'I can't believe I'm doing this.' Rainbow Dash thought as she was walking towards Fluttershy's cottage. 'This is so stupid, she doesn't like me like that......I think' Dash had been in emotional turmoil ever since her visit to Twilight's. Rainbow Dash had finally come to terms with herself as far as love goes. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she was always in love with Fluttershy. She wouldn't ever let herself believe it though. Admitting that to herself would bring back the memories of her fillyhood. 'Stop!' Rainbow Dash almost screamed at herself. She knew that if she thought too much about it, an episode like yesterday would take place.

'Okay Dash, you got this, just act casual. Yeah casual. Just talk about boring things and then ask if she wants to go on a picnic or something. Perfect.' Rainbow felt much better now that she actually had a plan. She saw the pale yellow mare in the distance. She stopped in her tracks and took a moment just to take in her beauty. At least...she tried to put worded thoughts to Fluttershy. She couldn't though, because the sure beauty of the scene in front of her practically melted her thoughts. When she did finally recover, she thought of a word to describe the scene. The only word powerful enough to describe it was....Fluttershy.

After Dash wiped the drool off her face, she trotted onward. After a few steps, she took to the air and flew behind Fluttershy as to surprise her.

She covered Fluttershy's eyes and said in a light voice, "Guess who" To which Fluttershy screeched and flung Rainbow over her shoulder into the soft grass.

"Oh my goodness Rainbow Dash are you okay? I'm so sorry." Fluttershy felt guilty.

"I'm okay, at least I think. My back hurts a little now, but it's all good." Rainbow Dash's plan had already fallen apart. "So uh..how was your day today?" Rainbow asked sheepishly.

"Uneventful to say the least, but you didn't come down here just to see how I was. I'm flattered by your concern but what's the real reason you're here?" It never ceased to amaze Rainbow Dash just how perceptive Fluttershy was.

"W-well I..I uh....oh would you look at the time! I gotta go...uhhh...sleep! Yeah that's it, sleep!" Rainbow Dash then sped off towards her cloud castle. 'Stupid! Stupid! Why can't you just say it? You're a wuss Dash! Get it together!' The only thing Dash had on her mind was escape. Escape from everything. From her fears, her life, her love.

Smack! Rainbow Dash crashed into the ground. She was so deep in thought she forgot to maintain altitude.

"Wake up, Rainbow Dash, wake up. It's me, Fluttershy. You took a nasty fall and you hurt your wing pretty bad. You won't be flying for a few days, unless you want your wing to be even worse and risk never flying again." Fluttershy had taken adequate care of Rainbow for the past few hours and now that she was finally waking up she could take a small break just to chat with her. "So Dash, why'd you run off like that? I-I'm not that bad am I?"

"It wasn't you Fluttershy. I suppose I should tell you why I came down here shouldn't I? Well, first, do you wanna go on a picnic or a walk together sometime?" Rainbow Dash was surprised at herself, she hadn't expected to be that direct.

"That sounds lovely, and it's morning so we could do it now if you'd like." Fluttershy was struggling to contain the pure joy she had at the moment. "I'll go get some things ready, you just relax okay?

"Okay Fluttershy." 'Well this is going better than I thought, although....it could all end in disaster.' Dash's thoughts tended to get the better of her. Her mind started to wander. 'I wonder what her mane smells like....No! Stop it Dash!' Her traitorous mind didn't cease to think, 'I bet it's like lilacs and jasmine.....Pull yourself together! This isn't the time for this!'

Rainbow's thoughts were interrupted by Fluttershy pushing her out the door. "We can't sit here and daydream Rainbow, I know a better spot" Dash recovered and trotted alongside Fluttershy.

After the semi-long trek through the grass fields, the pair came to a beautiful meadow. Fluttershy proceeded to lay out the picnic items in the middle of the meadow.

Fluttershy whispered in Dash's ear, "Absolutely gorgeous isn't it? I always come here when I need to relax."

"I've never seen anything like this place!" Rainbow Dash's stomach wanted in on the conversation and emit a very loud rumble. Rainbow merely chuckled and said, "I guess it's time to have that picnic. Boy am I starving!" She then gave a sheepish grin and rubbed the back of her neck.

As they ate, they talked about the little things in life that make a huge difference. Fluttershy then, after much contemplation, brought up the topic of love.

"So....do you have any affections for a certain somepony?" Fluttershy had worked up the courage to ask that over a number of days. Seeing the opportunity, Rainbow Dash got up and sat down right next to Fluttershy. She leaned in close and whispered in Fluttershy's ear, "Affection doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about you. I love you Fluttershy. Nopony could ever dream to make me as happy as you do. I don't care at this point if you return the feelings, I just wanted you to know how I felt." Dash then lightly kissed her on the cheek, backed away, and stared into those teal eyes that seemed to look directly into her heart.

Time seemed to freeze as Rainbow Dash waited for Fluttershy's reply. Finally, Fluttershy started to move. The direction surprised Dash. It was towards her. Then as if she was attacking something, Fluttershy tackled Rainbow Dash and kissed her deeply. "I love you too Rainbow Dash. You are everything that makes my life worthwhile. If you were to leave, I don't know what I'd do." Fluttershy then began a familiar tune. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take, my sunshine away."

Rainbow Dash started to cry. This time they were tears of happiness. She hugged Fluttershy and kissed her. A feeling of pure bliss washed over her. It ended all to soon when Fluttershy broke the kiss to ask a small question with a huge meaning. "Rainbow Dash, will you be my filly-friend?"

Rainbow giggled, "Yes, yes I will!" Time had seemingly escaped them when they noticed that Celestia's charge was beginning it's decent. They had the perfect ending to a perfect day as they watched the sun set in each other's loving embrace. As Luna's moon dominated the sky, they soundly drifted into sleep.

Author's Note

I loved writing this chapter, leave a like and a fav if you enjoyed. Leave any thoughts or suggestions below. I love you all!