Chapter 2
Fluttershy felt a twinge of guilt as she watched Rainbow Dash disappear among the clouds. Perhaps she should have told her about last night, rather than shrink away and turn the subject back to Rarity and Twilight. But then what else could she honestly have done? There would have been little sense in telling Rainbow, particularly while she was still recovering.
“It wouldn’t have made any difference, right?” Fluttershy turned and looked imploringly at her chickens. “I mean... I really didn’t want to lie to her, but what else could I do?” Her chickens replied with absent expressions before they continued to peck at the remaining grains.
Fluttershy’s ears drooped. “That didn’t help... Oh! But, I’m sure you tried your very best,” she added. They ignored her. Picking up the bucket, she moved to the gate and left the small enclosure. She had attended to all the animals now, mostly because she’d been doing chores since 4am. Sleep had been difficult. Every time she’d managed to drift off she’d relive the moment that she and Dash had kissed. Her eyes closed momentarily as a ripple of weariness swept through her. She stumbled but managed to catch herself. Blinking, she gave her head a brisk shake. Looking up, she was relieved to see the door to her cottage. Perhaps it would be wise to have a quick nap.
Just as she pushed the door open, two small animals darted past her. For a moment Fluttershy watched as they chased each other down the path, the display lifting her mood. However, as she stepped inside, her slight smile soon vanished as she headed for the stairs. As she climbed, and despite her better judgement, her mind replayed the events of the night before.
Her cheeks warmed as she remembered how gentle Rainbow had been. In many respects it was how she’d imagine her first kiss would be... though the circumstances were very, very different. Had it really just been a friendly, though drunken, gesture?
She sighed as she stepped onto the top hall. Maybe she was overthinking it. Afterall Rainbow hadn’t remembered a thing, so there was little point in dwelling on it...
Fluttershy paused in mid-step as another thought entered her head. Of course, that wasn’t the question. The real question was, did she want it to be something more? She shook her head, trying to clear it or find a different thread.
Opening the door to her bedroom, she stepped in and slipped onto her bed. As she lay there, her large eyes moved to a framed picture of herself and Rarity. On seeing the white unicorn, her thoughts mercifully turned to her friend and her secret relationship.
How had Rarity and Twilight got together? Had Rarity been habouring feelings for the Canterlot unicorn? How had she come to terms with them? Fluttershy paused. No, that didn’t seem right somehow. she suspected, though she wasn’t sure why, that it had been Twilight who had tried to admit her feelings. But if that were true, how, and when, had it all started?
Maybe, were she to use her friend as an example, Fluttershy could find a way to help her deal with her own uncertain emotions. Lowering her head against her pillow, she tried to imagine what the lavender unicorn would have done.
The first thing would be to try and read everything she could on the subject, and see if she were able to identify similarities. Fluttershy prodded her pillow. Was there even a book that could help with this situation that wasn't fictional? Her eyes drifted over to the window. What else would Twilight do? Analyze? Well, it couldn’t hurt to give it a try. Knowing Twilight, she would start with the facts, and scrutinize them to pinpoint a likely answer.
Fluttershy knew that emotions derived from various sources and could be triggered by many things. Now she needed to figure out if she was attracted to her closest and oldest friend. If so, then what was it stemming from? What drew one pony to another? Personality was the most likely answer; that was how friendships were formed.
There was most certainly a lot behind Rainbow’s personality to consider. She was reliable and quite respected within ponyville... however, that didn’t mean she was necessarily liked. Fluttershy knew that more than a few of the town ponies regarded Rainbow as prideful, obnoxious, and even lazy, save for when she needed to beat somepony. Fluttershy lightly bit the inside of her cheek. Though she conceded that was true, it did sadden her that so few saw the other side of Dash.
Despite all of her bad qualities, Rainbow was one of the ponies that Fluttershy most admired. Dash was unwaveringly loyal, and when the mood took her, she could be supportive, kind, and even gentle. Fluttershy buried her nose into her hooves as she replayed the kiss in her mind.
Perhaps it was because of what had happened at flight school. Dash had always been there for her, rarely asking for anything in return. She had stood up for Fluttershy, trying to protect her from all the bullying she’d often received. She had supported her, encouraged her, and even comforted her.
Dash had also been the one who had shown Fluttershy the world below the clouds, and had helped her gain her cutie mark.
Closing her eyes, Fluttershy let herself drift back into her memories. Was it possible that she had always had these feelings, but they had laid dormant until now?
Her reflection broke when she felt a light prod in her shoulder. She sprang from the bed with a startled cry and ducked straight under the nearby dressing table. For a moment she waited, quivering in the dark, then slowly she peeked out from her hiding place.
Sitting on the duvet was Angel. He was watching her, an oddly concerned look in his eyes. “Oh Angel, it’s just you... I'm sorry,” Fluttershy gave a small smile as she slipped out from under the table and returned to the bed. “I was just thinking of something...”
The rabbit cocked his head slightly, raising an inquiring eyebrow.
“Oh, well...” Fluttershy pawed the duvert nervously, “...something happened last night. Something that’s making me reconsider my feelings for somepony I really admire...”
The rabbit blinked and raised a paw. Hopping down from the bed, he moved over to her shelf and pulled out a book. Opening it, he rapidly flicked through the pages, before stopping and turning back to her with the book held aloft. On the page was a picture of herself and Dash laughing at a picnic.
“Yes...” Fluttershy admitted as Angel closed the book and returned it to the shelf. “We shared a kiss... and I’m not sure if it meant something more, or how I feel about it...”
Jumping back onto the bed, the white rabbit gave her a sympathetic look.
“What should I do?” Fluttershy asked. “I don’t want to do anything that could harm our friendship...”
Angel gave a small shrug, then, perhaps desiring to do something more, gave her an encouraging pat.
Sighing, Fluttershy settled her head back onto the pillow. What should she do? She’d never really considered potential romantic relationships before. That was more Rarity’s interest... former interest, she corrected, thinking back to what Rainbow had told her. She was delighted by the news. Rarity and Twilight made a wonderful pair, and she wished nothing but the best for them.
Her well-wishing trailed off into another sigh. But what about her and Dash? She paused in mid-thought and looked at the clock on her bedside table. In an hour and a half's time she would be due to meet with Rarity. Perhaps she could coax out of the fashionista how she and Twilight had become a couple. If all went well, maybe Fluttershy could find an answer to her own feelings.
Settling her head down, she closed her eyes and slipped into dreams.
*****
Dash lost herself in the motion of flight. The overwhelming rush of freedom and speed plunged her into a liberating, intoxicating world that blocked out all other thoughts and chased away her memories. Her head began to clear, and the heaviness in her limbs slipped away in the streaming wind.
She looped in the air and spread her wings, letting the wind current carry her. Opening her eyes, she looked down and saw the rooftops of Ponyville. Adjusting her altitude, she glided just above the town, noticing the residents going about their daily routines. Soon, she spied the thatched roof of her favourite watering hole she twisted downward.
Mike was outside of the Timber Dragon, sweeping up from the previous evening. Turning, he greeted Rainbow with a warm smile as she landed. “Good morning. How are you feeling?”
“Fine...” Rainbow began, only to trail off into a sigh when she saw the look on his face. Realising he wouldn’t be fooled, she kicked up some dirt and frowned. “Okay, fine, I admit it, I had too much...”
Mike laughed. “I would never have guessed. Still, colour me impressed. It’s not everyday I see a mare drink fifteen pints of cider – I think that might be a record.”
“Really?” Rainbow looked up sharply. “Fifteen, wait... are you just yanking my tail?”
“No, I was amazed you were able to walk out of there –”
“Yes!” Rainbow stamped both fore-hooves on the ground. “Twelve was my previous record, I’ve been wanting to beat it for ages! Next time I’m going for twenty. Ha! I’m going to leave AJ’s record in the dust!!” She shot a wide grin at the bartender, who merely shook his head.
“What about taking it easy?” he asked.
Rainbow snorted. “I didn’t say I was going to do it now. I’ll do it later, you know, some time way off, like next week.”
Mike rolled his eyes. “Sure thing Dash, just make sure you bring Fluttershy. No offence, but I’d be worried about you getting back safely.” He paused, and a thoughtful look crossed his face. “Where exactly do you go after drinking? I thought you lived up in a cloud? How do you get there when your...”
“Off my hooves?” Rainbow offered, raising an eyebrow.
“I was going to say “under the influence of””
“Oh, cool term,” Rainbow shrugged her shoulders. “I crash with Fluttershy.” She blinked. “Eh, I mean, I sleep with, I mean I stay at her cottage...”
Mike laughed. “I didn’t think anything else.” He winked at the scowling pegasis. “Well that’s nice. You’re lucky to have a good friend...”
“Yeah, Fluttershy’s cool,” Rainbow said, returning his smile. “I can always count on her.”
“How long have you known each other for?”
“Since we were fillies. Used to look after her. Encourage her, protect her from some creeps we knew, you know; all that kinda junk.” Rainbow scraped her hoof against the dirt road.
Mike didn’t say anything, but gave an odd nod.
Rainbow raised her brow. “What was that for?”
The stallion blinked, lightly shook his head, and then grinned at her. “Sorry, just got a little lost there... No need to read anything into it. Anyway, sounds like you two are pretty close.”
“Yeah, guess we are,” Rainbow said, shrugging. “Shy’s a real pal.” Spreading her wings, she slowly lifted herself into the air. “Well, see you next week! Just you watch, I’m going to crush my record!”
“Sure thing, Dash,” Mike laughed.
Author Note: So, I guess I owe everyone an apology for the lateness of this chapter. Honestly, it wasn't my intention to mess anyone around or forget about it, I've just been extremely busy. This chapter was meant to be longer, but I ended up changing something in the plot which moved about 2000 words to another chapter. I'm hoping chapter three won't take as long. As always, feedback and constructive criticism is welcomed and encouraged and I hope you've enjoyed this short chapter.
I'd like to offer a thanks to I would also like to thank "Specklegriffon" for his time in helping me correct and edit this. And I’d like to extend a thank you to “Nonameknight", I hope you're feeling better.
Till next time dear reader,
Night Thinker
Chapter 1
The sensation was strange, yet very enjoyable, almost mind numbing. Rainbow Dash didn’t move, instead desiring to keep this feeling as long as she could. She couldn’t really describe it, but there was a sense that she'd experienced it before.
She was completely submerged in darkness, unable to even move. Yet, that fact didn’t cause alarm or fear. Rather, it seemed to be part of the deal. Remain motionless and sightless and you may keep this feeling.
Whether she interpreted those unspoken rules as a challenge that needed to be bested, or because of the sensations that rippled through her body, Dash couldn’t be sure. Regardless she didn’t want to leave. She wanted to remain in this place. It was... soothing.
But, despite her efforts, she felt a twitch and slowly she stirred from her sleep, the dream and the strange emotions fading as she did.
Rolling onto her back, Rainbow Dash gave a low groan. She winced as she attempted to open her eyes, only to squeeze them shut as a heavy throb swelled in her head. How much did she drink? Too much was the simple answer. Draping a foreleg over her eyes, she moaned softly. ‘Way too much’, she amended. For a moment she remained motionless, allowing her head time to clear. Her body felt heavy, limbs sluggish, and there was present, and very annoying, tingle in her legs.
She waited for a few more minutes to pass. Feeling a little steadier, she slowly lifted herself until she was upright on the couch.
Working her lower jaw, trying to remove the acrid taste from her mouth, she looked around room, noting that the main light was mercifully dim. The room itself was a fuzzy haze, a wash of blurred shades that shifted in and out of focus. She squeezed her eyes shut for a few seconds, then opened them again. The room was a little clearer now, but still not great.
Grudgingly realising she had no pony to blame for her current state but herself, she turned to the small table beside the sofa. On the polished surface a jug of water and a glass waited, with a note resting against their sides.
Curious, she leant towards it. Gripping it with her teeth, she placed it on the pillow in front of her, trying to get her eyes to centre on it. After a moment, she could see the crisp, elegant handwriting.
‘Didn’t want to wake you, but I thought you might need this. Hope you don't mind.’
Turning her attention back to the glass and jug, a smile touched Rainbow. Leave it to Fluttershy to know exactly what she needed. Another throb pulled her from her thoughts, painfully reminding her of last night’s binge.
Bringing her forehooves to her face, she began to gently rub her temples, trying to ease the dull, painful pulse there. She was glad Fluttershy had been with her last night. Had it been AJ, then Rainbow knew she would never live this down.
“Aw, what’s the matter sugarcube, can’t hold yer liquor?”
Dismissing the fictional image of her friend, Rainbow slowly stretched her back, trying to loosen it and allow for better circulation. As she lowered herself back onto the sofa, she felt in the back of her mind a single, faint ripple. She paused, trying to focus on the memory, trying to give it clarity.
However all she managed to product a single hazy image. She tried again, trying to replay any scant memory from the night before. Once again, she drew a blank. Deciding it probably wasn’t that important, she leant forward and took the glass Fluttershy had left for her.
Sipping the water and swishing it around her mouth, she briefly wondered where her friend was. Absently she looked at the large grandfather clock.
Ten thirty, well that wasn’t too bad, all things considered.
She figured Fluttershy was either out tending to the animals, or shopping for supplies.
Finishing her glass, Rainbow slipped off the sofa and moved towards the door. Headache or not, It would be best if she made a move herself. Even if she was going to spend the remainder of the day in her bed, there was no reason for her to stay. Besides, she didn’t like being a burden to anypony, especially if that pony were Fluttershy.
Moving across the room towards the door, she pushed it open and stepped outside. As she did, however, she quickly ducked her head, squeezing her eyes shut as the harsh rays of the sun struck her. With a low groan, she blinked slowly, trying to adjust to the bright light. It was going to be a nice day, too bad she would be unable to fully enjoy it. She stamped a hoof. She had really, really, really overdone it. Shifting her wings, so they provided cover for her head, she moved behind the cottage.
As she suspected, Fluttershy was already out tending to her animals, lovingly watching her hens as they fed on the scattered seeds and grain. Pushing open the gate, Rainbow Dash walked over to her friend, careful not to make any sudden movement that might startle her.
Perhaps sensing her, Fluttershy turned and greeted her with a warm smile. “Good morning, how are you feeling?”
“I’ve been better,” Dash admitted, slowly folding her wing back; this part was nice and shaded. “Fluttershy, I hereby promise I’ll never have that much again... how much did I drink?”
“Quite a lot...” she looked uncertainly at Dash. “Perhaps you should go and lie down? I could mix you up something for your head.”
“Can’t,” Rainbow said, lightly moving her head from side to side until she heard a click. “I need to go and apologise to Mike. Do you think he’ll ban me? Hope not, I really like that joint...”
“I don’t think he will. He’s very fond of you, you know.”
Rainbow Dash snorted. “For my sake I hope so... how come you didn’t stop me?”
Fluttershy gently scraped a hoof against the ground. “I tried to, but you just glared at me... and I got nervous…”
“Yeah...” Dash admitted, feeling a pang of guilt as she saw her friend’s ears droop. “You know I don’t mean anything nasty by it, right?”
“Of course,” Fluttershy said, the sincerity in her quiet voice helping to ease Dash. “But… perhaps you could, maybe, I don’t know, listen next time?”
Rainbow Dash gave her a good natured smile. “For you Fluttershy... I’ll consider it. I can’t have ponies thinking I’m going soft you know?” She gave a wink and stretched out her wings. Her headache was starting to subside, improving her mood. “Well, I best get going. Need anything? I figure I owe you for last night...”
Fluttershy shook her head. “Oh no, I believe I have everything I'll need. Besides, I’m meeting Rarity for our spa session.” She lapsed into silence, her large eyes looking hesitantly at Dash. “Um... I promise not to ask them about what you saw...”
“What I saw? What do you...” Rainbow Dash stared, her mouth partly opened. “Oh crud – I told you about that?!” When Fluttershy’s nodded, the brash pegasus slapped a hoof over her muzzle and gave an exasperated groan. “I really need to cut back on the cider. Look, just forget I told you that... Okay?”
“Okay.”
Feeling a twinge of panic, Rainbow began to pace. Was this what she’d been trying to remember earlier? “Twilight would kill me if she found out I’ve spied on her and Rarity…” She rounded on her friend. “Promise me you won’t tell them!”
“I promise,” Fluttershy replied, dropping a few inches.
“Promise me!” Rainbow stamped a hoof.
“I promise...”
“Right.” Spreading her wing, Rainbow Dash gently rose into the air. She was just about to bolt for the Timber Dragon when she felt the pang again. From the corner of her eye she could spy Fluttershy watching her.
She paused, a hoof thoughtfully tapping her chin. “I don’t know... I feel like I’m forgetting something.” She looked back. “Did I do anything else last night?”
Fluttershy remained silent, large eyes glancing at the ground. “No...” she responded, finally. “Nothing else happened.”
“You sure?” Rainbow asked, not even attempting to hide the scepticism in her voice.
“Positive,” Fluttershy said, offering another smile, though it seemed oddly forced. “Nothing else happened...”
Returning to the ground, Rainbow Dash took a step forward, but immediately stopped when she saw a stir of panic enter Fluttershy's eyes. Silently, Dash scolded herself. She should know better than approach so aggressively. Sighing, she extended a hoof to her cowering friend.
“Sorry,” she said, helping her up. “I just feel like I’m forgetting something... something important.”
“Oh.” Fluttershy looked down, a hoof tracing a nervous circle in the dirt. “Honestly, nothing else happened...”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes, absolutely...”
For a while, Rainbow didn’t move, her gaze fixed on her friend, trying to read her features. It seemed that Fluttershy was hiding something. Still, she couldn't be entirely sure. Finally, feeling a flicker of frustration, she turned away.
“O-okay then,” she said, spreading her wings again and rising into the air. “Listen, I’m going to apologise to Mike, then I’m going to sleep for the day... I might be back later tonight though.”
“That’s fine,” Fluttershy said. “I’ll prepare your favourite meal.”
“Sounds good.” she gave a mock salute. “Well, take it easy!” Without another word, she turned and bolted from the cottage, the ripple she felt earlier, once again, touching the back of her mind.
::Author notes:: Okay, you win, here is the sequel. I'd like to extend a thank you to you all for your encouraging words and support. I'd also like to thank "GodofBrown" for proofreading and editing, and also thank "Nonameknight" for his helpful and much needed edits as well. To you the reader, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and are looking forward to next one.
Until then dear reader,
Night Thinker
