Chapter Five: Love Blossoms

Ponyville, outskirts near Fluttershy's cottage

Rainbow Dash flew along the bustling streets of Ponyville, on a mission. The athlete had to make sure her best friend was alright.

'Gilda really seemed to knock her about the other day... I just hope she's okay.'

Without stopping to knock, Dash burst through the front door of Fluttershy's house. She came to a sudden halt, upon the sight of her fears confirmed, there was Fluttershy, sitting on her couch, crying. Tears stained her pretty yellow coat and it was clear from the amount of moisture that she had been this way for a while.

"Fluttershy...!" Rainbow wasted no time as she dashed over to her, sitting beside her friend on the couch. "Fluttershy, I'm so sorry!"

"R-R-Rain...bow...?" Fluttershy looked up at her with teary aquamarine eyes and lowering her hooves from her face, "You're...you're here... I... I didn't... I thought..."

"What Gilda's done to everypony was just... ugh! Terrible! Even when Pinkie was trying to be nice to her by throwing her a party! And she just...! And you! How could she be so mean to you...?! I'm sorry I didn't believe you before Flutters, back when were... I'm sorry! And now I see I was blind all this time!" Rainbow felt tears of her own pool in her eyes, but she didn't fight them back. "Darn it! Now I'm crying! Ugh! This is just... look, I'm really sorry!" The distraught cyan mare held out her forehooves, "Can you ever forgive me?"

Sniffling, Fluttershy nodded before embracing her best friend, "Oh Rainbow... of course I do! It's not your fault, it's okay... I-I just... she hurt my feelings and roared in my face... Scaring me and my little ducky friends... I'm sorry you had to see me this way."

"Darn it, don't apologize for something like that!" Rainbow shook her head, only to her special friend even tighter.

Still moments passed as Fluttershy slowly dried her teary eyes upon Dash's shoulder. Several quiet moments passed with only the sound of the shy mare's sniffing ringing out.

Suddenly, the quiet voice of Fluttershy broke the silence, "remember...we're friends. Forever. Right?"

Looking up, Dash nodded as she wiped off her own tears before brushing a few strands of Fluttershy's mane out of her eyes, "Yeah...! Duh, I remember that. Friends forever. I never forgot that, Flutters."

"Do you... also remember..." Fluttershy blushed a bit as she did her best to summon the nerves to continue. "W-when you... kissed me? ...For the first time?"

Dash's instant reaction made it clear that she did.

While they had kissed quite a few times over the years, it was their first that truly cemented them. The bold mare's cheeks darkened and she no longer looked like her normal overconfident self. Fluttershy hesitated, but as she looked into her longtime companion's beautiful cerise eyes, a warm surge of confidence overtook her mind and heart. They say that sometimes, your heart did things you yourself are scared to do. Well, now was one of those times.

Without a second thought, Fluttershy leaned in and kissed her best friend gently on the lips. All her troubles melted away at the touch of the speedster's lips and Fluttershy found the surprised mare kissing back in no time at all, with a passion to equal hers.

Angel bunny's jaw hit the ground as his caretaker continued to make out with her oldest and dearest friend. He then fainted, leaving the two connected ponies to continue on their passionate moment alone.

The impact was even greater for the two ponies involved in the kiss. Fluttershy's world disappeared from around her, nothing mattered, except the cyan mare who was kissing her back. This was mightier than ever before, it was amazing. For some reason, it almost felt like she was kissing a lover and not a friend. Her one true lover.

All the while, Rainbow Dash felt the same feelings return from when they'd shared a kiss back in their fillyhood and every kiss thereafter. Only they increased tenfold at this point. It brought with it a strong and fiery passion she never thought possible outside of her flying. Oh, but Fluttershy awakened that within her, and honestly, she loved it. She wasn't sure why her friend was kissing her, but if she didn’t know better, she would say without a shadow of a doubt that it was because the pretty yellow mare was in love.

Regardless, Dash kissed her with passion, even going so far as to lay the creamy yellow pegasus down on the couch. Much like their first kiss, upon which she had placed her on the cloud. She relished how Fluttershy moaned, bringing her forelegs around her tighter and just kissing with more passion than before!

Daringly, Dash prodded her lips with her tongue, to which Fluttershy opened her mouth to grant access. Their tongues met for the second time in their lives, gently and yet passionately engaging in a little intricate dance.

The two ponies pulled away from each other, both sporting light blushes and breathing heavily.

"Wow..." was all the young lovers could manage.

That one soft word, spoken softly as a single strand of saliva broke between them like a floating heart that opened both of their eyes to each other’s true feelings.

All Rainbow Dash could think of was one thing. That thing was the mare in her forelegs. Sweet, innocent, beautiful Fluttershy. Giving in to her desires Rainbow Dash gently moved in. She gave her waiting mare a quick lick on the muzzle, confirming her need. With a wild grin of delight, she pressed her lips against Fluttershy's.

The normally timid mare was also burning with desire as she kissed back vigorously. They quickly broke into each others mouths and began to explore the uncharted territories within. Fluttershy let out a small sensual moan as she ran her hooves through her friend's mane. As the shy mare continued her delicate dance with Rainbow, she ran a hoof gently down the cyan mares back. She reached the wings and began ruffling the powerful flight feathers eliciting a groan of pleasure from her companion, arching her back as tingles ripped along her spine.

In response, Dash reached her own hoof down to stroke it along the base of Fluttershy's wing, teasing the feathers. She growled sensually at the back of her throat at her companion's ministrations. Jolts of pleasure coursed through her body in ways she never imagined, it felt as if she were flying in a whole new kind of way. In any case, it was amazing what Fluttershy was doing to her.

Fluttershy moaned louder between kisses, now spreading her hind legs. She ran her hooves up the daredevil's back, still teasing her wings every now and then. To think that this little event of an apology and taking care of a friend led to a very heated makeout session. She wasn't complaining, this was something she had desired for quite a long time! It was true that she never forgot their first kiss, which in fact, still gave her shivers and tingles whenever she thought about it. Now to have the chance to kiss her again, in this way, with Dash fully responding in kind... it was breathtakingly amazing.

Enraptured, Dash ran both hooves down Fluttershy's sides, reaching her flank, and then going back up again to course through the soft, blossom pink mane. She couldn't believe how far this had escalated, but she was just loving it! A part of her wondered if Fluttershy would ever be up to making out with her again, and more often at that. She hoped so, for kissing Fluttershy was amazing, so thrilling! Not quite to the same level as flying, but still awesome as it always was. It also felt like something at the back of her mind was prompting her, urging her onwards. It was clear, this was much more than just a kiss between friends.

Fluttershy broke away, flustered and breathless. She gazed into those stunning cerise orbs and knew what she had to do. She inched her muzzle closer and closer.

Rainbow Dash grinned down at her, clearly happy to encourage her onwards.

This was it. She could feel a sense of courage within her heart, to finally go after what she dreamed of for a long time. Whatever it was, their kiss, or how tired she was of waiting for herself to be brave, Fluttershy couldn't stop the next words out of her mouth. "Rainbow Dash... um... I have...something to ask you."

"Yeah? Go ahead, Fluttershy! Ask it!" Dash gazed down at her with a curious grin, butterflies invaded her tummy in a frenzy of nervous activity.

Taking a breath, Fluttershy worked hard to gather her nerve.

She took another slow breath, then another.

Slowly her breathing slowed to a more considered tempo. She could feel the courage she required to ask the biggest question she had ever.

At least she had a moment to breathe and be able to gather the right words. Words that had eluded her right up until this moment. She had to do this right, to make sure she could get her point across but without going too strongly. But then again, considering what had happened between them over the years, it almost seemed silly. They kissed, made out even, flirted with each other, and just barely skirted the lines between friendship and romance on these little occasions.

But now it was time to step beyond that line. Under no uncertainty. Fluttershy was ready for it, moreso than ever.

"Rainbow... You're my best friend... and I... I... I r-really... wanted... to tell you that I... um... well I wanted to know... I..."

"Come on, tell me!" The cyan pegasus urged her, eager, almost throwing her best friend into the air in excitement.

Fluttershy squeaked, but then, just came out with it. "Rainbow Dash, will you go out with me? I mean...! Um... Do you...want to be my special somepony?"

This was not the eloquently created question the daredevil had thought her friend was going to spring upon her and in her surprise, fell off Fluttershy, onto the floor.

"What?" The surprised mare slowly picked herself up.

"Oh my gosh! Dash? Are you alright?" Fluttershy gushed as she leapt off the couch to assist her friend.

"Yeah. I'm... fine." Rainbow gazed into the stunning aquamarine eyes in front of her. "Did you just ask me to be your special somepony?"

A very meek nod was the only answer forthcoming.

In the quiet cottage, nothing moved. Fluttershy couldn't bear to think what would happen next if her best friend said no. It might spell the end of their relationship forever. Now she regretted ever having said anything, wishing she could take it back and pretend it never happened. Losing the chance at them being lovers was better than losing her best friend.

Before her panicking mind could think of anything else, a smirk slowly spread across the cyan trickster's face.

"YES!" Dash soared up into the air Fluttershy clutched tightly in her forehooves.

The duo soared around the room several times, flying at breakneck speeds.

Just before Fluttershy thought they were about to break something, the driver settled down. Dash slowly calmed herself and placed Fluttershy on the couch in front of her.

Realizing her reaction, the cyan mare blushed and rubbed the back of her neck with her hoof, "I-I mean... yes! Yeah! I think. Yeah!"

Fluttershy blinked, utterly taken aback by her reaction. Not only in the fact that she said yes, but also in how she reacted. It barely even registered at first, to which Fluttershy had to take a few moments to recollect her thoughts. Her heart raced, her stomach uncoiled, and a warm wave of absolute joy overtook her body. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. To think it made Rainbow Dash just as happy, if not happier.

With a beaming, dazzling and loving grin, Fluttershy embraced her best friend... no, her marefriend, and giggled with glee. "Oh, Rainbow! I'm so happy! ...Thank you!"

Rainbow Dash affectionately ruffled her new marefriend's mane, wearing a massive heartwarming grin upon her face. "No, Fluttershy. Thank you."

The bold mare enveloped her partner in a loving hug and gave her a nuzzle which Fluttershy was more than happy to return. They slipped into a slow kiss, relishing the taste of each other, the way everything else just... disappeared. The way the world now seemed to make more sense as they kissed and kissed and kissed. The rough week now seemed like a distant memory.

All of a sudden, a loud rumbling echoed from the bold mare's tummy and she broke off from her ministrations to rub her offending belly.

Fluttershy licked her cheek. "Is my special somepony hungry?"

"Err yea. I guess I should have had lunch before coming..." Answered a very sheepish Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy gave her a quick peck on the cheek before walking off toward the kitchen. "Then how about I make my sweetie something special?"

A loud rumble answered the yellow mare who giggled as she disappeared around the corner.

Angel Bunny eventually recovered from having fainted out of sheer surprise. When he got up, he hopped over toward the kitchen where he smelled some food, he came across a very surprising sight. As Fluttershy was cooking, Rainbow Dash was occasionally snuggling up against her and even handing her something when she asked for it. All the while, the cyan pegasus had a big, loving grin directed right at the shy pony.

Angel couldn't believe this development, not in the slightest. His caretaker really did love the rainbow one, didn't she? He figured as much. What with how she talked about her all the time and always seemed to be somewhere else whenever doing so.

Oh well. He hoped she wouldn't forget to feed him. At least she was happy.

Regardless, he shot Rainbow Dash a very warning look. The daredevil just gave him a look that was both "Don't worry, I would never hurt her" and also "Watch yourself, buster" all at the same time.

Hm. He had to give her credit for that one.

The sweet twittering songs of birds came to her ears, a soft breeze blew, and the sweet smells of spring reached her nose. Wherever Fluttershy was right now, she didn't want to escape it, much less wake up from it. She had long since left the dream world, now awaking, but still kept her eyes closed. She did her best to go back to sleep. However that was proving to be futile, despite how warm, so comfy she felt. But then the source of warmth moved, then breathed gently, Fluttershy blinked her eyes open. She found a blue face combined with a rainbow mane just inches away from her line of vision.

Rainbow Dash was with her in her bed, sleeping peacefully, with her forelegs around her in a protective embrace. Then the amazing memories from the day before hit her like a ton of flowers. It was amazing. Fluttershy blushed as the memories of the day before were rushing back to her. It hadn't been a dream at all. Not even the part where she had asked her new fillyfriend to spend the night.

Even though Rainbow Dash had moved out of the cottage after creating her cloud home nearly two years ago, she still visited often and would spend the night on some occasions. That had frequented a little less in the past few months, especially after Twilight Sparkle had come to Ponyville.

But last night, she remembered...

She remembered how they had spent the rest of the day together, just like old times. To the point that Fluttershy just didn't want her best friend-turned-marefriend to leave.

~Flashback~

Dash came back into the cottage after her joyful flight, she stretched her wings slowly, then her legs. The flight was what she needed to get the edge and excitement off what had just happened.

But the instant she did, Fluttershy was at her fillyfriend's side, with a nuzzle and happily giggles.

"Hello Rainbow." The shy mare greeted her from the cover of the bold pony's mane.

"Hey there, snuggly. Still can't keep your hooves off me, huh?" Dash smirked as she threw a foreleg around the pretty pegasus’s shoulders. "I was only out for a few minutes, silly."

Blushing profusely, Fluttershy snuggled in. "It wasn't only a few minutes." She quietly attempted a rebuke.

It worked, since Dash chuckled at how adorable she looked when all blushy and kissed her on the cheek, "Okay, then how long was I out flying, cutie? You tell me."

"Um... too long..." The barely audible reply caused the rainbow maned pony to crack up laughing.

"Aw man, you're too much, Fluttershy!" Laughed Rainbow Dash, grinning, "Felt like too long?"

"Yes." The meek reply might as well have come from a mouse.

"You know I would never abandon you, Flutters." Fluttershy felt a strong cyan hoof ruffle her mane affectionately. "...Was I really gone that long?" She glanced at the clock as if to seek answers, but found it to be pointless, considering she didn't even know what time it was before she went out for a flight.

"Yes..." Fluttershy pouted, snuggling her more, "Rainbow...? Will you... um... well... I... um..."

The cocky mare gazed at her in confusion. "What?"

"Um... well... I-I know you moved out a few years ago and I know you haven't been too keen on being here that much lately... but I... oh, I want to spend tonight with you... would you... stay with me here tonight? Please...? If you don't mind that is..." Fluttershy managed, looking down with a blush.

"But don't you only have one bed these days?" The bold mare grinned down at her.

"Yes... but I... well... I don't mind if we... share it... that is... if you're okay with that..."

"Well it might be..." Dash considered.

Worried, Fluttershy's eyes began to glimmer sadly, "Oh... please stay here, please? I just... I've always missed you since you moved away... I miss living together."

"Well... I guess I could stay as long as you do something for me in return." The cheeky blue mare made a silly, suggestive face, eager to get a reaction from her mare before she continued.

Blushing a bit, Fluttershy looked at her curiously, "Um... okay, what is it you'd like me to do?"

"Remember my awesome gift that you never even tried on for me?" With a grin like that on the mares face, it could only be the one and only gift from nearly two years ago.

Fluttershy caught on to that, her cheeks burned as a mild panic ran through her mind. The lingerie... the exact same lingerie she had bought for herself and that Dash had gotten for her. She swallowed, feeling nervous about that, and yet... yet if it made her want to stay, and would even heat things up... she couldn't help but feel a little excited about it. Her wings were even beginning to rise. "I... I...! Um...! ….Okay, Rainbow. I'll wear it. I only ever wanted you to see me in it, anyway..."

"Awesome!" Rainbow Dash liked the sound of where that was heading. ‘Maybe we can even have some fun with it while we are at it... I wonder what it would feel like to touch Fluttershy’s- No! No! Now now! Go away dirty thoughts... Rainbow Dash doesn’t need you...’ Despite her small mental war inside, the speedster couldn’t help but entertain the thought of what she would do with Fluttershy after the cute mare was all dressed up.

Fluttershy trotted off to retrieve her unused gift when suddenly she was called to a halt by the sound of her marefriends voice.

"Hey, come back here, silly! Never mind that now, Fluttershy. I can wait." Dash chucked, a big strong blush present upon her muzzle.

"But... I..." Fluttershy pouted a little bit. "...I wanted to, Rainbow... I swear..."

Dash sauntered over to her, and brought a hoof to her cheek as she ran it along sensually, then brought it around to her neck, "Later. It will be more... fun... then." The smile on the bold mares face lightened up Fluttershy's feeling of sadness.

"I... d-didn't think... y-you would see me that way or have... desired me..." Fluttershy admitted, blushing profusely.

"Really Fluttershy? I'm not blind you know. I can see you're the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria. You've got the hottest flank around too." The grin upon Rainbow's muzzle only served to heighten the shy mares embarrassed state.

"N-No... that's not true..." Fluttershy squeaked, "There are plenty more ponies prettier than me."

"Everypony else... is..." The daredevil mare leaned in close, right up to her companions ear. "Normal. You are cute." She then delicately nibbled on the yellow mare's ear electing a squeak in pleasure and surprise. "Especially when you are shy..."

Fluttershy giggled happily, a beaming smile coming to her face, "Oh, Rainbow...! You're such a wonder..."

"Not as wonderful as you, beautiful." Dash smiled broadly, "I'm just awesome."

"Hee... Oh... Well I... um... Rainbow... I... well I wanted to say... I've wanted to wear that for you ever since you gave it to me..." The shy mare admitted, blushing profusely.

"I know. But now, we can really have some fun with it." A predatory smirk covered the bold mare's face as she stalked around her willing captive.

An intense, pleasuring heat pooled in Fluttershy's stomach as her desires were stirred yet again. Oh, as if the torture of desiring her best friend ever since she was sexually aware wasn't bad enough! Now she was all too willing to let it happen even more, especially seeing as the feelings were mutual. She blushed heavily, a shy smile upon her face. "I can't tell you how long I've wanted this, Dashie..." She uttered as a shiver of anticipation ran through her. ‘I wonder what she would look like in the one I brought?'

"Let me guess?" Dash continued to circle her mare, her rainbow tail tickling the shy pony's nose with each rotation. "For almost as long as I have?"

Fluttershy jumped in mild surprise. "What?"

"I wasn't just defending my best friend there all those times... I don't exactly want my special pony to get hurt now do I? Or pregnant..." The cheeky pegasus bumped flanks with her fillyfriend, a mischievous grin upon her face.

Fluttershy almost exploded with the heat. She trembled as her eyes followed her marefriend's every move, her cheeks burning all the more. "I... I... I didn't think you... oh, Rainbow..."

Emboldened by her marefriends behavior Dash stopped her circling to nibble her companions ear. "That's why you're the only pony I would ever let touch my hooves... or... the rest of me..." The tone in her voice implied where she was headed.

Oh, now that just did it. Fluttershy wasn't sure if it was because of her repressed sexual desires, or the heat of the moment, or both, but something in her just snapped like a potato chip. Whatever it may have been, all she knew was that she couldn't hold back anymore.

Turning to face the cyan pegasus, she brought her forelegs around her neck and kissed her, deeply. Passionately. She savored the moment like it would last forever.

Two sets of wings rose in unison with each other as the two lovers continued to deepen their kiss. Fluttershy moaned at the back of her throat as she ran her hooves through the ever-wonderful prismatic mane she loved so much. She then prodded Dash's lips with her tongue, gently, but with precision, begging for entrance into her sweet cavern.

Rainbow replied with a sensual growl of her own, allowing entrance for her friends tongue into her mouth.

Exploring her fillyfriend's mouth and marking the growing-familiar territory. Dash tasted wonderful, like the dinner they'd had earlier with the tint of apple pie they'd had for dessert. She ran her hooves along the cyan mare's sides, gently rubbing her powerful wings.

Rainbow replied with several powerful beats from her taut wings, continuing to blissfully explore the inside of her friends mouth.

Sensual moans escaped between kisses as the heat rose slowly, like a building volcano. The creamy yellow pegasus lowered her hooves down to her marefriend's flank, especially over her cutie mark. To feel it this way excited her all the more, which made her own body tremble, the heat coiling even more intensely within her stomach.

Parting from her lips, though reluctantly, Dash chuckled and then lay kisses along Fluttershy's neck. She earned soft moans in return, to which only encouraged her to continue.

"Oh Rainbow..."

With a delighted grin plastered across her muzzle, Dash kissed, licked and nibbled along the creamy yellow neck, savoring Fluttershy's sweet, wonderful scent. She trembled with pleasure at the feel of Fluttershy's hooves running along her body, causing her wings to stiffen all the more.

Breathing labored, the timid pony held her longtime companion closer as soft moans escaped her, overtaking her entire being. Was this happening? Was it really leading somewhere? Oh, it didn't matter, her mind was clouded with pleasure. Pure bliss. All she wanted was the pony in her embrace, to love her completely.

Gently taking hold of her face, Fluttershy brought Dash into another kiss. This time, by some kind of feat of strength, the creamy yellow pegasus gently but still thoroughly lowered her partner to the floor, straddling her. Not once did their passionate, heated liplock break as their tongues and lips clashed hungrily.

Fluttershy slid slowly down the moaning pegasus, nibbling and kissing her belly softly before continuing downwards. Fluttershy's nose brushed against something causing her to pause her ministrations.

"Ngh-! Fluttershy...!" Dash moaned, trembling, wondering why her marefriend had stopped.

Fluttershy gently licked the hardened bud, all the while touching its twin with her hoof. Earning louder moans from the pegasus beneath her, she gently latched her mouth onto the nipple.

Dash groaned, allowing Fluttershy to spread her hind legs as the yellow mare settled down, straddled over the hindquaters of the mare she loved. Light blue legs parted further to allow even greater access as the yellow mare excitedly continued her work. There was a part of her mind telling her that Fluttershy had to stop, the time just wasn't quite right for this! She knew where this was going, she knew the minute Fluttershy kissed her a few moments or so ago. As much as she wanted nothing more than to "roll in the hay" with her, there was that nagging voice at the back of her mind telling her to wait until a more special time.

Even if Fluttershy's pleasuring ministrations on her breasts were clouding her mind more and more. It was impossible to fight it, since she wanted it too. Hay, the fact that Fluttershy wanted her just as long, just as badly, was pretty awesome to think about and yet again making it harder to stop her.

"Fluttershy...!" Rainbow Dash moaned.

Rainbow Dash gazed down at her lover with glazed, half-lidded eyes. This wasn't good. She knew that if Fluttershy went on, and went lower, it would only lead to one thing. There was little enough space between her breasts and marehood and all it would take was for Fluttershy to lower her head and it would be all over. If this was how hot it felt for her now, she could scarcely imagine how it would feel when the shy mare reached her nethers. As much as she wanted that, now was not the time.

"P-please... Fluttershy."

The yellow mare smiled brightly up at her with a curious look, slowly licking her chops in anticipation for what was about to come.

"Please... stop."

"What?" Fluttershy stared in unbelief at the pegasus she had just been about to pleasure in one of the most intimate ways possible between mares.

"Stop..." Dash's voice trembled, but she managed, "Believe me, I want it too. But shouldn't I... I don't know, take you to dinner first or something?"

A look of panic, shame, and disappointment overcame Fluttershy's face. She whimpered, about to move away to go crawl into a corner and hide. But soon she did, Dash's forelegs gently reached out and held her there, before bringing her up to embrace her better.

"I'm sorry..." Fluttershy whimpered again in shame, "I got carried away... I just wanted you so much and I let the heat of the moment over take me."

"Hey, come on! Don't worry about it! I gotta say, I didn't think you had it in you, but you really managed to take me by surprise!" The cyan pegasus admitted with a laugh, "It was still awesome, Fluttershy. But seriously, I gotta take you out on a date first. We should do this when it's special. I know that's sappy, but I don't care. You deserve... well, the best." The bold mare locked eyes with her partner, determined to let her know just how much she cared.

Sniffling, a sweet tearful smile overcame Fluttershy's face as she nuzzled the cyan plush ball. Though still disappointed, she felt relieved, and very touched by the sweet sentiment.

"Don't worry Fluttershy. I promise... I'll make you mine some night soon." Rainbow Dash gazed into her mare’s eyes with a completely serious look upon her face that carried all the love she could muster in the moment of extreme intimacy.

Fluttershy's wings fluttered with excitement. "Really?" She squeaked.

Dash chuckled rather loudly making Fluttershy realise she probably sounded too excited at the prospect, so did her best to calm down. Her wings still fluttered lightly as Rainbow Dash wrapped her forelegs around her, nuzzling her cheek.

"Really," Rainbow Dash chuckled. "Hey, Fluttershy?"

"Yes?"

Looking into her marefriend's gorgeous teal eyes, Dash reached a hoof up to gently stroke her cheek, and smiled sweetly at her. "I love you, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy let out a squeak of joy, hugging her marefriend back. "I love you too, Rainbow Dash."

~End of Flashback~

Fluttershy beamed, giggling at the sweet memory of them having admitted that they loved each other. What a liberating, beautiful feeling it had been! She sighed dreamily, holding her hooves over her heart, and glanced out the window. She could see Celestia's sun having long since risen in the cloudy sky, hear the birds singing, and the soft breeze yet again. It looked to be a beautiful day!

When she turned her head to face her partner, she was surprised to find a pair of cerise eyes looking back at her.

"Oh!"

"Good morning, beautiful." Rainbow Dash lovingly kissed her fillyfriend on the forehead.

Fluttershy sighed dreamily again, her smile returning, "Good morning, Rainbow..."

"What were you thinking of there, Flutters?" Dash slipped up beside her pretty yellow mare, slowly sliding all four hooves past her and locking them both in an embrace once more.

"Oh..." Fluttershy giggled, blushing a bit, "I was just so glad that yesterday wasn't a dream. I feel so happy... I... how long were you awake?"

Dash giggled at the memory. "Not long... You almost went too far there didn't you?"

Blushing all the more, Fluttershy hid her face in her neck, "Dash...are you never going to let me live that down?"

"Well... maybe... but it's so much fun." Dash grinned mischievously at her bashful companion.

The creamy yellow pegasus pouted.

"You are." The cyan mare licked the yellow muzzle in front of her, breaking her marefrined's sad face with a giggle. “And I gotta say... I never expected my teats to get suckled...”

"Um..." Fluttershy began, completely embarrassed by her own daring actions.

The shy mare looked away a little, unable to meet her mare’s eyes. "W-what do you want to do today, if you're not too busy?"

"Well..." Dash drew her shy companion in with a powerful wing. "I was thinking you and I could go on a little date. We should probably tell our friends too. Then... Well... I'm sure we could find something..." The bold pegasus wrapped herself around Fluttershy, tickling her nose with a cyan feather.

Giggles of delight escaped as Fluttershy beamed, "Oh, Rainbow! That would be wonderful! ...Yes...Yes...we should tell our friends...oh, they'll be so happy for us! I mean...well, they've always teased us about being a couple..."

Immature giggles escaped the trickster. "I guess they have. How about we prove them right?"

"Okay." Fluttershy delicately licked her mare, wrapping a wing over her too.

"You nervous?"

"A little... but... I have faith in them... they're our friends."

Dash grinned, kissing her beloved on the nose, "That's my cute filly. Be a big brave mare for your marefriend."

Giggling, Fluttershy smiled brightly at her encouragement, "For you, my love...I'll do my best."

Dash leapt out of bed and saucily waltzed out the door, giving her marefriend a sly wink before departing. Fluttershy blinked, but then hurried out after her.

Later that morning, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had joined their friends for a picnic lunch out in the fields near town. It was a little potluck sort of thing, where they all brought the needed materials or food, all set up on a checkered blanket on the grass near a willow tree. Along for the ride was a very happy Spike, glad to be included in their little activities today.

It was perfect timing, considering the events of yesterday and their plans to tell their friends of their new relationship development. At least, when the moment would be right, considering that they were trying to find a good lead-in for it. While Dash was happy to just announce it like that, Fluttershy said it would be best if they simply waited until a good moment to share it would come up and go from there. Since she wanted to help make this easier and not scare her away from it, Dash agreed.

As was the norm, Fluttershy was cuddled up next to her best friend while Dash did her best to ignore the public affection.

"I just can't believe what a meanie pants she was!" Pinkie exclaimed, having been in the middle of ranting on about the recent incidents with Gilda the Griffin. "Not even my super duper awesome party worked!"

"I'll say," Dash agreed, rolling her eyes, "I don't know who she thought she was, but she is not my friend!"

"How did you even meet her, Rainbow?" Twilight queried curiously.

"It was at Flight Camp," Rainbow Dash shrugged a bit, looking toward Fluttershy with a little wink. "Fluttershy and I were still in Flight School, and so for the summer our parents signed us up for Flight Camp. A lot of flying creatures go to Flight Camp, mostly ponies. But I guess it’s not too uncommon to find others like griffins. So Gilda was one of them. Fluttershy fell sick with a cold during one weekend, and even though I was trying to take care of her, I got bored and wanted to go outside and do all the fun stuff!"

"Rainbow, you know I encouraged you to go outside even if I wasn't feeling well," Fluttershy encouraged, as she nuzzled the storyteller.

With a chuckle, Dash nodded and nuzzled her back, "Yeah, I know! Anyway, so I went out to play, and I saw Gilda showing off some tricks to her group. I thought it was pretty cool, especially since I never saw a Griffin before! So during lunchtime, when I was on my to bring Fluttershy some food, I found Gilda on the way and told her that her tricks were awesome. She saw my cutie mark, and I told her how I got it! After that we showed off tricks to each other, teamed up for events, and were just fast friends after that!"

"Considering the circumstances, I'm not surprised!" Rarity said, shaking her head.

"Since she lived far off in the Griffin territories, she had to leave after Flight Camp was over," Dash went on. "We did keep in touch through letters here and there, but after a while we went on with our lives. There were some issues going on, I don't know the details about all that. Something boring about her dad,  the griffin tribes and some dumb key."

"Was she always so super meanie weanie?" Pinkie wanted to know.

"Eh, only to those she didn't think was 'cool', really," Dash shrugged. "Kinda like she did yesterday."

"Can't say I didn't see that one coming," Twilight remarked.

"How 'bout Fluttershy?" Questioned Applejack.

"Oh..." Fluttershy mumbled, "I tried to get along with her, but she was always mean to me whenever Rainbow wasn't around. She said if I told Rainbow... something bad would happen."

"What?!" Rainbow Dash cried out, shocked that she had never heard about any such incidents, "Fluttershy...! Why didn't you tell me?!"

"I was scared, and then after... it didn't matter anymore after she left," the creamy yellow pony admitted shamefully, looking down at the blanket.

"Well Ah cain't blame ya there, sugarcube," Applejack said sympathetically, "Sometimes we don't tend ta think o' that kinda thing after it's over. But ya still should 'o told her 'bout it."

"Applejack is quite correct, dear," Rarity agreed, "I think you should have at least told a counsellor or a nurse about it if not Rainbow Dash back then, and you still should have told her anyway."

"I know..." The shy yellow mare admitted, placing her head in her forehooves and staring at the ground. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you... she didn't hurt me physically... she just called me names and told me to stay away from you..." Fluttershy admitted, pulling back a little from her fillyfriend as she spoke.

"Sure explains why she asked me why I hang out with you..." Dash admitted, only to hold her mare closer, "Hey, don't worry about it, pal! You don't have to worry about her anymore, ever again."

"Look at you two there, aren't you both just little darlings. You could make such a cute couple." Rarity commented, her eyes sparkling.

The rest of the gang giggled at the little remark, to which even Twilight smiled at, despite not quite catching on.

"Rainbow and Fluttershy? Really?"

"Well dear, when they moved to Ponyville a few years ago, together I might add, they were usually quite close," Rarity explained, giggling. "It was rather adorable, especially with the chemistry they had. So, you can see we tease them about it from time to time."

"First time Ah saw 'em, they was standin' side-by-side as they walked, glued ta each other, practically," Applejack recalled.

"And they kissed during the party I invited them to!" Pinkie piped up, grinning widely. "They were eating taffy and ate their way along it and then it was kissy time!"

"Hey, chuckleheads, guess what?" Rainbow threw in, smirking, "We actually are dating."

"What?" Rarity stared at the young couple unable to believe what the light blue prankster had just said.

"I was right all along! Party time!" Pinkie almost went into orbit with glee.

"It's about time you two came out. It's been pretty darn clear for a while now you two." Applejack remarked, snickering, "Ah saw it all along."

"Wow," Twilight blinked, taking this all in for a moment, "It's odd, I'm almost not surprised and yet, it's pretty shocking. Well, a lot of ponies wouldn't think it'd work, but I think that's up to you two to decide." She smiled.

"Dear, how long has this been going on for?" Rarity inquired, she just had to have the latest and realizing that they were telling the truth, she couldn't resist delving.

"Um... since... yesterday..." Fluttershy admitted, cheeks flushed.

"Only yesterday?!" Rarity gasped.

"After the whole stuff with Gilda, yeah, I had to make sure Fluttershy was okay," Dash shrugged.

"I remember! She made Fluttershy run away! Oh, I'm sorry, Flutters!" Pinkie now dashed over and hugged her friend. "That was so meanie weanie of her!"

"O-Oh, it's... it's okay now, Pinkie... thank you," Fluttershy managed, patting the pink Earth pony's back gently. "It was also bad memories of fillyhood, anyway."

"You poor thing. Why didn't you tell us?" Rarity asked, joining in the hug.

"Well...Rainbow was so happy to see her old friend again..." Fluttershy admitted, digging her hoof into the picnic blanket a bit, "And I didn't want to rock the boat. So I just didn't want to ruin anything. I even... well, thought maybe she changed and was just having a bad day... I didn't want to bother anypony about it."

Twilight smiled and joined the hug too, "Well I don't know about everypony else, but you seem to be fine now."

A soft, sweet blush overcame Fluttershy's cheeks yet again, "I feel wonderful."

"Thanks to yours truly!" Dash winked, joining the hug. "Hey, want to know the kicker? Fluttershy asked me to be her special somepony!"

"Get outta town!" Applejack's jaw dropped, her eyes going wide, "Fluttershy? Ya did?"

"Hee... I did..." Fluttershy giggled meekly, ecstatic as she gazed happily at her friends.

"Goodness, darling! I have to say you surely have come a long way in being assertive!" Rarity said with surprise, and then smiled. "Well, I have to say I'm very proud of you for that."

"Oooh oooh! Did you make the first move, too?!" Pinkie asked, grinning widely.

"...Yes..." Confirmed the shy pegasus, burrowing under her marefriend's wing.

"She did, all right!" Rainbow Dash snickered, keeping her wing over the shy and nervous pegasus in a comforting manner, "So yeah, she's mine now! All of those lovesick ponies who want her can SUCK IT!"

"Now really! That's just uncouth! ...Though I suppose I can't blame you for feeling such a thing..." Rarity mumbled, shaking her head. "I know how it can be when you are the pony everypony wants!"

"Riiiight..." Applejack mumbled dryly, shaking her head.

"I'm back!" Spike came trotting back, his arms full of gems, "I remembered there were some gems buried out in the field near here! Did I miss anything?"

"A little..." Twilight giggled.

"Let's just say Fluttershy and I are together!" Rainbow winked at him, grinning.

Spike dropped the pile of gems he was carrying a mixture of shock and joy radiating from him, "Whoa! Really?! You guys? You and Fluttershy?"

"You bet!" Dash now hugged Fluttershy and nuzzled the blushing pony.

"...Wow... didn't see that one coming," Spike admitted, whistling a little.

"Why, Spike! You found some gems! How delightful!" Rarity beamed, now trotting over and inspecting them. "Mmm-hmmm...yes! They are in wonderful condition!"

"Let me see," Twilight lowered her horn toward the gems, inspecting their quality as well, "Yep! They are in good condition! Good work finding them, Spike!"

"What can I say? A dragon like me likes gems in his tummy!" Spike patted his scaly stomach.

"Ooohh! This one!" Rarity levitated an emerald, inspecting it, "I have been looking for a gem such as this one for a dress I am currently working on, and it's absolutely perfect! Oh, dear Spikey Wikey, may I have this one? If you would like it replaced, I can certainly give you another gem from my storeroom, but this one is unique! I must have it!"

Melting under the affections of the alabaster unicorn, Spike handed over the requested gem without argument. Fluttershy giggled, you could just about see the love hearts wafting off the infatuated baby dragon.

"Thank you, dear Spikey-wikey!" Rarity giggled with glee. "I simply cannot thank you enough! Come by the boutique later this afternoon and I shall have your replacement gem!"

"Nah... you don't need to, it's fine..." Spike managed, his cheeks pink.

"Now now, dear, I insist! You were generous to give me such a lovely little gift I needed, I surely see no reason not to repay you!"

A wishful look appeared upon the baby dragons face.

Getting an idea, Fluttershy cleared her throat, "Actually, Spike... since you're going to the Grand Galloping Gala... you're going to need a suit, right?"

Snapped out of his stupor, the small dragon blinked, "Well, yeah. Why?"

Catching on, Twilight smiled, "I seem to remember that your old suit is too small for you, isn't it?"

"Yeah..." Spike looked a bit puzzled as to where they were going with this.

"Well, Rarity, would you be willing to make a nice suit for him?" Fluttershy suggested.

Rarity's azure eyes lit up with delight! "Why, yes! That's a brilliant idea! A perfect little favor! What do you say, dear Spike? Shall you come to the boutique so that I may work out a suit that is to your liking? I shall need your measurements and such, of course."

"Yeesss..." Spikes eyes shone, it was almost too good to be true.

"I'll see you then." Rarity slowly waltzed her way back over to her spot on the blanket. She carefully set her new gem down between her forehooves in a protective manner.

"Alright everypony, how about we have some lunch now?"

Out of nowhere, Pinkies party cannon appeared in her hooves, it fired, startling everypony else. She rolled onto the blanket giggling.

"Good gracious, Pinkie!" Rarity cried, having nearly let go of her new gem, "What on earth was that about?!"

"Party cannon fun, of course!" Pinkie grinned widely.

"Pinkie Pie... you're sooooo random!" Dash laughed, shaking her head as she left the blanket to go and comfort Fluttershy, who had scurried off a good few feet away from it in suprise.

"Random is my middle name!" Giggled the pink Earth pony as she hugged a blushing Twilight.

Covered in streamers and confetti, Spike shook it off himself, "I knew I should've stayed in bed today."

"Rarity grabbed the sulking dragon in with a forehoof, and brought him into a loose hug. "There, does that make my Spikie Wikey all better now?"

He gave his crush a hug back. "Heaps better. Thanks Rarity!"

The two settled down together, sharing the wonders of the collective gem collection as they sat opposite the two snuggling pegasi. Spike stole a quick glance at what the two lovers were in the middle of. He grinned to himself as the two pegasus ponies shared a quick passionate kiss. He imagined what it would be like if that were him and Rarity.

"Ya know... Ah' almost think we might have ourselves two couples here Twi."

The lavender unicorn paused mid mouthful to glance between the two groups. "Well that would be a dream come true for Spike. But I'm now sure I can imagine what will happen once he grows up. Dragons get a lot bigger than ponies do."

Applejack looked thoughtful for a moment, biting her lip, "Yeah...yer right. Do ya know about tha growth rate of a dragon?"

Twilight shook her head, "I'm afraid not. But I assume it may be that they too develop at different rates... to an extent. However, he's only a few years younger than the rest of us, in terms of age. If he were a pony, he'd be the same size as us, pretty much. But since he's a baby dragon and they seem to grow slower than ponies, that seems to be the factor."

"...Ah heard in some o' them there folk tales that dragons live a long time," the farm pony said thoughtfully, "Is that true? Could he outlive Rarity? An' all of us?"

"...I don't know," admitted Twilight, shaking her head again, "I wish I understood dragons better, but Spike is the only true source I have."

"Well then... Ah' guess there's really only one way to find out. Ah' only hope it doesn't break the young guy's heart. It's made of gold on that dragon." Astutely observed the farmer as she eyed the youngster.

Twilight smiled, it was nice to hear other's say such nice things about him. Especially coming from the element of honesty herself. It helped make all those years of raising him seem all the more worth it.

"Ohh! I know. How about have a massive party tonight!?" Pinkie seemed to spring out of nowhere despite having been securely at Twilight’s side mere moments ago. "We have to have a party for Fluttershy and Dashie. Couples party!" She bounced high into the air.

"Um, Pinkie, don't you think you should consult them about it first?" Twilight suggested, looking uneasy.

"Why would I do that silly? It's not as if they would ever say no to a Pinkie party."

"If ya' say so. But ah' still think ya'll should ask them first." Added Applejack as she watched the pair of lovebirds.

Pinkie bounced over to the huddled up pairs. "Party next week! I was going to hold it tonight, but I'm super busy, and I have so many obligations and other parties this week... But I think I can pencil your couples party in two weeks time!" She overflowed with excitement. "Don't you ponies worry. Your auntie Pinkie will take care of everything!"

Fluttershy, overhearing that statement, rolled her eyes slightly, "I'm older than you, Pinkie."

Ignoring the shy mare's statement, Pinkie bounced off to set up for the big event.

"Well Ah' guess that's one way to break up a picnic." Applejack commented as she selected a sandwich from the food that was laid out in the middle of the blanket.

"I agree with you there," Twilight said, levitating a bagel sandwich over to her paper plate with her magic.

Fluttershy giggled with delight when Rainbow Dash offered her a cherry to eat. She opened her mouth, allowing her marefriend to place it on her tongue. "Hee! Thank you." She ate it, removing the stem from her mouth in doing so.

With a proud grin upon her muzzle, the bold mare reached over and grabbed a delicious looking hay sandwich. She carefully picked it up in her jaws, offering a bite to her fillyfriend. A giggling Fluttershy took a dainty bite, touching noses with her champion in the process. As if to mirror their moment with the taffy, Fluttershy slowly nibbled her way through the delicious morsel, locking lips with a grinning Rainbow Dash. The two fell into a slow passionate kiss that was met by 'awww's from all their friends.

"Oh, do get a room, you two!" Rarity giggled, mock teasing them.

"Don't ya encourage 'em!" Applejack laughed, shaking her head.

Rainbow Dash leaned in to whisper into her lover's ear. "We can get that room later."

Fluttershy giggled as thoughts of what they could do began to pop into her head. Her wings slowly fluttered as an outward sign, causing her to be given a quizzical look from Twilight.

"Are you okay, Fluttershy? Do you need to go flying for a bit?" Twilight queried curiously.

"Y-yes please." The blushing mare slowly pulled herself up. "Um... Rainbow... Could you... um..."

"Yes. I'll come with you." The powerful athlete stood bolt upright, ready for flight. “Your good pal, the amazing Rainbow Dash is always ready for fun in the sky!”

Joy was written all over the pretty yellow mare's face as she stood next to her fillyfriend, gazing at her other friends. After a moment cyan wings spread and Dash motioned for her marefriend to do the same. They took off, quickly leaving the others far behind.

Rarity giggled delightedly, shaking her head, "Darling, you do realize that Pegasus wings tend to react to certain emotions?"

"Yes. and if that's them in public... I really don't ever want to walk in on them when they are alone..." Twilight shook her head, doing her best to clear her thoughts as knowledge from her studies entered her head.

"Ah hear ya there, sugarcube," agreed Applejack. “I guess they jus’ have all them years of wantin’ to be together to make up for...”

"I agree. One can only imagine how comfortable they must already must be, having known each other all these years." Rarity continued to voice her observations. "Especially taking into consideration of the fact that they had no problem kissing each other before they were even dating!"

"Wow," Twilight whistled a little, "I can't imagine, and yet, well, Princess Celestia always said that everypony does what works."

Turning her attention to the young dragon by her side, Rarity offered him a quick nuzzle before speaking. "Does my darling Spikey Wikey want to come back to the shop with me? I'm sure I could make you something absolutely adorable for tonights party."

The excited dragon turned to his mother-figure, seeking permission.

With a knowing giggle, Twilight nodded, "Of course, Spike. Just don't stay out too late. We still have the party to attend at eight."

"Thanks Twilight!" Spike lept to his feet, trying to drag his crush up with him. "Come on Rarity. Lets go." As an afterthought, the excited dragon scooped up his small collection of gems, popping one in his mouth as he did so.

The duo headed off, leaving just the two remaining mares sitting side by side at the otherwise abandoned picnic site.

"So Twi... Do you have any special somepony in mind?"

Snorting, Twilight shook her head, "Of course not! I've been too busy with my studies, and I only started making friends when I first moved to Ponyville and met you girls. So, I didn't exactly squeeze a love interest. ...Besides, I never had a crush before," she sighed a bit, "I don't even really think about it...or know what to think about it. I mean, sure, seeing Rainbow and Fluttershy like this, all happy together, is just wonderful. I'm so happy for them! But it's just not something I was thinking of. And besides, I'm from Canterlot... Pretty much every female there places importance on finding a husband and more often than not, having children. That's all well and good if they want that, but I'm not ready for that."

The farmer paused her meal as she digested the information. "Wait... What?"

"What, what?" Twilight looked to Applejack with confusion. "What's wrong?"

"Nuthin. Ah' just almost thought that yer was going to say you were a fillyfooler like Fluttershy and Dash here are."

The lavender unicorn blinked a few times, staring at her friend, before looking down at her food, "I actually don't even know if I like mares or stallions."

Silence passed for a few moments as they both considered the topic at hoof.

"Ya' know... there's only one way to find out." The confident orange mare sounded like she was ready to do something decisive, something that might be a little uncomfortable for the purple unicorn even.

Choosing to set aside her ill at ease feelings, Twilight continued her meal in silence. Applejack meanwhile watched her unicorn friend at the corner of her eye on occasion, but also went back to eating her lunch. Who knew what the future would hold, indeed.