“What must I do Spike?! What must I do?!” I screamed at the purple blur in my hooves.
“First… p-please… calm… d-down… and stop… sh-shaking me so… mu-much… Rarity,” the blur answered as best he could. He was right. My hooves were shaking the scales off of him at this rate. He could pass out before being of any true help. I let him go.
“Thank you, there’s a sofa behind you if you need—”
But my body was already in mid-air and the sofa was moving with my magic before he stopped speaking. The sofa was large enough to truly lay upon and let my woes out. It was comforting but brief. This problem, however, could not be solved by sofas.
“So what’s going on?” The little dragon stood yawning and stretching by the sofa corner. I felt a slight pang of guilt for waking him up. But I was in dire need.
“Oh dearest Spike,” I cried. He responded well when I reminded him how much he meant to me. “I am despondent. I have a situation that is simply dreadful!”
“And that is…?” His little arms waved in circles.
“Spike… I-I have a crush!” I said it out loud. It was real. There was no further denying it and I was in serious trouble.
“Oh.” His arms flopped to his sides and he looked like was heading back to bed.
“Spike? Where are you going?” Was he just going to ignore a friend in such awful straits? What sort of message was that to send?!
“Sorry, I thought the kingdom was burning down or something. But you have a new crush every month.” Spike was lifting his covers and climbing into bed.
“Not-not every month,” I countered. Though, when I thought about it he might have had a point. It didn't matter. This was still a crisis. “And never like this!”
“First it was Prince Blueblood, then Fancy Pants, then Trend Setter, Big Mac, Star Gazer, Custard Pie, Hoity Toity, and Spearhead. And you say all of them are ‘never like this’.” He counted each offense on his fingers and I could feel my frustration building. He didn’t understand yet.
“But-but they were just simple crushes. I didn’t truly know them all that well.” I sighed. Perhaps he was right about my propensity to fall for a nice stallion. But I knew this was different.
Spike had his head back on his pillow. “I’ll find out later. Right now I just want to sleep a little more.”
“But - but I need your assistance!”
The little dragon pulled his covers up and began to get comfy. This called for drastic measures. He needed to understand the gravity of the situation. I didn’t want to tell him but I had to. I took a deep breath and prepared to tell him the most precious secret I had been keeping from myself.
“It’s-it’s Rainbow Dash!” I quickly covered my mouth with my hooves as if I had sweared. It felt like I had. To admit something so completely unnerving shook me to my core.
“Oh…” He closed his eyes, and those emerald orbs disappeared behind their amethyst blankets. Until they sprang open again. “Rainbow Dash?!”
I could feel the bead of sweat sliding down my forehead. I didn’t want to talk about this out loud. It would have been best if I simply let the matter lie. But I could not. It simply was too deep and strong.
“Yes,” I said.
“But…but she’s a mare!”
“I am quite aware of that.”
“And your friend.”
“Hence my crisis, Spike!”
“But she’s-she’s Rainbow Dash!” The last syllable reached a particularly shrill tone I did not care for.
“I know, I know, I know!” I nearly cried as the true horror of what was happening descended upon me.
“You’ve known her for years!”
“Why do you think I am in such a dreadful state? A friend is not somepony to fall in love with.” I clamped my mouth shut again. Love. I had said it. The four letter word I had only whispered in the dark to myself. I had never meant it before. My body shook with the revelation.
“Love?!” Spike stood still like a statue. His eyes didn’t work together like some mailpony I knew. “You-you love her?!”
I stayed silent. I said it once and I would not say it again. The very notion of it made my soul quake and yet filled me with such joy. I had finally found my special somepony. Of course it was Rainbow.
“You’re right, this is different…and bad. This is a friend. Falling in love with a friend can ruin a friendship.” He looked at his claw at thought. He was like a little Twilight. Which would have been adorable if I wasn’t in such need.
“What must I do, Spike? I can’t face her in this state. Knowing I want more from her than she may be prepared to give.” I could feel my mascara running.
“Are you sure you’re really in love? I mean how do you know?” Spike had a hopeful expression on his face. I would have felt awful if he were still infatuated with me. Luckily he and Smolder were getting along swimmingly in their new relationship.
“Well, it’s all there,” I began. “The heart fluttering. The face reddening when she looks very at me. The desire to… uhh.. nevermind.”
“Please don’t give me that mental image.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “Are you absolutely sure? If you ask out Rainbow Dash and well, no matter which way it goes, things will change a lot. You better be absolutely certain.”
“How should I do that? I mean, as you said, I have had my share of infatuations. Every one of which I thought was true. But this is quite different. I don’t really want to love her as much as I do. Mostly to maintain our friendship.”
“Maybe you should just let it go then.” Spike looked around for a bit then eyed a cup of coffee on the table. I, of course, would not have woken him without bringing that. “Thanks. But wouldn’t it be best to, you know, not risk your friendship?”
“Of course it would, Spikey Wikey, but it simply won’t work. She may be dense but surely she would pick up on something eventually. And friends are always supposed to be honest with one another.”
Spike sighed. I couldn’t tell if it was one of resignation or relief as he sipped his first sip of coffee. “First things first, we have to find out if it’s real or not. There is one best way to see if you’re really in love.”
“Oh I’ve taken all those magazine tests, darling.” It was how I figured it out in the first place. “They all confirmed it.”
“No! Not those! You have to kiss her.” He stared at me with grave eyes. He was serious.
“K-kiss her?! But I haven’t kissed anypony before.”
“Huh, you kiss ponies all the time. I hated it before I got together with Smolder. But I know it’s just how friendly you are.” He shook his head again and I wondered how often I hurt him. “But if you are really seriously in love with her then a kiss will prove it.”
If I wasn’t already on a couch I would have fainted on one. The idea of kissing Rainbow had crossed my mind dozens of times. But actually trying to do it in real life was another matter entirely. How could I do that casually? What would the others think after?
“Surely,” I gasped, finally recovering from my dizzy spell. “There must be another way.”
“Kissing is the most accurate litmus test,” Spike said with much more certainty than I gave him credit for. I suppose it came with having a girlfriend himself. He was growing up.
“How could I even do it?” I whined. “I can’t just walk up to her and say, ‘Hello darling,’” then kiss her. It would be horribly awkward. And embarrassing. What if I find I was wrong? Then Rainbow will be most confused and probably begin to crush on me.”
“Crush on you?”
“Really, Spike. It’s me. Of course if she were to kiss me she would most likely fall for me right then and there.”
“Well if it is real then you wouldn’t work that hard afterwards to ask her out.” Spike smiled and wondered what was going on in that head of his. “I think I have a plan on how though.”
“Oh? Do tell.” I did not like the smile on his face. It was positively devious.
“Tonight is Pinkie’s Hearth’s Warming party right?”
I felt foolish. Like a foal that lost some bet. I’m sure I looked positively garish. I walked into Pinkie’s party wearing a beautiful white dress. It was simply radiant. But to compliment such a garment with a sprig of mistletoe strapped to my horn made the whole effect dim.
Spike was right, however. This way my kiss would merely be in the spirit of things. Even if I had to kiss everypony in this place to get my target, at least I would find out for sure. How could the magazine tests be wrong anyways?
I sauntered in with my usual grace. Even if I looked utterly ridiculous, my form and movement conveyed so much more than my outfit. I tried to keep my cheeks from catching on fire as I entered. Being shy and bashful had no place here. I held myself with the air of a queen.
I spotted the undressed pegasus as soon as I walked in. She was talking to Applejack and Berry Punch about something. She turned as I walked down the stairs. Our eyes met. Those light pink orbs locked on me, following my every movement. They were the color of rose quartz. How fitting: That was the stone of love.
My cheeks reddened slightly. I couldn’t help it. She was so beautiful without even accessories that I felt a little weak under that gaze. When she started walking towards me I felt my legs grow weaker. But I met her with equal enthusiasm. This would be our first kiss. My first kiss. Was I ready?
“Rainbow Dash,” I could feel the words come out breathlessly. “Would do me the honor of being my first—”
“Hi Rarity,” she said casually as she walked by.
“Rainbow?” I muttered in confusion. She didn’t even look back. She walked right behind me towards some fellow Wonderbolt. Surely she hadn’t brought a date. Had she?
“Fleet! You made it!” she cried in unabashed glee.
“Yeah, hey Crash,” a voice answered. I could only assume it was Fleetfoot. If those two were together, there was no way I would interfere. I was not the type to break up a young budding couple for my own selfish feelings.
“So, have you asked Spitfire out yet?” Rainbow asked in a much louder voice than I would have used for such things.
“Yeah… she’s dating some farmpony,” Fleetfoot said with a sigh. “But maybe I could find somepony else. Like a nice unicorn or an earth pony too. Definitely not another Wonderbolt.”
“Oh thank heavens…” I muttered to myself.
“Mmm?” a voice questioned from right next to me.
I turned and found the ever nosy Pinkie Pie much too close to my liking. She always smelled of sweets.
“Hello Pinkie.” I said letting out a breath of relief. “How are—“
Without any provocation, Pinkie kissed me. It was jarring. I didn’t know what to say. Has she always felt this way about me? What about my own feelings for Rainbow Dash?
“Pinkie? I am sorry I-I…” I stammered as she finally released.
“Rarity is giving out free kisses!” she shouted.
“What? What? What?”
“The mistletoe on your horn, silly. It says kiss me. So I did. Or am I supposed to kiss it? Noper doo. I’m definitely supposed to kiss the one wearing it. So welcome to my party. You’re going to get a lot of smooches for sure. Hopefully your lips are ready.” Pinkie gave me a cheerful hug then pronged off to Fleetfoot to continue her hosting duties. One could always count on Pinkie to keep the party going.
I had forgotten in all my excitement the decoration on my horn. Well at least it was out in the open. Rainbow would be sure to kiss me. Though so would everypony here. Even as I turned I could see a line forming. This was going to be a strange night indeed, but surely I would accomplish my goal.
What was wrong with this pegasus? I had kissed almost everypony I knew. , and if Applejack had stood on line twice for some reason. But still no Rainbow. She fluttered about talking to pony after pony. I felt practically invisible.
“Hi Rarity,” a pony said as they walked by my lonely corner.
“Hello darling,” I said with a sigh. This corner was cramped and no pony would even notice me, especially not her. I placed my head down on the table in front of me.
“Still no kiss, huh?”
“What? What?” I quickly looked up to see not a pony at all, but rather a smiling Spike standing next to Smolder. “Oh, hello Spike. No, she’s too dense for this.”
“Oh come on,” Spike said with a pat to the shoulder. “It’s Rainbow Dash. You know how she is. You’ll think of something.”
He gave me a kiss on the cheek and earned a look from his girlfriend. I still couldn’t get used to thinking about that. He quickly apologized. “It’s the mistletoe! It’s a tradition!”
He followed her with apologies bursting out from his mouth as she strode away. The little dragon was right, though. It was Rainbow, and I knew her just as much as the others. There had to be a way to get her to kiss me. Of course! It’s Rainbow Dash. I knew exactly what to do.
I stood up and left the corner. “Attention!” I called demanding their eyes stare and heads turn. “I have a fun idea. I propose a kissing contest. As my mistletoe and Pinkie Pie correctly shouted, I am looking for kisses this evening. I am trying to find the best kisser in Ponyville! To the winner I shall give a wonderful prize…to be named later.”
Competition. That’s the way to get Rainbow’s attention. Surely she wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to prove she’s the best. To my surprise I saw Applejack immediately trot towards me again. She had a more determined look on her face. I should have remembered. Applejack is also out to prove herself.
I prepared for another assault on my lips. She was eager but her technique was a bit harsh. Before she could close the distance, a rainbow savior appeared in front of her.
“Sorry, AJ, but you already went twice,” the form said as Rainbow Dash stood in front of me.
“Ah didn’t know it was a competition. Ah didn’t give her mah best kiss yet,” Applejack spat.
“No way! You had your turn. It’s my turn to wow her now!” Rainbow retained the typical bravado in her voice, but I could have sworn I saw uncertainty in her eyes.
She looked back at me and I steeled myself against that cute cyan face. The one that kept popping up unexpectedly in my dreams. I was ready. If this was real, I would know it at that moment. She closed her eyes and began to lean in. I waited with my lips puckered in anticipation.
“Wait!” she said with a slight break in her voice. “Maybe Fleet should go first. She did say she was looking for a unicorn, and after I go doesn’t have a chance at wi—”
I had enough of waiting. I grabbed her silly prismatic-maned head and pressed my lips to hers. They were much softer than I thought they would be. Most of the time they were in a smirk or sneer of defiance as she flew. This time they were wet and full and tasted of cider.
My body reacted by opening her mouth with mine but I caught it before my tongue could engage. It was like my body was writhing out of control. Need and love pressed me close to her and I thought I felt her hooves on the back of my head.
It was certainly there. That lightning I sought. It was like my brain and body were both being fried but couldn’t stop. Like kissing a live wire my muscles locked on to her.
I had to stop however. I was making a scene. This was supposed to be a test. Rainbow hadn’t heard my confession yet. She was just giving me a kiss. I begrudgingly let go and those hooves slid off the back of my neck. I kept my eyes closed as I breathlessly said,“ You’re the winner.”
I opened my eyes to find myself reflected in eyes twice the size they should be. There was no approval or dismissal. Nothing except complete and total shock. That face was worn by everypony there. It was too much. I had gone too far despite myself.
I ran. I ran out the door and towards the safety of my home. The last thing I heard as the door closed behind me was Rainbow’s “Wh—”. I could only imagine what she thought. “What was that about?” I heard her harsh voice in my head. Or “What do you think you’re doing?” Or some nonsense like that. I didn’t need to hear it. Not now. Not after I had confirmed what I thought was true.
The door to the Boutique had barely closed before my dress was back on the rack and my robe wrapped itself around me. I needed to hide. I needed solitude. There was nothing that could change what just happened, but I couldn’t face my friends—and certainly not Rainbow Dash—in this state.
I knew what was coming. I knew what they must have thought. But it was all a matter of who. The door shook as the knock wailed against it. I didn’t want to speak. If I couldn’t fill my mouth with Rainbow Dash’s sweet lips, I could do so with ice cream.
“Moo is it?” I cried as the spoon froze to the roof of my mouth. Good heavens, I sounded like a cow! I had to hide somewhere in case it was anypony I didn’t want to see.
“It’s Spike… and Smolder’s here too, but says she will go back to the party if you don’t feel comfortable.” The voice was muffled by the door’s density. There was no panic in his voice or sadness. He truly just wanted to talk.
“Enter if you mutht,” I mouthed. The ice cream brought comfort but speaking was difficult. I plopped on my couch and waited.
The door opened and Spike’s clear voice entered the room. “Is Smolder ok?”
“Yes, darling, I assume you told her what was really going on.” I sighed. I wasn’t about to split a couple up on their date. I should have told him to go have fun but I didn’t feel like arguing with him.
They made their way to the couch and Spike cambered up and sat next to me. He stared at the fire I had started. Then placed a claw on my shoulder. “So, uh... did you find out at least? I kind of think I know the answer though.”
I nodded. It was probably apparent to everypony at this point. I had exposed too much of my hoof now.
“Well, the party kind of just started back up after you left,” Spike said as his claw racked the back of his head. “Fleet was able to snap Rainbow out of her spell. Nopony else said anything about it at all.”
“I see. And Rainbow? What did she say?”
“Just one word: Whoa.” Spike looked at the fire while my brain processed what he said.
“She said ‘whoa’?” I asked in confusion. That wasn’t what I had expected her to say. “Just whoa?”
“Yeah. Whoa.”
“In what way? I mean did she say whoa like, slow down or whoa as in it was just too much?” Whoa could mean so many things. I was too scatter-brained to really understand any of them.
“Just this lost, shocked kind of ‘whoa’.” Spike said less than helpfully. “I don’t think she saw that coming. But I don’t think anypony saw that coming.”
“Myself included.” I chuckled dryly. The pint of minty chocolate ice cream closed itself and floated obediently to the kitchen. “I suppose I must press forward now.”
“So you’re going to tell her?”
“You think she missed it?” I nearly cried. I knew Rainbow was dense, but could she truly be that dense?
“I guess not,” sighed Spike. “I guess you just have to wait to see what she does.”
“Nonsense,” I cried. I couldn’t sit around all Hearth’s Warming waiting for some pegasus to see what she wanted. I had to remind her who I was. “I shall entice her into asking me out.”
“Wait, what?”
“She now knows, Spike. And knowing her, she would probably run from this as fast as possible. She’ll avoid it until after the holidays, or even indefinitely. She won’t acknowledge it until it is said. So I shall draw it out of her.”
“Shouldn’t you just, I don’t know, ask her out?” Smolder suggested. She was a smart dragon, but clearly had no knowledge of how these things were supposed to go.
“My dear Smolder, I am a lady. And Rainbow Dash is… is… a champion. Now the lady may show the champion that she has interest, but it is the champion that must pursue her. I have shown Rainbow that she has my favor but she must choose to pursue me.” It was very clear in all the novels I had read that this was the typical convention. Although it tended to be a stallion, I suspected that Rainbow’s mentality was quite similar.
“So you’re just going to wait until Rainbow pursues you? I thought you said you weren’t,” the confused dragon repeated. It sounded ludicrous coming from Smolder’s mouth.
“I am not. I am going to make myself irresistible to her. I shall woo her into wooing me. That way she will not try to weasel out of it.”
It sounded foolproof as I said it aloud. These young dragons might not understand the art of seduction, but my older and more experienced mind certainly could. There were things a pony like Rainbow would be a fool to ignore.
“Ok…” Smolder said, clearly not understanding.
Spike interjected before I could explain. “So what are you going to do?”
My eye twitched slightly. I didn’t want to explain the more subtle parts of my plan to these young dragons. I especially didn’t want Spike to think of me in that light. I would, of course, go with a much more conservative plan first.
“I am going to seduce her.” I felt it was well within my wheelhouse to do so. Yet a small part of doubt appeared as Spike smacked his face with his claw.
Hearth’s Warming was a day of presents, love and merrymaking. It was perfect for building romance. I of course could use the mistletoe trick from before, but I am not a one trick pony.
I arrived in fashion. My dress was especially built for this occasion. It was similar to a cheerleading outfit but with some minor tweaks. For one, the tulle skirt no longer fluffed out like a desperate call for attention; now it wrapped around my flanks serving to emphasize my curving frame.
The top was similar to a varsity jacket but the letters were removed to place Hearth’s Warming regalia. It was in the most festive colors possible. I decided to forgo any sort of horn ornamentation. This was far too important to look silly.
I remembered a time when Rainbow and I were sitting together watching mares walk by. I, of course, was commenting on the attire, but she was more focused on what was underneath. This dress would tastefully hint at what I had to offer but not scream at her what was there.
“Oh, welcome Rarity I… what are you wearing?!” Twilight was the first to react to my alluring look. Well, the first that spoke to me. The others’ reactions were head turns and I think Derpy walked into a sign… but then, she might have done that anyway.
“Oh, this old thing? It was something I was saving for a special occasion. Hearth’s Warming is a special occasion, is it not?” I had painstakingly stitched this combination together in the wee hours of the morning.
“Well yeah, but… huh…” Twilight was beside herself. I tried not to giggle with glee. There would be no way Rainbow would miss me. “Isn’t a little, uhh, bedroom wear?”
“My dear Twilight, I am a fashionista. It is my job to know which outfit is worn for which occasion. I would know if this was considered lingerie or not.” Honestly this walked a fine line. “This is but a festive look to accentuate my body.”
She nodded and slowly opened the castle door. I sauntered in and watched as everypony’s face was struck with the same look. Except Rainbow Dash, who simply glanced at me and turned away quickly.
Of all the stubborn mares! What is wrong with me? Why would this one capture my heart so easily, then spurn me in this manner?! No. I mustn’t give up. I have come too far to let a mere shyness come between us.
“Happy Hearth’s Warming, everypony!” I shouted, flinging my forelegs open wide.
“Happy Hearth’s Warming,” my beautiful friends returned. Except for Dash who still remained looking at the tree and muttering. This was frustrating. How could I gauge her reaction if she refused to see me?
It called for more coercion. I placed my gifts under the tree and looked around for some sort of task. My nose caught a whiff of cinnamon and clove from the kitchen. The wassail bowl. Of course.
“I say, Rainbow Dash, could you assist me in carrying out the wassail bowl? It is quite heavy and you are, well, most entic- athletic.” I had to keep it together. I didn’t want to come across as some doe-eyed fan.
“I guess I could,” Rainbow said, starting to stand.
“Ah could help ya, Rarity,” Applejack jumped in. “Ah’m twice as strong as Rainbow.”
To everypony surprise Rainbow didn’t retaliate. She simply sat back down and resumed her vigil on the tree. Oh dear, had I ruined her spirits? Perhaps I had gone a little far. Maybe I was coming on too strong.
Applejack and I made our way to the kitchen. I could feel the sadness begin to take hold once the others were out of sight. Luckily it hadn’t gotten to tears yet so my mascara would remain intact.
“Something wrong, sugarcube?”
“Perhaps I misjudged my natural allure. Or maybe it’s too great and has become intimidating.” I wished it was the second but felt that it most likely was the first. I hadn’t truly had any experiences despite my “allure” before.
“Well ya do look really …huh… different in that dress of yers,” Applejack muttered, glowing red. “It definitely was a surprise. But it looks like yer whipping around a lasso, tryin’ ta catch a steer. If ya know what Ah mean.”
“It’s true,” I cried. The frustration and embarrassment would no longer keep me silent. “Except the steer part.”
“Ah kinda figured. Rainbow Dash, huh?”
“It’s pretty obvious isn’t it?“
“Well with the way ya kissed her last night, pretty much everypony could figure it out. But we figured that’s what ya were going for.” She placed a reassuring hoof on my shoulder. “We support ya, but it really ain’t up ta us.”
“Do you think Rainbow is avoiding me so she doesn’t have to reject me on Hearths Warming?” It was a possibility. I didn’t like to think about it but we really didn’t have much in common. I didn’t think that was a requirement of love but it would make things simpler. I had assumed that being diversified would help make our relationship stronger.
“It’s possible. It’s also possible that she might have missed that pretty big cue. She is one of the densest mares Ah know.” Applejack might have been the element of honesty, but that felt like a stretch.
“Perhaps… maybe I should just talk to her. Make it clear I am a lady and not made of sugar despite my sweet disposition. If she is to reject me then I can handle it.” I put my chest out defiantly. The wassail bowl was in the middle of the kitchen table. I hefted it to show I was not a lightweight filly. It was quite heavier than I expected.
“Ah’m not sure about this. It kind of puts a damper on Hearth’s Warming. But then, so would holding it all in like ya are. Guess as the element ‘o honesty Ah suppose ya should just get it over with,” Applejack suggested as she grabbed the bowl from my hoof before it fell.
“Thank you darling.” The bowl had nearly ended up all over my beautiful dress. Ego was no excuse to ruin clothes. “You’re probably right. I should just clear the air. Get it over with and move on to the festivities.”
“Yup. Like getting a wash. Best just power through it and get it over with.” Applejack said this with no smirk and I greatly feared she was serious. How could she not enjoy a bath?
We rounded the corner and immediately all talk ceased. Rainbow was standing in the middle of the group with a strained look on her face. The others had looks of concern for her. What had happened?
“Tell them, Rarity, tell them I’m not stupid,” Rainbow demanded.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Tell them you didn’t mean anything by it. Tell them that kiss last night was just for the contest.” Rainbow’s mane looked frazzled which matched her expression perfectly. The room was silent except the sound of Applejack placing the wassail bowl down.
I quickly looked at the desperate figure in front of me and realized what she was doing. She was being a friend. If I said the kiss meant nothing she wouldn’t need to reject me. I could gracefully accept that as my answer without shaming either of us. It would keep my feelings secret but not bring awkwardness into our friendship. It was quite ingenious. I was impressed.
Should I just let this go? Did I really need her to acknowledge my affection that badly? I glanced at Applejack, element of honesty. She knew the truth, but she also knew what was at stake.
I glanced next at Spike. He stared at me wide eyed with his breath stilled. I had woken him so rudely over this yesterday and now I was being asked to drop it. Could I do that with Spike watching and rooting for me? Would this truly stop if I just dropped it? He would probably pester me to get a real answer.
“Rainbow,” I said, somehow increasing the stillness. “I am sorry but you are wrong. That kiss meant everything to me. And it was only for you.”
“It-it did?” Rainbow’s expression changed to one of shock again. Those same rose quartz eyes glinted in the light that now caused them to sparkle.
By her expression I could tell she hadn’t been trying to save me. She just was the densest pony in the world!
“How? What?” I was stunned as the words all attempted to come out at once. “How could you think I would just… to just a friend! What kind of pony do you think I am!?”
The frustration took over. It was infuriating! She still didn’t understand. “Come with me! I shall make this perfectly clear to you!”
I marched towards her and magically grabbed her by the wing. I dragged the brain dead pegasus into a room Twilight ushered us into. The princess didn’t say anything but her face was full of concern.
The room was brightly lit by the golden rays of sunshine. It was a section of the castle that had large windows along its length. It peered out onto the snow covered panorama of hills, trees and the river. It was against this beautiful backdrop that I began to “educate” this confused mare.
I spun on her and immediately felt a pang of guilt. She looked small, uncertain and completely ill at ease. Some of my fire quenched at the sight. My confession of love seemed like it might be better served as a declaration rather than a tirade.
“Rainbow,” my time was soft and gentle. Those rose orbs shifted to my face once again. “Do you understand now or must I say it?”
She searched my face for the answer. Then settle for the floor. “I-I don’t get it.”
“Let me ask you this then. Why were you avoiding me today if you didn’t understand?”
“That kiss. That kiss was something that blew my mind. And, and I thought maybe… I thought it could mean something. But I didn’t want to ask about it and feel stupid if it didn’t. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know the answer but at the same time that was all I could think about. I was just really confused.”
“Well? Are you less confused now?” I sighed. She wasn’t the densest pony. She was a friend that had been blindsided and was horribly confused. I probably wouldn’t have done much better in her place.
Rainbow nodded and looked at the ground. I sighed. Perhaps pressing her for an answer was too much after all. She’d barely figured out my true feelings until now after all. Or perhaps she just hadn’t wanted to.
“How long?” It was barely audible. I scarcely heard her at all.
“What?”
“How long have you felt this way?” She asked, finally looking up again. It was a logical question.
“A long time, only I didn’t understand it until the other day. I would have said something earlier had I known,” I tried to keep my tone even, but it dipped like I had done some injustice to her anyway. The golden cast from the sun made her rainbow mane sparkle in the sunlight. She was truly a magnificent pony.
“Rainbow, you needn’t press yourself for an answer now—“
“No! I want to answer, I just … I don’t know how well it will work. I mean we have so little in common. You like dresses, I like sports. I don’t see the overlap there.”
“But our caring will make it so. I could cheer for you at your sportball games and you could model, or just cheer for me at my fashion shows. We don’t need to do everything together to enjoy each other’s company. Surely we learned this lesson already.” I sighed. It was merely a theory but it sounded true.
“So you would be cheering like a-a girlfriend?” Her hooves were moving in circles as if she could physically put this concept together.
“Rainbow, I always have been. I just would actually be your girlfriend.” I stood still biting my lip and watched as she calculated my fate.
“Ok… I guess, for my girlfriend, I could cheer her on at those boring fashion shows. And I really like when you’re in the stands watching me. Makes me feel fiercer somehow.”
“Well cheering for each other is part of our relationship. There is quite a bit more to it than that, but we have been such close friends I think we could manage.” I let out a breath I’d been holding. The rest would come. This was only the beginning.
“Does this mean I don’t have to play pony form for your dresses any more?” She seemed so ecstatic I felt a little hurt.
I giggled. “Darling, you shall be my girlfriend. That means you shall have to be my model more.”
Rainbow’s face fell. Even her ears drooped. “More?!”
“But then modeling will come with some very special perks.”
“Like?”
I struck my most provocative pose I could. I’m sure the dress accentuated the right features. There was no way that she could misunderstand that. The color drained from her face and she fell on the sofa behind her.
“I say, Rainbow, are you alright?”
“How many dresses do you need?” she asked immediately. I giggled like a silly filly. I felt like a silly filly. Rainbow’s delightful smirk returned the color to her face. “I think I will be totally better after another one of those kisses.”
“Of course. You can have as many as you like.”
I moved into the couch laden pony and leaned into that blushing, grinning face. This time she was ready. Her hooves grabbed my head and pulled me in. Those electric lips hit me again and my body twitched in ecstatic glee. This time my tongue easily found its mate and they wrapped each other in bliss.
“They’re kissing again,” whispered a voice from the door. “That’s a good sign.”
“That is the loudest whisper Ah ever heard, Pinkie,” the equally loud voice exclaimed.
“Girls, move away from the door,” it must be Twilight. Finally a pony with some decency. “I can’t see.”
Nevermind. They were all shameless busy bodies. But at the time I was feeling too giddy to care. I had found my Rainbow. On Hearth’s Warming no less.
