Where Your Heart Is

A soft knock broke the silence surrounding Fluttershy’s humble abode. Lowering the volume of the T.V., lifting herself off the couch, Fluttershy slowly walks toward the door. The window to the right offered a clear view of the orange sky outside her house. It was already past sunset, far too late for visitors at this hour. Not that she ever got many visitors to begin with.

Regardless, it was not Fluttershy’s nature to brush them off. Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy stretched her body and reached for the door handle. Opening the door, she was greeted by none other than one of her old friends: Rainbow Dash, dressed in a rainbow-styled t-shirt and short-shorts. Fluttershy’s heart skipped a bit, though she was far from upset to see her here of all days.

“Oh, R-Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy greeted.

She outstretched her arms offering a platonic hug, which Rainbow Dash accepted, though rather weakly. Fluttershy was curious, there was something off about her friend. Still, her happiness in seeing her brushed off any concern she had, at least for the time being.

“I’m glad you could come visit,” Fluttershy continued, shyly.

“Yeah, me too,” Rainbow Dash said, fidgeting. “Hey, can we go to your room? There’s something bothering me, and I prefer we talk privately.”

Rainbow Dash’s choice of words sounded rather serious, even though Fluttershy didn’t doubt her friend for a second. Regardless, something felt off with her tone increasing Fluttershy’s concerns. She moves to the side, stretching her arms out as a gesture for Rainbow Dash to enter.

“I have snacks in the kitchen,” Fluttershy offered. “Can I get you anything?”

“Nah, I ate on the way,” Rainbow Dash chuckled, brushing it off. “Thanks anyway.”

“Are you sure? It’s no trouble at all.”

“Fluttershy, thanks. But I just want to talk.”

The moment Rainbow Dash opened her mouth, she fell silent and looked around.

“This isn’t a bad time, is it?”

“Oh, n-no, no! This is a perfect time,” Fluttershy waved her hands, reassuring. “There’s never a bad time for us.”

Something very nice about Fluttershy’s smile, as Rainbow Dash returned the favor. Though it was clear the smile was forced. Eventually, they climb up the stairs to Fluttershy’s bedroom, close the door behind them, and took a seat on her bed.

“Sorry if this is too sudden,” Rainbow Dash spoke. “But… I didn’t know who else to turn to.”

Tilting her head to the right, Fluttershy gave Rainbow Dash an understanding smile toward her predicament, realizing the source of her uneasiness.

“Ah, I see… You need help with ideas for Soarin’, right? I know you two have been dating for a while.”

True to the word, Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ have been dating for a while. Since the day she worked up enough courage to ask Soarin’ to their high school dance months ago, the two were nearly inseparable, two teenage lovebirds happy with one another during the second semester of senior year. They would go out often every other Saturday Night, and on occasion, Rainbow Dash would treat Soarin’ with something special, even if meant just buying him a trinket as a gift. It seemed these two really had it made.

But there was one flaw Rainbow Dash had been working on: Her tendency with wanting to know what Soarin’ was up to. Fluttershy could hardly blame Rainbow Dash, since up till Soarin’ she never dated anybody before. Either way, Fluttershy was always there for her and always offered to help whenever Rainbow Dash needed it. Of course, she admits she was a little jealous he was the one receiving gifts and affection. Not that Fluttershy couldn’t be happy for her, and why wouldn’t she? They’ve been the best of friends since they were kids.

But of course, Fluttershy herself had a secret: Rainbow Dash mattered more to her than life itself, more than just a normal friendship. As far back as she could recall, Fluttershy had a one-sided crush on Rainbow Dash. She did her best to draw her attention during her awkward years in middle schools, but it was all in vain as it went over her head. As time progressed, she gave up entirely thinking it was fruitless to get her to notice her friend’s feelings.

Nevertheless, Fluttershy’s love for Rainbow Dash remained intact. To that end, she made a pact for herself: Even if she couldn’t be the love of Rainbow’s life, she would devote herself as best friend and help her anyway she could. No matter how big or small the matter was, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness, just for Fluttershy to be beside Rainbow Dash is more than enough.

It was then she noticed the glum manner on Rainbow Dash’s face, scratching the back of her head while facing downward.

“Yeah… Fluttershy, that’s kinda what I want to talk to you about.”

“Oh? And what’s that?” Fluttershy asked, curiously.

“I don’t know how to put it, but… Soarin’ and I… That is… Me and Soarin’… We’re… We’re no longer together.”

Fluttershy’s smile began to sink, her eyes changed as her expression grew.

“W-What? Rainbow Dash, what happened? I thought you two were so happy!”

“Yeah, well… That’s why I’m here.”

Rainbow Dash reached into her pocket for her phone. Fluttershy watched attentively, as her friend scrolled down to her more recent conversation with Soarin’.

“You should read this,” Rainbow Dash said, passing the phone. “And I mean the ‘entire’ conversation. I’m not asking you to listen to just my side; I need you to hear both sides. You’re the only girl I know who reads people better than I do. Maybe you can help me figure out what I did wrong.”

And so, Fluttershy started reading… The whole conversation, in her eyes, was biblical. The texts sunk into venomous territory with every exchange, until at last she made it to Soarin’s final message:

“I’m sorry Dashie, but I don’t think there is anything we can do to fix this. My scholarship, this new internship, I can’t just throw it all way. I know it’s a lot to take in, but this was the hardest decision I had to make, for both of us. I don’t want to hurt you, but I think we’d be better off just friends. Please don’t be mad.”

The sad realization set in. True, Fluttershy had her own selfish fantasies of being with Rainbow Dash. But even she never wished for her relationship with Soarin’ to end this way, the worst way to break up with anyone. But since she couldn’t tell Rainbow Dash of her feelings, all she could do was try to understand the severity of the situation.

“So… He just left you? Just like that?”

“Over a dumb text!” Rainbow Dash remarked, bitterly. “I don’t understand men, Fluttershy. I thought for sure he was the one. I want to believe he had a good reason to throw in the towel. Perhaps I’d feel the same way if an opportunity like that came toward me. But no matter how hard I comprehend it, no matter how hard I try, it just feels unfair!”

Feeling sympathetic over Rainbow’s frustration, Fluttershy placed a gentle hand on her friend’s shoulder.

“Rainbow Dash, what happened between you two isn’t your fault. You shouldn’t feel guilty over one text.”

“You know, when we first started dating, everything seemed to fall into place,” Rainbow Dash explained. “I thought he was a guy who saw me for ‘who’ I am, someone he would embrace without question. At least, that’s who I thought he was. But he barely speaks to me. He didn’t even ‘try’ to make this work!”

The more Rainbow Dash talked, the angrier her face became. But quickly, it disappeared in the blink of an eye as she took a deep breath.

“I feel… Hurt.”

“Rainbow Dash, I—”

“I should’ve seen this coming a mile away! Soarin’s too good for the likes of me; I should’ve known he would do this to me since Day One. But it feels like a million bees stinging my heart, after all these months he casts me aside like an old hat!”

The whole time Fluttershy listened to Rainbow Dash’s rant, she never left her side. Eventually, she walked toward her, her one true yet unrequited love, and hugged her as tightly as she could. Leaning towards her left ear, behind her back, she felt Rainbow’s steady heartbeat, but it was slow… Melancholic… Grieving.

“I understand your pain, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy whispered softly, closing her eyes. “More than you realize…”

“But you must realize deep within your heart it was probably the hardest decision for him too. I may not know Soarin’ as well as you did, but he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to toy with a girl’s heart. I’m sure his feelings were real, that much is certain. But… Life always stabs you in the back, right?”

A weak laugh escaped Fluttershy’s lips, a vain attempt to life Rainbow Dash’s spirits. For obvious reasons, it did nothing to cheer her up. Still, Fluttershy would do anything to make the pain go away, just as Rainbow Dash did everything to help her in return during her moments of anguish. After all, she was the one who mattered to her, the one who meant more to her than any of the friends she ever had.

All her life, Fluttershy wanted to at least return the favor. Longing for nothing more than to make her embrace last for eternity, to finally confess to Rainbow Dash in this very moment. But… She knew she would be putting herself before her best friend and, given the circumstances, it would be in very poor taste. That thought lingered in her mind, since the beginning, the overwhelming fear of rejection. The sole reason she’s disputed whether or not to tell the truth. She felt that same sentimentality overwhelm her, but she didn’t know whether she harbored those true feelings or not.

Looking back, Fluttershy had those doubts she tried holding Rainbow’s hand back in the 8th grade. From her point of view, she was just the girl next door, someone who didn’t have a chance of having someone like Rainbow Dash.

Suddenly, Fluttershy felt something wet hit her hand, snapping her back to reality. Opening her eyes, she noticed Rainbow Dash was crying, trying to hold back from sobbing in front of her friend but it was completely fruitless.

“I don’t blame him, Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash said, wiping her tears. “I’d just be in his way. Besides, there are plenty of other girls prettier than me…”

There was no doubt on Fluttershy’s mind: Rainbow Dash was clearly suffering from a guilt trip. Something needed to be said, to stop this self-loathing before it completely clouds her judgment. Fluttershy took a deep breath, before settling with a vague statement, holding some hint of her own truth.

“I don’t know if this helps…” Fluttershy informed, smiling sadly. “But I have a feeling there ‘is’ someone who would do anything to be with you. A very nice person.”

For a brief moment, Rainbow Dash stopped crying. Seeing her through rapid tears, Fluttershy’s words were as genuine as her hug. But her frown returns as she looks out the window, toward the partly cloudy skies. It seemed she was still searching for a sign of her current situation.

“If that’s true, I must’ve pushed them away by now,” Rainbow Dash reason. “I don’t think there is, though.”

A disappointed sigh escaped Fluttershy, as she shook her head. Her mind screaming ‘Confess! Confess!’, but she knew in her heart this was not the time or place. She didn’t want to give the impression she’d say so out of pity, despite the contrary.

“This probably won’t work, but maybe… I could—”

Before she could finish her thought, a single idea came to mind. She had no clue if it would soothe the troubled waters, but better to try and fail than ‘never’ try at all.

“H-Hey, Rainbow Dash?” She said softly, tapping her shoulder.

Rainbow Dash slowly turned her head, her eyes facing Fluttershy attentively.

“I understand you’re sad, and the last thing I want is to see you suffer. Anyways, I have some money I’ve been saving in my piggy bank and I was thinking… Why don’t we go to Equestria Land tomorrow? That’s always fun.”

“Equestria Land?” Rainbow Dash questioned, tilting her head. “As in, the ‘amusement park’, Equestria Land? You do know that place is expensive, right?”

“It’s okay, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy smiled, walking toward her closet. “We haven’t been there since middle school. Does that scary maze bring back memories? I certainly enjoyed it.”

“If I remember correctly,” Rainbow Dash smirked. “’I’ enjoyed the maze; you chickened out last time.”

Fluttershy giggled nervously, reminded of her last attempt to go in the maze… But she bailed after taking two steps.

“O-Oh yeah, I did. But I’m not scared anymore! I’d love to give it another try.”

Rainbow Dash kept her smile, though it was forlorn with a brooding feeling. Once again, she turned away as Fluttershy looked on.

“Fluttershy, you’re my best friend. You work too hard to waste your money on me. We can just chill out here and that would be more than enough.”

Hearing this gave Fluttershy goosebumps, as she realized how warm her cheeks felt. Rainbow Dash always had ways of making her feel special, even unintentionally. But she promised that as her best friend she would find a way to make it the best day of Rainbow Dash's life. It wouldn’t matter if she earned her love or not; the only thing Fluttershy wants is to see Rainbow Dash’s smile. Just the way she used to do for her, whenever Fluttershy was afraid and isolated.

Now, this was her chance to prove she’s no longer the same little girl who gets scared easily. This was her chance to be that reliable friend Rainbow Dash needs.

“C’mon, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy tried. “You and I both know how easily bored you get when there’s nothing to do and there’s no better time to have fun than tomorrow. Just you and me, no Soarin’, no drama, and no tears. Just the two of us having mindless fun, just like back in the days when we vomit after riding those big rollercoasters. Won’t you go with me? Please?”

Turning around, Rainbow Dash was face-to-face with the biggest, wide-eyed, cutesy face Fluttershy has ever mustered. Not wanting to crush Fluttershy’s spirits, not that she really had anything better to do, Rainbow Dash sighs with a partial smile.

“Oh, alright,” Rainbow Dash relented. “I suppose there’s no harm if it gets my mind off things. But those tickets aren’t exactly a dollar, you know. You sure you want to do this?”

“Mr. Piggy is feeling awful generous today, so no worries.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled, as Fluttershy giggled at her own joke.

“Fluttershy, heh-heh… Never say that again.”

“Hey, I got you to laugh! That’s the Rainbow Dash I know!”

“Yea, yea! You win!”

“Admit it, I got you good. Come on…”

Rainbow Dash’s smile grew, as Fluttershy lit with joy. No words could describe how happy Fluttershy felt seeing that smile. A shame about Soarin’, as nice a guy as he seemed, he had no idea what he was missing. The girls’ moment grew silent as they stared into each other’s eyes, possibly reminiscing the various childhood memories they had when they were kids. With school over, those simpler times would soon end. But tomorrow… Tomorrow wasn’t that day.

“So… I guess I’ll have to be up bright and early to wake you on time?” Rainbow Dash inquired, playfully. “I know how often you oversleep.”

“Being cute takes effort, you know,” Fluttershy retorted. “Beauty sleep makes girls prettier; you should try it.”

“Nah… Too cool for ‘pretty’. But thanks for the offer.”

Rising off the bed, though Rainbow Dash was still beat from the breakup, Fluttershy noticed her friend was feeling better, if not slightly.

“Fluttershy… Thanks,” Rainbow Dash uttered. “I mean it. You’re the one good friend I can depend on when everything goes wrong in my life.”

“I’d like to be more than just a good friend,” Fluttershy thought.

She wanted to say it out loud, her heart demanding for her to speak out… But reluctantly, she held back. Now just wasn’t the right time.

“You’ve done the same for me,” Fluttershy insisted, warmly. “If you’d like to stay over, you’re more than welcome.”

“No, it’s fine,” Rainbow Dash shook her head. “I’m not exactly back to normal just yet. I have tons of issues on my mind; I don’t want to ruin your night. At least any more than as far as I could.”

“I really don’t mind, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy frowned, pitifully. “Friends are supposed to be for one another. What type of friend would tell you to suck it up?”

“Applejack,” Rainbow Dash chuckled.

“Oh yes, she can be… upfront. But truly, are you ‘sure’ you don’t want to stay?”

On the inside, Fluttershy was practically begging:

“Please stay with me in my arms! I love you, Rainbow Dash!”

“I’m sure, Fluttershy. But don’t you worry, the girl you’ve today will leave tomorrow. I’ll save that for after we’ve had our… Fun time.”

Rainbow Dash meant it as a joke, that much Fluttershy knew. But she also knew it made her feel worse. As much as she longed to say something, she reluctantly bit her tongue and nodded. Fluttershy had to accept that when her friend set her mind to something, she hardly changed it. Rising from her bed, Fluttershy walks toward Rainbow Dash, giving her the tightest hug, one she could ever give.

“Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me this, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy said. “If you ever start having those nasty thoughts again, you can always come to me. Please don’t be too mad at Soarin’. He’s a good guy, I’m sure he knows what he did was awful. Just know he wouldn’t have done it without good reason, okay?”

“Y-Yeah, of course,” Rainbow Dash muttered. “Um… Fluttershy…? My breathing’s starting to get shallow here…”

Fluttershy’s eyes widen, as she immediately released her.

“Oh, s-sorry about that!”

“Don’t worry about it, I’m fine. Just not so used to being someone’s teddy bear.”

Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief, her friend’s tone was soft and forgiving. She could listen to that all night.

“So… I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Hmm… Oh yes, of course! See you tomorrow!”

Rainbow Dash smiled, as she turned away and walked out of the room. Fluttershy watched from upstairs, as her friend left the house before closing her door. She turns toward her stuffed bunny on the bed, her most prized possession. She remembered that day: When Rainbow Dash won that stuffed animal for her during the elementary school carnival, when they were in 5th grade. Fluttershy always felt a sense of comfort when she held it during bed, as if a part of Rainbow Dash were with her.

She hopped along the bed, grabbing her stuffed bunny, as she gazed at the dusky sky above her. Giving her just enough time to wonder… Wishing… Yearning…

Fluttershy would do everything within her power to ensure Rainbow Dash had the best day of her life. She promised tomorrow would be special, to show her best friend how much she cares for her… Maybe realize how much she loves her.

Of course, Fluttershy always had trouble when it comes to waking up early. But that wouldn’t be a problem, so long as that means spending more time with Rainbow Dash. Hugging the stuffed bunny to her chest, laying it by her side, eventually Fluttershy fell asleep, comfortably conjuring the best dream she could muster… Just her and Rainbow Dash… Forever…