Where Your Heart Is

Rainbow Dash had no time to pity herself. She put her phone in her pocket just when Fluttershy emerged from the bathroom. Wiping her hands, having just washed, she turned to Rainbow Dash as the shoppers moved about. The latter’s meltdown quickly fell away, as she tried her best poker face.

“So… Feeling better?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

“Y-Yea, all better,” Fluttershy nodded. “I actually feel pretty great; I was pretty brave, right?”

“Eh… I’m not so sure about that.”

“What do you mean?”

Rainbow Dash reached into the paper back, revealing the frame.

“You looked like you were having a heart attack,” Rainbow Dash teased.

“H-Hey! That’s just mean, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy pouted, playfully. “Besides, you didn’t seem so cool the first time around.

“Alright, alright, you got me there,” Rainbow Dash admits, moving a head to her shoulder. “But seriously: I’m really glad we did this. Nobody could pull it off like you.”

“R-Rainbow Dash…” Fluttershy blushed. “You’re e-embarrassing me.”

“Aw, you know it’s fair if I tease you a bit. Hey, wanna shop around? I actually want to see if any of the stores got something new since last time.

“Actually… That sounds wonderful!”

In the end, all either of them bought were matching blue t-shirts, each proudly proclaiming, “I Survived The Haunted House Of Doom!”. As Fluttershy puts her shirt in a shopping bag, Rainbow Dash noticed how large it looked compared to her size. Fluttershy caught her staring as she held the shirt close to her.

“Feel it, it’s comfy,” Fluttershy smiled, cheerfully. “I’m using it as a pajama shirt.”

Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow as if to say, ‘Really?’. But she did so anyway, brushing one hand along the material. She had to admit the shirt was comfortable, cotton-soft like a cloud if she could ever imagine feeling one. Still, there was one thing that bothered her.

“I hate to ask this but… Why?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Isn’t the whole point of buying this shirt is to ‘prove’ you overcame your fear?”

“W-Well, I didn’t buy it to brag,” Fluttershy admitted, shyly. “I bought it for myself.”

“What do you mean?”

Fluttershy’s smile faded slightly, but still remained. More importantly, it was still as close to genuine happiness Rainbow Dash ever saw in her friend.

“Okay… You got me,” Fluttershy began, fixing her hair. “For most of my life, I’ve always been afraid of the haunted house. When I was little, when I’d watch people go inside, I’d hear them scream at the top of their lungs. The last thing I ever wanted to do was go inside. I’d chicken out before I even get to the entrance and I’d be content staying in my shell.”

As Fluttershy continued, she clutched the bag with the shirt inside. Holding it close as if it were some form of comfort.

“So, I was thinking, whenever I go to bed and I have this shirt on, I can remind myself that I’m strong enough to face my fears directly. To always remind myself that even a girl like me can be brave, to be strong for another tomorrow.”

“Wow, Fluttershy, that was beautiful… And sappy at the same time,” Rainbow Dash grinned.

“Well, it’s all thanks to you,” Fluttershy smiled. “Can we stop for lunch now? I’m hungry.”

“Is that right?” Rainbow asked, with a sly grin.

“Hmph…” Fluttershy huffed. “It’s not like I eat a lot.”

“Oh, you don’t… Well, we’ll have to fix that, won’t we?”

The two of them laughed it off, as they left the gift shop.

Eventually, they reach a good stand where all sorts of unhealthy foods were sold. In spot of how many times her stomach swung back-and-forth, Fluttershy was famished. While she ordered a simple salad and drink, Rainbow Dash ordered a burger, with large fries and medium drink. She offered to pay, but Fluttershy shoved her hand away.

“I’m paying,” She informed, with a firm smile.

“But—”

“C’mon, it’s your special day.”

“Yes, you’ve told me numerous times. But I have money, I can pay for my—”

But Rainbow Dash never finished when Fluttershy slid a few more bills to the stand operator.

“Too late,” Fluttershy smiled.

Rainbow Dash sighed, as her meal was passed to her.

“You know Fluttershy, there’s such a thing as being ‘too’ kind.”

“Mm-hmm… I know.”

Blissfully smiling, Fluttershy ate her salad as some dressing, in this case Ranch, smeared her lips before swallowing. Rainbow Dash had to stifle a giggle, but it was funny. They took their seat at a nearby table, eating their meal as Rainbow Dash took a look around.

It truly was a beautiful day; the sky was clear and very little clouds. The park itself is naturally crowded; tons of people moved about. The sounds of joy, from both children and adults alike, filled the landscape, the rollercoasters zooming side to side and the chimes and dings of the carnival games echoed across the park.

And yet, despite the loud noise and constant bumping, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy kept their attention towards one another. Rainbow Dash took a brief glance at her half-eaten burger before facing her best friend.

“Fluttershy,” Dash finally said. “Thank you, for today. It’s been really great.”

“You’re welcome,” Fluttershy said, blushing. “I’m just glad to see you happy.”

“I’m grateful for coming here, the park is great. But, if there’s one thing that really makes me happy, it’s spending time with an amazing friend like you… Just like the good old days. I admit I’ve been feeling alone since… Well, you know…?”

Rainbow Dash slouched back, relaxing her body, and placing her hands on the table. Fluttershy leans forward with her hand atop hers.

“Don’t say that, Rainbow Dash. You’re never alone, so long as I’m here for you.”

Rainbow Dash’s grin faltered, as if what Fluttershy said hit a sour note.

“But… What if the day comes when we leave each other? I haven’t figured out what I wanted to do. I mean… I’m afraid that we might break apart and—”

“Rainbow Dash, I couldn’t care less what excuses you-know-who made up. Breaking away only works if we allow it to. No matter what happens, I will always stick with you. Who knows? We can live with each other, maybe… Make even more friends.”

Rainbow Dash was fond of this aspect Fluttershy developed, the one which grew whenever there was a problem to face. Whenever Dash worried for her future, her friend’s smile would always put her back on track. But she also knew not even Fluttershy can predict the future, especially when it concerns their friendship. Still, there was one thing that was absolutely certain: They would remain close to each other, no matter what.

“What more could I ever ask for?” Rainbow Dash asked.

She wanted to tell Fluttershy about the phone call; truth is that conversation was stuck on her mind. Despite everything, Soarin’ went through all the trouble trying to apologize and she threw it in his face. She let her emotions overcome her logic, again, and now it was up to her to make amends. If anything, Rainbow Dash could live with being friends with Soarin’. He was kind, smart, and surprisingly witty. There was no reason to believe he’d ever lie to her. Perhaps, if she had just given him the chance to explain himself, maybe they could’ve patched things up… But again, she took everything he said and threw it in his face.

Still… Was there even a slim chance they could date again? No one said the offer was on the table, but either way Rainbow Dash would veto that choice. Because deep down, she knows what Soarin’ is like: Once he sets his mind to something, there was little to do to either change his mind or stop him from doing it again.

Even if this were never planned, she wouldn’t allow him the benefit of the doubt. She wouldn’t cloud her judgment with Fluttershy, not with her cheerfulness, her dorky side, or even that inviting warmth… That was all Rainbow Dash needed to keep going. But the question still came: Could she like her that way? She said it herself that she would’ve caught on, but still Rainbow Dash couldn’t stop thinking what the clerk said.

“Maybe she wanted me to make the first move…?” Rainbow Dash thought. “Now that I think about it, was Fluttershy ever in a relationship? Did she ever share her first kiss with anybody?”

Rainbow Dash never once recalled Fluttershy being the flirty type. She was always so quiet, introverted, to herself. Yet she has noticed Fluttershy has been acting… Unusual lately. Her curiosity finally got the better of her as she could no longer keep her mouth shut.

“Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash spoke, breaking the silence.

“Hmm?” Fluttershy turned.

“This is going to sound like a dumb question, but… Bear with me. Have you ever, um… Ever had a boyfriend?”

The moment that question was brought up, Fluttershy’s eyes went wide and her plastic fork fell to the ground.

“W-W-What?”

“Have you ever had a boyfriend?” Rainbow repeated, firmly. “Sorry for the sudden question, just a thought.”

Cocking her head back, a bright blush appeared on Fluttershy’s face.

“T-Thought?”

Fluttershy tried to feign innocence, to no avail.

“What thought is that Rainbow Dash? Please, tell me!”

“… You know what?” Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Never mind, forget it. Sorry I asked.”

Fluttershy sighed, as if disappointed. She had no idea what Rainbow Dash was implying, yet hoped she’d receive the answer she wanted. She just couldn’t muster the courage to carry this subject, instead she threw away the rest of her food seeing as her fork was on the ground.

“So… Ready for more rides?”

Rainbow Dash just ate the last bite of her burger, as she threw the bag away.

“Sure. Where do you want to go next?

Fluttershy put a single finger on her chin, pondering.

“Hmm… How about the haunted barn? It’s awful hot out here, and I here it’s cooler in there.”

“And darker,” Rainbow grinned, mischievously. “And spookier…”

“Hmm… Nice try, but it won’t work. I’ve already conquered my fears and I have the shirt to prove it!”

“Curses, foiled again!” Rainbow Dash joked.

The two had a good laugh as they headed, strolling toward the Haunted Barn attraction. They were both really anxious with each passing step. They were just halfway to the haunted barn when Fluttershy spoke up.

“The answer is ‘no’, by the way.”

“What?”

“The question from before; I’ve never been in a relationship.”

“Never? Huh… Well, I know we haven’t really spoken about it. But if it makes you uncomfortable, I totally understand—”

“N-No. It’s okay… I want to talk about it. What do you want to know?”

“Well… First off, there’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Rainbow Dash reassured. “The way I see it: The less relationships you have before finding The One, the less heartbreaking you have to go through. Sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with deciding to have a relationship at all.”

“Oh? And why is that?” Fluttershy asked.

“Because then… The less chance you have of making mistakes… And nobody can ever hurt you.”

“I see, well,” Fluttershy giggled, nervously. “If you know me, I’ve never really been the outgoing type…”

Fluttershy’s hands gently assumed a position along the top of her chest.”

“My c-chest isn’t… Booming as the boys would say. I would never call myself stunning; I can never keep up with certain subjects.”

The more Fluttershy tried to talk, the anxious she got. So much she scratched the back of her head, trying to think what else to say. But the more she thought, the more frustrated she got.

“W-Why is she hearing this from me now!? This is her day, not mine! But she’s the only one paying attention, everyone else either laughs or just assumes I want attention.”

Rainbow Dash gently placed both her hands on Fluttershy’s shoulders, facing her with compassionate eyes.

“Don’t ever think like that, Fluttershy. You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met. This whole romance thing may not work out for me, but it’s as you said, there are a ton of guys who would love to be around a girl like you… A very nice guy.”

“That’s comforting… You pity me, Rainbow Dash. If you ever truly loved me, you’d have told me this long ago.”

Rainbow Dash watched her closely, her eyes showing concern. That’s when she notice the tears welling up in Fluttershy’s eyes.

“Why is she crying?” Rainbow thought, panicking. “Was it something I said?”

Fluttershy, meanwhile, did everything she could to wipe away the tears. But the steamed like there was no tomorrow. But even with her vision blurred, she could see Rainbow Dash so clearly. She could see… She was deeply concerned.

“Fluttershy, what’s the matter?” Rainbow Dash asked.

<>

Shutting herself in one of the bathroom stalls. Fluttershy covered her mouth, desperately trying to muffle her crying. She looked at her dress, which matched her hair color, a dress she saved so much to buy it. Months and weeks poured into buying that dress alone. She could make out the faint echo of the music beyond the stall, but her crying was more than enough to overpower the tone. Even after calming down, she stood from the toilet seat and left the stall to check herself in the mirror.

For once in her life, she was beyond devastated. Her hair was entirely curled in a coral-style that took months to prep and her mascara was so messy and stained her face resembled a black waterfall. She wiped the glossy lipstick off her lips, as she stared at herself. After a while, she turned away from her reflection.

The dance was ending, and her friends were probably wondering where she ran off to. They wanted nothing more than to see that bright, cheerful smile Fluttershy was known for. She was aware of their affection for her; in fact, her self-confidence had been building up more than she anticipated in years. But none of that could atone for the fact she never felt courage.

All that time, all the effort into her evening, gone to waste. All she ever wanted was to spend the whole night with Rainbow Dash, to dance with her, and hold her close in her arms. How does she repay her efforts? Fluttershy arrived at the dance only to find her dancing with him… Soarin’. Some boy who appears handsome, probably much better than Fluttershy, even with all her make-up.

“Why couldn’t I be with her?” Fluttershy asked herself.

She wanted to explode, even in front of anybody, but she suppressed it… She buried it. All she could do was reach in her purse, pull out a bottle and wipe off the ruined mascara just to clean the reminder of her failure. While it did come off as disingenuous, it appeared authentic enough.

The floor had died down, by the time Fluttershy left the bathroom. A light hung over Rainbow Dash and Soarin’, there she could see them… Kissing one another, so passionately. Fluttershy could only watch silently, just as she always does. Watching rub his arms all over firm, soft body and she returns the favor, their lips interlocked for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, Fluttershy turned away, telling herself to just move on like nothing ever happened… At all.

<>

“Fluttershy? What’s the matter?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Talk to me; tell me what’s wrong.”

Her suppressed anger was breaking lose, Fluttershy could feel the sorrow begging to be unleashed. She knew it was inevitable, even after all those years. She hoped it would last much longer… But realized, she could no longer hold it.

“I LOVED YOU, RAINBOW DASH!!!” Fluttershy exploded. “YOU WERE ALL I EVER THOUGHT ABOUT SINCE MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!”

Fluttershy’s outburst had Rainbow Dash moving back in surprise. The poor girl did all she could to restrain herself, but it was all too much… It was all for nothing. After all these years, Fluttershy could no longer keep it together.

“Y-YOU JUST HAD TO FORCE ME TO SAY IT, DIDN’T YOU?! THE DAY AFTER YOU BREAK-UP, YOU FINALLY GIVE ME A MOMENT’S NOTICE! LIKE YOU ONLY WANT TO TALK TO ME WHEN IT’S CONVIENT FOR YOU!!”

To say Rainbow Dash was emotionally punched was a huge understatement. Fluttershy’s outburst made her reel with shock, this was true… But then she started putting the pieces together. The memories… What they witnessed together… It all came full circle.

“Fluttershy… You…” Rainbow Dash stuttered, searching for words. “I’m sorry…”

Rainbow Dash reached out to hold her hand, but Fluttershy swat it away.

“NO! DON’T YOU DARE PITY ME!” She screamed, tears streaming. “YOU THINK ‘I’M SORRY’ WILL EVER MAKE UP FOR WHAT YOU PUT ME THROUGH?! Is that all you can even say? ‘You’re sorry’? You’re sorry I put too much salt in your eggs, when you wanted to cook your own breakfast? You’re sorry that I had the silly idea to have us walk the Haunted House when you knew I hated it?”

“And I suppose… I suppose you want to tell me you’re sorry your life is so miserable because Soarin’ couldn’t stand the look on your face if he told you the truth, he breaks up with you through a text… A TEXT!!! But why should I care? I don’t care! You never felt for me like you did for him, why should it matter now? Do whatever you want, cry about it for all I care, just leave me alone!”

Fluttershy turned away and sprang for the exit.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Fluttershy, wait!”

She ran after her sorrowful friend in a flash. It didn’t take long to catch up with her, grabbing her hand and hugging her tightly preventing her from going anywhere. Fluttershy struggled to pry herself loose, to the point her new t-shirt flew out of her bag, but it was all fruitless. Rainbow Dash had Fluttershy in her grasp, and she was determined not to let go.

“Fluttershy… Please…” Rainbow whimpered, pleading. “Just tell me what’s the matter. I’ll listen, I promise.”

Fluttershy looked up, seeing the tears in Rainbow’s eyes. Seeing this quelled whatever rage remained within her.

“Why did you do this Fluttershy?!” Her thoughts raced. “Why, on her special day of days when it was going so perfectly?! You just couldn’t tell her casually; you just had to freak out! She didn’t deserve to hear how she broke your heart, but no you had to resort to… To…”

Eventually, Fluttershy relaxed in Rainbow’s arms, calming down and taking deep breathes as she turned back to Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow Dash…” She sobbed. “I-I’m sorry! This was all my fault! We had one special day together and I ruined it! I-I-I don’t blame y-you if you n-never s-speak to me ever again! I-I-I understand if y-you just ignored me, just like everyone else did in middle school!”

“Shh…” Rainbow Dash cooed. “It’s alright, you did nothing wrong. It was never you… It was me… I did this to you…”

Despite that, she knew that wasn’t enough. All those years of false happiness and suppressed rage were finally out, all because Rainbow didn’t see it from the start. All Fluttershy could do was cry, despite Rainbow’s efforts to comfort her anyway she could. Even after all that, it would never take away the pain Rainbow Dash indirectly inflicted on her one true friend. There was only one thing she could do now.

She held Fluttershy’s head to her cheek, leaned against her ear, and said the three most comforting words hardly anybody could ever say…

“I love you…”