss you and seeing you lets us know you are coping with it all okay, besides Pinkie is losing her mind having not seen you in two weeks she’s made a ‘sorry that you’re dead’ party plan just in case you died and we hadn’t been told.”

The pair laughed together over the thought causing Dash to feel a little less guilty about everything that had been going on.

“And the others and Shy have they said anything,” Dash asked standing up and doing a few stretches.

Sunset rose alongside her and started copying her stretches not being able to do some of the more flexibility demanding ones, “We all miss you but we know you are busy with responsibilities so Applejack gets it the most and Rarity understands, even Twilight gets since she says she sometimes gets so lost in a book she forgets to text back, but Fluttershy seems quieter, I didn’t notice it myself I but Rarity brought it up to me and AJ last week and its true for the quiet girl she is she seems more like a whisper.”

A fresh wave of guilt came over dash feeling more like a tsunami than a gentle tide as she ran her hand along her forehead wiping the sweat from her brow. “I told Shy I’d be there this morning, oh god I essentially lied to her face, so much for being the embodiment of loyalty, how am I meant to fix this.”

Sunset rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly not sure how to respond, “I guess you could start by making it up to us all. Show your face once or twice a week so we know you are still our friend.”

“Yeah but that doesn’t say hey I’m sorry I abandoned you and skipped out on you all,” Dash said a frown forming at the tips of her lips.

Sunset went quiet pondering on the thought for a moment, “Boom sleepover!” Sunset said charismatically a smirk growing on her face.

“I mean I guess that could work, but when and where,” Dash asked her eyebrow raised.

“My place, Friday,” Sunset said her smirk turning into a look of excitement.

“I mean I’ve got practice, but I can head over after if that’s cool with you,” Rainbow said asking yet another question.

“Yeah that’s perfectly fine If you bring your spare clothes I can take them home with me save you carrying twenty bags back from practice and you can shower at mine,” Sunset said creating a whole plan in her head.

“That would be great actually thanks,” Dash responded with a smile.

By this point the whole class was back at the starting point with Ms Harshwhinny announcing that due to the situation concerning there being a soccer match next week and a good portion of the class partaking in that match the class would be playing soccer, this came as a surprise to absolutely no one, but what did shock them was when Ms Harshwhinny cut a line straight down the middle of the handful of the soccer team members in her class putting half on blue team and the other half on red. With the remaining spots being filled by the rest of the class.

“You’re splitting up the team?” Rainbow cried failing to see the logic in how going against each other would help.

“You’d hardly get any practice playing against rookies now would you Miss Dash,” Ms. Harshwhinny replied urging the team to split up.

Conveniently Dash and Sunset had both been paired up together and placed on the red team with Dash taking her usual striker position and Sunset following up on the right wing. The game went as expected with Dash making short work of anyone she come across besides the few members from her team and scored quite easily, what came as shock to her however was Sunset, she seemed to know her way around the field having found herself good space for passes as well as scoring a goal herself. Once the little practice match was over and Ms Harshwhinny was rounding up all the girls to be sent back inside to change before the bell rang Sunset felt a familiar hand on her shoulder turning around to see Dash staring at her with a smile on her face.

“Uh you alright there Dash, you’re kinda staring,” Sunset asked snapping her fingers in front of Dash’s face.

“Yeah yeah great even, listen Sunset I’ve been having issues looking for a new winger for the team and I liked what I saw from you today, ever thought about playing? We are having tryouts after school?” Dash asked this with a huge smile on her face.

“I don’t know, I’ve never really played a sport competitively it’s a big commitment,” Sunset replied

Slightly disappointed but not about to let anyone see it, Dash came up with a compromise sounding as sure with herself as usual, “Don’t sweat it Sunset you’ve got all day to decide it would just be awesome to have one of my friends on the team.”

“You know maybe I will try out; I assume you meet here on the field after school?” Sunset asked.

“Yeah this is the place just head here if you fancy trying out,” Dash said excitement building back up in her voice.

And with the sound of a whistle urging the students to get a move on they all headed inside to get changed, with Dash and Sunset being the last to head inside.

By this point during the day it was the second period and Fluttershy was in history class being taught about the Egyptian era by Ms Somnambula, Fluttershy liked this class much more than Iron Wills math class, as there was just so much more passion in the way it was taught no one could put their finger on it but it was like Ms Somnambula was describing the Egyptian era like she had been their first hand. Another reason she much preferred this class was due to the atmosphere of the classroom it had windows either side of the room ensuring that sunlight was always filtering into the room causing the various replica jewels dotted around the room to sparkle. Fluttershy remembered Rarity mentioning how she would often slip into the room at the end of the day to marvel at their beauty in hopes of sparking some inspiration into her designs.

The quiet girl looked out of the window she was sat next to looking down at the school grounds below seeing a physics class taking place where they were shooting water pressure rockets into the air, She noticed how Twilight and Sunset were knelt beside their own little rocket setting it off and watching as it rose higher than the rest before tumbling back down for them note things down and attempt it again with different conditions to make it go higher. Fluttershy watched for a while smiling at her friend laughing and talking with each attempt they made when a whisper came from beside her.

“Heya Fluttershy how was your weekend dude,” a white-haired girl asked.

This was another reason she liked this class she actually had a friend in this one, the girl was called Silver Moon and Fluttershy proceeded to repeat to her what she had said that morning detailing the animals that were adopted from the shelter, “And thank you for adopting the kitten I was telling you about its so rare for animal to be adopted within a week of it arriving but I’m glad she was.”

Silver let out a smile, “it’s no problem and you are welcome to come and see the little scamp whenever you want.”

Fluttershy smiled at the thought of being able to see an animal again after it had been adopted it was rare if she saw an animal again and it most likely meant it had been brought back to the shelter and that’s not really something she wanted, so it was nice she’d be able to visit it in its new loving home. She began to focus a little more on the class writing down some notes before starting to do little scribbles of butterflies on her page, she wanted to pay attention but the thought of Rainbow Dash lying to her that morning was leaving its mark in the back of her mind.

“You alright dude it ain’t like you to start doodling, something on your mind?” Silver asked.

Fluttershy wasn’t sure if she wanted to open up at this point, she had sat next to Silver Moon in history class last year and although it took a few months due to Fluttershy’s quiet nature and a bit of a push from Pinkie to actually speak to her they began to blossom quite the friendship and she felt she could trust her with this.

“Well, you see Rainbow Dash hasn’t been hanging around with me and my friends that much anymore, which is fine I know she is busy with soccer practice,” She added quickly trying not to sound too disappointed. “But this morning when I spoke to her on the phone she acknowledged not being around and said she would make sure she saw us this morning,” Fluttershy let out a sigh earning herself a reassuring look from Silver. “She didn’t show up and we saw her hanging around with her soccer team members instead.”

Silver looked down at the desk a look of sadness growing on her face, “I’m sorry to hear that, but I think I know what you are feeling right now.”

Fluttershy eyes shifted towards Silver surprise and confusion growing on her face, “You do?”

“Yeah,” Silver said with a sigh pulling out her phone and showing Fluttershy her most recent text.

*Really can’t be bothered with the hassle of eating lunch with you today so I’m hanging with the boy’s ttyl*

Fluttershy gasped upon seeing the text, “Who would say that, it’s not.”

Silver interrupted before Fluttershy could finish her sentence, “Yep that’s Forest.”

“I am awfully sorry to hear that, is everything alright between you and him, sorry that was probably rude of me to ask I’m sorry,” Fluttershy said going from feeling curious to guilty.

Silver had small smile begin to perk up on her face at the shy girl’s rapid shift in responses, “Its all chill Flutters don’t worry, I know I can be a bit overbearing.”

Fluttershy’s jaw dropped with shock for someone who can find even the quietest person overbearing at times she knew for a fact that Silver was not, “You’re not overbearing, I should know I’m friends with Rarity,” Fluttershy said quietly joking to try and lighten the mood.

“I suppose you’re right,” Silver said her smile growing larger, “But hey seems we both got ditched this morning,” Silver added her smile opening up to let out a bit of laughter.

“It’s not exactly a good thing,” Fluttershy responded softly giggling herself.

The two girls decided it would be best for them to carry on paying attention with what was going on in the class before Ms Somnambula caught onto their chatting and intervened the last thing they wanted was to be stuck polishing all the artefacts in detention, the class went on with Fluttershy taking down a few notes about ancient pharaoh’s wondering what it would have been like to meet a sphinx, well if they were real anyway. Her pen drifted to the other side of her book and began to mimic the thoughts in her mind tracing the outline and shape of the Sphinx.

“You know that ain’t half bad, you’ve got quite the knack for drawing,” Silver piped up looking down at the ancient creature the shy girl had captured within the pages of her notebook.

“Oh it’s not all that good, I didn’t put much effort in,” There was a pause in Fluttershy’s sentence as she lowered the volume of her voice only speaking in a soft whisper, “But thank you.”

The progression of the class once again resumed with the teacher wrapping up the class ten minutes early to give the students chance to talk about what they had learnt today between themselves, obviously everyone just used this time to talk to their friends. The timid girl used this as a time to check her phone seeing that Sunset had texted into the group chat.

*hey girls I spoke to Rainbow, she ended up having stuff dumped on her this morning so she’s sorry she couldn’t come so we are gonna all meet up at my house on Friday and she says she’ll be there after practice. *

This received an instant response from Pinkie Pie questioning if this was a sleepover who once receiving the yes from Sunset began to fill the chat with balloons getting a laugh from Fluttershy.

“Read something funny, a meme perhaps.” Silver said laughing a little and leaning closer to Fluttershy.

“You wish meme lord,” Fluttershy replied jokingly.

“Woah where did the shy girl go,” Silver said teasing back.

“Oh, she’s here still,” Fluttershy said lowering her voice and receding back into her timid shell.

Silver rolled her eyes at the lost joke but took no mind of it she knows Fluttershy and this is just what she does, that didn’t stop her jumping in her seat when the meek girl beside her suddenly gasped at the phone she was gripping between her hands.

“You alright?” Silver said catching herself and checking on her friend.

“Look,” Fluttershy said not listening to the question and shoving her phone in Silvers’ face.

Silver looked at down at the phone decorated in its case covered in butterfly designs to see she was being shown a text from Rainbow Dash.

*Hey Flutters, sorry for dipping on you this morning it was definitely not awesome of me, hope I didn’t cause you too much damage you said I was busy and stuff this morning and that you didn’t mind but like I said I’d be there, so super sorry dude. *

“Well at least you know she feels bad about what she did,” Silver said with a faint smile finding the light in the subject when she was quickly silenced by the phone as it vibrated alerting them to another message from Rainbow causing both girls to eagerly read the latest message.

*Sorry again dude, I’m gonna be at the sleepover on Friday but I still feel like I owe you one and I don’t exactly enjoy spending time at home so how about I hang out with you at yours like old times the next day like I don’t mind what we do so just like lemme know.*

Fluttershy’s face lit up with huge smile beaming from ear to ear causing Silver to have a grin matching it,

“Well Shy it seems she’s gonna make up the lost time,” Silver said nudging the smiling girl, “You should also probably respond to that,” she finished with a giggle as the bell rang out signalling for them to leave for lunch. “See you round Shy good luck and such.”

Fluttershy remained in her seat stunned to see that Rainbow wanted to hang out with her alone after the sleepover. She quickly snapped out of her daze and texted back leaving to find her friends in the lunchroom.

*Yeah that would be awesome Dashie :D*

The halls of the school were bustling as each eager student followed their noses to the cafeteria room with its hard floors and long tables. No matter where you looked you would never see more than an inch of wall with space either being filled with windows or tapestries depicting the various achievements of Canterlot high with a few being embroidered with symbols of sport and others music. The scent coming from the cafeteria was different every day but the theme of it smelling great would always remain and they had Granny Smith to thank for it, always making the best of the best with whatever ingredients she was given. The group of friends excluding Rainbow Dash had taken up their usual spot on the large table in one of the corners of the room.

“So from what I understand we are all going to be in your company this Friday evening?” Rarity asked taking her eyes away from her salad and looking towards Sunset.

“That’s the plan, you can either walk home with me straight after school or head over in your own time after you’ve been home,” Sunset replied stuffing a heap of mash potato into her mouth.

“I’ll bring candy!” Pinkie shouted causing bits of food to splutter out of her mouth heading towards a now panicking Rarity who closed her eyes awaiting the impact. A few seconds passed and she still hadn’t felt the mess of food and spit attack her skin causing her to slowly open her eyes seeing a rather disgusted Applejack wiping her hand on a napkin.

“Pinkie!, It’s unladylike to talk with your mouthful how many times must I warn you.” Rarity yelled her face turning red with anger as the rest of the group began to erupt into laughter.

“Quit your panicking Rares I saved you so we wouldn’t need an earful from you,” Applejack said teasing.

Rarity went to speak but stopped herself as she was drawn back by the temptation of the food on her plate regally collecting a few lettuce leaves and a tomato on the tip of her fork and placing it into her mouth where she chewed and swallowed before tapping her lips softly with her napkin then going back in for another mouthful. Meanwhile, Fluttershy was in her happy little bubble joyously eating her own meal with a huge smile on her face as she watched her friends go on about how awful their classes were.

“Oh darling, do you need me to bring anything, like activities or makeup?” Rarity looking over at Sunset who by this time was in a deep conversation with Pinkie about her favourite types of candy.

“Nah I don’t think you will need to bring anything but its up to you really if you want to do something in particular, I’m down for it,” Sunset said looking at Rarity with a smile before going back into the heated discussion to where they were deciding whether gummi bears or cola bottles were the better candy.

“Is it true Dash is coming,” Applejack said with a grin looking at the rainbow-haired girl approaching the table.

“You bet it is,” Rainbow Dash said her heading appearing between Sunset and Fluttershy her arms wrapped around either one of them as she sat down. “Can’t stay, but I owe you all an appearance from yours truly.

“RAINBOW DASH,” Pinkie excitedly screamed jumping up in her seat and running around to tackle the sporty girl from behind, “We’ve all missed you soooo much you can’t leave on us now.”

“Sorry Pinkie but I got practice which reminds me, Sunset you thought about it yet,” Rainbow asked her attention turning away from Pinkie and towards the flame-headed girl.

“Yeah I thought about it,” Sunset said trying to hide the smirk growing across her face, “I don’t know maybe it ain’t for me,” Sunset took great joy watching the light fade from Rainbows eyes knowing, “I’m kidding you can count me in, I’ll be there.” She said the smirk now taking full control of her face.

“Awesome knew I could count on you Sunny,” Rainbow said patting Sunset on the back and standing up, “Oh and Shy don’t forget about that thing we were talking about.”

Upon saying this a few things happened within the group, Sunset, Pinkie and Applejack were all confused as to what she could have meant while a wide open-mouthed smile had wormed its way onto Rarity’s face as she smugly looked directly at Fluttershy who at this point between what Rainbow had said and the look Rarity was giving her was now blushing intensely. This left Twilight Sparkle the upcoming scientist and egghead of the group began once again making observations trying to learn from the social interactions she could see around her making a mental note of how Rarity was looking at Fluttershy and the face she was making.

“Anyway I gotta Dash, but there’s no scheduled practice tomorrow so I’ll be able to have lunch with you,” Rainbow added before leaving the group to talk amongst themselves.

“So what in tarnation has she roped you into doin after school,” Applejack asked raising an eyebrow in Sunsets direction.

“She asked me if I wanted to take part in the trials for the team later today, I said I’d think about it and I have so I’m gonna try out,” Sunset said sure of her choice.

As the pair continued to talk about sports the rest of the group began their own little conversations with Pinkie joining in with Applejack and Sunset whilst Twilight asked Rarity for some fashion tips on the hat and scarf her mother has offered to get her this weekend with Rarity offering to accompany them both in choosing. This quiet moment to herself gave Fluttershy a moment to glance around at the busy cafeteria spotting Silver Moon sitting at a nearby table talking with Octavia, Derpy, Vinyl and a few other girls. Silver caught a glance of Fluttershy looking over at her smiling causing Silver to return the smile looking over in the shy girl’s direction.

“Speaking of after-school activities Rarity, ma sister Applebloom is staying after school to do some creative activity thingy with your little sister Sweetie Belle and their friend Scootaloo after school, so do you want me to take Sweetie Belle home afterwards save you sticking around for her,” Applejack asked turning to Rarity.

“Darling are you sure she can be quite a bit of effort I don’t mind waiting for her?” Rarity added a touch of concern in her voice.

“Naw don’t you worry a hair on your head it ain’t no trouble at all,” Applejack answered tipping her hat.

Pinkie suddenly gasped causing the group to jump in their seat all turning their attention to what was wrong with the bright pink haired girl, “I’m doing the activity after school Applejack you can’t just watch you can join in ITLL BE SUPER FUN” Pinkie said finishing her sentence by throwing arms in the air and yelling.

“Well since everyone else seems to have plans, Fluttershy, Twilight would you like to join me after school for some coffee or iced tea at sugar cube corner,” Rarity asked motioning towards the two quieter members of the group.

“I’d love too, thank you for the offer Rarity,” Twilight replied with a smile while Fluttershy just agreed to give her own thanks.

From here the dinner routine continued as normal with them finishing their lunches and talking about the upcoming slumber party being held at Sunsets only to be separated by the bell signifying the beginning of the next lessons and the girls once again heading into separate locations in smaller groups to their next class.

Once school was over the group of girls followed through with their plans with Fluttershy and Twilight being led into the little coffee shop and over to Rarity’s favourite booth, the one which sat opposite the window. The girls all sat down on the cushioned seat and began to have a little chat with Rarity mentioning how she loved the decorum noting how it makes perfect use of the space it has from the various posters plastering the walls advertising the various confectionaries and hot drinks to the booths that are both fashionable and comfortable. After a few minutes passed with Rarity watching as the queue to order began to slowly disperse giving her direct access to the staff. She got up taking orders of what the two other girls wanted to drink and headed over towards the counter leaving Twilight and Fluttershy alone to talk.

“Those treats you recommended for Spike went down really well he can’t get enough of them,” Twilight said laughing to herself reminiscing at how quickly her dog had wolfed down the treats.

“Oh im so glad to hear, a dog at the shelter loves them just as much so I thought I’d tell you,” Fluttershy replied trying to imagine Spikes reaction to them.

“It’s made me realise that you are the expert to go to when concerning my animal needs,” the bookworm said.

“Well I know a bit about animals but I’m no expert,” Fluttershy replied hiding her embarrassment behind her hair.

“Nonsense Fluttery you are as familiar with animals as I am with the pages of a textbook.” The bookworm replied causing Fluttershy to crack into a giggle.

It was here that Rarity had returned with a tray in her arms placing it down on the table and setting down each of the girls drinks along with a small plate containing a slice of cake each, “I do hope im not interrupting girls, but I must ask Fluttershy, and I don’t mean to pry but darling what was Rainbow on about earlier when she referred to something that just the pair of you were talking about.”

Fluttershy’s face lit up bright red as she hid her face behind her hair, which earned her a reassuring look from Rarity as she took a sip of her coffee causing Fluttershy to look at Twilight and back at Rarity a look of concern growing in her eyes.

“You know I’m glad I’ve got the both of you here since I’ve been noticing something between the pair of you almost like a code,” Twilight spoke up as she began to summarise what she had seen today.

Rarity gasped covering her mouth for a moment, “Darling whatever do you mean.” Her eyes shifting towards a now redder faced Fluttershy who had begun sinking into her chair.

“Well it all started when Fluttershy said flamenco this morning it was so out of place and everyone reacted to it accordingly in which I mean they were confused, but you Rarity you instead seemed disappointed. There’s been a few little things like that and the eye movements this morning when you were talking about the jacket.” Twilights response caused both Rarity and Fluttershy to awkwardly look at each other giving Twilight the chance to speak again. “It seems to happen when ever the topic is of Rainbow Dash so I can’t help but wonder.”

A smile grew across Rarity’s face as she looked between her two friends, “Fluttershy it seems our secret code isn’t so secret, would you like to as Pinkie Pie would say spill the beans.”

Fluttershy sighed her thoughts racing as she came to the reality that if they didn’t tell Twilight she’d start asking the others. She moved her hair from in front of her face and gave Rarity a quick nod, “Well me and Rarity are close friends and we trust each other with things, and well I told her that,” Fluttershy’s sentence was cut short as her thoughts began to betray her locking her jaw shut allowing only a small eep.

Rarity placed her hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder, “Its alright dear Twilight is our friend you can tell her,”

Twilight had a wave of guilt wash over she was cause of all this commotion, “No if its sensitive you don’t have to tell me I’ll just forget I saw anything, I’m sorry if I have upset you just please don’t hate me.

“No I don’t hate you; I just struggle with talking, if anyone should be sorry it should be me for making you feel guilty about asking.” Fluttershy said feeling equally guilty herself over the position she had put Twilight in.

The two girls weakly smiled at each other seeing that neither person intended to cause any harm causing them to break into a hug showing that there were no hard feelings between them.

“Rarity can you tell it,” Fluttershy asked earning herself a nod from the fashionista.

“Well you see Fluttershy here is coincidentally rather shy as you already know I’m sure and so she gets uncomfortable when she’s the centre of attention or whenever anyone speaks to her about something she is sensitive about. Now you know about how in the past we all stopped being friend’s etcetera, well me and Fluttershy here remained secret friends and would confide in each other to talk about our secrets. Not that they were important secrets it would just be a little embarrassing if the whole school knew like how I loved boy bands or who we were crushing on.” Rarity said as she began explaining only to be cut off by Twilight.

“So you made the code to be able to talk about or mention those things without anyone realising what were you were talking about meaning the spotlight wouldn’t be on Fluttershy.” Twilight said reciting the conclusion she had made.

“Yes,” Rarity said with a smile, “That’s basically it.”

Twilight took a bite out of the slice of cake she had been given her face clearly showing delight from its flavour, but as she chewed it turned from delight to confusion.

“Is something wrong dear?” Rarity asked spotting the shift in emotion on the bookworm’s face.

“So why were you using code when Rainbow was in the sentence.” Twilight said looking at the now heavily blushing Fluttershy and flustered Rarity.

“It’s well…” Rarity was desperately trying to find a way to answer Twilight without giving away her friend’s secret when she felt a light tug on her shirt coming from Fluttershy.

“It’s okay you can tell her, there’s no reason to not trust her with this now she knows why we keep it a secret.” The meek girl said a soft smile on her face as she looked at the smarter girl amongst them.

“Well Twilight it seems your now part of our little secret club so you must keep this between us. The reason we were using the code earlier is because Fluttershy has had a little crush on Rainbow Dash for a good while now, and I was trying to see if maybe something had happened between them earning her the article of Rainbows clothing.” Rarity looked back down at the shy girl beside her seeing her face glowing red with embarrassment.

“That was a conclusion I didn’t expect; you hide it well.” Twilight said complimenting the two girls on their secrecy. “Wait you’re gay,” Twilight blurted out as the reality set in.

Fluttershy didn’t say a word and simply nodded a look of concern on her face as to how Twilight would take the news.

“You know for how many books I’ve read I don’t seem to get any better when it comes to people and friends and all this relationship stuff like I had no idea you were gay Fluttershy, not that it changes anything of course.”

“I wouldn’t worry I don’t exactly tell the world,” said the shy girl her confidence starting to grow after hearing the acceptance from Twilight.

“And to add on that you said yourself when you first became our friend a few months ago that this whole friendship and people thing was new to you so I wouldn’t worry, you’ll be reading people like a book before long.” Rarity said covering her mouth as she laughed at her little joke.

“I hope you are right,” Twilight replied laughing herself.

The three carried on chatting together finishing their drinks and slices of cake along with having to battle with Rarity’s generosity to avoid having anymore bought for them.

“Twilight I am curious since you know about Fluttershy’s little crush. How about you, anyone taken your fancy.” Rarity asked a curious grin appearing on her face,

“I’ve never really liked anyone that way so I wouldn’t even know what it feels like to fall for someone so if I have already I don’t know,” The aspiring scientist answered a depressing look on her face as she looked down at the floor.

Rarity reached across the table taking Twilights hands in hers, “You’ll know when it happens and you get a little sweet on someone your heart will flutter and besides you’ve got us now to talk about your love life with,” Rarity giggled a little at the thought of being able to partake in more gossip now they had a new companion to their little love talk.

It was at this time Twilight received a phone call from her mother wondering if she was staying behind after school since she was normally home by this time with Twilight explaining where she was and who she was with. It was also at this time that Rarity pointed out how they had been there for over an hour and should all probably get home soon with Twilights mother offering to give all three girls a ride home since she was already out and about anyway with Twilight accepting and Fluttershy not wanting to impost at first politely rejecting the offer with Twilight saying it would be no trouble causing meek girl to agree. This left Rarity who lived in the opposite direction to the other girls and thus to save time said she already had plans to get home which wasn’t wrong since she had planned on walking back that evening. The three girls continued to talk for another 20 minutes discussing how Rarity planned on giving makeovers at the slumber party this Friday and how she needed to bring some paper and her measuring tape in order to update the measurements she has of the girls along with getting Twilights so that she can start working on the Christmas ball dresses. When a familiar woman as seen entering the coffee shop and approaching the girls at the table.

“Hey mom,” Twilight said being the first to greet her mother with greetings being followed by the other two girls at the table.

“So these are more of your friends, I must say after meeting Sunset this morning I didn’t think I’d be meeting any more of your friends for a good while, at least until you brought then home for a sleepover or something.” She smiled at the two other girls sat with her daughter taking a mental note of how they acted.

“So based on how you are behaving and from Twilights descriptions, you must be Fluttershy,” she said looking towards the quitter pink haired girl with a small frame and pale skin. “And from how well you are dressed and how your hair is so well styled you must be Rarity.”

The two girls nodded with Rarity firing compliments about how refined Twilights mother looked and how well her style fitted with her the few accessories just completing the outfit. The greetings were cut short however as Velvet needed to get home causing them all to say their goodbyes as Rarity witnessed Fluttershy and Twilight leaving together. For a moment everything was quiet giving Rarity a chance to sit and think about something. Sadly this was interrupted when her phone buzzed indicating she was receiving a phone call. Rarity opened the purse taking out her phone seeing the name Applejack appear on the front with a picture of them together sliding the call button and placing it to her ear.

“Hello,” Rarity started.

“Heya sugar cube I just dropped ya sister off home and noticed ya weren’t back yet was wondering if ya needed a ride home while im out this way.”

“Applejack that would be wonderful actually I’ve just seen the other two off and was about to start walking.”

“Im bout two minutes away so you just sit tight, and I’ll be there quicker than a hare.”

The call ended and Rarity placed her phone back into her bag looking out the window of the shop and watching the cars rush by as people headed home after a long day of work the sun setting and darkness beginning to creep back into the world as night-time approached. She checked her phone sending a text to Fluttershy making sure she was alright as she saw a familiar truck pull up just outside the store.

The car journey hadn’t been going on long with Rarity telling Applejack what had happened earlier ensuring to step around the few landmines that had popped up since Applebloom was sat in the backseat texting on her phone and not wanting information that did not need spreading to spread, she instead kept it concise and steered away from the half confessions. As more and more light fled from the world around them with sun beginning to fall behind the horizon the streets were flooded with a new sense of life as the streetlights lit up the darkening roads. It was at this time however that the slice of cake was taking its toll causing Rarity’s eyes to grow heavy and the lull sound of the engine mixed with the deceivingly comfy seating of Applejacks vehicle she found herself starting to drift off into a sleep.

By the time they had reached Rarity’s home Applejack found her friend in a deep sleep deciding it was best to not wake her she lifted her out of the car and carried her to the door only to be met with the familiar Sweetie Belle who began to guide Applejack through the house up to Rarity’s room. On her way she walked through the living room seeing both of Rarity’s parents watching television who took the time to smile at Applejack as she carried their daughter through the home. Once reaching Rarity’s room Sweetie Belle scurried off away heading outside to try and get as much extra time talking to Applebloom as she could leaving the two older girls alone.

Applejack gently placed Rarity onto the bed removing her shoes and pulling the covers over the sleeping girl causing her to stir and wearily open her eyes.

“Oh Applejack I do apologise for falling asleep but thank you for bringing me in you should have just woken me.” Rarity said her voice heavy with the need for sleep.

“It aint no problem sugar cube, you just get some rest.” Applejack with a smile as she picked herself up and away from the bed.

Rarity wasn’t done saying goodnight, lifting her arms up and around the cowgirl pulling her in for a hug, “I mean it thank you. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”

Applejack remained still stunned by what was happening before returning the hug wrapping an arm around the girl below her. The hug lasted for what seemed like forever Applejack couldn’t even try to count to the seconds in her head as all she could think about was how nice Rarity’s hair was smelling. This confused the farm girl as thoughts rattled inside of her head over why on earth would she be thinking that Rarity smelt nice and not just that she smelt nice her skin felt delicate and soft and the hug was warm and welcoming to her. It was nice.

*HOOOONK*

A sudden noise startled both girls causing them to break apart with Rarity shooting back letting a gasp and Applejack pulling away and standing up both scared half to death by the sound that echoed around the room with Applejack looking out the window to see it source. Outside was a smaller farm girl who was growing impatient using the car horn as a method of pulling her older sister back to the vehicle faster.

“I best be goin,” Applejack said still recovering from the sudden emotions washing over her from the contact she shared with her friend.

“Alright Applejack goodnight,” Rarity said turning over and facing away from the cowgirl a bright smile covering her face as she drifted back into sleep dreaming of something or maybe someone.

Applejack at this time was slowly creeping out of the room closing the door behind her and heading downstairs making her way back through the populated room.

“Thank you for bringing both our girls home safe tonight Applejack you are far to kind to us,” Rarity’s mother said with a smile.

“Yeah you saved me having to go out and fetch them,” came a more humorous token of thanks from Rarity’s father.

“Aww shucks it aint no trouble.” Applejack said rubbing the back of her neck out of embarrassment fromf the praise she was receiving.

“Well just remember for everything you’ve done you are a friend to all of us and you have all of our thanks, you are welcome here anytime.” Rarity’s mother finished with a smile.

Applejack thanked the pair of them for their warming gesture and left with them all saying their goodbyes heading back out to her truck and sending Sweetie Belle back inside as she climbed into the driver’s side of the truck and started heading home.

“So what took you so long im starving,” Applebloom questioned.

“Oh nothin much,” a smile growing across her face, “nothin worth thinkin about anyway.”

Author's Note

Heya everyone sorry this chapter took so long at first I wasn't happy with it then I had finals and such but I'm gonna have more free time now so I'll do my best to update it more often than this

Thanks again for reading my story and feel free to leave a comment telling me what you think :yay:

Chapter 3 : Coffee Anyone

Chapter 4 : The Principal Wants To See You

It was just your average day at Canterlot high with the sound of the lunch hour bell having sent herds of students towards the cafeteria to see what delicious food was on offer with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie having found themselves at the front of the queue giving them first pick of a wide selection of foods ranging from pasta and meatballs to a cheeseburger and fries. The girls chatted together, discussing what they should choose whilst having to hold their jaws shut as to not drool all over themselves. The pair grabbed a tray each and stacked it with as much food as they could carry and then began to make their way over to the usual table where the whole group of friends would typically meet for lunch. As they approached the table two smaller boys could be seen Snips and Snails, who were sat down at the table who at just the sight of the athletic girl and her party crazed friend quickly fled leaving their attempt to claim the table as their own in the dust. Rainbow Dash snickered to herself almost proud of the fact that simply the sight of her is enough to instil dominance over the table although it did raise a question in her mind. Did people find her intimidating, was she scary? However, this thought was quickly pushed to the back of her mind as her attention was caught by another duo of girls approaching the table their lunch trays looking near identical with a mix of salad and fruit positioned in portions on their trays.

“Rarity, Twilight,” Pinkie cried out in excitement her mouth already full of food.

“Pinkie it’s been less than 5 seconds, we are not being covered in the splutter from your mouth this early into lunch.” Rarity scolded as she moved away from sitting parallel to Pinkie in the hopes of avoiding coming under fire from any potential shrapnel that would find itself being ejected from the Pink haired girls’ mouth.

“Hey girls how have your classes been so far today,” Twilight asked trying to shift the group into a conversation.”

“Ugh they were super boring, but I just thought about the surprise I have planned for Sunset on Friday, so I managed to survive,” Pinkie said her face shifting from expressing boredom to intense excitement in the blink of an eye.

“Yeah I second what Pinkie said I can only take so much calculus,” Dash said letting out a sigh of relief that she could now just focus on filling the hole in her stomach than cramming something she didn’t care for into a hole in her brain.

“Your studies are really important guys you don’t want to fail and risk a retake or losing out on your future,” Twilight said her concern struck face sticking out like a sore thumb.

“Relax egghead,” A nonchalant Dash began, “I do enough to not fail and besides I’m going for a sports scholarship, not a maths degree,” She finished letting a laugh earning a raised eyebrow from Rarity.

“She’s got a point you know Rainbow they don’t offer scholarships to failures,” Rarity added trying to push a few of the athlete’s buttons.

At this time the shyer member of the group had made her appearance hearing the last half of Rarity’s sentence as she sat down besides Rainbow and adjacent to Rarity. “Rainbow you’re failing?” She asked worried for her friend.

“I’m not failing, I'm Rainbow Dash I never fail,” she said proudly a smug grin on her face.

“Well you fail to notice some pretty obvious things sometimes,” Rarity said a devilish smile coating her lip.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Dash asked as she tipped her head to the side in confusion.

“Nothing darling don’t you worry and lift your head up you look like a confused dog,” Rarity answered causing the table to begin erupting in laughter as the last remaining two friends Applejack and Sunset joined them at the table.

“Well what took you pair so long we’ve all been here for about 5 minutes already,” Rarity asked prodding the cowgirl that had sat beside her.

“You can blame Trixie,” Sunset answered, “one of her little magic tricks went off shooting confetti everywhere and we all had to stay behind and clean it up.”

“I thought confetti was banned after Pinkie kept shooting it out of her homemade party cannon, which by the way I’m not confident is legal to own,” Twilight mentioned

“First of all they banned glitter because the janitor got sick of cleaning it up and secondly it is not banned, I checked and made modifications as needed like were you aware it is completely legal as long as it is powered by pressured air and is under 30 units,” Pinkie said a huge smile on her face.

“Pinkie what on earth could you do with that knowledge,” Applejack asked bewildered by the girl.

“Make a real cannon to defeat my enemies by keeping it within those parameters,” Pinkie replied erupting into a burst of fake evil laughter setting off the rest of the table to laugh with her.

“HA group laughter, CANNON TIME,” She shouted jumping out of her seat in excitement.

“NO NO I will not have my lunch ruined by you filling it full of shreds of coloured paper,” Rarity said trying to protect her plate with her hands.

“Okay no cannon now but you just wait,” She said sitting back down with shifty eyes.

“Just don’t get me and Flutters when you fire it in this direction Pinkie we are innocent in your battle,” Dash laughed teasing Rarity.

“I don’t know Dashie it could be kinda fun,” Fluttershy said piping up in the conversation now she knew she could speak directly to Rainbow Dash.

“Really?” Dash asked a look of surprise struck across her face as she looked over at her shy friend, “You want to be covered in confetti?”

Fluttershy let out a small giggle all of her attention being spent on Dash, “Not afraid of a bit of paper are you now Dash,” The shy girl said a grin forming on her lips.

“Woah of all people to be suggesting I’m afraid of something it’s you Shy the girl who gets scared of her own shadow,” Rainbow said returning the teasing she had received from girl beside her, “Besides I’m Rainbow Dash nothing scares me,” The athlete proudly said leaning back in her chair.

“I should consider myself lucky then that I have such a brave friend to protect me from the pretty paper,” Fluttershy said with a bright smile.

“Well duh you can always count on me and everyone else here to have your back,” Dash responded earning Fluttershy several other responses from the rest of the group letting her know that they could always count on her if she needed help. However, Rarity had remained silent a devilish look appearing on her face as a thought appeared within her mind.

“Fluttershy I must say you’ve been far more confident this lunchtime, is there a reason?” She questioned as she locked eyes with the shy girl sitting across the table.

Fluttershy’s face turned a bright red in embarrassment she couldn’t believe Rarity would imply something when Rainbow Dash was sat so close. Then again this is something she should have predicted, she already knew Rarity would try and push the pair together, as this was a trait she had spotted in Rarity whenever they had talked about crushes in the past. Rarity considered herself quite the matchmaker often trying to pair Fluttershy up with whoever was crushing on her or who she herself was crushing on. Fluttershy glared at Rarity her face flushed red when out of the corner of her eye she spotted Twilight giving her a smile, winking once they had both made eye contact.

“Well duh, of course, I make others around me feel more confident how else do you think the soccer team thinks they will win every match,” Rainbow said boldly trying to look as proud as possible unaware that she was saving Fluttershy from Rarity's plot.

“Well, Dash’s personality traits are renowned to aid in the boosting of morale so there is a science behind it and that in fact, it is simply her personality that brings out this behaviour. The results would be similar if Pinkie was in Dash’s position as her cheery attitude also helps make others feel at ease and welcome which results in them feeling more comfortable and confident,” Twilight said offering a logical explanation in an attempt to draw attention away from Fluttershy giving her a light smile once she felt no eyes were on either of them.

This worked successfully having caused Dash and Pinkie Pie to begin high fiving each other and beginning to joke around that they should both become to the alpha of the group because of science, earning themselves a few eye rolls and laughs in the process from other members of the group. The main thing here, however, is that Twilights plan had worked earning herself a silent thank you from Fluttershy which she returned with a simple nod before joining in with the laughing girls.

“I must say you saved that very well, I must admit I may have overstepped the boundary there, but you did well to recover from it,” Rarity whispered as she leaned closer to Twilights ear. Twilight sat quietly to herself feeling more at home than ever, she patted herself on the back proud of herself for being able to look out for one of her friends.

The girls carried on with their lunches with conversation and laughter flowing with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash having a few one on one chats here and there as Fluttershy felt surer that she was no longer under suspicions allowing her to begin regaining her confidence.

“You know I’ve been thinking about this weekend I’m not gonna have enough blankets and pillows are you alright bringing your own,” Sunset asked chirping up into the conversation.

“Don’t worry darling I have plenty that I can bring,” Rarity said attempting to put the flame-haired girl's worries at ease.

“I can bring my blanket from home, but it would probably only be enough for two people,” Fluttershy added.

“Yeah that’s great, I’ve got enough for maybe three of us at a push so the extra’s would be really appreciated unless you want to get cold,” Sunset replied causing laughter and excitement to fill the group as they talked about the endless possibilities of things they could do. Sadly however this excitement was cut short as three girls approached the table.

“Yo Dash we gotta talk,” The girl at the front asked a sense of command in her voice.

“Yeah no prob Spitfire what’s up, I’ll BRB guys don’t worry,” Rainbow Dash replied getting up from her seat and following the trio to an empty table.

“What do you think that’s about,” Twilight asked the group of remaining friends.

“You know I’m not really sure but considering its members from her soccer team it's probably soccer related.” Applejack replied shrugging her shoulders.

“You’ll have to educate me here on who it is that she’s speaking too?” Twilight asked slightly embarrassed at her lack of knowledge.

“Oh, I can answer you that one since I met them at the try-outs yesterday,” Sunset said taking charge in answering the bookworms question. “The one in the middle who’s currently speaking to Dash with the orange hair is Spitfire and she has a bit of an attitude but it makes her a more dominant player on the pitch, on the left there with the white hair is Fleetfoot, she’s pretty calm by nature but tries to play it cool like Dash, when it comes to her soccer skills her agility is her strong suit. Finally, we’ve got High Winds the one on the right with the blue hair she’s more of a follower of Spitfire than her own personality, but she still has a bit of character to her.” Sunset finished summarising looking to Twilight ensuring she understood everything.

“SOOOO we got Spitfire, Fleetfoot and High Winds, bet you can’t say it ten times fast.” Pinkie spoke not giving Twilight a chance to respond as she began reciting the names as quickly as she could.

While Applejack, Sunset and Twilight joined in with the excitable girl to see who could repeat the names with the fastest pace Rarity found herself subtly watching Fluttershy who sat quietly watching Rainbow Dash interacting with her soccer team, having once again left at a moment’s notice to hang out with them, Fluttershy knew that Dash had said she would be back soon but it still left her feeling forgotten feeling each ounce of confidence that has mustered slowly seep away. In Fluttershy’s mind, she felt it was petty of her wanting to have the complete attention of someone else, it’s not like they were kids anymore it was more than just the two of them and Dash had her own life to live.

After some time Rarity brought up her curiosity as to what they could be speaking about earning herself the attention of the table and shifting it onto the four girls who were sat on the other end of the cafeteria.

“My lip-reading skills tell me she’s talking about waffles and pixies,” Pinkie said trying to sound like an expert in the field.

“I don’t even think you could fool Derpy with those skills Pinks,” Sunset said chuckling to herself.

“Hey now you leave that poor girl alone she’s brighter than you might think," Rarity said defending the peculiar girl.

“Yeah she has incredible baking skills like she makes muffins as good as I make cupcakes,” Pinkie added the excitement in her voice increasing over the topic of baked goods.

“Hush now Rainbow Dash is coming back,” Rarity said snapping her fingers to obtain the girl's attention as the Rainbow haired athlete returned the table carrying a garment she had received from Spitfire.

“Heya guys I'm back and I bring some pretty big news,” Rainbow said with a huge smile on her face as she sat back down between Sunset and Fluttershy. “This here is for Sunset,” She said handing the article of clothing across to the flame-haired girl.

“Thanks but what exactly is it?" Sunset asked as she started to unravel it her jaw-dropping as it took its true shape.

“Is this the soccer teams’ uniform?” Sunset said asking yet another question her face forming a smile as she began to piece the puzzle together, “Did I make the team?”

Dash gave a smile and nodded patting Sunset on the back, “That’s right I talked it over with the team and we’ve all come to the agreement that you held your own the best on the field yesterday, so we want you on the team, that’s if you still want to anyway?”

Sunset rubbed the fabric between her hands feeling its silky texture as she took a final moment to process the information she had been given, feeling pride in herself that she was wanted on the school soccer team. “Yeah I’d love to play it was pretty fun yesterday, so I don’t see why not.”

“That’s so awesome,” Dash cheered throwing a fist into the air and nodding to Spitfire who was stood at the other side of the cafeteria who returned the nod and swiftly left walking out into the school corridor.

“You know Dash not to sound like I ain't got no faith in ya, but I thought that was the last we’d see of ya today when you got up and left with those three,” Applejack added.

“Guys come on I know I’ve been gone a lot, but I’ve not been That bad right?” Rainbow Dash asked looking between each girl sat around her at the table.

“Its been pretty bad darling, not to sound like I'm kicking you down but until yesterday I actually hadn’t seen you for two weeks,” Rarity replied with a wince.

“Yeah you’ve been like a spooky ghost I thought you’d abandoned us all forever and ever and EVER,” Pinkie added putting on a deep voice for dramatic effect causing Rarity to emulate a facepalm as to not smudge her makeup.

“Really that bad, like I had an idea it would have been sucky after what Sunset and that had said to me but damm,” she cut the sentence short sighing to herself before turning to the pink haired girl beside her, “How about you Shy, you feel the same way?”

Everyone on the table had their attention brought down onto Fluttershy the quietest one of them all. However unlike Fluttershy’s usual reaction to this kind of thing, she hadn’t even noticed the numerous pairs of eyes watching her, she was fixated on Dash her thoughts racing on how she should respond. Fluttershy didn’t want to hurt Rainbow Dash's feelings but she needed to know how it had affected her, she wanted to tell her how it was making her feel inside, how much smaller she felt when Rainbow wasn’t around.

“Rainbow..” Fluttershy started letting the words begin to seep out before an orange haired girl approaching them caught their attention

“Yo Dash,” Spitfire started unaware that she was interrupting, “We gotta get you and hothead here down to the principal’s office she wants to see you.”

“Why Principle Celestia’s office when we all joined the team they just went over the stuff we needed to know in the changing rooms?” Dash asked warily of the fact that they could be in trouble.

“Yeah she’s just eating her lunch and asked me to take you both to her, apparently the new coach is there too,” Spitfire replied before heading back the way she had gone before.

“Well I suppose we better go Sunset,” Dash said awkwardly aware she was already leaving the group despite the previous conversation.

“Wait I’m hothead, why?” Sunset asked a mixture of confusion and anger in her voice.

“Well probably two reasons think you can guess them,” Rainbow replied trying to keep a straight face.

“My deduction would conclude that its one because of your hair colour and two your history of having a short temper,” Twilight answered acting as if it was a quiz.

Sunset did not look amused glaring between both her sporty and nerdy friend, “let’s just go already,” She said her glare breaking into a smile and letting out a laugh that was shared with the group.

“Well I suppose I better see to this I’ll be back as soon as I can and if that’s too late I’ll see you tomorrow,” Dash said grabbing her back and standing up.

“Trust me if there’s time, I’ll drag her back,” Sunset laughed as she stood up and began walking with Rainbow Dash following in Spitfire's footsteps.

“Well I suppose we can’t blame her for this, after all, it’s by the principals request and the only thing higher than that would be royalty,” Rarity said her eyes glowing the possibility of a world where Principal Celestia is instead a member of royalty.

“I know that look,” Applejack started, “What are you conjuring up in that there head of yours.”

“Well I just had an idea is all, that for the Christmas ball I could perhaps design our dresses to fit within the theme of royalty like think about its tiara and glass slippers,” Rarity said while daydreaming over the endless possibilities that she could create.

“I don’t know how many times I’ll need to remind you this but I ain't exactly a dress gal,” Applejack brought up not even sure if Rarity was still listening at this point.

The next 5 minutes went on very much like this with Pinkie, Twilight and Fluttershy having a separate conversation between themselves letting the two go at it over whether or not Applejack would wear a dress.

“Not even for me darling pretty please,” Rarity begged fluttering her eyelids.

“Don’t do that,” Applejack said the frustration in her voice growing.

“I don’t know what you mean, do what?” She teased giving her best puppy eyes and fluttering her eyelids even more.

“You know what you are doing with those damm eyes,” Applejack cried waving her hands in front of Rarity’s face.

“Darling I promise I haven’t a clue,” Rarity ensued Fluttering more intensely.

“FINE FINE I’ll put on the dress if you’ll pack it in,” Applejack said raising her arms to surrender to the more fashionable girl.

“Oh I’ll stop, after all, I need to focus on how many frills you’ll have,” She said still teasing and letting out a giggle.

“You sound like a married couple,” Twilight said jokingly causing Rarity to shoot her a stern look causing her to recede back out of the conversation confused as to what she had done wrong causing Fluttershy to start softly giggling.

“You know what this calls for,” Pinkie said standing up with her hands flat on the table.

“No we don’t need a dang party cause I'm wearing a dress,” Applejack said trying to burst the party girls bubble.

“A PA.... oh,” Pinkie said sitting back down causing the whole group of girls to erupt into laughter.

At the other end of the school Rainbow Dash and Sunset were standing outside of the principal’s office talking to Spitfire as they waited to be called inside, the conversation they had was kept short and simple allowing them to drop it at a moments notice. They talked about a range of things soccer based from potential future plays to the things they saw from Sunset yesterday, letting her know her strong points and potential flaws to work on along with letting her know the plans they have for her including plays she will be key in. Sunset did her best to follow along with what they were telling her she knew enough about soccer to grasp what they were saying but hardly enough to be able to fully understand it.

“You may enter,” A commanding voice came from behind the door causing the girls to enter one by one into the dimly lit room seeing a woman sat behind a desk on one side of the room her cyan coloured eyes almost glowing in the darkness with her dark blue and lilac hair flowing behind almost emulating the night sky.

“She has asked you go straight in,” Vice-Principal Luna said in that same tone urging the girls to carry on over to the other side of the room where a door stood with a shining light seeping through the gaps and into the shaded office of Luna's. The three girls moved together greeting the woman behind the desk before entering into the other room.

This office was very much unlike the one they had left behind them with the difference being like night and day with the large windows on every corner of the room causing massive amounts of sunlight to filter in with a desk sat in the centre of the room which housed yet another woman, Her hair was like a stream of daylight brandishing light mellow colours and her eyes a calm shade of pink. She wore a yellow jacket with a sun pinned to her chest, “Ahh, hello girls I’m glad Spitfire found you I had a few things I needed to go over with Sunset and since you are the team captain Rainbow Dash I felt it was appropriate you were present.”

“Of course Principal Celestia, what do you need me to do?” Sunset asked starting to question what kind of sports team needed this kind of official initiation.

“Oh, its nothing major just need you to sign a few things that say you give us permission to take you out of the school grounds for matches. Usually, your parent or guardian has to sign it but well you’re a bit of a special case,” She said looking at Sunset with a warm smile as she flipped a document around for her to sign.

“And what did you need me and Dash for?,” Spitfire asked raising the question as she stood leant against the back wall of the office.

“Well that’s the main reason you’re all here together rather than me just chasing Sunset down for her to squiggle her name down then hunting you down for this, it’s very exciting news you see,” Celestia said getting a little ahead of herself.

“Wanna tell us what it is?,” Rainbow Dash questioned motioning with her hand for Principal Celestia to carry on.

“Of course well you see Vice principal Luna and I have been interviewing for the position of the new Gym teacher and Coach and since you are both the Captain and Vice-captain of the soccer team we felt it appropriate that you should be formally introduced,” Celestia said to the three girls in the room before pushing a button on her desk to turn on the intercom, “Luna could you send in the new coach please?” She said lifting her hand away from the button to continue speaking to the girls directly.

“Now from what we’ve been told he himself was a star athlete and a captain of a soccer team himself, so he’s got the playing experience and for coaching experience he’s not only a personal trainer but has done private coaching for several professional soccer players and that’s not even everything,” Celestia said in a kind tone.

“He sounds great it’s exactly what the team needs to give us that edge over everyone else,” Spitfire said eagerly, coming away from the wall and heading over to the desk in the centre of the room.

“He sounds like my dad,” Dash said jokingly.

“That’s the other thing,” Celestia said her soft smile still holding on her face, but her sentence was cut short by Luna opening the door and guiding the coach inside with the three girls turning around to see who their new coach would be. A tall man with short rainbow coloured hair stepped into the room looking at everyone with a smile,

“You guys ready for Canterlot high to take the trophy this year.” The man said extended his hand to shake Spitfires.

Sunsets jaw dropped at what she’d heard there’s no way this was actually Rainbow Dash’s dad although the similarities were there with the hair and everything, Sunset turned to Dash preparing to ask her if it was actually her dad, but she already got her answer just from seeing Dash. Rainbows face had lost nearly all its colour and her jaw was dropped wide open.

“Uh, you alright there dash?” Sunset asked nudging her friend with her elbow.

Rainbow shook herself trying to accept the reality of the situation, this was her dad in school why was he in school and why was he now her coach. Rainbow Dash slowly turned her head to face Sunset and silently mouthed, “This will not end well for any of us.”

Author's Note

Heya guys it's me again :derpytongue2:

Hope you like the chapter and remember you can always leave me your thoughts and suggestions.
I also appreciate any criticisms you might have or any corrections you might see slip past my checking

Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it :scootangel:

Chapter 4 : The Principal Wants To See You

Chapter 5 : Excitement Awaits

It was a new day at Canterlot high no one truly knew what happened yesterday with Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer because no one saw them or even heard from them. Fluttershy sat in the classroom pondering what could have happened that kept them so preoccupied, Rainbow Dash didn’t even respond to the text that she had sent the previous night. What Fluttershy didn’t know is that Rainbow Dash and Sunset would have loved to come back to the dining hall and re-join their friends, but it wouldn’t have been allowed. Bow had instantly taken over the team like an authoritarian having gathered the team that very same lunch and gone over the foundation rules.

“You want to win this season, you want to be scouted for your dream team, then I suggest you listen up and buckle up. We will meet every night after school for practice with limited exceptions, you get to school early I want to see you on the field, your lunches will be spent here on the field. Without dedication, you will lose out on your dreams!” Bow boomed as he paced back and forth in front of the line of stunned soccer players.

“But Sir what if we have other responsibilities? Like I have band practice on Thursday lunch,” A girl called out from the line.

“Is it the school band?” Bow asked turning towards the girl and calling her to step out in front of the line.

“Yeah, I play the tuba.” She replied unsure of the kind of response she would receive.

“That is a responsibility to the school, and I can accept that since it is one session a week, however social calls and recreation will not be sufficient I can’t have you running off every lunch to play jump rope when you could be practising the field.” He said dismissing the girl back into her place among the line of girls.

Sunset could hardly believe what she was hearing he really expected them to miss out on hanging out with their friends during lunch, her face was struck with shock turning to look at Dash who simply nodded and weakly smiled.

“I told you this would mean trouble,” Dash said the smile dropping into a look of concern, “What are we meant to tell the others?”

“I don’t know Dash, but we’ll have to think of something, he’s your Dad can’t you talk some sense into him?” Sunset pleaded to grasp at any chance of hope they might have. But this hope was quickly crushed before Rainbow Dash could even respond.

“And I want to make something very clear,” Coach Bow started, “Just because I am Rainbow Dashes father does not mean she will be getting any extra points or let off easy, if anything she will get it the worst as team captain she should be pushed harder than her team to ensure she is able to lead them so she’ll be the first one here in a morning and the last one to leave at night.” He said moving his eyes across the team before settling them on his daughter the star player that he needed to succeed.

“Me and my big mouth,” Sunset whispered across to Rainbow Dash, “I shouldn’t have said anything about you being related to him.” A look of guilt on her face as she saw the frown grow further across Dashes face.

“Nah it ain't your fault, this is just my Dad for you.” She said a miserable tone clinging to her voice as she spoke.

“Now I wanna see what you’re made off so get out there and show me what you can do!” Bow shouted signalling to all the girls to get out there on the pitch and partake in a practice match.

Back in Fluttershy’s world the fact she was lost in her thoughts was becoming more and more obvious gaining her the attention of her usual classmate Silver Moon however she chose not to say anything after all class was almost over and she’d be leaving Fluttershy to go on her way to her group of friends. As if by coincidence the bell then began to ring knocking Fluttershy out of her thoughts and into the world around her.

“Wanna walk with me to the cafeteria from there we can split off and go to our usual places?” Silver asked as she packed her things away.

“Yeah I’d like that,” Fluttershy whispered having already packed her things away and standing up out of her seat.

The two girls began to walk out of the classroom wishing their teacher Ms Somnambula a goodbye and headed on their way down the corridors of the school in the direction of the cafeteria. They didn’t walk quickly and so would giggle between themselves at the hordes of students rushing to get the first pick of the food, mainly the desserts. When Fluttershy’s attention was captured by a girl amongst the crowd rushing past them only being noticeable due to her Rainbow coloured hair.

“Hey, isn’t that your friend Rainbow Dash?” Silver asked nudging Fluttershy with her elbow to get her attention.

“Yeah that’s her,” Fluttershy said beginning to realise this would be a good chance to ask about what happened yesterday and why she didn’t respond to her text. “Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy attempted to shout having no real success due to her hushed voice resulting in a failed attempt to get the athletes attention.

Silver held back her laughter at the shy girls attempt to raise her voice since it just made her sound like she was angrily whispering when an idea struck her, “YO DASH!,” She shouted with more success grabbing the athletes attention who upon turning around saw Fluttershy and the girl who’d shouted her, heading straight over to meet them.

“Hey Flutters, I'm really glad I managed to find one of you, I need you to do me a favour and pass on a message to the group since I’m in a rush and can’t really stop,” Dash said her face still stained from the concern of yesterday.

“O.. oh, of course, Rainbow, is something wrong?” Fluttershy responded slightly worried by the lack of time the athlete appeared to have.

“You’ve got no idea,” Dash started as she tried to quickly explain, “Basically Sunset and I won’t be able to hang out with any of you guys this lunch or potentially any other lunch again because we have to partake in soccer practice. It sucks I know but right now we’re powerless to stop it, so if you wouldn’t mind could you pass the message on for me.” Dash said desperation growing in her voice.

“I’ll let them know,” Fluttershy said wanting to say more but being denied the chance as Rainbow Dash instantly began to rush off.

Fluttershy was left in the corridor at this point basically alone since all the other students had made their way into the cafeteria and only Silver remained stood beside her, but none of that mattered. She was still trying to process what had just been said to her. Did she even hear it right? Rainbow Dash wouldn’t be able to hang around with them at any of their lunches after only just starting to get her back? Fluttershy felt something close to emptiness, like something had opened inside of her, she’d felt it before when Rainbow Dash had stopped hanging around with them this cold empty feeling.

“You wanna carry on walking Shy?” Silver piped up catching the pink haired girls’ attention.

“Oh no I’ve got somewhere I need to be so I'm gonna go this way,” Fluttershy said as she headed off in the opposite direction of the cafeteria.

“But what about your friends,” Silver shouted calling after the girl who was now walking away from her, but she got no response.

Silver unsure what to do carried on with her original goal and headed into the cafeteria but on her way to her usual table with Octavia and Derpy she made a quick stop at the table Fluttershy was meant to be at.

“Rarity would you mind if we had a quick word? I’m a friend of Fluttershy’s.” Silver asked awkwardly.

“Of course darling is everything alright?” Rarity said answering the previous question with her own.

Silver began to retell the events that had just occurred passing along Rainbow Dashe's message for Fluttershy and mentioning the sudden change in Fluttershy’s behaviour.

“I’m sorry darling, are you saying Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer will not be joining us for lunch for a good while and upon being told this Fluttershy has gone running off,” Rarity questioned, her face full of worry and confusion.

“Yeah I didn’t know what to do so I came to you guys,” Silver said rubbing the back of her neck.

“Ya did the right thing sugar cube we can deal with it from here.” Applejack spoke while tipping her hat.

“I’ll make sure to come and speak to you when we solve this issue or get to the bottom of it.” Rarity said with a warm smile on her face filling Silver with confidence that she had done the right thing and left the issue in capable hands.

“Alright thanks guys, I really had no idea what was up and as Shy’s friend I just wanna make the sure the right people are there to cheer her up.” Silver said a compassionate smile on her face.

“You’ve done a marvellous job, now go and enjoy your lunch and I’ll let you know.” Rarity said sharing the smile and sending Silver Moon on her way.

“So girls, time for a quick meeting. What do we make of this?” Rarity said leaning over the table to close the gap and increase the level of secrecy over the topic within the group.

“No meeting needed Sgt Rarity, Rainbow Dash has hurt Fluttershy and now Fluttershy is out there all alone upset, operation cheer up is engaged.” Pinkie said her eyes squinted as they moved between each person on the table as she stood up and charged off in search of the missing girl.

“We should probably go after her,” Twilight suggested watching the party girl move further and further away from the table.

“You’re right we can’t leave her Fluttershy with her, she’ll exhaust her.” Rarity said looking between Applejack and Twilight.

“Well, I reckon you pair go figure out what all this business is with Rainbow Dash” Applejack started, “An I’ll go see if me and Pinkie ain't able to help Fluttershy find her smile.”

“Sounds good to me, stay in touch so I know if she’s alright.” Rarity replied getting up with Twilight and walking off in search of the athlete leaving Applejack on her own.

“Now where on earth has that girl gotten too,” Applejack said to herself attempting to retrace Pinkies steps.

Fluttershy had headed straight out the side doors of Canterlot high and trekked to the other side of the field to the edge of the school grounds where a lone tree sat offering an oasis of shade to the area around it. This was a place Fluttershy had visited a lot during the time when their friend group had been disbanded and they were no longer speaking to each other, it was the perfect place to avoid bullies, noise and well everything. Due to it being the only tree in the area it was often visited by birds and squirrels which only made her fondness for the secluded location grow. Everything was going fine until she rounded the tree seeing a girl already sat there with a rock on her knee and phone in hand.

“Oh my, I’m sorry I didn’t realise someone was already here,” Fluttershy said shyly backing away.

“it’s okay I was just talking to boulder in a place where I wouldn’t be called weird,” The purple-haired girl said now turning to look at Fluttershy, “You are my sister Pinkie Pie’s friend aren’t you?”

“Yes I’m Fluttershy, you must be Maud,” Fluttershy said edging closer to the girl and sitting beside her.

“You are they quiet one, my sister has suggested in the past that we would get along as we share this trait,” Maud said placing the rock on her lap at her side.

“That’s a pretty stone,” Fluttershy spoke as she looked down admiring the smooth rock beside Maud.

“This is a boulder, he is my rock buddy,” Maud said picking boulder back up in her hands and petting its flatter surface.

“He?” Fluttershy asked tilting her head to the side in confusion.

“Yes it is a he, I come here to speak to him,” Maud said her face showing no emotion.

“Oh I'm sorry then I must be interrupting I can find somewhere else,” Fluttershy said her face turning red with embarrassment for intruding on something.

“No it is okay, you came here first meanwhile I know other spots, you may have this one I shall move,” Maud said gathering her things and standing up.

“Oh no I don’t want to make you move I really don’t mind leaving.” The shy girl said in response her face turning redder as she began to feel guilt welling within her.

“I’m serious and besides it looks as if you need this place more than me,” Maud said her face and voice still showing no emotion but Fluttershy couldn’t help but feel like she was smiling at her.

“T…thank you,” Fluttershy said softly as she weakly waved Maud off.

“Goodbye Fluttershy hopefully we can meet under better circumstances next time,” Maud said as she waved goodbye.

“I’d like that.” The pink haired girl said as one last thing before Maud moved too far away to hear her.

Now Fluttershy was alone and could think about what Dash had told her and what she planned to do.

“Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash, where might you be?” Rarity questioned aloud as she peered into each passing classroom and corridor she came across.

“We should probably check the soccer pitch since that is typically where she is.” Twilight suggested looking over at Rarity who by now was almost pressed up against a window.

“I'm afraid she isn’t there from what I can see, which means she could still be in the changing rooms, quickly let us go.” Rarity announced strutting down the corridor like a woman on a mission.

“You know despite the dire situation this is kinda fun,” Twilight said as she held her book bag to her side hurrying after the fashionista.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was indeed inside the changing room taking her time to get changed in order to spend as little time as she could out on the field under the watchful rule of her father.

“I know it’s kinda intense the regime your dad has got us on, but it can’t be that bad.” Sunset started looking over at her glum friend as she tied her Rainbow coloured hair up into a ponytail.

“Dude we literally have no time to spend with our friends now.” Rainbow said unsure if Sunset had forgotten that bit.

“He wasn’t like serious about that right, every lunch?” Sunset asked a mixture of concern and doubt on her mind.

“If I know my dad and trust me I do this is only the beginning,” Rainbow said her facial expression beginning to match Maud’s.

“Rainbow Dash are you in here darling?” a familiar voice called out.

“Rarity?” Sunset asked turning to see a girl with purple hair enter the changing rooms.

“In the spotlight darling,” Rarity said flicking her hair over her shoulder, “Now could I trouble you for a word outside please.”

“Uh yeah, I’ll just be a minute,” Rainbow responded as she finished dressing.

Rarity nodded and headed back out of the changing room and towards Twilight confirming that Rainbow Dash would be here momentarily, which after a minute or two she did.

“Hey, guys what’s up? Did Fluttershy pass my message along.” The rainbow-haired girl spoke as she closed the changing room door behind her and headed across the hallway to them.

This question earned her a concerned look from both Rarity and Twilight who looked at each other before answering Rainbow Dash.

“I’m afraid not in fact we had a White haired girl deliver the message in her stead.” Rarity replied.

“Oh that Silver girl that’s in her history class, yeah she was with her when I told her but why did she tell you and not Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked a look of confusion on her face.

“You see that’s what we came to you about, it appears your message has sent our dear friend AWOL, would you mind telling us exactly what you said?” Rarity said her eyelids closing slightly as she awaited the response.

“Well yeah, I just said that me and Sunset ain't gonna be able to hang out with you guys at lunch anymore because we have to do soccer during all our lunches, and we can’t really say no,” Rainbow answered trying to remember exactly what she had told the shy girl. “And what exactly do you mean AWOL.”

“Yes, I feared you’d said that,” Rarity started before being cut off by Twilight.

“Well she didn’t turn up to lunch and the girl you said was Silver came over and told us Fluttershy had gone off looking really down after you left,” Twilight answered interrupting the purple haired girl.

By this time Sunset had appeared sticking her head out of the changing room door, “What’s this about Fluttershy being upset is everything okay?” She asked.

“Ahh Sunset, well you see Dash here has told Fluttershy neither you nor Rainbow herself will be able to hang out with us again unless it’s out of school time,” Rarity asked motioning for Sunset to come over.

“Well yeah Dash’s dad has taken over the team and those were his words, all our lunches and afterschool is now spent out on the field practising soccer.” Sunset began, “So hanging out with you guys is gonna be real hard besides that sleepover tomorrow.”

“Wait Rainbow Dash your father is the new coach?” Rarity asked her voice mixed with shock and concern. Rainbow Dash didn’t reply she simply just nodded causing Twilight and Sunset to look at them both confused.

“Am I missing something here?” Twilight asked.

“Well let’s just say we aren’t the biggest of fans of Rainbow Dash's father, but this would explain quite a bit.” Rarity said to Twilight before turning back to Rainbow. “Does Fluttershy know?”

“No, I didn’t tell her that, I don’t want her worrying,” Dash answered with an awkward expression.

“Yo guys coach wants us out on the field now,” Spitfire called from inside the changing room, “I don’t like it either but we ain't got many choices right now.”

“We’d better go if he has the reputation you seem to be eluding at I don’t wanna get on his bad side,” Sunset said walking back to the changing room door. “Oh and about Friday can you let everyone know to arrive at five pm since I won’t be home till then.”

“I’ll make sure everyone knows five pm you can count on me,” Rarity said with a reassuring smile as Sunset smiled back and disappeared out of sight.

Rainbow Dash let out a sigh, “I suppose I should follow her.”

“Just a moment if you don’t mind?” Rarity asked grabbing hold of Rainbows arm as she attempted to walk away. “What you said earlier, you didn’t want Fluttershy worrying.”

“Yeah, what about it.” She asked raising her eyebrow in confusion.

“Why don’t you want Fluttershy worrying but you don’t mind any of us worrying.” Rarity said the tiniest of curls appearing at the edge of her lips.

“Well no I don’t want any of you worrying, we were just on about Fluttershy at the time,” Rainbow responded unsure as to what Rarity was getting at.

“I think what she is trying to say is why you do you not want Fluttershy worrying period,” Twilight asked catching onto what Rarity was doing.

“Oh well I dunno, I guess a part of me still feels like I have to look out for her like when we were kids,” Rainbow said her eyes wandering off somewhere as she remembered how things were back then.

“Do you care about Fluttershy?” Rarity asked.

“Well yeah of course I do, I care about you all and trust me I don’t like this lunchtime thing any more than you guys do I’d love for us all to be able to hang out every day,” Rainbow replied sadness welling in her eyes.

“Rainbow Dash where are you?,” A male voice called out, followed by Bow appearing at the end of the corridor. “You are supposed to be outside the whole team is waiting.”

“Sorry dad I was just.” Rainbow started before being interrupted.

“Talking, you were talking. Your whole team is waiting and you’re here flirting.” Bow said crossing his arms.

“Dad I’m not flirting.” Rainbow Dash started once again being interrupted but this time by Rarity.

“I can assure you, Sir, she was not flirting with us, we were simply discussing why she wouldn’t be able to hang out with us and our friends as she would normally do.” Rarity calmly said biting her tongue.

“She won’t be hanging out with you this lunchtime or the next lunchtime because she as the team captain should be out there setting the standard for her team,” Bow began his voice sounding more and more angrier. “You are her friends then I assume, you should be encouraging her to work harder and practice more that is unless you want to be responsible for her not being scouted for a scholarship.

“Sir, I am not suggesting she miss out on a very clear future but surely she deserves some recreational time.” Rarity said the leash on her tongue beginning to slip.

“Are you telling me how to raise my daughter.” Bow said his eyes glaring down at the girl much smaller than him.

“I thought she was the team captain but now she’s your daughter, maybe you should show some compassion.” Rarity hissed about two words away from getting into trouble.

“Rarity,” Twilight said nudging her friend to stop.

“The nerve,” Bow started before he himself was interrupted.

“That’s enough, I'm going out, they need their captain after all.” Rainbow Dash shouted grabbing the attention of both Rarity and Bow.

“Yes of course, and I must apologise there Mr Dash I stepped out of line a little there I shall remember to hold my tongue in future.” Rarity said snapping her fingers and regaining her composure while watching Rainbow Dash walk back into the changing room.

“I’ll let it slide, but as your gym teacher I must warn you to be careful who you speak like that too, could get yourself into some nasty trouble.” Bow said his anger fading into a compassionate smile as he began to walk down the hall and back outside.

“What was with his sudden change,” Twilight asked looking confused at Rarity.

“Well, it would seem he remembered he must be professional since this is his place of work, wouldn’t want to get in trouble for yelling at a student unprovoked.” Rarity said tapping her foot on the ground. “I don’t like this.”

“I’m not confident any of us like this,” Twilight said looking even more concerned and confused than before.

“Pst guys,” Rainbow whispered sticking her head out of the changing room doors, “He gone?”

“Yeah he’s gone back outside but I doubt you have much time,” Twilight said while checking to see if Bow was coming back.

“Yo Rare’s, have I really upset her?” Rainbow said asked a worried look in her eye.

“It would seem so.” Rarity replied an equal look of worry within her.

“Well, I guess I’d better go,” Dash said with a sigh before disappearing back into the changing rooms to head through to the field.

“Come let us find the others.” Rarity said leading Twilight away in search of their friends.

“Flutter Flutter Fluttershy, where is yooooou,” An energetic Pinkie Pie called as she bounced down the hallway in search of her friend.

“Pinkie where’d ya get off too,” Applejack called trying to track Pinkie down by the sound of her voice.

“I’m here cowpoke,” Pinkie answered nonchalantly appearing behind Applejack almost out nowhere.

“How in the hay did you, never mind. Any luck finding her.” Applejack asked looking around to see if Fluttershy was near them.

“Nope, I can’t even find a trace.” Pinkie said her smile turning into a frown.

“Ahh shucks well cheer up Pinkie I’m sure we’ll find her, we just gotta try asking about.” Applejack suggested turning her attention to Vinyl and Octavia walking in their direction.

“Good idea,” Pinkie responded turning towards the duo heading closer to them. “Hiya Octavia, hello Vinyl, have either of you seen Fluttershy.”

“I’m afraid I haven’t myself, but I can keep my eyes open and let her know you are looking for her if I see her,” Octavia replied, “how about you Vinyl?” She asked earning a shaking of the head from Vinyl.

“Ahh well thanks anyway you two,” Applejack said looking slightly disappointed, “Come on Pinkie let’s see if anyone else hasn’t seen her.”

The two girls worked together asking a few people if they had seen their missing friend with them all giving a very similar response. Almost ten minutes had gone by and the girls had made no progress only adding to their disappointment and increasing concern for their friend.

“She could be outside,” Pinkie suggested.

“That ain't a bad idea ya know,” Applejack said tipping her hat to the party girl.

The pair walked together heading towards the main exit poking their heads into any of the empty classrooms they passed hoping they would strike lucky and spot their shy friend inside. As they approached the glass doors the two friends could see Pinkie Pie’s sister on the other side heading towards the building. Applejack took the charge and stepped a few extra steps forward holding the door open for both Pinkie and Maud to walk through.

“MAUD!, fancy meeting you here,” Pinkie called the excitement in her voice being heard for miles around.

“Hello Pinkie, I’m happy to see you,” Maud said her face matching her usual emotionless state causing Applejack to question her use of the word happy.

“So what are you doing outside Maud, looking for a friend for boulder perhaps?” Pinkie asked wondering if she had an excuse to throw a party for her sisters’ new friend.

“No I was talking to boulder when your pink haired friend came over and I offered her my spot,” Maud said unsure as to why Applejack and Pinkie’s faces suddenly changed to show huge smiles.

“We are actually looking for her, Fluttershy right?” Applejack said eagerly.

“Yes, your shy friend she is over there on the other side of the tree,” Maud said extending her arm and pointing to a tree on the other side of the school field.

“Thank you Maud, you’ve no idea how helpful you have been, officially the best sister EVER!” Pinkie announced bouncing on the spot struggling to contain her excitement.

“Yeah Maud you’ve saved us a million there,” Applejack said a sending a sweet smile in Maud’s direction.

“I’m not sure what I’ve done but you are welcome; I shall see you later,” Maud said continuing on her path.

“Well I think we know where we are going.” Applejack said still smiling as she looked towards Pinkie.

“LET’S GO!” Pinkie shouted excitedly as she started running across the field towards where they believed Fluttershy would be.

Fluttershy watched as Maud got smaller and smaller as she walked away, leaving Fluttershy to herself, finally. It had only been a short time since Rainbow had broken the news that once again their group would be split apart, and just as things had started to look up as Rainbow Dash was hanging out with them again. She’s had to go again, and this time Sunset has gone too. A small pool of water began to glaze her eyes as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

“What if we all stop being friends again, this is how it started last time,” She said quietly to herself.

“Now why on earth would that happen,” Pinkie spoke her head peering out from behind the tree.

“She got a point sugar cube; I just can’t see that happening.” Came the voice of Applejack as her head peered out from the other side.

“Girls, what are you, how did you?” A startled Fluttershy spluttered out as she slipped backwards leaving her at the base of the tree on her back seeing their familiar heads above her poking out from behind the tree.

“Need a hand?” Applejack asked stepping out from behind the tree and extending her arm out for Fluttershy to grab.

“And I’ll get the other one,” Pinkie giddily said hopping around from her side of the tree and offering her hand out as well.

“I think I’d rather just stay sitting down here,” Fluttershy responded letting her hair fall in front of her face to hide her eyes.

Applejack nodded and sat down with her back leaning against the tree tipping her hat against the sun to shade her face, “Now how come yer out here Fluttershy.”

“Yeah we’ve all been super worried about you ever since Silver told us you’d gone off looking all upset,” Pinkie said tackling Fluttershy in a hug.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to worry any of you, I just needed some time to think,” Fluttershy guiltily responded hesitantly returning the hug.

“Now what is it you came here to think about?” Applejack questioned.

“It’s nothing really its silly,” Fluttershy stuttered from behind her hair.

“Well I love silly so now you have to tell me,” Pinkie Pie said excitedly while winking at Applejack. “Is it maybe about us not being friends when we totally are!”

“It’s nothing guys,” Fluttershy assured pulling her knees to her face trying to hide from the pair.

“You can tell us anything, we’re your friends,” Applejack said in a comforting tone.

“Yeah and helping each is other what friends are for,” Pinkie added trying to hug the meek girl once more.

“Well I guess,” Fluttershy started but before continuing took a few deep breaths, “It’s just what if this is the beginning of what happened last time again and we are all gonna slowly peel away from each other leaving me pretty much alone again.”

“Don’t worry Fluttershy,” Pinkie said dropping her usual happy go lucky tone which came as a surprise to both Applejack and Fluttershy, “Nothing is going to come between us all we’re best friends and none of us will have to go through that loneliness again.”

“Wow Pinkie you actually sounded serious for a change,” Applejack said the surprise still glued to her face, “By the way Fluttershy this wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with Rainbow Dash and Sunset supposedly not being able to hang out with us anymore.”

The shy girl didn’t open her lips to respond she simply remained behind her hair and slowly nodded.

“Oh that Rainbow Dash saying such crazy things,” Pinkie said reverting back to her energetic self, “Rarity and Twilight have already gone to get to the bottom of that, so you don’t need to worry that pink head of yours.”

“She’s right if anyone can figure out what’s going on with all this it’s the girl with the most charm out of us and the smartest one out of us, working together they can solve it.”

“You think Rarity is charming,” Fluttershy said as she lifted her head slightly letting a smile appear from under her hair.

“Now you know I didn’t mean it like that,” Applejack said beginning to fluster as she had the smallest blush appear on her face causing Fluttershy to giggle a little.

“SHE LAUGHED! Mission complete,” Pinkie shouted while joining in with Fluttershy’s light laughter.

“Anyway don’t get worrying about any of this Dash business, the others are sorting it and besides we’ll be seeing them both tomorrow at Sunsets so it’s not like they are gone forever,” Applejack said that comforting smile returning.

“You’re right,” Fluttershy said finding herself empowered by her friends, “I can just make sure we meet up a lot out of school times.”

“I wonder if they found Rainbow Dash?” Pinkie asked aloud earning her shrugs from the two girls sat with her.

“We did,” Came a familiar voice as Twilight appeared from the other side of the tree, “I can’t judge on what kind of news I bring since I don’t know as much as Rarity seems to.”

“And where is Rarity,” AJ asked curiously.

“I’m here, I’m here, I must say Fluttershy as pretty as this place is it was not designed to be traversed by a lady in heels,” Rarity said stumbling over a few tree roots before giving up and sitting down where she was.

“So how was your mission,” Pinkie asked her eyes shifting from side to side like she was meeting with a high-level informant rather than her friend.

“Well, I can’t say its good news but also can’t say it’s bad. From what I can gather the new coach is being a little rough on them at the moment, but I doubt it will last I mean at some point one of the team members will complain to the principal and then something will have to change.”

“Oh, by the way, Sunset asked if we didn’t mind arriving a little later tomorrow since she has soccer practice first,” Twilight said recalling what she had been told.

“Well, why don’t we watch them practice and we can all head to Sunset’s together,” Pinkie suggested the excitement building in her voice.

“That sounds like a splendid idea but how exactly will we all travel there together we don’t have a vehicle big enough,” Rarity said in response to Pinkies suggestion.

“We can go in separate vehicles I don’t think we will need more than two of our own,” Twilight said having quickly added up the number of people and the average number of seats in a car.

“But I have things to bring to my car will be full,” Rarity said her lips slightly downturned.

“Well I can fit a lot of you in my truck including space for items so if Rarity you take Twilight and Sunset. I can have the rest of them and collect everyone’s stuff in the morning and load it into the truck to save space.” Applejack suggested looking to Twilight to ensure it was possible.

“Yeah that seems logical by my standards,” Twilight said settling Applejacks doubts as to whether her idea was plausible.

"I suppose that’s settled then, I’ll ring Sunset in a moment and let her know.” Rarity said with a smile admittedly feeling as excited as everyone else, well everyone except Pinkie who at this point was bouncing around the tree giggling. “Though Applejack darling can I have a quick word it’s about sizes for your dress and it’s rude to discuss a lady’s size in the company of others.”

“I mean I ain't wearing a dress but sure,” Applejack said getting up and walking a little distance away from the group with Rarity.

When Rarity felt they were a safe enough distance away from earshot as to not let Fluttershy hear she began to speak, “Okay you need to keep this to yourself for now, but the new coach is Bow Hothoof.”

“Rainbows Dad?,” Applejack asked her jaw almost dropping.

“Hush hush, yes I’m afraid so, now the reason I dragged you over here is because Rainbow Dash isn’t keen on Fluttershy finding out as she says it’ll worry her.” Rarity said all the while keeping her voice to a hushed volume.

“So what your telling me is we can’t tell Flutters that the coach is Bow?” Applejack questioned.

"For now yes I suggest we keep quiet about it, Fluttershy already appears to be upset and if Rainbow Dash’s idea is correct and it’ll upset her further then I’d rather not push her,” Rarity replied a very clear level of seriousness in her voice. “How is she by the way?”

“She seems alright, we’ve made her laugh a little and we seemed to have cheered her up but she’s really beating herself up making her think she’ll never see Dash again.” Applejack said dropping her hat down to block their voices from potentially reaching the group.

“She clearly seems to know more about Dash and her relations with her family since Rainbow was talking specifically about her and such. So its best we don’t tell her in case it sparks something.” Rarity said her mind wandering to how much more Fluttershy might know about Dash than the rest.

“You’re right, but anyway we should get back and try to cheer her up, I’m not exactly confident she’s feeling alright yet.” Applejack said as she began to walk back with Rarity.

“You’re very caring, you know farm girl.” Rarity said softly nudging Applejacks elbow with her own.

“Well I just try to be a good friend to you all,” Applejack said hiding the blush appearing on her face with her hat.

The two girls headed back to the group and collectively made it their mission to make Fluttershy feel back to her 100% shy but happy self. It took a little while but after Pinkie had pranked Applejack with a water balloon laughs could be heard from all around and Fluttershy felt like those dark ideas were now put at rest and she smiled for the rest of the lunch and throughout her lessons as she conveniently shared her next two lessons with her friends, have been able to sit next to Rarity during textiles and spent the final hour of the day baking cupcakes with Pinkie and Silver in food tech. All the while letting Silver know that things were okay now.

Rainbow had gotten home late, much later than usual and it was all thanks to her father, he’d made her stay till every last member of the team had gone home and then she had to pack all the kit away, “Like a real team captain,” she angrily said to herself mocking him. However now she was home and it was far too dark for her father to thrust any spontaneous training onto her meaning she was safe to relax. She lay back on her bed and grabbed the remote for her tv flicking through the various channels until having her eye catch onto a movie that looked somewhat interesting. From the short few seconds, she’d seen she had made the connection that this was about robots and they were gonna fight monsters coming out of the ocean. Rainbow Dash always found herself being unable to resist the call of a monster movie, something about a huge creature being fought always appealed to her. She recalled how her friend Fluttershy would always complain at her love for this genre of movie since Fluttershy hated seeing any creature or animal being involved in a fight even if it was a giant worm from out of space. The memory struck her in an instant, what had happened today, what she had been told. Fluttershy was upset over something she had done, the guilt washed over her urging her to check on her. So Rainbow did just that, she pulled her phone out of her pocket and shot her friend a text.

*Hey Shy, heard I’d upset you today, are you alright? Do you wanna talk? *

Rainbow Dash stared the screen of her phone for a good few minutes with each passing second causing her to slowly feel more and more disheartened.

“Why would she want to speak to me now anyway, I’m the reason she’s upset,” Dash said with a sigh letting her phone fall onto the bed beside her and continuing to watching the movie.

This didn’t last long, the sheer effort that had been demanded from her that day and the energy she’d needed was starting to catch up with her, the athlete felt as her eyes began to feel heavier and heavier, her attempts to fight it off failing. She felt with each blink her eyes would remain closed for longer and longer periods every part of her body wanted to sleep and although her mind was fighting so that she could watch the movie, it was an uphill battle and she was losing. Her eyes closed to blink once more, but this time they didn’t open. Rainbow Dash had fallen asleep.

Fluttershy was sat in her living room watching the ending to the latest episode of a tv series she’d been following with her mother. She lay on the couch in the dark room snuggled up under a blanket the glow from the tv being the only light source illuminating her face in the dark. She watched as the episode ended with a cliff hanger and the credits began to roll.

“Ooh what do you think that was all about then,” Her mother asked.

“I don’t know but it’s exciting to think about,” Fluttershy responded her voice only just loud enough to be heard from the other side of the room.

“Well I suppose we will have to wait until tomorrow to find out,” Her mother spoke finishing off the last few bits of popcorn from her bowl.

“I won’t be here tomorrow remember, I’ll be at Sunsets for the sleepover,” Fluttershy said hiding her mouth behind the blanket so her mother wouldn’t see how wildly she was smiling.

“Oh yes I remember, then we’ll watch tomorrow’s episode on Saturday before Saturday's episode,” Her mother said setting tomorrow’s episode to record.

“I don’t know if Rainbow would wanna watch this with us it’s kinda mushy,” Fluttershy said letting out a soft laugh.

“Why would Rainbow be watching it?” She asked confused.

Fluttershy let out a gasp she’d had so much on her mind that she’d forgotten to say, “I’m so sorry I forgot to tell you that Dash is coming here to hang out after the sleepover.”

“Oh okay, make she has enough clean clothes and I’ll have your father get the air bed out to blow up for her to sleep on in case she stops over, and about our show. She’s gonna have to suffer through it since I’m not waiting another day to find out.” Fluttershy’s mother said giggling softly as Fluttershy would. “Anyway it’s nearly eleven pm you should get some sleep; you’ve got school tomorrow after all.”

Fluttershy sluggishly got up wrapped in her blankets like a cocoon and slowly walked to the door stopping just as she was about to exit the room, “Night Mom.”

“Goodnight Sweetie,” Fluttershy mom responded as she began to switch off the electronics and make sure the front door was locked.

Fluttershy headed up to her room and collapsed onto her bed, getting comfortable underneath her blanket wrapping it around her, she reached her arm out of her makeshift nest and picked up her phone from her bedside table to check she had an alarm set turning it on to the see the message from Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy heart instantly sank as she was reminded of the events of today and how she had acted, “Rainbow must have been so worried being told I was upset and having no explanation,” She thought to herself as she texted out her response.

*Yeah I’m okay I guess I guess finding out I wasn’t gonna be seeing you and Sunset at school anymore since we don’t share any classes and you no longer have a lunch got to me, sorry if I worried you, and yeah we can talk anytime I don’t mind as long as you aren’t busy.*

Fluttershy noticed the message had been sent over an hour ago meaning by now Rainbow Dash wasn’t sitting waiting for a reply and had probably gone to sleep, Fluttershy plugged her phone in and left it on her bedside table retracting her arm into her nest and closed her eyes quickly falling into a slumber.

Rainbow’s room was pitch black besides for the glow coming from her television, by now the movie had ended and the credits had begun to roll, the athlete could be seen lying on her bed out cold asleep with her shirt screwed up on the floor. The television slowly faded to a dark screen as the credits finished and a number of ads showed before the next movie began to start, now at this point, it was after 11 and this particular channel begins to show horror movies at this time. The movie opened up on a mansion with a couple entering inside due to storm flooding the road and they could no longer travel.

*CRASH*

The sound of lightning boomed from the tv shaking the sleeping athlete awake and sending her tumbling off her bed in fright. Rainbow Dash having left her sleep in a second to being now on the floor found herself a little dazed looking all around the room to figure out where the sound had come from.

*SCREAM*

A woman’s high pitch scream echoed from the tv scaring the athlete once more causing her to throw herself back up onto the bed and glare directly at the source of the sound. Rainbow Dash could not have looked more unimpressed as she realised she’d been woken up by a horror movie getting up and turning it off all the while covering her eyes as she was not yet used to the light. She heavily moved back towards her bed and let herself fall onto it her head landing against the pillow, she began to try and slip into sleep again, but something as caught on her mind like she was forgetting something. Fluttershy! Rainbow’s eyes shot open and she sat up grabbing her phone and checking to see if she had replied. She had and fairly recently in the past half an hour, Rainbow made the decision and called her.

Rainbow sat in her dark room switching her lamp on and setting it to the dim setting to not blind her but allow her to see. Everything was silent except for the dull chirping of the dial tone, it dialled once, twice.

“H.. hel…hello,” A soft but croaky voice spoke from the other end of the line.

“Oh Flutters I’m sorry did I wake you,” Rainbow said as she facepalmed out of guilt for disturbing Fluttershy’s sleep when she herself was annoyed moments ago that her own sleep had been disturbed.

“Hmm, what no it's okay, who is it,” Fluttershy said with a sleepy voice her eyes glued shut.

“It’s Dash sleepyhead,” Dash said quietly chuckling to herself.

“Rainbow is everything alright,” Fluttershy said still not completely with it

“Yeah Shy, everything is okay I just wanted to check on you,” Rainbow said still chuckling at what sounded like a zombie on the other end of the line.

“Why did you video call me its pitch black on your end,” Fluttershy asked beginning to fully wake up.

“Huh did I?,” Rainbows questioned pulling the phone from her ear and holding it out in front of he where she could see Fluttershy lying down in her bed her eyes still squinting as she got used to the light. “Oh yeah, my bad,” Dash added.

But she gained no verbal response, all she could see were Fluttershy’s eyes open fully and her face turning a bright shade of red full of blush.

“You alright there dude?” Rainbow asked unsure as to what was happening.

“Rainbow... I can see… you don’t… you aren’t wearing a shirt,” Shy stuttered out as she struggled to find the words.

Rainbow’s eyes shot open wider than Fluttershy’s looking down at herself to indeed see that she was wearing nothing from the waist up, “Omigosh omigosh,” Rainbow spluttered out grabbing her blanket and holding it above her chest, “I am so sorry, I had no idea I’ve just woken up I'm so embarrassed,” Rainbow said tripping over her words all the while her face was blushing equally as red as Fluttershy’s.

“It’s okay it’s okay, I was just shocked, and they were nice,” Fluttershy said not quite functioning to her usual shy level due to her still not quite being fully there.

“What?” Rainbow asked a mix of confusion and shock on her face.

“Huh, OH no... I said nothing it’s okay, what did you call me for anyway.” Fluttershy said tripping over her words as she sat up to try and wake herself.

“Yeeeah erm right, it was about today Rarity said I’d upset you in what I said,” Rainbow said getting over her embarrassment and remembering why she called in the first place.

“Oh yeah that,” Fluttershy said shyly brushing her hair in front of her face.

“So what’s wrong, how can I cheer you up,” Rainbow asked while giving puppy dog eyes to try and get Fluttershy to open up.

Fluttershy sighed and took a deep breath, “You know how we were on about how we don’t really get to see you much anymore, and you acknowledged how you haven’t been around and were gonna try harder like with the sleepover on Friday. To just come up to me the next day saying that we can basically never hang out again.”

Rainbow’s face was ridden with guilt she knew exactly what it must have looked like to patch up a wound and then to cut it deeper so soon, “You’re right Flutters, I just can’t fully explain it the new coach just wants us out on the field as much as possible no exceptions, me more so than anyone else since I'm the captain.”

Fluttershy sighed again, “I know its selfish of me, you have your own responsibilities.”

“That might be true Shy, but I’ve also got a responsibility to my friends and that includes you Shy,” Rainbow said her face now showing as much compassion as she did when she was younger and was first offering her friendship to Fluttershy.

“Thank you, I needed to hear that,” Fluttershy said her heart doing little flips to hear that Rainbow Dash cared about her, sure she said her whole group of friends, but she’d singled her out. “What about hanging out together and stuff.”

“I'm gonna work on it don’t worry, I’m sure the coach will come around and besides a few of the girls in the team have already complained to Principal Celestia saying it’s overkill and ruining their morale and friendships with those outside the team so hopefully she will step in. On top of that, I’m coming to the sleepover on tomorrow and then yours after for a bit so if anything we will just have to hang out at each other’s houses more, saying each other’s I mainly mean yours.” Dash said taking a few breaths here and there.

“Well that’s good hopefully we will have you back with us by next week, we are all sad you know Pinkie especially since it’s like we’ve lost two of our friends, and what did you mean by saying it’ll be mainly my house,” Fluttershy replied trying to respond to each bit of what Dash had said. “Oh and of course yes I’ll see you tomorrow and my mom knows you’ll coming back on Saturday with me, which reminds me she said to make sure you have enough clean clothes.”

“That sounds like your mom, always looking out for me.” Rainbow said laughing slightly, “and about my place yeah it’s just not great my parents argue a bit as you know, and I don’t want it bumming you out.”

“I’m not gonna mind, it’s not like my parents don’t argue every now and then it’s just something that happens I suppose,” Fluttershy responded innocently trying to mask that she was aware it was far worse in the case of Rainbow Dash’s parents.

“Yeah, I suppose you are right and don’t worry you can tell your mom I’ll even bring my own snacks,” Rainbow said still jesting to bury the conversation about her parents.

“She wants to watch a series with me as well so I’m afraid you’ve gotta watch it with us,” Shy said giggling at the thought of Rainbow Dash watching a romance before letting out a big yawn.

“Yeah I don’t mind, I can always just get some shut-eye if it’s too boring,” Dash said returning her friends yawn with one of her own.

“You look sleepy,” Fluttershy said smiling innocently into the camera.

“So do you,” Rainbow Dash responded giving a short laugh.

“Pinkie is probably going to keep us up late tomorrow,” Fluttershy said an inch of dread in her voice.

“Without a doubt but at least it’ll be a lot of fun,” Rainbow said yawning again, “should probably get some sleep don’t want her attacking us with a marker pen if we fall asleep first.”

“Oh yes I’d rather not experience that again,” Fluttershy said doing her usual soft laugh.

“Well I’d better get off to sleep now, night Shy, see you tomorrow,” Rainbow said getting comfortable in bed ready for her to fall asleep.

“Night night Dashie,” Fluttershy said the innocent smile returning to her face as the call between them ended leaving Fluttershy to fall asleep happy that she had spoken to Rainbow and heard what she had to say spiking a vote of confidence that soon things would go back to how they should be with Rainbow Dash and Sunset hanging out with them again.

Meanwhile, the athlete Rainbow Dash was just laying on her side her eyes closed happy that she had gotten to cheer up her Fluttershy, it was nice to see her smile, and yet that wasn’t the highlight. Dashie, that was a nickname Fluttershy hadn’t called her in a long time, it was nice. This was the last thing on Rainbow Dash's mind as she drifted off to sleep wondering what the slumber party at Sunsets might bring.

Author's Note

Heyo me once more :pinkiecrazy:

Hope you enjoyed this chapter, I made it a long once since my birthday is coming up and thought I'd treat you all, well that and I couldn't stop writing :derpytongue2:

Like always remember to leave me any thoughts and criticisms, I love hearing what people think, Thanks for reading :yay:

Chapter 5 : Excitement Awaits

Chapter 6 - This Terms First Sleepover

“Applejack darling not the back row we don’t want to be too far that we can’t see but so close that I get covered in mud,” Rarity complained as she climbed the steps of the bleachers following Applejacks lead.

“Alright, this here’ll do,” The farm girl replied as she started to walk across one of the rows and sit down in the middle handing Rarity one of the two drinks she was carrying.

“Thank you Applejack,” Rarity spoke taking the drink, “I must say I expected the others to be here by now we didn’t exactly come straight here.

“Um I’m already here,” spoke a hushed voice from behind them.

“Goodness Fluttershy I must admit I didn’t even see you,” Rarity apologised as she assisted the girl in climbing over the chair onto their row.

“I was here first and didn’t wanna draw attention to myself, so I kept low,” Fluttershy squeaked with an innocent smile on her face, “I hope the others get here on time I think it’s starting soon.”

“Nah I can see Pinkie and the others now, so I think they’ll make it,” Applejack pointed out using her extra height to scope out the area.

Rarity gave a gave wave flagging down the group to join them up on the bleachers. Once they were all seated, and Pinkie Pie was done handing everyone snacks out of her bag they sat and chatted for a while the excitement brimming within them as their thoughts bounced over what they would get up to that night. The chat was cut short when a whistle blew silencing the group of girls as they scanned the pitch for the appearance of the team. One by one they all walked out of the changing room in a line and onto the pitch where they gathered in the centre stretching. They sifted through the crowd for their friend’s trademark rainbow or fire coloured hair having Pinkie excitedly shout when she had seen them drawing her the attention of all the girls on the pitch.

“Woooo Dash and Sunset we’re here,” Pinkie shouted jumping up and down in her seat.

“Please keep still Pinkie dear you are shaking the whole row,” Rarity said trying to hold her chair steady.

Rainbow Dash and Sunset took the currently absent coach as a chance to go and greet their friends, rushing over to the bleachers and up a few of the steps.

“What are you guys doing here?” Sunset asked with a big smile on her face.

“We thought it would be nice to come and observe you,” Twilight answered

“Hey Flutters,” Dash said climbing over a row of seats in order to get closer to her, “Didn’t expect to see you till later,”

“It was Pinkie’s idea.” Fluttershy shyly responded looking away to hide her blush.

“Well I’m glad she did, it’s so awesome you are all here and who knows maybe I’ll get my old cheerleader back,” Dash said laughing at the thought of Fluttershy cheering for her from the sidelines.

“Oh I don’t know Rainbow,” Fluttershy said meekly her cheeks glowing redder.

“Either way it's so cool you guys are all here, I'm guessing this means we’re all heading to Sunsets together?” Rainbow asked

“Your deductions would be correct we have it all calculated,” Twilight responded as if she was answering a teacher’s question.

“Well I’m putting my faith in you since I haven’t exactly had time to plan, “Sunset said awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck.

“Not to worry darling between me and Pinkie Pie here we’ve got more than enough things planned,” The fashionista proudly reassured resting her hand over her mouth as she laughed.

“You bet ya I got hundreds and hundreds of super fun things,” Pinkie called excitedly between uncontrollable fits of giggling.

“I can’t wait to hear about it all,” Sunset started but was cut off by the sound of whistleblowing, “I suppose its gonna have to wait.”

The two soccer players hurried back down the bleachers to re-join their team on the field narrowly making it back in time before the coach opened a door out of sight to the group of friends and could only hear his voice.

“I want you running a lap of the pitch to warm-up meanwhile Spitfire, Rainbow get in here and help me carry the gear out.” The coaches voice called echoing across the stands.

Fluttershy’s mind raced at the sound, why did that voice sound familiar? She could have sworn she’d heard it before but where. As if a lightbulb switched on inside her mind she knew, a face had appeared in her mind to match the voice. That was Rainbows Dad, he was the new coach, now it all made sense as to why the whole soccer team was suddenly being pushed so hard.

“The new coach is Bow!” Fluttershy blurted out in a tone much louder than her usual one but it still couldn’t be considered shouting.

“Yes Fluttershy, it is,” Rarity said weakly smiling.

“I do hope he isn’t too hard on them all,” Fluttershy said her face showing concern.

“I think we all hope that,” Rarity declared taking a sip of her drink, her eyes narrow.

“I am going to be honest, I still haven’t a clue why you seem so on edge about him,” Twilight interjected curiosity staining her face.

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out in time darling, you’re a smart girl.” Rarity scowled the memory of her interaction with Bow yesterday still fresh in her mind.

The group watched as the soccer team was set up to partake in a friendly match gain some practice in preparation for the upcoming games. Fluttershy’s eyes were drawn to her Rainbow haired friend watching her duck and weave through players as she made progress up the pitch passing the ball back and forth between Sunset.

“It’s rather impressive watching them work together, they are quite something,” Twilight observed.

“Yeah, she is,” Fluttershy silently said to herself unaware of the smile that had grown on the fashionista beside her.

Rarity looked at Applejack with the pair of them giggling between themselves having to pinch each other to keep their composure. Rarity had a sneaky idea to tease Fluttershy leaning in and whispering into her ear, “You might be thinking aloud there darling.”

Fluttershy’s began to find herself getting flustered letting out an eep and pushing all of her hair forward letting it cover her face as she hung her head in shame, causing Rarity to let out another giggle and nudge her shoulder, “I’m just teasing dear no one else heard it, so you can keep gawking at Rainbow which by the way I think she noticed,” Rarity said urging Fluttershy to come out from her hiding place to which she could see Rainbow Dash looking directly over at them giving a small wave unaware that she had let another player slip the ball past her and was rushing forwards towards her goal.

“RAINBOW WHAT ARE YOU PLAYING AT,” Bow shouted from across the pitch ripping Rainbows attention away from her friend.

Rainbow snapped back to what was happening, charging after the player in the hopes of reaching the ball, but it was too late. They had already scored, and Rainbow was to blame, she had let the ball go past her. Rainbow Dash looked around at her teammates each of them dumbfounded as to how she hadn’t stopped the ball, her eyes were drawn to the coach, her father. Bow Hothoof was stood arms crossed glaring straight at her his eyes enraged, after a few seconds his attention turned to the group of girls on the bleachers that Rainbow Dash had waved at before looking back to his daughter shaking his head. Rainbow felt a blast of emotion wash over her; she knew what this meant, her friends were going to suffer because of something she did.

The game went on for another forty minutes with Rainbow Dash's game now permanently messed up, she was missing shots, passes even tripping over her own feet at one point. Fluttershy watched in horror she’d seen how it had gone downhill since the look Bow had given to Dash, its why she now sucked. The pressure Rainbow was receiving from her father was getting to her, it was messing up her game and her concentration. Fluttershy had this reinforced by the constant checking Rainbow would do looking over at her dad to see if he was still glaring at her his anger being portrayed through his eyes. It wasn’t just Fluttershy that had seen this, all of her friends had noticed it and a few of the soccer players like Spitfire and Cloud Chaser were feeling the negative energy between their star player and the coach.

The game wrapped up and Bow called in all of the players to gather around giving a commendation to the player that had scored against Rainbow and her half of the team. He also asked for Rainbow to stay behind for a short while as he needed to speak to her. He waved the soccer team into the changing rooms with a smile wishing them a good weekend waiting for the final player to fall out of sight before he spoke.

“What on earth was that!” Bow angrily shouted instantly on the attack.

“You should be proud of the team they scored,” Dash said dodging the question in an attempt to defend herself.

“Don’t smart-mouth me,” Bow spoke as he rubbed his eyes, “You were too busy waving at your friends than to pay attention to the game, I’ve told you distractions will cost you your future and they almost cost your team this game.”

“Dad this was a practice game, I wouldn’t do it in an official match.” Rainbow defended still fighting back.

“I’m putting a stop to it now before it gets any worse,” Bow started stopping himself as he saw his daughters’ friends arrive behind her along with Sunset fresh out the changing room.

“I’m sorry if I distracted you Rainbow Dash I really didn’t mean too,” Fluttershy guiltily spoke.

“It’s not jus you’re fault sugar cube we were all here today,” Applejack said pulling the blame from Fluttershy aware of how angry Bow could get.

“Hmm,” Bow said with a grunt, “This better not happen again, have fun with your friend's Dash I’ll see you Saturday.”

Unexpectedly that was it, just like that Bow walked away having gone from 100 to 0 just like that, Rarity as bewildered as this attitude did not match her expectations considering his mood when they first arrived.

“Well erm we should probably get going,” Dash said awkwardly looking at her friends.

“You’ll be travelling with Applejack and Fluttershy, Twilight, Sunset and Pinkie Pie are with me,” Rarity cheered saving the mood and leading her group away so they could get to Sunset’s first.

“Lemme just get changed AJ and I’ll meet you in the car park,” Dash said waving off her friends as she headed into the school.

Sunset walked up the steps of her apartment putting her key into the door and turning the lock opening the door, “Feel free to leave your stuff over by the far wall,” She said pointing to a space at the rear end of the room.

Pinkie went running in her face full excitement throwing her bags up against the wall and spinning in a circle in an attempt to get a full scope for the room.

“Be careful Pinkie you’ll make yourself sick,” Rarity warned her eyes drifting around the room admiring the decorum and style as she sophisticatedly placed her several bags and carrier down against the wall, “I must say the design is simple, but it just screams you, Sunset.”

“Yeah this place is super amazing Sunset you are super lucky,” Pinkie said falling from dizziness.

“Yeah I like it too, you’ve got so much space and your bed being above your desk is kinda neat,” Twilight added her face full of wonder feeling herself drawn to Sunsets bookshelf unaware of what books she might have.

“Thanks, guys,” Sunset said slightly embarrassed a small blush appearing on her face, “Feel free to get out what you need and make yourselves at home while we wait for the others.”

Pinkie immediately jumped into actions running over to one of her several suspiciously large bags and pulling out a few metal poles and some string.

“Uh, Pinkie what is that for,” Sunset asked her face hesitant to know more.

“Making a sort of tent fort thingy for us,” The party girl cheerily replied

Sunset giggled a smile beginning to brighten up her face, “Well let me know how I can help,”

“I got loads more blankets in that bag so grab em,” Pinkie said excitedly pointing towards the bag besides Twilight.

“Oh let me help too,” Twilight interjected keen to join in on her first activity.

“You girls enjoy I shall simply watch the madness,” Rarity commented with a light chuckle as she sat down on Sunset’s one person chair.

The three girls got to work piecing together as large a tent as they could in the corner of Sunsets room, despite Rarity’s earlier comment the three still found themselves being given guidance saying it would make the fort more homely, advising them to use one the plusher duvets from her bag to make the floor more comfortable. Once the girls felt they had done, they all joined Rarity with the three of them cramming onto the couch to marvel at the creation, it looked a little rough around the edges but comfy enough to suffice for its purpose.

“So what exactly is the tent for,” Twilight asked curiously as to why they had made it.

“Well it’s for later when we play some of the games like truth or dare or tell scary stories, it’ll make it more fun being in such a close space, and of course we can sleep in it too,” Pinkie said listing off only a small number of things she had planned for them.

“Let’s keep the scary stories fairly tame please I don’t want us scaring Fluttershy,” Rarity warned.

“You can’t trick me Rarity you get just as scared as she does,” Pinkie said giggling as she teased Rarity.

As Rarity was looking rather frustrated at a laughing Pinkie Pie the doorbell rang signalling their missing friends were arriving, Pinkie ran over to the door and pulled it open to where Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were standing each with bags over their shoulders and arms open to greet their friends, well two of them had their arms open Fluttershy’s were wrapped around her blanket and pillows as they couldn’t fit in her bag.

“Pinkie it’s rude to welcome people into someone else’s home, you should have let our host do it.” Rarity tutted.

“Nah its chill Rares,” Sunset started, “and you guys can leave your things over there with the others.”

Fluttershy dropped her things and headed over to the couch realising there was little space for her and decided to sit on the floor near it instead, something she didn’t expect though was to see Rainbow Dash make the same judgement sitting beside her rather than cramming herself into any gap she could find.

“You’re stuffs here Rarity,” Applejack said lowering her own bag and two others that looked a little out of the cowgirl’s style.

“Thank you, darling, I would have brought them myself, but my car was getting a little cramped,” She said thanking the farmer with a smile making herself more comfortable on the only single chair.

“Don’t mention it, now what are we all up too?” Applejack asked pulling her hat forward as she leaned against the arm of the couch.

Sunset ran through a few suggestions with the girls deciding that it would be better to leave watching a movie till later for when they were getting ready to go to bed having them all settle on playing a few of Sunsets video games with them all grabbing a controller and getting ready as Sunset got it all prepped.

“Okay we are gonna play Mario Kart first it’s pretty simple, use the stick to steer, A to go forward, B goes backwards and the triggers throw your items and let you power slide, it can be pretty challenging so I’ll go easy on you,” Sunset said smugly inserting the disc and taking her seat back on the coach.

The girls went through picking their characters all mainly based on appearance with Dash picking Yoshi as she thought he looked the fastest, Rarity picking Peach the most glamourous looking one and Fluttershy picking Mario in a cat costume because she thought it was adorable. Pinkie instinctively chose metal peach who was essentially just all Pink leaving Sunset to pick the character that had the best stats. Meanwhile Twilight and Applejack had picked at random since they weren’t at all fussy.

The game commenced with Sunset’s earlier confidence at her skills in the game earned her the position of fourth place being beaten by Dash, Pinkie, Twilight and surprisingly Fluttershy who was well ahead in the first place. Fuelled to not let her earlier statement fall flat she kicked into overdrive spending the next lap trying her hardest to get to the front, by the midpoint of lap three Sunset had managed it getting herself into first place the goal in sight when she heard the dreaded words.

“I got this blue shell what does it do?” Rarity asked confused looking over at Sunset.

“Just throw it and find out,” Pinkie giggled knowing full well what was about to happen.

Sunsets ego hit an all-time low as she heard the blue shell approaching her character she knew what this meant. Like fate had decided, it collided into her kart sending her up into the air allowing the other racers to start overtaking her when she had finally finished the race she was in sixth. She had only beaten Rarity.

“Woah Fluttershy you’re pretty good at this. Have you played it before?” Twilight asked amazed at how she had managed to come first.

“Um no this is my first time playing this game,” Fluttershy whispered slightly embarrassed at all the attention she had brought herself.

“Teach me!” Sunset pleaded jumping over to the girl who had so easily outraced her.

“Well um okay, I guess I pushed A and went forward,” Fluttershy conceded confused over how dramatic Sunset was being.

Sunset buried her face into the ground she’d sunk hours into the game and been defeated by her friends so easily the blue shell shall rue the day it messed with me, Sunset thought as she awkwardly got back up and into her seat starting the next race. The group played a few more races before Sunset offered to switch to a fighting game, Rarity quickly decided this game wasn’t for her and along with Fluttershy and Twilight backed out and moved to away to a space in the room.

“You guys sure you don’t wanna play, I can change the game?” Sunset asked a little unsure as to how to handle some of her friends being left out.

“Not to worry dear I’m going to give these pair a makeover,” Rarity excitedly declared dragging the two more docile girls to the side.

“Well, you three have fun and let us know if you wanna jump back in.”

“Likewise darling you will all be getting a makeover or else this isn’t a sleepover,” Rarity laughed to herself seeing the slight fear in Applejacks eyes.

She dragged her willing test subjects away pulling a bag to her side, unzipping it to reveal the large stash of makeup inside ranging from foundation to concealers, you name it Rarity had it.

“Woah Rarity you’ve got a lot there, did you bring everything you had?” Twilight asked sarcastically.

“This is about half I’d say,” Rarity proudly responded dismissing the sarcasm.

“Now then,” The fashionista began grabbing Twilight by her shirt and pulling her in close enough to speak at a volume Fluttershy wouldn’t hear, “Twilight wanna help me make Fluttershy look simply wonderful.”

“I’m not great at makeup, but I can give it my best,” Twilight whispered in return the eagerness in her voice bringing a smile to Rarity’s face.

“I like your passion, we have someone here that we need her to impress,” Rarity smiled winking at Twilight, with them both turning to look at Fluttershy giggling.

“Um, why are you laughing at me,” Fluttershy said feeling uncomfortably exposed.

“We were simply giggling over how stunning we were going to make you,” Rarity answered opening a container and dabbing a makeup brush against it.

“Why me?,” Fluttershy asked curiously one eye visible through a gap in her hair.

“Because we are gonna do you first silly,” Rarity beamed as she passed a bobble to Twilight to tie Fluttershy’s hair back.

Fluttershy sat still as she usually would when Rarity needed to practice some of her techniques, but this time felt different like Rarity had an ulterior motive, she pursed her lips as Rarity often requested in order to better work on her, having gotten a little experience in having makeovers when her mother had taken her to a few fashion shoots last year.

“One more round, one more I can totally beat you this time,” Rainbow cried competitively shaking her fist in Applejack’s direction.

“Sugar this is the fourth time Sunset and I have wiped the floor with you and Pinkie you really think this will make a difference,” Applejack said tipping her hat to her teammate Sunset, all the while sticking her tongue out at Rainbow.

“It would help if Pinkie stopped throwing items at me we’re on a team Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed throwing her arms into the air.

“I turned the friendly fire off two games ago Dash what’s your excuse now,” Sunset teased while fist-bumping Applejack.

Rainbow Dash screwed up her face in frustration her competitive side getting the better of her, it wasn’t that she needed to win she just liked to win, she liked to win a whole lot. A smirk broke through her lips which turned into a smile and then laughter causing all four of them to begin laughing.

“AHEM,” A voice called from behind them causing all four girls playing the video game to turn around seeing the source of the noise. There Rarity stood with Twilight and Fluttershy at her side all three of them having had their makeovers.

Rarity didn’t look much different probably because she already wore makeup to school every day as is, but Twilight and Fluttershy looked fairly different, not too much that you wouldn’t recognise them, but they’d gone from cute to jaw-dropping cute. They had their eyes and eyelashes enhanced making them more defined along with a nice base of makeup just to make their complexion fairer, they each had a small amount of lip gloss dabbed against their lips that perfectly matched their skin colour causing them to gleam, highlighting just how prepared Rarity was for each of her friends.

“Wow guys you look great,” Sunset said her mouth open at the talent of Rarity,

“Yeah YOU LOOK SUPER CUTE,” Pinkie cheered jumping over the couch and diving on Twilight.

“You all looked pretty before but y’all belong on the cover of a magazine,” Applejack said nodding to Rarity.

Fluttershy blushed hard hearing all of the compliments pushing her hair in front of her face to hide it, she could peer through the gaps between the strands of her hair letting her still slightly see her friends, they all looked so impressed even Rainbow Dash. Rarity had done such a good job if only she had the confidence to match it, maybe then she could really impress Rainbow Dash.

Rarity aided in plying Pinkie Pie away from Twilight before sitting down on a chair beside the couch her stomach rumbling as she did.

“I think someone is hungry,” Pinkie said giggling.

“I might be hungry, yes, but a lady’s stomach doesn’t rumble,” Rarity admitted trying to hide the embarrassment.

Just then both Applejacks and Pinkie Pie stomachs began to rumble causing several of the girls to break into laughter, “Well I’m a farm girl, not a lady and I am starved,” Applejack chuckled.

“LETS ORDER PIZZA,” Pinkie declared excitedly.

“Oh I don’t really have that much money for pizza, this place is pretty expensive,” Confessed a red-faced Sunset.

“Not to worry dear you provided the locale we shall provide the food,” Rarity began now what pizza do you all want.

“I can pay for my own don’t worry,” Fluttershy added softly.

“Nonsense darling I recently did a big order of costumes for the town halls theatrical showing of Romeo and Juliet I can handle it,” Rarity contested taking out a pen and paper to write down what people wanted.

That’s Rarity the element of generosity, Sunset thought chuckling to herself as she asked for a pepperoni pizza.

“Can I just have a margherita please,” Squeaked Fluttershy earning a nod from Rarity.

“Yeah go on I’ll have a plain cheese one too,” Rainbow Dash called out.

Rarity noted down the rest of the girl’s order noticing something, “Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, you both want a plain pizza right?” Rarity asked earning a nod from both of the girls, “Well, in that case, I’ll get a large one that you can split meanwhile us four can have the meat feat and pepperoni to share between us,”

Everyone seemed happy with the decision keeping quiet while Rarity made the call. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie had dashed over to the back of the room and began rummaging through her bag mumbling to herself as she did.

“Alright, it’s all sorted,” Rarity began before Pinkie shouted out interrupting her, “GAMES!,”

Everyone turned around confused to see Pinkie Pie stood with various boxes of games that they could play.

“I don’t mind what game we play as long as it ain't monopoly I ain't havin a repeat of last time,” Applejack announced glaring intensely at Rainbow Dash.

“Hey, it’s not my fault I was a little tipsy and frustrated,” Rainbow said rubbing the back of her neck out of embarrassment.

“Yeah tell that to the judge it took us ages to gather all the pieces back up,” Applejack teased now attempting to push a few of the athlete’s buttons.

“Yeah, Sure,” Rainbow moaned rolling her eyes at the farm girl, “Now Pinkie what you got.”

“Well I suppose we could start with charades,” The Pink haired girl replied tossing a box that looked suspiciously like monopoly over her shoulder.

“Sounds perfect,” Twilight and Sunset said in unison causing them to start laughing.

Pinkie prepared the cards placing on the table between them all and dedicated the first turn to Sunset since she was the host. The flame-haired girl stood up and took a card beginning to act as an Anteater in the best way she could, it took the girls a while since Sunset actually had no idea that an Anteater was an animal and so she just looked like she was eating peas from a plate. Upon the group's revelation that Sunset Shimmer had no idea what an anteater was they all burst into uncontrollable laughter with Sunset nearly falling over the table from her laughter causing the girls to laugh even harder.

“MY TURN MY TURN,” Pinkie said jumping excitedly knocking a few cards out of place as she took one from the top of the pile, she looked down at her card examining it and settling on the action she would perform, she placed her fist over her mouth and then clenched her other hand into a fist to spin around her other hand almost like she was squeezing icing into her mouth. The girls made a few mechanical based guesses when a quiet voice could be heard, “Mosquito,” Fluttershy said in her hushed tone not wanting to interrupt anyone.

“Someone said it!,” Pinkie gasped frantically looking around for the person.

“Um…Mosquito,” Fluttershy repeated her voice somehow sounding quieter in the silence.

“That’s right,” Pinkie said high fiving the meek girl who was looking a little embarrassed to receive the attention.

“How did you get Mosquito from that?” Sunset asked her confused expression showing just how bewildered she was.

“She was doing sign language,” Fluttershy replied.

“You and Pinkie know sign language?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy nodded turning to Pinkie Pie, "Pinkie and I took lessons at school so that we could talk to Vinyl better since she uses sign language a lot.”

“That’s actually really cool of you,” Dash praised patting Fluttershy on the head.

“Oh thank you,” Fluttershy replied looking down at the floor to try and hide that her face was blushing crimson red.

“Fluttershy darling it’s your turn,” The purple-haired fashionista cut in pointing to the stack of cards on the table.

“Oh...um okay,” Fluttershy conceded taking a card as she stood up she looked at what was written on it.

*A bunny*

Fluttershy knew how to act like a rabbit she had angel bunny as her example. She placed the card face down on the table as to not give away what she was going to be. Closed her eyes and tried to get into character. When they next opened all she could see were groups of eyes staring at her. The whole rooms attention was on her, she felt her hands begin to sweat, her breathing intensifying, these were her friends she shouldn’t be struggling with them.

“Fluttershy are you alright?” Rarity asked noticing the discomfort growing on the shy girl’s face.

“Come on Flutters you got this,” Rainbow cheered.

Fluttershy’s heart rate quickened but not because of the pressure but because of the support, the feeling of having Rainbow Dash and her friends support her invigorated her giving her just enough confidence to stick out her butt and hop around.

“OOH a Kangaroo,” Pinkie shouted earning herself a no from Fluttershy.

“Is it a rabbit?” Applejack asked to which Fluttershy told her she was very close.

“Oh Oh a bunny,” Sunset called out nearly falling out of her chair as she leaned itching the answer out of herself.

“Yes it was a bunny,” Fluttershy smiled taking the opportunity to quickly sit back down.

The girls laughed as Twilight struggled to pull Sunset against the force of gravity using all her strength to stop her from falling the ground when the doorbell rang. The sudden sound caused each girls attention to be cast upon the door, Twilight even going as far to forget she was attempting to rescue Sunset leaving her grip to weaken on the Flame headed girl resulting in her crashing to the floor.

“Pizza,” Pinkie cried jumping over Sunset and running over to the door and taking the boxes from the delivery guy.

Rarity also rose from her chair, but she instead headed over to her bag taking out her purse and paying the delivery driver what they owed.

“Thanks for ordering you girls all take care now,” The delivery guy smiled as Rarity closed the door turning around into a room that was now filled with the aroma of food.

Pinkie placed the boxes down on the table, spreading them out and opening the lids letting an even stronger smell begin to escape. Meanwhile, Sunset had nipped over to her kitchen area and grabbed a handful of plates, some cups and a few bottles of soda placing them on the table alongside.

“Now we’re talking,” Dash grinned grabbing a slice of pizza and chowing down on it.

“Y,” Pinkie started but upon seeing the instant fire in Rarity’s eyes finished chewing her food first, “You can say that again.”

Rarity gave a smile of relief and a sign of approval to Pinkie Pie causing the excitable girl to feel bubbly inside that she was able to make her friend happy.

The girls began digging into the pizza the volume of the room alternating between quiet and chatty as they all stuffed their mouths. It was all going great until Rainbow Dash noticed something. There was only one slice of pizza left in her and Fluttershy’s box. Both girls awkwardly looked at it unsure of what to do.

“I’ve had more than you so you can have the last piece Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash decided, instantly admitting defeat upon looking at the girls’ innocent face.

“No it's okay you can have it I'm not that hungry,” Fluttershy responded her rejection causing Rainbow Dash to have a serious need to facepalm.

“I said it’s alright, it’s only fair you have this one,” Dash argued reinforcing her earlier point.

“I mean it I’m not that hungry,” Fluttershy contested her voice remaining quiet but her persistence increasing.

“Fine I’ll have it,” Pinkie called from behind reaching over the pair of them both their faces stained with shock as the girl’s hand extended out from between them snatching the final piece and beginning to gobble it down.

Both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash stared at each other jaws dropped that the slice of pizza had slipped from their grasp, “Hey that was ours,” Rainbow angrily called out after Pinkie.

“Oh please, you pair would have been at it all night and it would have gone cold,” Rarity tutted.

Rainbow looked back at Fluttershy gobsmacked, with them locking eyes for a good few seconds. Fluttershy was staring right into Rainbows pretty magenta eyes, she felt lost looking into them like it would take forever to explore them. The reality of the situation set in and Rainbow Dash started snickering causing a smile to grow on Fluttershy’s face resulting in the both of them rolling on the floor in a fit of laughter.

Across the table, Rarity had nudged Twilight in the side indicating to look at the two girls laughing between each other a bright smile on her face. The bookworm looked first at the duo and then to the fashionista who returned the look with a wink.

“Hey Twi,” A voice called from beside her.

“Oh hello, Sunset what’s up,” Twilight responded.

“Well I was just wondering how you were since this is your first real sleepover, or is your mom gonna come pick you up again?” Sunset Shimmer asked turning to fully face the nerdy friend.

“She’s not coming till I call her tomorrow, so you’ve got me all night,” Twilight smiled before awkwardly blurting out a second statement, “but I mean if you want me gone sooner just let me know.”

“No it's cool I’m glad you are gonna be here for the full thing this time, it felt like something was missing when you left us all last time,” Sunset said a charming smile on her face.

“I’m glad I’m staying too, I like it here with you all,” The bookworm replied returning the smile.

“I like you being here,” Sunset cheerily said her focus being drawn to the party girl coming over with a metal box.

“Whatchu got there Pinks?” Applejack asked leaning forward in her seat to scope it out.

“It’s poker, I thought we could play it for a bit,” Pinkie said her eagerness being shown as she opened the box and laid out the card spread.

“That reminds me I’ve got a few pitch up chairs in the cupboard, AJ would you mind helping me?” Sunset asked as she walked over to a door on the other side of the room.

“Yeah it ain't a problem,” Applejack responded getting up and taking two folded chairs from Sunset carrying them back to the group noticing her seat had now been stolen by Pinkie leaving a sour taste in her mouth.

Sunset followed suit pitching up a chair for Fluttershy before sitting back down besides Twilight.

“Thank you Sunset,” Fluttershy kindly whispered shifting a little to the side to ensure there was enough room beside her for Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

Applejack tossed the folded chair to Rainbow Dash who placed the legs on the ground and tapped the back with her foot causing it to spring into shape planting it down between the now sitting Fluttershy and the returning farm girl, Applejack placed the chair down and attempted to copy Rainbow Dash noticing that it wouldn’t unfold in the same way.

“Sorry AJ that must be the one that’s stuck lemme grab you another one,” Sunset said guiltily beginning to get out of her seat.

“No need sugar cube,” Applejack started urging her to sit back down as she brought her fist down onto the top of the chair forcing it to take the intended shape.

“How did you know that would work?” Sunset asked in amazement.

“You pick up a thing or two on the farm,” The cowgirl replied chuckling to herself as she positioned her chair between Rainbow and Rarity who sat in one of the actual armchairs.

Applejack sat down waiting to receive her cards when she felt something knock the side of her chair, she looked down out of curiosity to see a foot placed firmly against the side of it. She instantly recognised the owner by the blue trainers with the lightning bolt design, “Rainbow what are ya…Aaah,” Applejack shouted as Rainbow Dash drove her foot into the chair sending her falling towards Rarity.

As gravity had already decided Applejack fell into Rarity, causing the fashionista to look rather unamused with either of the two girls.

“RAINBOW DASH!,” Applejack shouted of embarrassment as she stood up taking a step towards the now laughing athlete.

“Rarity are you alright,” a concerned Fluttershy asked looking worryingly at the purple-haired girl sat opposite her.

Rarity would have said she was quite alright in her typical refined fashion but felt unable to speak as she witnessed madness occurring. Applejack took a step towards Rainbows chair putting her foot on it and pushing with all her might sending the athlete in the opposing direction. Rarity gasped as she realised the athlete was going to collide with a now panic-struck Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash saw herself heading closer and closer to her friend. The athletes quick thinking led to her attempt grabbing onto the table alongside her to stop or at least slow her down, but it wasn’t enough. She found herself colliding into the shy girl who squealed in shock as they both tumbled to the ground. The athlete used her honed reflexes to try and break the softer girls fall placing her arm underneath her head and using the other to reduce the damage.

Everyone watched in shock as the two girls tumbled onto the floor together, “Goodness darlings are you okay?” Rarity said standing up to get a better look at the pair now being found in a position where Rainbow Dash was on top of Fluttershy inches away from her face. “Applejack what were you thinking!”

Applejacks faced turned an even darker red out of embarrassment turning to Rarity, “She pushed me into you I just pushed her back I didn’t mean to involve Fluttershy, honest,” Applejack said in an attempt to defend herself. “Am sorry Fluttershy are you okay?” The farm girl asked stepping around Rainbow Dash’s now toppled chair in an attempt to help the pair only to stop and look up directly at Rarity a smug look on her face.

Fluttershy hadn’t responded to Applejacks question in fact she hadn’t even heard Applejack she was far too busy being lost in the eyes of the girl above her, she couldn’t believe she was so close. A bright red blush took over Fluttershy’s face as she felt her cheeks getting hotter. Her gaze drifted away from those surprisingly soft eyes to notice Rainbows cheeks also begin to turn a rose red.

From Rainbows perspective, she had started out just trying to do her best to ensure that Fluttershy hadn’t come under any harm from her and Applejack messing around, but that felt like forever ago. Why she was still here holding the Shy girl below her? why hadn’t she gotten up yet?

“Need a hand,” Applejack said extending her hand to the two girls lying on the floor.

“Nah it’s alright I got it,” Dash responded snapping back to reality. She felt herself remain for a few moments her body urging her to take in the feeling of holding Fluttershy close. She shook her head unsure as to what it was all about and carefully climbed off the girl standing up and helping Fluttershy up of the floor picking up both of their chairs and sitting down ready to play.

The girls all sat back down letting peace restore as Pinkie began to deal out the cards, they proceeded to play a few hands of poker having Pinkie win the majority of the rounds due to her incredible poker face and charm letting her bluff all the hands into her favour.

“Have you practised that poker face?” Sunset asked prodding the party girl in an attempt to make her smile.

Pinkie turned her face remaining expressionless, “When you live with my sister Maud you learn a thing or two.”

The group collectively looked at each other nodding at the realisation that it must be a trick that runs in the family.

A few more rounds went on with Twilight going bust first followed by Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Sunset leaving Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie in the game.

“This ain't my first rodeo partners,” Applejack said tipping her hat in respect to the remaining players.

“I must say Fluttershy, I'm surprised you’ve managed to stay in this long,” The purple-haired girl admitted.

“Oh its nothing I’ve played a bit with my family whenever there is a power cut or storm,” The meek girl said innocently intentionally leaving out that she had practised a little on her own.

The game continued with the girl deciding that they should bet more chips in order to speed the game up, the next person to be out was Applejack having fallen for bait set by Pinkie along with a bit of luck in order to get the card she needed. This meant it was the final showdown Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, the spectators gathered choosing their sides and sitting in silence as Applejack took up the role of the dealer for fairness. With each card drawn Fluttershy felt confident in what she had there were 2 kings on the table and 2 aces, a strong pairing and Fluttershy felt like her hand was the better. Pinkie went all in causing Fluttershy to do the same.

“HA I WIN, there’s no way you’ve beaten me,” Pinkie said excitedly as a large smile punched its way through her poker face, “I’ve got pocket kings so it’s four of a kind my shy friend, four kings.”

“What did you have Flutters?” Dash asked looking over at her in curiosity.

“Um.. two pair,” She said shyly.

“You went all this way on two pair?” Applejack asked confused considering the skills she’d been showing earlier.

“Yeah I got a pair of aces on the table and another pair of aces in my hand,” Fluttershy said a devious smile rising on her face.

“FOUR ACES,” Pinkie said in shock her jaw-dropping as she dramatically fell off the chair, “Well done Fluttershy you win.”

Rainbow Dash moved over and tapped Fluttershy on the shoulder, “Nice going dude, you’ll have to teach me sometime.”

Fluttershy blushed at the compliment shaking her head to let her hair fall in front of her face, “Oh…um thank you Rainbow Dash.”

The girls talked for a while as Pinkie packed everything away before rejoining the group and gasping. This having made Rarity jump in fear turned urgently to face her.

“Guys guess what,” Pinkie said quietly causing the other girls to lean in closer to hear her.

“What is it Pinkie Pie you nearly scared me half to death,” Rarity said while quickly fixing her hair having knocked it out of place when she was startled.

“It’s so important I can’t believe I forgot,” Pinkie responded this time speaking even quieter.

“What is it, is something wrong?” Twilight asked now concerned for her usually excitable friend.

“Yeah, it’s just that…WHOMP!” Pinkie shouted reaching behind her to grab a pillow and raising it above her head before slamming it down onto the bookworm’s head. “Pillow fight!”

The group instantly broke apart spreading in different directions to find a pillow in order to defend themselves with Applejack having the worst luck as Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle proceeded to team up on her while she was still unarmed.

“Haha guys no fair I ain't got no weapon yet,” Applejack called using her arm to shield herself all the while laughing hysterically.

“That’s the point,” Sunset started still whacking her with the pillow, “Once you get a pillow we’re doomed,”

Applejack laughed trying to grasp at one of the pillows hitting her when she felt a third strike her turning around to see Rarity now with a pillow in hand lightly hitting her on the back, “Oh three of you now,” She said still laughing.

“GET HER!” Sunset shouted between fits of laughter.

“Right now that’s it,” Applejack called out from under the numerous pillows grabbing the nearest person to her and lifting them up by their legs throwing them down on the nearby couch.

“Ahh you ruffian,” Rarity yelled as she felt herself land on the plush couch.

“Oooooh someone’s gonna get it,” Pinkie taunted as she threw a pillow at Twilight.

“Oh yeah what’s she gonna do,” Applejack began but was cut off as a pillow collided with her face sending her back and onto the floor.

“I’ll do just that, I might be a lady, but I’ve still got a bite,” Rarity said now looking a mix between smug and proud.

“Strike her while she’s down,” Rainbow said taking a cheap shot as she threw a pillow at an unsuspecting Sunset.

As Rarity watched the carnage begin to unfold she spotted a pale girl creeping away and into the large makeshift tent to hide, deciding she had the right idea the fashionista slipped away retracing the steps. As she got closer to the tent she reached down and pulled the flap up crawling inside to see the light pink-haired girl looking rather on edge.

“Worry not dear Fluttershy I’ve not come to harm you, in fact, I’m here to hide with you,” She said taking extra care to sound as genuine as she could in order to earn the opposing girls trust.

“I didn’t wanna get hit with a pillow,” Fluttershy said receding from her cautious stance and now sitting more calmly.

“Yes I agree, my hair doesn’t agree with being thrown about,” Rarity replied pulling out her handheld mirror and messing around with her hair in an attempt to fix it.

“I don’t know it looked like you quite liked being picked up by Applejack,” Fluttershy said innocently teasing.

“What’s that supposed to mean,” Rarity responded lowering her eyebrows with venom on the tip of her tongue.

“Oh…I’m sorry I didn’t mean anything by it,” Fluttershy said beginning to feel uncomfortable.

“It’s quite alright darling, I’ll admit to you and only you that yes she does have something admirable about her,” The fashionista said snootily.

“You all did a really good job of making this place,” Fluttershy said looking around in amazement at the creation.

“I had very little to do with its creation well unless you consider the design part of it,” Rarity replied unable to stop herself from giving a little credit to herself.

“Of course helping design it is important, you’ve done a good job,” Fluttershy beamed an eager smile on her face.

“I hope she isn’t taking all the credit,” Sunset Shimmer egged as she crawled inside the tent followed by Pinkie and Twilight.

“No, no she took very little of the credit I promise,” Fluttershy defended innocently.

“There room for two more in there?” Called Applejack her voice muffled through the layers of blankets.

“Yeah come on in, I made sure there was room for us all,” Pinkie called back shifting out the way of the entrance so the others could join.

“Applejack you can sit there between Rarity and Twilight, Rainbow Dash you can sit….” Pinkie Pie scanned the area trying to find a place for their athletic friend to sit.

“Fluttershy if you move a little closer to Pinkie Pie then she can fit in next to you,” Rarity added cutting off Pinkie Pie all the while giving a wink to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy groaned inside the last thing she wanted was Rarity trying to pair them together she’d already had enough contact with the athlete today to last a lifetime.

Rainbow Dash crawled into the tent having to take extra care as to not put pressure on anyone as she moved between the various limbs taking her place beside Fluttershy, “Seems we’re together again,” She smiled looking at Fluttershy with a smile.

“Um…Yeah,” Fluttershy responded blushing.

“TRUTH OR DARE!” Pinkie shouted out causing Rarity to jump in shock naturally diving towards Applejack for protection causing a few giggles and a frustrated exhale from Rarity

The girls arranged themselves to sit more comfortably in a circular formation. Pinkie had placed an empty bottle in the centre and announced that whomever the base of the bottle was facing would need to ask the person who was at the neck end the question of truth or dare.

“We all know the rules darling,” Rarity reassured.

“Maybe Twilight hasn’t,” Pinkie proposed.

“I kinda already figured it out,” Twilight added in an attempt to settle the dispute.

“Can we get on with the game please,” Rainbow Dash complained.

“Yeah I’m getting bored,” Sunset added reaching forward and spinning the bottle.

The girls watched is it spun a few times finally settling on the end result of Rarity at the base and Sunset at the neck.

“Well darling you know how it works, truth or dare?,” Rarity questioned.

“Truth,”

“What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done at school,”

“Well besides the whole demon thing,” Sunset awkwardly began, “I once knocked my bottle of water off my desk and onto my pants making it look like I’d peed myself.”

Sunset leaned over and spun the bottle while the rest of the girls gave small snickers and giggles causing Sunsets face to turn slightly red in embarrassment. When it finally stopped it was Sunsets turn to ask Rainbow.

“So Dash truth or dare?” The flame-haired girl asked.

“I always take a dare,” She proudly responded.

“I dare you to take your socks off with your teeth,”

Dash’s face fell into confusion, it was a weird dare, but a dare is a dare. She lifted her feet up and attempted to grip her sock with her teeth. It took her a solid five minutes with the rest of the group laughing hysterically at Dash’s various failed attempts, Sunset laughing particularly hard when Rainbow ended up tipping over and falling backwards her foot still in her mouth. The next time Dash was seen upright she was there with her socks between her teeth looking rather proud of herself as she reached forward to give the bottle a spin. It was Applejacks turn to ask Twilight,

“Well, Sunset you know the drill,”

“I pick Truth,” Sunset responded still trying to catch her breath from laughing so much.

Rarity leaned across and whispered something into Applejack’s ear.

“I can’t say that," Applejack protested causing Rarity to begin egging her on to say it.

With a heavy sigh Applejack finally conceded, “Alright Sunset, who you crushing on?”

Sunset’s face reddened the colour matching the brightest streak she had in her hair, “W…what.”

“A said who you got a crush on,” Applejack repeated.

“That doesn’t constitute as a truth question,” Twilight interjected, “It has to be something she can answer yes or no too.”

“She’s right,” Applejack confirmed turning back to a disappointed Rarity.

“I just wanted to make things a little exciting,” Rarity admitted quietly sulking.”

“Okay now um let me see,” Applejack pondered, “Ahh I got, what is your crushes personality like?”

“Once again that’s not really the etiquette for a truth question,” Twilight contested.

“New rule. Ask what you want, and they answer truthfully boom,” Rainbow announced settling the issue before it began.

“But wouldn’t that,” Twilight began.

“I like it, it’s got an official pinkie stamp,” Pinkie announced silencing Twilight and causing all eyes to now fall back onto Sunset.

“Well I guess she’s really sweet and smart and although it’s probably not intentional I find her quite funny,” Sunset stated to the group with a smile as she took her turn to spin the bottle it now being her turn to ask Applejack.

“I know what you’re gonna ask and I pick dare,” Applejack said smugly as to avoid the fire being returned and her being questioned on anyone she had a crush on.

Sunset laughed a little, “I dare you to swap pyjamas with Rarity for the rest of the night.”

“What!,” Rarity cried, “You can’t expect me to give my flawless sleepwear to that ruffian and instead sleep in hers,”

“Rarity need I remind you that you made my pyjamas because you were adamant I needed new ones.” The farm girl replied

“Oh goodness you are correct; I mean after all they had a rip on one of the sleeves and legs. What was I supposed to do, let my dear friend suffer?”

“I wasn’t suffering they were comfy,” Applejack defended.

“Yes but I imagine the new ones are so much plusher and cosier.”

Applejack gave another sigh and scrambled out the tent followed by Rarity in order for them to get changed, the remaining five girls sat in silence listening to them bicker on over how they had to exchange clothes and that the green of Applejacks T-shirt matched poorly with Rarity’s complexion. The girls in the tent giggled at the arguing before witnessing them both crawl back in with their pyjamas on the opposing character.

“Do you sleep in your hat?” questioned Sunset.

“Well, sometimes I do aye,” Applejack answered.

“Then give it to Rarity,”

“Wha…what!,”

“You heard me, if you sleep in it then it counts so Rarity gets it for the night.”

“Now a farm girl can’t be without her hat,” Applejack argued.

“A dare is a dare,” smirked Sunset.

“Gosh darn it fine,” Grumbled Applejack roughly removing the straw hat and placing it onto Rarity’s head.

“You best hope it doesn’t land on me asking you,” growled Applejack as she spun the bottle around.

Applejack spun the bottle with it landing in the position where she would be asking Rainbow Dash.

“A assume you are gonna be going dare?” Queried Applejack.

“You know it,” Rainbow cockily answered.

Applejack grinned, “I dare you to sing instead of speak for the next few rounds.”

“Um Okaaaaaaay,” Rainbow sang causing Fluttershy to start giggling.

Rainbow Dash cracked her knuckles looking at Applejack with a devious smile reaching forward and spinning the bottle, Rainbow Dash’s smile quickly broke when there was a repeat of the previous go and it was once again going to be Applejack daring Rainbow Dash. This caused Rainbow to frown as she saw the delight appear on Applejacks face.

“So you want another dare,” Applejack questioned.

“Yes I dooooo,” harmonised rainbow.

“Let Rarity text anyone anything in your phone.”

“Alright, game on, it's not like Rarity is gonna try and get me killed.”

Rainbow Dash handed Rarity her phone only taking a second to hesitate before opting in and handing her phone to Rarity then moving back to the game and spinning the bottle this time Rarity asking Fluttershy.

“Can I have a truth please if that’s okay?” Fluttershy asked timidly.

“Come on Flutters you always pick truth why don’t you try a dare,” Rainbow complained.

“You gotta sing Dash,” ordered Applejack.

“Soooorryyyy,”

“Um okay Rarity, I’ll try a dare for Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy meekly peeped.

“Hmm,” Rarity pondered a sly grin beginning to take shape, “Since you picked dare for Rainbow Dash I think your dare should involve Rainbow Dash,”

Fluttershy began to sweat as worry took over her, what on earth was she going to suggest? She wouldn’t make us kiss right? I always wanted my first kiss to be special.

“I dare you to spend the rest of the game sitting on Rainbow Dash’s lap.”

“What!” Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy cried out in unison.

“A lady always speaks clearly so I know you heard me,” Rarity replied indirectly confirming what she had said.

Fluttershy blushed. Hard. Like magma was flowing behind her cheeks making her feel flushed as she looked between the bewildered Rainbow Dash and smug Rarity.

“Well a dares a dare,” reasoned Rainbow crossing her legs to create an impromptu seat for Fluttershy.

“Well um I guess,” Fluttershy awkwardly responded.

Fluttershy slowly began to scoot closer towards Rainbow Dash feeling incredibly embarrassed as to what she was being asked to do she would move an inch at a time but to her it felt like a mile with each shuffle, Fluttershy’s knee knocked with Rainbows as instant regret settled in, “Why did I tell Rarity,” the shy girl thought as her athletic friend looked beside her, legs crossed for Fluttershy to sit between. Fluttershy sighed she knew this was a fate she could not escape. The pale girl rather awkwardly lifted herself into Dash’s lap struggling to enjoy a moment she’d fantasised about as she could feel the intense staring of many watchful eyes. She looked up at Rainbow Dash, How was she staying so calm and looking so cool. Well, It’s because she’s not like me.

“WHAAAAAT!,” was all that could be heard echoing around the inside of Rainbow Dash’s head, a rush of strange and unfamiliar emotions rushed over her as the quiet girl planted herself on the athlete’s lap, between the strange smile she was getting from Rarity and the rather uncomfortable look she was getting from Fluttershy, she was getting a few mixed messages, I mean she wasn’t dense. Could this maybe have a deeper meaning, Dash thought to herself having her short attention span triggered by the sound the bottle beginning to spin again.

“Are you serious,” Sunset laughed seeing how Rarity had to ask Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

“Wait how does this work?” Twilight asked her eyebrow-raising as her brain attempted to concoct an answer.

“Well duh, its gotta be a joint dare or they both gotta answer the truth,” Pinkie clarified.

“Is that so,” Rarity smirked a devious look in her eyes.

Fluttershy felt a wave of dread wash over, “What else could she do now,” she thought hoping the worst was over.

“Well I think we should do a truth before this gets weird Shy,” Dash suggested looking down at her friend.

“G…good idea,” The shy girl quietly whispered out causing Rarity to look rather disappointed.

“Aww, and I had such a good dare. Well alright, I suppose…” The fashionista went quiet for a moment pondering what she could ask when a eureka moment struck. “Does the person you are crushing on go to our high school.”

Fluttershy paused waiting to see if Dash would answer first, she counted the seconds in her head, “One. Two. Three. Four. Oh please answer first, Five. Six.”

“Well, I suppose if I was actually crushing on them,” Dash spoke up scratching the back of her head. “because I ain't exactly sure, but my answer would be yeah.”

Fluttershy looked up at Dash her mind racing at the possibility it could be her. However, it didn’t take long for her to begin scolding herself she knew she wasn’t going to be good enough in Rainbows eyes she’d want a strong athlete to keep up with her.

“Fluttershy you gotta answer as well,” Twilight piped up snapping the daydreaming girl back into the game.

“Oh…oh of course, I would also answer yes.”

Dash realised one of them would need to spin the bottle and it might as well be her, she ran her arm around Fluttershy and awkwardly pushed at the bottle trying to get it to spin.

“Let me help,” The girl on her lap kindly spoke as she too reached forward to spin the bottle for them.

“No, I got it, just one more try.”

“Just let me help it won’t be an issue.”

Sunset rolled her eyes at the pair of fumbling hands trying to grab a hold of the bottle and knocked it with her foot causing it to spin,

“Hey, I nearly had that,” Dash growled as she in one last effort lunged forward to try and make the bottle spin faster but instead sending it twirling out of the tent.

“I suppose that’s the end of that, even though me and Pinkie didn’t get a turn.” Twilight sighed disappointed she missed out on participating.

“Aww not to worry, last time Applejack didn’t get a turn either and it just means we have to play it again sometime so now its official we need another sleepover,” Pinkie announced excited that they now had to have another sleepover.

“I mean I can just get the bottle back if you want?” Sunset asked confused as to why this meant they had to stop.

“But if you went to fetch it you’d be missing out on Spooky stories,” Pinkie said sealing the small hole in the roof causing the space to dim to complete darkness.

Fluttershy was never a big fan of the dark it made her feel on edge and tense, she found herself subconsciously gripping onto the closet thing to her clutching it tightly out of fear of the unknown.

*Click*

A small light flickered under against the Party girl as she sat there with a small torch shining at her face, everyone’s attention was on Pinkie as she began to mimic the laughter of a mad scientist, Sunset leaned over and whispered something into Twilights ear causing her to giggle.

“Wasszipit, it’s time for me to tell you a tale,” Pinkie began ignoring the hushed laughter.

Everyone listened as Pinkie started her story detailing the main characters arriving at a cabin in the woods.

Fluttershy gripped tighter onto what she was holding feeling more and more anxious over the topic of creepy stories her eyes locked onto Pinkie when she heard a whisper.

“Uh, hey Shy, you okay there?”

The meek girl looked at what she was holding, she’d wrapped Rainbow Dash’s arm around her and was clutching it tightly to her chest. Her face went pale not because of the horror she was hearing in the story but the horror of her own actions.

“I’m so sorry,” Shy apologised instantly letting go and watching the arm drop to her lap.

“It’s alright Shy, you can hold onto me if you’re scared. I used to protect you from bullies I’m sure I can manage a swamp monster,” Dash whispered softly chuckling into Fluttershy’s ear.

Fluttershy felt her heart skip a beat. She remembers. She still cares. The thin girl was filled with a wholesome delight as she heard that the athlete she looked up to was still willing to protect her. A small blush began to rose her cheeks, but it was too dark for anyone to notice.

“And as they moved closer and closer to the sound in the basement they could see a small figure in the corner, hello are you okay, the remaining girl asked, but it was short-lived the figure stood up stretching and contorting into a figure the size of two men, the teenager moved her flashlight to see her friends had been merged into a monster that then ATE HER!” Applejack explained as she finalised her own story. Fluttershy yelped burying her face into Rainbows chest her breath heavy as she composed herself from the fear, Rainbow awkwardly looked down at her not sure what to do when her Rarity caught her eye motioning to place a hand over her to comfort her. Dash did just that.

“Am sorry there Fluttershy I dint mean to scare ya,” The cowgirl apologised with her guilt-stricken face.

“It’s okay I didn’t mean to get so scared,” She responded embarrassed over how she had reacted.

Rainbow Dash once again looked towards Rarity for help who motioned to stroke her hair causing Rainbows eyebrow to raise questioning if that would really help only to be egged on further by Rarity.

Twilight watched as Rainbow Dash began to awkwardly run her hand through Fluttershy’s hair noticing how Fluttershy tensed up at the first touch but began to lighten up and even have a small smile to it.

“I think its time we move back into the living room and stick a nice movie on,” Sunset suggested crawling out of the tent and heading over to fiddle with plugging her phone into the tv to turn on a movie, Pinkie and Twilight rushed over to join her scrolling through her collection to decide on what they should watch.

“Are you alright Fluttershy,” Rarity asked placing a caring hand on her back.

“I’ll be alright I promise,” Fluttershy meekly responded wiping away a tear.

Rarity weakly smiled exiting the tent dragging Applejack by the collar and pulling her out with her.

“Uh, you sure you are alright Shy?” Rainbow persisted.

Fluttershy nodded removing her head from Rainbow’s chest and looking up at her, “I suppose I was meant to get off your lap when the game ended.”

Rainbow let out a chuckle, “It's alright Shy no harm done and besides I doubt you would have lasted through the story if you weren’t still on my lap.”

The pair looked at each other kindly, Fluttershy leaned a little closing opening her arms to hug the athlete, “I can’t do this, she’ll think I’m weird,” the shy girl thought to herself recoiling from the hug an awkward expression glossing her face.

“Are you pair coming?” Sunset called to the two girls as the sounds of a movie opening could be heard from outside the tent.

“Come on they’ll think we are doing something weird in here if we don’t get out there,” Dash said with a smile helping Fluttershy off her lap and heading out the tent to join the others.

Fluttershy took a minute to compose herself taking a deep breath before she herself crawled out and into the open room heading over to the group unable to find anywhere comfy was still available to sit.

“Yo Shy you can sit here by me,” Dash beckoned shuffling over to one side of an armchair to make room for the slender girl.

“Oh…um…only if you are sure, you’ve done enough,” The shy girl responded in her typical shy tone.

“Its all good shy don’t worry,” The athlete smiled.

Fluttershy slowly shuffled overtaking her time to step over the various legs that blocked her way finally reaching her goal and sitting down besides Rainbow Dash. They were pact closely together their sides pushed up against each other.

“There isn’t really enough room, I’ll move,” Shy insisted.

“Shy don’t worry we just gotta work with space,” Dash said confidently raising her arm and placing it over the shy girl allowing her to comfortably lean on her.

Fluttershy lay her head on Dash’s chest her eyes growing heavy as the light from the TV flickered against them.

“You comfy there?” The concerned rainbow-haired girl asked to which she received no reply.

“Shhh she’s fallen asleep darling,” Rarity whispered standingup and draping a blanket over the pair.

Rainbow Dash smiled in response to the gesture pulling at the blanket to make sure both herself and Shy were covered before going back to watch the movie. It can’t have been that interesting for Dash as she too found her own eyes closing for good.

Author's Note

Heya it's me ya friend Argenti, I hope those of you still reading this are enjoying the story so far I really appreciate and thank you all.
Sorry, this chapter took like a month to do but I had a few complications and a bit of writer's block.

As always let me know in the comments what you think and if you think there are any changes or edits I should make to improve the story.
Thanks again for reading :derpytongue2:

Chapter 6 - This Terms First Sleepover

Chapter 7 - While Others Slumber

Pinkie had her target, she slowly crept up to the unaware victim a pillow in her hand. Meanwhile, across the other side of the room, a purple-haired girl’s eyes sparked glueing themselves onto the suspicious pink figure. She watched in horror as the Pink haired party girl gripped the corner of the pillow tighter between her fists slowly lifting it up above her head. Panic struck the more refined girl flew her hand out pointing at the party girl her finger pointing directly at the character.

Twilight, who at this time was quietly whispering with Sunset about their pasts sharing what memories they had between each other had her attention pulled to the sudden movement making the connection between the pointing hand and Pinkie Pie. Twilights eyes shot wide open jumping forward and grabbing hold of the girl.

“Just one whack, I always prank Dash she’ll love it,” Pinkie whispered an eager smile on her face.

“No, you’ll be disturbing Fluttershy too,” Rarity quietly hissed urging Sunset to help.

Sunset nodded clawing at the pillow immediately meeting Pinkie’s resistance, “How are you so strong.”

Rarity rolled her eyes at the scene, “Honestly if you want something doing correctly you should do it yourself,” She looked down at the floor seeing the farmgirl who was beginning to drift off to sleep, she nudged her with her foot knocking her awake.

“Huh what who were, Rares?” Applejack shakily spoke not being fully with herself.

“Applejack go and help them, make yourself useful.” The fashionista urged giving her another prod with her foot.

Applejack sat up looking over at the commotion seeing Pinkie attempting to hit Rainbow and Fluttershy with a pillow while the both of them were fast asleep, “Now hold up,” She to whispered getting to her feet and dragging Pinkie back to the couch placing her between Twilight and Sunset.

Pinkie looked slightly disappointed obviously trying to decide whether it would be worth attempting her prank on Rainbow again. But felt drawn into the conversation when Twilight mentioned her birthday was in a few weeks and she thought about having a party.

Applejack yawned, rolling her eyes at the scene and walked back over to where she was laying sitting down with her back leaning against the arm of the chair Rarity was occupying.

“Thanks for that Cowgirl,” Rarity sighed resting her hand on AJ’s head.

“It’s no trouble, but are you alright?”

“Hmm me, yes I'm quite alright,” The fashionista responded subconsciously beginning to massage the scalp of her friend.

Applejack sat silently confused by the massage all the while beginning to count down in her head. “Three, two, one.”

“It’s just strange how,” Rarity began in an almost silent tone moving closer to her friends’ ear to ensure no one would hear what she was about to say. “It’s just strange how when I try and give Fluttershy a little bit of a push in the right direction when it comes to trying to win the heart of her friend she doesn’t seem very happy about it.”

“Well, Fluttershy, as we know, has her own little safety bubble to try and keep her out of situations that would be a little too much for her, maybe you’re putting too much pressure on that bubble and she’s worried you’re gonna go too far and burst it.”

“Oh Applejack you seem to always have the right answer,” Rarity sighed laying her head next to AJ’s beginning to feel guilty over what she had done.

“Nah I just say what I see and besides it was you who told me about Fluttershy and her bubble,”

Rarity gasped feeling guiltier than before, “How could I forget,” she groaned dramatically facepalming in typical Rarity fashion.

“You don’t mean to tell me you forgot?” Applejack asked her eyes closed and sleepy but her tone full of surprise.

“I… I’m a bad friend,” Rarity sulked, “Fluttershy told me how she felt, and I’ve only been worsening. I just wanted to help.”

“Well from what I can see you’ve helped, but you did go a little too far, then again remind me about this bubble of hers as you call it.”

“I probably need reminding of it myself, well from the chat I had with her that one night about why she was so shy she told me that it was because she felt uncomfortable in a lot of situations. She doesn’t like being the focus of attention or crowds or just any kind of social pressure,” Rarity summarised.

“So that just reinforces you’ve been putting a lot of pressure on that bubble tonight,” Applejack concluded.

“Yeah, I’ll speak to her about it tomorrow I need to stop myself from meddling, it’s just she won't make any progress if she isn’t pushed out of her bubble, like I don’t wanna say I’m responsible for what they are doing now but,” Rarity sighed once more looking over at Fluttershy fast asleep with a smile on her face.

“I mean they are just sleeping it ain't like you’ve married them off,” Applejack gave a soft chuckle ensuring to keep her volume low. “But if what you say is true and Shy’s got a crush on Dash then she’s gonna need to come out of that bubble they’ve been friends since they were kids so she’ll need to do things she’s never done before to get Dash to see her in a new light.”

“That would actually be good advice AJ I didn’t realise you were such a love guru,” Rarity said her face showing both a stunned and impressed expression.

“Nah I’m just rambling I don’t even know what day it is,” The farm girl chuckle again her eyes glued shut from her need for sleep.

“Yeah it’s obviously late, we should get some sleep, goodnight AJ.” Rarity whispered closing her eyes awaiting a response but only received the sounds of Applejacks light snoring.

“So you’re saying you’ve never had a birthday party with your friends ever,” Pinkie gasped staring straight at Twilight.

“Well I suppose not, Cadence comes but I suppose she doesn’t count anymore,” Twilight went red with embarrassment.

“Do you even have parties on your birthday?” Sunset asked trying to flesh out the information they had.

“Not really, I just sort of go out for a meal with my family and my brother’s girlfriend,” Twilight began to worry as the two girls she was talking to were frowning.

“Pinkie I think we have a job to do,” Sunset smiled eagerly.

“We gotta make this the best birthday party ever, how else are we gonna make up for the lost ones,” Pinkie cheered throwing her hand out for a high five.

“I mean if you guys want, I’ll have to speak to my mom about you guys taking the reins she usually does the planning for me,” Twilight murmured shushing the pair to not wake the sleeping inhabitants of the room.

“Well once she meets me the amazing party planner she’ll be begging for my help,” Pinkie beamed her confidence radiating the others.

Sunset smirked while raising her eyebrow in disbelief, “I’m sure it’ll go just like that Pinks.”

The three girls quietly laughed between each other with Twilight taking the opportunity to scope what the other members of their friend group were doing, with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash asleep on a chair along with Rarity sleeping on the other chair near Applejack.

“Gotta nip to the bathroom,” Pinkie announced waltzing herself away.

“Hey Twilight, is there something going on between those guys?” Sunset asked her voice almost silent as she signalled over to the other pairing of girls

“I um, don’t know, probably not,” Twilight blurted out taken aback by the question.

Sunset didn’t reply just simply smiled and nodded, “Do you maybe think it’s weird or wrong for people to you know,” She paused for a moment, “Have like feelings for someone your friends with.”

Twilight sat quietly for a moment thinking about the question, “I don’t think there would be an issue with it, but I can promise you I’m no expert on love and feelings, I’ve not really ever had a crush on anyone.”

“Hmm, maybe you’ve just not realised had a crush on them.” Sunset pondered staring right at Twilight.

“Weeeeeell I couldn’t help overhearing,” Pinkie piped up appearing from behind the couch, “Forming a relationship with your friend can be very risky business, while true it can lead to a blossoming and amazing relationship if it all goes sour you could potentially lose that friend forever.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound like a good thing at all, more like a gamble than anything,” Sunset deduced looking slightly disheartened.

“It’s a high risk, high reward kinda thing,” Pinkie nonchalantly responded sitting back down and instantly falling asleep snoring loudly.

“H.. How did she do that?” Twilight asked struggling to find any logic in what she had seen.

“It’s Pinkie sometimes it's better to not know the answer,” Sunset reasoned letting out a small laugh.

The two went quiet sitting alone together in the darkness the sounds of slumber being heard from multiple directions around them. A few minutes went by before Twilight slowly turned where she saw Sunset sitting beside her looking troubled,

“Are you alright?” She asked.

Sunsets stare broke her attention snapping onto Twilight, “Oh yeah sorry I was just thinking.”

“Was it about what Pinkie said,” Twilight deduced.

“Yeah but it’s nothing, I just hope none of our friend’s date and then fall out with each other, we could end up having to choose between one or the other, but anyway I’m gonna try and get some sleep, goodnight Twilly.”

Twilight hadn’t felt anxious about the secret she was harbouring before until now if Fluttershy achieves her goal and gets with Dash and then they fall out she didn’t want to have to decide between which one to have as a friend she cared about all of them and could never pick one over the other.

“Twilight,” A familiar voice called, “Should anything like that ever happen just promise we can stay together as friends, I really like you and you might not realise it but you’re a great friend.”

The bookworm looked to the source of the noise the flame-haired girl that was beginning to doze off, “I really like you to Sunset and I’m glad to have you all as my friends,” Twilight said with a smile giving the girl a hug before pulling away and finding a comfy place for herself to sleep.

Author's Note

Hey, surprise there's another chapter posted almost straight after.
I wrote this because it felt nice to have as a separate chapter I mean just because Fluttershy has fallen asleep doesn't mean the rest of the girls did and I felt it was a good idea to sorta go over what they got up too.

I hope you like this smaller chapter I know I usually write much longer ones but I dunno it felt nice keeping it small, I'll probably do a few of these smaller style chapter in the future after events and thing where keeping it small feels better.
Sorry if you don't like the sudden change in length but it felt right :fluttershysad:

Thanks again for reading and feel free to leave me a comment I love interacting with you all, who knows I might even make a discord if it's in popular demand :derpytongue2:

Chapter 7 - While Others Slumber

Chapter 8 - Rise And Shine

Twilight Sparkle was the first to wake up slowly pulling herself into a sitting position. The bookworm’s eyes scanned the room looking for any other signs of movement but to no avail, she was the first to wake. Twilight put her arms down either side of her and pushed having to use a lot of force to get her sleepy body up on her feet.

“Ow!” A voice called out from down by her side.

Twilights eyes shot open in a panic expecting to have done the worst. The next moment of her life clarified that expectation as she saw her flame-haired friend sit up clutching her stomach.

“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry, are you okay?” The panicked Twilight spluttered out.

“Yeah, I’m alright, just a little winded,” The girl replied breathing heavily to catch her breath, her eyes glued shut with sleep, having to reach an arm up and rub at her eyes to see. “Twilight that you?”

“Y…yeah it’s me, I’m sorry,” Twilight responded her face ridden with guilt.

“It’s okay Twi, it was just an accident. Besides as the host you gotta wake me up first anyway,” Sunset smiled attempting to assure her friend it was okay.

“Well, as long as you’re sure it's you’re alright.”

“Yeah its completely fine, just be a little gentler the next time your sleeping over here and you wake up first,” Sunset jested prodding Twilight as she yawned.

“You mean I can come again?” Twilight replied her jaw almost falling open.

“Yeah dude of course you can, you’re a great friend why wouldn’t I want you to come hang out and besides I didn’t get to talk to you nearly half as much as I wanted too,” The flame-haired girl replied noticing the rest of her friends sleeping ensuring her laugh was at a much lower volume.

“Well there is some time now.”

“So there is,” Sunset Shimmer smiled a slight blush to her cheeks. “Do you wanna help me cook some breakfast for all these guys?”

“Of course I’d be happy to help,” Twilight smiled getting up and helping Sunset to her feet.”

Fluttershy began to stir her eyes gently opening to take in the scene around her, there on the far side of the room was the only source of noise in the whole apartment, Twilight and Sunset stood over in the kitchen giggling and laughing to each other, on the couch across from her was a sleeping Rarity looking as regal as usual somehow managing to sleep elegantly, at the feet of her chair was the slumped cowgirl looking like it wasn’t her first time sleeping in a strange position. Over on the other couch was Pinkie hanging over one side of the chair drool running out of her mouth as she muttered something about frosting in a sleep talking trance. Finally, there was Rainbow who was sat right beside her in fact so close Fluttershy was leaning on her chest. The girl stopped breathing for a second as a silent gasp escaped her lips, “What am I doing next to her,” she thought to herself.

Fluttershy’s mind raced recounting the steps that occurred last night that landed her in this predicament, “Oh right I was scared and there was nowhere else to sleep.” She felt a warm feeling across her chest and face she shouldn’t be enjoying this as much as she was, but she was determined to make it last. The pale girl lightly closed her eyes imitating the action of being asleep and snuggled herself into Rainbow Dash, it was okay if no one saw, they couldn’t judge her for enjoying it a little longer if they didn’t know.

Fluttershy tried to find Rainbows scent a smell she had always enjoyed even before finding her jacket, but it was to no avail she couldn’t smell Rainbow Dash at all, only strawberries and lavender. She quickly noticed the blanket draped across both her and Rainbow Dash was her own, and she knew she sprayed it with her perfume. Which now meant Rainbow smelt just like Fluttershy. The meek girl nestled her head against Rainbows chest when the conversation of the two girls in the kitchen reached her ears and piqued her interest.

“So about what you said last night Twilight, have you really never had any friends around for your birthdays,” Sunset asked.

“I’ve never had friends over at all never mind for a birthday party,” Twilight admitted her face red in embarrassment.

“Oh, I guess we are somewhat alike then,” Sunset smiled awkwardly beginning to feel embarrassed herself.

“Before I met these guys I didn’t have any friends and so I know how you feel, and you know what I'm gonna be the one to break the trend, I wanna come over to your house and hang out sometime.”

“You mean it,” Twilight beamed her eyes lit up in excitement.

“Yeah, I’d love too.”

Fluttershy smiled contently listening to the sweet conversation enjoying the fact that Twilight and Sunset were able to relate to each other in order to forward their friendship. “I wonder if they’ll become best friends,” the shy girl thought to herself.

“Sunset I’m wondering something about what you said,” Twilight awkwardly brought up.

“Yeah what is it,” The flame-haired girl said raising her eyebrow in confusion.

“Well you know how you said you didn’t have any friends,” Twilight began her face showing her regret for even bringing this up. “Well I don’t believe you really have any family here either, so who do you spend time with during the holidays and such.”

Sunsets face dropped the smile instantly fading from her face as she looked down to her feet much to Twilights horror. “I…” Sunset readied her lips but struggled to find the words. “I don’t have a family here; I didn’t have anyone before you. I spend the holidays alone.”

Twilight stood stunned for a moment she didn’t mean to bring up a bad memory what on earth is she meant to do. From across the room, Fluttershy secretly stared in horror her eyes wide with fear of what was about to happen. Twilight let her instincts take over and stepped closer to Sunset wrapping her arms around her.

“I’m sorry for bringing it up please forgive me,” Twilight quietly cried guilt staining her tongue and a tear on her cheek.

“It’s alright you didn’t know,” Sunset sighed composing herself, “let’s just get this food sorted out.”

The two girls quietly went back to work attempting to make idle gossip in the uncomfortable air.

“Man oh man what can I smell,” Pinkie suddenly cried out her eyes shooting open instantly.

Fluttershy smiled she knew Pinkie would save the day for the two girls feeling more content with the situation as she drifted back into sleep.

Fluttershy began to stir her eyes fluttering open to a feeling of vibrations against her cheek and a familiar voice ringing out into her ear. “You serious AJ, Applebloom is starting dancing classes.” That familiar voice called out.

“Aye, she decided she wanted her own hobby and Granny thought it was a good idea,” The farm girl responded.

“Well I, for one thing, it’s a divine idea it would serve you some good to see some extra grace in your life,” A more refine voice added in.

“I got enough grace in my life with you I don’t need two pains in my ass,” Applejack jested chuckling to herself as a flustered Rarity was lost for words.

While the two began to bicker Fluttershy opened her eyes looking around at the girls in the room a smile coming to her face upon seeing Twilight and Sunset the friends who she last saw in a bad situation now laughing along with Pinkie. Her eyes drifted closer to herself looking up and seeing Rainbow looking directly down at her.

“Morning Flutters, sorry if I disturbed you,” The athlete said smiling down at her.

“Oh no it's okay,” The typically shy girl responded shyly.

“Ooh Fluttershy good morning darling,” Rarity called out across the room waving over at her.

Fluttershy sheepishly waved back blushing to the fact that Rainbow Dash’s arm was still draped around her.

“Hey um shy I didn’t wanna disturb you earlier but uh,” Rainbow leaned in closer to Fluttershy’s ear, “I kinda gotta pee.”

“O.. oh,” Fluttershy squeaked blushing in embarrassment quickly climbing up off of Rainbow.

Fluttershy awkwardly shifted over to the other couch and sat down beside Rarity.

“Oh, Fluttershy would you like something to eat?” Sunset asked.

“No, no it's okay, I'm not hungry,”

“Fluttershy darling,” Rarity called across to her, “we’ve already gotten changed and washed up and such, so when Rainbow comes out you can go get ready.”

Fluttershy came out of the bathroom feeling fresh with the first thing she saw being Applejack and Pinkie gathering their things together,

“What’s happening?” The shy girl quietly asked catching the attention of Rarity.

“Applejack was heading out and offered to drop Pinkie off on the way home, so they’ll be going soon.”

“Oooh okay,” Fluttershy looked around sheepishly trying to find the best place to keep out of the way of them.

Sunset who was sat over on the couch waved the shy girl down urging her to come and sit with her and Twilight. The shy girl agreed and crept over narrowly avoiding bumping into Applejack who was dismantling the tent and sat down beside the flame-haired girl.

“You sleep alright, flutters you were kinda the first to fall asleep and the last to wake up,” Sunset asked eager to gather intel on how the sleepover went.

“I slept really well thank you I did wake up earlier this morning when you and Twilight were talking but I must have fallen back asleep.” Fluttershy smiled dropped for a moment before quickly returning to her face.

“Well at least you slept well, and have you enjoyed your time here, I’ve asked the others but I wanna check with you.”

“Oh yes I’ve had lots of fun, I cant wait for the next one,” Fluttershy admitted blushing slightly at the connotation she had enjoyed sleeping on Rainbow.

“That’s just what I needed to hear, I was worried none of you guys had fun and would wanna do this again,” Sunset looked relived mentally crossing everyone’s name off a list in her mind of people she had to ask.

Applejack and Pinkie were all packed up and waiting by the door with all their friends lined up to see them off. Fluttershy and Rarity got up to hug them off but Fluttershy found herself quite awkwardly waiting with Pinkie while Rarity and Applejack had a rather long hug causing Fluttershy to give Applejack a short hug before going off in search of a place to hide hiding herself up a corner of the room pretending to mess around with her bag.

Sunset and Twilight walked downstairs with Pinkie heading towards Applejacks car leaving the four remaining friends still in the apartment.

“I’d walk down with you all, but I need to speak to Fluttershy,” Rarity said waving Applejack out the door before heading over towards Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy darling I was speaking to Applejack last night and we concluded something,“ The fashionista sighed.

“Oh is it what I think it is,” Fluttershy guessed excitement brewing in her voice.

“Perhaps,” Rarity paused, “About how I’ve been trying to get you and Dash to be in a situation that will help you win her heart like making you sit on her lap, that was inappropriate of me and definitely uncalled for, I could have made things worse and it wasn’t nice to put you in a position like that.”

Fluttershy looked down blushing, “Its okay Rarity.” The meek girl leaned in closer. “I mean, it was kinda nice getting to spend so much time with her.”

Rarity gasped, “You mean it’s okay if I keep doing it.”

“No.”

“Wha…whaaaaa, but you said.” The fashionista contested her eyes brow furrowed in confusion.

“It was nice, but it’s too much, it made me uncomfortable. So um if you could stop that’d be nice,” Fluttershy awkwardly smiled at Rarity who was still trying to figure out what to say. “If it’s not a problem.”

“No no it's alright I’ll draw it back; I won’t fully stop because I’m me I can’t help it. But even Applejack aggress you need a little push, but you need to do it yourself.”

“I don’t know…” Fluttershy cut herself short as she watched the girl return to the room Rainbow Dash included.

Rarity nodded and took the cue to announce she’d be heading out soon as she had some business she needed to attend to ensuring to thank Sunset for the 50th time since she’d arrived.

“We should probably think about heading out soon too so we can get out of Sunsets hair Shy,” Rainbow suggested putting her few belongings back into her bag.

Fluttershy nodded copying suit and gathering all of her things up as well as collecting all the used cups.

“You don’t gotta do that, I can sort it out after,” Sunset assured taking the cups from Fluttershy and placing them in the sink herself.

“Just trying to be helpful as a way of saying thanks,” Fluttershy replied showing a light smile.

“You know before I head out I wouldn’t mind indulging myself in a coffee if you don’t mind me using your kettle,” Rarity asked taking a few sachets of coffee out of her purse.

“As long as I get one.” Sunset joked getting a few mugs out. “The rest of you want one.”

Twilight nodded while Rainbow and Fluttershy rejected the offer not wanting to settle back down after getting packed up.

Rainbow and Fluttershy were stood in the street outside of Sunsets apartment their belongings in hand and hugs being shared all around.

“You guys better be prepped because next time we hang out here I'm giving it my all on that game,” Dash said confidently fist-pumping the air.

“You can count on it,” Sunset smirked fist-bumping the athlete.

Meanwhile, Rarity was fussing over Fluttershy, “You really shouldn’t be carrying all this stuff on your own Fluttershy get Rainbow to carry some.”

“No It's okay I can manage,” The shy girl said her blanket and pillows stacked up in her arms her two blue eyes just managing to peer over the top.

“Oh nonsense,” Rarity tutted, “Excuse me Rainbow Dash,” She called grabbing the athlete’s attention, “Will you please offer Fluttershy some assistance.”

“Oh yeah, its no problem,” Dash smiled slinging her soccer bag over her shoulder and heading over to Shy grabbing the majority of what she was carrying and holding it under one arm.

“Um, thank you.” Fluttershy sheepishly said admiring Rainbow Dash’s form thinking how cool she managed to make performing the simplest things look attractive.

“See there’s no harm in asking for help, now you pair run along.” Rarity chirped pushing the two girls on their way waving them off along with Sunset and Twilight watching them reach the end of the street and turn the corner.

The two girls walked for a while Fluttershy struggling to keep up with the hastened past of her athletic friend. They walked for around 40 minutes Rainbow Dash on several occasions stopping the meek girl in her tracks beside the side of the road ensuring it was safe for her friend to cross.

“Um, Dash you know I can cross a road on my own,” Fluttershy said looking curiously at the athlete blocking her path.

Rainbow looked at the road and back to Fluttershy the sense of the situation finally being realised, “Oh dude my bad sorry it was kinda an instinct my bad dude.”

Fluttershy began to innocently giggle bringing a grin to Rainbows face as she dramatically signalled it was safe for her to cross the two of them skipping across the road in an over the top fashion laughing the whole time.

“My house is just around the corner,” Shy smiled stepping off the road and onto the path.

“I know dude I’ve been here countless times when we were kids,” Dash said returning the smile and instinctively walking on the side closest to the road.

The two walked a few more streets slipping down a few side paths and walking along the steppingstones leading up to the door Rainbow Dash noticing the large assortment of coloured flowers scattered around the garden. Fluttershy opened the door letting her friend and herself inside.

“We should go and say hello to everyone so they know we got here okay,” Fluttershy suggested leading Rainbow into the kitchen area where Fluttershy’s mother's voice could be heard. She pushed open the door her expression becoming confused upon seeing there was a guest sitting at the table.

Dash followed suit with Fluttershy walking closely behind her having to step around the frozen Fluttershy to see what she was so fixated on. It only took a second for her eyes to meet with the other guest.

“Oh hello Rainbow fancy meeting you here,” Rainbows mother Windy Whistles said with a smirk as she took a sip from her tea.

Author's Note

hey, guys, I had the urge to write another short chapter before the next big one since I'm on a serious enthusiasm high,

I'm thinking before the next chapter comes out I should go back and tidy up the earlier chapters because I feel my writing skills have gotten better, what do you think should I push back the new chapter by a week or two and go back to make sure the whole story flows better so if you ever read it from the beginning it'll be a better experience or do you think I should keep writing new chapters to improve even more before I go back?

I'm generally curious so please leave me a comment or dm to let me know.

But as usual, I hope you enjoyed this chapter I'm really glad I've still got people reading it since that's kinda why I'm doing this, love you all and stay safe
bye till next chapter :derpytongue2:

Chapter 8 - Rise And Shine

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Chapter 9 : We Have To Stop Meeting Like This

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Chapter 10 : History revealed

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Chapter 11 : Wet And Cold

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Chapter 12 : She Shoots. She Scores

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Chapter 13 : A Short Stay At Sunsets

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Chapter 14: A Golden Sky

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Chapter 15: A Downward Spiral

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Chapter 16: Selfish Generosity

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Chapter 17: The Other Side Of Silence

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Chapter 18: A Fluttered Rescue

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Chapter 19: Secrets And Confessions

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Chapter 20: Never Let Me Go

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Chapter 21: A New Day A New Challenge

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Chapter 22: Dress by Dress

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Chapter 23: Shadows Over Festivities

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Chapter 24: Bonds Of The Night

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Chapter 25: Anticipations And Revelations

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Chapter 26: Whispers Of Winter Hearts

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Chapter 27: Heartfelt Confessions And Silent Tears

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Chapter 28: A Shattered Soul and Walking Storm

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Chapter 29: Late Night Reflections

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Chapter 30: Breaking point

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Chapter 31: Shattered Reflections

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Chapter 32: Dangerous Drift

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