Where Your Heart Is

It was still daybreak as bus rolled through town square, two friends were anxious for all the things to do. While Rainbow Dash gazed out the window watching the sights, Fluttershy’s eyes were all on her. Just when she was about to reach out and hold her hand, her fear overtook her. She wanted to talk, to say even ‘one’ syllable, but she found it hard to speak… Especially about her feelings. Just as when she ready, the bus pulled to a stop.

“LAST STOP!” The bus driver called out.

Fluttershy stood up and allowed Rainbow Dash to slide out her spot, doing her best to hide the blush on her cheeks. Stepping off the bus first, Rainbow Dash waited for Fluttershy as she thanked the driver, offered a small tip, and climbed down the steps till the girls were side by side. They walked together, making their way toward a nearby bench, where they would sit down and figure out what to do first.

For the first hour, the two girls went on a couple rides together until Rainbow Dash spotted the haunted house. Under different circumstances, Fluttershy would either run away or insist she shouldn’t go. However, she made a promise to herself to spend the entire day with Rainbow Dash, even if it means mustering the courage within and pushed forward to an attraction clearly out of her comfort zone.

Unfortunately, this proved to be a mistake the moment they went through the doors. She quickly took hold Rainbow Dash’s arm, quivering as they slowly enter the haunted house.

“R-Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy shuttered. “I-I-I-I’m having s-s-s-second thoughts. C-Can w-we t-try something else? T-This place… Is-s-s… Scary…”

The former shook her head but threw a look of light pity.

“Sorry Fluttershy, no turning back now. You’re a big girl now, right?”

But Fluttershy felt less like a big girl, deep down she knew she was still that same crybaby from elementary school. Plus, that wasn’t the only feeling she felt apart from looking for a chance to leave. Among other things, she really… Really… Really had to use the bathroom.

“Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy moaned, desperately. “I gotta pee.”

“Now? You should’ve gone before we went in,” Rainbow Dash reminded.

Rainbow couldn’t resist chuckling over her companion’s dilemma, even if it did come off as somewhat vile. Not the first time this ever happened on their ventures.

“I didn’t think I’d have to go this b-badly!” Fluttershy exclaimed, fidgeting.

They soon reached the one area where all the scary monsters randomly pop out, as sound effects simulated the roars and moans the ghosts and goblins would make. They’d pop out of gravestones, behind makeshift trees, and even from the ceiling. It didn’t help the fact this part of the Haunted House was in the dark. The more Fluttershy thought of when the next monster would pop out, the worst her anxiety felt.

“I knew it… I really am all talk… I can’t even go through one haunted house with so much as a yelp. Who’d want a big chicken like me for a girlfriend? I’ve always been a coward… Always have… Always will be… Rainbow Dash deserves better…”

But as they pressed on, Fluttershy felt a firm grasp over her hand. Fluttershy turned to notice Rainbow Dash hold onto her. She gave her friend a reassuring nod, as the two strolled through the haunted house with burning courage in their hearts. Rainbow Dash never left her side; nothing could persuade Fluttershy to leave. So long as her friend was always by her side from the beginning, something she always held dear to her heart, Fluttershy would go through with it. After all, they were together and that’s all that matters.

Her negativity vanishing, positivity shined within her once again. She knew she could do it, confession or otherwise. Her whole life had built up to this pivotal moment in her life. Even if she never expected a ‘yes’, at least they had each other and would have closure.

Fluttershy returned the gesture with her adorable smile, facing forward with a determined gaze. Still, she couldn’t help but ponder what happens next.

“I can do this,” She whispered to herself.

She kept repeating those four words over and over, trying to fight off the terrifying atmosphere. In that very moment, one of the monsters popped out.

“I can’t do this!” Fluttershy shrieked.

Fluttershy ran as fast as her feet could carry her, not thinking for one moment nor realize she was still holding Rainbow Dash’s hand. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach, gripping onto Rainbow Dash out of safety, praying she could get out of that house as fast as she could.

Fluttershy barely had recollection of what the house looked like because her eyes were closed the entire time. All she remembered were the screams, the chills, and the somersaults her stomach performed as she moved. She couldn’t lie, she ‘really’ needed to pee more than ever.

She could feel her bladder ready to pop like an overinflated balloon and all before they even left. She dropped upon her knees, feeling that pressure intensify, unable to get off the ground as she was paralyzed by intense fear. Rainbow Dash lifted her up by the hand, offering a proud grin.

“You did it, Fluttershy,” Rainbow commended. “You overcame your fears and made it through the whole house!”

“Y-yeah,” Fluttershy giggled. “But I owe it all to you. I always feel safer when I’m with you.”

Without hesitating, Fluttershy hugged Rainbow Dash. She couldn’t resist; she was too good for her. Others may chew her out for being chicken, but not Rainbow Dash. She alone gave her confidence to face her fears and because of her Fluttershy endured the house to the bitter end.

She suddenly realized what she was doing and released her hug.

“S-Sorry! I don’t know what came over me, I just…”

In that moment, that feeling in her gut made her eyes widen, reminding her why she rushed out of that house.

“Oh… Sweet mercy… I have to pee!”

With that awkward declaration, Fluttershy dashed away through the exit, which revealed a small gift shop for the attendees, and desperately searched for the restroom. Along the way, she noticed a few knick-knacks on display and while some were being sold across the park, there were t-shirts left unseen by the public.

“Perhaps Rainbow and I could do some shopping before we leave,” Fluttershy thought.

Spotting the girl’s bathroom, Fluttershy made a beeline and dashed inside.

Meanwhile, as she waited, Rainbow Dash waltzed around the entire gift shop. Shifting her focus to the right, she noticed several pictures of people of their haunted house experience. Rainbow Dash had a brief retrospect of her childhood, remembering being calm and collected after entering the Haunted House. Fluttershy, on the other hand, held onto her like a lost child, never letting go. She chuckled at that moment, ironic how it was Fluttershy’s idea to do this house in the first place. But that didn’t bother her; on the contrary, that experience made it all the more endearing.

Rainbow Dash would do anything to make that memory last forever. The last day of their childhood and Fluttershy finally conquered one of her fears. The least she could do is buy Fluttershy a little memento, so she never forgets this day. Digging through her pocket, she grabs her wallet and approached the cashier.

“Hey there,” She greeted, drawing a $20. “One photo of that girl and I, please.”

Taking the money, the cashier, a goth chick with a nose ring took one look at the photo and chuckled.

“Teasing your girlfriend with that picture?”

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash asked, surprised at the remark. “Oh, no, no! Just friends. Good friends, but friends… Seriously.”

“Really?” The cashier frowned. “You two looked like you were made for each other. Didn’t catch that look in her eyes?”

“Just… Give me the picture!”

“Whatever…”

Rainbow Dash grabs the picture and slips it into a frame, which she places in her bag for safe keeping.

“Look… We’re not into each other that much. We’ve been best friends since we were kids. Besides, if she ‘really’ like me, wouldn’t she have said so by now?”

The cashier just stared daggers, as if she could pierce through Rainbow Dash’s soul. The kind of look that says, ‘Are you serious?’, which Rainbow Dash found ‘very’ uncomfortable.

“And she didn’t clue in on the fact she wants you to make the first move?”

“I’m sure she would’ve given me ideas in the first place. Even if that wasn’t the case, I’m pretty sure I would’ve noticed.”

“Right…” The cashier sighed, disappointed. “Just… Try to clear it up with her sometime. If she finds out and you didn’t tell her… You’re both going to be miserable for the rest of your lives.”

Rainbow Dash turned away, but she already felt the cashier’s words weigh down.

“… Maybe I will,” She thought.

At that moment, Rainbow Dash drew out her phone absentmindedly. Her eyes widen noticing several missed calls on her phone, which she wouldn’t have known because her phone was on silent. Even worse: They all came from Soarin’. The heart emoji was still there, but she didn’t care to edit it out. But that’s not even what got her attention.

Apparently, Soarin’ had been trying to call her… Repeatedly. Rainbow Dash already knew this day would come. She knew Fluttershy would be unhappy if she spoke a word to Soarin’, one day after having her heart broken. Still, Rainbow Dash was under an obligation that he wouldn’t call her without probable cause. Driven by curiosity, Rainbow Dash had to know what’s going on.

She made to punch the recent call… But then stopped. Should Rainbow Dash even answer him? After all, Soarin’ broke her heart and Rainbow Dash didn’t want to think about him. But… He ‘did’ try to reach out to her. Maybe there was some truth behind his actions, and she would miss out. Clearly, ignoring him has done her no good, so the least she could do is at least hear him out.

Having made up her mind, taking a deep breath… Rainbow Dash dialed the number. One ring… Two rings…

“Rainbow Dash!” Soarin’ exclaimed, in relief. “Boy, am I glad you’re okay. I came over to your house, but you already left. I almost thought you did the unthinkable.”

As Rainbow Dash listened silently, she could sense genuine concern in his voice. If he was telling the truth, perhaps he still sees her as the young woman he actually cares about. Rainbow Dash felt relieved learning this, she almost forgot she was on the phone.

“Rainbow Dash? Are you there?”

“Uh, yeah… Hey! Course, I’m alright. Just needed a day for myself; get so restless when I’m doing nothing, you know?”

“Oh yes, of course,” Soarin’ acknowledged. “… This is about… Um… The other day… Isn’t it?”

“Yea,” Rainbow Dash answered, coolly.

Awkward silence ensued, both parties waiting for each other to speak. For one full minute, neither one of them did.

“Hello?” Soarin’ spoke, breaking the silence.

“Yeah, I’m still here,” Rainbow Dash confirmed.

“Oh, good,” Soarin said, awkwardly. “Look… I want to apologize. Everything I said, over that text… That was wrong. I know what you’re gonna say… And you’re right! You’re right… I should’ve told you face-to-face. I needed to be the man you wanted me to be, but I was too afraid to see how you’d react. Especially for how much time we spent together.”

A cold feeling swept over Rainbow Dash, consuming her heart. Soarin’ seriously believed an ‘apology’ would fix what happened between them. No… It didn’t. He drove the stake first and there was no holding back.

“Soarin’… I don’t want your apology,” Rainbow Dash replied, trying not to be mad. “Not now. What you said, over the phone, was the nastiest thing to happen to me. I felt we had something special, and you just threw it away… Like it didn’t matter anymore.”

“That’s the problem, we did matter!” Soarin’ shouted, shakily. “I-I-I was in love with you, nothing’s changed! It’s just… I ‘had to’ end it, We were going to be so far away from one another—”

“STOP! Just… Stop!” Rainbow shouted. “You broke up with me because you ‘had to’? After everything we went through, you weren’t even gonna try?!”

It was then Rainbow Dash noticed several heads turn toward her. She started to blush with a shy frown.

“What are you looking at?! I’m TRYING to have a conversation!!!”

Not wanting any trouble, everyone immediately resumed their business while Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. There was an awkward silence on the other end, till Soarin’s voice began to crack.

“I’m… I’m sorry, I… This is a bad time. I’ll call you back later.”

The conversation ended with those final words. Rainbow Dash loathed herself, realizing what she did. If she didn’t hate herself before, this awkward moment sealed the deal. She had no idea what came over her. She had every right to be angry with Soarin’, he was the one who broke up with her leaving her hurt and shattering her trust. She hoped he’d call back, if only to have a talk without snapping at him.

But the phone never rang… He never called back… And Rainbow Dash blew it, literally…