Reality

by GooberOfLies

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Apple Bloom, Rainbow Dash, Comedy, Scootaloo, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 51203

Sometimes, reality just needs to be hunted for. This is called destiny.

Rainbow Dash's destiny was always to become the next Wonderbolt. Her reality was having a job in Ponyville as a weatherpony.
Some ponies would find it strange to have changed your mind in such a short time...

This is the first of the Golden Opportunities series.

Published 2012-12-12 05:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-09 07:04:31 UTC

Scribbles Undecided

•)1(•

Scribbles Undecided

Anypony who saw what Rainbow Dash was scribbling down might've been shocked, amused, or worried. For some: all three. It actually happens sometimes. One must remember that there are indeed emotionally challenged ponies in this world. That, and nutty ones, too.

This is the precise reason she did as much as she could to isolate herself from the rest of Equestria for the moment.

The way she did this is easier said than done. Actually, for her, it was about as easy to do as it was to say.

She had said it about twenty minutes ago, really.

"I'll just fly up super high when nopony's suspecting anything and snag a cloud to go with me so no one can see me," she whispered to a pony she almost trusted with her life as she was prepping to take off. "I... just... need you to not tell anypony at all..."

"Sure thing, Dashie!" the almost completely trusted pony said, stopping her current bouncing. She then saluted her winged friend. "No problem-eemo!"

Finally feeling relieved, Rainbow Dash quickly gave Pinkie Pie a fast hug. This hug said Thanks for being a trusty friend and not much else, really. "Thanks, Pinkie," she said a little louder than before. She then let go of Pinkie and unknowingly let her fall to ground.

"Yoooouuu'rrre welcome!!" Pinkie said in sing-song tone as she shot up from the ground to her hooves.

Rainbow gave her a wave before parting from the ground, initiating her plan.

Here she was, lying on a cloud, writing down something which she knew little about. Therefore, it was going very, very slow.

"Ugh..." she groaned and put her head in her hooves. "Why is this taking so long?" She brought her head back up. "I'm supposed to be fast at this! I'm fast at everything!" She was already getting bored with the letter and hadn't even written two sentences yet. "Well, maybe not everything..." she admitted to no one, "...and... not this, but..." she tried to convince herself that she was fast at more than just flying.

After about 8 good seconds, she gave up and pouted. Then she looked straight ahead and slapped herself across the face, coming to realize that she came to a realization quite quickly.

"I think fast!" she exclaimed. Then, realizing how loud she was, she began to look around for any visitors or passersby.

She sighed in relief at the sight of nopony in the sky right then. She then decided to return to her task of writing a love letter.

This letter confused her much. She was not confused as to who, what, when, where, why, and how.

She was confused as to why Princess Celestia herself asked her to write it.

She asked, of course. However, she had only received a response of "Destiny will tell you, but that all depends on who it is, Rainbow Dash." The Alicorn had given the assignment, and the Pegasus had left Canterlot a moment after. However, the Princess had not told her who she was to write to, so the only thought she had while she flew back to Ponyville was:

"I need somepony's help."

After some advice from Pinkie Pie, she found herself laying on a cloud with a quill in her mouth and some paper in front of her. This truly was taking forever. She looked at clouds for ideas. She looked down towards Ponyville for ideas. She looked at her hooves for ideas. She looked at the cloud she was on for ideas. She looked at the quill for ideas. She looked at her tail for ideas. She looked at her flank for ideas!

She was now what we would call desperate. She then laid herself down and looked at the back of her eyelids. For ideas, yes, but not for inspiration. This was to help her think.

And help it did. As she pondered, she came across a thought that was unexpected.

"Do I really need more help...?"

She looked around at the clouds again. There was nothing even slightly romantic about them.

"I do. Definitely."

Flying back to her cloud home to get saddlebags while holding the quill and paper with one hoof against her chest, Rainbow Dash pondered on who she should ask for help. She came to a halt in her flight pattern as Pinkie Pie entered her mind. She could hear the endless chatter about great how it was to be in somepony's mind.

"AAHHHHH!!" screamed Rainbow. "Pinkie Pie! Get out! Get out of my head!"

"Awww..." Pinkie pouted. "But it's so super-ly-duper-ly amazingly fun fun fun!"

"I don't care, just--"

There was a very pink poof inside of Rainbow's head.

"...get out...?"

She figured she must have scared the pinkment of imagination off. She was left with a blank expression. She knew Pinkie had Pinkie powers, but that was clearly weird.

Or was it? Did Pinkie actually enter her mind, or was it simply her own imagination?

"Whatever," she said to herself. She didn't know and didn't have time to think about it, either.

She then continued with the task at hoof by dashing towards her house.

After landing on her porch she folded her wings, tucked the quill and paper neatly behind them, and walked swiftly inside the house. Around this corner, around that table, down that hall, and a few other ways to get to her room, she finally reached it. She then proceeded to check around for her saddlebags, under the bed, by the nightstand, next to the bookshelf, on the windowsill, and by the door. Having not seen it in any of these places, she began to retrace her hoofsteps from the night before. Following her hooves, she wound up in the living room. As she stood in the center of the room, she looked around. Quickly, something colorful catching her eye. What could she say? Besides the rainbow stream outside on her porch, there wasn't really that much color around here.

"Oh," she said, "there we go." She picked up the bags from the couch, swung them around onto her back, and put the writing tools she was carrying inside them.

As she began to trot out the front door, something else caught her attention, causing her to stagger back inside.

A picture on the kitchen counter. Herself and Fluttershy, as fillies, were in it. It made her laugh a little. In the picture, they were at flight school. Rainbow had just won her very first race and they were standing at the finish line. Fluttershy was rewarding her victory with a deathly tight hug, snuggling deeply against her. The look on filly Rainbow's face was that of shocked and embarrassed. Very embarrassed indeed.

After Rainbow stopped chuckling softly, she looked at the picture again, only to find something she never noticed until now. She hoped her eyes were lying to her. She walked over into the kitchen and right up to the counter to make sure it wasn't real.

It was real alright.

Fluttershy was licking her.

Her mane, to be exact. That may have been why she hadn't felt it when it happened. She was so covered in sweat that she couldn't feel the touch of her best friend's tongue. Which was rather gross, actually. Who would want to lick somepony who was covered in sweat?

Rainbow made a disgusted noise as she came across the thought.

Looking back at the picture again, she couldn't help but wonder why Fluttershy do such a thing... Seriously, the mare was all sappy even as a filly! And showing that kind of affection in publi--

The words struck her: sappy and affectionate.

Was Fluttershy being... romantic?

Rainbow thought about it for quite some time. Maybe it was gross at that time, but now, that could be different.

"You might be just what I need, Fluttershy..." She then raised an eyebrow, looked around, and said, sarcastically, "Whoa... That didn't sound weird..."

Obvious

•)2(•

Obvious

"Y-you want m-me to help you write a--"

"A love letter, yes."

Fluttershy was still in the midst of processing the idea of assisting her fillyhood friend with a task such as this. She was not entirely excited when Rainbow had asked her. She knew she was able to, and she would love to, also. However, the fact that it was Rainbow Dash who had asked her made it difficult to decide. Ever since she watched her friend win her first race at flight school, she had developed some... special feelings for her. After that one race, she found herself trying to be as close to Rainbow as possible without being too obvious. Then there was that time she hadn't expected anypony to take a picture, yet it happened. She hoped, oh how she hoped Rainbow didn't notice yet... She knew Rainbow hadn't felt it at the time because she was so covered in sweat.

She then remembered how much she regretted licking her friend's mane. Not out of shame - she wouldn't mind doing it again - but from the taste.

She shivered at the memory.

She then regained her senses and noticed a hoof waving in front of her.

"Equestria calling Fluttershy!" she heard Rainbow calling to her.

"Oh, my..." Fluttershy muttered, looking towards the ground in her front yard. "I didn't hear you... I-I must have... I must have z-zoned out... Lost in... my thoughts, I guess..."

"I can see that," Rainbow said. She looked around at the scenery a bit before returning to the original topic. "So, anywho..." she started, "do you think you can help me out?"

"Uhm... well... maybe... I, I don't really know if I could..." Fluttershy hid behind her pink mane as she tried to avoid the situation.

Rainbow observed her friend for a moment, checking for any signs of anything unusual about her.

'Her mane still curls at the ends, her coat's still buttery yellow, she smells like animals and flowers, her eyes are still teal, her tail's fine, she still has butterflies on her flank, she's still shy as ever...'

Then she realized...

'Maybe a little too shy... She's avoiding something!'

Deciding that a more gentle approach was needed, Rainbow walked softly over so her muzzle was within about a foot of her friend's.

Gently, she nudged her leg, saying "Hey... Is something bothering you, Fluttershy?"

Her friend's only response was a slow and light shiver followed by a scared squeal that was barely audible.

Rainbow was quite concerned now. Maybe even worried. If there was something wrong with Fluttershy, she hoped it wasn't bad. The poor mare just can't handle these things on her own.

Rainbow knew then that she needed to be there for her.

"'Shy... It's okay... You can talk to me... I'm pretty sure I can help you." With one hoof, she moved her friend's mane from in front of her face and said, hesitantly, "Tell me... What were you thinking about?"

Looking up into Rainbow Dash's magenta eyes, she sighed and said, more hesitantly, "I'll... I-I'll talk to you a-about it l-later..." She then looked down and said "If you still want to by then..."

Rainbow lifted Fluttershy's chin back up with a hoof. "Sure, just don't back out, okay?"

Fluttershy turned away for a second before turning back, looking at Rainbow's prismatic mane.

She could not get enough of her best friend's mane. She was so envious. Though, she knew that having a mane such as Rainbow's would not go well with her yellow coat. All she wanted was to see that mane every minute of every day. Oh, how she loved it! She could just bury herself in it! She could--

Before she went on any further, she noticed the looks that Rainbow was giving her.

"Uhhh... Fluttershy...?" she started. "What are you looking at?"

Fluttershy's eyes widened. She had been staring at her friend's mane the whole time and was completely unaware of it!

Fluttershy shrank back. "Oh my...!" she said. "I didn't realize I was...! Oh my...! I'm sorry...! I didn't--"

"Hey, hey," Dash interrupted her. "It's cool, really. If you like my mane, then you like my mane. It's okay."

Fluttershy perked up a bit. "Oh... okay..." she said, quietly. "I-I really d-do like your mane." She then smiled a bit when she saw an opportunity. "Uhm... If you don't mind, could I, uhm... touch it...?"

Dash was a bit surprised by her request. She looked at Fluttershy with a raised eyebrow. But when she saw those soft, pleading, teal eyes and her smile slowly bending the wrong direction, she knew she had to give in.

"Oh, alright..." she said, annoyed slightly.

"Oh, thank you so much...!" the shy mare cheered softly. "I just love your mane so much...!" She then reached her hoof up to run it through the colorful mane, stopping just before she touched it. "Now?" she asked.

"Oh, yeah, I guess..." Dash said, as if it wasn't already obvious.

"Oh, good..."

Fluttershy then proceeded to touch her friend's mane. Slowly at first, and only on the outside layer.

Rainbow was having trouble deciding whether to back away or not. This was rather annoying to her, but Fluttershy seemed to have been enjoying it. During her indecision, she felt her friend's hoof go deeper so she could run through with it.

Fluttershy's look of adoration almost made her thoughts readable. Rainbow didn't know what to think. She did, however, discover something that should have been obvious.

Fluttershy has feelings for her.

If this wasn't awkward enough, she had no idea what would be. Though, the strange thing was that she was not completely uncomfortable with it. What could she say? They were soft, smooth strokes.

Her eyelids popped open when she realized they were closed. She found herself leaning into Fluttershy's touch. Had she been enjoying it herself? Did she like Fluttershy's hoof in her mane?

But most importantly, did she want more of it?

Fluttershy noticed the look on Dash's face: confusion, discomfort and embarrassment. "Oh, I'm sorry for taking so long..." she said, removing her hoof.

Rainbow reached out her right foreleg suddenly, as if to say she wanted more. She stopped herself, realizing she was about to grab Fluttershy's hoof with her own. She then looked around frantically to see if anypony had been watching. There were a few, but it looked like nopony was watching. She sighed in relief and wiped her forehead, ridding it of sweat she didn't even know was there.

Not knowing what else to do, she quickly cleared her throat. "So, anyway," she said quickly, "Yeah, uh, later. Talk. Later. Right. Bye!"

Fluttershy could have sworn she saw Rainbow take off so fast that she looked right where she was just standing, expecting to see a pot of gold.

Nope. Oh, darn...

"Oh, my... I must have scared her off..." she whispered to herself. "Poor Rainbow..."

Fine By Me

•)4(•

Fine By Me

Air.

Wind.

Carefree.

Flying. Dash finally remembered what really helped clear her mind. Adrenaline and exercise. She saw the cottage she was looking for in the distance below her.

Gravity.

Rush.

Fluttershy.

Face-plant.

Grass.

Pain. She knew she could feel it. It was there. And it was not planning on leaving anytime soon.

Sitting up and wincing, she looked around to find out precisely where she landed.

Spotting Fluttershy, she didn't care anymore. Fluttershy's head was directly above hers, staring with concern written all over her face.

"Oh, my goodness... Rainbow..." she almost whispered. "That was quite a crash... Are you alright...? Please, tell me you're alright! ...Uhm... If you want to..."

Rainbow looked into the caring eyes of the pony right above her. Fluttershy knew very well how to make teal a more feminine color. They went along so well with her buttery-yellow coat.

Wait... buttery?

Yes, Fluttershy's coat reminded Dash of butter. Sweet, smooth butter. She loved butter!

However, combination of the two colors might not have been anywhere near perfect without her mane. The hue and shape of her mane just about gave her personality away. She could very easily hide her face behind it, which meant she was shy. The fact that it was lightly but warmly colored made her look like she meant absolutely no harm to anypony and would try her best to show everypony all the kindness she could. But it's form, it's shape, long on each side and curly at the ends, while very easily disrupted, gave out one more thing about her that Dash should have noted way long ago:

She was very, very fragile.

It was as if she needed a protector.

A guardian.

And now, Rainbow Dash knew she did.

She heard a small gasp escape Fluttershy's lips when she touched a certain spot in her mane.

This was when Dash realized she was actually running a hoof through Fluttershy's mane. She had been zoned out completely, just adoring it as if it belonged to her. Fluttershy didn't seem to mind, though. If anything, she seemed to be enjoying it, other than the fact that Rainbow had hit a small knot in it. That must have been the cause of her tiny gasping.

"Hold on," said Dash, "I got this. It's just a knot." She then raised her other hoof so it was right next to the one that was currently in Fluttershy's mane. She then spread it apart, separating it, causing the knot to part. After the knot was out, she let her friend's mane back down, making it look as if nothing happened to it. "There," she said with a smile towards Fluttershy.

"Thank you, Dashie..." she whispered back.

Rainbow looked at her, a bit stunned. "No worries..." she said slowly.

"Oh..." Fluttershy realized. "M-may I call you that?"

"Yeah," Dash replied. "Sure, I guess. But for now... not in public..."

"Oh... Okay..." Fluttershy looked rather disappointed at this. She wanted more than anything to be able to call Rainbow Dash hers.

Rainbow saw her look and came up with an idea. "In fact," she said, "you can call me whatever you feel like."

Fluttershy gasped a little less quietly this time. "I can?" she asked like a filly with a new toy.

"You sure can." Rainbow nuzzled her muzzle.

"Oh, yay...!" Fluttershy acted as if the affection from Dash was natural.

Dash was a bit confused, because her friend wasn't.

'Aah, whatever,' she thought. 'If she likes it, that's fine by me.'

She then looked into her friend's eyes again, which were looking right back.

Slowly, the teal eyes began to inch closer, also becoming more lidded the closer they came. The two ponies' breathing became more and more rapid in the process. Dash found her own eyes becoming more lidded by the second. Suddenly, a thought came to her.

"...W-wait..." she sounded hesitant to say. Their lips were nearly brushing against each other.

"...Yes...?" Fluttershy was twice as hesitant.

"...Is anypony around...?"

"...Uhm... n-no..."

"...Oh." Dash breathed much too deeply. "Okay..."

Having not drawn away from each other, Rainbow was practically buried in the light pink mane. There was nothing around them, it seemed. The rest of Equestria could wait for now. The only things that seemed to exist at the moment were the pony they were looking at and the butterflies they felt inside. They decided that looking could wait also, as they closed their eyes, fully this time.

After waiting there almost long enough to make their bellies catch fire, Fluttershy bent down the final centimeter to close the distance between them. And close it she did.

The first thing that they expected to feel was some sort of flavor. This was not so. The first thing they felt was an electric-like sense of warmness, starting from the lock of their lips to the twitch of their tails.

Their kiss was not what they would call a heated one, but one that they could feel was important. One that meant something.

After all, it was their first kiss. They knew it meant something. It did not mean that they wanted 'sleep' together. It did not mean they wanted Pinkie Pie to through them a 'Get Met' party.

It meant things that were, well... more meaningful.

It meant that Fluttershy needed a slightly faster pace to follow. It meant that Rainbow Dash needed a slightly slower pace to follow. It meant that Fluttershy needed a guardian angel. It meant that Rainbow Dash needed to be a guardian angel.

It meant that they needed each other.

However, this was not to say that certain things do not stem from others...

Rainbow found herself running her hooves through Fluttershy's mane again as they kissed. In doing so, Rainbow found that her friend's neck was still bent downwards. She figured it must have been very uncomfortable for Fluttershy to be standing in such an awkward position like that. So, to remedy this, she began feeling around for her friend's shoulders. When she found them, she ever-so-gently pulled Fluttershy closer to herself, giving her friend a rest for her legs. Fluttershy was now laying down on top of Rainbow, belly to belly. Rainbow, once again, found herself running her hooves through the soft, silky mane of the pony she was sharing this kiss with.

Eventually, though, they had to part. Even if it meant very slowly or unwillingly. Sometimes air was just hated for its constant need of attention. But still, it was needed.

As they laid there in the grass, in Fluttershy's front yard, next to the creek, their breathing was immensely heavy, but eventually came to a much lighter pace. Their eyes were just now reopening to meet each other. They were quite content with the silence they shared.

Fluttershy was the first one to hear the flow of the water next to them. Quite possibly one of the most soothing sounds a pony could ever hear after a kiss like that.

Looking into Rainbow's eyes, she asked "Are... are you okay?"

Rainbow let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in. "Yes," she replied, smiling. "Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

Fluttershy laid her head down against Rainbow's chest, feeling and hearing her heartbeat, which was at a normal pace as of then. Probably much faster about a minute ago, though. "I guess it must be natural... for somepony who's had a... a crush on somepony else for... for such a long time..."

"Oh," said Dash. "I guess so, yeah. That would make sense." Then a question came to mind. "Say... how long?"

"...Uhm..." Fluttershy had to think. "Almost two decades..."

Rainbow almost turned grey at the thought of being loved for such an amount of time and not even being noticed, let alone having it returned. How did she not notice before? Was she just that oblivious? Was she too inconsiderate? Maybe she--

"How about you?" Fluttershy's voice interrupted her thoughts.

She was undoubtedly afraid to answer. "Uhhh... Weeellll..."

"Oh, it's okay. You don't have to answer if you don't want to, Dashie... I know it hasn't been even a day..."

Dash felt a little relieved that her friend knew this. She could feel the sympathy radiating from her friend.

Wait a minute...

...how did she know?

"I know because I had tried to show affection to you several times before, but you didn't seem to notice... until today, that is..."

Ah.

Dash decided it would be good to confess anyway. "Almost two hours for me..."

"Oh," Fluttershy seemed surprised. "Really? I thought it only started right before I kissed you..."

"Well, I can tell you how it started..."

"Oh... okay..."

Dash gave her an embarrassed look. She would have rubbed the back of her neck if she wasn't trapped by her friend. "After you ran your hoof through my mane earlier today, it was almost as if you left something with me. A spell, almost. I... I, I didn't know what to think. I thought that maybe a nice nap would help clear my mind." She let out a small laugh before continuing. "Let's just say it didn't help my situation... but I'm glad it happened. It gave the most meaningful dream I've ever had." She smiled and gave a contented sigh. "It was about you, but you weren't exactly in it. It was more like it described or represented you. I won't go into details right now, but it made me realize how much I really need you. Also, all the things I love about you. It made me realize how... how much I love you."

Fluttershy gave her a surprised, but excited look. "You... y-you l-lo... you love--"

"Yes, Fluttershy," Dash interrupted, stroking Fluttershy's cheek with one hoof. "I love you."

Fluttershy didn't need second confirmation. It was apparent in Rainbow's tone that she wasn't one to lie. She may not have been the element of honesty, but she sure-as-sugar didn't tell lies. Plus, Fluttershy knew her too well to think she would lie. Especially about that.

Fluttershy wasn't moving. Dash saw this and began to worry a bit.

"Fluttershy? Are you alright?" She asked. There was no response from Fluttershy except heavier-than-normal breathing. "Hey, Fluttershy, y--"

Rainbow's question went unfinished and unanswered, for her lips were covered with the ones that belonged to the shy mare above her.

As the two were sharing their second kiss together, Rainbow was curious as to what Fluttershy's reasons for this particular kiss were. Perhaps it was a thank you kiss. Maybe she was afraid of what Rainbow had to say. Maybe it was an I need you now kiss. Though, whatever it was supposed to mean, Rainbow wasn't complaining at all.

"...hhhmmm..." Rainbow felt a breathy moan vibrate softly from Fluttershy's mouth.

The noise gave Rainbow a new feeling. It made her feel motivated to ask for more. To keep the kiss from ending. She didn't want to be aggressive, but she did have an idea.

As gently as she could, she shifted both of her forelegs so she could place them behind Fluttershy's mane and around her neck, holding her closer if even possible. She then started making small strokes across the back of her neck and mane, running her hooves through the pink strands of hair. The strands were the most silky and smooth lines she'd ever touched. They were like thinned out clouds.

'Oh, Fluttershy...' Rainbow thought as she kept kissing her best friend. 'I can't believe I was so... clueless... Even all throughout our fillyhood... Well... I guess I'm just gonna have to make up for lost ti--'

Rainbow's thoughts were interrupted by a more wet but soft substance brushing ever so lightly at her mouth. She knew what it was. She knew what Fluttershy was asking for. What Fluttershy wanted. All she had to do was grant her access.

And grant it she did.

She parted her lips for all exploration to be had. She wasn't exactly sure what it would feel like: to let somepony invade her mouth. But it was something new to try, and Dash was always up for trying new tricks.

What she didn't expect was for Fluttershy to be the one who was mostly in control. She was being more dominant. More... assertive.

Rainbow was proud.

Fluttershy, who was in pure bliss at the moment, was occupied with giving herself the 'most' grand of grand tours of Rainbow's mouth. She still couldn't believe Rainbow was letting her do this, let alone participate herself. Rainbow never was one for all of the sappy moments in life. It didn't suit her, anyway.

But now...?

It seemed like Rainbow wanted it just as much as she did. Like she had held this back for just as long.

'I hope she's still the same Rainbow I know...' she thought.

It was getting more and more difficult for the two ponies to breathe. Neither of them wanted the precious moment to end. It would have to, though. They knew it, too.

They made what they could with the last few seconds of their second kiss before parting, hesitance clear through their actions.

Fluttershy rested her head against Rainbow's chest with Rainbow's forelegs around her still. "I love you, too, Rainbow... so much..."

Oh. An I love you, too kiss.

The two new lovers now knew that there was a mutual feeling between them. There wasn't a single doubt about it.

'Oh, Rainbow...' thought Fluttershy, 'You have no idea how long--... Well, you probably do, actually. But still, I've wanted to do this for so long...'

The night had made itself known around them. The environment around them became harder to see. The air around them was colder than before.

After opening her eyes, Rainbow could see that the stars were out. It was late.

"Hey, uh, Fluttershy..." she said, earning Fluttershy's attention.

"Yes, Dashie?"

"How long were we kissing?" The word almost didn't make it off of her tongue.

Fluttershy felt like it was for the shortest time, but she knew that that was only compared to how long she'd waited for it. "I-I don't know... A while, I guess..."

Dash shrugged. "Huh. Well... However long it was, it looks like it's getting late. We need to head inside pretty soon." She stroked Fluttershy's mane once again, before her eyes widened. "Hey, uh... You don't mind if--"

"Rainbow Dash...!" Fluttershy interrupted. "I'm sorry, I was just so lost thought, I don't think I heard you... if you did say anything... But it's getting awfully dark and cold and late and I was wondering if you would like to stay here with me at the cottage for the night. I'm sure the animals won't - I mean wouldn't, uhm... mind."

Rainbow was deemed utterly mind-boggled.

Yes, Rainbow was D.U.M.B.'d.

"Oh," she said, "sure. I-I'd love to..."

In Fluttershy's mind, she was practically shouting youthful chants hysterically.

Yes, Fluttershy was P.S.Y.C.H.'d.

~ * * * ~

There was only one thought running through Fluttershy's mind as they wandered up the stairs, side to side, in her cottage.

'Surely, she won't want to sleep in the same room as me tonight because things might get, well... out of hoof... and there is a guest bedroom that I always keep clean just in case of, well... anything, I guess... I guess I'll let her choose which one she wants... Oh, I hope she sleeps wonderfully tonight... I hope she has amazingly wonderful dreams... I wonder what they'll be about... I hope she likes the guestroom...'

There... were... (aherm) many thoughts running through Fluttershy's mind as they wandered up the stairs, side by side, in her cottage. Then another thought came her:

'Is this what... Pinkie Pie thinks like?'

As they came to the top step, Fluttershy turned to look at Rainbow. "I hope you like the guestroom..." she said quietly.

Rainbow's slower pace was easily noticed. 'Guestroom?' she thought. "Guestroom?" she said aloud.

"Oh, you don't want the guestroom?" Fluttershy looked over to her own bedroom door. "I guess I could take it..."

"Oh! Uh, no. That's... not exactly what I meant..." Rainbow trailed off, looking away slightly.

Fluttershy now knew what she meant. "Oh, I thought you wouldn't want to... sleep with me tonight, because... well... uhm..."

"Oh, I don't have any, uhm," she cleared her throat quickly, "particular intentions tonight, actually."

"Oh," Fluttershy looked around for a second. "Well... okay... i-if you really want to, then you can sleep with me... in my room..."

"I think I'd like that."

"Okay." Fluttershy kissed her on the cheek. "Then let's get some sleep." She motioned for Rainbow to follow her, passing by the unneeded guestroom.

Bedtime Stories

•)5(•

Bedtime Stories

She was confused. Rainbow was just confused. Earlier today, she was writing a letter to 'insert name', and she had no idea why. And now, it would be outrageous to write a love-letter to anypony besides Fluttershy. But why would she write it to her now? Did she still need to write one, even?

One might learn to not think so hard on these things, as they give headaches like free candy.

But hey, Rainbow loves candy.

Rainbow turned onto her right side so she could look at the pony lying in bed with her. Neither of them were asleep yet. Not five minutes ago were they just walking up the stairs.

"...Fluttershy?" she almost whispered.

Fluttershy turned to look at her, staring into those wonderful magenta eyes again. Only this time, she knew it was okay if she did. "Yes, Dashie?"

Rainbow looked away for a moment, pondering on how to word what she wanted to say. After coming to a decent conclusion, she looked back into the ocean-like eyes of Fluttershy. "So..." she started, "You remember how I asked you to help me write a love-letter, right?"

Fluttershy nodded slowly. She then gasped and put a hoof over her mouth. "You... you had a crush on..." she paused to look down, "...s-somepony else...?"

Rainbow sat up slightly and shook her head repeatedly. "No, no, no," she assured. "Not at all, actually."

Fluttershy sat up as well, but raised a brow. "Then w-who was it for?"

Rainbow laid back down, looking up at the ceiling. "I honestly had--...I mean, have no clue."

"Then why were you writing it?"

"Princess Celestia asked me to. She didn't tell me who to write it to. She just... told me something about how my destiny would tell me... something... I don't remember completely." She looked at Fluttershy. "But, point being: Why would I want to write it now? How can I write it now? I've fallen so hard for you that I would never so much as even imagine a life with anypony but you. And why would I write one to you now? There's not really a point..."

Fluttershy pondered this for awhile. She also pondered four of the words that were just spoken.

"...A-a life... with me?"

Rainbow shrugged. "It'll probably come to that eventually."

Fluttershy went back to pondering the first point. Then the second again. "Do you really... m-mean that?"

Dash looked at her quizzically. "Well, why wouldn't I?"

Fluttershy looked down again. "Well, I don't know... I mean... We have really only been together for a few hours now... we've only kissed twice... And I know it's a mutual feeling now, but... are you really sure? That's kind of... sudden to say..."

Rainbow thought for a moment. 'She seems like she's... not entirely sure that... that I'll be--' she inwardly gasped.

'...faithful.'

With one hoof, she lifted up Fluttershy's chin. There were tears visible. Just barely, but they were visible.

"Of course I mean it, Fluttershy," Rainbow comforted her, caressing her cheek.

Fluttershy closed her eyes and leaned into her companion's touch. Rainbow then let her lean a little further, allowing her to lean on her chest. Fluttershy felt her own heartbeat speed up a little if any, even though she was originally oblivious as to what it was already. As it did so, she nuzzled further into Rainbow's chest. She could now hear that Rainbow's heartbeat was slowing slightly, as it was previously rather fast. Their hearts had the same beat, pace, and rhythm as each other now. This could put Fluttershy to sleep if she kept at it for a while: just snuggling into her most favorite pony's chest, listening to her heart.

Rainbow was starting to feel like the guardian angel she knew she was becoming, but was also starting to wonder if the yellow mare needed even more convincing. Slowly, she scooted herself down so Fluttershy wouldn't have to move, bringing their muzzles in front of each other. Fluttershy, knowing what was about happen, closed her eyes and waited. Not teasingly, but as if in desperate need.

Rainbow saw that she was given an opportunity to lead this time. She more than willingly complied by closing her eyes and the gap.

Taking initiative felt, at first, like being the one to take the blame later. But after a while, it felt like setting an example. A good one at that. She then put a protective hold around Fluttershy, holding her close and being careful of her wings. They were now chest to chest.

Fluttershy was feeling like a filly in the forelegs of an angel. Her angel. Her very own angel. She knew now that she could call her that. And she would, too. She then felt the need to cling. She need something to hold on to. Somepony to hold on to.

In one smooth motion - quicker than she intended - she wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow, holding her tightly, but being careful of her wings.

Rainbow was a bit surprised by Fluttershy's move. Rainbow not only felt protective, but also needed. She decided that maybe a little bit further would be alright...

She then opened her mouth and extended her tongue slowly toward Fluttershy's lips. She gently brushed it against them, hoping to be noticed...

Fluttershy took notice of what Rainbow wanted. 'I... I guess it would be fine...' she thought. She then allowed entry. She had wondered what it was like to be on the receiving end. Now she would find out.

It felt almost like the maid, actually. Not being the maid, but rather having the maid check on your room. Rainbow seemed to be feeling around as gently as possible, like she was familiarizing herself with the space. She would brush around softly and then find another spot to check on. Then she found Fluttershy's tongue. It was as if she was about to report and leave. After the 'reporting,' Rainbow slowly started to exit, before being halted by the 'room owner.' Fluttershy wanted have one last game of playful dominance before she was left alone again.

Air. They needed it. Blinking air just had to get involved. It was almost yanking on their ears to get their attention.

After they finished their play, they unlocked from each others' mouths, willingly but also unwillingly at the same time.

With their eyes still closed, they laid there, unmoving and still wrapped in each other's forelegs. They were both ready to fall asleep now.

Fluttershy was the first to open her eyes. The blue Pegasus in front of her looked to be just about out. "You know something, Dashie...?" Fluttershy whispered.

Rainbow opened her eyes and smiled at her sleepily. "What?" she asked.

Fluttershy giggled a bit before continuing, "My daddy always used to read me a story before I would go to sleep."

Rainbow nuzzled her. "Was this enough to take it's place for one night?"

Fluttershy nuzzled back. "Oh, Rainbow, it was the perfect bedtime story... It was... alot of fun, I guess..."

"I'm glad you liked it, Fluttershy." Rainbow was pretty thrilled that her 'story' was enjoyable. "I liked it, too."

"Oh, good... I think you should tell more stories in the future, or maybe... maybe you could write some of your own..."

Rainbow blushed deeply. She knew all too well that Fluttershy was talking about actual stories now. But she couldn't help but wonder about a different term for 'writing stories', as well as 'telling stories'. This reminded her of her earlier thought. "Uh, hey... about that letter..."

"Oh, Rainbow... Can't it wait until tomorrow?" Fluttershy pleaded.

The way she said it almost made Rainbow's mind go blank. However, the look in her eyes completed the task.

"Uh..." she started. "Yeah, heh. Sure, it can wait... I guess..." She then felt Fluttershy snuggle further into their embrace. To this day, she still has no idea how. "Frankly," she started again, "I'm too tired to discuss it right now anyway..."

"Me, too..." she obliviously yawned in Dash's face. "Goodnight, Rainbow..."

After recovering from the scent of... whatever Fluttershy's breath was - she couldn't really tell - she replied in a lowered voice, "Goodnight, Fluttershy."

The dreams ahead were happy to greet them...

Short Notice

•)6(•

Short Notice

'To sleep in, or not to sleep in?'

That was the question on Dash's mind that morning. She was awake, but her eyes were still shut. She was currently debating on waking Fluttershy. It was hard. Even harder when she opened her eyes and saw that she looked quite peaceful. Rainbow would feel guilty for waking somepony from such a dream, but she did have work today, so she needed to find some way out. It's not like she didn't mind the cuddle, she was just aware that the sun was up and the clouds were in the way.

She gently tried to move out of her pony's hold, but the most she could do was let go of the hug she had on Fluttershy. She knew that too much movement would wake her, which meant even a little. She moved as many limbs as she could, suddenly remembering her two extras.

This gave her an idea. However, she could only hope it would work. Shifting her wings so they would be above Fluttershy's forelegs, she used them to grab one of the pillows - neither of which were being used. She then squeezed it between her own back and Fluttershy's hooves as smooth and quiet as possible. She then did the same thing, only between hers and Fluttershy's fronts.

Gently, she peeked passed the pillow in front of her to see if Fluttershy had noticed yet.

No sign or stirring of any kind. She inwardly sighed and carefully folded her wings. She was surprised she had made it this far. The pillows were to dampen the effect of the next move. Slowly, softly, and as smooth as possible, she started to slide herself under the embrace. Her hopes began to falter when she felt a bit of movement. The embrace tightened. Rainbow was now sweating visibly. She only hoped she could keep it under control.

'This is gonna take a while...'

~ * * * ~

"Spike! Where are you!?"

Twilight was currently running through the library, searching frantically for her assistant. Some books were falling off the shelves due to all the ruckus--... Or fracas being caused by the one pony.

Needless to say, Spike was nowhere to be seen. Twilight didn't even see him when she woke up. Seriously, where could the little guy have gone?

This went unanswered, and would still be for a while, it seemed.

After about five more minutes of maniacal searching, she gave up. Maybe, just this once, she could go throughout the day without him. It may not be the easiest, but she was good at adjusting routines.

Routines...

"Routine!" she shouted to nopony. Yes! She needed to change the routine slightly. In her mind, this would not take too long. She levitated a quill and zipped over to a desk.

Upon arriving at the desk, she almost didn't notice a sticky note which she didn't write. Looking closer at it, she could see it was from her most trusted assistant, Spike.

With the knowledge of who it was from, she grew more eager to read it, and so she did just that.

"Dear Twilight," she read aloud, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you I'd be gone today. I would have, but you were already asleep by the time I got the news last night..."

"News...?" she paused for a moment. "What news?"

She then continued reading. "I would have told you this morning, too, if I hadn't have had to leave so early. I left today, just before the sun was up, to go help Pinkie Pie with some sort of party. She said that it was only for a few to attend, and that it was a huge secret, so I honestly can't say I know much about it. And maybe I shouldn't have told you that much about it because it's so secretive, but I know you must have a logical explanation for all things. That, and I'm supposed to be a trustworthy assistant.

"So, by the time you're reading this, I should be setting up decorations for a party which I know nothing about. At least, probably. I should be back around... I don't know, actually. Just so you know, you're invited to the party itself, but you don't know where it is and I can't give you any directions unless I take you there myself. Again, I am sincerely sorry for the short notice.

-Your Number One Assistant, Spike."

Knowledge is such a blessing. Schedules, on the other hoof, are a mixed blessing. It would take about fifteen minutes to alter it temporarily.

'What to change, what to change...'

~ * * * ~

With a curly mane hanging in front of her eyes, it was harder than normal this morning for Sweetie Belle to see. She quickly hopped out of bed and into the bathroom to remedy this. She didn't usually need a brush or a comb to fix it. Using her hooves was efficient enough for the job. When she finally regained her vision, she noticed a sticky note attached to the mirror.

Deciding that she had fiddled enough with her mane, she reached up with one hoof and grabbed the note from the mirror.

"My dearest Sweetie Belle," she read aloud, "I must inform you that I will be gone for about an hour and a half. I cannot say where, but I can say that I recommend you spend some time with your fellow Crusaders, as it is not a school day. It is up to you whether you would like to spend time with them or to clean your room--"

This was when she stopped reading, dropped the note, and dashed out the front door at record-setting speeds. She didn't even care what else her sister had to ramble on about.

She was not going to clean that room.

~ * * * ~

She didn't know why she woke up on time. She guessed that maybe it was the rooster. She also didn't know why she woke up to the sight of pink.

Just pink. She could literally see nothing but pink.

She tried to look side to side, still not making a difference. She began to wave her hooves around, trying to feel the pink and maybe move it out of the way. However, it confused and scared her a bit when she, in fact, couldn't even see her own hooves.

She then sat up from what felt like the floor... again. She had been having these experiences of waking up in places that weren't her bed lately. This did not confuse, but rather frustrate her.

But this was not the most important thing as of now. When she blinked her eyes a few times and looked in every direction she could, still seeing only pink, she lost it.

She then began running around in her room, yelling "Help! Somepony help! Ah've got pinkeye!" and other phrases related to it.

She then ran into... something... a hoof. A big one, too, it felt like. Then she saw the hoof.

Wait, she saw it? But... but, she thought she had... pinkeye...

She saw the enormous hoof from the bottom of her vision slowly start to move the pink.

'Wait a minute...' she thought.

When the pink was gone, she saw the hoof move just enough out of the way to see a face.

"Peek-a-boo," said Big Macintosh.

Apple Bloom gasped lightly. "Oh," she said.

Big Mac chuckled a little. "Ya ain't got no pinkeye, silly filly."

"But-but..." she stuttered. She looked up at what he was still holding up with his hoof. "...oh." She then looked at him, apologetically embarrassed. "Thanks fer... movin' mah bow..." she said sheepishly.

"Eeyup," he replied, taking the bow in his mouth and moving it to its rightful place.

Apple Bloom suddenly perked up. "Hey! Is Applejack still here?" she asked.

"Nnnope."

"Well, where is she then?"

Big Mac shrugged.

"Well, didn't she leave a note 'r somethin'?"

"Eeyup."

"Well, what'd she say?"

"Just somethin' 'bout bein' gone fer 'bout an hour an' a half 'r so. Said she would encourage you ta go spend some good quality time with yer friends, seein' as how ya don't have any school today. Sooo... you can probably git on out there whenever yer ready to."

"O-oh." Apple Bloom was a bit surprised. "She didn't tell ya where she was goin'?"

"Nnnope."

"O-okay, well..." she started, "a-ah'm just gonna have some breakfast first. Then ah'll go ahead 'n' do that." She smiled somewhat weakly and trotted downstairs.

Big Mac watched as she made her way to the kitchen. She was getting better at hiding her suspiciousness, but no matter how good she got, Big Mac could always tell she was up to something.

Always.

~ * * * ~

It was early and Pinkie Pie didn't even give a horseshoe about it. 'Early' happened to be one of the key aspects of this party. 'Secret' was the main aspect of it. Hence, 'early' would only fit in perfectly with it.

Pinkie Pie had picked her vocabulary very 'carefully' when she was a filly. It only made sense if you didn't think about it. Some words worked well with others, whether it be speech patterns, or just words that fit in the general category of 'what-fits-pretty-well-with-others'-ness.

It was about five minutes until the party would start. Oh, this party was going to be the most fun-tastic secret party ever!!

As she shot streamers all over the walls with her newly bought party gun, she began to get a slight pain in the right side of her neck. She ignored it at first, continuing her decorations. It was only when it started to get worse that she figured out that she had a kink. She gasped loudly and dropped the party gun.

Hearing the sound of the gun hitting the floor, Spike turned around, barely jumping over and dodging the accidentally fired streamers from it. "Whoa!" he shouted. He then looked at the source of what could cause such activity.

"Uh, Pinkie Pie...?" he started. She looked at him with a sideways cringe, literally.

Now he was confused.

Nevertheless, this was Pinkie Pie he was looking at.

Spike composed himself. "...What's wro--"

"Do you know what means!?" she interrupted. She was now face to face with him, one of her eyes above the other, due to her sideways look.

"Uhhh... What what means?"

"This!" she squeaked loudly, pointing a hoof towards her angled neck.

"Uh... You've got a kink in your neck?"

Pinkie Pie face-hoofed as best she could. "Well, duh! But what does the kink mean!?" she shouted, waving one hoof around.

Spike knew what it was, but at the same time, he didn't. It was certainly some sort of twitch-a-twitch, but he had no clue what it meant.

"I have no clue what it means," he stated clearly.

"It means..."

Here's the windup...

"I FORGOT TO INVITE SOMEPONY!!!"

And the pitch.

"Huh...?"

Swing and a miss.

"I never forget ANYPONY!!"

Pinkie didn't even give him the chance to respond. She was completely absent, leaving a trail of pink dust behind. She didn't have time to worry about if Spike was confused or not. She never forgot anypony!

Spike didn't even have a response, anyway. He just turned on his heel and cleaned up the accidentally shot out streamers.

"That pony..."

~ * * * ~

Yellow. Yellow was such an amazing color. It wasn't her favorite, though it was a very inviting color to wake up to.

Sitting up, Fluttershy let go of something soft which she didn't even know she was holding onto in the first place. She tried to look at it, only to find that her vision hadn't changed, for it was still only yellow. She realized that this meant something was in front of her eyes. She then reached up to find out what it was.

It was thin, it was flimsy, and it was paper. With this knowledge, she removed it...

"Ow...!"

...and discovered that it was a sticky note.

She let her eyes adjust to the light of the room for a few seconds before reading it. She had a hard time at first, but quickly after, her eyes adjusted and she could that it read:

My Dear Sweet Fluttershy,

I'm sincerely sorry I had to leave this morning, but I do have weather-pony obligations. I'll probably be back around mid-day. We're supposed to be doing some new routine on how to go about sharing clouds with other cities or something like that. But anyway, I think that we should keep this secret from anypony else until we think we're ready. And I'm also sorry for not waking you up when I left. I couldn't help it, you just looked so peaceful. Besides, you can take care of your animals while I'm gone.

One other thing: I was wondering if I should move in with you or not. I know you wouldn't want to move in with me because it's so high, but I'm curious as to what you think about that. I hope you're okay while I'm at work.

I wish I could be with you right now. In fact, I think I might already miss you.

I love you so much, Fluttershy, and I'm also sorry for making you look funny in your sleep. I just couldn't think of another way for you to find this note.

p.s. - You might want to throw this away or hide it when you're done reading it.

p.p.s. - I already had breakfast, so there's no need to worry.

Fluttershy gave a long sigh. She looked over to the pillows beside her on the bed. Indeed, she had been holding something other than Rainbow. She didn't even want to know how she got away.

Fluttershy then proceeded to start her day, putting the note into her dresser and trotting lightly down to the kitchen.

She was not worried. If anything, she was worried that she might become worried at all. If Rainbow Dash didn't want her to be worried, she would not be worried.

A loud knock at the door made her jump.

Worried and skittish are two different things, however.

Hesitantly, she walked over to the door and opened it.

Nopony. Nopony was there. She even more hesitantly stepped out and looked around to see if she could see anypony running away.

She found it strange that anypony would ding-dong-ditch her. Nopony did that.

"I wonder who it could've be--" she stepped on what felt like paper. "...Huh?"

She looked at the ground to see a finely printed, but over decorated invitation.

"Dear Fluttershy," she read aloud.

"Do not read this out lou--" she stopped. She looked to see if anypony was around. Seeing nopony, she read the rest to herself.

...You are secretly invited to Pinkie Pie's super-secret party! It's going to be super-duper fun and full of super-secretiveness! I can't tell you exactly where it is, but I can tell you to meet me at Sugarcube Corner and you'll find out the rest from there! Also, it starts immediately, so come quick!

This was Pinkie Pie's doing, no doubt. It was another party, but almost for no reason, it seemed. Nonetheless, it was a party, and she needed to support her friend for throwing it. Also, a party is a party and parties are fun.

"Okay," she decided. "I think I'll go... but, but wait..."

She realized that Rainbow was still at work. She then got an idea.

As she walked back into her cottage, she began to look for a stack of sticky notes to use...

Suspiciousness

•)7(•

Suspiciousness

Pinkie Pie waited. She hated it and loved it simultaneously. She hated it because it made her get all sweaty from all the anticipation. She loved it because it gave her time to think about all kinds of things like cupcakes, friends, Pound and Pumpkin, cupcakes, laughing, different kinds of parties, new pranks, cupcak--

Itchy nose.

Fluttershy was coming inside now...

~ * * * ~

She wasn't all that excited about not knowing what would happen when she arrived at Sugarcube Corner, but she arrived nonetheless, and she would make the best of it. However, she did have one question for Pinkie Pie...

Her thoughts were brutally interrupted when a trapdoor opened beneath her and she was taken in by two pink hooves. This was surprising, but at the same time, it wasn't.

"EEP...!!" she squeaked. She found herself covering her eyes with her hooves as she touched the ground gently.

Gently? But... but she thought...

"Hiya, Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie made herself known to her.

Fluttershy removed a hoof from in front of one eye to see. Pinkie was alive and kicking as usual. The walls were massively decorated. There was a rectangular table in the middle of the room. Applejack, Rarity, and Twilight were all gathered around it. She noticed that somepony was missing, however.

"Uhm... Where's--"

Pinkie Pie gasped loudly. "Wait!" she shouted. "Where's Rainbow Dash!?"

Fluttershy looked side to side and then back at Pinkie Pie. "O-oh..." she stuttered, "you didn't invite her?"

"Well, not personally, but I thought you would take her with you--" she stopped and covered her mouth, knowing she had said too much.

Everypony in the room looked confused.

"N-no..." said Fluttershy, "she's at work--" she then covered her mouth, too.

"Now hold up just a minute, Pinkie," said Applejack as she came up to the pink pony. "Rainbow always does things on 'er own. Why in Equestria would she need Fluttershy ta take 'er here?"

Pinkie shrunk down and hid behind her tail. She knew that Rainbow would eventually have a special somepony. She knew how to find out who it was. She couldn't stop her curiosity. So, having the greatest idea ever, she bought a tree costume and posed as a tree wherever she went, eventually leading to Fluttershy's yard. Who pays attention to trees!? It worked like a charm, but she couldn't help but feel guilty for spying on Rainbow and finding out who her special somepony was.

And now she was paying for it.

"Uhm..." Fluttershy piped in. "I-I think I'll be right back... You can start the party without me... if you want to..." She began trotting back up the stairs to the trapdoor.

Pinkie Pie had no intentions for the party to be THIS secret...

~ * * * ~

"...So you see, the cities that need the clouds the most will have them with this new way of exchange..."

Rainbow yawned obnoxiously as she listened from the back of the group to a lecture on 'cloud sharing'. She admitted it was a good change, but that didn't mean it wasn't boring.

The only thing she found interesting about it was the thought of another term for 'cloud sharing'. She could imagine it with Fluttershy...

Just the two of them. Alone, on a cloud that nopony else could see...

They would be kissing and hugging and rolling and caressing and tapping--

Tapping? What made her think of tapping?

She felt another tap on her back.

...Stupid daydreams.

She turned around to see Fluttershy looking at her with uncertainty. She wasn't quite sure if she knew what that kind of look meant or not.

"Hey, Fluttershy," she whispered. "What's the matter?"

"Uhm, R-Rainbow, I need to talk to you..."

"Well, duh..."

"Oh, yes... Well..." Fluttershy looked back in the direction she came from. "Remember what you said about keeping... us... a secret?"

"Yeeessss..." Already, Rainbow didn't like where this was going.

"Well... uhm... Pinkie Pie found out somehow and... and she accidentally said too much in front of the rest of our friends at a secret party... which you were invited to, by the way... and she feels really bad about it now... and Applejack is trying to get it out of her now... so, so do you think we should just... confess... to them?"

Rainbow was D.U.M.B.'d for the second time. Pinkie Pie would do that, wouldn't she?

'Ugh... Why did I have to tell her about that love-letter?'

Rainbow looked at Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked at Rainbow. Neither knew what to do.

"Well..." Rainbow spoke up, "what do you think we should do?"

"I..." Fluttershy looked down, and then at Rainbow's colorful mane. "...I don't know..." She then looked into her eyes. "That's why I asked you... I just don't know what to do..."

"Oh," said Rainbow. Not even twenty-four hours into their relationship and it was already complicated.

She saw that Fluttershy was still in need of an answer. She thought about what their friends' reactions might be. They would either be disgusted with them or be happy for them. It really was hard to tell which would come to pass, though. However, there was one thing she knew:

If they really were their friends, it wouldn't matter to them if they were together. She then made her mind.

"Okay, Fluttershy, let's give it a shot," she said happily.

"Oh." Fluttershy seemed surprised. "...Okay. But what about your weather-pony job? Don't you need to stay here for that?"

"Nah," she waved it off. "It can wait. It's just a boring lecture, anyway."

"O-okay..." Fluttershy said quietly, as they started to fly back to the Ponyville grounds.

They could only hope this went well...

Author's Note

I'm beginning to lose faith in this story. Please let me know if you think I should continue or not. Nothing else to say.

Who Wants Some Cake?

•)8(•

Who Wants Some Cake?

She couldn't believe her eyes. It may have been none of her business, but she still couldn't believe it. She didn't even know that there was such a thing! It must have taken a bit of insanity to do it, too.

Even if not so, they seemed happy with it, and she wasn't going to bother them or anypony else about it. She knew it was not for her to be asking about, so she would do her best to keep it to herself or possibly forget about it.

...Scratch that. Forgetting was out of any kind of question. There was not a single way that would happen.

She could, however, put her mind on something else for the time being...

Deciding that was best, she put her helmet on, took her scooter leaning on the outside wall of the clubhouse, and started heading toward Sugarcube Corner.

Cupcakes could clear just about anypony's mind.

But still, she would never be able to see Rainbow Dash the same way again.

As she zoomed, she felt the excitement of the wind, the adrenaline from the speed, and the beauty of them combined.

It was currently her favorite feeling. The only feeling that she could imagine would be better than this would be the feeling of finding her cutie mark.

It was hard for her to say whether she would be happy or not, though. Sure, she would have basically found out her destiny, but that also meant that she would be stuck with that destiny. She wouldn't have anything else to do. Also, what would Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle think if she got hers first? Would they be happy, or would they just be jealous?

Now that she thought about it, that meant she wouldn't get to be a Cutie Mark Crusader anymore. What would the point be, anyway?

Now she felt even more discouraged than before. Her current ideas for cutie mark hunting had vanished. She didn't even know what to think of herself now. It just confused her.

Now she needed something else to clear her mind...

Something else came. Though, not in her most favorite way, for just before she arrived at Sugarcube Corner, she bashed into her idol, taking the both of them first off, but then to the ground.

As they stopped sliding across the streets of Ponyville, Scootaloo realized exactly who she had run into and who also she was on top of.

She freaked.

"OH NO!!" she screamed frantically as she stepped off of Rainbow. "Rainbow Dash! Are you okay!? Did I hurt you!? Did I make your mind go blank when I hit you!? I know mine is!! Please, tell me you're okay!!--"

Rainbow wasn't responding. Though, this was intentional, she wasn't even given a chance to respond. She wanted to scare her, but the orange filly would not stop panicking. The extra frequent questions, the constant circling, the shouting, it was all too much. She was starting to worry that Scootaloo might just might blow up where she was standing. She then decided that she couldn't take anymore.

She raised a hoof to indicate that she was okay. It went unnoticed. She shook it a bit to gain attention, but received none. She then waved it rapidly, but still had no success.

Sitting up, she shouted.

"Hey!"

"Oh my gosh!! I can't believe I killed Rainbow Dash!! I--wha...?" Scootaloo almost snapped her own neck as she turned to look at Dash.

Rainbow could see tears, sweat, and what almost looked like wrinkles. They were covering the filly's face. She knew she needed to avoid trying that again.

"...I'm fine, okay?"

Scootaloo wiped away her tears while staring at Rainbow intensely. "Oh, thank goodness!" she exclaimed, but then recomposed herself. "Er... I mean of course you are! What could ever stop you from... being... alive..." She was completely embarrassed. She had just had a heart-attack right in front of her idol!

But Rainbow Dash, being Rainbow Dash, decided to shake it off and lighten the mood with a joke she knew was pretty lame. She stood up on all-fours and said "You bet I am! Besides, the only things that hurts right now are my ears."

Scootaloo realized what she meant and became even more embarrassed. "Yeah, heh..." She shrunk back and looked down. "Sorry about that..."

Rainbow saw that she was still taking it a bit too seriously. "Scootaloo," she said stoically, "I'm totally kidding, okay? My ears don't even hurt."

"Oh..." She looked at Rainbow again. "Right," she chuckled nervously. 'Okay, Scootaloo,' she thought, 'get ahold of yourself... Calm down... Calm down...' She then recomposed herself again and took in a deep breath. Letting it out she began to remember where she was going in the first place. "Oh, hey!" she startled Rainbow. "I just remembered! I'm headed over to Sugarcube Corner, so I'll just be--"

She stopped in mid-sentence, seeing that she was almost three-hundred feet past Sugarcube Corner.

'How fast was I really going?'

"Oh, I'm headed somewhere else, actually," Rainbow told her. After thinking about it, she didn't exactly know where this party was, really. She remembered they were about to trot right into Sugarcube Corner before they had their collision, and that was about all she knew. "Wait, are we headed somewhere else, Fluttershy?" She turned to face... Nopony in particular. She noticed that there seemed to be many a pony in the streets at this time of day. "Fluttershy?"

'Where is she?' She began to look around for the yellow Pegasus, turning her head this way and that way.

As she searched, Scootaloo decided to join in with her, walking around and looking behind stands, through windows, and in other places. But the name of the pony they were looking for was something that mentally left a mark on her now.

Fluttershy.

The pony who they could take full advantage of, or be deathly afraid of.

Fluttershy.

The Pegasus who could make a bunny cheer, or cause a dragon to cry.

Fluttershy.

The mare who is kind to all things friendly, but is mean to all things unkind to her friends.

Fluttershy.

The pony who kissed Rainbow Dash.

It made her feel funny in her stomach to think such a thing could happen between two mares, let alone those two. Her idol and her occasional babysitter. It seemed incorrect, somehow. It seemed... different. Almost... unique, now that she thought about it.

Their search began to seem futile. They were not having any luck whatsoever. It was almost as if she had just left the streets.

Then Rainbow realized...

"Hey, wait a minute...!"

"What?" Scootaloo poked her head out from inside of a toy store. "Did you find her?"

Rainbow looked at her. "No, but I think I know where she might be..." she said with uncertainty. She then realized what store Scootaloo was standing in. "Speaking of which, why would you think she would be in there?"

The orange speedster looked back into the toy store. "Uhhh... You never know, right...?" She said, embarrassed for the third time today in front of Rainbow Dash. This was getting pretty old now.

"Well," Rainbow decided not to bother her about it. "Come on. I think she's at Sugarcube Corner, cause we were about to go in there when you ran into me."

"Yeah, sorry about that."

Rainbow was getting tired of this, but bugging her about it could really only make it worse. "It's okay, Scoots," she sighed. "Follow me."

At the Corner, there was nopony they knew very well. There was a desperate lack of activity and a strong scent of all things related to frosting and chocolate, mostly.

There was no Fluttershy, however.

Rainbow Dash looked back over her shoulder at Scootaloo as they stood in the entrance of the place. "She's not here, either."

"I guess not..." Scootaloo seemed to have gotten over her embarrassment from earlier. She looked around again just to make they weren't mistaken about their friend, but all she saw were a few ponies in line at the checkout and a huge selection of finely-baked, scrumptious-looking cupcakes.

Cupcakes. They really could clear anypony's mind. They reminded her that this was where she had intended to go to clear her own mind. But she knew now that it would be pointless to be there if the reason she needed to clear it in the first place was there with her. It would only make her uncomfortable if she had to think about it. She needed to leave. But she couldn't just ditch Rainbow without a reason...

"Uhm, Rainbow Dash?" she spoke up. Rainbow looked at her.

"What's up?"

Scootaloo looked away for a second before looking back at Rainbow and scratching her head. She found out that she still had her helmet on. "I-I just remembered: ...I uh..." She tried to think of something without being totally dishonest. "I have a club meeting to attend to."

She did, really. It really wasn't dishonest at all. She had been waiting for the meeting all morning until an odd memory from the other day crossed her mind.

"Oh, alright." Rainbow seemed to believe her. "Well, see ya, then."

"Yeah," she said with a wavering smile. Rainbow didn't seem to notice it. "Bye!"

She was out of there without any questions.

Rainbow watched as she looked for her scooter, soon finding it next to the front door of Sugarcube Corner and taking off in a hurry.

'She sure seemed anxious to leave...'

Rainbow decided to continue her search for her new lover outside the store. But before she reached the door, the doormat sank beneath her feet, causing her to yelp in surprise. Her reflexes kicked in just before she fell and she flapped her wings. Hovering above the hole in the floor, she looked into it intensely with curiosity. The only thing she could make out was an orange pair of hooves, before she was pulled down into it...

~ * * * ~

"There y'are!" said Apple Bloom, annoyed. "What took ya?"

Sweetie Belle joined in beside her. "Yeah, what took you so long, Scootaloo?"

Scootaloo took off her helmet and rubbed the back of her neck. "I-it's a bit complicated to tell..." She looked down and let out a very subtle sigh. "But enough about that," she perked up with a fake smile, "What's first on the agenda?" She walked past them and into the clubhouse.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other knowingly, then looked back at the orange Pegasus who was now sitting in the clubhouse, looking at the calendar on the front wall. Apple Bloom walked up behind her and asked "What's wrong, Scoots?"

Scootaloo sighed again and looked down. She then looked at Apple Bloom with pleading eyes. "Can we talk about it later?" she asked, a little more harshly than she meant to.

Apple Bloom backed away slightly, a bit shocked. "...Yeah," she said plainly. "Sure."

Scootaloo softened her look and composed herself. "I'm sorry, Apple Bloom," she apologized. "I didn't mean it that way... it's just..." She couldn't find a way to word it without being totally blunt. When she looked in her two friends' eyes, she saw two ponies who were completely trustworthy to her, who would never let her down, and who were always looking for new things to try...

...and who were also completely clueless at the moment.

'Maybe I should tell them...'

They may not have been the brightest of ponies, but they were the ones she trusted the most. She then made up her mind.

She sighed for what felt like the fifteenth time since she arrived at the clubhouse. "Okay..." She paused instinctively. "I've seen alot of strange things throughout my life, but..." She looked toward the window. "Last night, I saw something I never thought I would see in my life. It seemed like it was sorta... incorrect, I guess... or unnatural."

"Well, what was it?" Sweetie Belle urged.

"Yeah," said Apple Bloom, "what'd ya see?"

Scootaloo knew there was no turning back now. There was no point in not being straightforward with them.

'Here goes...'

"I saw Fluttershy kissing Rainbow Dash."

Sweetie Belle fainted. Apple Bloom raised her eyebrows. Scootaloo looked at them shrunk back. This was half-expected. She expected them both to faint, but she couldn't help but wonder why Apple Bloom hadn't.

"Well," she heard her say, "was she kissin' 'er back?"

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both sprung up at the question. They stared at her quizzically and she just kept switching gazes between the both of them. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air for a full thirty seconds before it was broken with a "What?" from Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom hadn't had her question answered yet. "All Ah asked was if Rainbow Dash was kissin' Fluttershy back..." she stated as if it were nothing. "So... was she?"

"Uhhh..." Scootaloo was a little dumbfounded. "Yeah, I... think so..."

Sweetie Belle fainted for a second time.

The other two looked at her for a second before looking back at each other. "Then ya got nothin' ta worry 'bout," Apple Bloom stated clearly.

"No..." said Scootaloo, walking over to her. "That's not what I'm worried about." She put her hoof on Apple Bloom's shoulder. "I'm just not sure if... two... mares... are, are even supposed to do that... Ya know what I mean?"

Apple Bloom brushed the hoof off of her shoulder. "O' course Ah know what ya mean. Some mares an' fillies actually do swing that way, ya know. Now Ah'm not sayin' Ah do... Ah'm just sayin' that ya gotta leave 'em be about it, 'r they might take offense from all yer suspiciousness. And after that, things get ugly. So, ya best not be mentionin' it to them, ya hear?"

Scootaloo was impressed at such knowledge. "Yeah..." She looked her own hooves. "I guess you're right. And I guess it just... surprised me to no end that they were... uhm..."

"Filly-foolers?" Apple Bloom finished for her.

"Yea--wait," She looked at Apple Bloom quizzically. "Is that what they're called?"

"Yeah," said Apple Bloom, "but a nicer way o' sayin' it is 'mares in comfortable horseshoes'."

"Ah," Scootaloo nodded wisely. "I see." Just then, a question regarding her friend came aboard her train of thought. "Say... How do you know all of this?"

"Uh, well... ya see..." Apple Bloom stammered. "...Ah'd rather not talk about it, really... It's 'bout somepony an' Ah promised Ah wouldn' say nothin', alright?"

Scootaloo raised her eyebrows and said "Sure, sure."

A few short seconds of silence followed, before they were reminded that Sweetie Belle was still present.

"Hey... Uh... What's the cost of my ticket...?" she mumbled in her sleep.

Partially present.

"Hey," Scootaloo whispered. "Do you think she heard any of this, other than the beginning?"

"Prob'ly not," Apple Bloom whispered back. "Come ta think of it, that's prob'ly a good thing. It would mos' likely put a scar on 'er fer the rest o' her life. She might even ask 'er sister 'bout it, too."

They shivered at the idea.

"Speaking of which," said Scootaloo, "do you think anypony else knows about Rainbow and Fluttershy?"

Apple Bloom froze. Scootaloo could barely make out that she was slowly mouthing the words "oh" and "no".

"What's the problem?" Scootaloo asked her.

Apple Bloom gave her a serious look. "We need ta make sure nopony else knows! Come on!" She then grabbed her helmet and rushed out the door.

"Wait, why?" Scootaloo asked, clearly confused.

"Ah'll tell ya on the way! Come on, git yer scooter!" she shouted from outside the clubhouse.

"Wait, what about Sweetie Belle?"

"Put 'er in the wagon with me, we'll take 'er home," said Apple Bloom, hopping into the wagon. "Oh, wait... She said 'er sister wasn' home yet..." She brought a hoof to her chin. "So... maybe she could stay a' mah place fer now...?"

"Sound fine to me..." Scootaloo shrugged with Sweetie Belle on her back.

"Good," said Apple Bloom. "There's somethin' Ah gotta tell ya 'bout Applejack..."

~ * * * ~

"There y'are, Rainbow!"

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I'm here... And...?"

"And ya got somethin' ta tell us, right?" Applejack grilled her.

"Yeah..." Rainbow looked around for Fluttershy. "Where's..."

"Fluttershy went lookin' fer you," Applejack pointed back at the stairs behind Rainbow Dash, "after ya didn't show fer awhile. Say, what was all that ruckus--" She stopped and looked at Pinkie Pie to see if she would be corrected or not. Pinkie Pie was still hiding on the floor, behind her tail. Seeing this, Applejack continued. "What was all that ruckus up there?"

"Oh, that. Sorry, I, uh... got caught up with Scootaloo, literally." Dash rubbed the back of her neck. "I'll, uh, go find Fluttershy real quick."

"Ooh! There's no need to!" squeaked Pinkie Pie. She sprung up from her position on the floor and zipped right next to Rainbow. She then reached up, grabbed a handle and slid open a door on the ceiling that could only be seen from the inside. After she opened it fully, she reached into it and pulled down a slightly surprised Fluttershy. Pinkie then closed the door. "She's already here!"

Fluttershy looked at her. "I am?" she asked.

Pinkie nodded to her furiously before bouncing over in front of Applejack.

Applejack stared at Pinkie.

Pinkie glared back.

"FRACAS!!" she screamed.

She then zipped over to the cake in the middle of the room to cut it.

Fluttershy turned to look at Rainbow. "Oh, yes... I am..."

The room was silent.

Rainbow and Fluttershy were looking at each other sympathetically. Rarity and Twilight sat at the table to the left of the cake, knowing better than to say anything right now. Applejack was standing close by them, waiting for an answer. Pinkie Pie sliced the cake silently while staring intensely at the rest of the scene, as if waiting for the outcome. Spike hadn't heard or seen a thing, however. He was asleep on a chair with his head on the table to the right of the cake.

Fluttershy knew that everypony else was waiting for something, and in turn, she ever so slowly moved her hoof around Dash, inching its way around the back of her neck. Their audience's eyes grew wider and wider the closer they were. Quickly, Rainbow Dash followed and put her own hoof around the back of Fluttershy's neck. They looked at the other four.

"Are you two--...!?" Rarity broke the silence, but couldn't finish her sentence. "You--...! You're--...!?"

She fainted with a not-so-graceful thud.

Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy, and she looked back. Fluttershy gave her a reassuring nod. They both looked back at the others.

"W-we're uh..." Rainbow stammered, "uhm..."

"We're in love," Fluttershy finished with a smile, nuzzling Dash.

The room did not fall silent, for it practically was already. The only sounds that were heard were the hoofsteps from up above in Sugarcube Corner. The customers and the Cakes.

"Well..." said Rainbow, "I was gonna say 'together,' but that works, too... cause... we are... you know... in love..." She gave them an embarrassed smile, then added "...with each other..."

They waited for their reactions. They could possibly guess what was coming. Twilight had a look of uncertainty for the two. Applejack looked disappointed, but not angry. She almost looked let down, in fact. Nopony could see Rarity's expression, for she was still unconscious.

"Wha...!? Hey! My...! My...!" Spike opened his eyes. "My rubies!!" He looked around at what wasn't actually a ruby thief. "Wha...?"

Everypony looked at him. He looked back. They looked away. He was confused. He could feel a very heavy load of oddness hanging in the air. They were all staring at Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, who seemed to be stuck to each other like glue...

That was a little odd.

Scratch that. It was very odd. Everypony was staring at them. Everypony except Rarity. She had fainted, it seemed.

'Figures...' he thought. 'She would.'

Applejack stepped closer to the two pegasi. She stood in front of them and just looked at them with a frown. First at Fluttershy, and then toward Rainbow. She then walked past them toward the exit, shaking her head slowly. She didn't even say a single word as she left.

Fluttershy could see Applejack had a tear in her eye when she looked at Rainbow. This could mean one of two things:

She was sad for them because she knows it's unnatural.

She was jealous.

Twilight looked as if she was thinking hard on something. She suddenly left her table and stood before the two with an uncomfortable expression.

"I-I honestly don't know what to say, as of now," she said. "It's a little hard to... to..." She didn't want to say anything in front of them, as she might offend them. So, she did what she thought was best at the time. "I need to think about this... H-have a good time, you two." She then rushed past them to the exit.

In Spike's mind, it finally clicked. As he watched both of the reactions given, he finally realized what all the commotion was about. He didn't know what to think about, however. Sure, he was happy that the two had found love...

But with each other...?

He just didn't know.

It was a bit too confusing for him. He needed to go home and ponder on this. He probably needed to go help Twilight sort herself out, anyway.

He then stood up slowly from his chair and walked toward the exit. "I'm really happy for you two, but I've gotta go make sure Twilight gets some sleep tonight," he said, walking past them. They watched him as he past by.

"But... it's only mid-day..." said Rainbow.

"Exactly," said Spike, climbing up the stairs to open the fake sewer hatch that led outside to the streets of Ponyville.

As they watched him climb out, they sighed simultaneously. They then looked at Pinkie Pie, who had obliviously cut all of the cake by now and set all of the slices on plates. They then looked at the slices on plates. The table was covered in them. She followed their gazes to find her own doing.

She gasped loudly. "Oh my gosh!!" She squealed and put a hoof over her mouth. "That's alot of cake!" came out her muffled yell.

This was expected. They walked up to the table, looked at all the cake, and then smiled kindly at Pinkie Pie...

...before Rainbow cracked up.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie just stared at her. She must have been crazy to laugh at a time like this! Eventually, though, they ended up doing the same.

"Who wants some cake!?" Pinkie said out of almost nowhere.

Rainbow's and Fluttershy's giggles died down slowly before looking at each other.

"Do you?" Rainbow asked Fluttershy.

"Uhm... I don't know..." was Fluttershy's response. "Do you?"

Rainbow smiled. "Right about now," she said, "I wouldn't mind some."

"Okie-dokie-lokie!" said Pinkie Pie. "I'll take Rarity home, then!"

They stopped and looked toward the table left of the cake slices. She was still there.

"Wow!" said Rainbow. "I totally forgot she was still here!"

It was nice that Pinkie Pie was able to remember everypony, even in the silliest situations.

'It's odd, though...' thought Rainbow. 'How she does that... How does she do that, anyhow?' Rainbow wondered. She knew that if she thought too hard on it, it would eventually melt her brain. That, or she might turn into a Pinkie, herself.

"Bye, you two!" Pinkie yelled from the exit with Rarity on her back. "Have a good first date!" She then trotted off with a light bounce in her step.

That pony would confuse them for eternity and whatever came after it. They knew how to live with it, though.

They then turned back to the cake on the table. Rainbow decided to break the short silence, for she had grown sick of them.

"Heh," she said with a smile, "guess this really is our first date..."

Fluttershy simply smiled and nodded back.

Author's Note

So... I would like you guys to tell me if this length is better or not. I'm also sorry that it took so long to write. I'm glad that I got some feedback and most of you said that you liked it and want me to continue, also. Don't forget to state your opinions. Also, italics doesn't seem to be working, even if I use a computer. I was wondering if you guys think it's a computer problem or a site problem

First Real Date

•)9(•

First Real Date

A date.

A real date.

The idea made Fluttershy ecstatic.

'A real date...!' she thought.

It was the most spectacular thing in Equestria to her, except possibly who she was actually sharing it with.

She had never been on a real date before. It was exciting to think about! It was... wonderful...

"Well!" Rainbow said with enthusiasm, snapping Fluttershy out of her thoughts. "Shall we?"

Fluttershy looked at all the cake on the table, then at Rainbow and smiled kindly. "...We most certainly shall." She nuzzled her and walked over to grab a plate.

~ * * * ~

Another heavy book flew over Spike's head, just missing it. Red this time. That was different. Insignificant, but different nonetheless. Keeping track of the colors kept him entertained, it seemed.

He had tried convincing Twilight to give her search a rest. He was sure that she would, at this rate, clear every shelf within five minutes. His advice, however, was not so much as even noticed. It was tragic, really. The sight before him, beside him, behind him, and at times, above him, was tragic. The pony who he was loyal to for all these years was going crazy...

...again.

To say that Spike was used to this behavior would not even begin to describe it. It happened at least once every two months. It was not to say that it worsened everytime, but it did happen. Needless to say, he eventually became annoyed. That, and worried. Sickly worried, really.

"Twilight?" He tried to gain her attention. There was no reply, just another book catapulted in his direction. He avoided it easily. "Hey, Twilight!" he tried again. This didn't seem to be working. Suddenly, a purple book caught off guard and landed on his toes.

"YYYOOOOWWW!!!"

Even after the sudden outburst of his, he went unnoticed. This was becoming a wee bit tiresome, now. Actually, way more than a wee bit. He was in pain, he was frustrated, he was ignored, and he was possibly in even more danger than what had already happened to him.

As he bounced around on one foot while holding the other, he came to a conclusion that he thought only seemed logical at the time:

He needed to leave.

And he did so, clumsily if anything. He may have still been worried for Twilight, but he would NOT be hit with anymore books.

The sudden door slamming was what caused the rapid book-tossing to stop. The lavender unicorn had then noticed her assistant's absence.

~ * * * ~

'Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!'

She took long, heavy steps across the wood floor of her room as she thought to herself.

'How could ya not've known she was already with somepony else, Applejack!? How!? Yer one o' her best friends!'

The unintentionally struck herself with the word and stopped pacing. She stared up at the clouds through her window.

"I am one o' her best friends..." There wasn't a doubt about it, she knew. There may have been alot of tension between her thoughts concerning the situation, but she was still her friend. "And I need to at least act like I am..."

~ * * * ~

"So..." Scootaloo glanced over her shoulder at one of her two passengers. "You're saying that my idol, our babysitter and your sister are all filly-foolers?"

"Uh..." Apple Bloom was getting uncomfortable. Not with the topic, but with the driver. "Ya might wanna watch where yer goin', Scootaloo... and yes..." She sighed. "They are."

Scootaloo sighed with her. She was finally starting to get used to the idea. She knew she would have to eventually, so why not start now? It's not as if she had any actual say in the matter, and trying to pry them apart was the last of things she should be doing. So going with the flow was the least of things she could do, really.

She then had another thought as they approached Sweet Apple Acres. "So..." she said, "if Applejack found out, she would be heartbroken then, right?"

"Yeah, it wouldn' be pretty..."

They quickly slowed as they approached their destination. Sweetie Belle was carefully carried inside by Apple Bloom, taking her to her own room and gently placing her on the bed. As she tiptoed out, she heard a muffled voice from across the hall.

"She ain't yers, an' she ain't never gonna be yers, Applejack..."

Applejack was talking to herself again... Apple Bloom hoped to Celestia that this wasn't what she thought it was about.

"All ya can do now is jes' watch 'er an' support 'er an' Fluttershy..."

Apple Bloom's hopes were ruined. They were too late. Her sister had already found out. The only thing she could do now was hope she wouldn't go into a state of eternal depression. She hoped she would have the mental capacity to move on...

...And maybe find somepony else...

She also knew that the rest of it wasn't her business. With this in mind, she turned toward the stairs, intent on heading out the door. Without waking Granny Smith, of course.

Stepping outside, she had a glum look in her expression. She saw Scootaloo standing and waiting by the wagon. She knew she would have to break it to her straight, so why wait...?

'Here goes nothin'...'

"Scootaloo," she said with zero enthusiasm as she approached the pegasus with weak legs. Scootaloo looked in her direction.

"Hey, Apple Bloom," she said happily. She then noticed her friend's look. "What happened?"

Apple Bloom wouldn't look at her. She just kept looking at the ground. It was clear to Scootaloo that she wanted to get something across but was too scared to say it. Maybe needed a little motivation.

Gently, she embraced her in a tender and careful hug. The reason for such gentleness was the fact that Apple Bloom looked and felt as if she were fragile at the time. Scootaloo could feel the trembling of her earth pony friend. She then felt the tiniest bit of liquid drip onto her right shoulder.

Was Apple Bloom... crying?

She then heard a light sniffle from her friend, then a muffled phrase. "We're... we're too late," came Apple Bloom's trembling voice. "Mah sister already knows..."

According to what Scootaloo had been told earlier, she knew that this was tremendously bad news. Despite it though, she couldn't help but close her eyes and relish in the feeling of her friend's naturally soft, red mane.

Wait a minute...

Her eyes popped open slightly. Was she... enjoying the softness of Apple Bloom's mane? Was she actually bathing in the touch of the smooth but slightly messy strands of the pony she had known for quite some time now?

She had done it almost obliviously. It just... happened. She didn't know why she did it, and she might not ever find that out, but gosh! Her mane was so soft! And smooth!

It still puzzled and confused her, but she figured that for now, it was probably best to put her own emotions aside. She then began running her hooves through Apple Bloom's mane, stroking the back of her neck to comfort her.

"Scootaloo?" said the shaky filly in her forelegs. "W-what 'r ya doin'?"

Scootaloo thought for a moment. What was she doing? Whatever it was, she was sure enjoying it. "Stroking your mane..." she said stoically.

Apple Bloom sniffed one last time and stopped her trembling. "Yer what now...?"

"Just..." Scootaloo paused her stroking. She seemed to be engrossed in Apple Bloom's mane. "...Stroking your mane..." she said as began stroking it again.

"Well... It feels real nice an' all, but..." She paused to see if her pegasus friend would stop. She did not. "...Ain't it a little awkward for ya?"

"Eh... Not really. I guess I just love the feel of your mane." The stroking continued.

"Well, thanks, but... ya do know that's somethin' that only Pinkie Pie an' couples do, right?"

The stroking stopped. Then it started again. Scootaloo sighed. "Yeah... I know... Is it uncomfortable for you?"

"Not really, no... Ah kinda like it, really. But somepony else might notice an' get the wrong idea 'bout it..."

The stroking stopped, this time without resuming. Scootaloo hesitantly let go of her friend and stepped back. "Your right," she said. "Sorry..."

"It's fine..." Apple Bloom said, rubbing the back of her neck. It felt strange: the absence of Scootaloo's hoof. In a way, she actually wanted it to be there again. It almost felt like it was missing... Like it was... supposed to be there.

The same could be said for Scootaloo. She too felt a type of emptiness, only around her hoof. She wanted to feel the silkiness of the southern pony's red mane.

Their thoughts about what had just happened were scaring them half to death. They were not scared as in 'afraid,' but more to the sense of being confused and slightly ashamed. Both had been completely aware and consent to the show of affection; their thoughts were blotted with points of uncertainty. They were mostly unsure of what to think about it. Apple Bloom found it quite comforting, and Scootaloo found it to be very soothing for the both of them.

As they looked at each other, both could see the other's silent but visible need in their eyes. Neither of which had any idea that they themselves were expressing a type of longing for the other.

They were beginning to be uncomfortable in each other's presence. Their instincts were to flee, to rid themselves of each other. At least for a while. There didn't seem to be any other logical solution to their emotionally disturbing situation. That is, until Apple Bloom made a simple but bold move...

"Uh, S-Scootaloo...?"

"Yeah?" came Scootaloo's reply.

By now, Apple Bloom had almost grown careless of the fact that they were out in the open and it was still mid-day. She knew that this would be the one thing that would tie up the loose ends of uncomfortable moments between them. She slowly walked up to the pegasus and tremblingly but also desperately whispered in hear ear.

"C-could ya please... please... do that again?"

Scootaloo didn't let her second thoughts get the better of her this time.

"...Alright," she whispered back while barely nodding.

Slowly but not hesitantly, they embraced each other in a one-legged hug, resting their heads on each other's shoulders. Scootaloo then started running her hoof through Apple Bloom's mane again, stroking it. They both could feel the other's breathing slow down immensely. Apple Bloom's tenseness was lightened as she leaned into her friend's touch.

The process went on for about ten full minutes. Scootaloo tried out different maneuvers on her neck. Eventually, she brought her other hoof around, as well, bringing them both into a two-legged hug. Their closeness made them feel like nothing else mattered. They now stood on only their hind legs, but managed to keep a good balance.

Just then, a new scent made its way to Scootaloo's nose. She could tell that it was a fruity type of scent. Specifically, apples. Even more specifically, apple pie.

The aroma was almost made to be alluring. She felt extremely tempted to do... to do something with it. Something with her lips.

She did not know what she would do yet, but that idea would be on its way soon enough. For now, this was good enough.

Then something occurred to her.

What was 'this'?

It looked to be the act of showing affection and care for her apple-scented friend in a different manner than she ever had. It almost seemed like a way of being more open to her. Why was she being so open? She didn't know, really. The news of a new couple and an enormously jealous sister were events of the past. Not in the far past, but in the past all the same. This meant neither she, nor Apple Bloom were even acknowledging the news itself as of now.

What made the news so unimportant to them? They had the absent-minded impression that it was this moment between them.

This moment...

This precious moment...

...this tender moment. It seemed like everypony could see them. It seemed like the whole wide world of Equestria could witness it. Like they would take this to their graves.

But, in all of their honesty, they didn't give a single haystack. Apple Bloom was so lost within the soothing motions and Scootaloo was so lost in her soft mane that they didn't really care if anypony came out with the wrong idea.

Then one final thought tried to click. Scootaloo's mind was dark at the time and she couldn't find the light switch.

"...Apple Bloom?" she whispered into her ear.

"...mmhmm...?" Apple Bloom replied.

"What is... 'the wrong idea'?"

Apple Bloom opened her eyes.

She hadn't really thought about it, though she knew what 'the wrong idea' was. She was beginning to think that it wasn't such a bad idea after all. In fact, if it meant more of this... this... whatever it was, she wouldn't mind at all.

The continuous and comforting strokes from Scootaloo reminded Apple Bloom that she still lacked an answer. She might as well give it to her. She had decided that it would probably be best to be pretty blunt about it, too. This way, she probably wouldn't have to repeat herself.

But first, privacy.

She then stepped back and freed herself from the embrace they had. She made an almost involuntary whimper at the lack of touch from Scootaloo. They both were back on all-fours before Apple Bloom looked her and said "Let's head into the barn an' then Ah'll tell ya what it is."

Scootaloo was a bit confused, but she nodded as they walked slowly in the barn's direction.

Once inside, Apple Bloom started to close the barn door. After it was closed, she looked at Scootaloo, who stood in the middle of the barn. There was nopony inside, and the only noises that could be heard were the occasional creaks of floorboards and squeaks of mice. The smell was not as a barn would usually smell, for it had been cleaned just the other day.

She now saw her winged friend in a way she never thought she would. She didn't know what it was, but she knew it was real inside of herself. Possibly outside, too, but only if a mutual type of feeling was shared.

"Ya can call me crazy if ya want," she started, "but... but if I said it was the wrong idea before, well... that just might change here..."

Scootaloo looked at her with puzzlement. She couldn't decide if she was becoming more excited or more scared. Either way, she definitely knew that there were butterflies in her stomach.

"This..." said Apple Bloom, as she walked toward Scootaloo, hesitance clear in her steps, "...is the idea."

Their muzzles only inches apart now, Apple Bloom took a good long look at the pegasus before her to make sure she was consent to what she was about to do. Her friend's body was barely shaking, her lips were trembling lightly, and her eyes were not even partially lidded. She looked eager to find out but still scared of her answer. She was consent, though.

Apple Bloom decided it was time. She then closed her own eyes and inched forward. She was never a very patient pony. She knew it, too.

Scootaloo knew now what she was about to do. At first, she could definitely see this as being seen as the wrong idea. But now, it seemed like she was very attracted to Apple Bloom.

That was her last thought before their lips met. Their minds went blank as they stood there, engaged in an oddly initiated kiss. It was a bit of a struggle at first to find comfortable ways to keep attached to each other; they would keep rocking back and forth, almost losing balance at times.

Apple Bloom was experiencing a feeling of taking lead. She felt like she was leading this friend of hers to something they both silently wanted.

Scootaloo was experiencing a state of shock. She was speechless and thoughtless. But over a small amount of time, she found herself melting into the kiss, her eyes fluttering shut. She became aware of their unbalanced state and brought them into standing on only their hind legs again, embracing each other for balance. But even then, they were still struggling. Apple Bloom would step back and Scootaloo would step forward and vice versa, or one would step to the side and the other would try to keep them from tumbling. Eventually though, they lost it and tumbled onto a nearby pile of hay.

Their kiss ended as they landed. They poked their heads out of the pile before looking at each other again. There was a silence that was made to consider all of the things that just happened. It was hard to believe that a club meeting could lead to the first kiss of your life. But in the end, it had happened. They didn't know how, but it did.

And neither of them had any objections to it. In fact, they even felt like they wanted to do it again...

Scootaloo was the first to break the silence. "I...I-I think... they'd actually have the right idea..."

Apple Bloom then jumped on her and kissed her again shortly before pulling back and looking in her eyes and smiling.

"They sure would, Scoots." She then nestled up against her as they rested in the hay pile. "They sure would..."

~ * * * ~

If anypony had a habit spying on ponies, it would be Pinkie Pie.

There she stood on the path to Sweet Apple Acres, watching as a barn door closed, her mouth agape with Rarity on her back. She never thought she would see anything like this, at least not while those two were this young.

She had seen yet another relationship develop. This time, her spying was unintentional. In fact, she was still on her way to delivering a special gift for the Apple family.

Originally, her plan was to take Rarity home to the Boutique, bur she frowned when she realized that it was locked; Rarity had been off work for a few hours to go to the party, and only she knew where the key was. But she was currently unconscious, so Pinkie Pie would do the next best thing.

With permission, of course.

Remembering the task at hoof, she stopped staring at the barn and continued on her way to ask permission for a visitor, still temporarily scarred from what she had witnessed.

She trotted up to the front door with less spring than usual in her step and knocked on it with even less enthusiasm. As she waited for an answer, she could hear the sound of painful emotions being let out from somewhere inside the house. Applejack's crying almost made her want to cry. She didn't even know what the matter was! Applejack never cried. At least, not that she ever remembered.

This was what she called a rarity.

The same went for the pony on her back, only capitalized.

'Oh my gosh!' she thought. 'Why would Applejack ever cry!? She never does that...

'Ooooohh, I don't like where this could lead to, and I'm not at all fond of things I like! And I don't like things I'm not at all fond of! And I'm not at all fond of things I don't like. And, and... Oh, this could go on FOREVER!!!'

She shook herself of her thoughts as she heard the door open in front of her. A big, tall, red stallion with a naturally messy marigold mane.

"Hiya, Big Mac," she greeted with less Pinkieness than meant to use. She even surprised herself with the not-so-perky tone she had used.

Big Mac just smiled politely and nodded in return. He always considered himself to be one to notice unusual attitudes, but was also able to hide the fact that he noticed. He could see that Pinkie was feeling a wee bit different today. The only thing that seemed remotely Pinkie-like was the fact that she was carrying an unconscious white unicorn who currently had a very untidy mane, due to all the spring-like steps. Namely, Rarity.

He laughed inwardly as he could imagine her reaction when looking in the mirror.

"Afternoon," he replied. "There somethin' ya need?"

"Wwweeeellll..." she started, looking back at her passenger. She then looked back at Big Mac. "...I was just wondering if you wouldn't mind keeping an extra guest here until she wakes up. You see, house is locked and I don't know where her key is. My room is too messy right now so she can't stay there either, and that's where you would come in! By the way, she passed out at a secret party I had because she found out about--"

She shut herself up before anything else came out. She then continued on, more carefully than before. "Because she found out about something new, but the news was too shocking for her..."

There was definitely something strange about Pinkie today. Big Mac could see and hear it.

"Anywho...!" she continued more Pinkie-like, "do you think it would be alright?"

Big Mac thought for a second. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with it, really. However, there was one thing...

He gave it some more thought. Maybe that one thing could be avoided if only she was put somewhere inside the house that was reasonable. Maybe it would be okay after all...

After his inner discussion, he looked at Pinkie Pie and nodded his head slowly.

"Oh, GREAT!!" she exclaimed. "Where should I put her? On the couch? In Granny's chair? On the table? In the barn? On the porch? Next to the pigs? In the--"

Big Mac silenced her with a hoof. "The couch would be fine..."

~ * * * ~

Almost all of the cake was almost half gone.

Fluttershy had only eaten two pieces.

Rainbow Dash was developing a terrible stomachache. The pain was only starting to make itself known. She clutched her stomach as she was downing her twelfth piece. She promised to herself that she would make it to fifteen. How could she help it? The cake was so delicious, and it was already set out in slices on individual party plates. This goal was on her bucket list, too. So how could she just pass it by at such a perfect opportunity?

Fluttershy watched in sympathy from across the table as her lover sat clutching her belly, trying to dull the pain of what twelve slices of chocolate cake with pink frosting can do. It didn't even make her laugh on the inside. Who would eat this much cake just to say you did it?

That's a dumb question. Who, besides Rainbow Dash, would do that? Pinkie Pie was an exception; she just loves cake in every way possible.

She knew this needed to end now. And it was because it was Rainbow Dash who was doing it. She couldn't stand the suffering anymore.

"Rainbow Dash..." she managed to say, "...you should probably stop now..."

Rainbow looked at her and forced smile. "Why would I stop now? I'm only three pieces--" She gasped and clutched her stomach again. "...away."

Fluttershy shook her head at her best friend's occasional lack of common sense. "Because, Rainbow," she said, "i-it's hurting you... and... I can't stand to... to see you be hurt..."

Rainbow stopped trying to eat and just sat there, unmoving, staring at Fluttershy, with remnants of chocolate cake around her mouth. She raised both eyebrows. "Do I really mean that much to you?" she asked.

Fluttershy nodded shyly.

Rainbow couldn't help but find it completely adorable that she would act shy even around her marefriend. But you know... she was still Fluttershy.

"Well, okay then," she complied happily. "If you really want me to stop, then I will." She then brought a napkin to her face and gracefully wiped it.

Fluttershy then noticed a tiny piece she seemed to have missed. "Oh, I-I think you missed a spot..."

"What? Where?"

Fluttershy then saw a perfect opportunity. "Here... l-let me get it for you..."

Rainbow was slightly surprised at such an offer. She definitely couldn't complain though. She held still and closed her eyes as Fluttershy leaned across the table slowly. The table was big and round, so eventually she climbed on top of it fully, completely oblivious to the slices of cake that had not yet been eaten. When they were muzzle-to-muzzle, Fluttershy, now settled down on the table and maybe a slice or two, moved ever-so-slightly to the left of Rainbow's vision. She could really care less if she had cake on her belly at all. She then proceeded to lick the leftovers from Rainbow's face, making sure to taste everything her tongue could reach aside from the cake itself before actually cleaning it off.

After the first lick, however, she fell in love with the taste so much that she was enormously tempted to just continue further.

And she did.

Rainbow surprisingly felt another lick. There wasn't still cake there, was there? This one almost seemed heartfelt, rather than just to clean up. Then another. She knew what was going on now.

Two could play at this...

As Fluttershy went on, she herself felt a lick on the corner of her mouth. It startled her immensely. She twitched hard and they both opened their eyes. They looked into each other's eyes for a short while before feeling another urge to go on. However, Fluttershy wanted to alter it a little this time. It would take a bit of a mutual feeling, though...

Carefully, she brought her own lips to Rainbow's, hoping not to surprise her too much.

Rainbow was surprised, but only a little if any. She returned the kiss almost immediately, making sure to be equally as gentle with Fluttershy. She then brought her hooves around the shy mare she was kissing, never intending on letting go.

Little did she know that this was what Fluttershy had hoped for. She too wrapped her hooves around Rainbow, but as she did so, she then noticed that her wings were stretched out. This must have been a sign of... of something. Something she was quite curious about. She would have to be careful not to bother them, as she was afraid that something might happen to them in their current state.

She then proceeded with her hopeful plan and began to lean back rather slowly. Her intention was to have Rainbow follow her. She helped her out a little by tugging lightly around her with her hooves to start her in the right direction. Rainbow took heed to Fluttershy's actions and followed, climbing out of the chair and onto the table. Fluttershy was now on her haunches, still tilting backward, keeping lead until they reached their destination.

As she was about to lay down on her back, she used her wings to clear away any plates with cake on them. This way, she could at least have a clean back. After her path was clear of cake plates, she lied down fully, allowing Rainbow to lay on her. Rainbow did so, but made sure to not put her full weight on her all at once. It was about ten full seconds until she rested on her fully.

As they went about a tongue dance, Fluttershy decided to use her hooves in Rainbow's colorful mane, running it through the various strands and hues. Rainbow did the same with Fluttershy's mane, only she didn't have as much control over it due to the angle she was at.

Fluttershy ran her hoof all throughout the many colors of the hair she was permitted to play with, eventually running it all the way down to the full extent of its length. Finding the ends, she accidentally touched Rainbow's left wing. She felt Rainbow's wing and body spasm against her. Following which, she heard and felt a soft whimper from her.

She knew that this was where they needed to stop and save the rest for later.

Hesitantly and unwillingly, she pulled her lips away from Rainbow's, earning another soft whimper from her. The word may not have been the best to describe Rainbow Dash, but Fluttershy found her quite adorable when she would whimper in want of more.

They opened their eyes and just looked into each other's for a while. It seemed to them that they made a type of connection every time they did this. It was, in many ways, a way of showing one another their thoughts about what they just participated in.

After about thirty seconds of just staring and breathing, Fluttershy found something to talk about.

"Did you know you have gorgeous eyes, Dashie?"

Rainbow did not know this. "I didn't," she replied with a smile. "What color are they?"

Fluttershy thought carefully before she spoke again. "Do you promise not to be ashamed?"

"Wait..." Rainbow was confused. "Why would I be ashamed? Are they not that awesome or something?"

"Oh, don't worry," Fluttershy assured her, "their plenty awesome... it's just that their really... or very, uhm... feminine..."

"And what's wrong with that? I'm a mare, so that means I'm naturally feminine, right?"

"Well... uhm... I guess..."

"So then tell me," Rainbow urged. "What color are they?"

"...Uhm..." Fluttershy knew there was no getting around easier now. "...They're pink..."

Rainbow froze. She seemed to be having second thoughts about asking. Then a connection came to her. "Wait a minute," she said, "does 'feminine' sort of mean 'girly'?"

Fluttershy raised her eyebrows at such a question. "Uhm... yes... or lady-like, I guess..."

Rainbow was doomed. Throughout her whole life, she never knew these two things. She wasn't all that surprised at Fluttershy's larger vocabulary, but rather the fact that she didn't even know her own eye color. Now she was almost sorry that she even asked.

"I really like pink," said Fluttershy.

Almost sorry.

"Well, that's a plus then," Rainbow said with a kind smile. She then took notice to the room around them. "Hey, uh... I think we should help clean up and then head out. What do you think?"

Fluttershy nodded simply.

Satisfied with the answer, Rainbow proceeded to stand up off of her. Upon doing this, she noticed that she had picked up more than a little cake on her front. She looked at Fluttershy again and saw where she had gotten it from. "Also, is there a shower at your place?"

Fluttershy nodded as simply as before.

Author's Note

I apologize immensely for such a long wait. I have no real excuse except for the fact that I read and write slower than average. Also, I greatly appreciate any constructive criticism. Anything that helps improve story writing is good, actually.

Someday...

•)10(•

Someday...

Just a bit hotter and the temperature would be just right.

Fluttershy used a hoof to test the water in the shower while turning the knob the other to adjust its heat.

'Just a little more... There. Perfect. Oh, I hope Rainbow is okay with it...'

"The shower's ready, Dashie..." she said as she walked into her room, in which her companion was waiting, lying on the bed. Fluttershy was so glad that things had turned out this way. Before, whenever she saw Rainbow Dash, she would always get the butterflies inside herself. But now, whenever she saw her, she got a different feeling inside. It was like a warm wave of wind blowing through her. It wasn't just the feeling of knowing she's in love with somepony, but also the feeling knowing that somepony loves her back.

"Okay," came Rainbow's reply as she sat up from the bed. "Thanks, sweetie."

Fluttershy held her horses for a second... Did she really just call her... sweetie?

Affectionate names usually did not fit Rainbow's personality or attitude. Maybe she was choosing to be more open with her. It wasn't like her to do that. Maybe Rainbow had gone a little softer because of her.

"W-wow..." she said quietly. "That seemed a little... uhm... soft for the Rainbow Dash to be saying..."

Rainbow looked at her with a sheepish grin. "Yeah..." she laughed. "But please, please don't tell anypony. I still have my reputation of awesomeness to keep, you know..."

Fluttershy nodded and gave her a nuzzle. She found it kind of wonderful that she was allowed to nuzzle her best friend whenever she wanted to. Not that she would ever think of abusing such a privilege, she just thought it was pretty neat. All throughout her fillyhood, she only wished she could do it at least once. And now she could do it all she wanted to.

"Hey," said Rainbow, beginning to walk out of the room, "would you like to join me?"

She knew she wasn't able to resist the temptation, and she never would be.

"I'd love to..."

Love was her new favorite feeling. It was what gave her the heartbeat she had. Some would even say it was the most wonderful feeling of all time, and she wasn't one to disagree.

Fluttershy tested the water again. It was still the perfect temperature, just as she had set it. It was perfect for her, at least. But was it perfect for Rainbow, too? She turned to look at her as they both stood beside the shower in the bathroom.

"Is the temperature okay, Dashie?"

Rainbow wondered what Fluttershy was so worried about. They had each other, they had a shower, and they were sharing it with each other. Why was she so concerned about the temperature of the water? She reached a hoof under the spray of the shower to humor her anyway. "It's perfect," Rainbow answered kindly.

Fluttershy smiled back. "Oh, good..." She then looked at the shower and realized how small it was. Surely, it would be cramped if they were in at the same time... "Oh my..." she said. "Do you think it will be... cramped?"

Dash gave her concern a little thought. "Maybe," she said. "But we'll be fine. Here." She gestured for Fluttershy to follow her in. "Come on in. I'll show you what to do."

Rainbow waited for Fluttershy to step in with her, giving a relaxed sigh as the water ran down her sky-blue body. As Fluttershy stepped into the shower, Rainbow began to stand on only her hind legs. Fluttershy noticed this and asked "Do you, uhm... want me to do that, too...?"

"Yes, actually," said Rainbow.

The plan was perfectly possible, but not commonly used. It was, as you might imagine, for both ponies to stand up on their hind legs so there would be enough room for the two of them. The slight problem with this was balance. Rainbow, however, actually had a remedy for it.

She noticed, as Fluttershy stood up, that she was having a hard time keeping her balance.

"Fluttershy," said Rainbow.

Fluttershy looked at her while still trying to keep her balance.

"Use your wings," said Rainbow, gesturing to her own which she was using, "to keep your balance. You can put the tips against the edge of the tub. It'll help, trust me."

Fluttershy trusted her and took her advice, pointing her wings out and letting them give her support from the sides of the tub. Slowly, she began to regain her balance, becoming able to stand on her hind legs without anymore trouble.

"There, you got it now," said Rainbow. "Doesn't that help?"

Fluttershy nodded happily. "Oh, yes... It does..." She then looked at Rainbow with admiration. She wondered where she learned to do that and when she ever had to do that in the past. It was truly a puzzle to her. She'd never had another marefriend before, had she?

Rainbow stood under the hot spray, wondering why Fluttershy was staring at her with what looked like alot of envy. Was she jealous of her knowledge, maybe? The way she had earned this knowledge was just from plain, old personal experience. She had a tub that had been broken several times before. One of the times repairing it, the clumsy repair pony accidentally replaced it with the wrong piece, making it too small. After an argument between the two that didn't go too well, the repair pony flew out the door, hoping to never have to replace the thing again. Rainbow then realized she had been to hard on him, but there was nothing she could really do. She had then decided to just roll with it and learn how to use the tub and shower the way they were.

Rainbow also remembered how there was nopony else there with her whenever she was in her house. It seemed like it would be awfully lonely there now, seeing as she now had a wonderful new companion to share just about everything with. One funny thing about this was that it had not even been a day since they're relationship started, yet she was already fond of being with somepony all the time. The other funny thing was that she had never felt this way about anypony before, yet she now had the most certain knowledge that she would never feel this way toward anypony else.

Rainbow then wondered if Fluttershy even knew that...

"You know, 'Shy, there's something I should tell ya..."

Fluttershy stopped her oblivious stare and asked "What's is it, Dashie?"

Rainbow walked toward her slowly. Fluttershy was a bit surprised, but not intimidated by her approach.

"Did you know..." Rainbow started, before she embraced the shy mare, being careful not to touch her wings so she wouldn't lose her balance, "...that I've never..." She then started to massage behind Fluttershy's shoulders, causing her to lean against Rainbow's chest. "...felt this way..." Rainbow now had Fluttershy's and her own weight upon herself, but the strength she had in her wings was perfectly fit for the task. "...about anypony before?"

Fluttershy was so caught up in the massage that she almost didn't catch her words. When she finally caught them, she looked up at Rainbow with sparkling eyes. "R-really?"

Rainbow ran a hoof through Fluttershy's damp mane. "Truly."

Fluttershy put her forelegs around her lover, closed her eyes and sighed happily, still lost in the massage. "...Wow... That... that's... wonderful..." She felt so much like doing something to show that that really meant something to her, but she could hardly think at the time, thanks to Rainbow's handy hoofwork.

As Dash looked down at her, she kissed the top of her head and moved her hooves to a different spot on her back. Finding a spot just below the wings, she felt Fluttershy shiver and adjust against her so she wasn't putting most of her wait on her. It was then that she realized how much Fluttershy was enjoying this. If it weren't for that, she might've felt guilty about how much control she had over her. She herself was enjoying it, also. She would have to make a habit of doing this.

The massaging continued on without interruptions. Fluttershy tilted her head up and opened her eyes to look at Rainbow Dash with curiosity and envy. "Rainbow...?"

"...Mmhmm?"

"When did you get so good at, uhm... massaging?"

"Hmmm...?" Rainbow almost thought she misheard her. "Am I really that good?"

Fluttershy snuggled up against her as best she could. "Very much so..." she sighed slowly. "You're just so good that I feel like... like letting you know how wonderfully good you are, but... I'm just not sure how to show you..." As she spoke, she came up with the simplest idea. She mentally slapped herself for not coming up with this earlier. "Oh, wait..." she said. "Here's a good way, I think..."

Rainbow closed her eyes and waited for what she knew was coming. What she expected came in the most expected way. Their lips collided soft and gentle with each other. Both could feel how eager the other seemed to be. They didn't know what it was that made them so sure about each other, but they were certainly sure. Also, this was only their fourth kiss they shared. Though, they both had a feeling that they would lose track after this shower.

What Rainbow didn't expect also came. Only this time, it came in, well... an unexpected way. She felt a caring hoof sooth around the edges of her left wing. But despite the fact that the action wasn't sudden, it startled her, causing both wings to twitch wildly. Because of this, Rainbow lost her balance and tumbled backward out of the tub, Fluttershy following her.

Rainbow lay on the wet bathroom floor, Fluttershy on top of her. Their kiss had ended during the accident. Fluttershy grinned sheepishly. Rainbow knew it wasn't her fault. She could have made a joke about it, but she wasn't in the most mirthful mood. That did not mean that she was in a bad mood; she was still awash with love and other emotions. Instead, she just kissed her again, hoping to forget about what just happened.

Fluttershy graciously accepted, returning the kiss without hesitance.

This kiss took a different turn. It started out to be one of apologetic and forgiving motives, but soon grew into one with more wandering hooves. As Fluttershy moved her hooves around Rainbow's body, she found that her friend's wings were still splayed out on the floor. She figured it would be okay to touch them now, seeing as she didn't need them for balance anymore. She could only hope that it didn't bother her, though. With this in mind, she did just that.

When her hoof barely met the edge of the left light-blue wing again, she felt it twitch as it did before, only less wild. She slowly started to put more weight into her touch so the wing wouldn't give so much of a reaction. As she did so, she felt it shiver and lose its tenseness. This finally gave her the opportunity to do whatever she wished with it. But before she did, she wanted to make sure the other wing was relaxed, also. Using the same movements, she checked Rainbow's right wing. It was still tense, but not nearly as much as the left, so it was easier to calm. As she went on to sooth them one at a time, she heard and felt a relaxed moan from Rainbow. Fluttershy broke off from the kiss and looked at Rainbow. Rainbow looked back.

"Is something wrong?" Fluttershy asked, her face riddled with curiosity and concern. "...You seemed really... tense..."

"No..." said Rainbow. "Nothing's wrong, really." She then smirked and said "I just thought that I was only one who could control my wings..."

Fluttershy blushed. "I-I guess I just... have a-a... a sort of touch that... has a calming feeling, I guess..."

"Guess animals aren't the only thing you need to tame every once in a while," Rainbow laughed lightly.

Fluttershy leaned in and nuzzled her. "And..." she said, "they aren't the only thing that needs a little... T.L.C.... every now and then..." She then leaned in and whispered "...And fifty percent of the time, the other thing only needs the 'L'..."

Rainbow Dash blushed hard and didn't give her a chance to say anything else like that by pulling her in and kissing her fervently. Saying things that were that seductive - but still loving - didn't fit Fluttershy's regular personality. In fact, just about anything seductive coming from Fluttershy was out of place, even despite how slimly seductive it was.

Rainbow Dash assumed that maybe she just wasn't used to that side of her yet. Maybe she was kind and shy on the outside. Maybe, when Fluttershy became used to these more intimate moments and experiences, she would also become more open, thus letting her inner self out. She would still be kind and shy Fluttershy, of course.

Their fervent kiss eventually turned into many shorter ones, each being a part of one fluent motion. Their breathing became faster and deeper. As Rainbow's chest rose and fell, Fluttershy would rise and fall along with it. They then started rubbing along the sides of each other, making each other moan and whimper softly. Also, as their actions became more heated, their minds blocked out anything and everything around them. They slowly became unaware of all things happening at the time as they stayed on the wet floor, kissing, rubbing and occasionally rolling.

The only thing they knew was that they had each other, completely and endlessly, all to themselves...

And they wouldn't have to share with anypony...

~ * * * ~

"Stop yer... yer cryin', ya sob..." Applejack told herself.

She had been trying not to choke on her tears for a full three hours now. It was finally becoming controllable for her.

She was now in the bathroom, staring at herself through the mirror. The reason for being here was the fact that it would be an easier mess to clean if her tears all landed on the counter, rather than her bedroom floor.

"Ya... ya just need ta be supportive o' her and Fluttershy, cause she's all hers now..."

She walked out of the bathroom to look at her bedroom door.

"She's... a-all... hers..."

She started sobbing again, not nearly as hard, but hard nonetheless. Her tears were hot and long-lasting and her breathing became harder and harder. She was beginning to believe that she would never be able to get over Rainbow Dash. Moving on seemed impossible to her. She was so sure that she was supposed to be with Rainbow Dash someday. Ever since she was a filly, she was sure. Often, she would recall the memory of that moment when became so certain...

~~~

"Ah'll never even think 'bout leavin' y'all again," I cried in Granny Smith's forelegs. Big Mac was standing beside us, smiling.

I had just returned home from Manehatten, following a rainbow that pointed me in my destiny's direction. I never knew until now that I was supposed to be would be right where I was in the first place.

"Tha's some fancy new colors ya got there, Applejack," I heard Granny say.

"Beg pardon...?" I said, looking up toward her. "Got where?"

Granny pointed to my flank, showing me what she meant. Now I knew what that would mean if there were new colors on my flank.

Sure enough, it meant what I had hoped.

I looked and saw three bright red delicious looking apples as my cutie mark. The corners of my mouth stretched and rose as far as they could comfortably. I couldn't believe my own eyes! It finally came! I knew that rainbow meant something!

I looked back at Granny and smiled with tears in my eyes. "Guess that means Ah'm supposed ta be here, don' it?"

"It sure does, Applejack," she replied. "It sure does. By the way, how'd ya find yer way back 'ere? It ain't like y'all can jes' walk 'round the block an' find yer way home from Manehatten..."

I looked away for a second before looking back. "Granny, this'll sound a might unlikely, but... Ah followed a rainbow an' it pointed me straight here."

Granny ruffled my mane. "Well now, that sure is somethin', ain't it?"

It was somethin' alright...

But where in Equestria did it come from? What caused it?

I was confused about it until a day later. Y'all can probably imagine what happened.

I was in the Apple orchard, helping collect apples that had missed their buckets. Big Macintosh wasn't quite experienced enough to know exactly where each one would land, so there was actually a need of the job was doing. I carried small saddlebags to hold the apples I gathered. Apple after apple, they all looked mighty scrumptious. I couldn't wait until dinner today! The only thing I had to hold back was my appetite; they were all so tempting! Just one look at them, and I swore I could feel my mouth watering, stomach growling, and hooves trembling. If I were to look at them for too long, I was worried I might just turn red or green, depending on what color the apple was that I was looking at.

I heard loud and obnoxious snoring somewhere nearby. 'Golly, that's loud!' I looked around for where it was coming from, glancing around trees and whatnot. It was when I looked around a certain tree that I realized it was coming from up above.

I tilted my head up to look where the apples normally grew. It was then that I saw one of the most adorable sights in my entire life...

A blue pegasus filly, just as young as I was, sleeping peacefully on a branch right above me. Her wings were laid out on either side of her body, hanging down below the branch. This was a sure sign that she was completely tuckered out. Usually when a pegasus is extremely tired, they don't even have the strength enough to fold their wings in.

But the one thing that made me blink twice was her tail. I could see it clearly as it hung down next to her wings. I had never seen such a tail before. So many colors! Every color that could be seen in a...

'...A rainbow.'

A rainbow colored tail. That must be very special to her. I could only imagine what she looked like when she was flying. I looked at my own tail and suddenly became very envious of colorful one she had. Then I looked at the strands of my mane that hung just above my eyes and realized it was the same as my tail. Was hers the same as her tail, too? That would make it all the more special!

I took a few steps to the right to see her at a better angle. Yup, her mane matched her tail perfectly. Gosh... That's gotta be a real gift. I would be lucky enough to have just two colors in my hair, let alone six.

But then there was something else that I saw...

I looked and saw that she was laying on her tummy in a sort of curled up manner. Her head was turned to the left, almost looking at me if her eyes were open. Her forelegs were acting as a nest for her head, surrounding her chin, but still easily used as a pillow of sorts.

Her breathing, the way her form slowly moved up and down made her look absolutely precious. It almost made me want to... to do something... something I couldn't quite think of yet.

Then I did it. I knew what I was gonna do, and I did it. I was gonna let Big Mac know, ask for his help to get her down and let her sleep in a more comfy place.

When I did so, Big Mac didn't seem to have any problems with it, so he took an old and broken, but not pointy branch to get her down from the tree. He then carried the rainbow-mane pegasus into the guestroom and let her rest for however long she needed.

The whole time, as she slept, I stayed right at her bedside, watching her. I almost wanted to cry. She was just so darn adorable! I watched her, but she didn't even move. This was when I started to get worried. Sure, she was breathing, but she didn't even stir or twitch or anything. It was odd.

"Dinner's ready! Come an' git it while it's hot!" I heard Granny Smith call out from downstairs.

'Dinnertime!?' I thought. 'But... Ah can't just leave 'er like this...'

I then felt and heard my stomach argue otherwise. It always had to have a say in everything, didn't it?

This was when I heard the bed sheets move a bit. I looked to see if she was waking up. It looked like she was. Wait, did she hear my tummy?

I wondered if her eyes were the same color as her mane and tail. That would be a sight to see. I'd never really seen multicolored eyes before.

She turned her head toward me slowly and opened her eyes just as slow. Now this was something I didn't see coming.

Pink. Sort of magenta-like.

The way she looked at me made me want to smile. And so I did. "Hey there, sugarcube."

'Whoa... What did I just say? Did I just say 'sugarcube'?'

I really liked the sound of the name. I didn't even know her real name yet, so I might as well call something.

"Hi," she greeted back in a tough, determined voice. She then looked all around the room, immediately not recognizing it. She then sat up in the bed. "Wait! Where am I!? What am I doing here!? Who are you!? Where's Fluttershy!? What's that--" She stopped, catching the scent of apple pie from downstairs. "...Whoa... What's that smell?"

"That," I said before any other questions came along, causing her to look at me, "is the smell of apple pie. This," I gestured all around us, "is the Apple family house. Ah'm Applejack. Nice ta meet'cha." I extended a hoof to her.

She accepted it and said "Rainbow Dash..."

Rainbow Dash. Wow... Well, it definitely made sense.

"Say..." I said after letting go of her hoof. "Where're ya from, Rainbow Dash?"

"Cloudsdale," she replied. "Or, at least, that's where I'm staying for Summer Flight Camp with Flutters--Hey, wait! Have you seen Fluttershy anywhere?"

I shrugged. "Can't day Ah have, sugarcube. What's she look like?"

"She's a light yellow pegasus pony with teal eyes, a really cute--I mean, uhhh, really long pink mane. She likes to hide her face behind it sometimes cause she's super shy."

Whoa. She sure knows this pony by heart--

"Oh! And she's my best friend."

That would make sense.

"Well," I said, "was the last ya saw 'er?"

"I was doing a race for her honor against some bullies!" She stood up on the bed and puffed her chest out.

"Oh, that's so sweet of ya ta do that fer her," I said.

"Yeah, you should've seen me! I whipped those bullies good! I was going so fast that I did a Sonic Rainboom!"

"Sonic what now...?"

"Rainboom. Have you not heard of that?"

I shook my head.

"Oh. It's only the most awesome thing in the history of ever! It's where you go so fast that you cause a sonic boom, only you leave rainbow colored trail behind you! And I just did it! Isn't that awesome!?"

Well, that is mighty awesome... "That sounds like quite a feat there, Rainbow. Say, I found ya sleepin' in one o' our apple trees out in the orchard. Do ya know how ya got there?"

"Oh, yeah. After I crossed the finish line, I couldn't stop going, and I think I crash-landed in the middle of that orchard. I saw what looked like the most comfortable spot, and it happened to be in that tree. Man, that was really comfortable for a tree. I'll have to remember that spot."

I giggled a bit and imagine a rainbow trail leading straight to Sweet Apple Acres.

'Wait a second...'

"So that's what that was..." I said. She looked at me quizzically.

"What what was?"

I looked at her again. She was the whole reason I came back to Sweet Apple Acres. "Just yesterday," I said, "Ah came back from Manehatten cause Ah found out that this was where Ah belonged. But what lead me back 'ere was a rainbow that pointed straight toward Sweet Apple Acres. Ah... A-Ah think that must've been you... makin' that rainbow... Oh, wow...! Ya have no idea how much that means ta me..."

"Whoa..." she said, stunned. "Wait, yesterday!?"

I nodded. She went wide-eyed. "Oh no..." she said.

"What?"

"I had class... and I missed it today..."

That was the last thing she said before bolting out the window. Golly, she was fast!

"Applejack?" Big Mac startled me. "Ya comin' fer dinner?"

I turned around to see him standing in the doorway. "Uh, yeah... Sure..." I stood up off the bed and walked past him, through the door and down the stairs for some apple pie.

I never even so much as saw her again until my adult life came in. I heard that she got a job as a weather pony here in Ponyville. We ran into each other at Sugarcube Corner and immediately recognized one another. We said our 'hello's and had a good little chat. It wasn't until she did a second Sonic Rainboom, this time at a flight competition in Cloudsdale. It ended up reminding me of the first time she did it, and I saw her in a different light that day. I saw her as somepony who was always there for anypony, but most of all, I saw her as somepony even more special...

I never knew I would, but... I was.

I was fallin' in love her.

And I would tell her someday.

~~~

However, 'Someday' is not a day of the week. It never will be.

She never did tell her. Despite all of the chances she came upon, she just never worked up the courage to. She was always afraid of what reaction she might have received.

But now, she was too late. Rainbow had a marefriend that Applejack couldn't be more jealous of. Now she would never be able to tell her how she felt. She felt more tears roll down her cheeks as she reached for the knob to the room...

~ * * * ~

The last thing she remembered was imagining what Applejack's reaction was after the news of the new couple. She had not actually seen the reaction due to the fact that... that...

Oh, dear... What did happen, anyway?

She then heard the door open.

Wait, what door? There was a door?

She sat up in bed and looked around for a door.

Wait, whose bed? There was a bed? Why was she sleeping in it?

Her thoughts were interrupted as she saw who came in to the room. She rubbed her eyes and looked again.

"Applejack?" she said, confused.

Applejack seemed to have been oblivious as to if there was anypony else in this room until now. Applejack stopped walking and looked at who was in the bed.

"Oh," she said, "sorry, Rarity... Ah didn' know anypony else was in here..."

Rarity laid back down. "It's fine, dear. Really, it is. But let me guess... You didn't want to go to your own room because it reminds you too much of Rainbow Dash... Am I correct?"

Applejack was a bit stunned. How did Rarity know that? "Yeah..." she said, "but... how'd ya know that?"

"Well," said Rarity, "I do know a thing or two about romance. I've read many novels about it, you know... Ever since I started to develop a small crush on somepony, I started seeing emotions in your facial features that were similar to mine when I would look at my own crush, because I knew what it felt like to not even be noticed by that somepony I was attracted to. In fact, I still have hoof-made posters of that somepony in my room."

'Posters?' Applejack noticed how open Rarity was being. Why was she letting her know all of this? This was Rarity she talking to, wasn't it?

"Say..." said Applejack, "ya wouldn't mind sharin' with me who that somepony was, would ya?"

"Well..." said Rarity, "I actually still have a crush on that somepony, but I'm not sure if I want to say who it is..."

"Oh..." Applejack frowned. "That's fine... Ya don't have ta show me if ya don't want--"

"But..." Rarity interrupted, "...maybe it would be better if I were to show you..."

"Show me?"

"Show you." Rarity slowly started stand up out of the bed. After brushing herself off, she trotted up in front of Applejack and asked "Are you sure you want to know?"

"Ah'd sure like to."

"Promise that you won't tell anypony?"

"Ah promise."

Rarity glared at her expectantly.

"Ah Pinky Promise."

The glare continued.

"Ugh... Cross mah heart 'n' hope ta fly, stick a cupcake in mah eye," said Applejack, going through the proper motions.

"Good." Rarity inched over to her ear to whisper in it, but then she had a better idea. She figured it would be much more simple this way, anyway.

She move her head so their muzzles were less than an inch apart. She could see the worry in Applejack's eyes, but she still had to try this. She leaned just a little further until she could almost feel Applejack's quivering lips.

Applejack's mind was blazing. She didn't know what to think. She knew what was going to happen, too. She had no idea Rarity felt that way about her. It was simply bizarre to think that she would do this. Applejack wasn't sure what would happen after this. She wasn't sure if she would ever be the same. The only thing she knew for sure was that she wanted some peace of mind.

...But how could she have it now? What could help her gain any? She knew that maybe some food or sleep might help. She was just so utterly confused right now. She just wanted some--...

...some comfort.

Maybe this would help, after all...

"Don't stop now, sugarcube..." Applejack whispered, almost pleadingly. But instead of waiting to receive an answer, the farm pony put one of her forelegs around Rarity and pulled her closer, closing the distance between their lips.

Rarity's eyes went wide. She was shocked. But soon she let herself fall into the kiss, closing her eyes and wrapping one of her forelegs around Applejack tenderly.

Their minds wandered as they kissed. Applejack could feel how much Rarity wanted this. She noticed how she must have practiced alot to be a this good at kissing somepony who had a completely different opinion in just about everything. Rarity was a good kisser, too, so it paid off.

Rarity could feel that Applejack wasn't entirely sure about this. It felt as if she was hesitant to do anything else at this point. She could tell she wasn't into it as much. Maybe she just needed a little push...

Rarity hesitantly pulled away and looked at her with love and encouraging. "It's okay, dear," she whispered. "Don't be shy..."

Applejack smiled and nodded, before leaning in to kiss her again, this time with both forelegs around her tightly. Rarity did the same, so they were both on their hind legs only. They both knew they would lose their balance eventually, and in turn, made a mutual decision to walk further into the room until they were right next to the bed. This way, when they needed to, they could fall onto it without getting uncomfortable.

Their single intimate kiss turned into several smaller ones. All of which would smoothly flow into the next. Their breathing became faster and harder as they shared this unexpected moment with each other.

They began to tilt to the away from the bed a bit. This meant that when they tilted the other way, it would be time to let balance give in.

And they did.

As they lay sideways on the bed, they kissed a few times more and then decided to pull away before they went to far.

Looking in each other's eyes, their breathing began to slow, both being overwhelmed with emotions and feelings of comfort, wanting and serenity. Neither said anything for the time being. They only stared at each other, thinking about what just happened and slowly letting ot sink in.

They were scared.

They were confused.

They were excited.

They were slightly ashamed...

...and then they were scared again.

The process in their minds repeated five times over before one of them decided they had something to say.

"Golly, Rarity..." said Applejack, almost sounding famished. "...How long... h-have ya felt that way?"

Rarity still needed to catch her breath. "About..." she said, taking heavy breaths, "Since about my teenage years." She finally steadied her breathing. "Do you remember the first time we met, Applejack?"

Applejack had to think for second before nodding. "At the park, right?"

Rarity nodded.

"Boy, I tell ya... That was one nasty fight we had..." Applejack giggled at the memory, but then she realized something.

"Wait, we... had a fight. It was similar to the one we had at Twilight's slumber party, only alot more violent..."

Rarity frowned in remembering their 'little' fight. It wasn't like any simple argument at all. There were scrapes, bruises, ruined outfits and chipped hooves. It was, however, about the same thing: their differences.

"Oh, yes..." Rarity regretted admitting. "It was rather violent... But anyway, dear... That night, after we made amends and said our good-byes, I had a dream..."

"Let me guess," Applejack interrupted, "About me?"

"Yes, actually. But it was strange... I had a dream that reminded me of you and all the things about you that I didn't like... I remembered waking up with a headache. I had intentions of avoiding you as much as possible, but try as I might, my father desperately wanted me to see how big your farmland was. He had heard all about and seen it himself, so there must have something nice about it, and so I decided not to argue any longer. We went to the farm and when I saw you, I basically had to force the distaste in my expression."

"Force?"

"Yes, force. It wouldn't show itself naturally like it used to for some reason. Then I remembered that dream I had... How I looked at you the night before was different from when I looked at you at that moment. It was different in a most dramatic way, too. You see, I remembered how much my father traveled and talked with other ponies. It always made everything so complicated. It changed his schedules too often, made him late for appointments, and he didn't have much time to spend with his family. I just found myself surrounded in a world massively filled with nothing but complications! But..." She paused for a moment.

Applejack waited intently.

"When I looked in your eyes, I saw... simplicity. It was the one reason I could be been envious of you. But then I shook my head and looked at you again, trying to rid my mind of the envy, but I saw it even more so. Your eyes, your mane, your fur, your hat... Even the way you stood was so simple! I couldn't deny it anymore, I was downright jealous of you. And after the next few nights, I came to find that I didn't want those attributes, but rather I liked them. I found that they matched you perfectly. Also, in due time, I started finding myself looking at you with a sort of wanting. I discovered that I did want those attributes. Not to have as mine, but to be able to own them, almost. I-I wanted you, Applejack... and as soon as I realized that..." She started sniffling before she continued. "I also realized how much I really care about you. I started hoping that you would never have to face a life with as much complication as mine had. To this day, I still don't know how such a simple life is. Also, don't get me wrong, yours is probably just as complicated, seeing your family's history, but you sure know how to make it look otherwise. But anyway, I knew I had grown to care so much about you, and it eventually lead me to falling in... i-in love..."

She paused again, tears unintentionally at the ready.

"I didn't know what to do about the feeling. I didn't want to tell you right away, but I also didn't want to wait for too long. It turns out that I ended up waiting for quite a while. I was too afraid to admit it, I guess. That's why I acted the way I did at the Twilight's slumber party, and I'm... I'm sorry for that..."

The tears finally let loose, streaming sideways across her face as she was still laying on their sides.

"Wow..." Applejack was deeply touched by her friend's history. She wiped the tears from Rarity's face with a hoof and said "Ah can't believe Ah never even noticed how ya felt until now... That's real, real sweet of ya... but Ah'm jus' not sure if Ah can fall in love with ya, sugarcube..."

Rarity lowered her head in disappointment and was ready to continue crying.

"...but Ah can sure try..."

Rarity looked at her with hope. Could it really be possible, even after all the emotions she had just been through?

Applejack lowered her voice to a whisper. "And it could always help, especially when yer kissin' me the way ya do..."

In Rarity's mind, it was worth a shot.

Rarity scooted closer and kissed her again, long and lovingly. She wanted to show her just how much she loved her, but could only hope to be on the receiving end of that same feeling.

Applejack willingly returned the kiss. Maybe there was hope for her down this path. Maybe she would learn to move on. It may take a long while, even after tonight, but she could see the start of something good here. She could see a light in starting anew, and maybe she would be happy in the end.

Maybe.

She decided to let her thoughts go for the time being, and just let her pain be eased with the intimate help of her unicorn friend. She let all of her hesitance disappear and she put in as much love as and passion as she could into the kiss. She didn't know what would happen after tonight...

...but she also didn't care for the time being.

She needed this.

Author's Note

SO... Tell me what you think of this one. Also, my faith in this story has grown back. I've decided I'm going to finish it, but not anytime soon. It will have MANY more chapters.

One other thing... It be really great if any of you could give me advice on not just grammer problems, but also story-related. Like, if a point in the story doesn't get across quite as clear as it should, let me know. Anything that you guys see fit to mention, please feel free to do so.

Unnoticed Company

•)11(•

Unnoticed Company

Her steps had become significantly heavier, one at a time, and her sense of Pinkie-ness was at a particularly low level as she trudged back to Sugarcube corner. What she had seen just recently was something that would temporarily scar her. It was an accident, too. She didn't mean to spy, honest! She learned her lesson the first time she spied on anypony.

However, there was an upside to this. If Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were happy, then she was happy.

With this in mind, the bounce returned in her step, causing her to accidentally spring up into the air. This startled her tremendously and caused her to squeak as she soared. If there was one thing in the entire world of Equestria that would startle her, it would be her own actions and movements.

But you know, that's a part of what makes her Pinkie Pie.

As she landed back on the ground, she hoped there was something inside of Sugarcube Corner that would take her mind off of the latest events. She wondered if maybe there was somepony she would accidentally run into in there.

Once inside, she didn't even see a single pony there. Not one, except for the Cakes who just happened to running the place. She did see a dragon, though.

"Spike!" she squealed.

Spike jumped, spilling his chocolate milk he was drinking all over himself. He looked down at his chest and gave a small "Ah, great..." at the sight. He then turned around to see a widely-smiling pink pony.

"Oh," he sighed, "hey, Pinkie Pie."

Pinkie Pie's smile faltered. "What's wrong?" she asked, clearly not noticing the mess she made.

"Well," said Spike, "one, you made me spill my chocolate milk, but that's okay, I guess... Two, uhmmm..."

He sighed again and looked around the bakery, hoping for some chatter to build up around them so that nopony else would hear what he was about to say. No such chatter was heard. Only hoofsteps from upstairs and outside could be heard, but that also meant that nopony else was there to hear it.

With that, he looked sternly at Pinkie with a hint of sadness. "Twilight's gone nuts... again."

Pinkie Pie gasped almost obnoxiously. "Twilight's gone coco-loco!?"

"No..." Spike shook his head. "She's gone completely psycho."

"Ohhhhhh..." Pinkie Pie cover her mouth with a hoof. "She's gone really real coco-loco..."

Spike nodded. "I had to dodge flying books for basically the whole time I was there. It's not like she was trying to hit me or anything cause she wasn't even looking, but the only things she was looking at were the bookshelf and the books themselves. She's been at it ever since she left the party. I tried to get her attention, but it was completely pointless! You could probably paint the whole library pink and she wouldn't notice."

"Hmmmmm..." Pinkie thought for a moment before standing up straight and smiling. "Well, I'm gonna go see what I can do! She probably just needs a hug or something."

"Be my guest," said Spike, going back to the counter for some napkins. "Just don't get hit... She did actually hit my toes with one, and that's when I decided to leave, cause I was not going to live much longer if stayed." He half-laughed at the thought as he turned back around. "So just be careful, okay?" He looked around for the pink pony who was now apparently gone. "Pinkie Pie?" She was nowhere in sight. "Huh." He just waved it off and went about cleaning off the mess which she unknowingly made. He figured that she was already on her way to the library.

He had just now come to the knowledge that one of two things would be the end of him: Rarity or Pinkie Pie, which meant it would either be love or... well...

Pinkie Pie.

~ * * * ~

Pinkie Pie, knowing that the door was already unlocked, trotted right into the library with major spring in her steps. As soon as she closed the door, she barely had time to duck under a flying green book that was open. She could see what the book was about, as it flew over her.

"Uhm... Twilight? That's kinda funny that you're reading books about romance, I mean you hardly ever do that because of all the lovey-dovey-wovey stuff. Hey, maybe that's why you don't know that much about--..."

She knew right then and there why Twilight was searching so frantically. She wasn't completely romantically clueless, but she was looking for a certain bit about that category.

"...romance." Pinkie finished. "You're looking for why two mares would be attracted to each other, aren't you?"

There was no response, just another book in her general direction. She could clearly see why Spike had left. This was not just hazardous, but deathly dangerous. Pinkie Pie, of course, had an idea for how she could end this and not get hit at the same time.

Humming a familiar tune, she walked over to a table with a few things on it. Surely, Twilight wouldn't mind right now, seeing as she had gone really real coco-loco. Still humming the tune, she grabbed the edge of the table with her teeth and carefully tipped it on it's side, hoping not to break anything. There were now a few ink messes on the floor, but those could wait. She then pointed the top of the table toward the source of the danger, using it as a giant shield. She then switched to holding it up by two of the legs with her hooves. She peeked out from the side of it to find out where her destination was. Seeing that Twilight was on the last shelf, she started rolling the table in that direction while still keeping herself behind it.

As she did so, she began to wonder what everypony else thought about Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. They all seemed awfully sad or disappointed about the fact that they were together. What was so wrong about it, anyway? They were adorable with one another, weren't they? Maybe she would have clear things up with everypony else a bit later...

She began humming another catchy tune as she neared the bookshelf. When she arrived, she popped out from behind the table and shouted "Hi, TwiTwi!"

In receiving no response, she took a step forward and looked at her friend a bit closer. She gasped lightly when she saw that her eyes were a pure white light. It almost seemed as if she were an angel, but... the look in her face said otherwise.

She looked frustrated, desperate and angry. She was an angry angel.

An 'angrel', as Pinkie Pie might call her.

She wondered what would cause such light to emit like it was. 'Maybe,' she thought, 'she has a huge overdose of a knack for info! Or, or a gigantic headache that's so bad your eyes start glowing! Oh my gosh! That probably hurts so bad!'

"Twilight...?" she said quietly, tapping the unicorn's shoulder. There was still no response. "Twilight," she repeated, only louder. After getting frustrated with the same results, she then jumped and screeched "TWILIGHT!"

She still had no answer. Had Twilight become deaf, or did she just not care at all?

This boggled Pinkie Pie. "Maybe there's just something wrong with her physically," she said. "Maybe she just needs to see a doctor. The doctor would surely know how to care for her."

Pinkie Pie froze as she struck herself with her own words. "...Or maybe she just needs a hug..." she recalled out loud.

She then looked at Twilight again, hoping this would work. It may not have been the most logical idea, but it was certainly worth a shot.

Gently, she embraced Twilight from the left side and waited for something to happen. The books stopped flying, but Twilight's eyes were still glowing and she still acted as if Pinkie wasn't there.

Pinkie Pie still waited, though. Maybe there was still a chance that this would work.

Maybe.

Author's Note

I don't care if you'd consider that a cliffhanger or not. It is what it is.

By the way, if you think the story is getting a bit boring, please let me know somehow. Leave a comment on that or send me a message, I don't care how, really.

The Best Medicine

•)12(•

The Best Medicine

'Oh, why isn't this working!!!' thought Pinkie Pie.

After taking part in the same hug for about fifteen minutes, she began to get frustrated. She absolutely loved hugs, but this was just too long and it didn't seem to be solving anything. Although, she did really like the feel of the unicorn's soft lavender coat.

'Wow... This is the bestest, softest, most wonderful-feeling coat I've ever hugged! I've never really, truly been able to enjoy a hug this much because all the hugs I give are super tight and usually super quick, too. Maybe I should do this more often...'

She sighed heavily and let go after thirty more seconds and tried to think of another way to get across to Twilight. The books started being catapulted everywhere again.

'You know... It's probably something super-duper simple, like talking about the weather or something! But it wouldn't be that, cause that's ridiculous! Ooh, ooh! I know! Maybe she needs the knowledge she's looking for! But wait... If I can't even get across to her, then she won't be able to hear the knowledge I give her... Wait! Can she even hear anything!? Oh, that would be awful! That means she wouldn't be able to hear anymore music ever again! She wouldn't be able to hear anymore jokes ever again!'

This reminded Pinkie of her favorite joke. "My favorite joke is soooo funny!" she exclaimed to no one. "Even when I tell it to myself I still laugh every time!"

She then looked at Twilight and smiled, even though she knew she was being ignored. "Hey," she said, "do you know why I got fired from the orange juice factory?"

The unicorn stopped again.

Pinkie continued. "Because I just couldn't concentrate!" She then bit her lip, trying to hold back her giggles...

...before breaking into high-pitched hysterics.

She rolled on the floor, holding her stomach, not even caring if anypony saw her. When she opened her eyes, she could see out of the corner of her eye that Twilight had stopped throwing books. She was holding completely still. Voluntarily, too. But there was another thing...

She looked like she was almost trying to hold back a smile.

Pinkie immediately stood up and proceeded with another joke. "Hey! Hey! What do you call a five-foot psychic who escaped from jail?"

Twilight shrugged, still not looking at her.

"A small medium at large!" Pinkie broke into fits again. This time, not as hard.

Twilight was now smiling fully. Apparently, she could not hold it back anymore.

This was working, but Pinkie knew that she wasn't quite done yet. "Why do seagulls live by the sea!?"

Twilight was now facing Pinkie. She actually knew why seagulls lived by the sea, but for the sake of the joke, she shrugged anyway.

"Because if they lived by the bay, they would be bagels!!" Pinkie jumped at 'bagels'. She then started laughing up a storm at her own joke. She could hear a bit of giggling coming Twilight now. "And hey! Bagels are really, really yum-a-licious! Especially with cream cheese or jell-o--I mean jelly! But jell-o might not be too bad, either! I might even try it some time! But you know what's even mooooorrreee yum-a-licious?"

Twilight just shrugged again. Her eyes were still glowing, but she was smiling anyway.

Pinkie Pie loved that smile. For some reason, it seemed more significant than before. Maybe it was the fact that she knew it was because of her that she was smiling, but something seemed different about this particular smile. She felt that it was special in a way. It gave her a warm feeling inside. She almost felt like kissing that smile, in fact.

'Wait!' she thought. 'Why would I ever, ever, ever want to kiss Twilight!? I'm a mare! And, and she's a mare, too! That's silly!'

It seemed absurd... but then she thought back to when she saw Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. They were just two fillies who had almost no idea what they were doing at first, but after awhile, they seemed to be more comfortable with it. It was only then that Pinkie Pie realized that they were an absolutely adorable couple. She could only hope that they would last, though.

'I guess it isn't really that silly... Maybe I feel like kissing her just because I think she's cute... I do feel like kissing her, right?'

She looked at Twilight again, seeing a beautiful, intelligent and sometimes playful unicorn pony. She looked at her smile and felt her heart warm up and beat faster simultaneously. She wanted to be able to see that wonderful smile every day. She wanted to know if she could still smile like that if she was kissing her.

Her thoughts lightly scared her. Why did she feel this way? As of now, she had no answer for that. But maybe she would find it out later on.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Pinkie Pie prepped for the grand finale, standing up straight. "Two muffins were in an oven. One looks at the other and says 'Wow, it is hot in here...' and the other one says 'Holy moly! A talking MUFFIN!'"

This time, they were both on the floor, laughing. Their eyes were shut and they were holding their stomachs. Pinkie was laughing so hard that she almost began to cry. Twilight's laughter was just as loud, but not nearly as hard as Pinkie's.

As their storm died down, Pinkie Pie stood up, walked over to Twilight and looked down at her, waiting for her to show her eyes. This was the only way to see if she did what was right.

After a few seconds, she saw the unicorn starting to open them.

No glow. So far so good.

When she opened them all the way, Pinkie was relieved to see the glow was gone. She could now see her beautiful violet eyes.

"You have beautiful eyes, Twilight," she said, smiling warmly.

Twilight looked at her quizzically but still smiled. "Uhhh... thanks..." She figured that Pinkie Pie was just being herself.

"So what was that?" Pinkie asked almost blankly.

"What was what?"

"That."

"What?"

"You know... that."

"What are you talking about, Pinkie?"

"You don't know what I'm talking about?"

Twilight shook her head.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..." She took a big breath. "So when you were looking for why mares would be attracted to other mares - at least that's what I think you were looking for - you didn't notice that your eyes were glowing and you were throwing books everywhere and that I couldn't get across to you because you couldn't hear me or didn't pay attention to me and because of that I tried to give you a hug to see if you would stop your frantic searching and--" She gasped. "--even though I gave you that hug for really really really long time your eyes wouldn't stop glowing and so I gave it some thought which reminded me of my favorite joke and I told it to myself and I saw that you liked it and so I told you more jokes until your eyes stopped glowing!?"

Twilight had to process the hyper-speech before she shook her head again. "No... Aside from the jokes, I didn't notice any of that..."

"Well," said Pinkie Pie, "your eyes were glowing and you were throwing books everywhere and I couldn't get--mmhhm phmm hmph--"

Twilight had her hoof in Pinkie's mouth. "Pinkie!"

"Whmm?"

"You don't have to repeat everything. I heard you the first time. And I honestly don't know why my eyes were glowing."

Pinkie spit her hoof out. "Okay!" She then thought about what Twilight was looking for in the first place. "Hey... uhm... if you were wondering why mares would be attracted to other mares..." She stopped and blushed a bit before continuing, "...you could just ask me, you know..."

Twilight was stunned. What would Pinkie Pie know about this and how? Twilight felt it to be quite awkward if she were to take any info on this subject from her, but she had had no luck in finding anything about it in any of the books here. Also, she figured she might go nuts - even from her point of view - if she didn't get this information soon.

So, she complied.

"Okay," she said. "Tell me what you know then, Pinkie."

"Well..." Pinkie didn't know how or where to start. Words seemed to escape her at the moment. She didn't even know how to explain it with words. And how was one supposed explain something without words?

Actions.

And besides, she wanted to kiss her.

"Would it be okay if I just... show you instead?" she asked shyly.

Twilight was dumbfounded. 'Did she just imply what I think she implied?'

"I mean, isn't experience the best way to learn things, anyway?" asked Pinkie.

This was true. Experience really is the best way.

"I-I guess it is..." said Twilight, shakily. "But I'm not sure it would be okay..."

"Oh, Twilight! Pleeeaaassse will you let me kiss you!? Just a minute ago, I started getting these weird thoughts and feeling about you! I can't get you out of my head now and I really, really want to kiss you! Please!? I'll be ultra-gentle! I Pinkie Promise! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" The respective hoof-motions followed the sacred promise.

Twilight didn't know what to do now. 'Wow, she almost seems desperate... I'm not sure I want to know what will happen if I deny her. She won't hate me, I know that, but she probably won't be the same Pinkie Pie that everypony knows and loves...'

With a light sigh, she decided to give it a try. It might not be that bad, anyway. Heck, she might even enjoy it. "Alright, just... okay."

Pinkie Pie was ecstatic on the inside, and for once, she decided to not show it as much. "Oh, thank you Twilight! It feels so silly, but at the same time, it's full of so much silliness that it feels really amazing and warm inside me! I don't think I can control it anymore! Oh my gosh! Twilight, I'm about to kiss you!"

"I know..." Twilight stated. "Now are you going to or not? I still want to know what it feels like--I mean...! ...why mares would be attracted to other mares...!"

Pinkie giggled at the correction and recomposed herself. "Sorry... Yes, I'm going to. Right now, in fact."

And she was.

Slowly but not hesitantly, she bent down until their muzzles were mere inches apart. They looked in each other's eyes for a second before--

"...W-wait..." Twilight said quietly. Pinkie stopped moving. "Don't you think we should close our eyes?"

Despite her already unmoving state, Pinkie froze. How could she forget!? She slapped herself mentally for not remembering one of the most important things about kissing. "Oh yeah, of course. I can't believe I forgot..."

"It's fine, Pinkie. Just close your eyes and kiss me, okay?"

Pinkie was slightly shocked at Twilight's anxiousness. Did she just want to get it over with, or did she really, truly want to be kissed?

Pinkie realized she was still waiting, and in turn, closed her eyes and the gap between their lips.

Pinkie's mind may have gone blank with nothing but purple glowing stars and other swirling colors to fill it, but Twilight's mind exploded with all different shades of pink and a tiny bit of blue to go with it. They were so lost in each other that their movements came without thinking and their tummies were filled with butterflies.

And they loved it.

As the few seconds turned into many, they couldn't get enough of each other. The pink pony's instincts lead her to lay down on top of the unicorn, while the unicorn's were to gladly accept by wrapping her hooves around her. They both used a hoof to stroke the other's mane, and another one to hold one another closer.

They soon had to pull away for air, not even bothering to open their eyes as they breathed deeply.

"Does... does that answer your question, Twi?" Pinkie whispered, eyes still closed.

"S-sort of..." Twilight whispered back, eyes also closed, "...but I don't think I even care anymore... P-please... kiss me again..."

"G-gladly."

Author's Note

Just so you guys can have a guess on how long the chapters will be, I write about 1,000 words per day. So if I'm taking a long time to write one, that means it will most likely be fairly long.

By the way, sorry I didn't mention this earlier, bur this is actually the very first story I've ever written, so I would deeply appreciate as much feedback as I can get.

Good day to you all!

Intentions

•)13(•

Intentions

Fluttershy found it quite scary that she and Rainbow went as far as the bed a few hours ago. They had gone all the way from the bathroom floor to the bed in her room. She knew that things were getting much too heated by the time they were in the hallway. She just didn't realize it until Rainbow had started rubbing her flank, and when she did, she had to break it to Rainbow that she didn't think they were ready for that yet. Rainbow protested and continued further until they reached the room and then the bed. It was only when Rainbow was beginning to look at her with lust-filled eyes when Fluttershy bluntly asked her to stop.

Needless to say, Rainbow moped for the rest of the night. She was facing away from Fluttershy with her forelegs folded and disappointment written all over her face as they lay in bed together. Fluttershy felt guilty for letting her down, but she knew she had to. She didn't want her to do something she would regret later. It wasn't as if there would be any bad consequences to deal with - they were both mares - it was more of a moral thing.

Rainbow Dash found moving the sheets around with her free wing to be quite entertaining for herself. She would lift them up, move them left or right, and then let them back down. Sometimes, she would even do more than one motion at a time, or maybe an arc motion.

What could she say? She was bored out of her mind, and this was killing time slowly. She hoped that she and Fluttershy would fall asleep soon. That way, she could dream about--

"Dashie, please stop. You're making me cold..."

'Oops...' thought Rainbow. She stopped playing with the sheets and rolled over to face her companion with an apologetic expression. "Sorry, Flutters..." she said. She then got an idea and smirked. "...Would you like me to help warm you--"

Fluttershy cleared her throat obnoxiously, cutting her off. "No, Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow pouted. She knew it was a long shot, anyway. "Well, how about if we just snuggled instead? That would help warm you up, wouldn't it?"

"Of course." Fluttershy turned toward her and opened her forelegs for her lover. "But no funny business..."

"Don't worry." Rainbow Dash scooted into her invitation and smiled. "I won't bother you with that."

Fluttershy sighed as they embraced each other gently. "Thank you, Dashie... I hope you're not too mad at me..."

Rainbow's ears perked up. "I'm not mad at you. Why would I be mad at you?"

Fluttershy shrugged. "I dunno... I guess I... I-I dunno..."

"I would never be mad at you..." Rainbow nuzzled her.

"Well..." Fluttershy sighed and closed her eyes. "That's good, Rainbow. I'm glad you said that. I hope never have to be yelled at again. I guess I just thought I would be holding you down..."

Rainbow quirked an eyebrow. "From what?"

Fluttershy opened her eyes again. "Well... Have you thought about your future before, like what you want to do with your life?"

"Of course I have." Rainbow smirked. "I'm gonna be a Wonderbolt..."

"Do you know what I want to be?" Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow shook her head. "No. What?"

"I want to be a vet." Fluttershy smiled and started stroking her mane. "I know I'm already gifted with taking care of animals, so I figured that it would be good if I were to make a living out of it... Shocking, isn't it?"

Rainbow grinned wide and nodded.

Fluttershy then gave her a more serious look. "So, what will happen to us when those times come?"

Rainbow shrugged. "We'll both be able to make alot of bits...?"

Fluttershy saw that she didn't understand. "Look around you, Rainbow... Whose house are you in? Whose bed are you sharing? Who are you sharing it with?"

Rainbow thought about it for a moment. After finally understanding what Fluttershy was trying to point out, she hung her head and began to worry. "Yours, yours, and you..." she answered. "I don't know what will happen. This means that if I still want to be a Wonderbolt, I wouldn't be able to see you very often... You'd have a job of your own, so you wouldn't be able to come with me everywhere I travel. The Wonderbolts travel all over Equestria and just the thought of not being with you already scares me. I know it's only been about two days, but... I feel like I belong here with you. Becoming a Wonderbolt has always been a lifelong goal for me, kind of like it's my destiny... But now I see what you mean...

"Sometimes, your destiny changes, depending on what your reality has become. I guess I overlooked the consequences of being with you, starting this relationship with you..."

Fluttershy could hear the guilt and shame in Rainbow's voice. She knew she would hold her back! She just knew it! She felt like the most selfish pony in the wide, wide worl--

"But you know," Rainbow took her from her thoughts, "I don't think I would change a thing about my reality." Rainbow looked at her and smiled promisingly.

Fluttershy perked up. "Not a thing?" she asked.

"Not a thing," Rainbow confirmed. Then she came up with another thought. "Well... Maybe one thing..." she whispered suggestively.

"No." Fluttershy may have kicked her to sleeping downstairs if she didn't love her so much. "Not yet, at least..."

Rainbow pouted for nth time. "Why not?" she complained.

"Because," Fluttershy sighed, "we're not ready yet."

"You say that every time. What do you mean by that?"

Fluttershy pulled her closer and rocked her the best she could. "When you can see out past a thousand miles, you can only get that far if you're walking in the right direction. You can't force everything to come so quickly, Rainbow, but that doesn't mean you have to let it come to you by itself. You can still work toward it, just make sure you know it's the right decision."

Rainbow sighed. She knew she was right. Rainbow was never really stocked up on morals. This is not to say that she didn't have standards, but she never really paid much attention to them. She was usually guided by what her thoughts were and how fast her heart was beating. If she felt like doing something, that's what would make her do it.

"It will happen eventually, okay?"

But when it came to Fluttershy denying her, she lost the mental power to argue.

"Fine..."

Fluttershy tenderly kissed her forehead and nuzzled her before closing her eyes. "Good Dashie," she whispered.

Rainbow breathed her scent in deeply, catching the aroma of plant life and garlic. Such a sweet smell...

Then she heard and felt a muffled gargling...

...from her stomach.

She was hesitant about waking her fillyfriend back up for this, but she tapped her gently, anyway. "Fluttershy...?"

"...I'm awake, Dashie..." whispered the yellow pegasus, her eyes still shut.

"Uhm... Okay, well..." How was she going to say this? She really hoped she wasn't being a bother.

'I hope she's not too tired...'

"We didn't eat dinner."

~ * * * ~

The last thing she expected was to find herself on Apple Bloom's bed. Not in it, just on it.

She rubbed her eyes to make sure she could see correctly. Yup, it was Apple Bloom's alright.

She then stretched, yawned, and hopped off of the bed, intending on finding out what was going on. Just as she looked at the door, it opened, revealing her fellow Crusaders.

She looked at them. They looked at her. She looked at them again and saw that they were holding hooves.

"Oh..." said Apple Bloom, letting go of Scootaloo's hoof. "Hi there, Sweetie Belle..."

"...Hi..." replied the shocked unicorn. "What were you doing, holding hooves like that?"

Apple Bloom looked at Scootaloo, who shrugged in response. Apple Bloom then looked back at Sweetie Belle. "It's real complicated an' a might hard ta explain, but..." She sighed and continued. "Ah guess what happened was, uh... after Ah brought ya in here, Ah could hear that mah sister found out about Fluttershy an' Rainbow Dash. Now try not ta faint this time... Mah sister has a huge crush on Rainbow. I know it's alot ta take in, but she's gonna be in a state o' depression fer quite awhile, unless she decides ta move on an' find somepony else. Now the reason that this happened..." She held Scootaloo's hoof again. "...it started with me hearin' mah sister cryin' in her room. After Ah figured out why she was cryin', Ah was afraid of all the things that could happen, like she might become so depressed that she'd never get much work done on the farm, or she'd never talk ta Rainbow or Fluttershy again... Ah knew Ah wouldn' be able ta go on without 'er, an' things would be real awful. When Ah came back outside, Ah was ready ta cry mahself... but then Scootaloo here gave me all the comfort she could give by givin' me a nice hug, tryin' to help me stay calm about the whole thing. It sure helped, Ah tell ya, but eventually she went a bit further than Ah thought she would. The hug she was givin' me turned into a... well, let's jus' say it turned, not too far, but it sure turned."

Sweetie Belle nodded slowly in understanding. She was not pleased, but she understood.

"By the way," said Apple Bloom, "we took ya here after ya fainted in the clubhouse from hearin' the news of Rainbow Dash an' Fluttershy. Ah know this is all so sudden ta take in, but Ah figured Ah might as well tell ya, rather than lettin' ya find out on yer own an' faintin' again."

Sweetie Belle nodded again. This was indeed a smart thing to do. She would have fainted, too.

She was confused, stunned, shocked, displeased, and just downright dumbfounded. She didn't know which emotion to show, so she hid her reaction. She knew she had to say something, though. "I need some time to think about this... Maybe I'll head over to Sugarcube Corner or something..." She started to walk with balance difficulty.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo watched as their friend shakily walked past them and out of the room to the stairs. As she arrived at the bottom, she had thoughts soaring through her head. They were all generally about the same thing, though.

'How did they become filly-foolers so quickly? Weren't they just having a fit about it earlier? ...I don't like this...'

This is why she usually just fainted instead.

~ * * * ~

"Rarity..." Applejack said in between kisses.

"...Yes, dear?"

"A-Ah think... Ah think we need ta stop..." She held a longer-lasting kiss before she pulled away and opened her eyes to look at the unicorn.

Rarity opened her own eyes and looked at her pleadingly. "Whatever for, darling?"

"Well..." The farm pony rubbed the back of her own neck. "Ah'd love ta be able ta fall fer ya an' all, but... Ah jus' can' help but feel like this isn' the right way ta go 'bout it..."

"Oh..." Rarity rubbed her own neck as well. "I see what you mean." She then looked her in the eye. "Well, how about this..." She cleared her throat lightly. "We go on a date tomorrow afternoon. There's not much daylight left for today, so would that be alright?"

The thought of dating Rarity made Applejack have second thoughts, or rather, the thought of being seen dating her. She was a nice pony and all, but just a little too dramatic and glamorous for her liking.

As she gave it some thought, she looked at the unicorn she was sharing the guest bed with. When it came to makeup, Applejack was completely lost. In fact, she had no idea what Rarity looked like without any on. This made her quite curious as to how she would look if she didn't put makeup on.

Her eyes trailed to every part of her face that wasn't altered with eye shadow or blush. The parts that looked completely natural were actually interesting to look at. The white silky fur looked like it was innocent, somehow. Maybe this would be worth a shot...

"Applejack? Are you alright, dear?"

Applejack flinched and nodded quickly. "Yeah, Ah'm fine. Ah jus' had ta think it over fer a second... Ah'm so sure about this, but Ah think Ah'll give us a shot, an' we'll see how it goes."

Rarity quickly hugged her. "Thank you, Applejack. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Applejack smiled and hugged her back. "No worries, sugarcube. Ah jus' hope it'll mean alot ta me, as well."

The weight of her words hit Rarity hard. What if it wasn't meaningful to her? What if it all ended in tears? What if she rejects her?

'What if... what if she never... loves me back?'

There was always that dreadful possibility. The thought alone brought tears to her eyes. She would never be able to forgive herself if she saw Applejack walk out the door. 'I guess I'll just have to make sure it's especially memorable for her...'

With this in mind, she would need to develop a plan. "Applejack?" she asked, pulling away enough to look her in the eye.

"What is it, sugarcube?"

"Well, dear, we can either do a casual date first, or a more romantic one. Which would you prefer?"

Applejack even have to think about this one. "Ah'd say let's do the casual one tomorrah. Then we can do the more romantic one the next day, if ya have time, o' course..."

Rarity raised an eyebrow at that one. The words 'eager are we?' trailed through her mind rapidly. "That sounds wonderful to me, dear, but are you really sure you don't want to space them out more?"

Applejack shrugged. "Well, why not get this thing goin' quickly if we're gonna get it goin'?"

"Well, it's just that you seem terribly eager. It takes time for somepony to move on like this, and if they have their heart broken again so quickly it may just drive them to insanity."

"Ah'm not sure yer gonna be breakin' any hearts. After all, it kinda was you that wanted it in the first place..."

"Right. How silly of me. That would just be absolutely dreadful of me to ask to date you and then suddenly reject you, especially after all you've been through..."

"So, why not get started as quickly as we can?"

"I... I don't know, really. Okay, we'll do the casual date tomorrow and the romantic one the next day!"

"Sounds good ta me. Say, what day is it, anyhow?"

"It's Wednesday."

"Oh, okay."

"Oh, uhm, by the way..."

"What is it now?"

Rarity looked at her with pleading eyes that could kill. "May I please... kiss you... a-again?"

Applejack smiled and sighed. "If ya have to, Ah guess..." she joked.

"Oh, but I simply must," beamed Rarity. "I just can't help myself, I suppose. You're just so... so beautiful, Applejack. So beautiful that... that, if I could, I would kiss you until the stars fall from the sky and neither of us can think of anything but each other, completely lost in the intimacy and serenity of it all..."

She noticed the farm pony's slightly shocked, blushing expression.

"Oh... Did I wander a tad bit too far?"

Applejack blushed harder, cleared her throat and looked in different directions, rubbing the back of her neck, but eventually she looked back at the white unicorn and laughed uncomfortably. "Uh, well... No, not really. Tha's jus' mighty fatterin'... but it's also, uh, very... excitin'... if ya know what Ah mean... Ya see, yer gettin' me all riled up, an' Ah'm not sure Ah wanna go that far yet..."

"Ohhhhh," Rarity understood immediately. She too blushed. It was only then that she realized how much embarrassment she was both causing and emitting. It was mutually accepted though. They both knew of their situations and smiled kindly at one another.

"What can I say? You really are that beautiful." Rarity ran a hoof through Applejack's mane.

Applejack was running out of orange on her cheeks. "Alright, now ya better stop it before Ah turn into an apple, mahself."

"Well, at least you'd be a beautiful apple. My beautiful apple..."

"Alright, that's it!" Applejack took her hat off, threw it off to the side, and looked at Rarity with mischievous eyes like a cat would with an utterly helpless ball of yarn. Rarity looked back with a hint of regret in her eyes. She was terribly surprised as Applejack quickly sat up and rolled on top of her, coming close to straddling, but staying within the range of being able to say she was still innocent.

"If yer gonna keep makin' mah cheeks turn their more unnatural color, then Ah'm jus' gonna have ta kiss the hay out of ya 'til ya run outta mushy compliments. After this, Ah might jus' have ta tell Spike that his pretty little white pony is already romantically occupied." She winked. Rarity was scared and excited out of her wits now, but before she could say anything, Applejack leaned down and whispered. "Ah may not be able ta kiss ya 'til the stars fall, but Ah bet Ah'll come pretty close..."

Nothing more was said by either pony. Rarity could only wonder how her friend's actions and words could be fueled with such passion despite the love she didn't not yet return. She wondered, but hoped not if it was lust. Maybe she really did love her back, but she wasn't showing it, or maybe these were merely side effects of her recent envy, jealousy and oblivious rejection. Soon, her mind became blank, and she didn't want think anymore. It was useless to try using her mind when such a powerful kiss was activating her instincts alone.

She would resolve this and ask questions about it tomorrow afternoon.

~ * * * ~

What's more fun than a barrel of monkeys?

Kissing. Lots and lots of kissing.

The fact that she was kissing her 'crush as of ten minutes ago' was driving her bananas! The taste, the texture, the emotion, the playfulness... Even the very thought of kissing put her mind in a spin.

But Pinkie Pie could not be complaining. She liked spinning, anyway.

Her crush seemed to be enjoying it, too, seeing as she was practically begging for more every time they pulled away. There was almost always some form of combined saliva between their mouths when they separated. Neither of them noticed it, though. That, or they didn't care about its presence.

All things are said in a kiss. All things from "I can't believe I'm doing this" to "I love you more" and then something more in the lines of "I forgot to put the toothpaste cap back on last night" if it involved Pinkie Pie.

In Twilight's head, it was more in the "I can't believe I'm doing this" scenario. She had a tremendous amount of confusion just wandering around in her noggin. Why did Pinkie Pie want to kiss her? She still had no idea, despite the fact that she herself was participating in said kiss. It seemed there was no end to Pinkie Pie's mind-boggling game.

She then came to her senses and decided to stop this nonsense. The kiss was not really going anywhere, anyway.

When she pulled away, she put a hoof in between their mouths to make sure they didn't reattach. She may have been enjoying it, and she did kind of miss it when they separated, but this did not make any sense.

Pinkie noticed the different texture and opened her eyes to see that Twilight had stopped their making out.

"Hey..." said Pinkie. "What was that for?"

"This is nonsense," said Twilight. "Why are we doing this? Why did you start kissing me?"

"You wanted to know why mares would be attracted to other mares... remember?"

"Yes, and I understand that now, but what made you want to kiss me so much?"

Pinkie Pie shivered. "Oh, did you not like it!?"

"Of course I liked it... I'm just really confused... Why would you want to kiss me?"

"Ohhhhh..." Pinkie sighed in relief and took in a big breath. "Well, I just started getting these weird feelings about your lips and your smile, wanting to see you smile like that forever because you have the most wonderful smile ever, and I wanted to see what would happen if I put my smile on your smile, and then when I finally did I couldn't stop because it just felt so fantastically amazing!"

Twilight looked at her as if she was slightly loopy. "Oh. Well, I'd love to do it again, but if we're going to keep kissing like that... I-I think we're gonna need a better reason... What do you think?"

"Oh, definitely!" The mirth in Pinkie's eyes was visible. "Hey, got it!" she squealed. "We could fall in love with each other!"

"Love...?"

"Yes! Love! I love love!"

"I can see that, but I'm really not sure I can see us falling in love... with each other."

"Oh, I know it sounds absolutely silly, but you never really know until you try it, am I right?"

Twilight scratched her head. "Yeah... I'm just not sure I'd be able to fall in love with you without using any spells on myself... And I'm not doing that..."

"Oh, you won't have to!" Pinkie looked deeply in her eyes. "I'll help you fall for me!"

Twilight didn't know what she was getting herself into. "How the hay would you do that?"

"That's easy! I would just, uhm..." She gasped. "I would just...! Uhm... I dunno, actually..."

Twilight face-hoofed. The key to falling in love with somepony who loves books and info is not easy to figure out for somepony who is more outgoing. Even she herself wouldn't know how, but there had to be some way. Maybe they would figure it out eventually if they spent alot of time together.

Twilight just now figured out that this wouldn't be a bad idea after all. Maybe it would be fun for her, too. If there was kissing down this road, it was sure to be fun.

Twilight wondered if this was what Pinkie Pie thought like. Like your brain was going a million miles per minute, but you could still see every detail that passed by.

'That would be pretty interesting...' she thought.

"Well..." she said, "here's an idea. How about we go on a date?"

Pinkie smiled widely. "Oh my gosh! That's a great idea!! That way, we can get to know each other better! And then maybe if we like each other so much, we'll fall in love!"

Twilight looked around for something else look at. "Uh... Yeah... That's the plan, I guess..."

"Great!!" Pinkie zipped out of the front room and into the kitchen like streak of pink lightning. Puzzled, Twilight stood up off of the floor, shook her head and followed her. What in Equestria would Pinkie Pie need from her kitchen? As she stepped in, she saw her get out two plates and some silverware, not even bothering to ask where they were stored. The second Twilight saw where she was setting them up, she knew what was going on.

She immediately put herself in the middle of Pinkie's work, stopping the process. "Pinkie! I didn't mean tonight...! It's getting late..."

Pinkie stared at her for a second before grinning. "Well, I meant tonight! That way, we can do a more casual one tomorrow!"

Twilight wondered what the Pinkie version of casual was. This ought to be interesting. She decided to let her do her thing this time. "Okay, fine." She then stepped aside, giving access to the kitchen table. Pinkie smiled and zipped cheerfully along on her way, carefully placing the utensils and plates on the table. Twilight watched as she then whipped two party candles out of nowhere and stared at them. She seemed to be displeased with the candles, as if they didn't qualify for something. She then looked at Twilight hopefully. Twilight gestured toward herself, mouthing the word and asking 'me?'. Pinkie nodded.

Twilight was, once again, confused. But to possibly dim her confusion, she looked at the table. It had two plates across from each other, both accompanied by the appropriate silverware. The plates were made of glass and seemed to be unrecognizable. Twilight had no idea she even had them. There was no food on the table yet, but there was also something else missing...

Then she figured it out. She quickly used her magic to turn the party candles into more elegant ones to match the table setting.

Pinkie Pie smiled and hugged her quickly before resuming the process of preparing dinner by placing the candles in their proper places.

Twilight laughed inwardly at the pink pony's ever increasing randomness and enthusiasm. She couldn't help but find herself lucky to even know a pony as special as Pinkie Pie. At times, she would remember how she rejected her as a friend at first. It appeared to her now as one of the most shameful things a pony could do. The guilt she had still lingered every now and then, and she didn't know if there would ever be a way to get rid of it. She knew she still hadn't apologized to her personally.

That would probably help to put away her guilt, even only a little.

She found herself staring at the pony of her thoughts as the food was being prepared. How Pinkie didn't even need a schedule or a planner to do all the things she did was a puzzle to Twilight, and a pretty strange one at that. But, having learned her lesson quite awhile ago, she didn't bother with trying to figure it out anymore. Twilight had learned that to have surprising and unlikely events and a little uncertainty throughout life was okay. It was what made it a little more exciting than it had been before she moved to Ponyville.

She had come to appreciate the way that Pinkie worked eventually. In fact, she came to realize that she might not have even been alive without her.

As she watched as the food was put on the table, she came to realize just how much this strange but lovable pony really meant to her. Her heart began to beat faster just thinking about it.

'Wow... I wonder if she even knows...'

"It's ready, Twilight!"

The unicorn opened her eyes from her oblivious dreaming. She could have sworn she was staring at Pinkie Pie the whole time. She looked so cute and determined when she was cooking the--

"It's waffles!" Pinkie exclaimed.

This was the precise meal that was in her dream, if she really was dreaming. 'This pony will be the end of me if this keeps up. But now that I think about it, she should have been the end of me a long time ago. You know... maybe I should just roll with whatever she throws at me. That way, I won't be giving myself headaches so often...'

The one thought that still remained was the fact that Pinkie had picked breakfast for dinner. Not that she minded, because she didn't, she was just curious as to what her motives were. The waffles looked and smelled delicious, nonetheless.

She then shook herself of her thoughts and recomposed herself. "They smell really good, Pinkie," said Twilight, "but I have to ask... Why waffles? Isn't that usually for breakfast in the morning?"

"Yes!" Pinkie chirped, pulling a chair out for her date. "That's exactly why I picked it! It is morning!"

Twilight walked over to glance at a clock in the front room. Her eyes widened. "No it's not, it's twelve o' six in the--..."

'...Oh.'

"...morning."

This would set a new 'late dinner' record for her.

She then walked back into the kitchen to see a grinning Pinkie. This pony was still full of surprises, even past midnight. She may have been loopy, but she was still special in her very own way. She was still Pinkie Pie, and nopony could stop her from being so.

"See?" said Pinkie. "It is morning! Now, if you'd like to get started, would you like to join me?" She gestured to the chair she had pulled out.

Twilight sighed. There really was no way out of this, and if she'd had reasons before, she'd forgotten them by now. This is what happens when you date or even talk to a pony that throws parties for a living.

"By the way..." Pinkie quieted her voice.

"Yes?" Twilight said, surprised by the sudden subtlety in Pinkie's tone.

Pinkie Pie blushed a bit before continuing. "...I also picked waffles because... I know it's one of your favorites..."

This had not even applied to Twilight yet. It really was one of her favorite meals. She assumed it was because she was tired that she didn't connect those dots.

"Awww, that's so sweet of you, Pinkie," she said, gratefully taking the seat.. "Thank you so much. Say, who told you?"

"Your recipe book..." Pinkie Pie scooted the chair in for her.

"I have a recipe book?"

Pinkie Pie giggled. "Of course you do! It has a lot of recipes with waffles in them. Maybe Spike got it for you."

"Huh..." Twilight tried to remember getting a recipe book. "Maybe he did... But anyway, these look really good! Why don't you sit down?"

"I think I will." Pinkie Pie gracefully trotted around to the other side of the table and was about to take a chair. "Oh, wait! Can we light the candles and dim the other lights!?"

"Sure." Twilight dimmed the lamps with her magic and lit the two candles the same way. When they were fully lit, she could see Pinkie smiling from across the table. The way the light contrasted with her pink fur made her look a bit different. From Twilight's point of view, she looked...

...beautiful.

Twilight rubbed her eyes to see if she was imagining things.

Nope. Still the same amount of beauty emitted from her pink friend. It was almost as if Pinkie Pie was emitting the light herself. Twilight decided not to be confused about it, though. If anything, she wouldn't stop looking at her.

"Well, go ahead," said Pinkie Pie, gesturing to the waffle on Twilight's plate.

Twilight could now only look at her with a different feeling inside of herself. Again, she decided not to be confused, hoping to continue her headache-free quest. She literally saw her in a new light. When she looked at the pink pony, she saw somepony who cared about everypony. There was just so much love inside of this pony that she could share it with all of Equestria.

'But then...' thought Twilight, 'she would go through all the trouble of setting up a date like this... just for me...'

Nopony would go that far unless it was supposed to mean something.

She knew this was going to be a long night, but she had feeling that it could very well be worth it. She also had a feeling that she had a good start on this 'love' thing.

Maybe this was supposed to happen.

Author's Note

Just so you guys know, despite how late it will be, the next chapter will still take place on the same night. This one took a shorter time than I expected, though. I apologize if it seems rushed at all.

After Tonight

•)14(•

After Tonight

After discovering that Sugarcube Corner was closed, she mentally slapped herself. It was after midnight, so of course it would be closed.

She still needed somewhere to go, though, and after giving it some thought, she decided that the park would be sufficient enough.

As she approached the entrance, she saw a good spot to sit and think. A bench, close to a small creek, sat alone, away from all other things in the park. She saw as the perfect place to ponder on things that troubled her. The last thing she needed in this case was another problem boarding train of thought.

She imagined herself with a sign on her head that read "ALL ABOARD". She laughed at the thought at first, but then she became more annoyed by it. Pushing the thought aside, she hopped up on the bench and laid on it, folding her forelegs into a comfortable nest-like state and carefully resting her head on them.

She let her mind wander as she remained lying on the bench. The strange relationship between her fellow Crusaders seemed to bother her. The other new couple bothered her as well, but not nearly as much as her two best friends'.

She had her own opinion on relationships. She knew that they were only supposed to be between one stallion and one mare. It didn't seem possible for two mares to fall in love with each other. She was assured that it was certainly possible now, but that didn't make it seem right. Sure, they were adorable. Yes, they fit perfectly with each other. But the fact that they were both fillies was still a restless thought. She didn't know why, but it seemed... unnatural.

It seemed wrong.

This was one of the many things that bothered her. She didn't know why it bothered her so much, but it did.

She then wondered which gender she herself found to be attractive. She had always thought that colts were gross and clumsy, but that didn't mean she liked fillies. The colts at school always left a bad impression on her, and the fillies were the same as she was. She was at a complete indecision.

She began to feel tears building up, ready to let loose. She held them back for a little longer while she thought about what she would do about all of this. Would she accept it, or would she reject all filly-foolers as her friends?

She tried to think of a way that would make everything right, but her mind was too clouded with uncertainty in every path.

Feeling tired, uneasy and hopeless, she stopped holding back her massively accumulating tears. She desperately hoped that nopony was nearby to see cry like this; it would just make life more difficult for her.

She didn't know what she would do after tonight. It was late, she was tired, and she needed something to calm herself.

"Hey," she heard an unmistakable voice. "What's wrong, Sweetie Belle?"

She looked up at him without even wiping away her tears. He stopped walking toward her for a second before continuing again. He could see the pain she was holding inside and partially outside. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked.

Sweetie Belle shook her head lightly and rested it on her forelegs again. "No..." she said shakily. "What brought you here?"

Spike could now see that she needed something. He sat down on the other side of the bench so Sweetie Belle was facing away from him. "A guest at the library," he said. "After Sugarcube Corner closed, I headed back to the library. When I opened the door, I couldn't believe my own eyes! Twilight actually had a date going on! A real date! But that's not what surprised me the most..."

Sweetie Belle turned around to look at him. "What surprised you the most?" she asked.

He sighed heavily. "Her date..."

"Who was it?"

He sighed again. "P--..." he hesitated. "Pinkie Pie..."

Sweetie Belle was as shocked as finding out that a toaster wasn't waterproof. A short silence followed before she shouted "What!?" She spring up onto her hooves. "That's--"

"Shhhh!" he shushed her. "Ponies are sleeping!"

She lowered her voice. "Sorry..."

"Anywho..." Spike continued. "I decided not to intrude so they could be alone. I still needed someplace to be until it was over, and so I, uh... I came here."

Sweetie Belle didn't turn back around, but she did lay back down on her front, resting her head in the same way as before. She was becoming exhausted from all these occurrences involving love, and what she would do about it. This was one of the times where she really didn't want to think about anything.

But how would she wake up in the morning, as well as every morning to come? How would she sleep, knowing that six good friends of hers were filly-foolers? Would she just have to pretend she was cool with it? 'Hey, Twilight! Good to know that you and Pinkie Pie are dating each other, even though I don't support it worth a bucket of oats!'

She would never be able to forgive herself if she pretended to be proud or even comfortable around them.

Then she had an idea...

She wouldn't be around them.

She would hide.

She then looked at Spike, wondering what he was thinking, for he hadn't said a thing for a short while now. "Hey, Spike?"

He flinched. "Oh. Yeah?"

"What's happened with you, lately?"

The baby dragon shrugged. "Not much, really. I went to Sugarcube Corner today and got some chocolate milk... There wasn't really much besides that and the date. Oh, wait! I did go to this party that Pinkie Pie was hosting..."

Sweetie Belle lost interest at chocolate milk. That just happened to be the most interesting thing that was mentioned, and it would be for somepony her age.

"You know..." said Spike, mildly regaining her attention, "You should probably get home and get to sleep. I mean, it is awfully late..."

Sweetie ignored him for the moment and just closed her eyes where she was.

"What are you doing here, anyhow?"

She had hoped this question would never come up, and she was on a roll until now. Sighing, she lifted her head up and looked at him with lightly flickering forest-green eyes. He felt somewhat worried for his fairly short life, as if she could reach into the very depths of his soul with her eyes.

She then spoke weakly. "Have you ever been so... unsure of yourself... that you just wanted to run away?"

What kind of question was that? Spike eyed her suspiciously and then asked "What do you mean?"

She hoped he wouldn't go any further with questions. "Well... I... Uhm... I-I, uh..." She shrank back and tried to put her words together correctly. "I, can't... It's not what..."

"Hold on," said Spike, raising his pointer finger. "Tell me if I'm wrong, but... You're running away... aren't you?"

Sweetie Belle swallowed. "Thinking about it," she said shakily, her voice filled with regret, "but yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. How did you guess?"

"I-I just took in all the events of the day. I figured that the only reason somepony would be troubled today would probably be because of all the filly-fooling going on. I myself am troubled, but I'm not scared... or scarred. Whichever. You, however, look to be pretty scared... or scarred, and that's how I came up with the assumption that you were leaving. Turns out I was right."

She nodded shamefully. He looked at her with more sympathy this time. "Look," he said, bringing her chin up, "I don't know about you, but I'm not going to let it ruin my life. Sometimes, you just gotta at least play along."

She shook her head away from his hand huffed. "I'm bad at playing along, though. My acting couldn't even fool Pinkie Pie!"

"But you don't have to act, Sweetie Belle. You just have to pretend."

"Pretend what?" She was becoming more irritable with each word that was spoken.

"Pretend that you don't mind."

"Well, that's hard, too! If I really do mind, why would I say, act, or 'pretend' otherwise!?"

"Because you should be happy for them." He put his hand on her shoulder. "They're your friends."

She moved away from him. "Yeah, but it's not like they're related to me or anything. I just don't feel like going with the flow, especially if I'll probably just end up offending somepony..."

Spike felt her pain, but not as brutally. She seemed to have made up her mind by now, but he hoped that maybe she would see his point later on.

"Well..." he said, hopping off of the bench to leave, "your secret is safe with me, but I don't think leaving is necessary. I don't even know where you'd go, but the choice is yours, I guess. I'm gonna go see if Twilight's asleep yet."

He slowed his pace at his own words and shivered at the idea of Twilight sleeping with her date. He hoped to Celestia that it didn't go that far yet.

Sweetie Belle watched as he left the park. Becoming a rebel was not part of her in the least. She knew it, too. But she also knew that going against the grain seemed to be in season.

'How did this happen? How did things change so quickly? How can I change with it and blend in when I wasn't even conscious to see it?'

She closed her eyes and let her had fall on to the cold wood of the bench.

'What am going to do...?'

She lifted her head up and looked out to the open fields, wondering what the rest of Equestria held. She pondered the outcome and consequences of leaving, starting a life on her own.

It would give her opportunity. The time to be away from what she believed to be wrong. The chance to be in a different atmosphere. Besides, maybe she'd find her cutie mark someplace else.

She then made up her mind.

'I need to pack.'

~ * * * ~

"So, Twilight..."

The unicorn looked up from the quarter of her waffle that was left. "Yes?"

The pink pony shifted a bit. "What do you think?"

Twilight raised her eyebrows. "This is the bestest--... I mean best waffle I've ever had." She then continued eating. "That's like, what? The seventh time you've asked now? How many times do you need it confirmed? Your waffles taste like they're made purely of doughnuts! I love doughnuts! Only these are shaped like waffles and--..." She stopped herself from her rapid talking. "...Sorry..."

Pinkie Pie held her giggles in. "It's okay, Twilight. It's just that every time I take a bite of my own, I always wonder if you had a bite like that, and that's why keep asking. You know, you sound alot like me when you talk fast like that..."

"I do?"

"You do!"

"Oh, dear..."

"What?"

"I sound like you."

"Hey... That's not nice, you know..."

"I mean, I... No, it's not that... I mean sound like a nut. A complete psycho!"

Pinkie's smile was starting to have trouble staying up. She hoped her friend wouldn't go too far with this.

"I must have sounded ridiculous!"

Twilight's words were beginning to bring her down. She could feel an itchiness beneath her mane, but she ignored it and kept eating.

"Lots of ponies already see me as a psycho!" continued the unicorn.

"Twilight..." Pinkie looked up from her waffle. "Please stop..."

"But do you know what it feels like to be seen as a psycho!?" Twilight waved her hooves in the air frantically

Pinkie felt like crying or maybe leaving. 'Does Twilight really see me as a complete nut job?' The itchiness was really reaching a high level now.

Twilight put her head in her hooves. "I'm not a loon," she mumbled.

Pinkie's smile had disappeared now. She didn't want to be here anymore. This was all too saddening for her, and Twilight had no clue what was going on. She silently stepped onto the floor and quickly headed for the door.

"Do you think I'm a loon, Pinkie?" Twilight looked up from her hooves at nopony on the other side of the table. "Pinkie?" She looked around, trying to find her. She then heard the door closing and a muffled popping noise from outside.

"...Pinkie?"

Thinking quickly, she hopped off of her seat and dashed out the door, intent on righting whatever she had wronged.

As she burst outside, she looked around frantically for the pink pony, the cold chill of the dark becoming noticeable.

'What did I do?' she thought.

After galloping and searching around several blocks she saw her date crying next to a fountain. She was leaning over the edge of it, letting her tears drop into the water. She wasn't as she normally would because she knew it would wake up ponies who were sleeping. Instead, she was just sniffing here and there, wiping her nose every now and then. Twilight saw this and suddenly felt guilty for a reason unknown to herself. She also saw something she'd only seen once before. She saw that her mane had 'deflated'.

This meant bad news.

Carefully she walked behind her and raised her hoof hesitantly to tap her shoulder. Her hesitation got the best of her and instead, she decided to go about it a different way.

As Pinkie looked at her sad excuse for a reflection, it startled her when she felt two hooves wrap around her. She knew who it was, due to the fact that there wouldn't be anypony else up this late.

Would there?

She checked her watch. Twelve-thirty-six. Definitely nopony else awake. It just now occurred to her that this was one of the oddest times to be having a date.

Gently, she looked over her shoulder just to make sure it was who she though it was. She was right. "Twilight..."

"Pinkie..."

"Why did you follow me?"

"I didn't know what happened. I assume I said something offensive to you, though. I still don't know what I said, but I figured you probably had your feelings hurt anyway."

"Twilight." Pinkie broke out of the hug and looked at her sincerely. "If you're gonna be my fillyfriend, you should watch what you're saying."

Twilight felt even more guilty than before. "What did I say, Pinkie?"

Pinkie looked down. "...I-it started when I said you sounded just like me... and you thought you sounded like a nut job... and a few other ways to put it..."

Twilight knew where this was going and also knew what she had done.

Pinkie continued. "You kept going on and on about how you're not a crazy-dazy psychopath and I could clearly see that you saw..." She sniffed and let a few more tears fall. "You see me as one. And I am. I'm just a crazy-wazy, loopy-doopy, psycho-pony who works at a bakery and throws parties as a lifelong hobby!" She turned back toward the fountain and looked at her reflection some more.

Silence followed for a good amount of time before Twilight stepped toward her, looking at her apologetically. "Oh, Pinkie... I'm so sorry... I didn't even realize you thought I was implying that. I feel so dumb now. How could I not have seen that?" She hung her head. "...Now I won't say you're not a little loopy..."

Pinkie tried to shut her out by hiding her head in the water. Twilight heard the splash, assuming she was probably playing or dipping her hooves in it.

"I don't want you to be mad, Pinkie... I just hope you're still my friend, okay?"

When she heard nothing in reply, she looked up and saw Pinkie had dunked herself... and was still in the process.

"Pinkie...?"

Still nothing. She was getting worried now. She quickly used her magic to pull the pink pony's head out from under the water and face her towards herself. "What are you doing!?" yelled Pinkie.

"Saving you from drowning!" Twilight yelled back.

Pinkie curled up on the ground and folded her forelegs, showing nothing but ungratefulness. Twilight levitated her up onto her hooves again, looking her in the eye.

"Look!" she said, "You may be the only pony in Equestria who loves to throw parties and just be random all the time, but that's not a bad thing!" She stopped levitating her, letting her stand on her own. "You also may be a crazy-wazy, loopy-doopy, psycho pony, but you're not the only one..."

Pinkie Pie looked away, trying to pretend she wasn't listening.

Twilight sighed before braving through her next sentence. "...You may be one... but in all honesty... s-so am I..."

Pinkie Pie turned toward her again.

"I really am a nut job," Twilight finished, hanging her head.

Pinkie frowned. "No you're not..." she argued.

"Yes, I am," Twilight argued back. "I'm just a crazy-wazy, loopy-doopy, psycho-pony who reads books and plays with magic as a lifelong hobby."

Pinkie felt bad now. She knew she wouldn't have made Twilight feel this way if she had not been offended so easily.

She had some mending to do.

She slowly walked toward the unicorn, lifted her chin up with a hoof, and smiled warmly. Twilight stared back like a scared filly. "You may be a loopy pony, Twilight..." Her mane re-inflated, causing the darker pony to become wet, also. "...But you're my loopy pony."

She then closed her eyes, leaned in and kissed her softly, catching the unicorn by surprise, but Twilight soon fell into the kiss and returned it fully, closing her eyes as well.

Pinkie's lips were still wet from the fountain, so the kiss was a little more slippery than the ones prior to it, but this time it meant more than kissing just for the sake of kissing. They could feel each other's emotion being put into the kiss. They could tell that they both felt apologetic and grateful toward one another. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world. To feel another's emotion through their actions could change one's life forever.

Twilight had learned that she needs to watch her words, but she also learned that Pinkie Pie is more sensitive than she thought.

Pinkie Pie learned that kissing can help both of them feel better in two ways.

As they became more in need of breathing, they made the most of the end of their kiss before pulling apart for air. They kept their eyes closed and foreheads together until Pinkie thought of something.

"Twilight?" she whispered.

"...Yeah?"

"...Should we crash at your place?"

"Yeah..."

"Okay... I think I'm in love with you, by the way..."

Twilight giggled at her words. Who passes I love you as talking about the weather?

Pinkie Pie does.

"I think I feel the same, Pinkie."

As they began walking back to the library, she came to the conclusion that it would take somepony slightly loopy. With this in mind, she finally realized that what she needed more in her life was a little more Pinkie Pie.

And after tonight, she would have just that.

~ * * * ~

If it weren't for Rainbow Dash, dinner would have gone completely uneventful. She had made their meal of mashed potatoes, gravy, and asparagus into the newest Wonderbolt routine.

"Rainbow Dash... Stop playing with your food...! And... mine, too, please..."

Dinner was supposed to be quiet, or at least not as rowdy as it had become.

Rainbow Dash stopped making swooshing noises and looked where she was standing. She was currently on top of the table with a piece of asparagus in one hoof and a spoon full of mashed potatoes in the other. She then looked at Fluttershy sheepishly.

"...But Rainbow Dash hasn't even finished her super awesome, mind-blowing horizontal tornado yet..." She shook the spoon lightly, indicating that it represented herself.

"It doesn't matter, Rainbow. You shouldn't play with your food..." Fluttershy attempted to convince her.

"...And Fluttershy hasn't finished her awesome cheering either..." She shook the asparagus lightly, indicating that it represented Fluttershy.

Fluttershy blushed, but she still wasn't going to tolerate her lover's behavior at the dinner table. "That's very flattering, Rainbow..." She hovered up next to her and softly took hold of Rainbow's forelegs. "...But you're not using good manners... Please stop now..."

Dash's eyes darted all over her lover's face, finding it beautiful, disciplined, and almost threatening in a way. She then realized that she was acting rather childish anyway, so she hung her head and hopped off of the table, sitting back in her chair. "Sorry, Flutters, I..." She looked at Fluttershy. "...I guess I... got carried away."

Fluttershy hovered back over to her chair and sat in it. "It's okay, Dashie... It's just that it's dinnertime right now, okay?"

"Fine..."

Fluttershy could see her disappointment. "You know I still love you, right?"

"Yeah, I know..." Rainbow continued eating.

Fluttershy finished the last of her food and took care of her plate, surprised that she actually finished her food first. She then trotted over next to Rainbow. "What's wrong, Dashie?"

Rainbow continued eating. "Nothing..."

Fluttershy observed how she ate. "I really do love you, Rainbow. You can tell me if there's something bothering you..."

Rainbow swallowed and stopped eating. She then looked at her solemnly. There was a long pause before anything else but the occasional chirp or squeak from an animal that had been up too late. Crickets could be heard, also.

Fluttershy had a lightly sickening feeling coming from her belly and breathing had unintentionally become harder.

Rainbow swallowed again, this time without any food. She took a deep breath before beginning. "I-I'm... I'm worried..." she stuttered.

"What about?"

"...About our friends," she continued.

"Why are you worried about them? They seem just fine, don't they?"

The athlete Pegasus looked slightly askew. "Well, not about them personally..."

Fluttershy put a hoof on her shoulder. "What do you mean, then?"

Rainbow readjusted her anxiety-filled gaze toward Fluttershy. "I'm worried about what our friends think of us... Applejack looked angry, Twilight looked confused, and Rarity fainted for crying out loud. The only ones who seemed to be okay with it were Pinkie Pie and maybe Spike. We're completely surrounded with ponies who don't feel comfortable around us!"

"Shhhhh!" Fluttershy shushed her. "I'm letting Angel Bunny sleep inside tonight, and I don't want you wake him...!"

Rainbow was startled by her quiet but sudden outburst and, feeling sheepish, hung her head.

Fluttershy had thought this over many years before, and after much experience with her friends, she came to know something she really appreciated.

She then hugged her and told her sincerely, "Oh, I'm sorry, sweetheart... But you know what? If they really are our friends, they won't care who we like or what we wear. If they're our friends, they'll be as supportive as they can. They may prefer a different way of doing things for themselves, but that doesn't mean they think everypony else has to do it that way, too. Otherwise, everypony would be the same. Nopony is exactly the same as anypony, Dashie... They'll treat us just the same as they always do if they know we're still their friends."

Rainbow sat there, finding it amazing that the shy yellow pegasus would see it in such an uplifting way.

As Rainbow took her words in, she began to smile. Maybe things would be alright, after all. "I think you're right, Fluttershy... Everything will probably be fine."

Fluttershy could feel the cyan mare's heart beat slow, indicating that she had calmed down. As she continued hugging her fillyfriend, she felt her hug back. "I just never really thought about all of this until now," said Rainbow, leaning back to look at her. "Thanks, Fluttershy. I love you..."

Fluttershy smiled back. "I love you, too."

Rainbow felt a strong urge to kiss the yellow Pegasus in her hooves. It was something about the way she smiled that caused this urge. She wanted to gently smother her with all of her love, hoping that she would know how much she truly appreciated her. All of the things she does, everything about her was both lovable and adorable. She also knew that this urge could not be resisted.

She then slowly leaned forward, closed her eyes and hoped that Fluttershy wouldn't mind. Fluttershy saw her small desire and accepted with gratitude. She kissed back softly and held her close, never wanting to let her go.

Rainbow's wings opened and fluttered against the back of the chair. Fluttershy could tell she was uncomfortable with the small amount of wing space she had and, in turn, decided to give her some by hovering a bit, hinting for her to follow. Rainbow did so on instinct, breaking their kiss for a half second, only to reconnect when they were both in the air. Rainbow added her tongue into the mix, sweetly asking for entrance by gently prodding at her lips. Fluttershy, being last one who would deny her request, opened and allowed.

Their sweet show of affection and emotion turned into a playful game of dominance, neither pony feeling very competitive at the time. As their game ensued, their altitude grew higher and higher until--

Bonk!

The last thing that Rainbow expected was to hit her head on the ceiling while kissing her most favorite pony in the world. "Ow..." She broke their lip-lock and rubbed the top of her head.

"Oh... I'm sorry..." said Fluttershy, feeling guilty. "I didn't realize we were getting so..." She looked down toward the table beneath them. "...far up..."

"Don't be silly, Fluttershy..." Rainbow assured her. "It's not your fault. You just weren't paying attention and neither was I. It's nopony's fault, really."

Fluttershy giggled. "I guess it's not..."

"Here," said the enthusiastic Pegasus. "Let's go somewhere a little comfortable..."

She then dashed up the stairs and into Fluttershy's room with the shy mare in her hooves, being careful not to bump into or break anything on the way. She then gently laid her down on the bed, eyeing her with loving yet hopeful eyes. Fluttershy knew what she was about to make happen. She sat up halfway and looked at her with a knowing gaze.

"...Rainboooow..."

Rainbow Dash pouted again. She had known it was probably a long shot, but she had figured she would at least try again since she already had the mare in her hooves. She had felt the desire and longing so much at the time that her wings just extended almost involuntarily and started beating against the chair she had been sitting in. Oh, well... Fluttershy still denied her, and that was that. Maybe tomorrow or another--

"Don't forget to close the door first..."

Rainbow raised both eyebrows at that one. "Huh? What?"

Fluttershy blushed hard. "...You... f-forgot to close the door..."

Rainbow was inwardly ecstatic but dumbfounded, nonetheless.

She was mentally becoming a giddily-entranced loon.

Yes, she was mentally B.A.G.E.L.'d.

She was excited of course, but was Fluttershy?

"Are you sure it's okay?" she asked the pony lying under her.

Fluttershy blushed harder and nodded unsurely.

Seeing her uncertainty, Rainbow felt a little guilty. She then put her hooves on the timid mare's shoulders, asking with sincerity, "Fluttershy... You don't seem very sure about this... Do you not want to do this tonight?"

Fluttershy finally felt her feelings pour out. "Oh, Dashie...! I don't want to hold you back anymore... I want you to be able to live your dreams, as well as... other things, too... It's very considerate of you to take my feelings and opinions into account, but I do want this. I do...! I don't want to be blocking your way anymore." She spread her forelegs out across the bed. "I'm all yours now, my sweet, beautiful Rainbow..."

Seeing she wasn't hiding anything, Rainbow smiled and lowered her body onto Fluttershy's so they would be chest-to-chest and tummy-to-tummy. "If you say so, 'Shy." She then leaned in to kiss her, but was stopped by a hoof on her lips.

"But first... would you mind getting the door?" whispered Fluttershy.

Rainbow nodded quickly and flew over to quietly close the door, denying anypony else or any animal from seeing them.

Throughout the entirety of one single day, their brand new bond had grown to be one of the strongest that Equestria still had yet to see.

And after tonight, it would only be stronger.

Author's Note

Please let me know if you any kind of mistakes. This chapter was written at a rather quick pace. Also, you don't have to be nice to me if you don't want to be.

Downside

•)15(•

Downside

A good eight hours was almost enough rest after a night like that. He woke without any mental, emotional or physical disturbances or discomforts, being able to stand up in his bed and stretch widely. His eyelids were a bit heavy, but that was merely a side effect of morning.

Right now, nothing sounded better to him than an emerald with a little jam spread around it. Yeah, that would be nice.

Flipping over his pillow, he revealed one of his many secret stashes of precious, delicious gems. His eyes sparkled with hunger as he reached for a forest-green emerald, intent on making it his first meal of the day. When it was in his grip, he hid the stash under the pillow again.

It was then that he realized how late he had stayed up and how long he had been able to sleep, discovering how late he slept in. He looked at a clock hanging on a nearby wall.

"Ten-thirty!?" he shouted. He then ran up the stairs to yell at the late sleeper.

Upon reaching the top step, he found the reason for such laziness, therefore keeping his mouth shut and turning on his heel to head back downstairs for the breakfast he still had in mind. What he saw would scar him, but only temporarily. He knew this would happen, but he had hoped it wouldn't happen as early as it did.

Hearing small footsteps, Twilight stirred lightly from her sleep while still in the embrace of her newly beloved. As she opened her eyes, she saw Pinkie Pie, still with her eyes closed, lips slightly parted, and her chest rising and falling slowly.

Slowly was the unique description of the image before her.

With a personality that worked at a million miles-per-hour, Pinkie Pie seldom presented herself like this. So naturally, nopony would be able to see her in this state.

Nopony but Twilight Sparkle.

She would have to remember and cherish this moment for the rest of her life, for it may have been a one-time occurrence. The way that the pink pony's curly-cotton-candied mane laid spread out on the bed, she could actually see the separate strands of it. The way that her mouth was partly open but lacked drooling made her seem more precious. The way her form rose and fell with her breathing made her seem at peace. Her breath smelt like strawberry frosting with a little hint of chocolate somewhere in there, too. She emitted a tender warmness that could be addicting in some ways. It all reminded Twilight of when she was laying by the fireplace as a filly, reading her most favorite story while basking in the warmth of the flames close by.

She could still remember most of that story by heart. She remembered it had one of those switch-a-roo plots where it mainly focused on the bad pony's life, rather than the good pony's. She remembered how the evil pony eventually saw the good in everypony, therefore discontinuing his scheme near the end of the story.

The more she observed, the more she wanted to just drift back to her dreams of her, falling asleep. She wondered if Pinkie was having a good one or not.

She then saw her slowly sit up. This surprised her quite a bit. Pinkie's eyes were still closed as she stretched widely. Her eyes then popped open, full of energy and hyped up for the day. Turning to see her most favorite pony, she gasped, remembering her dream.

"Twilight!!"

Twilight smiled despite the burst. "Good morning, Pinkie."

Pinkie opened her mouth, ready to release a truckload of words onto Twilight, but then paused and replied. "Good morning..."

Twilight was shocked. She expected a much more energetic greeting from the hyperactive pony, especially after last night, being the first night they slept together as a couple.

"Anywho," Pinkie quickly got back on track, "I had this strangely, seemingly confusing but interesting dream last night!"

Twilight laughed lightly. "That wasn't a dream, Pinkie..."

Pinkie shook her head. "No, no, no! Not that dream, cause that wasn't a dream. That was most definitely real. I remember it perfectly. But that's not the point! The point is that I had a dream last night and I think it meant something!!"

'Uh-oh...' thought Twilight, bracing herself for impact. "...Was it good? What was it about?"

"It was... i-it was about--..." Pinkie hesitated. Twilight could see there was something in that dream that bothered her significantly.

The unicorn then sat up and rubbed Pinkie's shoulders. "What is it, Pinkie Pie?"

Pinkie looked away shortly before looking back at Twilight. "...It was us... i-in the future... Not the far future... it looked like it could happen soon, actually. We were... married and--"

"Married?"

Pinkie blushed deeply. "Yeah, married."

Twilight blushed deeply, as well. "Wow... That's quite a jump..."

"I know..." Pinkie giggled. "Anywho, the dream was mainly about us, but it was also about... some other ponies. I think they were fillies... I couldn't see them very well because they were standing so far away."

"Where were we?"

"I think we were at a bridge of some sort... The bridge in the park. We were staring at each other almost... scared and... anticipating something. I think we were about to kiss, and after we did... that's when I saw the two fillies behind you, I think..."

"I know you're not finished yet," Twilight stopped her, "but I think you'll have to explain it to me a little more thoroughly for me to tell if it means anything."

Pinkie Pie sighed uncharacteristically. "Okay..."

~~~

I waited outside in the evening air for my most favorite pony to arrive. I had told her we were meeting on the bridge at the park. I planned a whole list fun-a-riffic things for us to do! I hoped that this would be one of the most amazing times would ever have! After all... this would be our first date.

I saw her approach the bridge with a eensy-weensy, teeny-weeny bit of nervousness. She didn't come dressed in anything because I asked her not to beforehoof. I asked her to come as she was, and that's just what she did!

The moment her eyes met mine, there was a small connection between us. It may have outwardly small, but the inside was a completely different story. On the inside, I felt butterflies fly around carelessly in my tummy. I wondered if Twilight had the same feeling as she walked toward me. The closer she got, the the butterflies' flapping became more intense! I kept wondering how the butterflies found a way in there in the first place.

It was almost like meeting her for the first time again, only without the part when I was like *gasp*.

When she stopped right in front of me, she had a face full of nervousness and just downright anxiety.

"What's the matter, Twi?" I asked her. "You look kind of worried. Is something wrong?"

"Well..." she started, "I guess I'm just afraid of what everypony will think of us. I mean... look at how the other ponies, Applejack and Rarity, reacted to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Applejack was disgusted... and Rarity fainted for Pete's sake! I'm really worried, Pinkie... I don't know what to do because the path that we're taking is so uncertain. I don't know what will happen... Do you?"

I shook my head. "Of course not, silly." She looked at me like I was crazy. "But think about this..." I continued, "If somepony took out all the uncertainty in a really good mystery book, would it still be really good?"

She looked to be pondering this. "I don't think so," she said, shaking her head. "Come to think of it, I don't think any type of book would sell without the uncertainty in it..."

I nodded. "And why's that, Twilight? Why's the uncertainty so important?"

She looked down over the edge of the bridge, into the creek. "It's what makes readers want to find out more. It's what makes it... fun..." She looked back at me. "Pinkie, I know what you're trying to get at, but in books, things happen that would more likely be truly devastating in the real world. If we tell everypony or let them find out, who knows what they'll think of us? I'm pretty sure they won't even accept who we truly are."

I put a hoof around her and held her close to me. "Oh, Twilight... Why do you care so much about what other ponies think about us?"

I think my words had a type of affect on her because she stopped her reasons and looked to be thinking of a whole lot of things while staring out at nothing in particular. She then looked at me. "...I ...u-uhm..."

It sounded like she was having trouble finishing her words, so I made it so she didn't have to. I kissed her.

I kissed the unicorn with a playful feeling that I just knew needed to be shared with her. Her lips were tense because of her anxiety, making it hard for me to get across to her via kiss. However, after about fifteen seconds, she began to not worry so much, causing her lips to be super-duper soft and more lovey-dovey-wovey feeling. I love it when she kisses me back! Do you know what it's like to be kissing your most favoritest pony in all of Equestria?

I think I'm getting off track. Anywho, I was kissing her, and she was kissing me. That's when I heard a noise coming from two fillies. It sounded like two fillies I was familiar with, too. It sounded like they were trying to ask somepony something.

"Uh... Scootaloo?" The first voice was Apple Bloom's. "What're Pinkie Pie an' Twilight doin' over there?"

Oh no... The one downside I forgot about having a fillyfriend of my own...!

Influence.

Twilight must have heard also, because she stopped kissing me and turned toward the direction of the voice. But when she did, she froze when she saw a whole horizontal line of Apple Blooms blocking the path. They were looking at her innocently and pleadingly.

I turned around as well, only I saw a whole line of Scootaloos blocking the path. "Yeah," they all said. "What are you two doing?"

We both stuttered for words.

"I... We, uhm..."

"It's just... We... were..."

~~~

"What happened next?" asked Twilight.

"I woke up!" Pinkie answered.

"Oh." Twilight sighed and slid out of the bed. "Well, I do have a book on interpreting dreams. That'll help me be able to tell if any of that means something."

"Oh, oh! Twilight!" Pinkie raised her hoof.

"Yes, Pinkie?"

She lowered it. "Can we eat breakfast first?"

Oh, yeah... Food... "Sure."

~ * * * ~

"Hey, Scootaloo?" whispered Apple Bloom.

"What's up, Bloom?"

Apple Bloom rolled over see the orange Pegasus filly. "Why'd ya insist on sleepin' together?"

Scootaloo turned her head to look at her. "Isn't that what most couples do?"

Apple Bloom was having trouble staying comfortable. "Yeah, but... It's awfully uncomfortable..."

Scootaloo sighed. "I know what you mean... I guess I just thought it would be right for us to sleep together because we... well, uhm..."

"Because we are together?"

Scootaloo nodded.

"Well, Ah hate ta break it to ya, but Ah don' think we're really... together yet..."

"What do you mean?"

"What Ah'm tryin' ta say is..." She looked up at the ceiling. "Do ya really wanna spend the rest o' yer life with me?"

Apple Bloom's meaning seemed to hit Scootaloo like a brick. "I... I dunno..."

"Exactly, right?" She looked back at Scootaloo. "Ah ain't sure either. Ah mean, why would we wanna be with each other forever? Tha's like, forever, right?"

"It's forever alright..." Scootaloo inched away from Apple Bloom. "There. You should be a little more comfy now."

"Thanks."

Scootaloo rubbed her hooves together. "I think the only reason why two ponies would want to be with each other for that long is because they must really, really, really like each other or something."

Apple Bloom put a hoof on her shoulder. "That's called love, Scootaloo."

Scootaloo shrugged. "Oh, yeah...." She scratched her head. "I do really like this kissing thing, by the way. Whenever it happens, I never want it to end. You kiss really good."

Apple Bloom blushed. "So do you. Ah really like the way ya rubbed mah mane, too. Ah don' ever wanna stop what we have here."

"Me neither." Scootaloo then realized something. "Wait... Wouldn't that mean we would have to fall in love?"

"With each other, yeah... How in the world we do that, anyhow? Ah mean, Ah like ya an' all, but... Ah'm not really sure Ah actually love ya." She fidgeted at the word love. "Ah do find mahself a little attracted to ya, though... After all, y'all are pretty cute, ya know."

Scootaloo's cheeks turned a deep red. She hid herself under the blankets, trying to hide her blush.

"Awww..." whined the earth filly. "Now Ah can't see yer pretty little face."

Scootaloo kept under the covers. "I'm not pretty," she said, her voice being muffled. "...Or cute..."

Apple Bloom pulled the blanket off of her friend's head, revealing her blush. "But you are. Yer pretty and cute. In fact, yer one o' the cutest ponies Ah ever laid eyes on."

"R-really?"

"O' course." Apple Bloom hugged her, hoping she would just admit it. "Yer pretty orange coat, yer wonderfully pink' mane an' tail an' how they curl at the ends... and yer beautiful violet eyes. Ah think it's kinda cute they're a little faded. But it all makes ya look so cute ya wouldn' even imagine."

Scootaloo pulled away from the hug and stared at her stoically. She then timidly asked "Do you really think so?"

Apple Bloom smiled and nodded. "Ah really do, Scoots. An' by the way, there ain't nothin' wrong with bein' pretty or cute... or even beautiful..."

Scootaloo was flattered from head to hoof. Even Celestia's compliments would pale in comparison to the opinion of her best friend. "That's terribly nice of you, Apple Bloom, but... I'm nowhere near as beautiful as you are..."

Apple Bloom should have (but had never) seen that coming. Now, it was her turn to blush noticeably. "Aw, shucks... Ah didn' even see that one comin'. Ah guess that's what Ah git fer callin' mah friend beautiful. But honestly, Ah don' think Ah'd ever stand a chance against yer fine looks."

The tangerine Pegasus was becoming redder by the second. "I think we'd better stop before this gets out of hoof..."

Apple Bloom decided to have a little fun, slowly inching her muzzle closer to her friend's. "Before what gits outta hoof, Smooch-aloo?" she joked slyly.

Scootaloo had no idea Apple Bloom could be so... enticing. Her lips began to tremble as the two became closer. She knew Apple Bloom wanted this, but she had trouble deciding if she herself wanted it, also. Maybe if she just let it happen, it might not seem like such a bother. So, with slight hesitation, she replied in a playful tone, "Just... the fact that you're about to, you know... kiss me."

Apple Bloom stopped moving when their lips were close to three centimeters apart. She then lidded her eyes half-way and said "An' do ya have a problem with that?"

Scootaloo lidded hers, as well. "Not at all."

Apple Bloom proceeded with her movement, eventually putting their lips together, causing both to close their eyes fully.

Neither of them ever expected the art of kissing to be as wonderful as it was. The first time was made up of pure uncertainty and curiosity. This one was of emotions caused by playfulness and a hint of wanting. There was still a mutually shared sense of oblivious motives between the two. They knew it was still a new feeling. The feeling of mutual acceptance.

In a way, it was a type of 'friends with benefits' agreement. They both had alot of things to think, talk, and be stressed about, and they both had kissing/comforting benefits.

"Ah don' think... Ah ever wanna share this... with anypony else..." Apple Bloom whispered between kisses.

"Same here." Scootaloo pulled away to speak further. "It's actually hard to imagine myself kissing anypony but you."

Apple Bloom smiled. "Yeah, it is. Tell ya what... How about we go on a date this evenin'?"

"Yeah, sure... But wait, are you saying you want to try to fall in love with me?"

"Well, what's wrong with that?"

"I thought ponies only fell in love if they really, really, really liked each other..."

"That's what datin' is for, Scoots. Ah figure if we spend more time together - just you and me - then we'll git ta know each other better. That's what makes ponies fall in love with each other. The only reason ponies would really, really, really like each other is because they know each other so well or they're naturally attracted ta each other or both."

"Ohhhhh..." Scootaloo nodded. "This is still going to be really awkward, though..."

Apple Bloom nuzzled her and put her head against her chest. "Oh, Ah know. But who cares? It's not like anypony's gonna hate us or anythin'..."

Scootaloo sighed. "Yeah, I guess not."

Apple Bloom breathed slowly against her coat. "By the way, Ah do really like ya. Ah'm just not entirely sure yet."

Scootaloo nodded again. Then she froze. "Wait, you... like me?"

Apple Bloom looked up and smiled at her. "Sure do."

Scootaloo smiled back. "Wow... I was never really sure I would find anypony who would like me that way. That's wonderful, Apple Bloom, but I'm not still not sure I like you back..." Apple Bloom's smile faltered and Scootaloo noticed. The orange filly then scooted down to her level, sincerely looking her in the eye. "But maybe this date or the next few will change that. Maybe I'll end up liking you back eventually."

The earth pony smiled again. "Ah sure hope so..." She closed her eyes and sighed contently, knowing she had a chance with her. She wasn't too surprised when she felt Scootaloo's lips on her own again, but she was not one to complain, either. This time, she just let the Pegasus push against hers, letting her take the lead and do whatever she wanted to.

She then felt the startling wetness of Scootaloo's tongue. It made her twitch heavily for a split second. She wondered what the point of this action was. Did she just want to lick her lips, or did she want to go past them?

Feeling another poke, she knew the answer. Perhaps this would be a delight for the both of them, anyway.

Feeling one last prod asking for entrance, Apple Bloom complied and parted her lips for her friend. As soon as she felt orange pony's tongue enter, she began to lose control of her thoughts. They wandered around Scootaloo and how pretty she truly was, how she was brave and willing, and how she constantly tended to get the three of them in trouble.

As soon as the word three crossed her mind, she regained control.

She pulled away quickly, surprising Scootaloo and causing a whimper from her. "Scoots!"

"I'm sorry! I didn't think--"

Apple Bloom shook her head repeatedly. "No, no, that's fine, Ah liked it..."

Scootaloo was relieved. "Oh, well then what? What's wrong?"

There was a long pause.

Finally, Apple Bloom spoke up, her face full of worry. "What'd ya think is gonna happen ta Sweetie Belle?"

Scootaloo froze. "I... I dunno... Where do you think she went last night?"

"Ah don' know either... Ah hope she didn' git too worked up about seein' us together like that. She seemed awfully disappointed 'r disgusted 'r somethin'..."

"Yeah..." Scootaloo rolled out of their embrace to face upward. "...Hey, Apple Bloom?"

"What?"

Scootaloo's eyes darted back and forth between Apple Bloom and the ceiling before she closed them and sighed. "I-I don't feel very comfortable telling anypony else about us... Not even Pinkie Pie."

"Well, o' course not Pinkie Pie, she'd tell all of Ponyville in a jiffy! But... why not anypony else?"

Scootaloo kept looking at the ceiling. "Well... did you see the look Sweetie Belle gave us?"

"Yeah. She looked... rather scarred, like she regretted seein' us like that or like she didn' wanna be 'round us fer awhile..."

"That's what I mean. How do you think everypony else would react?"

Apple Bloom embraced her again. "Ah see what ya mean... An' if ya think about it, nopony reacted too well when they heard about Rainbow Dash an' Fluttershy. Mah sister is prob'ly still cryin' her eyes out, an' Sweetie Belle fainted. From what Ah heard from Big McIntosh, Rarity did, too."

Scootaloo giggled. "It must run in the family."

Apple Bloom laughed as well, before returning to the original topic. "Anywho, Ah guess Ah'm thinkin' the same thing. Besides, they'll all think we're out of our minds."

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "Why would they think that?"

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "Yer still in element'ry, right?" she asked as a half-joke.

"Yeeessss... Duh...?"

"Exactly! So am Ah! We're so young an' little that they'll say it ain't any good fer us. They'll try ta tear us apart. Don't ya see that?"

"Ohhhhh..." Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah, I see... Definitely a no-no then."

Apple Bloom nodded as well. "So, Ah guess what we have ta do is keep it a secret fer now until... well... uhm... well, Ah dunno how long, really..."

"Me neither," said Scootaloo. She then perked her ears up. "Actually, it could be a really long time before we can let them know."

Apple Bloom shrugged. "Well, Ah guess it could..."

The more Scootaloo thought about it all, the more she was filled with anxiety. How did this even happen? It started out as a little bit of comfort and ended up bringing them into a potential relationship. She was so confused, she shut her eyes tight and let them leak uncontrollably.

Apple Bloom took notice and took action. "Oh, Scootaloo, don' cry... Ya don' have ta do that in front o' me..."

Once the Pegasus filly opened her eyes and looked at her, Apple Bloom gasped inwardly. She could see how much this all bothered her, how much she needed somepony there for her. She then held her firmly to her chest, but also as carefully and lovingly as she could, for her pegasus friend seemed quite delicate at the moment. Almost fragile.

"Whatever comes our way, Scootaloo," said Apple Bloom, stroking her friend's mane, "we'll git through it together, ya hear?"

Scootaloo sniffed and nodded. "I hear."

Apple Bloom kissed the top of her head gently, inhaling the scent of her mane and nuzzling her for good measure. "Ya know what ya remind me of?" she whispered softly.

Scootaloo thought for a second before shrugging. "No. What?"

"The most beautiful sunset," Apple Bloom finished.

Scootaloo tried to put the pieces together, wondering how that would make sense. "I-I don't get it..."

"Well, what's not ta git?"

Scootaloo shrugged again. "I dunno, just... I guess I just don't see the similarities..."

"Oh," said the earth pony, "well, picture any old sunset on the water, first. Now make the sky the color of yer eyes, the clouds the color of yer mane, and finally, the sun the color of yer coat. That, in mah opinion, is the most beautiful sunset."

There were a few short seconds of silence before the reaction. "Wow..." said Scootaloo. "That's so touching, Apple Bloom. Pretty sappy, but still touching. Where did you even think of that?"

Apple Bloom recalled the memory easily. "It was the very first time Ah saw ya. When both you an' Sweetie Belle came out from under the table at that dumb party. You were the first ta speak up, and that made me look at ya. That's when Ah imagined it, yer colors reminded me so much of the sun an' the sky an' the water an' the clouds... It was jus' too much, so Ah didn' say anythin'. Ah figured it would be really super awkward for ya, anyway."

"You can say that again..." the orange filly giggled.

"Yeah..." Apple nuzzled her sweetly. "Listen, Ah'm sure Sweetie Belle will be fine, she jus' needs some time ta think about it an' git used to it."

"Yeah, but what are we gonna do?"

Apple Bloom sighed. "Ah don' really know, Scoots..."

Scootaloo snuggled further into her chest, basking in her sweet scent of red delicious.

As they lay in bed together, Apple Bloom looked at her again, a feeling of warmth coming over her. But it also felt like that warmth was barely staying with her. She wished this warm feeling would never leave, and that everything would end up okay.

She knew that, like the seasons, everything would come and go. If anything were to stay, there was only one thing she would always want to keep for herself.

The filly in her forelegs.

She couldn't even think of any reason that Scootaloo would have to leave, but she still hoped to Celestia that it would never occur.

She might just go insane, and probably end up doing things she would regret later if her sunset were to leave her and never return.

Her sunset...

A specific song came to her mind as her thoughts blazed.

She began singing slowly, as if it were a lullaby.

"The springtime brings out... the brightest green in things...

And... the tiny sprouts push... the soil from their way... Mr. Sun, please don't go away...

'Cause the winter saddened all the flowers, and the oceans turned to grey...

And the sky cried down for days and days... Mr. Sun, please don't go away...

The bird and bees sing... happy things as they fly into the sky...

And... lonely trees grow... families in their leaves... Mr. Sun, stay here, won't you please...

'Cause the winter saddened all the flowers and the oceans turned to grey...

And the sky cried down for days and days... Mr. Sun, please don't go away...

Mmmmm...

Mmmmm...

Mmmmm... Mmmmm..."

She heard and felt the Pegasus sigh against her contently. There was just enough peace inside Apple Bloom that she also let one out. Nothing could ruin this.

Nothing could ruin this moment.

There was a light knock on the door, snapping them both from their thoughts. "Who is it?" asked Apple Bloom.

"It's Applejack."

Their eyes widened.

"Ya need ta git up now, lazy-flank! It's past twelve, ya hear?"

They looked at each other. "Hide!" whispered Apple Bloom. Scootaloo nodded quickly, removed the covers, rolled off the bed, and hid underneath it. They then heard Applejack lower her voice, talking to somepony else.

"That sounds fine, Rarity... Ah'll see ya then an' there, sugarcube. Travel safely now. Bye..."

'What in Equestria is Rarity doing here?' thought Apple Bloom.

She then heard her sister raise her voice to the level it was before. "Come on, Apple Bloom! Git on up! There's pie waitin' fer ya downstairs, ya know..."

This got her excited. "Pie!?" she exclaimed. "What kind?"

"Apple."

Apple pie may have been getting old, but pie was still pie, and pie was yummy, nonetheless. "Okay, then. Ah'll be right out, jus' hold on a minute..." She hopped off the bed and looked under it. "Will ya be alright fer a couple minutes while Ah go have some breakfast?" she whispered. "Ah'll bring ya some..."

Scootaloo looked at her, interested. "Pie?" she whispered back.

"We have it fer breakfast once ev'ry week," replied the earth pony.

Scootaloo smiled. "Oh, okay. Sounds good. I can stay under here for awhile, I guess."

"Well, alrighty then." Apple Bloom stood up. "See ya in a few minutes. You can do whatever ya please as long as ya don' get caught. Ponies might become suspicious..."

"Yeah, I got it. Now go get some breakfast." She shooed her away.

'Oh, the 'up's and 'down's of a possible relationship...' she thought.

Author's Note

Hello!

I'm pretty sure there are a bunch of mistakes in this one. If you see any, please let me know.

By the way, this story will be about twenty chapters long, but there will be several following the same plot.

p.s. - anyone who reads this should look up that song by Kina Grannis called Mr. Sun.

A New Point Of View

•)17(•

A New Point Of View

After a finding directions, getting lost twice, and a good ten minutes, he finally found the darned place.

He felt ridiculous after searching for that long because it was completely out in the open. Not only did it have it's own building, but it also had a large sign that was have as big as the structure, itself. That, and the whole thing was a dome, painted a bright turquoise with thin, light-blue, vertical stripes.

Needless to say, he was worn out. He could have sworn he looked around this street twice before already. But, whether he really did or not, he was now officially hungry, thus eagerly walking inside.

Inside, there was a lady at the front. Her coat was turquoise like the building, and her mane light-blue like its stripes. She looked at him and smiled as he walked up to the stand. "Are you with anypony?" she asked.

Spike nodded. "Yeah, a pink earth-pony and a purple unicorn. Did you see them come in here?"

She nodded back and hoofed him a menu. "Yes, they came in here. I believe their table is somewhere in the back left corner."

"Thanks."

~ * * * ~

The four of them sat at one circular table. Both Pinkie Pie and Twilight watched the two ponies with dumbfounded expressions. The two were just adorable together, despite how different they were. They looked pretty happy with each other, too.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo watched as well, the former having the most trouble believing what she was seeing.

"Uh, hello...?"

They all looked at the source of the greeting, seeing a small dragon waiting with a menu in hand. "What were you all staring at?"

Knowing that he would be devastated, Scootaloo jumped into action, pulling up a chair from another table and grabbing him, forcing him to sit in it. "Nothing! Just, uh... Nothing, really! Just don't look to the right because it's, uh... not nearly as interesting to look at as everything else!"

He looked around the table he was apparently sitting at. Twilight was at his right, Scootaloo his left, Pinkie Pie at the northwest corner of his vision, Apple Bloom northeast. They all nodded in agreement with Scootaloo, accept Twilight, who face-hoofed, apparently thinking it was a lame reason.

Feeling suspicious, he looked at the unicorn and asked "And just why shouldn't I look to the right, Twilight?"

She sighed heavily and looked the rest of the group. "He's going to find out eventually, don't you think?"

"Find out what?" Spike was growing ever curious now.

The other three had stopped smiling, knowing Twilight was right. It was Apple Bloom's turn to sigh now. "Go ahead, Spike..."

Hesitantly, he did. He turned his head to the right and saw something he never thought he'd see. His heart almost stopped.

Clear in his vision, two tables away, there were two mares sitting together. One of which was a sweet-talking, easy-going, apple-bucking farm pony. The other was glamorous, beautiful, jewel-loving drama queen.

The latter being his crush, of course, who was gazing at the farm pony almost lovingly.

He turned his head back to the group. "What!? How--! She--...! But--!! She... I-I..." He was clearly at a loss for words at this point, but then he realized how loud he was being. 'Oh, no... This is not happening! I can't let anypony see me like this!' "Ladies..." he said quietly, "I have to go... I gotta get out of here... I can't let Rarity see me..."

His appetite gone, he stood up from the chair. "...Bye." He then moped out the door without another word.

Scootaloo looked everypony else sorrowfully. "I guess there's no telling if that could've gone any better..."

Apple Bloom nodded slowly. "Guess not."

~ * * * ~

The yellow pegasus lazily opened her eyes to what she did not know was the mid-afternoon rays of the sun.

She looked around and took in her surroundings, trying get used to the sunlight, but that was the only movement she could make, for she was still trapped in her lover's firm but gentle embrace.

The strong forelegs of her fillyfriend wrapped around her were keeping her from escaping. She felt protected from anything and everything this way. It may have been the most comforting position she'd ever experienced, but she did need get her day started eventually. Not that she would have minded staying like this, though...

She wiggled softly to possibly get Rainbow Dash's attention. The sky-blue pegasus stirred a bit and slowly began to open her eyes, seeing the smiling face of Fluttershy. Rainbow rolled over so the yellow pegasus was on top of her, earning a small, startled squeak from said pegasus. Rainbow breathed deeply and kissed her tenderly, taking in her scent and then pulling away.

"Good morning, sweetie," she greeted.

Fluttershy nuzzled her gently and giggled. "I would say 'good morning', too, but I'm not really sure if it's still morning..."

Rainbow looked around for a clock. Spotting one on the bedside table at Fluttershy's side of the bed, her eyes widened.

She then looked back at Fluttershy. "How... How long were we... uhm..."

Fluttershy knew what she wanted to know. "Oh...! Uhm... I don't really know. W-we must have been... up for quite awhile, I guess..."

The last thing that Rainbow needed was to be late for work. And after a stunt like leaving without any notification, it definitely didn't help her reputation. "Well... at least I know what kind of weather we're supposed to have today, and as long as I get it done before my shift is over, my boss doesn't really care." She then looked out the window, eyeing the few clouds with a hint of guilt at first, but then with determination. She then turned back to Fluttershy. "Uh... can I be back in, uh... like twenty seconds? I need to bring in some clouds for a little drizzle we're supposed to have today..."

Fluttershy lidded her eyes half-way and smiled seductively. "I dunno, Rainbow Dash... can you be back in twenty seconds?"

Rainbow stopped moving for a short time, suddenly under the spell of the mare on top of her. "I... I, uh..."

Fluttershy planted a small kiss on her lips, just long enough for Rainbow to sit up when she pulled back, as if wanting more. When they parted, Fluttershy sat up, letting the covers fall off of her. She then soothingly ran her hooves up and down Rainbow's chest and belly. "I think you can..."

The daredevil pegasus was dumbstruck and entranced fully by now. There was almost no way out for her. "...Fluttershy... I-I... need to... I h-have... have t-to... g-go and... mmmmm... Oh w-wow, that's good..." She closed her eyes and breathed in a long hiss at her lover's touch. Then she realized what was happening. She didn't want to stop, seeing as she might offend her, but maybe there was a another way to gain control. Maybe she could turn this around with her own medicine.

Silently and unnoticeably, she brought her hooves to the sides of Fluttershy's flank and began to rub sensually. The shy mare was made uneasy by the surprising caress, but she soon found the motion soothing, melting into it.

Rainbow wanted to have complete control over her before she reminded her of her schedule. She touched everywhere she could on her flank to see if she could find a soft spot. Of course, her entire body was soft, she knew that from last night. She was just surprised she hasn't found a spot that she could truly capture her with. Nearing her tail, she felt Fluttershy spasm and she could hear her give out a soft moan. She inched closer to the base of her tail, only to have her move more wildly. She must have been getting close. Fluttershy had given up on rubbing her chest and belly at this point. Rainbow put both hooves at the base of her tail and applied the slightest pressure.

That did it.

"Ohhhhhh...!"

Rainbow felt successful. The feeling accomplishment grew within her. She felt in charge now.

FUMP!

Fluttershy had fallen right next to her, completely limp.

The feeling was now gone.

Rainbow opened her eyes and looked to her left to find the yellow pegasus with her face turned toward her. It was apparent that she was out cold. Rainbow immediately felt guilty, knowing it was her fault.

Well, at least she found her weak spot...

Hoping that Fluttershy wouldn't be too upset with her, she covered her with the sheets and slid out of the bed, looking toward the sky through the window with determination.

'Twenty seconds... tops...'

~ * * * ~

After their lunch was over, Applejack and Rarity had left the restaurant, trotting happily back to the boutique.

"You know, Applejack," said the unicorn, as they walked, "I'm still confused about what you meant when you said I'm selling myself short..."

They reached the doorstep. Rarity by the door and waited for an answer. Applejack looked around to find out if anypony was near at the time. Unfortunately, there were several. That, and she noticed the accumulating darker clouds in the sky. She then looked back at Rarity and said "Step inside an' Ah'll tell ya. Ah reckon it's about ta rain, anyhow."

They both did so, Applejack even wiping her hooves when she came in, knowing the white unicorn would be displeased if she didn't. Rarity walked over and sat on a nearby sofa, Applejack following, only she decided not to sit, but instead she stood directly in front of her. "What Ah meant was... Y'all think it's a pretty neat an' fancy idea ta wear so many different accessories, right?"

Rarity could already see where this was going. She didn't like it one bit, though. She nodded. "I believe that they enhance the feminine side of one's appearance. There's nothing wrong with that now, is there?"

Applejack shook her head. "O' course there ain't nothin' wrong with that. Ah just think ya might look even better... i-if ya tried not puttin' any on fer a change."

Rarity stood up. "That's absurd!" She then looked away. "I can't do that! I'll look awful!"

"You know don't know that, sugarcube... Have ya ever even tried it before?"

"Well, no... I-I was raised this way, I guess..."

Applejack stood up, also. "Ya said ya wanted mah simplicity, right?"

Rarity nodded.

"Then why don't ya give this a try on our next date, missy? It would really mean alot ta me, ya know..."

Rarity couldn't think of a good enough reason to argue. "Well... Alright. I suppose if it means something to you than I have no reason to be rude or argue with you. Very well, I'll come with the least amount of makeup that I can."

Applejack smiled. "That's close ta none, right?"

Rarity nodded again. "Yes, it is. Sadly..." She then began to sniffle and tear up a tad bit.

Seeing her tiny wet tear streaks, Applejack sighed for what felt like the hundredth time. She lifted the unicorn's chin to look at her sincerely. "Ah'll tell ya what..."

Rarity looked at her again and tried to stopped her crying.

Applejack gently wiped her tears with a hoof. "Y'all can wear a necklace, alright?"

Rarity hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Applejack..."

"But nothin' fancy an' only one, ya hear?"

"I understand. I promise to only wear one."

The farm pony then hugged her back. "Thanks, sugarcube."

Applejack was taken back by how much Rarity loved to give hugs. At least, to her. She was really just a big cuddle-bunny underneath all the perfume and makeup. Applejack smiled, knowing how much this pony loved her, seeing as she would go as far as not wearing any makeup for her.

Then it hit her. This pony really did love her, and she knew that she didn't love her back. At least, not yet. It must have broken her heart to know it, too.

Feeling a small urge, she pulled back from the embrace and looked her in the eyes. She then leaned forward and kissed her, gentle and heartfelt. The unicorn was surprised by the action, but accepted it graciously, kissing her back.

Applejack knew there was no turning her back on her now. She knew she needed to follow through with it.

Rarity then pulled away and let go of her, recomposing herself. "Okay, then. I'm going to go plan our date for tomorrow. I'll be in my room if you need anything, alright, dear?"

"You bet, Rarity."

The unicorn smiled and walked over to her bedroom door. "See you tomorrow, Applejack..."

"Yeah, see ya tomorrow." Applejack walked toward the front door and headed outside.

~ * * * ~

She stood still, staring out toward the direction she knew she was bound to go. She knew this road may not have been the best, but it was the only one she could think of. Her saddlebags rested firmly on her back.

She looked in the other direction as the train came into the station in all of its colorful glory. As it came to a stop, her heart began to beat faster.

This was it.

She slowly started walking toward it, only to be stopped by a soft claw on her shoulder. The fact that it was a claw indicated who had stopped her.

"How will you manage to get on?" asked Spike.

"I'm just going to sneak on," she said without turning to look at him.

"Well, you won't have to."

This caused her to turn around. "Huh?"

He was carrying two bags of his own and wearing a black fedora. "I have a way of payment for the trip."

"Where are you going?" she asked quizzically.

"Wherever you're going, I guess." He set his bags down and unbuttoned one of the pockets, reaching in and pulling out a yellow jewel.

"But why are you leaving, too?"

Spike picked up his bags and looked at the train, the jewel still in his hand. "I-I'll tell you on the way. Come on, let's get outta here..."

Sweetie Belle was confused, but she followed him, anyway.

At least she had a friend to go with now. A friend to go to Canterlot with.

Author's Note

Quick announcement! There won't be another chapter posted for awhile because of schooling issues. You can expect one in between the beginning and middle of March. That, and thank you for all the comments you all have posted!

Confirmation

•)3(•

Confirmation

Thoughts were blazing around Dash's mind as she soared at ridiculous speeds toward her cloud home.

'AHHH! What did I just DO!? Why did I JUST DO IT!? Did I ENJOY it!? WHY DID I EN--'

BAM!

As Dash pulled her head out of the newest hole in the outside wall of her house, a new thought crossed her mind.

"Wait..." she thought aloud. "Did I enjoy it...?"

She then closed her eyes, trying to remember what it felt like to have Fluttershy's hoof running through her mane. 'It was gentle,' she thought, 'soft, smooth, sorta soothing, maybe even a little--' she stopped at her next thought.

'Romantic? Was it really romantic? It sure felt like it...'

At this point, she was utterly confused. She could've sworn it was romantic. Nopony ever touched her mane like that, Fluttershy being an exception.

Wait, what made her an exception? Why would she let her do that?

Now she was just tired of thinking about it all. Her head was starting to hurt, the crash prior to these thoughts not helping.

She walked into her house and into her bedroom to get some sleep. Maybe that would help clear her mind, which she needed desperately at this moment.

~ * * * ~

It may have been seen as odd to find Fluttershy sitting in one spot for as long she was, seeing as how she usually has some business with friends or animals at about this time of day. Today, she did not. That was the particular oddness about it, too. The lack of activity. This was not to say that she was always on the move, but that the length of time she spent sitting in this one spot was definitely unlike her.

As you may have guessed, she was thinking, but also waiting. Waiting for an answer, thinking of several different outcomes of the circumstance she was in.

She was in a circumstance where she couldn't exactly say or decide what the outcome would happen to be. As of now, it all depended on what Rainbow Dash thought. This was precisely what she was waiting for. And she would keep waiting until she got an answer.

She happened to be sitting in front of the front door of her cottage, staring out at the few clouds that still happened to be out at this time of year. Anypony would be able to see that she was anxiously awaiting something, or rather, somepony.

It boggled her, really: why she felt this way for her friend. Why she felt attracted her. She knew how. She knew what. It was her assertiveness, her overprotective nature, her loyalty, her example, her prism colored mane, her eyes. Her angelic, magenta eyes. Her own were simply green-ish. Green-ish with loads of envy.

Sometimes Fluttershy wondered if Rainbow even knew the color of her own eyes, seeing as how the daredevil doesn't see herself as very feminine. She must have a mirror somewhere, though.

Even so, they needed to be pointed out eventually. Nothing as beautiful as them should go unnoticed, especially by the owner.

Fluttershy kept her skyward gaze firm, not intending on looking away. She wanted an answer. She needed an answer.

After waiting for about ten minutes, she came to realize that to need one thing is to require another.

She needed an answer. She required patience...

...And she would be patient.

She would wait until the end of Equestria for this answer.

~ * * * ~

A good nap always used to clear one's mind. That is, if they didn't happen to be struggling with romantic-situations-with-your-fillyhood-friend-which-you-don't-know-the-potential-of issues at the moment.

Almost needless to say, Dash awoke with headache. Not bad, just annoying.

"Ugh... I hate headaches..." she groaned, sitting up and raising a hoof to her forehead. "I don't even get headaches that often..."

Slowly getting out of bed, she began to remember her dream she'd had. Her nap was not empty. No, it was filled with things like butter-covered skies and an overall sense of comfort.

She remembered walking around--no, no, she wouldn't be walking... No, flying. She was flying. She remembered flying through a butter-scented sky, feeling a strange need to find ground. However, one of Dash's favorite scents was butter. She loved butter! She couldn't get enough of the stuff! After having a good-sized whiff, she let out a long sigh, a smile following.

Just in front of her, she saw what she thought to be... a living room? Yes, a living room was approaching out of the butter sky. To be more specific, a doorway with the view of the living room. It had light pink carpet, walls of the same buttery yellow as the sky that was around her, a couch in that same color in the middle of the room, and a window that was in front of the couch. She couldn't quite see out of it from the angle she was at.

She began to grow tired from all the flying she had been doing absentmindedly. The couch looked quite inviting. She was also curious as to what would be seen out that window. Turning to look at the sky she so loved the aroma of, she noticed what looked like liquid butter in the form of a soft, thin whirlwind, leading downward.

She then looked down toward where it seemed to be leading. The ground it led to looked to be butter spread. The whirlwind was carving words in it. After it was finished, the whirlwind had vanished. She then looked at what it had to say.

"I don't mind if you need to rest..." it read.

She knew immediately what it meant. She turned to look at the living room again, before letting herself glide into it.

Setting herself onto the creamy yellow couch, she folded her wings and gave a small stretch before getting completely relaxed, with her hind legs stretched out across one end. As she laid her head down near the center of the couch, she let out a contented sigh, completely at ease.

After a few minutes of rest, curiosity took over and she sat up to look out the window. She put her lower hooves on the floor so she would be more awake to see. The sight was astounding.

She didn't exactly know what she was staring at, but she was most definitely staring.

It was almost as if the sky had been doused in the colors of nature. Or maybe the nature of color. Probably the first. Either way, it was more than just anything to look at. The sky-like image was a light shade of teal, fading into jet black towards the middle of it. The ground beneath the image was missing.

The whole sight was strangely comforting. It almost looked like an eye. Not watching her, but rather, watching over her.

She made a small connection as she stood all fours now, walking over to the windowsill. 'Huh,' she thought. 'Kinda reminds me of--wait what is this?' She then looked down at what she was stepping on. Not only was it light pink, but was it almost wave-like. It started from one end of the room to the other.

This was when she made a bigger connection. Much bigger.

She needed to leave. She didn't want to believe it all. She wanted to rid herself of this living room. But alas, when she looked at where the door was, it was no longer. As she looked around, she knew there was only one way she could--

White. She remembered seeing white.

Ah, yes. Awake at last.

Her eyes widened and she dropped a mug of apple juice from Sweet Apple Acres as she realized the significance of her dream.

After hearing the absence of anything clinking or spilling, she looked down only to find a new hole in the cloud floor, mug-shaped. Through the hole, she could see that her house (thanks to the wind) was directly above Sweet Apple Acres. It would be found eventually.

"Applejack's gonna kill me..."

The thought was horrifying. That Stetson-clad, tree-bucking, orange mare was just that overprotective of her apples.

But that conversation would have to wait. She needed to talk to Fluttershy now...

Simple Meanings

•)16(•

Simple Meanings

The last thing she needed for her departure was an extra scarf. Everything else had been checked off of her list.

'Oh, I hope Rarity doesn't show up anytime soon...'

She stopped searching for the scarf as she realized something.

"Where is she, anyhow?"

She had been gone all night and she still had not returned. She hoped she was at least alright...

She continued her search, hoping she wouldn't have to borrow one of Rarity's scarves, for she would never hear the end of it.

Then again... She might not be there to hear it, anyway, for she would be gone.

She looked by the door, seeing her sister's emergency scarf hanging on a coat rack. She grabbed it and brought it to her room to pack it.

There was nothing else on the list, so there was only one thing left to do...

Leave without so much as a goodbye.

~ * * * ~

She sat still on a fluffy pillow and anxiously watched Twilight search through another book on interpreting dreams. This one was blue, so that made it slightly more interesting to look at.

Pinkie's eye began to twitch. Twilight had been at it for hours now. Two hours. She apparently had no luck in finding out what Pinkie's dream meant. Pinkie had a thought bouncing around in her head and she really wanted to tell Twilight about it, but she had been advised not to bother her when she was doing research.

Pinkie knew the eye-twitch meant something. She knew what it meant, too. However, she had not gotten around to telling Twilight what it meant yet.

The sound of nothing save for pages turning now and then was beginning to build up her end to sitting still, making her sweat, but then she had an idea.

She stretched her right hoof into the air and held it as high as she could, hoping to be noticed. If this didn't work, she might just burst into flames, for her impatience was that of a gas closing in on a helplessly lit match. She wiggled her hoof around lightly at first, then a little more enthusiastically, and finally, at record-breaking speeds. Seeing that this didn't get the unicorn's attention, she jumped into the air, ready to let all pink fury loose.

"Yes, Pinkie Pie?"

Pinkie sat back down as if nothing had happened, and let a breath she had been holding in. "Oh, thank goodness!" she exclaimed. "I didn't think I could take it any longer!"

Twilight raised a brow.

"Anywho," continued Pinkie, "I think I know what my dream means now."

Twilight looked at her quizzically. "What? How could you possibly know what it means? You haven't been reading over my shoulder, have you?"

"My left eye was a-twitch-a-twitchin'."

Twilight shut the book and sighed heavily. "Okay... What does it mean, Pinkie?"

Pinkie stood up and starting trotting toward the front door. "It means there's going to be a new couple, in a new place, in a new generation."

Twilight stood up and followed her. "New generation?" she asked. "What does that mean?"

Pinkie opened the door and gestured for her to walk outside. "Well, the next generation down from our generation would be Apple Bloom's or Sweetie Belle's age. So..."

Twilight waved her off and walked out into the cool noon air. "Okay, scratch that. I know what a generation is." She turned around and looked at Pinkie as she closed the door. "Wait... Wouldn't that mean it would be several years before this happened?"

Pinkie shook her head and walked up next to her. "Not necessarily."

Twilight was becoming more confused. "Wait... What do you mean by..." She stopped walking and gasped, coming to realize what she meant. She then quickened her pace to keep up with Pinkie Pie. "Oh, wow... But that's so early for ponies so young, isn't it?"

"Maybe. But it's probably just a simple crush they have on each other." Pinkie put more spring in her step to entertain herself. "Didn't you ever have a crush on somepony when you were little, Twilight?"

"No, I didn't," Twilight informed her. "I've never really been a very social pony, so I never really found anypony I liked..."

Pinkie face-hoofed. "Silly me, I should've known that. Well, neither did I!"

Twilight took time to ponder why Pinkie asked her. She stopped pondering immediately, seeing as she knew she wouldn't get anywhere trying to figure out Pinkie's motives. "So... Where are we going?"

"To the newest restaurant in town," Pinkie replied without looking at her.

"Oh, okay... Is this another date?"

"If you want it to be."

"Okay... Then... let's treat it like it's not a date just to see which way we like better."

"Okie-dokie-lokie!"

Twilight tried to think of other interesting things to talk about. "Uhm... Do you know who the two young ponies are, anyway?"

"Weeelllll..." Pinkie thought back to who was in her dream besides herself and Twilight. Coming to a realization, she stopped walking. "Wait!!" She stopped Twilight from walking also. "It's--... it's--..." She froze. "Oh my..."

"What?" Twilight took her chance to speak. "You know who the new couple is?"

The party pony didn't say anything, but instead, she grabbed Twilight's hoof and darted toward the newest restaurant, causing the unicorn to give out a startled shout.

"Where are we going now!?" Twilight asked, her voice being shaken from the bumpy method of travel through Ponyville.

"Still the same place!" Pinkie's voice was shaken also, but not as shaken.

"Well, what's it called!?"

"You'll see!"

~ * * * ~

"What'd ya say this place was called, again?"

Rarity looked up from her sunflower soup. She set her spoon aside as if it were delicate and wiped her mouth using the napkin in her lap. "Slice of The Ocean, dear. It's a seafood restaurant, if you hadn't noticed already. It's supposed to be as much like the world under the sea as possible. Without the water, of course..."

"Ah can see that," replied Applejack, looking around at the decor of the place. It looked nothing like what she imagined the bottom of the sea would appear to be. Then again, she had never been to the bottom of the ocean now, had she?

Almost every table seemed to be taken. Today was only the restaurant's second day in business, so ponies were still trying it out. Applejack could only imagine what was like around dinnertime, rather than lunch.

There were giant fish tanks everywhere, but they were integrated into the decor and design, so none of which stood out from another. At the entrance, there was sand and seashells spread out across the floor, as if one were about to take a dive to the bottom of the sea. On the walls, there were murals of ponies who lived there, all of which had scales and fishtails where their hind legs would usually be. One other curious thing about them was that, instead of having tails like earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi would have, they had colors in their scales that matched their mane.

"You know, Applejack..."

The farm pony shook her head and turned her attention toward her date. "Beg pardon?"

Rarity giggled at her crush's sudden energy. "I was just going to say that I've always wondered what it'd be like to be a sea-horse..."

Applejack removed her hat and placed it under the table as she noticed the short little waiter with a large tray of their food balanced on his head. He looked to be having trouble squeezing between tables, chairs, and ponies. "Hold on jus' a minute..." said Applejack, as she stood up from her chair and went to help the poor waiter.

Rarity watched as the farm pony cleared the way for him, moving empty chairs and politely asking ponies to scoot a little if needed and possible. The path was clear after a short time. As they came closer to their table, Rarity could see that he was middle-aged and mild-mannered. His coat was light brown, and his mane and tail were a lighter shade of tan. "Thank you very much, ma'am," he said as they reached the table. His voice was deep and slimly scratchy, causing Rarity to jump mildly.

Applejack sat back down and smiled. "Oh, it weren't nothin' much, but y'all are welcome."

He smiled a polite little waiter's smile. "Well, it sure helped, ma'am." He then set the tray down on an empty table nearby. He turned around to face them one of their orders in his hoof. "Crispy Barbequed Seaweed with Carrot Sticks?"

"That one's mine," confirmed Applejack, "but would ya be so kind as ta give mah fillyfriend her own meal first?"

Stunned, Rarity raised both eyebrows.

The waiter coughed a polite little waiter's cough after hearing fillyfriend. He honestly did not have a problem with the word, but it still made him slightly uncomfortable. He then recomposed himself and turned around to switch plates. "Very well, ma'am," he said, still smiling. "Then it'll be the Simmered Seaweed with Toast and Jam, I suppose?"

"If tha's the one..." said Applejack, looking toward her date.

"Yes, it is." Rarity nodded. The waiter took her finished sunflower soup and placed the plate of food in front her and went to get the other one. "Thank you, sir."

He looked at her and smiled a polite little waiter's smile. "You're welcome, Miss." He then gave Applejack her own food, as well.

"Thank ya kindly, good sir." She placed her napkin in her lap and looked at him gratefully.

"No problem." He then took the big tray and placed it back on his head to carry it back the way he came.

As he walked away, Rarity waited for him to be out of earshot to speak. "That was... shocking, Applejack... I never knew you could be so... uhm... I don't want to say ladylike... But more in the lines of... polite and, uhm... Well, I never knew you had such etiquette."

Applejack waved her off. "Aw, don' sweat it, sugarcube. Ah do know how ta have good manners on a date, ya know. Didn' Ah ever tell ya how Ah lived in Manehatten fer awhile?"

"Oh yes, of course. I remember that. How silly of me... Thank you, by the way." She gestured toward her plate.

"Anythin' fer you, sweetie." Applejack grabbed her fork with a hoof and her knife with her mouth.

Rarity hesitated to grab any of her utensils. "What was that?"

Applejack put her knife back down to talk. "Do Ah need ta repeat mahself?"

Rarity shook her head. "Oh, no, no... I just thought it sounded unlike you to say something like that to me, that's all." She then noticed Applejack grabbing the knife with her mouth again. "Oh, here! Let me do it for you, darling." She then use her magic to levitate Applejacks plate over to her side of the table. She levitated her own knife and fork as well, using them to neatly cut up her seaweed into small bites. When she was finished, she levitated it back to Applejack's side. "There you go, dear."

Applejack smiled kindly. "Ah appreciate that Rarity. Ah reckon Ah would've had a tough time with it, mahself."

The unicorn proceeded to use the same method to cut her own food. "No worries. I'm just trying to be a good fillyfriend. You, on the other hoof, seem to have that talent naturally."

Applejack blushed and then sighed. "Well, here's the truth... Ah honestly don' know why Ah've been actin' this way. Maybe Ah'm already startin' ta come around ta likin' ya back."

Rarity finished cutting. She now knew why Applejack was behaving this way. "Let me tell you something, Applejack... When somepony knows that somepony else likes them, they tend to behave better than usual, as if to not make a bad impression. You must remember that I have a crush on you."

"Yeah, Ah know, Ah know..." Applejack rubbed her neck.

Rarity tried to think of something else to talk about. When she blinked, she had an idea. "By the way... what do you think of my new fake eyelashes?"

Applejack observed her eyes and their accessories. "Ah think they look lovely, Rarity..."

Rarity smiled. "Thank you. I thought they were maybe a bit plain..."

The farm pony sighed again. "...But Ah also think yer sellin' yerself short."

The white unicorn was surprised at the comment and sunk back in her chair. "Oh, I knew it...!" she exclaimed quietly. "I just knew they were not showy enough. I'll just have to--"

"No, no, tha's not what Ah meant..." Applejack cut her off. Rarity looked at her sadly. "Ah'm sorry, sugarcube. Ah didn' mean fer ya ta take it that way... Ah'll explain what Ah meant when we're done here, just... try not ta look so glum, alright?"

Rarity nodded and started eating.

~ * * * ~

At the entrance, Pinkie and Twilight were sitting, waiting to be seated. Twilight, despite the fact that she did no running whatsoever, was exhausted. Pinkie, on the other hoof, was perfectly fine, still full of energy.

Pinkie closed her eyes and hummed a catchy time while waiting patiently. She then felt Twilight lean against her. She opened her eyes and saw that she had fallen asleep.

'Poor Twilight... I guess I was going to fast for her...'

She sighed and continued humming quietly. She then heard the door open and then what sounded like two sets of smaller hoofsteps.

"Two, please!" two fillies said in unison.

Then there was an older female voice. "Sorry, you two... We can't get you a table unless you have at least one adult with you."

"Aw, what?" Pinkie recognized the voice.

"That ain't fair..." The second one even more so.

"Sorry, kids..."

"Well, Ah guess we'll jus' have ta head back home then, Scootaloo..."

Pinkie opened her eyes, seeing two sad fillies with their heads hung, walking back outside. She felt immediate sadness, but then she felt something else. It felt like she was hit with a load of bricks as she noticed who it was. She immediately jumped from the bench she was sitting on and opened the door. "Hey, come back!" she called.

They stopped and turned around. "Pinkie Pie?" they said simultaneously.

"Yeah, it's me! Come back!" she gestured for them to come back inside the restaurant.

They looked at each other briefly before walking back toward the building. "Well, okay then..." said Apple Bloom.

Pinkie Pie turned around and looked at the lady at the front. "Don't worry, they're with me!"

The two fillies smiled and walked in.

~ * * * ~

This gem had a significant deliciousness that seemed to stand out from all the others he had tasted before. Perhaps it was the jam, after all. Spike took care of his plate and looked around for something else to do.

"Maybe I'll see what's on Twilight's agenda for the day. That way I might be able to help her get things done early." He swiped a quill from a nearby table and walked over to Twilight's desk. Looking at it, he saw mouthwriting that wasn't Twilight's. He knew this because of the simple fact that it was mouthwriting. Twilight only used magic to write, so it must have been Pinkie Pie's.

Dear Spike,

Twilight and I have gone to the new seafood restaurant in town called Slice of The Ocean to get some lunch. You can come along if you want.

Spike was surprised that was all she wrote. He figured she probably left many minor details in her words. He didn't really care, be he was curious about one thing...

"Seafood? I've never really tried seafood before. Eh, I guess I'll give it a shot."

He then put the quill back where he found it and jogged out the door, intent on finding directions to Slice of The Ocean.

Author's Note

Tell me what y'all think. It was written pretty quickly. Say anything you like.